Today was Imbolc, a great pagan feast in pre-Christian Ireland, "one of the four quarter days of the pagan year, which marked the beginning of spring, lambing, and lactation in cattle." Commandeered, of course, by the early Christians who created the feast of St. Brigid in lieu.
My mother's middle name as it turns out - she was born on St. Brigid's Eve, and the eldest daughter. Bridie, Breed, Brie, Brigette, Gette, and my favourite "Bridgeen", are all variants of the name.
Daughter gave a talk last night on the story telling tradition of the women in our family. I had hoped it would be filmed but alas and alack it was not to be, but she summarized it for me today via speaker phone as she made her way home from doing familial representation for my friend David's wake. I would have loved to have been in her audience.
I was out driving last night in rather nasty conditions - fog and a high wind. I know that mix sounds crazy. But this weather is. Probably for you too. The fog was thick and nasty on the high hills and very distracting as it whirled and danced to the tune of the headlights. To add to my stress level I had a midnight deadline to meet for an "Expression of Interest" in a theatrical venture. Don't you love these terminologies? Like putting your toe in the water when you want to dive full throttle off the pier.
Anyway, I reached home in one piece and the phone was ringing. And it was a friend. Wanting to make sure I was OK after the drive. I was so touched. This check in is not a norm for me at all. Having a solitary existence 'n all. Sometimes these tiny touches of kindness are immense. This was. I knew I had to pass it on. And I did today.
Happy Imbolc to all.
The Celts lived in the Netherlands as well before the Germanic blond haired tribes moved in. They had black hair and blue eyes and you still see Dutch people who look that way around. None of their language survives however and I don't know if any of their customs do. I am sure there are books in the library that would tell me more about it.
ReplyDeleteYes, it is nice to be cared about by other people. I am always surprised when I am because I always take care well of myself. I do have to remember to be gracefully thankful when someone does. It blows my mind just to be on someone's mind. How's that?
I had a surprise call yesterday morning from someone worried about my safety. He was 120 miles away and heard of the 'incident' before I did. A true friend.
ReplyDeleteI hope the "Expression of Interest" becomes a fruitful reality in the near future.
I know nothing of this history - so thank you.
ReplyDeleteAlso, know you are proud of your daughter.
Love the way you express yourself and your words and because I live solitary like you - it always touches my heart when someone calls to check on me.
Glad you arrived home safely...
Please keep that nasty weather driving to a minimum if you can my friend.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the Expression of Interest.
Irene:
ReplyDeleteNomadic bands roaming Europe. I love the image of the bravery of these tribes!
Yes those are the true characteristics of the Irish, bright blue eyes, jet black hair. The red was brought to us by the Vikings.
Yes I was so touched he called. I don't recall it happening before out here at the Edge.
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GM:
ReplyDeleteAh we are in sync then. What incident? Did I miss something?
thanks for the good wishes.
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OWJ:
ReplyDeleteThank you. Me too!!
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Thank you GFB. Winter is back today chasing our spring of yesterday into the dim recess of memory.
ReplyDeleteThat cold slammy snow. Not the stuff of snowmen but of poor fellows lost on the barrens.
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I'd forgotten about Imbolc - somehow it sounds all wrong doesn't it? - The word, I mean. Sounds like something used in the construction industry. ;-)
ReplyDeleteGlad you negotiated the wintery stormy weather - you're a brave gal driving in that nastiness - but at least it meant you had a welcome and warming message at the end of it.
Yes, Gaeilge can be a strange language, T. Lots of gutteral sounds. None of the misty green hills in it and far too many tenses also.
ReplyDeleteI've been trying to beat the "too rough a weather out there for driving" syndrome I've been fighting this winter.
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Happy Imboic to you too.
ReplyDeleteStrante, I too had my share of driving around the last few days and phone calls from friends and my son asking if I am okay afterward were really very satisfying.
Indian festivals to bring in the spring vary from zone to zone and the South has already had it while the North waits for it.
Ramana:
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for the nice wishes.
Yes, India has many similar festivals celebrating the seasons.
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