Check out this link if you are interested in where this info came from: http://www.biography.com/st-patrick/st-patrick.jsp
St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, is one of Christianity’s most recognizable figures. But for all his celebrity, his life remains something of a mystery.It is known that St. Patrick was born in Britain to wealthy parents, either toward the end of the fourth century or the beginning of the fifth. Although his father was a Christian deacon, there is no evidence that Patrick was particularly religious. At the age of sixteen, Patrick was taken prisoner by a group of Irish raiders who were attacking his family’s estate. They transported him to Ireland where he spent six years as a slave in captivity. (There is some dispute over where this took place. Although many believe he was taken to live in Mount Slemish in County Antrim, it is more likely that he was held in County Mayo near Killala.) During this time, he worked as a shepherd, outdoors and away from people. Lonely and afraid, he turned to his religion for solace, becoming a devout Christian.
After more than six years as a prisoner, Patrick escaped. According to his writing, God’s voice spoke to him in a dream, telling him it was time to leave Ireland. To do so, Patrick walked nearly 200 miles from County Mayo to the Irish coast.On his return to his family in Britain, Patrick reported that he experienced a second revelation—an angel in a dream told him to return to Ireland as a missionary. Soon after, Patrick began religious training, a course of study that lasted more than fifteen years. After his ordination as a priest, he was sent to Ireland with a dual mission: to minister to the few Christians already living in Ireland and to begin to convert the Irish.
Familiar with the Irish language and culture, Patrick chose to incorporate traditional ritual into his lessons of Christianity instead of attempting to eradicate native Irish beliefs. For instance, he used bonfires to celebrate Easter since the Irish were used to honoring their gods with fire. He superimposed a sun, a powerful Irish symbol, onto the Christian cross to create what is now called a Celtic cross, so that veneration of the symbol would seem more natural to the Irish, and used the three-leaved shamrock to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity. There is also the legend that he drove the snake from Ireland, although scientists are now certain that there never were snakes on the island; some scholars have argued that the snakes were symbolic of Druids.
St. Patrick’s Day, March 17th is believed to be the date of Patrick’s death, although there is some doubt, most recent evidence points to 493 AD as the year. Patrick’s spectacular success in converting Ireland from a pagan to a Christian land, as well as the body of legend that developed around his work have ensured that he is commemorated in Ireland and wherever Irish immigrants have settled throughout the world—from Boston to Singapore.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Friday, March 11, 2011
Respect/Revere/Empathize with Your Elders!
Lately, I got to thinking about how we treat our elders. You think about it…how do you treat your elders? I remember when my Granny moved in with us when I was still in High School. I remember not really understanding what she was talking about, but just smiling and nodding to make her feel like I was listening and that she was still a viable part of society. I also remember her telling me stories about her young life. She would regale me with stories of barn raisings, riding mules across the river and taking a ride on a buckboard into Nashville, TN – which was several hours from her home in the hills and hollers. How could I completely disregard the fact that she lived all of that…she was a mother, a farmers wife, a quilter, an Avon representative and who knows what else…She lived through the Great Depression, but when she talked to me – I thought I was superior. I was also none too respectful to my father at times either…many regrets there, but regrets are a waste of time.
Now that I am a mother…am I going to teach my son to smile and nod or to respect his elders? The definition of “respect” according to Webster is: “2. an act of giving particular attention: consideration 3.a. high or special regard: esteem b. the quality or state of being esteemed. I remember being “told” to respect my elders, but I don’t remember being taught or was I? According to that definition it could be the same thing right? Maybe we need a new word… How about “revere: to show deferential devoted honor to: regard as worthy of great honor”.
In my parents’ day, what they taught us as “respect” was actually self preservation. I don’t know how it is in other families, but my Grandparents could be pretty scary! You really didn’t want to run a foul of their good side on purpose, let alone on accident. Therefore, we were constantly vigilant not to do or say the wrong then and incur their wrath. However, it was their home and it was their rules and I learned how to “go along” to “get along”.
I think the reason that I am realizing the difference now is because my parents can now be considered “elders”. My Mother is the Matriarch of her family and my Father is the Patriarch of his side of the family. They now have many grandkids of their own. I do not see them as “elderly”, I think because I knew them when they were young…however, my son will always see my parents as “elderly” and how do I get him to treat them with respect as well as regard them with respect?
This leads me to my next topic, empathy. The definition of empathy is: “2. the action of understanding, being aware of, being sensitive to; and vicariously experiencing the feelings, thoughts and experience of another either past or present without having the feelings, thoughts and experience fully communicated in an objectively explicit manner”. I think in order to respect our elders, we must first master the art of empathy. While I do not believe that we are only the sum of our thoughts, emotions and experiences – they shape us tremendously and are a big clue into who we are, how we think and what we do.
I think that in order to really respect your elders, you must first empathize by listening more than you talk, listening to their experiences… were they in a war; where are they from; what was their childhood like? How do they feel about politics; new gadgets/technology; their lives now; how things have changed in their lifetimes? If you know these things, then it will be much easier to “respect your elders” when they go off on a tirade about the mud on their heirloom Persian rug that was handed down from generation to generation, when all you see is a worn out, threadbare, faded rug that you couldn’t possibly hurt with a little mud… In my mind, respect in this situation would be to apologize profusely and vow to never do it again, while helping to clean it up in earnest. However, empathy would have NEVER let you get mud on the rug in the first place!
Still not sure how to teach my son these lessons, but plan to try my darnedest!
Now that I am a mother…am I going to teach my son to smile and nod or to respect his elders? The definition of “respect” according to Webster is: “2. an act of giving particular attention: consideration 3.a. high or special regard: esteem b. the quality or state of being esteemed. I remember being “told” to respect my elders, but I don’t remember being taught or was I? According to that definition it could be the same thing right? Maybe we need a new word… How about “revere: to show deferential devoted honor to: regard as worthy of great honor”.
In my parents’ day, what they taught us as “respect” was actually self preservation. I don’t know how it is in other families, but my Grandparents could be pretty scary! You really didn’t want to run a foul of their good side on purpose, let alone on accident. Therefore, we were constantly vigilant not to do or say the wrong then and incur their wrath. However, it was their home and it was their rules and I learned how to “go along” to “get along”.
I think the reason that I am realizing the difference now is because my parents can now be considered “elders”. My Mother is the Matriarch of her family and my Father is the Patriarch of his side of the family. They now have many grandkids of their own. I do not see them as “elderly”, I think because I knew them when they were young…however, my son will always see my parents as “elderly” and how do I get him to treat them with respect as well as regard them with respect?
This leads me to my next topic, empathy. The definition of empathy is: “2. the action of understanding, being aware of, being sensitive to; and vicariously experiencing the feelings, thoughts and experience of another either past or present without having the feelings, thoughts and experience fully communicated in an objectively explicit manner”. I think in order to respect our elders, we must first master the art of empathy. While I do not believe that we are only the sum of our thoughts, emotions and experiences – they shape us tremendously and are a big clue into who we are, how we think and what we do.
I think that in order to really respect your elders, you must first empathize by listening more than you talk, listening to their experiences… were they in a war; where are they from; what was their childhood like? How do they feel about politics; new gadgets/technology; their lives now; how things have changed in their lifetimes? If you know these things, then it will be much easier to “respect your elders” when they go off on a tirade about the mud on their heirloom Persian rug that was handed down from generation to generation, when all you see is a worn out, threadbare, faded rug that you couldn’t possibly hurt with a little mud… In my mind, respect in this situation would be to apologize profusely and vow to never do it again, while helping to clean it up in earnest. However, empathy would have NEVER let you get mud on the rug in the first place!
Still not sure how to teach my son these lessons, but plan to try my darnedest!
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
The Perfect Day...
My little one woke up wayyy too early, but his pull up was dry and we went back to bed for a half hour or so...
I made banana bread, which my little one LOVES and he was patient while it finished baking (no small feat for him : )
Then, we had no where to be and no time to be there...I LOVE those days sometimes! We had a leisurely breakfast during which he ate his Eggo and his blueberries with his fork - yay!
He drew circles on his chalk board and practiced putting on his shoes himself!
Next, he watched some TV while I talked to my Mommy on the phone. When it was time for lunch he ate almost ALL of his lunch - yay!
Then, we watched Team Umi Zoomi on the computer. We did some counting and lots of dancing.
Naptime went well...brushed those teeth and went down hard after reading "Fox in Sox" by Dr Suess. He slept for over 2hrs and woke up sleepy - so we snuggled on the couch while he woke up enough to have a snack.
After snacktime, he painted dinosaurs with watercolors and then asked me - "Mommy can I play with play-doh please?" Whooo hooo - he asked me nice! Of course we can play play-doh!
He cleaned up his paining mess himself with a papertowel and did a good job of it. Then, he cleared his own plate/cup from snack and put it on the counter.
Time to think of what to have for dinner...it is pork night and we have Sausage Minestrone in the freezer ready to eat - I'll make a little rice and away we go! So, not much to do there - more playing.
Of course, I have to be honest...along with all the above great stuff, we had several corrections for yelling at Mommy, pooping in our pants, play-doh on the wall, jumping off the couch etc. However, we had a GREAT day overall and I LOVE those days - don't you?
I made banana bread, which my little one LOVES and he was patient while it finished baking (no small feat for him : )
Then, we had no where to be and no time to be there...I LOVE those days sometimes! We had a leisurely breakfast during which he ate his Eggo and his blueberries with his fork - yay!
He drew circles on his chalk board and practiced putting on his shoes himself!
Next, he watched some TV while I talked to my Mommy on the phone. When it was time for lunch he ate almost ALL of his lunch - yay!
Then, we watched Team Umi Zoomi on the computer. We did some counting and lots of dancing.
Naptime went well...brushed those teeth and went down hard after reading "Fox in Sox" by Dr Suess. He slept for over 2hrs and woke up sleepy - so we snuggled on the couch while he woke up enough to have a snack.
After snacktime, he painted dinosaurs with watercolors and then asked me - "Mommy can I play with play-doh please?" Whooo hooo - he asked me nice! Of course we can play play-doh!
He cleaned up his paining mess himself with a papertowel and did a good job of it. Then, he cleared his own plate/cup from snack and put it on the counter.
Time to think of what to have for dinner...it is pork night and we have Sausage Minestrone in the freezer ready to eat - I'll make a little rice and away we go! So, not much to do there - more playing.
Of course, I have to be honest...along with all the above great stuff, we had several corrections for yelling at Mommy, pooping in our pants, play-doh on the wall, jumping off the couch etc. However, we had a GREAT day overall and I LOVE those days - don't you?
No Yeast Bread Recipes!
Hey ya'll, here are some recipes for yummy breads for those of us who are yeast bread challenged. (My secret to yeast breads is a candy thermometer - the water has to be between 120 and 130 degrees F.) However the below breads no worries about yeast at ALL!
Irish Soda Bread (Note: Clint calls this “crack bread” he is addicted to it -:)
Ingredients:
3 tbsp margarine
1 tsp baking powder
2 ½ cups all purpose flour
½ tsp salt
2 tbsp sugar
¾ cup whole milk
1 tbsp sugar
1/3 cup raisins (optional-I don’t like them in there)
1 tsp baking soda
1. Heat oven to 375degrees F. Grease cookie sheet
2. Cut the butter into flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder & salt in large bowl using pastry blender (I used a wooden spatula until I got a pastry blender) until fine crumbs.
3. Stir in milk until dough leaves the side of the bowl.
4. Turn out onto lightly floured surface; knead 1 -2 min or until smooth.
5. Shape into round loaf about 6 ½ inches in diameter; place loaf on cookie sheet and cut an X into the top with a floured knife.
6. Bake 35 – 45 min until golden brown; brush with butter if desired (I never do that, but it is probably good).
Quick Rolls
Ingredients:
2 ¼ biscuit mix, divided
½ cup butter, melted
1 (8oz) carton sour cream
1. Combine 2 cups of biscuit mix, sour cream, and butter, stirring well.
2. Sprinkle remaining biscuit mix on a flat surface.
3. Drop dough by level tablespoonfuls into biscuit mix and roll into 36 balls place 3 balls into each of 12 greased muffin cups (you can also make them one ball per mini-muffin cup).
4. Bake at 350degrees for 15 – 20 min. or until golden brown.
Makes 12 regular size rolls and 36 mini rolls. Rolls can be made ahead, stored in freezer ziplock bags and frozen for later use.
Lemon Bread
Ingredients:
1 cup sugar
1 tsp baking powder
5 tbsp. butter
Grated lemon peel and juice of 1 lemon for glaze
2 eggs
½ cup finely chopped nuts (optional)
½ cup milk
1 ½ cup flour
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
2. Cream butter and sugar; beat in eggs, add milk and mix well
3. Combine flour and baking powder; add to butter mixture and stir until smooth.
4. Stir in lemon peel and nuts
5. Pour into greased loaf pan
6. Bake for 1 hour.
Glaze: Mix together lemon juice and ½ cup sugar; spoon over hot bread when just taken from the oven.
Banana Bread
Ingredients:
3 – 4 very ripe smashed bananas
1 tsp vanilla
1/3 cup melted butter
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup sugar
1 pinch salt
1 egg beaten
1 ½ cup flour
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Mix bananas, butter, sugar, egg and vanilla in large bowl.
3. In separate med/small bowl mix flour, baking soda and salt.
4. Mix dry ingredients with wet ingredients and stir until saturated.
5. Pour into 4x8 loaf pan.
6. Bake for 1 hour, cool on wire rack for 15min then remove from pan and slice.
7. Refrigerate or freeze until used.
Irish Soda Bread (Note: Clint calls this “crack bread” he is addicted to it -:)
Ingredients:
3 tbsp margarine
1 tsp baking powder
2 ½ cups all purpose flour
½ tsp salt
2 tbsp sugar
¾ cup whole milk
1 tbsp sugar
1/3 cup raisins (optional-I don’t like them in there)
1 tsp baking soda
1. Heat oven to 375degrees F. Grease cookie sheet
2. Cut the butter into flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder & salt in large bowl using pastry blender (I used a wooden spatula until I got a pastry blender) until fine crumbs.
3. Stir in milk until dough leaves the side of the bowl.
4. Turn out onto lightly floured surface; knead 1 -2 min or until smooth.
5. Shape into round loaf about 6 ½ inches in diameter; place loaf on cookie sheet and cut an X into the top with a floured knife.
6. Bake 35 – 45 min until golden brown; brush with butter if desired (I never do that, but it is probably good).
Quick Rolls
Ingredients:
2 ¼ biscuit mix, divided
½ cup butter, melted
1 (8oz) carton sour cream
1. Combine 2 cups of biscuit mix, sour cream, and butter, stirring well.
2. Sprinkle remaining biscuit mix on a flat surface.
3. Drop dough by level tablespoonfuls into biscuit mix and roll into 36 balls place 3 balls into each of 12 greased muffin cups (you can also make them one ball per mini-muffin cup).
4. Bake at 350degrees for 15 – 20 min. or until golden brown.
Makes 12 regular size rolls and 36 mini rolls. Rolls can be made ahead, stored in freezer ziplock bags and frozen for later use.
Lemon Bread
Ingredients:
1 cup sugar
1 tsp baking powder
5 tbsp. butter
Grated lemon peel and juice of 1 lemon for glaze
2 eggs
½ cup finely chopped nuts (optional)
½ cup milk
1 ½ cup flour
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
2. Cream butter and sugar; beat in eggs, add milk and mix well
3. Combine flour and baking powder; add to butter mixture and stir until smooth.
4. Stir in lemon peel and nuts
5. Pour into greased loaf pan
6. Bake for 1 hour.
Glaze: Mix together lemon juice and ½ cup sugar; spoon over hot bread when just taken from the oven.
Banana Bread
Ingredients:
3 – 4 very ripe smashed bananas
1 tsp vanilla
1/3 cup melted butter
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup sugar
1 pinch salt
1 egg beaten
1 ½ cup flour
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Mix bananas, butter, sugar, egg and vanilla in large bowl.
3. In separate med/small bowl mix flour, baking soda and salt.
4. Mix dry ingredients with wet ingredients and stir until saturated.
5. Pour into 4x8 loaf pan.
6. Bake for 1 hour, cool on wire rack for 15min then remove from pan and slice.
7. Refrigerate or freeze until used.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Women of a Certain Age...
Ok...so I DO NOT want to admit it, but I am a a woman of a certain age. So, the good news about being my age is that I actually have a clue...vs. just thinking a I do - : ) The bad news is that I cannot do all the things I used to not think 2x about in the past...for instance...Liz vs. the man chair -
This is the man chair...looks harmless enough right? Well - NO not so much. I am starting my business and I am trying to get my room in order. So, the above "man chair" was in my way and I needed to move it. My Mom (who has evern more a clue than I do)...told me not to move it, but did I listen? NooooooooOOOOO. I moved it about 5ft across the room.
So, 20min after I moved the chair - chest pains only on my left side - didn't think anything about it until it went down my left arm. I called "ask a nurse", who told me I probly didn't need to call 911, but should get seen by my Dr. My Dr. doesn't have the equipment to check out my heart, so I had to go to the emergency room. OK...I figured I would go in, they would check me out and it would be nothing...but if I didn't - I would just worry about it the rest of the day.
Well, I answered one question wrong and they ADMITTED ME - WTH???? 3 blood tests, an EKG, echo picture of my heart and a lung blood clot test later (and 31hours later) I finally got outta there! I was FREAKED out...but mostly sure it was not going to be a heart thing... Don't get me wrong - I am soooo glad I got it checked, but those are 31hrs that I will never get back. However, it is impossible to measure how many hours I gained - if it had been something and I didn't go get it checked - right?
I HIGHLY recommend that you get checked out if you have chest pains of any kind, but even more than that - I recommend that "women of a certain age" just leave those stupid man chairs alone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So, 20min after I moved the chair - chest pains only on my left side - didn't think anything about it until it went down my left arm. I called "ask a nurse", who told me I probly didn't need to call 911, but should get seen by my Dr. My Dr. doesn't have the equipment to check out my heart, so I had to go to the emergency room. OK...I figured I would go in, they would check me out and it would be nothing...but if I didn't - I would just worry about it the rest of the day.
Well, I answered one question wrong and they ADMITTED ME - WTH???? 3 blood tests, an EKG, echo picture of my heart and a lung blood clot test later (and 31hours later) I finally got outta there! I was FREAKED out...but mostly sure it was not going to be a heart thing... Don't get me wrong - I am soooo glad I got it checked, but those are 31hrs that I will never get back. However, it is impossible to measure how many hours I gained - if it had been something and I didn't go get it checked - right?
I HIGHLY recommend that you get checked out if you have chest pains of any kind, but even more than that - I recommend that "women of a certain age" just leave those stupid man chairs alone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Positive Discipline (Oxymoron?)
Somehow in my mind this phrase has always seemed like an oxymoron...I remember the first time I saw it on some books in the book store. At the time my son was only months old and not in need of discipline, so I was content to snicker and stick to my guns about spanking.
As he got older, I found out that my son does not respond to spanking, he laughed at me when he was just younger than 2 years old. It hasn't gotten any better, I feel like I have to hit him a lot and too hard to make a difference and then I feel like poop for it (even though I know I needed to correct that behavior).
We have enlisted the help of "time out" on the naughty spot (a placemat that I take everywhere with me) and I think it is important to smack a hand or leg if he does something dangerous and you have to stop it ASAP (like about to touch the stove etc.).
However, I think I need more tools in my tool box...so I googled the oxymoron "Positive Discipline"...what I found right off the bat is the website: http://www.stophitting.com/ I do not think that I agree with all of the website, because they want legistaltion against spanking and I do not think that is a good idea - I think parents have their hands tied behind their backs enough as it is in raising their kids.
Under the link of "Discipline at Home" I really liked what they had to say. They give a really definition of warmth and structure...which even I had wrong in my head. They have several exercises to discover how you are doing to meet your short term and long term goals. There is even information that helps you discover your long term goals and define your short term goals.
E.g. My short term goals right now are:
- to get him to poop in the potty
- to get him to stop talking back
- to get him to go pee on his own
- to have him get dressed by himself...etc.
However my long term goals are more like:
- for him to be honest
- for him to be a problem solver
- for him to be a hard worker/self starter
- for him to be good at relationships
- for him to be happy, healthy and well adjusted...etc.
When your son is only 3, these are not things that you think of on a daily basis. So, it helped put things in perspective. The website also gives ideas on specific ways that you can give your child warmth and structure, which I believe are also valid and helpful.
What I was really looking for was a method of positive motivation...like a "gold star" chart or putting marbles in a jar for good behavior and taking them out for bad behavior etc.
Still looking for that...write more when I figure that one out - Later!
As he got older, I found out that my son does not respond to spanking, he laughed at me when he was just younger than 2 years old. It hasn't gotten any better, I feel like I have to hit him a lot and too hard to make a difference and then I feel like poop for it (even though I know I needed to correct that behavior).
We have enlisted the help of "time out" on the naughty spot (a placemat that I take everywhere with me) and I think it is important to smack a hand or leg if he does something dangerous and you have to stop it ASAP (like about to touch the stove etc.).
However, I think I need more tools in my tool box...so I googled the oxymoron "Positive Discipline"...what I found right off the bat is the website: http://www.stophitting.com/ I do not think that I agree with all of the website, because they want legistaltion against spanking and I do not think that is a good idea - I think parents have their hands tied behind their backs enough as it is in raising their kids.
Under the link of "Discipline at Home" I really liked what they had to say. They give a really definition of warmth and structure...which even I had wrong in my head. They have several exercises to discover how you are doing to meet your short term and long term goals. There is even information that helps you discover your long term goals and define your short term goals.
E.g. My short term goals right now are:
- to get him to poop in the potty
- to get him to stop talking back
- to get him to go pee on his own
- to have him get dressed by himself...etc.
However my long term goals are more like:
- for him to be honest
- for him to be a problem solver
- for him to be a hard worker/self starter
- for him to be good at relationships
- for him to be happy, healthy and well adjusted...etc.
When your son is only 3, these are not things that you think of on a daily basis. So, it helped put things in perspective. The website also gives ideas on specific ways that you can give your child warmth and structure, which I believe are also valid and helpful.
What I was really looking for was a method of positive motivation...like a "gold star" chart or putting marbles in a jar for good behavior and taking them out for bad behavior etc.
Still looking for that...write more when I figure that one out - Later!
Friday, February 11, 2011
Am I Worthy?
So, I am starting my own business...I have my EIN number, but haven't bought any machinery, taken in any work or made any money yet...but I am having my house cleaned...
I am trying so hard to come to terms with it...I feel lazy/spoiled/ecstatic/thrilled/distressed, but de-stressed...I broke my toe, so that makes it easier to justify...but then, why do I have to justify it?
The crazy thing is in my younger years, I used to clean houses - I even had my own business for a while (although I never made any money) back in the day...so of all people why should I enjoy it???
I am no spring chicken...I have paid my dues, I made tough decisions and stuck to them, I have worked my butt off since I was 16yrs old (and before that at my house) - if I have the money and want to get my house cleaned shouldn't I get to without feeling like pooh about it?
I say NO to feeling bad about it...I am going to embrace it! I am putting money back into the economy and providing jobs right? I would rather spend my time cooking healthy food for my family, raising my son to be a productive member of society and being creative with quilting and writing...
I say YES to feeling much better about my house being cleaned even if I didn't do it...Whoooo hooo!!!
I am trying so hard to come to terms with it...I feel lazy/spoiled/ecstatic/thrilled/distressed, but de-stressed...I broke my toe, so that makes it easier to justify...but then, why do I have to justify it?
The crazy thing is in my younger years, I used to clean houses - I even had my own business for a while (although I never made any money) back in the day...so of all people why should I enjoy it???
I am no spring chicken...I have paid my dues, I made tough decisions and stuck to them, I have worked my butt off since I was 16yrs old (and before that at my house) - if I have the money and want to get my house cleaned shouldn't I get to without feeling like pooh about it?
I say NO to feeling bad about it...I am going to embrace it! I am putting money back into the economy and providing jobs right? I would rather spend my time cooking healthy food for my family, raising my son to be a productive member of society and being creative with quilting and writing...
I say YES to feeling much better about my house being cleaned even if I didn't do it...Whoooo hooo!!!
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