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| I wore kelly green in my official author pic, a salute to my Irish heritage! |
I love everything about St. Patrick’s Day – not just the warm,
hearty feast at the end of the day. I love dressing up my minion in kelly
green. Before the hub leaves the house, I make extra sure he’s wearing his
green boxers. When he comes home from work, there’s a green Guinness waiting for
him. By that point, the minion and I have strung the house with shamrock paper
chains. If the weather’s been good to us, we’ve also been on a hunt for
four-leaf clovers and leprechauns. As the evening draws near, the house begins
to smell good—really good! And then - we feast!
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| My favorite Irish hero comes from J.D. Robb's In Death series.... |
Over the last year, my interest in the Gaelic language has
increased tenfold. My love of spoken “Irish” started when I began reading
romance novels, as a matter of fact. I blame Roarke, the fantastic, futuristic
hero of J.D. Robb’s romantic suspense series who happens to be a born-and-bred
Irishman. I’ve studied Celtic history and my own Celtic roots which can be
mapped back to the shores of Northern Ireland (on my paternal grandmother’s
side) and the Isle of Skye in Scotland and the Mighty McClures of Ireland (on
my maternal grandfather’s side). Recently, I learned that Gaelic—which is still
spoken in many Celtic regions today—is currently divided into two variations,
Scottish and Irish. (Those who have been watching the hit Starz television show, Outlander, have heard quite a bit of Scottish Gaelic spoken....)
If you’d like to learn a bit of Irish Gaelic to share on St. Paddy’s
Day, here’s a quick guide of fun Irish sayings, greetings, endearments and blessings just
for you! (This really came in handy while planning my next trilogy, which features three Irish heroes....) Enjoy!
Eist
moran agus can beagan.
Hear much and say little.An open mouth often catches a closed fist
It takes time to build castles.
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| Last year, I found a four-leaf clover in the foam of my green beer. Slainte! |
Slainte!
Health/Cheers!From my heart.
Saol fada
chugat.
Long life to you.
Cuimhnigh
i gconai.
Always remember.
Is fearr
Gaeilge briste, na Bearla cliste.
Broken Irish is better than clever English.I hope you are in the best of health.
My soulmate.
Happy Saint Patrick's Day!
I love you!
Where is the pub?
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| A little cuteness overload from the minion's first St. Patrick's Day (2012)! "A chuisle mo chroí." |
My dear darling/treasure.
Love of my heart.
God be with you. (This phrase is the equivalent of 'Hello'.)
Go n-éirí
on bóthar leat.
May the road rise with you. Did I leave anything out? Feel free to share your favorite Gaelic greeting or your favorite Irish blessing for St. Paddy's Day! Here's wishing you the luck of the Irish and a pint of green beer....
Amber Leigh Williams lives on the Gulf Coast. A southern girl at heart, she loves beach days, the smell of real books, relaxing at her family’s lakehouse, and spending time with her husband, Jacob, and their sweet, blue-eyed boy. When she’s not running after her young son and three, large dogs, she can usually be found reading a good romance or cooking up a new dish in her kitchen. She is represented by D4EO Literary Agency. Find out more about Amber and her books on the web at www.amberleighwilliams!
