I am not a huge advocate of filling a basket full of candy for Easter. Rather, I have turned to all sorts of fun things to play with or read or ornaments as keepsakes. Naturally I opt for the ornaments, as I’m a huge decorative painter. Always have figurines and paintings for the occasion ready to go. Stuffed toys can overrun your home. There are just so many stuffed fuzzies one can accumulate. Other than craftwork and stuffed rabbits, what can you do for an Easter basket rather than candy. It’s spring, the kids are ready to run out the door and play nonstop in the mild weather. So, here we go. I have come up with a list of many things to pop into a basket and light up little eyes. Continue reading “No Candy Easter Baskets”
St Patrick’s Day
March 17th is St Patrick’s Day. Everyone, Irish by blood or Irish by heart, love a good celebration. Well, that doesn’t matter. The patron Saint Patrick was not Irish himself. 
He was actually born in Britain when ruled by Rome. Patrick was kidnapped by the Irish, brought back to Ireland and enslaved for ten years. When he escaped returning to Britain and then later to France where he entered a monastery where he studied for 12 years becoming a Catholic bishop. He later had a dream about Ireland which called to him to return. His mission was to convert Ireland away from its Pagan culture and turn them to Christianity. March 17 is the date of St Patrick’s death. At some point during the 7th century after his death, Irish Catholics began to celebrate St Patrick’s passing. They were in truth celebrating the conversion of Paganism to Catholicism through the diligence of St Patrick. Continue reading “St Patrick’s Day”