Autumn Welcome-Celtic Style!

There was a Celtic invasion in our town this weekend and it was fabulous!! The weather was perfect, thus bringing in record crowds (some areas even feeling claustrophobic-so we stayed away from those places:) Hubby and I walked into town Fri. eve, Sat., and Sun. to become immersed in the music and culture. Here are some pics:

 These were taken during the Parade of the Tartans on Saturday-bagpipe bands representing Ireland, Scotland and Wales competing for top honors. It was heavenly hearing all those glorious pipes!

 There were so many areas providing FREE entertainment (and this is a FREE festival-you only pay for food and drink!) that we just couldn't get to every band we wanted to see...it has grown SO much in the 28 years since it began and we have been going.

 The group "Poor Man's Gambit" playing at a small venue outdoors along Main Street. Genevieve's violin playing, Irish dance and voice is amazing!

 The "Rogue Diplomats" SO much fun! We ended our festivities at our very favorite Irish shop and pub which I have shared about numerous times (Donegal Square/ the Red Stag Pub) and we truly felt like we were in a pub in Ireland! It was loud, there was lots of drinking, and sing alongs. What a great way to end the weekend!

 One last photo:

 This is my friend Joe who owns Celtic Revival and I got to know him thru the years since we first began going to this fest. He is the first one I look for-a true Irish gem who can weave the blarney  yarns, folklore, spiritual tales, you name it and I love him! We both believe in animal spirits and the spirits of all nature and always have one or more things to share on the subject. He is also the only vendor I buy my Celtic jewelry from :)

 Now, for my T Stands For Tuesday peeps I have this:

 Of course I had to bring out my Scottish thistle mug for the weekend along with a traditional currant scone from the pub for a treat.

 Here is a journal page I managed to complete today:

 A whimsical watercolor page for my last entry this month at Art Journal Journey. The curtain is stitched paper, the chickadee a sticker. The quotes says "Everyone must take time to sit and watch the leaves turn."  E. Lawrence.  I think you can click on it for a larger view?

 That's it for now. Most of today (Monday) was doing laundry, cleaning and catching up at home, including making a pot of Italian Wedding soup. And my Mom comes home Saturday after her month in France visiting family so I will spend the end of the week cleaning her house (she had her bathroom remodeled while she was away-and we all know what that means-although the guys have done a great job of cleaning up what they could), getting some groceries, etc. to welcome her back. Can't wait to see the photos and hear all about it! I only got bits and pieces when she called a few times and it was so wonderful to be able to talk with most of my relatives and hear their voices.

 Have a great week everyone!

        " Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower."            Albert Camus