Happy Saint Patrick's Day
The sun is smiling down on the world. It was 32 degrees this morning with 61 predicted in Auburn. Washington, a day to rejoice and be glad. I have a short-sleeve, emerald-green blouse laid out. How nice to no longer bundle up like the Abominable Snowman in order to step outside.
According to Irish legends, people lucky enough to find a leprechaun will be granted three wishes. Well, I haven't discovered any leprechauns hiding under the crepe myrtle just starting to unfurl purple blooms in my back yard. Or lurking by the wishing well in the front. Maybe they are just too shy (or wily) to be sighted! 
Many people have no idea who Saint Patrick, patron saint of Ireland, was. Just that he supposedly drove the snakes out of Ireland by chasing them into the sea after they attacked him during a 40-day fast he was undertaking on top of a hill.
History is much more believable. As near as can be confirmed, Maewyn Succat was born around 385 AD in either England, Scotland or Wales. He was captured by Irish pirates at the age of 16 and brought to Ireland as a slave, set to tend sheep and pigs. Six years later, a vision led him to stow away on a boat bound for Britain and Patrick escaped back to his family. There he had a dream that the Irish were calling him back to Ireland to tell them about God. He returned to Ireland where he converted thousands of people to Christianity and built churches, schools, and monasteries across the country.
What can writers learn from Saint Patrick?
- He didn't give in to adversity. Surely the homesick lad must have planned to escape every day during those six years of enforced servitude. As writers, we long to break free of whatever is holding us back from achieving our dreams: lack of time, lack of marketing ability, lack of self-confidence, etc.
- He made good use of his situation. According to history, the young man hadn't been particularly religious before he was taken captive. During the long years, he came close to God.
- He seized the opportunity to escape when it came. We don't know how many times the boy may have tried and failed in his determination to get home. None of us know how many times we may have to submit a manuscript before it sells. How sad if the very next time would bring an acceptance but we gave up too soon.
- He heeded his vision and courageously stowed away. It takes courage to submit, re-submit, and continue to re-submit our work when it is met with rebuffs. We need to visualize the day an editors says (in essence), "Well done, good and faithful servant. Great is your reward."
- He changed course and pursued a new dream in the face of opposition,
We cannot know the end results of our "keeping on keeping on" and traveling what my favorite author, Emilie Loring calls "the rocky road to authorship." Little did she know that she would become a role model for me. How many times did I sigh and say, "I wish I could write like Emilie Loring." Life has come full circle. I receive letters that say, "If only I could write like you do."
My reply is what I feel sure my good friend Emilie would advise, "Don't try to be another me. The sharpest copies are still only copies. Be the best you. And never, ever give up."
That's what Saint Patrick did--and a nation was changed forever.
Heartbreak and humor
A name like Colleen ensures deep interest in all things Irish. In Flower of Seattle, young Brian O'Rourke stows away aboard a ship bound for America in order to escape starvation during the Potato Famine. His escapades and those of Heather Templeton, who sails from Boston on a Mercer Brides expedition, are laden with actual historical events. The sequel, Flower of the West, finds an equally daring Daisy O'Rourke joining the Fred Harvey girls in pioneer Arizona in order to fulfill her dream of marrying a cowboy.
9 comments:
Good advice given in your inimitable way, Colleen.
A pleasure to read, Colleen. You've been wearin' the green in your communications, and it's a lovely color!
Thanks, Dace and Judy. A true "colleen" I am . . . ha ha.
Much to be learned from St. Patrick. Thanks!
When I read his story, I discovered he was quite an example of one who overcame adversity and went on to do great good. A lesson here for all of us.
Great advice! I love it. And I learned something about St. Patrick, too. Thanks for a fun post.
What a great post! I enjoyed learning about Saint Patrick -- the myths and the known history. I especially enjoyed the way you related his story to writing. Thanks for the encouragement!
Caught a typo after posted. Ouch. So deleted first answer, Linda and Sandy. Anyway, glad the post is of help. We can learn so much from those who face misfortune and overcome.
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