It’s a good time these days, with the daffodils sounding their trumpets amid last fall’s leaf litter and the peepers advocating a somewhat hedonistic lifestyle every evening in the ponds and wetlands. I’m feeling a bit springy myself, having come out the other side of an attack of allegies/sciatica/mild blues. So I thought it was time for a little celebration and even, yes, a little trumpet-blowing.
In that spirit, here are some good things going on in my life:
*a pair of articles published in Calliope, a first-rate magazine of world history for children. This month is all about ancient Ireland, and I was delighted to contribute pieces about the Irish language and the Irish harp. If you’re interested, check for Callipe at your local bookstore or newstand.
*a really lovely review of “The Irishy Girl” by Arthur Ketchen in the new issue of “Celtic Beat.” All of my mother’s early training on never, ever breathing a word of self-praise is now rearing up its fierce, maternal head at me. but here, before it wins, is just a little piece of it:
“Kate Chadbourne’s clear and beautiful voice, combined with her harp, piano, and the support of some of Boston’s instrumental finest once again makes the case for keeping tradition alive… Perhaps my favorite among these songs is a wonderful ‘The Flower of Magherally.’ This is poetry and any other singers including those I originally heard it from would be hard pressed to best it.”
*my translation of Liam Ó Muirthile’s beautiful poem, “Céilí House,” is going to be published in May by the Maine poetry journal, “Off the Coast.” This is one of my all-time favorite poems.
*“The Harp Boat” is in its second printing! Icing on the cake of life…
*I’m meeting fantastic, loving, creative people at all my recent gigs. What people these are! And lovely singers, too. I’ve been doing a fair number of shows quite close to home, and that makes me feel, not surprisingly, even more at home.
OK. That’s enough trumpet-blowing for one person. How about you? Any good news to share? If so, I am a most eager recipient and trumpet-blower on your behalf. Don’t hide your light, friends, and don’t worry: my mother won’t mind if you boast a little!
