Here was the source of the increasing roaring sound as we walked through the wood: the lovely 'eas' or waterfall, rushing down to the loch.
Monday, 31 December 2007
Hogmanay again, 2007 - the Black Wood walk, further on.
Here was the source of the increasing roaring sound as we walked through the wood: the lovely 'eas' or waterfall, rushing down to the loch.
Hogmanay, 2007.
It is also the Feast Day of John Wycliffe, AD 1384, who was a reformer. Now that's an interesting description. I suppose the folk of his day looked shocked and askance at his reforms, seeking the status quo. So, what's new nowadays I wonder?
The day before yesterday we walked in the Black Wood above Loch Rannoch. It is part of both the Tay Forest and the old Caledonian Forest. Snow on the tops of Schiehallion and the mountains range of Glencoe, clearly visible down the loch and stark against the clear blue sky. Schiehallion was the nearest mountain and was also covered in whispy white cloud whipping off the top. In the sun it looked spectacular. Deep in the Black Wood there was a lovely, deep silence. The mushroomy, pine needly smell under the Scots Pines was deep and crisp. Icycles drooped from the upper branches and rain globules were in rows lower down, glistening in the sunlight. A Blackcock called from somewhere deep in the Black Wood. Siskins 'sissed' from the upper branches. A glimpse through the wood to the Loch showed a skein of Barnacle geese feeding by the lochside. The watchman goose eyed us suspiciously as if to ask.'What are you doing here; can't we feed in peace?' So we left them in peace and continued our walk in the wood. Then, in the deep silence of the forest there was a gradual roaring noise and then, through a gap there it was; a roaring waterfall rushing down through the gorge. Then we circled through the wood and returned to Kinloch Rannoch for a late lunch at the Community Venture shop by the petrol pump, for home-made leek and potato soup and lovely Stovies oh, and of course, plus a pot of tea and a laugh with the lady who served us. Then a leisurely motor down the glen back to Killiecrankie House where we arrived at around 2.30pm as the light began to fade into darkness. Night comes early in the Highlands in winter. Next morning there was a hoar frost everywhere and we were awakened by the cocker spaniel having a mad half-hour, rushing around the hedges in the grounds, from the side gardens to the vegetable garden and then the fruit garden and back again, so full of life it was exhausting to watch her.
Schiehallion, overlooking Loch Rannoch and the Coillie Dubh (the Black Wood ).
Killiecrankie House
After a wash and change it was time for a wee dram before dinner -
The day before yesterday we walked in the Black Wood above Loch Rannoch. It is part of both the Tay Forest and the old Caledonian Forest. Snow on the tops of Schiehallion and the mountains range of Glencoe, clearly visible down the loch and stark against the clear blue sky. Schiehallion was the nearest mountain and was also covered in whispy white cloud whipping off the top. In the sun it looked spectacular. Deep in the Black Wood there was a lovely, deep silence. The mushroomy, pine needly smell under the Scots Pines was deep and crisp. Icycles drooped from the upper branches and rain globules were in rows lower down, glistening in the sunlight. A Blackcock called from somewhere deep in the Black Wood. Siskins 'sissed' from the upper branches. A glimpse through the wood to the Loch showed a skein of Barnacle geese feeding by the lochside. The watchman goose eyed us suspiciously as if to ask.'What are you doing here; can't we feed in peace?' So we left them in peace and continued our walk in the wood. Then, in the deep silence of the forest there was a gradual roaring noise and then, through a gap there it was; a roaring waterfall rushing down through the gorge. Then we circled through the wood and returned to Kinloch Rannoch for a late lunch at the Community Venture shop by the petrol pump, for home-made leek and potato soup and lovely Stovies oh, and of course, plus a pot of tea and a laugh with the lady who served us. Then a leisurely motor down the glen back to Killiecrankie House where we arrived at around 2.30pm as the light began to fade into darkness. Night comes early in the Highlands in winter. Next morning there was a hoar frost everywhere and we were awakened by the cocker spaniel having a mad half-hour, rushing around the hedges in the grounds, from the side gardens to the vegetable garden and then the fruit garden and back again, so full of life it was exhausting to watch her.
Schiehallion, overlooking Loch Rannoch and the Coillie Dubh (the Black Wood ).Killiecrankie House
After a wash and change it was time for a wee dram before dinner -
Sunday, 23 December 2007
Sunday, 23 Dec-07. 4th of Advent again.
For some time now I have been having correspondence with an Anglican monastic Community down in north England. I am now recognised officially as a Probationer Companion of the Community of the Resurrection at Mirfield, West Yorkshire. My spiritual guide there and I use e-mail and websites to communicate with each other on this my further, spiritual journey. It's a laugh in that I wonder how monks of old would have thought of the new technology in their daily lives! Nonetheless, after years and years of professional discipline of seeing folk in psychoanalysis on the hour, every hour throughout the day and early evening I found that my prayer life had diminished - I had become too tired as I gave 'all' to my 'faithful' people. So, the monastic discipline of returning to the Daily Offices and a structured prayer life has become invaluable. Interestingly also, since 'retirement' ( I am still seeing a few folk professionally at home ) my work as Secretary to the Vestry at my church has become extremely busy, so linking with CR Mirfield has become so important in maintaining that balance of life.
Sunday, 23 Dec-07. Fourth Sunday of Advent
'O Little town of Bethlehem...' This lovely carol depicts a scene which supposedly has not changed since that night when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea. However, the reality is that all is not what it seems. Very few Christians remain in Bethlehem and visitors cannot enter it due to the Israeli Occupying Army, backed by the USA. The last time a friend tried to visit this holy place she was sharply butted out of the way by the rifle of a soldier from Israel who probably was a Jew with no sympathy for the Christian visitors. She remonstrated with the young Israeli for his harshness and the fact that he had hurt her but he simply ignored her and went on to rifle butt other 'infidels' out of the way. They were all ordered to back off and go away - from Bethlehem! Well, because of the attitude of Israel I would never visit the Holy Land - leave it to the occupying forces I say.
The isolation of Israel would do much to bring it to its knees economically, but that won't happen as the USA must pour millions of their dollars into the Israeli economy each week in order that Bush can keep the Jewish vote in the USA and so keep him in office and at war with countries. If the USA, in its forthcoming new Administration were to stop shoring up Israel then perhaps we would all have a chance of peace in the Holy Land and a Palestinian State. Then also perhaps Christians and Muslims will return to live there side by side as they have always done.
Joseph and Mary were of course, homeless refugees on the Eve of the Nativity ( 'I was homeless and you took me in') until that kind laddie the Inn Keeper allowed them to use his stable. Glasgow is full of homeless people, and refugee camps throughout the Middle Eastern countries are full of Palestinians fleeing the brutal Israeli forces who punish whole populations for the terrorism of a few extremists ( it's all very OT - as well as OTT ). Then there are those here in Glasgow - friends, who cannot cope with Christmas at all They are depressed, crying, feeling homeless and hopeless; lost souls.
Pray for homeless folk everywhere, that they find hope and a Christian sense of being 'home', of feeling worthy, of feeling loved and cared for. Amen.
The isolation of Israel would do much to bring it to its knees economically, but that won't happen as the USA must pour millions of their dollars into the Israeli economy each week in order that Bush can keep the Jewish vote in the USA and so keep him in office and at war with countries. If the USA, in its forthcoming new Administration were to stop shoring up Israel then perhaps we would all have a chance of peace in the Holy Land and a Palestinian State. Then also perhaps Christians and Muslims will return to live there side by side as they have always done.
Joseph and Mary were of course, homeless refugees on the Eve of the Nativity ( 'I was homeless and you took me in') until that kind laddie the Inn Keeper allowed them to use his stable. Glasgow is full of homeless people, and refugee camps throughout the Middle Eastern countries are full of Palestinians fleeing the brutal Israeli forces who punish whole populations for the terrorism of a few extremists ( it's all very OT - as well as OTT ). Then there are those here in Glasgow - friends, who cannot cope with Christmas at all They are depressed, crying, feeling homeless and hopeless; lost souls.
Pray for homeless folk everywhere, that they find hope and a Christian sense of being 'home', of feeling worthy, of feeling loved and cared for. Amen.
Friday, 21 December 2007
Friday, 21 Dec-07.
A number of my 'faithful' folk, i.e., those who are still in psychoanalysis with me, dread Christmas. It brings back all the dreadful traumas of their pasts and some have said they are not celebrating it and will take to their beds. This is fairly common of course. Return of repressed material for such friends is dreadful to behold. Their psychosomatisations and anguish is so real; a mirror reflection of what they suffered as infants. Where it happened before they developed speech - usually in the first year of life, they go mute; unable to even speak. It is heart-rending. I completely understand why Mother Theresa specialised in dying women in the streets of Calcutta - and later in Glasgow where, whilst folk were not dying in the same way, her nuns found the same dreadful traumas amongst folk; not always amongst the homeless either. One of my faithful phoned to wish me a happy Christmas and to tell me that she will be in bed 'till after the bells' , i.e., after Hogmanay. She said she dare not look at TV, listen to the wireless or answer the phone, for fear of intrusional memories of terrifying ordeals as an infant at Christmas.
I suppose 'there is no room for them at Christmas', so to speak - well, from their angle. Another, who is a very successful and well-known artiste said that she dreads being with her dysfunctional family as it reminds her of her dreadfully lonely and intrusive and criticised self as a child. I make no excuse for giving her a new and different life experience, even if it brings her into open conflict within her family of origin. She feels very damaged by her experience and wonders if she will 'make it' in life. She alludes to finding a man who will care for her and give her love, which she never experienced growing up. I pray she will.
All is not tinsel and jingle bells with carols.
I suppose 'there is no room for them at Christmas', so to speak - well, from their angle. Another, who is a very successful and well-known artiste said that she dreads being with her dysfunctional family as it reminds her of her dreadfully lonely and intrusive and criticised self as a child. I make no excuse for giving her a new and different life experience, even if it brings her into open conflict within her family of origin. She feels very damaged by her experience and wonders if she will 'make it' in life. She alludes to finding a man who will care for her and give her love, which she never experienced growing up. I pray she will.
All is not tinsel and jingle bells with carols.
Wednesday, 19 December 2007
Wednesday 19/12/07.
Chickened out of the 10am Eucharist today although Val went. I was busy at home seeing to Christmas cards to the immediate neighbours and doing the Weekly News Sheet for next Sunday, the fourth Sunday of Advent, and also preparing the draft WNS for the 1st Sunday of Christmas (30/12/07) as we have decided to get away for a few days after Christmas Day to the Killiecrankie Hotel. We know the area so well, although have never stayed there before. We usually stop at the Loch Rannoch Hotel overlooking the lovely, quiet loch with Schiehallion beyond. It was at this mountain that the weight of the earth was calculated! How did they do that? In the village of Kinloch Rannoch is a lovely Scottish Episcopal Church. It depictes a painting of the consecration of Bishop Samuel Seabury of Connecticut in an upper room adjacent the Cathedral in Aberdeen. It was in an upper room for fear of English troops stopping Episcopal Bishops consecrating a 'rebel Church's' first bishop. England had refused the American Colony the right of their own Church and self-determination, which was why the Americans contacted another rebellious Church - our Scottish Episcopal Church. And so we formed the beginning of the Anglican Communion by that consecration. There is no Rector at Kinloch Rannoch just now but the Diocesan Bishop has laid hands on the local Presbyterian Church of Scotland Minister and so given him permission to consecrate the elements and Celebrate the Holy Eucharist according to the Episcopal Rites.
I popped into Turnbull Hall RC University Chaplaincy to give my friend Harry a Christmas bunloaf wich Val made for him, plus a bottle of vintage Rioja. Harry was delighted and we had a good laugh, as well as an interesting chat about Edvard Munch in whom Harry has developed an interest of late. I missed Father John as he was saying Mass at 1pm, but I left him a similar bottle on his desk with a card and a note to say 'Aprés Mass Wee Refreshment', which will amuse him, I'm sure. Then off to see Natalya and her sister Vrnda. Vrnda was quite unwell so I just said hello and she returned to bed. Natalya and I had quite a deep chat. She is a most talented and insightful girl as is Vrnda as a film-maker, and I love them both. Home early today but by 2-30pm it was already getting dark and everyone had their car lights on. By 3pm the mist had desceneded from the Argyll hills, blotting out the City lights in the Clyde valley below us.
I popped into Turnbull Hall RC University Chaplaincy to give my friend Harry a Christmas bunloaf wich Val made for him, plus a bottle of vintage Rioja. Harry was delighted and we had a good laugh, as well as an interesting chat about Edvard Munch in whom Harry has developed an interest of late. I missed Father John as he was saying Mass at 1pm, but I left him a similar bottle on his desk with a card and a note to say 'Aprés Mass Wee Refreshment', which will amuse him, I'm sure. Then off to see Natalya and her sister Vrnda. Vrnda was quite unwell so I just said hello and she returned to bed. Natalya and I had quite a deep chat. She is a most talented and insightful girl as is Vrnda as a film-maker, and I love them both. Home early today but by 2-30pm it was already getting dark and everyone had their car lights on. By 3pm the mist had desceneded from the Argyll hills, blotting out the City lights in the Clyde valley below us.
Sunday, 16 December 2007
Sunday, 16 Dec-07: Third Sunday of Advent.
Interestingly the Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, on Saturday, 08 Dec-07 really passed us by. Mary has never really been venerated in the Scottish Episcopal Catholic tradition, although is in the Roman Catholic tradition of course. Paradoxically our Lady Chapel is named after Mary and has a wee niche with a small statue of her there. I believe it is to do with the Scottish Reformation when such 'extras' were thrown out as 'non-Biblical', whatever that means nowadays. But then our Roman Catholic friends have many practices which don't seem to make sense to the Christian Church. The 'Catholic Church' as they call themselves rely on Dogmas issuing down from the Pope, which they accept without any debate or argument as to whether it is Biblically true or not. The attitude within the consituent Churches of say the Anglican Communion, is to debate and argue until a concensus is agreed. Attending the Angelus in an RC Church I am struck with the thought 'Have I missed something in the Bible after all?' Jesus said 'No man cometh to the Father but through me. I am the only advocate and mediator' and so our prayers always end with something like '....through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.' The Catholic Church have taken a different route than the Christian Church and make saints of folk, then pray to them to intercede. In the reformed tradition that makes little sense really. This is not to cast doubt on the sincerity of the Roman tradition but, as we say in Scotland "Aye...but ah hae me doots..!"
A full Family Eucharist this morning with Val as Intercessor and both of us as Sidesfolk. Val forgot her specs so we brought the Collection home, counted it, accounted for it and then deposited it in ther Night Safe of the Bank of Scotland this afternoon on the way to the Festival of Nine Lessons with Carols, followed by mulled wine and mince pies in the Hall. Again a full service with many visitors including relatives mainly from England, visiting folk here for the Christmas period. Julie Legowski our Organist had brought some of her singing friends - professional singers, to swell the somewhat depleted church choir and they sang the anthems. Singing 'O little town of Bethlehem....' the main lights were dowsed and we sang by candle light. During the mulled wine, mince pies and the blether I got up on the stage and called for order so that Phyllis Cross, Rector's Warden could present two lovely hampers to Colin, our Assistant Priest, his wife and daughter, who had really been such stalwarts to pull us through a difficult time after our Rector left. Colin, Rosemary and Victoria seemed quite surprised and a bit overwhelmed by our generosity towards them but, as Phyllis said, it was to show the congregation's appreciation and love towards them.
A full Family Eucharist this morning with Val as Intercessor and both of us as Sidesfolk. Val forgot her specs so we brought the Collection home, counted it, accounted for it and then deposited it in ther Night Safe of the Bank of Scotland this afternoon on the way to the Festival of Nine Lessons with Carols, followed by mulled wine and mince pies in the Hall. Again a full service with many visitors including relatives mainly from England, visiting folk here for the Christmas period. Julie Legowski our Organist had brought some of her singing friends - professional singers, to swell the somewhat depleted church choir and they sang the anthems. Singing 'O little town of Bethlehem....' the main lights were dowsed and we sang by candle light. During the mulled wine, mince pies and the blether I got up on the stage and called for order so that Phyllis Cross, Rector's Warden could present two lovely hampers to Colin, our Assistant Priest, his wife and daughter, who had really been such stalwarts to pull us through a difficult time after our Rector left. Colin, Rosemary and Victoria seemed quite surprised and a bit overwhelmed by our generosity towards them but, as Phyllis said, it was to show the congregation's appreciation and love towards them.
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