Music Monday: James Vincent McMorrow

"Cavalier"


"Gold"


"Follow You Down to the Red Oak Tree"


"Wicked Game" (Chris Isaak Cover)


"If I Had a Boat" (Live)


I first discovered James Vincent McMorrow a number of years ago from an Irish pen-pal. Yes, I am one of the few people in the world who still has pen-pals. After hearing "Follow You Down To The Red Oak Tree", I was instantly hooked. A couple summers ago, I finally had the pleasure of hearing him live- & for free (thank you Allegheny County Parks)! It was an unforgettable summer night under the stars with a bottle of wine, one of my dearest friends and the beautiful music of McMorrow.

James Vincent McMorrow is a singer from Dublin, Ireland. His latest album, Post Tropical, can be purchased here. Be sure to check out the last few tracks. After "Cavalier", they're among my favorite!

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Quoteworthy

“The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.”
-W.B. Yeats 1865-1939











Now Playing: "Come A Little Closer" by Cage The Elephant

Music Monday: Spies

"November Sun"


"Distant Shorelines"


Spies is an indie pop-rock band from Dublin, Ireland. Their release, Distant Shorelines, is out now and can be purchased here.

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Music Monday: Kodaline

"All I Want"


"High Hopes"


"Perfect World"


Full EP



Kodaline is an alternative rock group from Dublin, Ireland. Their debut album In A Perfect World is available in Ireland but is expected to be released to the U.S. in the near future. Their self-titled EP can be purchased here.

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Happy St. Patrick's Day!

If the red hair, green eyes, fair skin and dog named Ireland didn't fully tip you off, I'm Irish. I was going to head to Chicago this weekend to celebrate (Pittsburgh has one of the best parties in the country but I was looking to switch it up). I didn't go because one of my best friends is back in the 'Burgh for her hometown baby shower today and I also start a new position at work this week. My friend doesn't know if she's having a boy or girl, so we were asked to wear blue or pink to the shower in accordance to what we think she's having. I think it's going to be a Beau (that's the name she has picked out for a little guy) but of course I have to sport green on St. Patty's Day! I'll be wearing a blue skirt with a green blouse. It's a very Notre Dame circa the '80s look.

It wouldn't be St. Patrick's Day without a little bit of Irish tunes. Here are a few songs that can trace its origins back to the Emerald Isle in one way or another. Enjoy & Erin Go Bragh!

Happy 3rd Birthday, Ireland!

Today, I have a special birthday party planned for my little shih tzu, Ireland. She's turning 3-years-old. I baked a three-layer, pink ombre cake and invited all of her favorite friends. I'll try and snap some pictures of Ireland in her party outfit. She absolutely loves to open presents so it should be a fun little afternoon. Yes, I'm crazy :)














Now Playing:  "Always" by Atlantic Starr
*I used to sing this to my other shih tzu when I was little, lol. She would have been 18 on November 25th. I got her for my 9th birthday.

Heart-Shaped

I've had my shih-tzu, Ireland, for over two years but I just noticed that when she lays down, the coloring of her fur resembles the shape of a heart! The reason I never noticed was because when she's upright, her darker fur extends onto her back. When she lays down for naps or sleep, the line of her back creates the illusion that the fur is heart-shaped! She's such a sweet little girl so I just love this. When I'm laying in bed and look down at her, I only see the heart! So precious :)

Now Playing: "Any Day Will Do Fine" by Michael Kiwanuka

Happy St. Patrick's Day!



Kissing our Leprachaun friend, "Finnegan", for luck!

 It's the best day of the year in Pittsburgh! We take St. Patrick's Day pretty seriously! I hope everyone enjoys some green beer and good times with friends and family! It's good to be Irish! :)

Now Playing: "Drink Up Yinz Bitches"

Word of the Week: Sláinte

The word of the week (Saint Patrick's Day week!) for March 12th through the 18th is...

Sláinte /SLAHN-cha/
n.

Definition:
A Gaelic word used in Ireland to toast to good health; cheers.

Example:
The best man ended the toast by raising his glass and wishing the newly married couple a happy life together, "Sláinte!"











Now Playing: "Brain Damage" by Pink Floyd

National Dog Day!

Today happens to be National Dog Day. You can always count on twitter to inform you of everything. Here are some pictures of my 1-year-old shih-tzu, Ireland, enjoying our neighbor's garden. I love all types of animals- dogs, cats, squirrels, birds, elephants, deer... you name it. But I have a special place in my heart for shih-tzus. They are such a sweet breed. I've always had one in my life. Ireland reminds me of a teddy bear. She's a small dog that can sit on your lap but she's not so teeny tiny that she resembles a rodent. She's full of energy and loves to be outside. I love her so much! She'll be 2 in November- a little Scorpio. Roof, roof. haha :)

Now Playing: "I Feel It All" by Feist

SUNday FUNday!

Here are a few pictures of my shih-tzu, Ireland. She loves to visit her Aunt Natalie's (my sister) house and lounge by the pool! She is a 1 1/2 and full of energy. Since the deck is closed-in, it's nice to let her run around without a leash. I'm an over-proctective Mom and worry so much! :)

Now Playing: "Blue Skies Again" by Jessica Lea Mayfield

Ireland!

My shih-tzu, Ireland, is 1. Lets just say that her name suits her perfectly because her personality fits all the stereotypes of the Irish. I snapped a couple pictures of her today chewing one of her bones. I absolutely love the sweater she is wearing. It belonged to my first dog, Nikkia, whom I got as a 9th birthday gift from my parents. I miss her everyday but I know she's in a much better place. Ireland looks a bit like Nikkia but their personalities are completely different.






Now Playing: "Let Me Love You" by Mario

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

As I once wrote in the "Pittsburgh Girl" poem, "Green beer is good for the soul!" This St. Patrick's Day (and a beautiful one it is so far in Pittsburgh), I hope you have a safe and memorable time spent with friends and family. My Mother's side of the family is originally from County Mayo, Ireland. I'm proud to be Irish- I even named my dog, Ireland. Having red hair, everyone assumes that I'm Irish even though my locks likely come from my father's side of the family (Italian, etc.). But today, everyone is 100% of green. Slainte! :)