Today’s blog
Lynn Murphy Mark
Bewley’s coffee
This morning I am slowly savoring coffee that traveled from Ireland to my hands. It was a gift from my Irish friends, Rose and Mary, recently returned from Eire. I don’t always think of Ireland right away when contemplating a coffee choice but I will from now on. Rose and Mary know what a coffee fiend I am. (In fact, I used to have a refrigerator magnet that said “coffee slut”. It was lost in one of the moves, but it is one of my Truths.) I cherish coffee that is strong and sometimes bitter. You can’t see through my coffee as I pour it.
This coffee makes a strong brew but it is not bitter. It’s just really good coffee. Rose occasionally remarks on how I seem to like coffee that tastes burned, and that may be true. So she decided to gift me with the bold version of Bewley’s and I’m hooked. It might be worth a trip to Ireland to get some more, but perhaps the internet will have to do. I will pledge to invest in some Bewley’s Rich blend and save it for special occasions, like when Katie is here or when Ted comes in town – being an ex-barista, he has become a coffee snob. Not a coffee slut – there’s a big difference…
This so far is an Irish morning. Many years ago Mary gave me a CD of three Irish tenors that occupies a place in my iTunes library. They are singing traditional Irish songs to me this morning, with sweet, pure voices. Their harmonies always capture my heart and I can’t help but hum along. They were first introduced in 1999 through a PBS special, “The Irish Tenors: Live in Dublin”. I don’t know what prompted Mary to choose one of their 8 CD’s as a gift but I am always grateful when I listen to the men blend their voices.
Ireland has produced some super pop stars like Bono and Van Morrisson. But history has tales of Irish musicians stretching back beyond the sixth century CE. My favorite hymn of all time – and that’s saying something because I’m a hymn junkie – started out as “Rop tu mo baille” in the 600’s. In 1905 it was published in English as “Be Thou My Vision”. When Jan and I had our commitment ceremony in 2006, it was one of the selections for our friends and family to sing. On July 22 this year, we will celebrate the 19th anniversary of that wonderful occasion.
Anyway, when the kids and I went to Ireland in 2009 we did the touristy thing and visited pubs where groups were playing and singing. It seems everyone in Ireland wants to be an Irish tenor. The other thing I love about this music is the use of the Irish drum, or Bodhran. This circular frame drum came to prominence in the 1960’s with the growth of folk music. “Today a complex modern playing style has emerged which fully explores the musical scope of this versatile Irish drum.” (McNeela Instruments blog post). As a traditional instrument it is made from a circular wooden frame with a skin stretched across it and tacked to the frame. It can be played with fingers or a wooden beater. The beater is played so quickly and rhythmically that the eye can barely take it all in.
The rhythms are complex and captivating and it’s almost impossible to sit still.
I hope there is another trip to Ireland left in me. I spent 10 days there with my mouth hanging open in amazement at the beauty of this place. A couple of years ago, Katie spent three months there. She was on her own, but I think she knew she belonged there.
I felt at home there as well.