Last week I went to a writing class in hopes that it would add some skills to my writing, and that eventually it would help me convey things through both the written word and images. At the class, the instructor asked us to write based on the words "10-year-old" and then our paired up groups went to it. That was a fun and informative exercise. I am doing the same today, but with St. Patrick's Day.

Our family always celebrated Saint Patrick's Day with a big gathering of family, friends and any misfits/orphans that were in town and could use some entertainment and a wonderful meal. My mother -- who was  100% Irish, and rarely let my father forget that -- would prepare root veggies, colcannon potatoes, delightful Irish soda bread (they eventually became scones because she liked making those), cabbage and of course her signature corned beef.

For us, this holiday has always been about love and food, and that is what makes it so wonderful. We gather early, tell tall tales and then share a wonderful feast with nary a green beer in sight.

Gone now are the large gatherings. My parents are both gone and most of my family has moved away. Now we have a slightly smaller gathering and we celebrate with food, tall tales and honoring the memories of those that we love and miss.