From Bath to Cork with Baby Grace

Why would anyone be interested in the American Civil War?  We’ve had so many civil wars since then.  As for the music of wars? Marching tunes?  Surely there is no point in dragging up memories of times past? There have been too many civil wars.

But tunes linger…
I was a child in Limerick when I first heard the music of the American Civil War.  To me, the origin of the melodies didn’t matter much. It was years later when I realised many of the melodies I’d loved were composed in the 1860’s.

War music, the rhythm of soldiers marching to their death, the songs of people left behind & dying on a battlefield never seen - surely it would be better, healthier, to forget all that sort of stuff?

Poetry & Music…
When I fell in love with the poetry of Walt Whitman & the story of his life with Peter Doyle - that’s when I first got interested in where the music came from.  

I’d like to share some of my passion for the American Civil War - not the politics of Abraham Lincoln, not the defence of the Union - the music of community.

Here’s a series of 6 audio podcasts…
I hope you find something in them to enjoy and share with others. 

•  listen to ‘American Civil War (5/5)’ on Audioboo

 

Many people have personal blogs - where they share personal stuff.  This is my place where I post an eclectic variety of content.  I also have a business blog - that’s my professional space - where you find my best shot at helping people to do business well.

But I’m like most people - a person with a wide collection of interests & curiosities.  I find it difficult - impossible to confine my communication to a single topic.  

The theme that ties everything here is my daughter Grace ("omanidot" on Twitter).  I began writing for her in 2005, imagining she’d be interested (some day) in my experience of moving back to Ireland from UK.  That focus on one audience has been the most important support - it’s kept me at it, so I never feel any wish to give up this blog.  It’s a special place.

Yesterday… 
after a tweet from Diane Brogan (@dianebrogan on Twitter), I had a rethink about this blog.  I came to this conclusion: here is where you find my "Eclectic Passions".  I don’t try to confine content to any topic. The theme that binds it all together is "Passion".

For example:

• Irish mental health, including my own… 

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• Developing new habits - with deliberate intention… 

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• Family storytelling (including stories Grace & I make up) 

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• Poetry - including poems I write myself… 

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• Golf - particularly "The Dan Plan" - & other exercises… 

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• Creativity - whatever that means… 

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• Walking the dog - usually late at night…

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• Being a dad - the third time round… 

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I realise I’ve left out my passion for gender equality in Irish politics & the topic of improving Irish political life.  But I must be careful I don’t let my passion for changing the status quo run away with me.

As you can see, I love Audioboo. 

Thank you for calling in here.  I hope you find something that hooks your passion.

(Thanks again to Diane Brogan.)