Green Beer & a Bagpipe Parade

Working from home today, I gazed out my living room window, down Logan Street, and recalled a surreal moment a few Christmas Eve's ago, while sitting in this same chair. Instead of catching the morning sun coming through the trees eager for Spring, there was a light snowfall drifting through the haze of a streetlight. My ears perked up to the whisper of a beautiful melody calling from the street. I got up and went to the window and caught the sight of bagpipers, donning their traditional kilts and tartan, playing as the snowflakes fell. It took my breath away. Sitting in that same seat today, despite the sunshine and the Irish holiday, the streets were still.  

So, as I looked up from my computer screen, craving the magic of community that I felt that Christmas Eve night, I decided to ask for it. For some of us extroverts, even a few days tucked away in our homes can feel like a lot and I was yearning for the spark of connection. I decided to post on the "Eastown Residents" Facebook Group to see if anyone knew the bagpipers, and to see if they might be able to talk them into a St. Patrick's Day serenade. By now, many of us have seen the videos of people in Italian cities, confined to their homes for multiple days, taking to their terrace balconies to join a neighborhood ensemble or chorus. It was inspiring. Well, the sun was shining and the day felt ripe for something special. 

Within the hour, the post had gained traction and the sister of the legendary Eastown Bagpiper had been contacted. She gave me the incredible news that her brother was in town and was up for the show. Three hours later, Jesse on the bagpipes, and his pal on the drum, took off for a 90-minute parade along the streets of Eastown, bringing joy to so many homebound neighbors. 

Harmony beers were cracked, food coloring was busted out of the pantry, and some classic Eastowners chose to inhale their green instead of wear it - but whatever the celebration of choice - it was a festive moment for all. Neighbors waved from porches, toasted from arms-length, and kept their jigs to a safe six feet.

It's days like these, friends, that we have the opportunity to find unique ways to come together and support one another. It's days like these, I'm so grateful to call myself an Eastown Resident.

I also made this little vid with some pics people submitted. :) 

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Thanks to my pals at Rapid Growth Media for sharing this story on their site!