Slavery, snakes, shamrocks and Van Morrison

Think about shamrocks and ivy for a little spring pick-me-up, or simply a nod to Saint Patrick.

Patrick was born to a British family in the early part of the 5th century. At the age of 16 he was kidnapped and sold into slavery. He spent six years as a slave in Ireland, before escaping and eventually returning to his home in England.
Some time later Patrick returned to Ireland with the intention of converting the Irish to Christianity (hmmm, getting back at them for that slavery-thing?) He was not the first missionary to preach there, but he was extraordinarily successful.
Now there was some notoriety regarding him ridding Ireland of snakes... but that was probably just to sex-up the story. There was no history or evidence of snakes on the island.

So this week - enjoy some shamrocks (or oxalis!), sip a bit of Guinness or Jamesons, put some Van Morrison on the turn-table, and celebrate this wonderful burst of spring and St.Patrick's Day.

Pssst - rumour also has it that St.Patrick was crazy for mini orchids. Who knew?



Mini orchids, ideal for little gifts, desktop or bookshelves,
$15 everyday