This Writer's Return

Well, I'm back.

For a moment.

I've been off, sick and reading and otherwise. We (my entire family and I...actually, my entire church...) seem to have caught some rather nasty cold/flu/something-or-other. I've been sick for around three or four weeks now, though the first two weeks were simply a cold. Anyhow, I'm nearly over it by now (or, at least, I think I am). However, I've many, many, many, many -- did I mention I have a lot? -- of books to be read.

Books from the library. With due dates. It's my own fault, really, but that's that. And so I'll not be on much, I'm sure. But I'll be back now and again, and later more consistently.

Here's how it happens: I go to the library (mistake number one, but I really can't help it). Then I sit down to read. But somewhere between the door and the chair, I can't help but notice some book. Or if I don't, then when I look up from reading. Or between the chair and the door again. I can't help myself. Though I've gotten better. I simply can't resist a potentially good book. And so my pile of library books ends up looking something like that picture at the beginning. Or like this:

This leaves me with plenty to read, though very little time to do it in. That always seems to be the way of things. Either you've plenty of time but can't seem to find a book to read, or you've plenty of books though too little time.

So many books, so little time.

adieu for now, my friends           

         

Inspiring Irish

I've had another idea!

It's to do with a girl and car headlights and Irish countryside and otherwise Irishy things.

I'll say nothing more than to say that all this was brought about by the Irishness of St. Patrick's Day and by a girl who's been slowly making herself known to me, and especially today while reading A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray. (I haven't finished this book and please don't take this as a recommendation -- I can't say whether I'd recommend it or not -- but it is the book through which this girl has shown herself to me.) She's even got a name, this girl of mine.

*she glares at me*

Oh, sorry, I don't mean that I own you. Simply that you are mine, affectionately (not romantically, thank you!).

*she smiles suspiciously but accepts the explanation*

this be the painting which hangs in her room
not that I know anything about her room
or any type of thing therein
or even if she has one

But I said I'd tell you nothing more. Gártha!

(I've become quite obsessed (not that I wasn't already) with the Irish language. I don't speak it (unfortunately) but Google translate does!)

In other news...

I've found this rather disturbing or saddening viewpoint of Peter Pan. I shall have to investigate.

Also, getting to getting the book read would be great.

And one last crack at Ireland.

I love this picture for some reason.

A Thought for St. Patrick's Day

Have you ever stopped to ponder
At the wonder of His ways
Prayers unanswered, will so often
Prove His love in later days.
Yet we humans out and worry,

Selfishly we ask our will ~
Thinking surely God's ignoring

Plans we want Him to fulfill.
As you come into His presence,
Though it seems your prayer's unheard;
Rest upon the Father's goodness,
In His love, and in His Word.
Claim His promises,
Know He's able,
Seek His heart in all you do,

Dream big dreams,
Asking His wisdom ~
You will find God's love is true!

--Connie

"The Lord is good
unto them that wait
for Him, to the soul
that seeketh Him."
(Lamentations 3:25 KJV)

by Connie Hinnen Cook
A Thought for St. Patrick's Day
cjcook@mynewroads.com

Éirinn Go Brách: In Irish

An fíor Naomh Pádraig Lá Fhéile Pádraig an lae inniu. Níl mé cinnte de go díreach a bhí Pádraig, seachas go raibh sé ina Chaitliceach a tháinig chun bheith ina misinéirí go hÉirinn. Ní féidir liom aontú le gach rud a bhaineann le Pádraig, ach tá airteagal seo gearr (cliceáil anseo) cinnte ceann maith ar an ábhar. Is iad na pointí sa dara leath ar fad fíor, cibé an aontaíonn tú (nó I) leis an fhoirceadal an Naomh Pádraig nó nach bhfuil. Cibé ar a gcreideamh, is é Lá Fhéile Pádraig cinnte níos mó ná ól beorach agus a chóiriú i glas. N'fheadar cad a bheadh ​​Pádraig smaoineamh ar an gcaoi a bhfuil a lá a cheiliúradh?

Éirinn go brách

Ciallaíonn an teideal "Gaeilge go deo" i nGaeilge.

Ní mór duit ach pictiúr de dearg beag gleoite i gceannas cailín Éireannach, ceart? Ciallaíonn mé, C'mon! Tá sé Lá Fhéile Pádraig (fiú amháin má níl níos mó leis ná bród na hÉireann... nach bhfuil mé an Ghaeilge...go bhfuil a fhios agam...)

ar bheannacht Éireannach

Ní Lig déan dearmad leabhair! Féach, is féidir fiú an leipreachán hÉireann buíoch as leabhar nó dhó nó fiche...

cliceáil anseo ar feadh seacht fíricí spéisiúla ó bhéaloideas na hÉireann

(beware! creepiness Caitliceach romhainn má chliceáil ar)

Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona ar!

Éirinn Go Brách

The real Saint Patrick of today's Saint Patrick's Day. I'm not sure of exactly who Patrick was, other than he was a Catholic who became a missionary to Ireland. I may not agree with everything surrounding Patrick but this short article (click here) is definitely a good one on the subject. The points in the second half are all true, whether you (or I) agree with the doctrine of this Saint Patrick or not. Whatever his beliefs, Saint Patrick's Day is certainly more than drinking beer and dressing in green. I wonder what Patrick would think of how his day is celebrated?

Éirinn go brách

The title means "Ireland forever" in Irish.

You simply must include a picture of a cute little redheaded Irish girl, right? I mean, c'mon! It is Saint Patrick's Day (even if there's more to it than Irish pride...not that I'm Irish...that I know...)

an Irish blessing

Let's not forget books! See, even the Irish leprechaun can appreciate a book or two or twenty...

click here for seven interesting facts from Irish folklore

(beware! Catholic creepiness ahead if clicked upon)