WITH TWO DAYS until St. Patrick’s Day, there’s still time to pull off some leprechaun magic. The type of magic that will bring joy into someone’s day, just like it did mine eight years ago.
Let me explain by first qualifying that I am neither Catholic nor Irish. But I do like the color green. In fact, it’s my favorite hue. And I do have some really loving friends.
On St. Patrick’s Day 2015, I opened my living room curtains to a field of shamrocks planted in my yard. I dashed outside on that sunny March morning without an inch of snow on the ground (yes, unbelievable in Minnesota) to solve the mystery.
My route took me through the garage and past our van parked in the driveway. Tucked behind a windshield wiper was a shamrock. Onward I went toward that field of green, centered by one oversized three-leaf clover. I’VE BEEN SHAM ‘ROCK’ED read a printed message on that central shamrock.
Immediately I suspected one of two young families. It didn’t take long to determine that Jesse and Tammy and kids had undertaken this St. Patrick’s Day surprise. Young Jack signed his name with his words, “You are smart.” Oh, Jack, you little leprechaun.
The happiness I felt, the overwhelming love I felt for these dear, caring friends touched me in a way that left me smiling all day. That they would craft these paper shamrocks and then volunteer Jesse to sneak into our yard before daybreak, before he commuted to his job in the metro, to plant these clovers impressed me. What kindness. What love.
I realize the time remaining until St. Patrick’s Day is short. But if you have the time and inclination, I encourage you to “shamrock” a neighbor, a friend, anyone in need of a little joy. Personalize the shamrocks with messages that uplift. I assure you, the recipient will feel gratitude for your loving act of kindness. I did. Eight years later, that March 17 remains memorable. I was gifted not with the luck of the Irish, although shamrocks symbolize good luck, but rather with happiness by a friendly family of leprechauns.
© Copyright 2023 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
that is such a cute community initiative! I love this and green is my fav color, too.
I do hope some of my readers take this idea and run with it. To make it easier, pre-made shamrocks could be purchased (maybe at a dollar store). This could be adapted. It’s just such a fun way to spread kindness, happiness and love.
I might do this for my condo neighbors, love the idea
Oh, you should. And if you do, please share.
This makes me smile and my heart happy 🙂 I married into an Irish family – lucky me – hehe. My mister is currently brining a brisket and will do an 8 hour smoke on Saturday to make corned beef. He has been doing this over the past few years now. YUMMY! Happy Luck, Happy Blessings, Happy Day – Enjoy
So you really celebrate and I love that making of corn beef, which is becoming a family tradition. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
This is so sweet and beautiful thing to do, whether Irish or not!
It was and it is. And you’re right. Irish or not, it doesn’t matter.
What a lovely thing to do!! ❤
It was and I hope this post inspires others to shamrock someone.
How fun to find shamrocks in the yard! Much better than toilet paper! ha
Definitely way better than toilet paper in the trees. 🙂