Monday, March 14, 2011

Take a Word #20 - Green

Happy St Patrick's Day on March 17th.  I was educated in Catholic schools which were very much influenced by the presence of Irish nuns.  St Patrick's Day was a big day on the calendar.  Students from all Catholic schools were taken by bus to a large stadium where we had to march in school groups.  Woe betide anyone who was out of step because it was bound to be noticed by the eagle-eyed nuns.  Afterwards there was Irish dancing, sporting events and lots of icecream and soft drinks.  The "wearing of the green" was a strong political statement in the days of the "Troubles" when, by some strange logic, people were forbidden to wear green colours.  Today, sadly, the big day seems to have descended into over-flowing Irish pubs and green beer!
The quote above is an old Irish blessing.  The image (coloured) is from e-vint.com and background papers and elements are from Lauren Bavin.

29 comments:

  1. I love everything about this--the image you have chosen, the poem and your story!

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  2. Awesome! Lovely quote!

    It is sad that the holiday has gone to the pubs and green beer!

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  3. Very pretty collage! (Did you know that there are also green bagels?)

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  4. Absolutely fantastic piece! I recognized my own Catholic school days in your story, Marie. Your art is just so creative!

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  5. This just screams peaceful to me.I really like what you created. : )

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  6. This is really beautiful, Marie! I love the quote!

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  7. Love the quote & the 'girl in green,' Marie, she looks as though she needs a friend or two or three for a 'right knees-up on St Patrick's Day!!!

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  8. Lovely words, awsome picture (as usual) and great story.

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  9. Aye and what a delightful piece of artwork this is me dear...a sublime creation glorying in all it's wonderful greenness...will that be enough blarney for ye now...tis a wonderful job you've done on this one Marie.
    Have a very Happy St Paddy's Day!!

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  10. Such a stunning Irish lass. She is a real beauty and I love the word message.

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  11. I love this one Marie. She looks so serene and the Irish prayer is lovely. Hugs xx

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  12. This is just gorgeous Marie. The textures are wonderful and love the beautiful image.
    xx

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  13. What an interesting schooldays you had Marie! I get the Irish dancing and stuff, but I couldn't have coped with the nuns! Your redhead is beautiful... reminds me a little of Maureen O'Hara! =)

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  14. what a wonderful piece! we don´t have st patrick´s day here, but i love all those irish blessings and your quote is really great!

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  15. A lovely piece, beautiful sentiment. Sorry if I sound a bit dim, but is this all done digitally?

    Thank you for your very kind comment on my never-ending card! And I do agree, Cornwall is a very beautiful place to live, and its nice to know its appreciated by a sun-dwelling Aussie lol!

    Take care,
    Charli x

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  16. This is perfection -- from the beautiful Irish colleen to the bit of aged brick and green vine. Absolute perfection!

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  17. Beautiful piece, Marie. I love the Irish blessing. It's one I've never heard before. Your coloring is gorgeous. I loved hearing about the "olden days" (as my kids used to call my childhood days).

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  18. Marie, I DO believe that this is one of my favorites! It's gorgeous! And I love the saying. When the kids were small and our small house was filled with people, I always said that a house with love has elastic walls!!! Your quote reminded me of those happy times!!! Hugs, Terri xoxo

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  19. Wow, just fantastic and the saying is wonderful.

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  20. Marie, eu amei seu cartão "Green" com esta linda mensagem.
    Gostei de ler também sobre os festejos da sua escola.
    Forte abraço
    Marlei

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  21. Thanks for the Irish blessing and the lovely art, Marie. I enjoyed reading about your school days. I was educated by some Irish nuns at one point, too.

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  22. I've heard this quote and your beautiful collage has captured the nostalgia and melancholy expression of a beautiful Irish lass. What rich deep color and texture to depict these wise words. When I was a kid in gradeschool if we didn't wear green that day we would be pinched (don't know where that got started). I've seen alot of drinking and partying too on St. Patricks Day and tend to stay quiet myself. Love your art!

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  23. Ahh you take me back to times when the Nuns stood on our feet so they could give us a right good smack if they thought we had been bad. Your lovely Irish beauty and quote are just perfect too. Kudos my friend.

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  24. I love every detail on your card, Marie

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