"To the raven her own chick is white"

Couldn't let today go by without some great Irish wisdom! First of all, I had the idea first, Geno! I can't help it if you beat me to it! :D Of coarse, he denies his heritage! But that is not important right now. His post is more about the Irish contribution and amazingness (I know it isn't a word)to the world! But I am giving more of the wisdom. Like the title of the post, for example. But before I get to that, I have to eat these!

SHUT UP! Look at those. So cute! The friend I spoke about a few days ago did it again! Not only does she help out at the café, she brings gifts! Thank you, again, Melanie! As I type, I am looking at the lone cookie on the platter (except for the 3 shamrocks I am taking home to take a sweet posed picture). It is saying...."EAT ME". Anyway, I am truly hoping The Softer Side Of Pensiero walks by and eats it! (I didn't eat them all, I had LOTS of help)

And then I was delayed because of this:

I mean, who could help but be delayed? This little fairy leprechaun stopped by(can they be female?). I know the picture is lame, but she kept moving and I didn't have my good camera.

See what I mean. But with dolly in tow and her fairy leprechaun outfit she left for dance class. So, I'm back to my blog post. So what is the lead off picture about? Well, it is my mom and me in IRELAND! Appropriately aged! (the sepia look)

Here is the tale:

In 1989 (I think) she got a settlement from a relative's estate. She wanted to go to Ireland and she took me along! I think it was because she needed someone to help her with her bags, figure out exchange rates, etc. I was excited to go, but wished my family was with me. We went to the regular things- visited an Irish Manner House, where we saw Step Dancing, saw the cliffs of Moher, went to Dublin and Kerry. Some things stick out in my mind. First of all, they drive on the WRONG side of the street. We were on a tour bus and my brain kept thinking we were going to die from a head on collision! I remember being astounded that they had statues of John Kennedy all over the place! I remember how green everything was! (40 shades to be exact) I remember how friendly everyone was and that they knew how to pronounce my last name the "correct" way and knew it was Italian! I remember the GREAT food and tea time! I remember they speak English, but a form of English I never heard before. They would say things to me and I would stare at them because I knew they were speaking to me (in English) but I didn't know what they were saying. (Like telling us the "lift" was over there....meaning the elevator) I learned what peat is and how small true castle windows are. (this is because you didn't want your enemy to shoot arrows into them) I learned that Ireland loves horses! Who knew? I learned about the claddaugh and how they don't really (brace yourself) believe in leprechauns or don't understand why we in "the states" celebrate St. Patrick's day. We went to the Blarney Castle to kiss the Blarney Stone and I couldn't climb to the top. First of all, you have to climb these winding stairs that had no guard rail on one side. Of coarse they wanted the "younger" people to walk on that side. I found out then I was afraid of heights. My mom went all the way up, but I just waited. You have to hang over the side and "kiss" the bottom of this stone. GROSS! I just couldn't bring myself to do it! But my mom did it. This was a woman who had all kinds of diseases and died just 7 years later, but she did it! Anyway, I had a once in a life time experience. I just wish I had taken more pictures. (but those were the days you had to pay to have them developed) Here are a few I could find!

What's with the hair and the Matrix look? I know there is a cute one of my mom looking at a GYPSY cart, (yes Marti, Gypsy). I need to find it so you can enjoy it!

All of that was not the reason for the post....ah, the wisdom....here you go-

What's good for the goose is good for the gander.

There's no need to fear the wind if your haystacks are tied down.

Do not mistake a goat's beard for a fine stallion's tail.

One beetle recognizes another.

A turkey never voted for an early Christmas.

A silent mouth is sweet to hear.

It's difficult to choose between two blind goats.

and my personal favorite....

Hink! Hank! On the bank Ten drawing four.

I don't know what that meant, but I know it is wisdom! (because it is IRISH!) Like my green?

Three glories of the gathering:

a beautiful wife,

a good horse,

a swift hound.