Thursday, March 17, 2011

My Holiday Birthday

by Cristina Hurley of Cristina Hurley Jewelry Design

I have a holiday birthday. Yes, my birthday falls on that most lucky of holidays, St Patrick's Day. Although my name is not Patricia (which is a lovely name) and I'm not of Irish descent (I was born in Puerto Rico) I consider myself an honorary Irish woman. One reason I consider this, obviously, is my birthday.

I can't tell you how convenient it is to be born on this day, and when times were a bit wilder for me, how many free pints and shots I received just by showing people my driver's license... Although those happy go lucky, albeit fuzzy days are long gone(almost), It is so fun to reminisce about the Black Rose, and how many friends I always made... And how happy something so simple made people, and compel them to want to celebrate more, even if I was a stranger.

The other reeason is, I married an Irish American, second generation. His mom came over on a boat from Galway when she was just 18 years old, looking for a better life. When I told her my birthday, very soon after I met her, I think I sealed the deal as far as her accepting me for her oldest and most beloved of sons was concerned. I mean, I might as well have married him right then and there. It would have been fine with her.

I love Cornbeef and Cabbage, my mom made it for us when we were kids, every year, around my birthday. Now, my mom in law makes it for me, every year, ON my birthday, and it doesn't feel like my birthday happened at all, if we don't have it. That has never happened before though. She's IRISH people, she speaks Gaelic and everything! That boiled dinner is on the dinner table every year, no matter what.

I love clovers. See my plant above? I always have one, no matter what. I had one in college that lived forever, until I moved after graduating. I was very sad when it died. BUT, I always make sure I have one, and try to take good care of it. I can be supersticious, I need all the luck I can get. I take extra good care of my Shamrock plant. If you have never had one you should get one.

They are easy to take care of and as you can see, get these lovely white flowers on them. The shamrocks also close up at night, like they are sleeping. They are wonderful plants.
The clover is even seen in my work, even though it's not very literal... like in the cuff above. I have many other designs in my collection which have the clover motif. I always enjoy thinking of new ways to use it in my work.

All birthdays are special days, mine just happens to fall on a day that used to be just about parties, but now it has created a love in me for all things Irish. I could go on forever about the music, my family, the culture there, but it would be a very long post.

Enjoy your St. Patrick's Day festivities, wherever you may be, be sure to wear green, be safe, eat cornbeef, and above all have fun!!!!

5 comments :

  1. Cristina,
    Hurray for your holiday birthday! My mom told me my due date was to have been St. Patrick's day but I came early - so I'm jealous of those pints! Best to you! And I have my own Shamrock plant, too. It's wonderful to watch it close at night! Celebrate! xoxox Kim

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  2. Happy Birthday, Cristina!!

    Hey, Kim! I was 10 days early! My due date was to have been St. Patrick's day as well!

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  3. WOW! the both of you... It really was a fluke as far as my mom says it happened... I think I came a bit early. but it's a fun Birthday! Thanks, I will definitely be enjoying some corn beef and cabbage tonight as mentioned!!!!

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