serious question ... I was asked this.

That is somewhat similar to the question all of us who are of Irish blood living outside of Ireland are asked if we tell people that we are Irish.

What makes one Irish, or a Tír na nOgian, is the belief in our spirits that this group of Kindred Spirits is one to which we ascribe to and are willing to work towards building a legacy with.

Centuries from now, we may well be regarded as one of the early Cyber Villages/Communities. Acc has provided a place that has become a centre for like-minded people to gather. Even when we are not here, we still belong here, because we have bound our Spirits to all of those in the Tír.

When Virginia asked, she was told, Yes Virginia there is a Santa Claus, and I say to you,

Yes Lacie, there are Tír na nOgians. We are them.

It would be nice if some of those more gifted in the visual arts would create a Citizenship Card for the Tír na nOgians. Perhaps a segment of the Tír could lsit them all and we could Print out our own if we so desired. (hint, hint, hint)

Dear Lacie, Our good friend up there forgot 2 very important things about the Tir folk and even Irish. Namely, we're all a bit nuts (that ones a flippin, looney!);-) and we all try to keep mannerly fun going! I tell you true any insults, real or imagined I give or get here is all meant in fun and the true spirit of comradery! And that's why I can't stay away from the Tir! Comrades all! And if any of you's in my neck o'the woods feel free to doss at my place. I'd love to have you.

Lacie--

I am the youngest of six. My older brother and sisters are only four years apart in age, I came along 12 years later. Even though our family is very close, I've always felt like an outsider looking in. During family dinners I heard "Remember when...", and "What about the time we..." I couldn't remember, I wasn't around yet.

Any time I tried to enter into conversation with them on any subject, I got a pat on the head and was told "Isn't she cute." I have never been "heard". Even to this day, being the "baby" of the family, I have found that I'm still treated as the "baby". Separated from the other five, even though we love each other dearly, it's just the way it has always been. I can't blame them any more than I can blame the years that separate us.

When I first came here, I thought that I might be treated the same way. That thought left me quickly. The people here have made me laugh, think, and feel very touched. Never have I felt like an outsider.

In my opinion, what makes us Tir na nOgians is a sence of family and belonging. No matter the age differences or even where we live. Tir is a place for people who love one another to come in and laugh, talk about absolutely nothing, just to say hi, or to leave something behind to think about. We all must leave at some point in the conversation, but I doubt that anyone leaves without a smile and a feeling of belonging.

PS--Thank you Acc for providing such a place.

Libby....that was a nice summation of how we feel here in Tir. We do owe Acc our gratitude. And welcome to the "fold" !!

p.s. Did anybody ever mention you are cute? *L* I was the OLDEST of six.

Hey Celt .. I think Daryl was refering to someone such as your handsome self *smile* ... gonna create us a Tir Passport???

The biggest thing that makes us Noggians (aside from the aforementioned requisite lunacy), is the fact that it seems that only those who somehow manage to 'mesh' with the rest of us, find us. Since it's off the beaten path, it has become the refuge of those, such as I, who were in need of JUST such a place. *G* It appears to those who need it.

THANK YOU our lofty innkeeper!!! *raises a glass in his honor*

.....a good set of un-dented party hats helps, too...*rofl*

Awww Lacie, I was trying to be subtle, but that would be fun. Is it possible to combine Celtic Knotwork with a Loony-bin? That would pretty-much sum us all up. *Definintely me anyway*

I thought about welcoming Libby to the Tír, but since the Tír is timeless, Once you are here you always have been and always will be. So it seems kind of pointless to welcome someone who has always been here. Yet to Libby, and all those who are here in this eternal now, welcome.

You have been granted the magical ability (via our benevolent innkeeper, Acc) to join any conversation no matter how long ago it happened. I guess that makes us part of the eternal now.

*wanders off quietly with the nice people in white coats*

Enough with the legalese, puh lease. Let me put it another way... *pushes her way to the front of the crowd...*
Okay, see what this is... is..
A place that has drawn people to it with like-minded thoughts and aspirations. Upon arrival, most of us have been greeted in a way that was worth repeating. And we never left. Like Cleo, not having a drop of Irish in me blood, I cannot even explain why I "think" I "belong" here. But I do. And those that have ventured in here, kindred-spirits, knotty celts (or is it nutty?), gifted and talented, genuinely nice, comedic, lunatics and any other race I may have neglected to mention.... well, we came... we slapped each other with mackerals...we dranks weird libations...we protected our own from the would-be-drive-by cyber scum... and we conquered. The one constant has been the respect for this site and it's owner. *cues Irish National Anthem*

So on that note... *sees the crowd yawning*... What it means to be part of Tir na nOg, is to say that you belong here. I will also say this... *talks louder as someone increases the volume*...that, having had the opportunity to meet IN THE FLESH...R-E-A-L-I-T-Y or talked on the telephone with: Lady Quill, Deaide, Fionn, tSionna, Colleen, cibe, Briana, ReginaClare, McGuire, Victoria, and Mick The Lad *sighs*...well guess what? These Tir na nOggians are as kind-hearted goofy, nutty, witty, clever, handsome/pretty as they are on your little screen. *feels the stage director, pulling at her coat*... So, if you are here it's because you want to be and should be and Tir na Noggians.....
*voice fading*...take care.....of their........own....

*Wun is mysteriously yanked from the podium*

... and the crowd roared...


W

*furiously shakes the cue card..... *

...... and the crowd roared...

W


*giggling*

*thunderous applause*

As I jump to my feet, I knock over my mug of grog and spill virtual grog all over myself.

Absolutely Wunderful!!!

*In Elizabeth Tayloresque ever-so-graceful Southern Belle Fashion...*

Why thank you, for your kind words...*gets up VERY slowly from the courtsey, drawing out the ovation...*


*blushing wun*

.... and the crowd took yet another gulp of drink... and roared...

*yanks (pardon the pun) the slass from the Wunderful hand* ... get OFF that soap box, woman!! *L*

"By George, I think she has got it."

Yanks... LOL

good one Aussie Woman *s*

Well Lacie and Daryl, I'll have to poke around in my dusty old sketchbook and see if there are any kernels of ideas for a Tir logo...*S* I always thought we could use a slimmer type of Celtic font for Acc's logo, something more Kells-ish...perhaps after this summer's Celtic fests are done, I'll give it a go and post a few preliminary sketches on my board...*G*

*aside to Libby and Wun* Couldn't have put it better! You have hit on the very essence of Tir...lunacy and love :)

Ya know, we will hold you to this, Celt *L*

I wanna see
I wanna see
I wanna see

W

Waiting with baited breath, or was that bait breath? Well if the latter maybe I'll catch a fish.

hey .. that's my line ..

For the 'passport' Idea-- a srtaight-jacket in Knot Work?
So far no one has said any thing out of the ordinary (to my mind) except one thing. The part about finding the place IF you need to. This sounds incredably like some books I've read (and re-read) so I have to ask-- Is it possible that Acc's last name is Callahan?
No matter. I call upon all Nogians real and imaginary to lift up glass and join me in saying to our host--Go raibh maith agat & Slainte!!
That for all of you who keep throwing the Gaelic at me!

*Laces up Mayhem's straight jacket*
There, how's that? Too tight?

Not at all, I can still gesture dramatically!!!
I do hope it's not a white jacket!!!

it's not tight enough, Dave. Fix it!!

Awww Lacie! you can't bring yourself to do your own dirty work! Dang! Here I always thought the Aussies were insaner than us Micks. Or is that the other way 'round?(*giggle*)
This is a major disapointment .

*Tightens up straight jacket* Sorry May, white's the only color they come in. Perhaps you could tie dye this one if you ever get out of it.

Hmmmmm...

...Now where's my duct tape?

Try looking on my shoes for the duct tape. I do warn you however that I am allergic to tape glue and if you try to gag me I shall be forced to get violent. which action No one wants!
As for the colour I guess I can fake a tantrum and roll on the floor until the sawdust and dirt disguises the bloody thing! *shrug*

*Check's the label design on the jacket*

Ahem.... who else....

The Fashion Police

Closes eyes and thinks very strongly to her youngest daughter ^*Momma needs help sweetie girl! and bring the sharp knife*^

My, but it's getting weird in here...lol...par for the course, of course...*G*
(and what was that ye were gonna hold me to, Lace?)

The Tir Logo, dear Celt ...... but in light of the wierdishishishishness, perhaps it could be the 'the straw that breaks the camel's back' of your sanity!! *L*

(though, I have heard that camels are quiet sane BUT dont really like bearing heavy loads - hense the spitting behavour)

*checks thesaurus...*
wierdishishishishness?

W

Seems to be an echo around here: wierdishishishishness

Let me try another word:

Craziaziaziaziness

Yep! Definitely an echo.

Well, two shots of tequila and an Irish potato are all it takes in Tennessee :)

sings*(to tune of Tennessee Stud) ''The Idaho spud is long and green, covered with butter and sour cream, Just dig it from the ground and ya clean off the mud, Never was a tater like the Idaho Spud...'' ...*g*

ROTFLMAO! That wouldn't be near as funny to me if I didn't love Hank as much as I do and if my mother wern't from Idaho!!!
Hey, Lacie! want your straight jacket back? only slightly cut and pracically new! Five bucks american and it's your's!

hey ... s'not MY straight jacket!!! I'm the SANE one .... aren't I????


*checks pillbox level for the day*

Ah, Lacie? If it's not your's who's is it and how do I get it back to him/her/them/it?
Or do we just put it up for auction? Who ever it was did give it to me after a fashion Right?

*Looks around the room trying not to look guilty* Oh...OK, the straight jacket is mine. And I need it back please. And Lacie, if you have any extra in your pillbox, would you mind sending them my way. Thanks bunches. :)


*They're coming to take me away. HeHe*

I think she cut the laces Libby. You might need to effect some repairs before you use it again...


...he he he...

I think we're all living in our own private Idaho.

B52's

...on the ground like a wild potato...

Begins humming old southern song: While the Organist Peels Potatoes

Hmm Hmm HmmHmm Hmm Hmm Hm Hmm

you're all nuts!! *L*

AANNND, This is a BAD thing?? Also, Libby... All I cut was the groin strap. How else does one get out of a straightjacket? Except o'course Houdini and the like!

Me thinks Lacie wants me to sing instead of just hum:

While the Organist peeled potatoes
Songs were rendered by the Choir
While the Preacher prepared sermons
Someone set the Church on fire
"Holy Smoke!" The Preacher shouted
In the rush he lost his hair
Now his head resembles Heaven
For there is parting there

dada dada da dada bing

Isn't that supposed to be- There is NO parting there?

you're all nuts!! *L*

But of course! I've been saying this all along!

I see some of us have forgotten to take our Lithium.
*Lines up little white cups*

*looks for a white cup with her name on it* .. what, none for me, nurse??

I don't take lithium Bri, It might make me normal. I enjoy my world exactly as it is!

You are correct, Mayhem, Need to get these fingers re-aligned. Sadly, I was singing the correct version while I was writing it wrong.

Bless you Daryl! I can sometimes call up the correct words. Trouble is I know so many versions from so many sources I can forget(and do ) which is authentic! FILK ON!!!

This particular version came from an old country woman hailing from the back-hills of Tennessee.

I first heard it on Dr Demento. First heard OF it so many moons ago I can't remember that far.

DR Demento? Theres a name I've not heard in years.

Didn't he play the BEST stuff?!!!!! I wish something like that was still around....I can't find any of the music that sounds like it was sung through a megaphone (like Winchester Cathedral), and he used to play things like that. *pout*

Dr. Demento is still around, you just have to be lucky enough to be near a station that plays his stuff.
Also, most of his best stuff was reprinted by Rino Records,can be found at the best music emporiums!

Dr. Demento must be writing the Rx's around here *LOL*

I don't know McGuire...A lot of this isn't really tasteless enough for the Dr.
or so it seems to me! *G*

*aside to Mayhem* By the way ''The Idaho Spud'' song was written by an Idahoan(?)folk singer by the name of Faith Patrick...she has a wonderful, gravelly voice...real down home stuff. I first heard her sing "Idaho Spud" years ago on Garrison Keillor's Prairie Home Companion...but I wouldn't be surprised to hear it on Dr. Demento...LLL

Here's one of the other verses, if I can remember it right...

''You can make it into vodka, you can make it into beer,
Serve it with liquor or an old dead steer,
Stopper up a gas can, or serve it at the club
Never was a tater like the Idaho spud...''
*G*
Don't ask me for any more, it's a miracle I remembered that, after 15 years...lol

Thanks Celt! will be sure to show to my mom, the Idahoan! she'll love it!

You're all nuts.

um....Lacie? You've already said that once. Are you trying to tell us something?? *wonders off in search of the men in the white coats*

''...they're coming to take me away...haha....''(another Dr.Demento classic)

Hey! That's MY line!!!!! *L*

.....where life is beautiful all the time...hehe


ya'll just had to get me started.

They're Coming to Take Me Away, Ha-Haaa
from: Dr. Demento's Delights
Warner Bros. 1975 BS 2855 0698

Remember when you ran away and I got on my knees and begged you not to
leave because I'd go berserk?? Well...

You left me anyhow and then the days got worse and worse and now you see
I've gone completely out of my mind.. And..

They're coming to take me away, ha-haaa!!
They're coming to take me away, ho-ho, hee-hee, ha-haaa

To the funny farm. Where life is beautiful all the time and I'll be
happy to see those nice young men in their clean white coats and they're
coming to take me away, ha-haaa!!!!!

You thought it was a joke and so you laughed, you laughed when I had said
that loosing you would make me flip my lid.. RIGHT???
I know you laughed, I heard you laugh, you laughed you laughed and
laughed and then you left, but now you know I'm utterly mad... And..


They're coming to take me away, ha-haaa,
They're coming to take me away, ho-ho, hee-hee, ha-haaa.
To the happy home. With trees and flowers and chirping birds and basket
weavers who sit and smile and twiddle their thumbs and toes and they're
coming to take me away, ha-haaa!!!

I cooked your food, I cleaned your house, and this is how you pay me back
for all my kind unselfish loving deeds.. Huh??
Well you just wait, they'll find you yet and when they do they'll put you
in the ASPCA, you mangy mutt!!! And...

They're coming to take me away, ha-haaa.
They're coming to take me away, ho-ho, hee-hee, ha-haaa.
To the funny farm, where life is beautiful all the time and I'll be happy
to see those nice young men in their clean white coats and they're coming
to take me away, ha-haaa!!!
To the happy home, with trees and flowers and chirping birds and basket
weavers who sit and smile and twiddle their thumbs and toes and they're
coming to take me away, ha-haa!!!
To the funny farm, where life is beautiful all the time... (fade out)

I just checked the name of this Message Board *LOL*

I guess this is another facet of what makes us a
Tir na nOggian.

(reckless regard for what constitutes common sense)
*G*

or rather, reckless disregard ... *LOL*

careful with the use of "us" Seamus.

oh lacie you are so partiular

I think I meant particular...lol... must have been a bit squiffy!!!!!! lol...sorry lacie...ludd limps off with hangover........

*leaves an ice pack to help with the headache*

ludd gets out spoon and eats ice...uh oh sure thats not right..........

....somehow, I should have known that Seamus would have a copy of the Dr.Demento album...*g*

You mean you don't, celt?

I thought everybody did.

Altough I will admit that I didn't pay for my copies of the good Dr.
Is broke a common facter in Tir?

Damn....now I'm gonna have to go out and get a copy....LOL

Celt ....if you'd like....I'll sell you my 8-track copy. *LOL*

*pssssssst.... whispering from a dark corner....*

Over hear, you buncha looneys. No, it's NOT Jack Nicholson, it's ..... *ta daaaa* Me.

What if I told you, I was about to have an AUDIENCE WITH THE GREAT INNKEEPER HIMSELF, and that I could find out the "true meaning of" ... What makes us Tir na nOggian, straight from the horses.. eh.. Pontiff's mouth?

What would you say to that?

Huh?

What if?

*smirking and lurking*......

.....and the smirking is....why?...

*shakes head and goes in search for that perfect fry recipe*

Remember what happened whrn Dorothy and her gang got to the end of the yellow brick road?

*Acc standing on a box behind a curtain*
Don't bring a small dog !!!!

Smirking because..... "We" get to meet Acc next week!!!

And no "Yellow Brick Road" Stuff, however, We (ace reporter with handy photographer sidekick) will have pen, pad and a complete interview list.

Anybody from the Looney Bin wanna throw out some.. "Everything-you-wanted-to-know-but-were-afraid-to-ask-The-Innkeeper" type questions????

Hmmm, I seeing a "Small Gathering," Personal Interview Secion,with complete photo layout in the Innkeeper Bio secion? Whatyathink Wizzard, emm.. I mean Acc?

Ace Reporter & Sidekick Photographer
*leaving tomorrow morning btw*

*and the crowd gasped in unison*

*sigh* ... remember, on another string, we worked out he is JUST a MAN (hiding behind that 'desiderata ' curtain)............... Just a bloke *sighs again*

Have LOTSA fun you guys!!! Have a Guinness for me, OK? .. and then another .. and then one more for the road ..... *hic*

Lad, Wun, Acc ... be Merry together, and just think of the rest of us for a moment. *hug*

*hands on hips* ... now how did you know it was us? Darn, gotta work on my costuming.

Well, does anybody wanna know anything about the Innkeeper, while we are there next week?????

MckWun

Hold tight, now we're off to the Emerald Isle
It's as if we're looking through the eyes of a child,
The years have passed, but the memories have stayed,
And a loving price for this has been paid,
We will bring back treasures to fill your curiosity,
This site is more than a "man" with his humorous anonymity
It's you... and it's I... sharing our place in the sun,
The anticipation is heady...Love always, Mick & Wun~

1 oz Tyrconnel whiskey 4 oz egg nog