The Harp & Shamrock

With fiery red hair, a face full of freckles and skin like milk, as a young girl I was the poster child for Ireland. Not feeling very connected to any American heritage (What is that anyway? Burgers, apple pie, hot dogs? Gross.), I started reading books on Scotland and Ireland — where my people are from originally. Back then my stepfather, also Irish, called me Cailin or Colleen, an Irish term of endearment meaning “girl.” As a rebellious teen-ager, I drew tattoos on the inside of my wrists and arm bands on my biceps with permanent marker without really knowing what the designs and symbols meant. I let my fascination with Irish culture wane after high school.

While walking in the Proctor District last weekend, I was pleased to stop in at The Harp & Shamrock, a store fully devoted to all things Irish. I picked up a black and white window decal ($3.75) depicting the spirit of Keltia: Two lovers sharing a sacred vessel (goblet, wine glass, bowl), limbs entwined above two serpent heads. I fell in love with a Worry Monk ($6.75), a smooth clear glass, mostly round sculpture inspired by stone carvings at Jerpoint Abbey in County Kilkenny, Ireland, that I found on another shelf. The little sculpted face is smooth and comforting in the palm of my hand, much like a worry stone. No two are alike.

Haunting wails of highland pipes cried from a CD player, and I swear I could smell the sea air.
The shop carries a huge selection of fine Irish imports: socks, sweaters, ties, jewelry, perfume, soap, carvings, statues, framed artwork, and more.

[The Harp & Shamrock, 2704 N. Proctor, Tacoma, 253.752.5012]

Beauregard’s Salon

Beauregard’s Salon in University Place has been open for two years. I’m not sure how I’ve been driving right past it all this time, but its their tasteful green neon sign just grabbed my attention. It was after 5 p.m., but I decided to take my chances and see if someone was on hand to wax the stray hairs on my brow line (not that those baby fine blonde hairs can be detected by anyone but me).

The polite receptionist checked who could take a walk-in. Christine appeared like an angel and whisked me back to a private room, laid me down, applied a hot wax and quick yank and had me back on my feet, nicely hairless and smiling within 10 minutes flat. Eyebrow waxing runs $15. I gladly handed over a $20 and promised to call ahead next time.

[Beauregard’s Salon, 4117 Bridgeport Way W., University Place, 253.565.7787]