Irish History and Culture

I adore art from the Art Nouveau movement of the early twentieth century. I know it's not the same time period as my story but it seems to capture its whimsical, romantic air. These first two prints remind me of scenes from A Short and Unhappy Courtship. (Check out the first chapter here on the site or read excerpts on Wattpad at https://www.wattpad.com/login and

A bit of Irish music…

April 11, 2014August 20, 2022

by alpadden

Music plays a part in the story A Short and Unhappy Courtship. The people of Lough Key spend their Sunday afternoons at Irish ceilli dances. With church done, the villagers enjoy an afternoon of dancing and visiting with their friends and neighbors. Irish music is made up of reels, jigs, and polkas and is traditionally

Irish History and Culture

Irish Soda Bread recipe

March 4, 2014August 20, 2022

by alpadden

In honor of A Short and Unhappy Courtship, and all things Irish, I've posted the recipe for the world's best soda bread. The recipe is from a cool flower shop on Snelling Ave. in St. Paul. Here in Minnesota March is hinting at spring. Celebrate the warmer weather with this little treat. It's delicious and,