Ireland of the Welcomes

Today I'd like to share on of my favorite magazines. Ireland of the Welcomes is one of the most exciting things to grace my mailbox. It's a treat that only arrives 6 times a year, but well worth the $33 (for US). This magazine is a gorgeous full color journey through Ireland's history, culture, & folklore as well as in depth pieces on the modern Ireland of today. The photographs are always gorgeous and the stories and articles top notch. Almost all content - only 6 pages of ads out of 65. You can read a free issue online HERE. And if you are so inclined, you can subscribe HERE.

Yuletide Contents

For those who are curious what treasures were sent out in the Yuletide Edition of Emerald Post, I am sharing the contents below. This collection should give you an idea of what Emerald Post is all about. Most editions will contain 3-5 items depending on size and intricacy of work. They come bundles as you see below and nestled inside of a cellophane sleeve to protect them. Then it's all put in a bright green envelope, decorated and artistically addressed to you. AND if you missed out, the Yuletide Edition is still for sale and discounted at $13. Also, you can purchase "Gathering the Greens" alone for $10. Swing over to the Emerald Post Shop to fill your mailboxes for 2017!

5x7 Print of "Gathering the Greens" a watercolor painting on paper

The backside of the print tells of the ancient and enduring Celtic traditions of decorating with Holly, Ivy & Misteltoe

Everything is bundled in a band of Gaelic text and sealed with an Emerald Postmark Sticker.

Here is the whole package that went out to mailboxes in December

Contents (clockwise from top):

5x7 Fine Art Print "Gathering the Greens"
Mini Notecard & Envelope - photo of green rolling hills
Note from me to recipient - my musings on this edition
4x6 Postcard - Red Door Edinburgh, Scotland
5x5 Photo Print of St. Columb's Cathedral, Derry, Ireland
Bookmark - Gothic Window from Chepstow Castle, Wales

Crossing Through

Entrance to Cong Woods at Cong Abbey in Ireland

Hopefully your Christmases were bright and full of good cheer. As winter sets in, may your hearth & home be warm and joyous. Here we are again at the doorway of a New Year, the threshold of new beginnings. May 2017 be full of adventures, wonder & good fortune!

My Celtic Christmas

Ornaments are some of my favorite things to bring home from trips as souvenirs. They are usually inexpensive, lightweight and small so they make the journey home easily (except that glass Guinness one). Every year as I trim my tree, I'm reminded of past journeys. Some of the ones below are from my trips to Ireland and Scotland, others are gifts given to me which are just as special. Nutcrackers hail from German culture but my collection of 40+ does, indeed, include a few from Celtic Lands.

email / snail mail

Obviously I love sending and receiving letters & mail. I love intriguing envelopes, the perfectly chosen stamp, handwritten notes. But occasionally, email has its place in the realm of communication - to reach a little farther, to arrive in an instant, to share websites and photos, to keep a large number of people informed. For these reasons, I have an occasional email newsletter - The Emerald Post Herald. Get interesting links, stories, Emerald post reminders & Sneak Peeks, travel photos & more delivered straight to your email inbox. Click HERE to subscribe to this free email Newsletter.

And they're off...

The first batch of Yuletide Emerald Posts are on their way to mailboxes near & far. I loved adding the stamps and other postal attire. I hope the recipients enjoy their parcels & share the green joys of Emerald Post. It's not too late to get yours (or order one for a gift) HERE.

Enchanting & Intriguing

Ancient eyes peer down from ancient trees...

Long ago, a tiny, yet green, seed was planted in my soul. This seed was an idea, a dream, a plan to visit Ireland. In 2009, finally, my feet and this seed were planted on the green, rolling hills of Ireland. My enchantment with this land & its culture was instantaneous and I've been devouring its history, art, culture, folklore & customs ever since. From this tiny green seed, Emerald Post grew, which is a passion project of the many things I adore about Ireland, Celtic culture, & nearby lands such as Scotland, Wales, and Cornwall. I've been traveling to these verdant lands ever since.  Above and below, you can see the intriguing nature of Ireland, with spirits in the trees and forests beckoning you to follow whimsical and winding ways. These photos were taken at Tintern Abbey in County Wexford, Ireland which was established in 1200 AD! I'm looking forward to sharing these worlds here on my blog and in your mailbox with Emerald Post.

  

Tintern Abbey, County Wexford, Ireland