The Carter family is one of the most important groups in the history of country and old time music. It is a popular belief that bluegrass traces back as far as Bill Monroe and farther, but it actually goes all of the way back to the music of the Carter Family, and before that goes all of the way back to Ireland. Many of the most important songs found the origin of their popularity in the renditions done by this famous country family, and so for anyone who likes country, bluegrass, or old time music, this is definitely the place to start.
As a member of the Carter family tree, I am proud to be able to trace my lineage back to this awesome and talented family. It does not really seem like it is right to take their accomplishments as my own, but still, since I have discovered that I am a member of this line, it is hard not to feel something for it. It just is really an incredible feeling to know that, while other people’s grandparents were working hard in whatever their chosen trade, mine were able to make a living and become enduring legends, off of their beautiful singing and playing. There are not too many people who can really make that claim, and I am proud to be one of the proud few who can. The Carter family are really an amazing part of American culture and in my daily life, I do my best to try to carry on their legacy in what little ways that I can. It is not always too much, but I have begun singing down at the local coffee shop, trying to make something of my own little melodies. Doing what you can, as my mother always used to say, is the most important thing.
Of course, if you have never listened to Carter family recordings, they may just sound a little bit strange to you. They are, after all, some pretty old music and so you should probably take your time to get to listen to them with older ears before passing judgment. Times have changed and that can make it hard to really listen to old music with an open ear, but I think that it is always worth trying to. You should think how much you could gain from it. It might enrich your life.
As a descendant of Irish immigrants, I have a soft spot for the cultures of our westerly neighbors. I am particularly attracted to their art and the naturalist elements that are apparent in many designs of the region. I love Celtic jewelry and wear several silver pieces every day. Celtic designs are centered around mostly natural elements, a quality that I love about the designs.
Many Celtic designs are complex and beautiful representations of the world around us. You will often see images of plants and trees in Celtic designs. You can find an endless amount of images of Celtic artistry on the internet. I used the internet to find such images when I was drafting my first tattoo.
I have a tattoo on my back that is a tri-skellion, the Celtic version of the trinity. The Celtic version of the trinity does not relate to the catholic trinity. Celtic designs incorporate the power of three to mirror the natural balance of threes as seen in the life cycles of birth, life, and death. The past, present, and future represent another triplet that is a natural harmony honored in Celtic designs. My tattoo has many elements in it and all of them are aspects drawn from nature. There are a lot of leaves and vines in these designs and I chose the Celtic tree of life to be a part of my tattoo.
Another important characteristic of Celtic designs are spirals. This element is present in almost all Celtic designs and an important part of the art and spirituality of Celts. If you have ever seen the movie Pi, then you are already aware of the implied significance of the spiral. If you have not seen this movie, I highly recommend it as an interesting look at math, mysticism, and the human mind. Check it out. I think I have watched it about a dozen times. I think that I may even own it.
Back to the ranch. If you are a nature lover you will probably enjoy Celtic art and jewelry. If you know a nature lover, Celtic jewelry or art would make a good gift idea. Poesies are short poems that can be found on a lot of Celtic and Irish jewelry and add a special touch to a great gift. Poesy gifts are unique and speak to an innocent romance that I miss in today’s culture. Like the claddagh ring that has been popular in America for decades, poesy jewelry is destined to be a perennial favorite.
