We attended the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade in Oklahoma City today. It was wonderful as always, and there was a big turnout this year! I took more than 400 photos, 90 of which I’ve uploaded to my Flickr account. I’ve posted a few here.
Two of my favorite articles ever written about Generation X were written this year by Irish reporters and published in Irish newspapers: Why Ireland’s Generation X stares up at the ceiling at night and Will our shame be their nostalgia? It’s been a tough couple years for Ireland’s economy. Today, we carried their spirit down Broadway at 5th in Oklahoma City. Erin Go Bragh!
Llama with orange braids. You’re lovely, Darling.
Future Irish Rock Star. My Super Bridgette!
My, what nice eyes you have. And that scarf. Smashing.
My Mom with an Irish Top Hat
Antique Cars in an Irish Parade 2011
My Son on St Patricks Day 2011
Robert in Guinness, 2011.
My husband Robert. His family on his dad’s side came over from Ireland in 1745 after repeat potato crop failures. They were coal miners who went on to fight in the Civil War on the side of the North. They settled in Illinois in a town about 30 minutes from where my mother grew up. Robert is half Irish and half Achumawi (Pit River Indian).
My ancestors were born in Belfast and Donegal, Ireland, including one ancestor who shares the same name as my father, William Elliottt. The first Bill was born in Belfast in 1755. There is a line from Amy Tan’s Joy Luck Club that I have always loved: “When my feet touched China I became Chinese.”
If my father had ever made it to Ireland he would have said something similar.
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Update: Check out my St. Patrick’s Day Parade pictures from 2012! Also, a post featuring St. Patrick’s Day graffiti via cellograff cellophane graffiti. And, that’s not all. Here’s my post from 2010 featuring several cultures at the parade.
Jen–
Wonderful post. “I LOVE A PARADE!” It was great to see so many people attending. The street was lined with spectators– wee ones, those advanced in years and lots of in-betweens. Irish eyes were smilen… Your photos really captured the moment.
Love you– Mom
apart from the ones you choose I love most rob on the curb and the cotton candy beard 🙂 le xox
always love your st pats pics – off for a look now – take care dear one le xox