How to Feel Like an Idiot

I'm doing two things that make me feel like an idiot, an absolute rookie. I'm learning to play the classical flute from scratch. And I'm learning the Irish-Gaelic language.

When I first picked up the flute, I couldn't make a single sound on it. Now I'm making big progress! I can sound out G, A, B, C, D. 

And now for a mighty leap: higher register E, F, and G. Having some trouble with these notes!

The Irish-Gaelic is another story for another blog entry.

I must say that I am proud of myself, starting these very challenging things at age 63.

St. Patrick' Day Greeting in Irish-Gaelic

Dia Dhuit. Is mise Bob Coughlin. Tá mé i mo chonaí i gCleveland, Ohio.
Lá Fhéile Pádraig Shona Duit!
Beannachtaí! Slán!

Hello [God to you]. I am Bob Coughlin. I live in Cleveland, Ohio.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day to you!
Blessings! Goodbye!

Great Resource for Learning Irish-Gaelic

I have another blog that I have neglected lately focused on learning Irish-Gaelic: http://learningirishgaelic.blogspot.com/. My latest entry mentions a tremendous resource for all learners of Irish called The Gaelminn Gazette, a digital magazine (or "e-zine") for learners. This magazine can be reached by going to the home page of Gaeltacht Minnesota, http://www.gaelminn.org/index.htm, and then clicking on the link "Latest Gaelminn Gazette."

Gaeltacht Minnesota is a tremendous resource and we are very grateful to them, Go raibh maith agut!

Irish needs intelligent, well-organized groups like them if the language is to be saved and if it is to thrive. It probably also needs ragtaggle groups like "Gaeltacht Cleveland," we who meet Wednesday nights, 7-9 PM, at the Irish-American Club East Side, in Euclid, Ohio (E. 228th Street and Lake Shore Boulevard--in the basement near the pub). Come and join us!