Irish Movies for St. Patrick’s Day

quiet_man_poster I get awfully excited about St. Patrick’s day. Possibly more than I should. I guess I’m always looking for a reason to celebrate. Yes, I have Irish heritage, but I also get wrapped up in any holiday where I can make themed meals. Especially with potatoes.

This year, being that it’s on the weekend, I’m dreaming of watching any Irish film I can think of. The Quiet Man is one of my favorites. Even though its plot is sort of outdated, Maureen O’Hara and John Wayne make it all worth it.

itnotf_02 itnotf_03 itnotf_01 In the Name of the Father is an impeccable film, and while it’s certainly not light and fluffy, it is another great choice. It gives you a tiny glimpse into the struggles that have plagued Northern Ireland through the years. Daniel Day-Lewis is outstanding, as always.

roan_inish_02 roan_inish_03 roan_inish_01 The Secret of Roan Inish is a film I’ve loved since I was a child. It’s the way I always imagine Ireland looks, though I realize there are many more cities. It is full of mystery and fantasy and beautiful landscapes.

Other films worth mentioning: Once (mainly for the music) and The Butcher Boy. I also have to throw in Cremaster 3 for having a section filmed at Giant’s Causeway.

What are your favorite Irish films?

flea market

pasadena_flea_ 219 pasadena_flea_ 217 pasadena_flea_ 216 pasadena_flea_ 214 Another weekend gone in an instant. For a few days with not much planned, they ended up being really enjoyable. I started Friday night making almond cake and watching Jane Eyre which is pretty perfect for a Friday evening if you ask me.

We spent Sunday with Shawn’s brother and sister, strolling around the Pasadena Flea market. We weren’t looking for anything in particular but it was nice to just check out all the things. I’m always pining over some pyrex set or crystal punch bowl. Years ago I was much more fearless in my photo taking at the flea market, but I found I was a lot more shy this time around.

After our flea market adventures, we headed out to Inn of the Seventh Ray for brunch. I still can’t get over how peaceful it is up there. Good food and relaxing atmosphere, always a favorite for special occasions and family visits.

The time change felt like it gave us an extra hour at 4pm or so as light flooded in our apartment. I guess spring is really here. St. Patrick’s day is just around the corner too. When did time start slipping away so quickly? Busy weeks ahead and though March seems like it just started, April will be here before I know it. I need to come up with a strategy to balance relaxation and creative work in my free time. Have anything that works for you?

vegan king cake

vegan_king_cake_ 220 vegan_king_cake_ 214 vegan_king_cake_ 215 vegan_king_cake_ 216 vegan_king_cake_ 217 vegan_king_cake_ 218 vegan_king_cake_ 219 vegan_king_cake_ 221 Last weekend our friends Jenn & Scott came over and made King Cake. I took a few photos of the process of rolling it up. We lived on this cake for a few days in all its cinnamon sugar glory. You can find the recipe here.