By Kristin Olsen
Welcome the Way of the Celts, land of myth and fantasy. Let us journey into the land of Fairytales and then back again into the land of Promise and Beauty that is the Emerald Isle and the Celtic Lands Magic and Mystery surround this ancient culture and without many written accounts of life in this realm of magic, we can only guess and imagine what it was like in the early days. What glorious stories can our imaginations create? Let us find out. Come join me now as we dance along green emerald paths past lilies, dandelions and daisies, fairies and butterflies into the lands of the Celtic mystery. Open your eyes wide as we explore, learn and grow and discover that all things are possible if you see it so.
From a much simpler time in the past, our ancestors saw life through different eyes. We might believe that they had it much harder than us for they had no electricity or computers, no cars, trains or planes, no supermarkets or malls. Yet, the stories that are told and re-told and passed down from generation to generation are immensely filled with tales of heroic deeds and grand adventures, explorations into unknown lands and of love found and lost. Magic seemed to be a part of everyday life from the tiptop of those lovely green covered hills to the rocky shoreline of the Irish Sea. Magic is something that is everywhere it is a gift from the ancestors and the creator. The Celtic magic comes from our ancestors, their land and beliefs and also from modern interpretations of that past. Take some time to read some of the stories that are a part of our cultural heritage, Finn McCool, Cu Chulainn. Myrrdin, Morgan le Fay and of course the tales of the Otherworld, the Banshee Fairy and St Patrick. Keep that feeling of light and love in your heart as you honor your ancestors and walk through our modern world.
Have you ever stopped and said to your self, “wow this is some life I was given to lead”. You don’t have to have a huge house, millions of dollars, perfect looks, a perfect body or perfect children. You can be blessed in everything you do everyday of your life if you just stop and give thanks for the little things that occur each day. The sunset, the fairies in your water fountain, the guardian angels you feel around you protecting you, your child’s good grade on a math test, the driver who let you in after waiting what seemed like forever at the stop sign, the birds, the rainbow after that huge storm, a friends hello. If you can give blessings for each and every small thing or at least as much as you can each day, small things will slowly turn into big things. Remember to always give back what you expect to get from others. Never harm anyone intentionally. A kind word, a smile, a pat on the back, a cup of coffee to the homeless guy all make a huge difference in someone else’s life, but they can also make a huge difference in your life, a difference that you may not notice right away, but it is there. When you need that cup of coffee or smile, it will be there for you. Remember to always think positive, never second guess yourself, if you make a mistake, deal with it and move on, don’t hold grudges, don’t ever wonder “what if”, learn from your mistakes, but don’t dwell on them. Take the magic and awe that is the Celt in you and use that strength in your everyday life. Magic happens every second of every day if you just open your heart to the possibilities.
Now that you have connected with the ancient lands either by reading some fantastic tale of adventurous deed and triumph or by simply closing your eyes and imagining yourself kissing the Blarney Stone or walking through the Kylemore Abbey, enjoy the snacks below.
Irish Chocolate Pie
3 tablespoons butter
1-cup sugar
1/4 cup flour
1 1/4 cups milk
2 squares of chocolate
1-teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs
Mix flour & sugar. Melt chocolate over stove (or you can microwave it) Add other ingredients to flour and sugar including chocolate. Let is sit for a short time to cool and then put in a piecrust of your liking. We always use chocolate piecrusts, yummy.
Irish Crab Chowder
1/2 cup onion
1/2 cup celery
3 tablespoons butter
3 cups milk
1 can condensed frozen potato soup
1 7 1/2 oz can or fresh crabmeat, if canned drain
1 8 oz can cream style corn
2 tablespoons chopped pimento
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon thyme
1 bay leaf
1/2 cup dry sherry
1/2 cup parsley
Cook onion & celery in butter until tender. Add rest of ingredients except the Sherry & parsley. Cook until heated through stirring often. Cook about 15 minutes. Stir in sherry. Remove bay leaf and garnish with parsley.
C.E. O`Bannon Punch
1-quart rye whiskey
1 large can pineapple
1 small can apricot nectar
1 can frozen orange juice with matching amount of water
Let set. Add 1-quart soda water and ice when ready to serve.
Join me again for more tales of the Celtic Lands. We have much to discuss, The Book of Kells, Celtic Mythology, The Claddagh, Gaelic, Poetry and Prose and perhaps even a way to see Fairies in your everyday world or how to obtain the pot of Gold from that dreaded Leprechaun. Magic and Adventure is all around you, just close your eyes, open your heart and listen to your soul. Celtic Magic is everywhere. Visit me at http://www.celticattic.com
