July 16

Ten Celtic Women and one spouse met around 6:30PM at 52 Stafford in Plymouth for a meeting, dinner and an evening of music by the local musicians who play there every Wednesday.  The meal was super. Everybody was very pleased with their orders and too full for the wonderful desserts that are available there.  As usual, Sean, the innkeeper, and his staff took excellent care of us.

We discussed membership and requested that our attendees to join the International Group, (find out more from me or at celticwomen.org or on Facebook).  As explained, the perks are a discount on any CWI events,   our newsletter three times a year and an annual Holiday Booklet, a compilation of Celtic Holiday stories, recipes and traditions  submitted by members.   We make SURE to include something from each of our Celtic Nations.

We also covered all the events that are happening in August.  the Cornish Gathering of the Celtic Cousins  in Milwaukee  August 13-17 (http://www.milwaukeecornish.org/)  Milwaukee IrishFest - August 14- 17 (irishfest.com) and the Waukesha Scottish Games August 29-31 (http://www.wisconsinscottish.org/)  CWI will march in the Parade at IrishFest on Sunday.

Then we enjoyed the music.  I sang a couple of songs this time.  It brings back memories of my Dad planning and enjoying music sessions at our house.   None of us really play and instrument but we were and are enthusiastic singers.

I will be leaving for Scotland on September 11th and out of the country until September 26th.   If anybody wants to get together for something in September, let me know and I will send the information to the others.

Now.   I have an offer for everybody.   We have become exposed to the Celtic Calendar (based on the moon) because of our Celtic celebrations of the year, beginning with Samhain (Halloween, Winter, The Dark Season) from our celebrations of Samhain and Imbolc (St Brigit's Day).   Also, many of us have  the calendar that Dolores Whelan and Cindy Matyi put together shortly after the CWI  trip to Ireland.  It is a perpetual calendar and many of our members are having difficulty using it.   I would like to invite any members who would be interested to come to my home on August 10th at 2PM for Tea and Cakes and a lesson on the calendar.  Let me know on the web or calling me at 920-893-5139 or 580-215-8484.

So until we are together again.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

July and August - A Celtic Summer

Here we are, only three days until our next meeting.    Hope you all have it on your calendars.  6:30PM on Wednesday, June 16 at 52 Stafford.   Dinner and music afterwards.   A perfect evening as far as I can see.

I am just going to list a few Celtic Events that are coming up in our area in August.   Being close to Milwaukee, we are fortunate to be able to choose a nice variety.

August 13-17th.   2014 Gathering of the Cornish Cousins.  
                                You can find more information at milwaukeecornish.org or cousinjack.org.
                                I will bring information to the meeting.   I am going to the Pasty Supper on August 15th.

August 14-17th   Milwaukee Irishfest
                             Again more information at irishfest.com
                            I will be going on the 17th.  I plan on going down for the Mass and spending the day until the end.   I might have gone for more days but as you can see that is a busy Celtic weekend and I, as is my nature, want to experience EVERYTHING>  Celtic Women will again be marching in the parade on Sunday.   So I hope a lot of us are there.   The festival is saluting Scottish music also which will be such a treat.

August 29-31  The Wisconsin Highland Games
                            More information at  wisconsinscottish.org
                            This is at the Waukesha Expo Center in Waukesha.   Lots of fun.


Now if we could just get a Welsh, Isle of Mann, Breton and Galatia fest we would have full plate.

Hope this is of interest to you and that your summer is all you wish it to be.

Scotland is on the horizon for seven or us.   We are so excited and will share when we get back.    I am planning on meeting up with friends and possible relatives.  Possible relatives is all very complicated and will make for good stories and we do like stories.  I will end with a quote from a book I finished about a month ago.   It really reaches our Irish hearts.

Michael Kelly " In a land where there are no musicians; in a land where there are no storytellers; teachers and poets; in a land where there are no men and women of vision and leadership; in a land where there are no legends, saints, and champions; in a land where there are no dreamers, the people will most certainly perish."

Dia Dhuit

Mary