Join us for some Blarney and bits and pieces of the Emerald Isle.
Sign up now through March 17, 2014
Welcome to the Bit O’ Irish mini blog hop.
Rules: bloggers must post something Irish, even if it is vacation pics taken while on the Isle. Participants may join in any day before St. Patrick’s Day. Please make sure to visit fellow hoppers. If you would like to add something to the main giveaway, please notify me with a comment. All participants are welcome to add their own giveaways on their site. Erin Go Bragh!
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I never knew I had any Irish heritage until 11th grade, when I was assigned a family tree project for my AP U.S. History class. Low and behold, my paternal grandmother’s branch of the tree had more than a little bit of Irish! Granted, the family lines that heralded from Ireland settled in Canada before coming here, but it was still a delightful revelation to know I didn’t have to pretend to be Irish on St. Patrick’s Day – I really am part Irish!
Celebrating this holiday – one which really originated in the United States as more than a religious observance – isn’t something I’ve ever done to any great extent. I wear green. I listen to some Irish reels and may sometimes be heard singing things like “Danny Boy.” A chocolate Irish stout cake may have made an appearance in my kitchen last year. It’s interesting to note that since the 1970s, a celebration, which began to recognize Irish-American culture during the 19th and early 20th centuries, has taken its place in Ireland itself.
Hopefully, somebody’s still giving St. Patrick his due…
Interested in more St. Patrick’s Day history? Check out:
Georgia Public Broadcasting – The Origins of St. Patrick’s Day
National Geographic – Saint Patrick’s Day 2014: Facts, Myths, & Traditions
History.com – History of St. Patrick’s Day
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We will be spotlighting Jill Bisker’s inspirational story Within Reach and giving away a variety of ebooks and two $5 Amazon gift card.
Within Reach is the story of Emma, a woman coming to terms with her mother’s increasing dementia and the everyday challenges associated with it. Inexplicably, she finds herself ‘re-living’ specific events from her past. She soon wonders if her own sanity is slipping, and only her mother can help find the key.
About The Author
Jill Bisker lives in Stillwater, MN with her husband and a calico cat named Senora, and a grown son who is in college. She believes in empowering women to be strong enough to protect themselves, while still soft enough to be loving and compassionate. Her work includes paranormal mystery, traditional high fantasy, as well as contemporary and humorous fantasy and an everyday living blog. Once a dedicated stay at home Mom, Jill now writes full-time.
Connect with Jill:
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/authorjillbisker
Pinterest Page: http://www.pinterest.com/jillbisker/
Website/Blog: www.jillbisker.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JillBisker
Google +: https://plus.google.com/u/0/102225571446174386202
Email: jkatbisker@gmail.com
Join in the Blarney. Click on the Pot of Gold below for a chance to win cash prizes great reads.
Choose from the following ebooks:
Within Reach
By Jill Bisker
Merry Christmas, Henry
By Aubrey Wynne
Contemporary Romance
Craving Vengeance and Covert Exposure
By Valerie Clarizio
Romantic Suspense
Morna
By Mary Kate Brogan
(Romance set in 1950′s Ireland)
Symphony of Light and Winter Imposter’s Kiss
By Renea Mason
Paranormal Romance
Muir Bhreatan
by K.E. Shade
Historical Romance
Click below to add your link. Remember to stop by these blogs for more luck o’ the Irish:
http://new.inlinkz.com//luwpview.php?id=381178
J. Lynn Rowan 
Interesting post, Jennifer. I loved the bit of history I hoped you would include. I didn’t know until a few years ago that the holiday orinated here. I would still love to visit Ireland on St. Patrick’s Day, though. Thanks for participating in the hop!