Iron Bess

Have a drink mate... might cinch up your ability to be a mite friendlier. Many people are interested in store bought outfits at Halloween... but in this port, most of us Pirates acquire hand made duds that are extremely costly and very personal. (Shrug) Nothing against your wares whatsoever. It's just that your market might be smaller here... However don’t you think (As Mr. Smee would say ) it’s*bad form* to insult those you are trying to sell to? Heavens, step up and be part of the fun, don’t spit on it. (Hello! Pirate!!)

Great pants! A real nice choice...

Well, it’s been *raised up* so to speak… It’s 200 year old maple that has been brought up from the lakes in Wisconsin by the Ashland Timber co. And I’m here to tell ya… it makes GREAT Tippers! (chuckle) I kinda like the thought of a seafaring Tipper that comes to me from *the depths*

(chuckle) My guess is since they only seem to show up in the second picture.... is that they are all fleeing the smell of the paint and plaster work!

Wow!! The Beater arrived yesterday! It's stunning!! And ( ) he even burned the name *Iron Bess* into the grip! How lucky I am

Aye, there were indeed Irish/Celt Pirates... However the most *Effective* was a woman: Grace O’Malley / Granuaile Grace O’Malley or Granuaile is often described as a sort of "pirate queen." Born in 1530 in Connaught on the West coast of Ireland, the daughter of a chieftain whose clan ruled the area from several castles and a fleet of ships–until the British put the Irish under their rule. Grace went to sea on her clan’s ships very early in life. Granuaile means "bald"–a name which apparently came from her decision to cut her hair short like the men. Otherwise, Grace at first had a very common life; in 1546 she married a young man and had three children by him. When he died, she returned to her clan and took over the fleet, which numbered at least one galley–one of the few in Ireland. Grace remarried in 1566 and moved to County Mayo where she raided other clans and attacked passing merchant ships. When the British came to stop her piratical attacks, Grace fought back, eventually forcing them to retreat. She continued her activities, but now focused more on harassing the British. A later raid on Limerick in 1577 saw her capture and imprisonment for 18 months. Grace’s husband died and she found herself without lands or financial support–Irish law did not guarantee that the wife could inherit the husband’s land. She began raiding the English holdings nearby. This incurred the wrath of the Governor of the province, Sir Richard Bingham, who had her fleet impounded in 1593. Grace felt this was so unjust, she appealed to Queen Elizabeth I by letter and then–when Bingham arrested her son–in person. She asked that the Queen have her fleet released and give Grace an annual stipend to live on for the rest of her days so that she would not have to pirate. She also vowed to fight the Queen’s enemies. No record was made of the meeting (although there are many stories and poems of the encounter), but it did occur, since the Queen wrote to Bingham to do as Grace wished. Bingham kept the ships impounded until he was replaced by his successor. Grace’s son took over the fleet, and was as loyal to the Crown as his mother, as he was made Viscount Mayo in 1627. Grace O’Malley died in 1603.

Okay, I have to ask this…. As stupendous as this room is (and I mean that with all sincerity...) Since you are a Funeral home, do you bring the bereaved in there for council and to arrange the services?? Just curious.

ewwww... no. The Big Figure Black Pearl goes for about $150 and is WELL worth the cost and it is NOT a playset. It's a collectable. If I can find it I'll post a link... It would be very like thisretired figure and with as much detail. Near to the same size too! http://cgi.ebay.com/DISNEY-DISNEYLAND-PETE...1QQcmdZViewItem

thank you.... still mulling it over. Our own Billy Bones has offered to help decorate it as well. That wood is truly beautiful... Still, we'll see.

(Chuckle) This might catch your fancy! http://cgi.ebay.com/Jack-Sparrow-Barbossa-...1QQcmdZViewItem

Awww... No one will accept my blood for donations becasue of all the Heart medications I have to take. Well, me love and thoughts are with you any way.

Ummm.... the question was: "And just what would you like to do with a worthy lad?" (Shrug) Just answered the question.

Oh come now, what woud you suspect? Turn him into a Man.

Oh... I pretty much think you can count on it begining at Spring Ojai!

Thank you Ace... I'm very excited about it. But it all comes down to the sound, right? No matter how beautiful it is it has to have a deep, rich tone. But Mance Drums are wonderful so I know it will be the last drum I ever get. Should have it just before Christmas! Merry Merry!!

Don't be.... never used a Beater this long before although he says the hit points are within my usual range of 8 1/2. Well see how well we work togther. What I am most happy with is that it's 200 year old wood! We'll see.

okay now... how sweet is this? Brian from Brians Beaters (Tipper) used to play the Bodhran, has made me m'own Tipper! (Chuckle) The Iron Bess Celtic Knot. I'm ..... hoping he's not thinking I ought to be fight'n with it Sweet!

Oh I intend to leave the wood showing.... it's lovel,y dark Jacobean wood. Wonderful resonance.... Maybe a thin line of knots with the occational Mermaid or shell interwoven in. Something smple but striking and VERY Sea worthy.

No, no... all opinions are counted. Your not the only one that has said that. It's why I'm asking folks, becasue I'm torn both ways.

Yah... right....... Not saying nothin wrong..... but as humans.... we always find something just a little bit better...... But it looks really cool..... So how does it sound ?...... No, no... having this one custom made by Mance Grady. It will be my last and BEST drum to be sure. It's still under construction (Inside tuning, pro-bar and such like) but when it arrives you'll all be the first to know. Well, okay, after Phoebe I guess. Dog loves to sit and turn her head at it all

Why???

Kass honey.... I that a mirror on your shoe?? RUN WAGE!!

I have a pair of these boots... Very comfy if your on your feet for long periods of time. They work really well for me I can save my dress boots for best and let these take the rigors of Faires.

Raw goat.... traditional.