Re: Ted Christopher « Result #1 on Sept 25, 2009, 5:28am »
well i must admit i have never heard of this guy and am a stirlingshire boy originally so i am shamed into saying his sounds are good from what i heard on the link
11-09-2009 BATTLE OF STIRLING BRIDGE COMMEMORATION
The 11th day of September is a special day in the hearts of many Scots who have an interest in our Nations History. That day 712 years ago 1297 saw the might of a foreign invader defeated by the people’s army of Scotland raised and led by William Wallace and Sir Andrew of Moray. Scotland’s 11/09 now shares its place in History along with a most recent 9/11 where an act of Terrorism was carried out on the native soil of a Nation by those foreign to it. There can be no comparisons other than to say that Scotland’s 11/09 is a date remembered for its victory over those foreign to it. A victory over tyranny and oppression by the people’s army, a victory that was to send a message that the people of Scotland were not going to stand aside and take what a foreign power had planned for it. How relevant it is to look back with pride to the way that the battle of Stirling Brig came about and how that victory was won and how on Friday the 11th of September 2009 a people’s army were to gather at Stirling Castle to march in honour of those who fought and died that very day.
Gathering as light began to fade at the Stirling Castle Car Park it offered a superb view of the field of battle below from the old stone bridge one could visualise the old stone causeway that led to the Abbey Crag. There high on the crag the Wallace Monument standing proud in the early evening sunlight behind which the men of Scotland had gathered all those years ago. Groups, men, women and children from all over Scotland formed up behind the pipe band that was to lead them to “The brig” and that very field of battle. The Society of William Wallace, Crann Tara, Siol nan Gaidheal, Rampant Lions TA, The Crack awe Dawn TA, Armadale, Sons of Wallace TA, Andrew de Moray Project were just a few of the many who made up march.
To the sound of the pipes of the Alloa Bowmar Pipe band pipe band, the marchers followed the route down from the Castle to be greeted by the many tourists and locals who lined the streets. Saltire flags and banners held high with the huge Rampant Lions banner carried over many passing cars to the wonderment of those inside them. Local pubs emptied on route and the marchers were greeted to rounds of applause as they passed by. On to the auld stone brig built early in the 1400’s to replace the timber bridge slightly upstream and made famous as the Battle of Stirling Brig. The marchers made a great spectacle with banners flying as they crossed the old medieval bridge to gather around the commemorative oak tree planted to mark the 700th anniversary of the battle.
Gathering the large crowd were welcomed by the organiser Ted Christopher who introduced the guest speakers in a rousing opening few lines that set the tone for the remainder of the ceremony. Duncan Fenton on behalf of the Society of William Wallace then spoke of the way in which the victory at “Stirling Brig” related to today’s fight for Freedom. The unfortunate death of Andrew of Moray of wounds taken at the battle which was to be a great loss to the campaign that followed. Fergus Wood the SNP Provost of Stirling then produced an excellent speech, thanking those in attendance from Nova Scotia and confirming the Scotland of today owns a great thanks to the likes of William Wallace and Andrew of Moray and the many who fought and died that day. A wreath was laid at the base of the Oak tree with a piper playing the lament. Ted closed the ceremony by thanking all in attendance with an invitation to join him at the ceilidh over the road in the Stirling Rugby Club. The large crowd slowly dispersed to the strains of “Scots Wha Hae” on the pipes.
This commemoration is growing in stature with every passing year and Ted Christopher and The Society of William Wallace are to be congratulated for the way in which this most famous event of Scotland’s History is now being given the recognition it deserves. Good also to see members of the Tartan Army Groups out in force for this and if only half of the Tartan Army membership turned up to events like this there could be more than 15,000 people there. Roll on next years.
By Stewart Connor
After the Commemoration we all made our way to the Stirling Rugby Club where Ted Christopher had organised an evening of entertainment. Little did we know at this stage what a special night this was going to be.
We started off with Ted on his own, singing some of his old favourites, then we had the girls from Celtic Storm doing their Highland dancing along with piper Philip. They put on an excellent show and were rewarded with a big ovation from the crowd. Clanadonia gave us a taste of the tribal drumming before we all sat down and had some stovies and the raffle. Straight after that Ted along with the Bannockburnband played a lot of Scottish dance music which went down very well in the hall. Then to set the boys and girls from the various groups of the Tartan Army we had the Tartan Specials. Once they finished the Bannockburnband took the stage and I have never seen a place erupt as it did, the atmosphere was unreal, something you had to experience to believe it. I dont think anyone remained in their seats for the last half hour. They were brilliant.
Well done to all the groups that were present, I am not even going to ty to name them all as I don't want to forget one and offend someone. But this has to be the greatest night ever, well done Ted and the boys in the band.
I know Ted had a sell out tonight but please remember to order your tickets next year as we will all be coming back for this gig and you don't want to be locked out.
To try is to risk failure. But risk must be taken because the greatest hazard of life is to risk nothing. The person who risks nothing does nothing, has nothing, is nothing. He may avoid suffering and sorrow, but he simply cannot learn, feel, change, grow, live, and love.
Joined: May 2006 Gender: Male Posts: 672 Location: Midlothian Scotland
Re: Mike`s Scotland Trip 2009 « Result #5 on Aug 28, 2009, 8:18am »
Another update for you all from Mike via myself.
Mike and the family have enjoyed their latest trip to Scotland and are now playing the 2011 trip to Scotland. Which I understand was a 100% vote to stay in the Edinburgh Area and spend time with us as their guide again.
Mike is also trying to work his way through over 5000 photos from this trip. So we all look forward to his visual photo trip soon.
To try is to risk failure. But risk must be taken because the greatest hazard of life is to risk nothing. The person who risks nothing does nothing, has nothing, is nothing. He may avoid suffering and sorrow, but he simply cannot learn, feel, change, grow, live, and love.
To try is to risk failure. But risk must be taken because the greatest hazard of life is to risk nothing. The person who risks nothing does nothing, has nothing, is nothing. He may avoid suffering and sorrow, but he simply cannot learn, feel, change, grow, live, and love.
To try is to risk failure. But risk must be taken because the greatest hazard of life is to risk nothing. The person who risks nothing does nothing, has nothing, is nothing. He may avoid suffering and sorrow, but he simply cannot learn, feel, change, grow, live, and love.
To try is to risk failure. But risk must be taken because the greatest hazard of life is to risk nothing. The person who risks nothing does nothing, has nothing, is nothing. He may avoid suffering and sorrow, but he simply cannot learn, feel, change, grow, live, and love.
Joined: May 2006 Gender: Male Posts: 672 Location: Midlothian Scotland
Re: Mike`s Scotland Trip 2009 « Result #12 on Aug 20, 2009, 6:04am »
Hi all just to let you know Mike and the family got out of Edinburgh without any traffic problems thanks to the roads that I know. I let them see the battle sites of the Battle of Pinkie and the the Battle of Prestonpans. Then they turned left on to the A1 south while I heade back home. They should be on the crossing on the ferry just now. I look forward to reading about Mikes Scotland Trip 2009.
Joined: May 2006 Gender: Male Posts: 672 Location: Midlothian Scotland
Re: Mike`s Scotland Trip 2009 « Result #13 on Aug 19, 2009, 7:16am »
Hi all an update via Mike.
Mike and the family are enjoying the stay Edinburgh. They have been doing a lot of shopping. I shall let Mike tell you what they bought. ( Pictures Please )
Mind you both and his wife got a fright last night. We passed them as we were going into Edinburgh last night. So sounded the car horn and waved to them. The look on their faces was good.
I shall meet up with Mike and his family before they leave Edinburgh as I shall guide them out of Edinburgh and onto the Main A 1 South.
Joined: May 2005 Gender: Female Posts: 7,484 Location: Michigan
Re: What Movie You Been Watching Recently? « Result #14 on Aug 19, 2009, 4:05am »
District 9
Thirty years ago, aliens made first contact with Earth. Humans waited for the hostile attack, or the giant advances in technology. Neither came. Instead, the aliens were refugees, the last survivors of their home world. The creatures were set up in a makeshift home in South Africa's District 9 as the world's nations argued over what to do with them.
Now, patience over the alien situation has run out. Control over the aliens has been contracted out to Multi-National United (MNU), a private company uninterested in the aliens' welfare -- they will receive tremendous profits if they can make the aliens' awesome weaponry work. So far, they have failed; activation of the weaponry requires alien DNA.
The tension between the aliens and the humans comes to a head when an MNU field operative, Wikus van der Merwe, contracts a mysterious virus that begins changing his DNA. Wikus quickly becomes the most hunted man in the world, as well as the most valuable -- he is the key to unlocking the secrets of alien technology. Ostracized and friendless, there is only one place left for him to hide: District 9.
Actors Sharlto Copley Wikus Van De Merwe Jason Cope Grey Bradnam-UKNR Chief Correspondent/Christopher Johnson Nathalie Boltt Sarah Livingstone/Sociologist Sylvaine Strike Dr Katrina Mckenzie John Sumner Les Feldman-Mil Engineer William Allen Young Dirk Michaels Greg Melvill-Smith Interviewer Jed Brophy (II) James Hope-Police Officer Kenneth Nkosi Thomas Anthony Bishop (II) Paramedic David Clatworthy MNU Doctor Mike Huff MNU Doctor Anthony Fridjhon (II) MNU Executive Andre Odendaal Mike Van Kerland Louise Saint Claire MNU Medical Scientist Norman Anstey MNU Lead Medical Technician Nick Boraine Craig Weldon Robert Hobbs Ross Pienaar Simo Magwaza MNU Mercenary Sonni Chidiebere MNU Mercenary Matt Stern MNU Mercenary David Dukas MNU Mercenary
To try is to risk failure. But risk must be taken because the greatest hazard of life is to risk nothing. The person who risks nothing does nothing, has nothing, is nothing. He may avoid suffering and sorrow, but he simply cannot learn, feel, change, grow, live, and love.
Joined: May 2005 Gender: Female Posts: 7,484 Location: Michigan
Re: What Movie You Been Watching Recently? « Result #15 on Aug 18, 2009, 3:40am »
TAKEN
Seventeen year-old Kim is the pride and joy of her father Bryan Mills. Bryan is a retired agent who left the Secret Service to be near Kim in California. Kim lives with her mother Lenore and her wealthy stepfather Stuart. Kim manages to convince her reluctant father to allow her to travel to Paris with her friend Amanda. When the girls arrive in Paris they share a cab with a stranger named Peter, and Amanda lets it slip that they are alone in Paris. Using this information an Albanese gang of human traffickers kidnaps the girls. Kim barely has time to call her father and give him information. Her father gets to speak briefly to one of the kidnappers and he promises to kill the kidnappers if they do not let his daughter go free. The kidnapper wishes him "good luck," so Bryan Mills travels to Paris to search for his daughter and her friend.
To try is to risk failure. But risk must be taken because the greatest hazard of life is to risk nothing. The person who risks nothing does nothing, has nothing, is nothing. He may avoid suffering and sorrow, but he simply cannot learn, feel, change, grow, live, and love.
Hi Andi I shall do when we meet up on Sunday. We are going to meet Mike and guide him and the family to the accomodation in Edinburgh. So we shall have time to talk and catch up on things.
They were have been to the cimema to watch the new Harry potter Film and enjoyed this. Plus they were at the same Highland Games as Prince Charles at the weekend.
Plus they appear to be having some good weather up north and to many Highland Midges either.
Neil
How wonderful! I would love to see a Highland Games in Scotland!
To try is to risk failure. But risk must be taken because the greatest hazard of life is to risk nothing. The person who risks nothing does nothing, has nothing, is nothing. He may avoid suffering and sorrow, but he simply cannot learn, feel, change, grow, live, and love.
Joined: May 2006 Gender: Male Posts: 672 Location: Midlothian Scotland
Re: Mike`s Scotland Trip 2009 « Result #17 on Aug 17, 2009, 4:03am »
Pleased to say that Mike and the family have arrived at the Appartment in Edinburgh safe and well. We drove over to Kinross Service Station and meet them then got them to follow us back to Edinburgh. Mike and the family are all looking well. They are resting up tonight. And understand tomorrow they plan to explore the shops of Edinburgh. And this might also take in other places of interest and this may even take in Edinburgh Castle.
Joined: May 2005 Gender: Female Posts: 7,484 Location: Michigan
Re: Romance Through the Pages! « Result #18 on Aug 15, 2009, 8:59pm »
I have pre ordered by my copy, have you?
[Frasers Ridge, North Carolina]
The world was dripping. Freshets leapt down the mountain, grass and leaves were wet with dew and the cabins shingles steamed in the morning sun. Our preparations were made and the passes were clear. There remained only one more thing to do before we could leave.
Today, dye think? Jamie asked hopefully. He was not a man made for peaceful contemplation; once a course of action was decided upon, he wanted to be acting. Babies, unfortunately, are completely indifferent to both convenience and impatience.
Maybe, I said, trying to keep a grip on my own patience. Maybe not.
I saw her last week, and she looked then as though she was goin to explode any minute, Auntie, Ian remarked, handing Rollo the last bite of his bannock. Ken those mushrooms? The big round ones? Ye touch one and poof! He flicked his fingers, scattering bannock crumbs. Like that.
Shes only having the one, no? Jamie asked me, frowning.
I told you--six times so far--I think so. I bloody hope so, I added, repressing an urge to cross myself. But you cant always tell.
Twins run in families, Ian put in helpfully.
Jamie did cross himself.
Ive only heard one heartbeat, I said, keeping a grip on my temper, and Ive been listening for months.
Can ye not count the bits that stick out? Ian inquired. If it seemed to have six legs, I mean...
Easier said than done. I could, of course, make out the general aspect of the childa head was reasonably easy to feel, and so were buttocks; arms and legs a bit more problematical. That was what was disturbing me at the moment.
Id been checking Lizzie once a week for the past monthand had been going up to her cabin every other day for the last week, though it was a long walk. The childand I did hope there was only oneseemed very large, and while babies frequently changed position in the weeks prior to birth, this one had remained in a transverse liewedged sidewaysfor a worryingly long time.
The fact was that without a hospital, operating facilities, or anesthesia, my ability to deal with an unorthodox delivery was severely limited. Sans surgical intervention, with a transverse lie, a midwife had four alternatives: let the woman die after days of agonizing labor; let the woman die after doing a Caesarian section without benefit of anesthesia or asepsisbut possibly save the baby; possibly save the mother by killing the child in the womb and then removing it in bits (Daniel Rawlings had had several pages in his bookillustrateddescribing this procedure), or attempting an internal version, trying to turn the baby into a position in which it might be delivered.
While superficially the most attractive option, that last one could easily be as dangerous as the others, resulting in the deaths of mother and child.
Experience being what it was, I normally managed to distinguish between intelligent planning for contingencies and useless worrying over things that might not happen, thus allowing myself to sleep at night. Id lain awake into the small hours every night for the last week, though, envisioning the possibility that the child wouldnt turn in time, and running through that short, grim list of alternatives in futile search for one more choice.
If I had ether...but what Id had had gone when the house burned.
Kill Lizzie, in order to save the new child? No. If it came to that, better to kill the child in utero, and leave Rodney with a mother, Jo and Kezzie with their wife. But the thought of crushing the skull of a full-term child, healthy, ready to be bornbut I couldnt do that, I hadnt the necessary tool; Id have to decapitate it, instead. And then...
Are ye no hungry this morning, Auntie?
Er...no. Thank you, Ian.
Ye look a bit pale, Sassenach. Are ye sickening for something?
No! I got up hastily before they could ask any more questionsthere was absolutely no point in anyone but me being terrorized by what I was thinkingand went out to fetch a bucket of water from the well.
Amy was outside; she had started a fire going under the big laundry kettle, and was chivvying Aidan and Orrie, who were scrambling round to fetch wood, pausing periodically to throw mud at each other.
Are ye wanting water, [Gaelic - mistress]? she asked, seeing the bucket in my hand. Aidan will fetch it down for ye.
No, thats all right, I assured her. I wanted a bit of air. Its so nice out in the mornings now. It was; still chilly until the sun got high, but fresh, and dizzy with the scents of grass, resin-fat buds, and early catkins.
She took a deep breath of the intoxicating air, her face peaceful and contented.
Aye, it is. She looked down at the tiny girl sleeping in the shawl she had tied sling-fashion over her chest. I was thinking, maybe, as I might call the wee one Redbud. Bobby says it sounds heathen, maybe, and I reckon it is, but I said we could call her first name for a saint. Catherine, maybe; Himself says Saint Catherine was a great scholar, and I should like her to learn to read, she added, a little wistfully.
I touched the tiny round cheek gently. The baby was deeply asleep, puffing slowly like a little steam engine, flushed with her mothers warmth.
Catherine Redbud Higgins is a lovely name, I said. If you like, Himself will be sure to say to Mr. Crombie that he must teach her to read, when shes old enough.
Oh. Well...aye, Amys mouth twisted with doubt. Mr. Crombies no verra pleased at the thought of schooling the lasses, though; he thinks women must stay to hame and be taught by the menbut Bobby canna teach her. Do ye not think ye might be back, maybe, by the time shes grown enough to read? You could teach her, she said hopefully.
Id be glad to teach her, I said, smiling, and hoping the smile hid the minor panic that had arisen with her question. Would we come back? If sowhen? And what would we find?
The baby smacked her lips in her sleep, as though tasting a dream, and we both laughed. I took my bucket and went up the path to the well, taking solace in the peace of little Catherines existence.
She had been born without incidentbar the usual drama of childbirthtwo weeks earlier, in the cabins back room. She was Bobby Higginss first child, and the apple of his eye. Id put her in his arms, then gone back to tend to Amy, and when I came back out, had found him sitting by the fire, crooning a Dorset lullaby to the little bundle in a whisper.
Hed looked up at me, his cheeks wet, and said in wonder, Shes perfect. How can anything be so perfect?
Bobby would make sure his daughter learned to read, I thought. He wasnt a born leader like Jamiebut he had a quiet, stubborn sort of competence that made the other men respect him. Hed find a way to handle Hiram Crombie.
Still...
I filled the bucket and made my way down the path, slowly, looking at things as you do when you know you might not see them again for a long time. If ever.
Things had changed drastically on the Ridge already, with the coming of violence, the disruptions of the war, the destruction of the Big House. Theyd change a great deal more, with Jamie and me both gone.
Who would be the natural leader? Hiram was the de facto head of the Presbyterian fisher-folk who had come from Thursobut he was a rigid, humorless man, much more likely to cause friction with the rest of the community than to maintain order and foster cooperation.
Bobby? After considerable thought, Jamie had appointed him factor, with the responsibility of overseeing our propertyor what was left of it. But aside from his natural capabilities or lack thereof, Bobby was a young man. Healong with many of the other men on the Ridgecould so easily be swept up in the coming storm, taken away and obliged to serve in one of the militias. Not the Crowns forces, though; he had been a British soldier, stationed in Boston two years [ck. date of Boston Massacre] before, where he and several of his fellows had been menaced by a mob of several hundred irate Bostonians. In fear for their lives, the soldiers had loaded their muskets and leveled them at the crowd. Stones and clubs were thrown, shots were firedby whom, no one could establish; I had never asked Bobbyand men had died.
Bobbys life had been spared at the subsequent trial, but he bore a brand on his cheekM, for Murder. I had no idea of his politicshe never spoke of such thingsbut he would never fight with the British army again.
Mr. Wemyss, Lizzies father...
Of course! I said out loud. Mr. Wemyss was small and timid by nature, but he was both capable--and educated. Jamie had made him assistant factor, to manage any matters requiring reading and writing. He could teach little Catherine to read!
With that knotty problem solved, I pushed open the door to the cabin, my equanimity somewhat restored.
Jamie and Ian were now arguing as to whether the new child would be a sister or brother to little Rodney, or a half-sibling.
Well, no way of telling, is there? Ian said. Nobody kens whether Jo or Kezzie fathered wee Rodney, and the same for this bairn. If Jo is Rodneys father, and Kezzie this ones...
It doesnt really matter, I interrupted, pouring water from the bucket into the cauldron. Jo and Kezzie are identical twins. That means their...er...their sperm is identical as well. That was oversimplifying matters, but it was much too early in the day to try to explain reproductive meiosis and recombinant DNA. If the mother is the sameand she isand the father is genetically the sameand they areany children born would be full sisters or brothers to each other.
Their spunks the same, too? Ian demanded, incredulous. How can ye tell? Did ye look? he added, giving me a look of horrified curiosity.
I did not, I said severely. I didnt have to. I know these things.
Oh, aye, he said, nodding with respect. Of course ye would. I forget sometimes what ye are, Auntie Claire.
I wasnt sure what he meant by that, exactly, but it didnt seem necessary either to inquire, or to explain that my knowledge of the Beardsleys intimate processes was academic, rather than supernatural.
But it is Kezzie thats this ones father, no? Jamie put in, frowning. I sent Jo away; its Kezzie shes been living with this past year.
Ian gave him a pitying look.
Ye think he went? Jo?
Ive not seen him, Jamie said, but the thick red brows drew together.
Well, ye wouldnt, Ian conceded. Theyll ha been gey careful about it, not wantin to cross ye. Ye never do see more than one of themat a time, he added, off-handed.
We both stared at him. He looked up from the chunk of bacon in his hand and raised his brows.
I ken these things, aye? he said blandly.
[end section]
After supper, the household shifted and settled for the night. All the Higginses retired to the back bedroom where they shared the single bedsteadall but little Catherine Redbud, who enjoyed the snug privacy of her own cradle. Jamie had built it, and Jemmy and then Amanda had slept in it; I wondered how many more children might occupy it, down the years?
Lizzie had a cradle, too; her own father had made it for Rodney.
Obsessively, I opened my midwifery bundle and laid out the kit, checking everything over once more. Scissors, white thread for the cord. Clean cloths, rinsed many times to remove all trace of lye soap, scalded and dried. A large square of waxed canvas, to waterproof the mattress. A small bottle of alcohol, diluted fifty percent with sterile water. A small bag containing several twists of washedbut not boiledwool. A rolled-up sheet of parchment, to serve in lieu of my stethoscope, which had perished in the fire. A sharp knife. And a length of thin wire, coiled like a snake.
I hadnt eaten much at dinneror all daybut had a constant sense of rising bile at the back of my throat. I swallowed and wrapped the kit up again, tying the twine firmly round it.
I felt Jamies eyes on me and looked up. He said nothing, but smiled a little, warmth in his eyes, and I felt a momentary easingthen a fresh clenching, as I wondered what he would think, if worst came to worst, and I had tobut hed seen that twist of fear in my face, and with his eyes still on mine, quietly took his rosary from his sporran, and began silently to tell the beads, the worn wood sliding slowly through his fingers.
[end section]
Two nights later, I came instantly awake at the sound of feet on the path outside, and was on my own feet, pulling on my clothes, before Jos knock sounded on the door. Jamie let him in; I heard them murmuring together as I burrowed under the settle for my kit. Jo sounded excited, a little worriedbut not panicked. That was good; if Lizzie had been frightened or in serious trouble, he would have sensed it at oncethe twins were nearly as sensitive to her moods and welfare as they were to each others.
Shall I come? Jamie whispered, looming up beside me.
No, I whispered back, touching him for strength. Go back to sleep. Ill send, if I need you.
He was tousled from sleep, the embers of the fire making shadows in his hair, but his eyes were alert. He nodded and kissed my forehead, but instead of stepping back, he laid his hand on my head and whispered, [Gaelic...], then touched my cheek in farewell.
Ill see ye in the morning then, Sassenach, he said, and pushed me gently toward the door.
To my surprise, it was snowing outside. The sky was gray as pearl and full of light and the air alive with huge, whirling flakes that brushed my face, melting instantly on my skin. It was a spring storm; I could see the flakes settle briefly on the grass stems, then vanish. There would likely be no trace of snow by morning, but the night was filled with its mystery. I turned to look back, but could not see the cabin behind usonly the shapes of trees half-shrouded, uncertain in the pearl-gray light. The path before us looked likewise unreal, the trace disappearing into strange trees and unknown shadows.
I felt weirdly disembodied, caught between past and future, nothing visible save the whirling white silence that surrounded me. And yet I felt calmer than I had in many days. I felt the weight of Jamies hand on my head, with its whispered blessing. O, Michael of the red domain....[].
It was the blessing given to a warrior going out to battle. I had given it to him, more than once. Hed never done such a thing before, and I had no idea what had made him do it nowbut the words glowed in my heart, a small shield against the dangers ahead.
The snow covered the ground now, in a thin blanket that hid dark earth and sprouting growth. Jos feet left crisp black prints that I followed upward, the needles of fir and balsam brushing cold and fragrant against my skirt, listening to a vibrant silence that rang like a bell.
If ever there were a night when angels walked, I prayed it might be this one.
To try is to risk failure. But risk must be taken because the greatest hazard of life is to risk nothing. The person who risks nothing does nothing, has nothing, is nothing. He may avoid suffering and sorrow, but he simply cannot learn, feel, change, grow, live, and love.
Joined: May 2005 Gender: Female Posts: 7,484 Location: Michigan
Re: Tales, Legends, Myths from Michigan « Result #19 on Aug 15, 2009, 7:34am »
The Werewolf's Bride retold by S. E. Schlosser
There once was a beautiful girl engaged to a soldier who caught the eye of an evil woodsman who had sold his soul for the ability to turn himself into a wolf at will. He lay in wait for the girl when she was walking home one day and accosted her, begging her to elope with him. The maiden refused, spurning his love and crying out to her love to save her from his advances.
The girl's cries were heard by her eager fianc, who had come searching for her when she was late returning to her parent's home. The soldier drove the woodsman away, threatening him with dire consequences if he ever approached the maiden again.
The furious woodsman lay low for a few days, waiting for his chance. It came on the girl's wedding day. She was dancing happily at her wedding reception with a group of her friends when the woodsman, in the form of a wolf, leapt upon her and dragged her away with him.
The enraged bridegroom gave chase, but the wolf and his bride had disappeared into the thick forest and were not seen again. For many days, the distraught soldier and his friends, armed with silver bullets, scoured the woods, searching for the maiden and her captor. Once the soldier thought he saw the wolf and shot at it. Upon reaching the location, he found a piece of a wolf's tail lying upon the ground. But of the wolf to which it belonged there was no sign.
After months of searching, his friends begged him to let the girl go and get on with living. But the soldier was half-mad with grief and refused to give up. And that very day, he found the cave where the werewolf lived. Within it lay the preserved body of his beloved wife. The girl had refused the werewolf's advances to the very end, and had died for it. After his murderous fury had died away, the werewolf had tenderly laid the body of the girl he had loved and had killed into a wooden coffin, where it would be safe from predators, and he came to visit her grave every day. Lying in wait for him, the soldier shot the werewolf several times as he entered the cavern, chasing him down until the maddened and dying werewolf leapt into the lake and disappeared from view. The soldier sat by the lake with his gun, staring into the rippling waters for hours as the catfish ate the bloody bits of the wolf that were floating on the surface of the water.
When his friends found him, the soldier's mind was gone. He babbled insanely about a werewolf that had been eaten by a catfish when it leapt into the water, and he sobered only long enough to lead the men to the body of his beloved before he collapsed forevermore into insanity. He died a few days later, and was buried beside his bride in a little glen where they had planned to build there house. Their grave is long forgotten, and the place where it stands is covered with daisies in the spring. But to this day, the people of the area have a prejudice against eating catfish, though no one remember why.
To try is to risk failure. But risk must be taken because the greatest hazard of life is to risk nothing. The person who risks nothing does nothing, has nothing, is nothing. He may avoid suffering and sorrow, but he simply cannot learn, feel, change, grow, live, and love.
Joined: May 2005 Gender: Female Posts: 7,484 Location: Michigan
Re: What Books Have You Bought/Borrowed Lately? « Result #20 on Aug 15, 2009, 4:06am »
Life Is Really Very Simple. What We Give Out, We Get Back
What we think about ourselves becomes the truth for us. I believe that everyone, myself included, is responsible for everything in our lives, the best and the worst. Every thought we think is creating our future. Each one of us creates our experiences by our thoughts and our feelings. The thoughts we think and the words we speak create our experiences.
In this book, Louise Hay, believing that we make ourselves ill by having thoughts of self-hatred, tells us that we are each responsible for our own reality. The book includes a directory of ailments and emotional causes for each with a corresponding affirmation to help overcome the illness.
To try is to risk failure. But risk must be taken because the greatest hazard of life is to risk nothing. The person who risks nothing does nothing, has nothing, is nothing. He may avoid suffering and sorrow, but he simply cannot learn, feel, change, grow, live, and love.
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