Mom said we were part Irish. And, part English, Dutch, German, Scotch, and Indian. We were happy to claim the Irish descent so we could enjoy corned beef and cabbage on St. Patrick's Day.
But, we weren't Catholic, and I grew up never knowing what the holiday meant. We celebrated leprechauns and gold coins buried under the rainbow. I don't think any of our holidays had a religious significance. There was always beer, though - so, I guess we were really Irish! LOL!
My dad's ancestors arrived in New England in the 1600's. They came from England. He has a bit of paperwork handed down to prove it. But, he didn't ask many questions growing up. His family raised him in New Haven, Connecticut. He grew up fishing. He never had a bike - instead, he had his own little boat to fish in. Each of the 4 boys had their own little boat until a horrible hurricane washed them all out to sea.
My dad is 84 years old. He has said that when he grew up the Irish were the poorest kids around. He was also very poor, but he said in New Haven, the Italian kids and the Irish kids were not allowed to play together. Being English, he stayed away from both, rather than get beat up for walking down the wrong street. He said gangs did not start in L.A.
He met my 15 year old mother while stationed in San Diego. Her family came to California via Oklahoma. It might have had something to do with the Dust Bowl - but, I know it had to do with poverty. All they brought with them was a beat up old car that barely made it thru the desert, and a suitcase. Grama said she brought a sewing kit and a pot to cook on.
So, my English Dad married the red-headed Scotch-Irish beauty when she was 16 years old. And, they lived to raise their family in sunny Southern California, where the American Dream came alive.
My parents are All American - through and through. They believed in the American Dream. Work hard, and your wishes will come true. It worked for them. They are happy people. They love their country. They love their family.
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The little gold wishing well above was a wedding gift 35 years ago from a very kind single woman who attended my church. I could not believe I was getting something with REAL GOLD on it! She said we could put our "wishes and prayers" inside it! Mary Lou was what you might call, "a spinster". She was a school teacher. She had never married or had children. Her name was Mary Lou.
Mary Lou was very kind to me. She loved to encourage my newfound faith and she especially loved to share Bible verses with me. I remember well her telling me a story of how I could have the Gifts of the Spirit in my life. She said, "If someone gave you a beautiful gift all wrapped up in pretty paper and a beautiful bow, would you open it - or would you set it on a table and never peek inside to see what the gift might be".
We have all heard this story - but at that time, I was only 18, and it was the first time I had heard the story. There was nothing I wanted more in my life than to be a woman of God. I so wanted to know what my gifts were. How could I find out? How could I ever know what I was supposed to do for the Lord. I made everything so hard. I didn't know that I didn't have to do anything much except let HIM be in me. Mary Lou was an encourager. I think that was her gift.
And, she was a wee bit Irish, too!
What a wonderful story amid your darling graphics and snaps! I'm a wee bit Irish. I think it's my baby toe! :)
Hope you're having a nice weekend.
be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
Posted by: Shelia | March 09, 2013 at 04:57 PM
Patti, I love the story of Mary Lou. I think God sends each of us special people like her to open our hearts to Him. Your spoolie is delightful! I hope I find a spool to make one. Wonderful! E
Posted by: Elizabeth | March 09, 2013 at 06:43 PM
Beautiful story mixed with such sweet treasures. Your spoolie is just fantastic.
Posted by: Kim Kenward | March 10, 2013 at 06:22 AM
Awe Patti, what a lovely story and told so well. Amazing treasures/blessings you have there, too. Have a wonderful week.
Hugs,
Meri
Posted by: Meri Wiley | March 10, 2013 at 08:54 AM
Hi Patti,
I would say that one of your gifts is an encourager as well. I am so pleased to read your blog and read about your faith and how you have grown in it thorough the years. Thank you so much for sharing with us!
Have a blessed week!
hugs,
Lynn
Posted by: Lynn | March 10, 2013 at 02:55 PM
Such a nice story of your families, Patti! I felt like I peeked into the family album hearing your stories. I am not Irish, I'm Norwegian, German and English. As a kid I always wanted to be Irish on St. Pats and vowed to marry an Irishman so my kids would REALLY be Irish. And I did, he's Norwegian, Irish, Scotch and on St. Pats I dressed my children all in green because their Daddy was Irish; even to two Korean faces!
Posted by: Tammy | March 10, 2013 at 09:01 PM
Love hearing your family stories!! So sweet and what treasures yo have!! And, I just love your sweet Irish kitty spoolie! Wishing you a beautiful week!!
Posted by: Heather | March 10, 2013 at 10:18 PM
What a Happy Irish post, sweet Patti! I love all the bright, fresh color. Your vintage touches are a delight. I have a bit of Irish, too.
Have a Happy St. Patty's Day, my friend.
Blessings,
Carolynn xoxo
Posted by: Carolynn @ "Chenille Cottage" | March 10, 2013 at 10:59 PM
I love hearing some of your history. Also, love your pretty St. Pat's decorations. That card is the sweetest. I can't wait to chow down on some corned beef and cabbage. I have a touch of Irish too!
Posted by: leslie | March 11, 2013 at 12:05 PM
Hi Patti.
I need to visit you more often...so, I read a few of your past post to catch up! Sweet spoolie, love your Valentine tea/party and now with your "Touch Of Irish" post...
Warmly,
deb
Posted by: deb | March 11, 2013 at 02:40 PM
I love your story and what a cute little pot of gold :) My Grandparents were both my Mary Lou. I was especially close to my grandmother Orde.
Posted by: Laura | March 13, 2013 at 05:16 AM