erin go bragh

[see larger image on flickr]

"there’s a spot called dear old ireland, that is always calling me
an exile from my native land, so far across the sea
and every time i see a vessel, waiting in the bay
i feel i want to go aboard, and then i want to say.

take me back to dear old ireland, anywhere at all
the lakes of connemara or the hills of donegal
when i get home no more i’ll roam to any foreign strand
here’s my fare, oh! take me there to dear old ireland."
- cavan o’connor [listen]

almost 9 years ago i studied abroad in ireland and completely fell in love with the people, scenery, music, and history of this beautiful celtic country.

these photos capture some of my favorite memories...the waves crashing on the cliffs of moher, the cheerful & colorful streets of kinsale, the dangerous trek up skellig michael which revealed the most amazing view i have ever seen, and the beautiful trickling stream and lush green landscape around my cousin nonie's house. i hope to return someday soon...

today i'm raising a glass to dear old ireland [and wishing i had some of my mom's amazing irish soda bread :)]...sláinte!

beannachtaí na féile pádraig - HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!!

dear old state

[see larger image on flickr]

it's penn state's 156th birthday today!

penn state has given me unforgettable memories, amazing friends, and life-long lessons...she's inspired me, motivated me, and made me so proud to be a part of dear old state.

"for the glory of old state,
for her founders strong and great,
for the future that we wait,
raise the song, raise the song.

sing our love and loyalty,
sing our hopes that, bright and free,
rest, o mother dear, with thee,
all with thee, all with thee.

when we stood at childhood's gate,
shapeless in the hands of fate,
thou didst mold us, dear old state,
dear old state, dear old state.

may no act of ours bring shame
to one heart that loves thy name,
may our lives but swell thy fame,
dear old state, dear old state."
- fred lewis pattee,
penn state's alma mater

 

phil was right

it's in the high 40's/low 50's here today.  the sun is shining.  the snow is melting.  you can feel the excitement on campus...the anticipation of no jackets, outside seating downtown, and studying on old main's lawn.

that cute, furry punxsutawney phil was right....spring is coming!

although i will miss my beloved snow and pretty winter scenery...i'm excited for warmer weather and spending more time outside :)

believe in love

[see larger image on flickr]

"all you need is love, love
love is all you need."  
-the beatles [listen / watch]

although part of me that isn't a fan of valentines day...its commercialization of romance and its tendency to make those without a significant other feel inadequate...there's another part of me that gets excited by the celebration of love.

love is about romance [which i'm hoping cupid can help me out with this year ;) seriously.], but love is so many other things too...

love is family, friendship, memories...
love is patience, and generosity, and kindness...
love is forgiveness, acceptance, and courage...

we sometimes forget to believe in love, but valentines is a day to remind us to believe - not only in the magic of romance - but in the beauty of our relationships with others...and with ourselves.

...hope you have a happy, happy valentines day filled with ALL KINDS of love!

p.s. i also did a little decorating around the apartment...flowers, chocolates, and doilies [oh my] :)