Betty's profileJourneysPhotosBlogListsMore  |  Tools Help |
|
April 26 Five Days and CountingHave just been reading a few of my entries made during my three-month stay in Scotland during the winter of 2005-2006.
My heart is full of joy, peace, and anticipation of being in that beloved land again. There is something about Scotland, the land itself. Walking in The Highlands, driving through pastoral scenes of sheep in Fife...so much beauty....couple that with the history of the people...the bravery, the gallantry, the sorrows endured, the joy of life....and it brings everything into perspective. What is real and important in one's life.
My "sheepies" - so looking forward to seeing the sheep dotting the landscape virtually everywhere. Perhaps this time I'll get to touch one.
We plan to go over to the Isle of Mull while in The Highlands this time. We'll take a ferry and then explore the island. That's a new place for me; we've not made it to the Isles on previous trips.
Although I am so wanting to be with family and friends, I am especially looking forward to the times Dave and I have together. Walking through Dave's beloved Edinburgh and our time in The Highlands, when it will be just the two of us....the rest of the world shut out. We'll be staying at Clachaig Inn in Glen Coe. There are walking paths with trailheads virtually right at the Inn's front door.
This year is Homecoming Scotland 2009, honoring the 250th birthday of Robert Burns, with events scheduled all over Scotland during the year.
We are indeed "coming home."
April 20 The Gift of the OwlsTwo years ago in the Fall we started hearing owls here, very close. They foretold the passing of my mother that November.
Ever since, we have heard the calls of the Great Horned Owl frequently outside our home.
These elusive birds of the night never allowed us to see them. Until a few weeks ago.
One was perched in a tree in the field next door, at twilight, distinctly a Great Horned. A few seconds passed and it was joined by another smaller...the male. The pair sat for a wee while, giving us our first glimpse of them....and they were apparently checking us out.
A day or two later we noticed that Momma Owl has nested in what was last year possibly a squirrel nest right over our back garden. Poppa comes to visit now and then, and we often fall asleep to their conversation with each other. Looking much like a big cat sitting in the nest with her signature tufts, Momma is steadfastly awaiting the arrival of her little ones. We anticipate returning from Scotland to the squawk of baby owls.
The photo of the owl on this site was taken one evening. We went out to sit on the patio and noticed Poppa (?) sitting quite close on a low branch. He looked at us. We looked at him. I went into the house to get my camera, came back out, and snapped the photo. He obligingly posed for me. So splendid...so allowing himself to be so close....
The Gift of the Owls...during this time of the passing of souls....it is a gift that brings comfort during the night with their calls and during the day with the promise of new life.
I am honored by and grateful for their presence.
Bittersweet TimesThese days are bittersweet.
My beloved cousin, my big sister really, is fading from this world. The spirit of a granddaughter due this June in Scotland went upwards to Heaven on Good Friday. We are leaving on our trip to Scotland in less then two weeks, a trip planned months ago.
We spent a few days around Easter camping near my cousin's home in the Piney Woods of Texas. Another cousin from North Texas came down with his tent and dog, and we had such a special weekend. My girl cuz was able to join us on two occasions and we all just soaked each other up, living in the moment, cherishing the moment, the laughter, the love, the joy captured in our hearts and minds always.
The news of the loss of the wee bairn overshadowed the weekend and our thoughts and hearts were with our family in Scotland. Once home, Dave and I felt the full impact of this loss and experienced some very rough days. Every day now is a little better. This little girl taken from us so early....we will love her always.
Our trip to Scotland will be bittersweet...seeing family and friends...walking the Highlands on our three days alone in Glen Coe...meeting our grandson in person for the first time....visiting his little sister's grave.
I know that ancient, mystical, beautiful land of Scotland will work her healing on me again, just as she did two years ago. I will be going to the home of my soul.
So much sorrow these days...yet looking at the photographs of our camping weekend, Dave and I weathering this storm together, my hand in his strong hand....there is so much joy.
I am blessed with so many friends and family who are true, loving, grounded.....I am blessed with my own personal inner strength....I am blessed by my spirituality and faith in the promise of something peaceful, grand and glorious after this earthly journey. I am indeed blessed by the presence of this man in my life...a man strong yet unafraid of showing his emotions....I am blessed by the family he has given me in Scotland.
More of a big sister to me and defintely a soul-mate, my cousin has led the way in so many times of our lives....taught me so much...she and I have "been there" for one another. We have laughed together until we cried....and cried together until there was nothing to do but laugh. Should she pass before me, I know she will be waiting for me....showing me the way....that and the memories we have made in the last few months...those are the jewels of this experience called cancer.
There is a reason for everything. I believe...I know.... this.
I will miss her presence fiercely. My world without her is almost beyond imagination. I do know I will still talk with her and that she will walk beside me until we meet again in spirit.
Cherish each moment, every loved one - through good times and difficult ones.
Peace, all. |
|
|
