It’s finally March. Woohoo!
March seems to bring with it the hope of seasons changing, the promise of spring flowers and sunshine… and St. Patrick’s Day! Yes, I do realize that St. Patty’s is not a holiday that most people get super excited about. But, I’m not most people. In fact, my Dad has nick-named me the “Patron Saint of Minor Holidays”… a title I accept with great pride! Of course, I love celebrating Christmas, Easter and all the Majors, but I also get pretty dang pumped about “GroundHog Day” each February.
But St. Patrick’s Day is extra special. A truly festive occasion! It was our time spent in Chicago that sealed the deal. You haven’t really lived a March 17th until you’ve enjoyed Irish brunch and beverages, piled onto an old school bus with college kids (we were quite a bit their senior) and traveled from the North side of Chicago past the river - dyed green - to experience the famous Southside St. Patrick’s Day parade. (Did I mention there was a keg of beer at the back of the bus…just in case the passengers got thirsty during the mere 18 minutes we were en route?) The jubilant parade was chock full of live Irish music, Irish dancing girls, local politicians/police officers/ firemen…and even a pack of “trick dogs”…which featured a huge, fluffy, white standard poodle with painted green fur! It was heaven.
Anyway…I’ve passed along my love of all things celebratory on to our daughter Evanjalyn. We decorate for everything…and Jay (God bless him)…well …he tolerates us. So when a recent March approached my little minor-holiday-loving buddy and I started bringing out the green when a simple little melody popped into my mind. This time of year I like to call Evanjalyn my “lucky charm” and these lyrics seemed to describe my affection for sharing the St. Patty’s “season” with her.
“You’re my four leaf clover - My lucky charm ~ The rainbow after the biggest storm
“You’re my secret weapon - my shining star
“The cocktail waiting at the end of the bar…”
I think that last one is my favorite lyric in this little diddy. Oftentimes when I’m out singing live, while I enjoy it…I’m also looking forward to getting back home to the ones I love. That’s where the real party is. Getting back to them is like the reward… “like the cocktail waiting at the end of the bar.” :) March and St. Patty’s Day remind me how fortunate I am to have people I want to get home to.
“So, you don’t have to tell me… how lucky I am”
So as March 17 approaches this year why don’t you celebrate with me?! Life can be hard, so we have to grab as much joy as we can in the little places! SO…buy a green t-shirt, go find some live Irish music to listen to… learn how to cook corned beef & cabbage and dye your dog green! Or at the very least share a toast with someone you love. We’re lucky to have each other.
AJ
PS. I hope you like this happy little tune. I’m the one lucky one… that you’re taking time to listen. :)