Loreena McKennitt

My day consisted of editing, rewriting, and formatting. I turned Four Broads and an Irish Wake into a book. Well a self published one. I am printing copies as my Christmas letter/gift for my family. After printing and reviewing four copies that were called “FINAL,” I think it’s done. 

The last step was to type: “Copyright © 2013 by Pamela Pimental. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America.  No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever…” As I typed I realized that I had part of Loreena McKennitt’s Dante’s Prayer in the story. Not that this is going to be a best seller or even circulated but if I am trying to protect my intellectual property should I ask permission to use hers? 

So I googled “Loreena McKennitt” and “permission.” Her record company in Canada popped up along with an email address for intellectual property. Let me say that again. In seconds I had contact with an international star’s business manager. I find this exhilarating. An age of instant information makes my heart sing.

Years ago, I wrote a book Rosanne and Me. As a period piece in the fifties, I scrounged around libraries and used book stores to find prices, name brands, styles, and the like to keep the story authentic. It was a monumental task. Now Google or Bing or Ask, information is yours.

Now I wait to see how fast Ms. McKennitt’s business department returns emails. I bet it is faster than snail mail or fax. Yes?

Emerald Isle

I am packing and getting excited. In six days, I will wing my way to the Emerald Isle. My trip will fulfill the last request of my dearly departed Moose—Paul.

It had been our plan for years to go to Ireland for a vacation when he got well. He didn’t. At the end we planned his memorial service in Fremont, one in Sacramento, and the scattering of his ashes upon a park in the Bay area.  Every detail of his wishes, I kept true. The playing of Amazing Grace on the bagpipes. Rebeca singing in Spanish, How Great Thou Art! Tamera reciting the lyrics to Loreena McKennitt’s Dante's Prayer which at the moment plays softly in the background of my computer.

But his last request was to ask me carry his ashes around my neck in a silver locket and to bring the last of his ashes with me to Ireland. I am to find a pub that we would have picked had we gone there together.
 “There,” Paul said, “I would have drunk whiskey till the pub closed. So I want you to flush my ashes down the john…because you know part of me would have ended up there any way.”
Who could have turned down such a noble quest?

I take with me three princesses—my goddaughter Brandy, cousins Cindy and Carol—that loved Paul like I do. After two years, we finally carry his ashes to his ancestral homeland on his maternal side. 

We will dance, drink and sing. We will celebrate and remember the man.

Cast your eyes on the ocean

Cast your soul to the sea

When the dark night seems endless

Please remember me

    Loreena McKennitt’s Dante's Prayer

Today’s Menu:

Breakfast: Hot oatmeal and almond milk. Coffee with agave syrup and almond milk.

Snack: Home grown Fuji Apples

Lunch: Pasta, peas, marinara.

Snack:  Home grown Fuji apples

Dinner: Leftover black bean soup and sourdough bread

Snack: Chocolate covered cranberries