A few days ago I was speaking with my friend, the author Peter Quinn. I mentioned that I was considering a multimedia approach for telling my stories. Peter thought that was a good idea and suggested that a story I had published on my blog last week, My Ancestor’s “White Wings”, might make a nice video. And so that’s where I began. I turned “White Wings” into a short video and I presented it at last night’s Irish American Writers and Artists’ Salon at The Cell. Here it is. I hope you enjoy it.
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I knew little about those who came before my grandparents. I didn’t know their names or their places of birth. There were a few photos, but no leters, no family heirlooms, and hardly a story. Through birth, baptismal, marriage and death certificates, and through the US Census, I cobbled together what I could of their lives.
Brooklyn born author, and the son of Irish immigrants, Pete Hamill, said of our immigrant ancestors, “We know what they gave up. They gave up their countries and in some cases their languages. They worked at the lousiest, rottenest jobs in order to put food on our tables. We have to honor that for the rest of our lives.”
One such Irish immigrant was my great great grandfather John Coakley. John was a street cleaner. How much can one study or write about a street cleaner?
TODAY’S SONG: WHITE WINGS/OYSTEIN SEVAG
I love it……..Bravo, my friend!
Thanks so much, Arlene.
It kept me mesmerized. Loved every minute of it.
Thanks so much, Fran. Maybe I’ll do a few more.
Setting it all in motion. Transporting…The immigrant story is an American story.
Is this the piece that premiered at the Salon?
Beautiful piece.
Yes, Toni, this is the piece I did at the IAW&A Salon.
Thanks for those kind words.
You’ve added another layer to your art. It works so well.
I hadn’t thought of it that way, Marcia. Nicely said. Thank you.
Great story about the history of New York’s immigrants. The word Dignity strikes a chord in my heart. They sacrificed so much to bring so much to us. Mahalo.
I know you really relate to this, Lorenzo. Yes, these folks really sacrificed. Thanks so much.
You gave the White Wings the Dignity that they passed on to us. Bravo Charlie.
Hadn’t thought of it that way, LR. You’re right. Thank you.
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This is exquisite, Charlie. If this is what you’ve been doing in your “time off” it’s been very well spent, indeed. I agree with Marcia, and would add that it feels to me as if you may have found your passion. Congratulations. Jeanie
You might be onto something, Jeanie. I’m sitting here at this moment putting the finishing touches on another. Thanks for those very kind words and all your support, including this morning’s post of “White Wings” on your blog page. I really do appreciate that.