New Exclusive Stock in the Shop

Many of you may have seen the dark green Jersey in the shop
that says "Ireland" across the front.

I now have Scotland Jersey in that style. Done on a dark
(St.Andrews Flag) blue, white striping down the side, and sleeve ends,
and the word "Scotland" in cut-out white letters across the front.
These are being sold at the low price of $35.00 US,
(normally priced at closer to 89.00 and up). An excellent value to show the pride
you carry for your homeland or your favorite team from Scotland.

My Best to All attending the Highland Games. If you have Clan Association ...
make sure to stop by your Clan's tent and say hello to those that dedicate their
time and effort to keeping you in touch with your heritage.

Alba Gu Brath!!!!

The Wallace Muse

Scotland 2005 saw many Memorial activities to honour William Wallace and his sacrifice
for his country.

The first funeral for Wallace was held at St. Bartholomew's Cathedral, (the Old Kirk), in London. This ancient infirmary and Kirk, sits in close proximity to "Smithfield" where Wallace was executed (in what some would call an act of murder), by the English on August 23rd 1305.

I wrote a Eulogy for this event and it was included in a book published in Edinburgh that year.

I was honoured (beyond belief), by having my poem included in the ranks of the late great writers in history. Sir Walter Scott, Robert Burns, Wordsworth, Blind Harry, and Hamilton to name a few, and the best poets of Scotland today; including, but not limited to Edwin Morgan the present Poet Laureate of Scotland.

I was also honoured by having the priveledge, ... to recite this poem, (I had written, speaking about the sacrifice Wallace had made), at the Scottish Parliament Bldg. for the assembly there on 6th Sept. of that year.

Included in the covers of this text are the poems and artworks of history that were inspired by the life and legend of Sir William Wallace ...Scotland's premiere patriot, and freedom fighter.
To find this text, ...check the "Books I Recommend" link in the sidebar of this blogsite.

Good Evening and All the Best to you,
Linda

The Warriors and Wordsmiths of Freedom

I'm sad to say that the release of my book, (titled above), has once again been delayed.
The production staff in Edinburgh is having some difficulty in getting the final lay-out from the man that handles that phase of the production.
Once I receive this and approve it, the book will go to the printer.
I have the utmost confidence in my publishing house and know that the crew there are doing all they can to hurry this process along.
Thanks for your patience in this.
On a more upbeat note, ...
I'm presently working on a short story about Beltane Night, inspired by the poem featured here on a prior blog.

And, ...
Summer is in full swing and once again I'm meeting up with fine folk that I haven't seen in a few years. Brilliant!

Hope to see you in the shop soon.

All the Best,
Linda

Bagpipes on The Royal Mile, Edinburgh

In the wake of the "45" and the defeat at Culloden Moor, the British Government put a ban on the playing of the Bagpipes and the wearing of the Tartan, by those in Scotland. It was called the 'Proscription Act'. These two items were seen as 'Weapons of War' and obviously frightened the rank and file of those that considered themselves as supporters of the crown of England.

Now it seems that the residents of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh have decided to take that same oppressive action, against themselves. Not all residents ...mind...just the ones that have taken the time to call the local authority and issue "Complaints against the Noise".

A ban on playing the Pipes has been enacted in Edinburgh. Unbelievable !!!!!

With the Americans getting ready to celebrate their own Independence by shooting off fireworks, (much louder than the Pipes could ever be), I could not see, that same 'issue' happening here. I mean, what would happen if a few people decided to raise a riot act about firework and ask for a ban? No doubt the population would rise-up in protest and keep the 'insanity of that cause' from ever coming to pass.

I live in Seaside and the fireworks have been going off each night now for a few weeks, as soon as the sun goes down. And will continue for weeks after the 4th of July comes and goes.
But we don't call the police each time we hear a loud boom, we understand that this is part of what living at the beach is all about. People come here for the ability to be able to celebrate the season of Freedom's Cause and blow off a bit of steam for it. We are all better equipped to deal with the rest of the year because of it.

When did the few whiners of the world actually take rank over the wants and wishes of the larger majority? When did the shift happen in society, where the few that have intolerance of tradition, have the ear of the police, more than the masses?

What is Scotland without the shrill of the Pipes? How many of you that have been in Edinburgh, have actually followed the sound to seek out the Piper, and watch the show?
Scotland is in a deep debate about Independence and Freedom from their ties to England.
Next thing you know they'll be outlawing the wearin' of the Kilt again...
because some pinch-face person took offense by seeing a man's tackle hangin' down,
when his kilt was caught in a updraft.

I trust those in control do not fall into the auld trap...of the oppressed, once finding their freedom, ...becoming the new oppressors.

When the sounds of music .. becomes noise, and the human body .. becomes offensive it's time to re-assess ....who we are ...and realize ...this feeling of self-importance that mankind is so strongly holding onto ....has gotten out of hand.

The Bard

How to contact me, ...and have me respond

To the rank and file of those of you that check this site:

If you wish to contact me, that's simple enough ...just leave a comment.

If you wish me to contact you, (in response) you must leave your email address in the comment, (within the text).

Otherwise ...you see, .... there's no way for me to do it.

All the best,
Linda (The Bard)

Here's something about William Wallace

For a very long time, many parts of William Wallace's life have been debated.
What year he was born, where he was born, a commoner or lower gentry, etc...
One thing caught up in debate was: whether Wallace had left the country (Scotland) for France to seek aid from the Pope in Avignon, after the defeat at Falkirk.

There was never any documented proof of this, and the information had come down through folklore and rumour. He had 'disappeared' for a period of time, and no trace was known of his whereabouts.

Then awhile back an item did come to the surface that gives undoubted proof that he was in fact in France. Unfortunately this item, (a letter of safe conduct given by the King of France, and on William Wallace's person when he was captured at Robroyston on 3rd August 1305) sits in a drawer in England.

There is a campaign to return this item to Scotland, and your help is needed.
So, click on this, sign the petition and speak your sense in the comment section. Cast your vote for Freedom !



The Bard

Beltane Night

Never go out on Beltane Night to cross the moors alone.
The Faeryfolk come out at dark to dance 'round the Rowan.

Stay inside, lock the doors, and sit down by the fire;
Leave the Wee Folk to theirs ways and their own desire.

When seasons change and Beltane comes, then moves the Faery Host
from Winter's Quarters cross the moors to their fresh Springtime Post.

If ever a woman, man or child should chance to catch a glimpse,
a curse will fall upon their heads, from these mischievous imps.

Some lose their sight, some lose their hair, a strong man lost his mind;
a woman once went barren, one lad we never could find.

So never go out on Beltane Night to cross the moors alone..
you may just, see a Faery, and be, ... the last you've ever done.

So listen to your Nana ...granddaughter and grandson ...
And never go out on Beltane Night to cross the moors alone.

copyright 2008
Linda MacDonald-Lewis