Who Are You? Where Are You From?

My Day of Rest, Original oil on canvas Helen Tilston

Who Are You, Where Are You All From?

During my single days some years ago, three of us were out for a drink following a difficult day at the office. We were deep in conversation when I noticed a table of handsome men glancing in our direction. Finally one plucked up courage to approach our table, shuffled his feet  and in a  shy fashion asked "Where Y'all From" (I think he was from Texas) I responded, I am from Ireland, Gillian is from Jamaica and Jen is from India  (both Gillian and Jen are caucasian of English descent).  The Texan, disbelieving, got all huffed and said "Lady if you do not wish to talk to me just say so, but you don't have to tell lies and be  a smart a**). 

Come and Stay Awhile, Original Oil on canvas Helen Tilston

Original Oil paintings by Helen Tilston

Recently at one of our art openings a lady approached me and asked me where I was from, I told her Ireland.  She said "we all thought you were French, you paint like a French artist, you even look French" A flattering compliment which I accepted graciously.

I pondered and wondered why she felt so strongly that I was French and then I remembered that I am a Celt and that is a possible answer.
The Celts were a diverse group of tribal societies in the Iron Age and Roman-era Europe who spoke Gaelic. Linguistically they still survive in  Ireland, Scotland, the Isle of Man, Wales, Cornwall, Brittany and in the Basque region of Spain.  Their influence is visible in these regions.

The Irish group, The Chieftains, did a documentary featuring the Celtic music and traditions still prevalent in these places, outside Ireland.   I was unsuccessful in finding the video on u tube, however this Chieftain recording featuring Alison Krauss  I feel is appropriate.

I hope my fate differs from Molly Ban's

Who are you and where are you from?