March 17th. The birthday of my first real love, a boyfriend who died tragically at a young age. It’s an Irish kind of story. They always include the vivid reality of heartache along with the deepest joys and love of life. May the soul of this lovely person who awakened my spirit to so many things live in joy always wherever he goes.

And may the wind be at our backs, and the ground under our feet full of fairies and leprechauns shooting up magic dust as we pass. The deep green of Irish landscapes and the deep brown of Guiness beer to each of ye. Ah, it’s a gift to be alive.