Winners of the "Got Green?" Blogfest !!!

Aloha,

I wanted to thank everyone for taking the time to participate, comment (or do both!) during my "Got Green? Blog O'hop (version 2.0') last Friday.

 I had a great time reading all the official - and unofficial - entries and it was hard picking the winners, but after a second helping of ham and cabbage and a few pints of the Black Stuff, the choices were chosen.

I have linked each winning entry via the post writer.

If you haven't already, please stop by and I promise you'll enjoy a great yarn, a couple of true stories and I mustn't forget the French Connection :)


... Here, mister conductress, can I get a bodhrán roll please...

 

 

Some of Sia's family preps for Paddy's Day, 2012

     

 

    

 

  Grand prize: $25 Amazon/Visa Gift Card goes to: Sia McKye for her great family - and their wonderful traditions - I'm jealous :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

·   First Runner-up: One three-chapter critique goes to: Sheena-kay for her flash fiction on love - and a lesson :)

·   Second Runner-up: A query critique goes to: Donna Hole for sharing her Irish roots.

· Thirty-third Runner-up: Family Size Box of Lucky Charms goes to: Elise Fallson and her unofficial entry.

 

Congrats again to the winners - I'll have my little people contact your little people and we'll go from there :)

 

PS: Good luck to everyone doing the A-Z Challenge (I have my own challenge to complete - final edits on the memoir. See you in May :)

"Got Green?" St. Patrick's Day Irish Blog O'hop - Last Call :)

Aloha,

 

Ah, to be shure, today is 3/13/13 or as I'd call it, "tree tirteen tirteen."

Which means this Friday is the Got Green? Blog O’hop (and the full, simple details are here).

 If you're interested in signing up for a bit of a laugh ahead of St. Patrick's Day this Sunday, the Linky List is below :)

Me? I'm going with something new for this year's post.

See, I’ve lived in America for seventeen years and I still get questions about life growing up in Ireland.

So, I’m throwing up the Emerald curtain and opening the floor to you, the wee Reader.

In the comments, feel free to leave me a PG13 question about anything Oirish that you've ever wanted to know.

Using 100 words or less, I will answer all the questions received by Thursday 6 p.m. EST by Friday 12:01 a.m. HST :)




Ahh... SIGGY

 (If I know the answer, you'll be the first to know... if I don't, I won't look and you'll get a tall tale for your worries:)

(It drives my wife *nuts* when I come up with a clever response to something on which I have *no* idea what I'm talking about...

It's the gift of the gab, I tell ye... and look it this way, if I was into fashion design, it would be the gift of the garb... and I know which one I'm better at... this is me dressed as SIGGY :)

For example, did you know that:

·        Lucky Charms are not sold in Ireland?

·         On St. Patrick's Day, Irish kids don’t get pinched on their way to school (but if they do, the coppers normally find them by the end of the day.)

·         Speaking of coppers, did you know that in Ireland, the cops are called the Gardai, (“the guards.”)

·         The most northern part of Ireland is in the South?

I could go on and on, but you get the gist, I hope…

So, if there was ever a time when you had an inkling to discover Ireland (that would make a great logo…. Oh…) well, now’s the time.

This will either be my second shortest post ever (the shortest is here) but, if you have a wicked sense of humor, you can really have fun with this one...

Can you handle the truth - or is it an Irish fable ye want? :)

Like I said, I’ll post all the answers Friday when the Blog O’hop goes live.


Cheers to everyone who's participating and here's the Linky List. Feel free to jump in - the water's warm and it's a wonderful shade of bluey greenish blue... :)


The Southernmost rock in the U.S. (Big Island, HI)

Got Green? Blog O'hop (Linky is Live :)

Aloha,

Sláinte and welcome to the Got Green? Blog O’hop (v 2.0'.)

If you weren’t here for the fun last year, you missed some mighty craic (and I’m not referring to illegal narcotics – unless you mean the addictive laughter found among my Irish friends as they recollect my early “adventures” growing up on the streets and thoroughfares of Dublin City... sigh...)

 Here’s the simple concept behind the Got Green? Blog O’hop:

I'd LOVE to hear your Irish stories, real or imagined...

For example,

·         What does St. Paddy’s Day mean to you?

·         What are your family traditions on Paddy’s Day?

·         What Irish food do you cook, if anything?

·         What are your favorite memories, or future plans to visit the Emerald Isle?

 

(Flash fiction is more than welcome for these or anything else you might want to share... I mean, seriously, we're only here for a pint of the dark stuff and a laugh.)

One big question I got a LOT this year: I did the O’hop last year, and have nothing new to share? Should I bother?

No worries. It’s O’k to repost last year’s effort – journalists don’t call these evergreen stories for nothing :)

The Linky Link (below) is O'pen until March 16, and everyone is invited to O’hop around on March 15 – the Friday before St. Patrick's Day, (Sunday, March 17)

So, go ahead... share some great "Oirish" memories – or just tell a tall tale or two about the wee Leprechauns that lived in the basement of your oul’ granny’s house.

The Word Count total is set at 333 (and if you think that's a weird number... say it in an "Oirish" accent, it makes more sense :)

Thanks to all those who have already helped promoted the O’hop and I appreciate everyone who joins in the fun.

Please feel free to grab the button here, or above the link.

(Many thanks to the fahbuhlouss Leigh Covington for her designing skills – yet again :)

 

 

 

 

I have a couple of prizes to give out to the best reads, including:

·         Grand prize: $25 Amazon/Visa Gift Card :)

·         First Runner-up: One three-chapter critique

·         Second Runner-up: One query critique

·         Thirty-third Runner-up: Family Size Box of Lucky Charms

Winners will be notified by March 24.

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide in sharing the Got Green? Blog O’hop (v.2.0')

(P.S. If you stopped by for a W.R.I.T.E update, I'm moving them to Fridays... The poor things keep on getting bumped on Mondays :)
 

Who's Your PADDY? "Got Green" Blog O'hop Version 2.O'

Aloha,

This is my version of the "ego wall." :)

I know many people are getting a wee little burnt out with BlogFests et al, but I have to

I can't help myself...

...host the 2.O' version of Got Green? Blog O'hop.


Last year's inaugural event was So. Much. Fun.

I was blown away by the support, so I hope we can build on that for this year.

But if we don't... I'm still getting dressed up as SIGGY :)

SIGGY in Key West, 1996 (& '97 :)

Info on the original Got Green? Blog O'hop is here (to be shure, to be shure)

All I'm doing right now is asking that you save the date - (the whales said they are quite fine now, but thank you for all the concern in the '80s and '90s.)

This year's Got Green? Blog O'hop will be on MARCH 15 only.

Linky List and Blog O'hop Button to follow, I promise :)

PS... anyone interested in participating in the Irish Yoga lessons need to begin exercising now :)

NO!!! Not another bloody blogfest!!!

Blog O'hop: My Wife is Guest Posting:)

Aloha,
I planned to post in celebration of the Blog O’hop, but last week, my wife gave me a card for our ten-year “blind date anniversary.

The beautiful one (and that SIGGY guy :)

Inside was a letter she wrote. (Originally, she meant it as a surprise post for Paddy’s Day, but she doesn’t have a blog account.)

However, with her full permission, here is my wife’s non-prize winning entry to the Blog O’hop, (she’s already won my heart, sheesh, what does she need with a box of Lucky Charms. J )

So, I present the amazing woman who has to deal with me offline!

Take it away, Sweethie…(oh and the italics are allllll me J )

I never celebrated St. Patrick’s Day growing up. There were no special meals, no special traditions – except I made sure to wear green so I wouldn’t get pinched. 

I mean, who was St. Patrick, and why do we celebrate him anyway?

He was born in Wales, kidnapped by the Vikings (the Danish ones, not the Minnesotans) and later drove the snakes out of Ireland… they later found the promised land of “D.C.”)

And, why would someone get pinched if they weren’t wearing green?

No idea, must Google that one day… we don’t pinch in Ireland…

It wasn’t until ten years ago that St. Patrick’s Day became more significant in my life. After a wonderful, interesting blind date on March 9, 2002 – the Irish guy I met who had that cute Oirish accent – decided we shouldn’t meet up the following week (it was St. Patrick’s Day!)

Me and me Ma

Mrs. Koopmans never raised any fools. 

Good call on his part, because this “okay” guy turns into Super Irish Guy on St. Patrick’s Day, dressing up in all green and wearing an Irish Flag cape!

SIGGY flies through the Pub with the greatest of ease! ….. Wheeeeeeee (CrASH!!!) oops, sorree!

(We probably, no I take that back, we wouldn’t have had any more dates had I met “Mr. Super Irish Guy” so soon in our budding relationship.)

What?? I look dead sexy in an Irish Flag cape and my clown’s pants…

A year later, on March 9, 2003 – Super Irish Guy proposed to me at Shamu Stadium (in front of thousands of people at the big Jumbotron at Sea World San Diego! 
Who does that?!?  Seriously?

Me! Me! Me!

But, with those blue Irish eyes smilin’ at me, of course I said YES!

(Blushes)

So, I have been blessed to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a true Irishman these past nine years!
He doesn’t turn into Super Irish Guy with the cape and all anymore.

(Yes, SIGGY is semi-retired… but nine years is merely the time it takes for him to drink one pint…)

However, we do make sure to wear our green… (Still don’t know why you get pinched if you don’t!)

Still haven’t checked Google… 

We’ve celebrated with corned beef and cabbage meals… and even “anti-corned beef and cabbage dinners.”

Otherwise known as the Triple B, y’all: Burgers, Brats & Beer J

One time he even made homemade Irish soda bread!

It was quite edible, and the remaining half-loaf was a fantastic door-stopper for six months.

Although we don’t have any special traditions or meals – we have each other and the three wee little lads God has blessed us with through the years!

\Amen! 

I love you, Sweetie more than 333 words can say!

Ohhh, I love you, too… (Quick kiss), agghhh, people are watching, I’m getting all shy J

                                                                    ###

Thanks to my life and wife for such an awesome present… this was so cool. I hope y’all didn’t mind us sharing it.

If I can leave you with two Irish blessings, starting with my personal favorite:
May you be in Heaven at least a half-hour before the bartender realizes your bar tab is still open.

And

May you one day walk a winding road with the wind at your back and meet someone at the top of the hill who can finally shed light on why, for the love of Pete, we get pinched if you’re not wearing green.

Happy St. Patrick's Day from the Koopmans Ohana

Happy ST. PATRICK'S DAY!!! Let the O'madness begin :)

Aloha,
Just a quick shout out and a HUMONGOUS Thank YOU to everyone who’s signed up for my Got Green? Blog O’hop!

Morgan and The. Lucky. Charms.

And A HUGE wave of me appreciation heading to those who’ve plugged the O’hop via a post or with the awesome Irish Flag button designed by Leigh O’Covington J

However, I must bow down to the simply Mahvelous Morgan Shamy for this kick-arse picture. (See, I told you, I told you, those darn Lucky Charms are so insidious…)

I won’t be posting tomorrow, (I’ve got tons of awesome posts to readJ)
But, don’t get me wrong, I *was* planning something very Oirish, but then along came a very special guest poster, so I hope you can stop by to check that out :)

To make up for my lack of Oirishness, IF you *do* want to know who St. Patrick was - and the history of the day, I did find an old St. Patrick’s Day story I wrote during my days as a beat reporter.

You can read it here.

Here’s some highlights (with new commentary… hee hee!):

·         The Irish flag that many people will wave (or wear :) tomorrow consists of three equal-sized vertical stripes of green, white and orange. (Gosh, it’s weird commenting on an article I wrote six years ago:)

The colors of the Irish flag have no official meaning, but one legend has it that the green stripe represents Catholics, the orange represents Protestants and the white stripe symbolizes the hope of peace between the two groups.

 

·         The diminutive creatures we know as leprechauns are known in ancient Gaelic as “lobaircin,” meaning “small-bodied fellow.” (OR “he who makes cereal that always ends up on floor.”)

2011 Leprechaun Convention in Hawaii

      The legend of the leprechauns probably stems from Celtic beliefs in fairies, tiny creatures that could use their magical powers for good or evil. (Evil cereal makers, see… why would you make a box with only a few marshmallows???)

     In Celtic folklore, the lobaircin were cranky fellows who mended the shoes of the other fairies. They were also mischievous and delighted in trickery, which they used to guard their fabled treasure. (Can you just share the darn marshmallows, you small-bodied fellows!)

Look Papa! The End of the Rainbow..is a Giant Golf Ball!

     The friendlier version of the leprechaun is based in large part on Walt Disney's 1959 film “Darby O'Gill and the Little People.” After this, leprechauns quickly evolved into a symbol of St. Patrick's Day and Ireland in general. (Don’t get me started on that one “lobaircin,” who’s always telling me not to mess with his Lucky CharmsJ)

 

·         In the United States, St. Patrick's Day would not be the same for many people if the Chicago River wasn't dyed green. (I lived there… true that.)

This tradition began in 1962, when pollution-control workers released 100 pounds of green vegetable dye into the river – enough to keep it green for a week. The idea was a hit and continues to this day. (Love that “pollution-control workers” released 100 pounds of green dye!!)

• Many children in the United States celebrate St. Patrick's Day by wearing green-colored clothing and items. Traditionally, those caught not wearing green are pinched. However, this is another tradition that does not exist in Ireland. (Me in school: “Pinch me, I punch you.”)

Anyhows, THANKS again to everyone who embraced this Blog O’hop… you’re all amazing and I sincerely appreciate the O’love J

Happy Paddy’s Day to one and all, and to all and one I say: Let the Irish Yoga lesson begin J

So Good, He Used It Twice :)

Got Green? Blog O'Hop

Hangs proudly on our wall :)

Aloha,


I wanted to announce the Linky Link for the Got Green? Blog O'Hop is now open - for a special, limited, preview time only (he gasped, breathlessly on the dark and stormy night...)


OK, I sound like a Sears or Kohls commercial, but if you must know the truth, I am soo *not* a techie that I was terrified that Linky wouldn't work on the scheduled first day (March 12.)


It wasn't Linky I was worried about - it was me.... I have the uncanny ability to burn water, crack diamonds and trip over sky hooks.


The link will remain open until March 16, and everyone is invited to O'Hop around on St. Patrick's Day (March 17) and share some great "Oirish" memories, or just tell a tall tale (under 333 words:)


Some examples below (but feel free to write whatever you like, as long as its O'PG :)

What does St. Paddy's Day mean to you!

I'd LOVE to hear your Irish stories.

What are your traditions on Paddy's Day?

What do you cook?

What are your favorite memories, or future plans to visit the Emerald Isle?

Flash Fiction is more than welcome... I mean, seriously, we're only here for a pint and a laugh.

(DISCLAIMER: This Blog O'Hop will not solve the world's problems, only lighten the load of those living in it.)

Word Count total is 333 (say it in an "Oirish" accent, it makes more sense :)

Thanks to all those who have already helped promote the O'Hop, and I'd much appreciate anyone else who wants to join in the fun.

Please feel free to grab the button here, or above the link. (Many thanks to the  fahbuhlouss Leigh Covington for her designing skills :)

(So far) prizes  include a:

Regular Size Box of Lucky Charms

Family Size Box of Lucky Charms (gasp!)

One query critique

One three chapter edit

Grand prize consisting of a $25 AMAZON Gift Card :) (*Was $30... Couldn't find a $30 card!!)


I'll be O'hopping around on the 17th - and hope you can join me in doing the same :)

(If you don't normally post on Saturdays, but want to add in your three cents, why not consider scheduling a post. Shure, ye can't win it, if you're not in it :)

Winners will be notified by March 24.

Slainte (to be shure, to be shure.