tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52921325375919373102024-03-05T05:15:33.291+00:00Thoughts From An Ever Changing WorldLorna Bowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05649004560085196310noreply@blogger.comBlogger88125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292132537591937310.post-65524291295114005422013-03-11T15:13:00.001+00:002013-03-11T15:13:28.979+00:00Beckoning God, you draw us home - thoughtsMothering Sunday was originally the one day in the year where people would return to their childhood church, the church they were baptised in, the church where their family are; their mother church. Servants and workers would be given this day off to travel to where they were brought up, and they would take a gift and spend this day with their family. People would often take home a cake, a Simnel cake, with fruit and marzipan. It may be decored with 11 or 12 balls of marzipan to represent the disciples and Jesus. On the fourth Sunday of Lent each year, this was the custom.<br />
<br />
What is the custom now? Buying cards, eating chocolate, sending flowers, going out for a meal, children creating crafts at school, taking breakfast to bed, buying jewellery, having spa days - all to celebrate mums. Now, there is nothing wrong with celebrating mums. In fact, it is a wonderful thing to do. Thankfully dads now have a day to be celebrated too, though it took a while longer for that day to catch on.<br />
<br />
But what I want to ask is: how does time change the meaning of something?<br />
<br />
I guess in this instance, the general concept is still the same - going home and spending time with family. But when did church and, maybe more importantly, when did God get taken out of that for so many people? The original Mothering Sunday was to go home to your mother church. We now go home to our mothers. <br />
<br />
Does this say something about how we view church, about how we view the importance of our upbringing, about how we view our family, about how society relates to the commercialised world, about how we have to be percieved as outwardly showing our parents we love them, about how we view the importance of a community like a church community, about how we view God?<br />
<br />
I have no answers, only questions and some ponderings.<br />
<br />
Yesterday at church we talked about homecoming. Coming home. If you flick back to my last blog you will see a song we listened to that moved me beyond belief during that service. During our prayer of concern and hope, each section began 'beckoning God, you draw us home...'. <br />
<br />
What is home, where is home, who is home to you?<br />
<br />
Where is God beckoning you? <br />
<br />
Will you follow?<br />
<br />
<br />
Lorna Bowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05649004560085196310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292132537591937310.post-48540241210875691072013-03-11T14:48:00.000+00:002013-03-11T14:48:42.688+00:00Beckoning God, you draw us home.<div style="text-align: center;">
<span itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Lyric"><span class="line line-s" id="line_1"> </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/yHsLuwdjbkI?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Lyric"><span class="line line-s" id="line_1"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Lyric"><span class="line line-s" id="line_1"></span><span class="line line-s" id="line_1"></span><span class="line line-s" id="line_1">Wish I were with you but I couldn't stay</span>
<span class="line line-s" id="line_2"> </span></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Lyric"><span class="line line-s" id="line_2">Every direction leads me away</span>
<span class="line line-s" id="line_3"> </span></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Lyric"><span class="line line-s" id="line_3">Pray for tomorrow but for today</span>
<span class="line line-s" id="line_4"> </span></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Lyric"><span class="line line-s" id="line_4">All I want is to be home</span></span></div>
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<span itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Lyric"><span class="line line-s" id="line_4"> </span><span class="line line-s" id="line_4"> </span></span></div>
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<span itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Lyric"></span></div>
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<span itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Lyric"></span></div>
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<span itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Lyric"></span></div>
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<span itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Lyric"></span></div>
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<span itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Lyric"></span></div>
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<span itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Lyric"></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Lyric"></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Lyric"></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Lyric"></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Lyric"></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Lyric"><span class="line line-s" id="line_4"></span></span><span itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Lyric"><span class="line line-s" id="line_5">Stand in the mirror, you look the same</span> </span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Lyric"><span class="line line-s" id="line_6">Just lookin' for shelter from the cold and the pain</span>
<span class="line line-s" id="line_7"> </span></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Lyric"><span class="line line-s" id="line_7">Someone to cover, safe from the rain</span> </span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Lyric"><span class="line line-s" id="line_8">And all I want is to be home</span></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Lyric"><span class="line line-s" id="line_8"> </span>
</span><br /><span itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Lyric"></span><span itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Lyric"><span class="line line-s" id="line_9">Echoes and silence, patience and grace</span>
<span class="line line-s" id="line_10"> </span></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Lyric"><span class="line line-s" id="line_10">All of these moments I'll never replace</span>
<span class="line line-s" id="line_11"> </span></span></div>
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<span itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Lyric"><span class="line line-s" id="line_11">No fear of my heart, absence of faith</span>
<span class="line line-s" id="line_12"> </span></span></div>
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<span itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Lyric"><span class="line line-s" id="line_12">And all I want is to be home</span>
<br /><span class="line line-s" id="line_13">All I want is to be home</span></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Lyric"><span class="line line-s" id="line_13"> </span>
<br /><span class="line line-s" id="line_14">People I've loved, I have no regrets</span>
<span class="line line-s" id="line_15"> </span></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Lyric"><span class="line line-s" id="line_15">Some I remember, some I forget</span>
<span class="line line-s" id="line_16"> </span></span></div>
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<span itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Lyric"><span class="line line-s" id="line_16">Some of them living, some of them dead</span>
<span class="line line-s" id="line_17"> </span></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Lyric"><span class="line line-s" id="line_17">And all I want is to be home</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Lorna Bowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05649004560085196310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292132537591937310.post-31662993407972188102012-12-10T20:16:00.002+00:002012-12-10T20:16:28.694+00:00Circular Communion<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
What is communion to you? Is it a group of people having a
common religious faith, like a denomination? Is it that bit of the church
service you eat bread and drink wine?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Is it a fellowship, an association? Is it the sharing of
thoughts and emotions, a form of intimate communication? Is if the act of
sharing? Is it all of these, none of these, some of these? They are some of
what the dictionary offers. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m not sure I can answer my own question, not easily
anyway. Communion is not one thing to me. I guess it is parts of many things,
in many aspects of my life. It is important, treasured and gives me direction.
I see it on a daily basis. And maybe more to the point, I feel it on a daily
basis.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A few weeks ago I was part of an amazing, encouraging,
inclusive experience. This experience, this one evening, has shifted and
stretched my views on communion and what it is. I guess this is mainly within
the more tradition church context of the receiving and sharing of bread and
wine, but it also affects the other ways in which I see and feel it with the
people around me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What does it mean to you to come to a table of communion?
What does it mean to you to share in that fellowship meal? What would you do if
you felt unable to participate in that?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On this evening that shifted my thinking, around fifty
people gathered in the church I am part of and took part in a Transgender
Remembrance Commemoration Service. Transgender Remembrance Day is held each
year on the 20<sup>th</sup> November, and this evening was our way of marking
this day in our church and with the people gathered. The evening began with
story and song from a very dear friend of mind; stories and songs about being
transgender and the influence that has on his faith and his life journeying
with God. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“You know life is
strange and maybe I don’t see things the same as you. Try not to judge and you
might find people have less to hide. I’m a funny kinda guy, I’m a gentle kinda
guy.” </i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">© Simon de Voil</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Grief is the way of
the world, tragic tale for us all. She said she was so lonely wrapped up in the
fabric of my past...taken away her light. The choices we make, sacrifices we
take. I breathe for us both now.” </i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">© Simon de Voil</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With so much to already contemplate and reflect on it was
time for communion and the prayers for those who have been killed in the past
year due to transgender violence. On any day of the year eliminating
transphobia is an issue I am passionate about, yet this evening<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>this was even more clear for me. To stand in
front of a group of around fifty LGBT people and their friends and family and
be able to welcome them to a table of communion is something I never imagined
myself doing. I had never really imagined myself helping to celebrate communion
either. There are so many points of disagreement within churches, so to enable
the often marginalised people in our society to come in to this church and
receive communion is an experience that is hard to put in to words.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Eat this bread, drink this wine.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So why ‘circular communion’? Why not just ‘communion’? After
welcoming people to this table and celebrating communion we moved on to reading
the names of those who had been killed, along with prayers and the lighting of
candles. Once these names were read the congregation were invited to bring their
votive candle to the communion table, light it, place it with the others and
then receive the bread and the wine if they wanted to do so. There was no
pressure, there was not somebody giving it to you, there was nobody to pass it
on to. There was just you and God. That one person after lighting and placing
their candle could decide for themselves if they were going to take the bread
and the wine. A truly open table. A table encircling the prayers for those
whose lives have been lost. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Celebrating, remembering, praying, giving, receiving. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Individual, communal.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Does communion ever stop? Can it ever stop? Is it a
continual, circular, encompassing part of life? I’m not sure the answers to so
many of my questions will ever be clear, to me as an individual or to a whole
community of people. But what I do know is that this is important. No matter
how you see communion and what it is, it is important. It brings people
together. It brings people together when it is given the chance to. It will
find a way. Communion is beyond a firm description of words, and that’s the way
I feel like it should be. It is a God given gift. Can Gods gifts can be put in
to firm words? They continue, they circle us, they ground us. Let’s let them do
that and not put up barriers to them. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="FR" style="font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: FR; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">© Simon de Voil </span><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.simondevoil.co.uk/"><span lang="FR" style="mso-ansi-language: FR;">www.simondevoil.co.uk</span></a></span><span lang="FR" style="font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: FR; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
Lorna Bowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05649004560085196310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292132537591937310.post-73289748040788388392012-11-25T21:15:00.003+00:002012-11-25T21:15:33.362+00:00Linear Life<div style="text-align: center;">
Linear; design, dimension, series, measure.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIRBRBoHZcVL_IaYZDtiIhlOapo52asIYgvtdZfxTBBW9eRnVPU5asXwEuJLPHlSNQ4CqnVfVOkR6uHmEPI5MALTq4O80dhaWTJzSqlbMGr0t7c0KfbtwhPO3ql3FyBSeNIaSD-lpqTfjW/s1600/561650_10152289304435548_1833669665_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIRBRBoHZcVL_IaYZDtiIhlOapo52asIYgvtdZfxTBBW9eRnVPU5asXwEuJLPHlSNQ4CqnVfVOkR6uHmEPI5MALTq4O80dhaWTJzSqlbMGr0t7c0KfbtwhPO3ql3FyBSeNIaSD-lpqTfjW/s320/561650_10152289304435548_1833669665_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
In a moment of 'I need to get out of these four walls before I go mad' one day this week I found myself wandering in to the graveyard next to my house. This isn't such an unusual thing for me, to end up there just to get outside for a while. For those of you who know me well, you will know that this is the graveyard where my mum is buried and is a place of comfort for me sometimes. Yet, while walking around this one day, my mind powered in to overdrive and I couldn't help but connect some feelings and thoughts I had previously had there to now make some sense in my mind and in my heart. I'm not even sure that these thoughts didn't make sense before, more that I hadn't connected them in a way which I could comprehend enough to put words to them.<br />
<br />
Linear. Regimented. Controlled. Organised. Precise. Fixed. Strict. Definite.<br />
<br />
All of these words have quite interesting connotations, and as I walked around this graveyard they are the sorts of words that came to mind. This graveyard was so linear; every row of graves so perfectly formed, each grave spaced equally with the next, every road parallel, every stone carved precisely, each bench lined up with another, the site surrounded by a line of trees.<br />
<br />
This is not how life is, not to me. This space is where I see life, life in all it's fullness in some odd way. There are hundreds and thousands of people's important stories that make that space what it is. This space would not be here if it weren't for the lives of these people who are now buried here. Not one of these people had such a defined life, a linear journey, a precise way of living. These people had lives full of adventures, relationships, let downs, emotions, highs, challenges, pain, love, surprise... Do we live one day knowing what will happen to us by the next hour, the next day, the next week? I don't think so.<br />
<br />
This sharp difference between this graveyard where we are laid to rest is such a contrast in it's structure, in comparison to the structure of our lives as we live.<br />
<br />
There are no answers to life here, just ponderings on how we live, and the importance of that journey we have the privilege of leading.Lorna Bowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05649004560085196310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292132537591937310.post-41872869538877774442012-11-01T13:01:00.001+00:002012-11-01T13:01:54.854+00:00Nature Calls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTa7ims9M-gJeQELhkBheZ8euL-CuyOZ8RvHmAYkZEx0XGReFGyqqzutvpXYDPl5mTDrhN4usLdgqOQu_Q1fKIBM_8HfHXH81jDaBtxQmVfn9KAGMAerXH1dN1S7ebdX_fvQ01mkG0OaI/s1600/IMG_0534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTa7ims9M-gJeQELhkBheZ8euL-CuyOZ8RvHmAYkZEx0XGReFGyqqzutvpXYDPl5mTDrhN4usLdgqOQu_Q1fKIBM_8HfHXH81jDaBtxQmVfn9KAGMAerXH1dN1S7ebdX_fvQ01mkG0OaI/s320/IMG_0534.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
When you go on a walk to find an ancient Yew tree, what do you expect? Well, I wasn't really sure of the answer to that question. After my morning visit I am still not sure I have an answer that words will fit to.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVWpmrrGli6y5o43bf2bU5i7fzY1MfG3vvM_dQnBMWPtGBsEppOyrIWD8ODMdHGeXncu7JIoWiDg71c5ajusXl-SebUKd6Ffzqz83nnuM8eVmd8WRxOiAaEVAgs7QDu15weMoraB1ED0CP/s1600/IMG_0513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVWpmrrGli6y5o43bf2bU5i7fzY1MfG3vvM_dQnBMWPtGBsEppOyrIWD8ODMdHGeXncu7JIoWiDg71c5ajusXl-SebUKd6Ffzqz83nnuM8eVmd8WRxOiAaEVAgs7QDu15weMoraB1ED0CP/s320/IMG_0513.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The tree was spread out, twisted, gently looming over us, encapsulating
safety, standing tall and wide, creating a room within its branches, and
embracing us within its grounding of love and care. It feels slighty
odd to talk about a tree with characteristics of a human being, but it
is oh so true. It is living and breathing and this can be felt while
being surrounded by it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeFj-FPmotl59Aws2cXbiHSLoyLuSNiEOgU_tHl2vzxxs_uwWTDVPn7ovDlwKhh4P_cQD-pFmFXu8JMLTOul5NbAHNdFiS9arCSvQV5oHZOKWA38v00gszj11XQt7zkJ1JhoQ06JEWiImx/s1600/IMG_0532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeFj-FPmotl59Aws2cXbiHSLoyLuSNiEOgU_tHl2vzxxs_uwWTDVPn7ovDlwKhh4P_cQD-pFmFXu8JMLTOul5NbAHNdFiS9arCSvQV5oHZOKWA38v00gszj11XQt7zkJ1JhoQ06JEWiImx/s320/IMG_0532.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
After a lovely morning picnic under the looming branches the tree just called us to listen to it, to God, to the birds, to the ground, to the surroundings and everything that wasn't our own heads. A clear mind. How often is it we get time and space and chance to have a clear mind, truly clear? I know I struggle with that, a lot. But here we were called to stop, to just be. It is safe to be with yourself in a place like this, where nature surrounds you and the external busy world is kept away. The internal parts of us need to be cared for, and we, as human beings, are not always good at that. We often look to care for others, but how often do we honestly care wholly for ourselves? To take the effort to find a place, like this amazing yew tree, gives us the space we need to just be.<br />
<br />
I am lucky that I have my special fallen tree just a 10 minute walk from my house, and now I have also discovered this tree a bit further away. It isn't easy to find these places, this space, but I encourage you to take time to find somewhere that you can just be. Just being is underestimated in the world we live in. I find it hard to take myself to these special places when life gets too much, but a wee bit of forcing myself is worth it. If you can get to these places, they will look after you, for a while. All we have to do is let them. <br />
<br />
<br />Lorna Bowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05649004560085196310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292132537591937310.post-68550303714012584352012-10-02T21:59:00.001+01:002012-10-02T21:59:32.627+01:00Lyrical LoveWhen I opened up my blog about 3 hours ago I had so much to write about. In fact, I still do have so much to write about, but I've just spent the past two hours frazzling my brain with college work and writing about my time on Iona for a friends website. I think what I will do is just quote some random bits of songs which have been going round and round in my head for the past few weeks, and then when I find some more time and energy I will at last update this properly. It's not that I don't have anything to say - trust me! - it's just the constraints I have on myself at this moment in time....<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Brother, sister, let me serve you,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
let me be as Christ to you;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
pray that I may have the grace to</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
let you be my servant too.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We are pilgrims on a journey,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and companions on the road;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we are here to help each other</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
walk the mile and bear the load." </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Richard A. M. Gillard</span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">" Gather us in - the lost and forsaken,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">gather us in - the blind and the lame;</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">call to us now, and we shall awaken,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">we shall arise at the sound of our name" </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Marty Haugen</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
"Don't worry, worrying won't pay the bills.</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
I would trade in the view from this mountainside</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
for some tiny little mole hills...</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
Don't worry, worrying won't make it all stop.</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
I would trade in the swell of the ocean</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
for one tiny little raindrop...</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
Roll away the stone,</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
I will roll away the stone, </div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
And set you free."</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Karine Polwart</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
"Beauty is within grasp,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Hear the islands call.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The last mile is upon us,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I'll carry you if you fall.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I know the armour's heavy now,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I know the heart is tired.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It's beautiful just over</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The wild mountainside.<br />Wild and free we roam,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Only a mile to go."</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">John Douglas/Eddi Reader</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Every word you say I think<br />
I should write down<br />
I don't want to forget <br />
Come daylight<br />
And no need to worry<br />
That's wastin time<br />
And no need to wonder<br />
What's been on my mind"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Joshua Radin </span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
"Do you hear when I call in the midst of wrong?<br />
Do you hear these here words while I sing this song?<br />
Are you caught up in me like I heard you say,<br />
or just some big cashier that I'll have to pay?<br />
'Just want to be not what I am today,<br />
I just want to be better than my friends might say,<br />
I just want a small part in your passions play." </div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">William Fitzsimmons </span></div>
Lorna Bowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05649004560085196310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292132537591937310.post-39066122344288286902012-07-31T13:07:00.000+01:002012-07-31T13:07:34.408+01:00Learning or Relearning?These past few weeks have taken me on a journey, in fact what feels like lots of smaller journeys pulled together to only just start to make sense. I guess a journey never has just one straight path to walk along, but many different, winding paths.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm sat here in this beautiful garden, notebooks and pens (my addiction to stationery shines through!) surrounding me, the sun shining down (yes, I have no jumper on!), the birds whistling in the trees and the occasional bark from the dog as somebody comes along the drive. It's a very peaceful place to be. And, although I also live in a relatively peaceful place on the outskirts of the city with a view of the Pentland hills from my window, it isn't as peaceful as here for one simple reason - when I'm at home I feel the need to do 'things'. When I'm away from home I can be free to do whatever I want to do, because I simply can't get on and do 'stuff' because I'm not there to do it. <br />
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I've spend the past days confined to the walls of my two bedroom flat, with only two very energetic kittens to keep me company. And this is why:<br />
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I decided this week to finish painting my bedroom (although the ceiling still needs done...) and then to redecorate the bathroom. Now, there wasn't particularly anything wrong with the bathroom decoration in itself but it had clearly been a while since it had been done; the paper was starting to pull off, there were the odd stains and grime and really it just needed a bit of lightening in because of it's lack on window.<br />
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So, this has been my life for the past days. In my flat, stripping wallpaper, filling holes, painting walls, cleaning, drinking tea, playing with kittens and eating jaffa cakes. Oh, and the odd bit of watching the Olympics of course.<br />
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What in all of this is about me learning or relearning? Well, there's a lot to be said for having so much time on your own. I love time on my own, this is a known fact. I get so much energy from being on my own. But this week I have learnt, possibly relearnt, that I only love time on my own if I've had time with people. Time with people: I love it, I cherish it, I don't often turn that opportunity down, unless, well, I'm people-d out! People make my world go round, it's that simple. If I don't have people in my life I go slightly crazy, let's face it!<br />
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There is something to be said in this about serving. I don't think I'll ever fully understand what it is to serve in God's kingdom. But I do know that I fit better with serving than many other things. So when I'm in my flat on my own for so many hours in a short space of time, I go a bit bonkers. There isn't much serving to be done.<br />
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And, yes, as some people have already said to me, it's good to take time to not serve, to be myself and take time to look after myself. But this learning/relearning this week has proven to me that I still need people and other things to stimulate, motivate and inspire me before I am able to stop and 'look after myself'. If I haven't used up much of my battery than I don't need time to recharge it.<br />
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There is much, much more I could say on this. But for now it is time for lunch and a cup of tea. Maybe I can say more another time. In the mean time, go use up your battery so you need to charge it again too!Lorna Bowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05649004560085196310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292132537591937310.post-59830590883905510752012-07-22T20:11:00.002+01:002012-07-22T20:11:49.783+01:00Liberation, belonging, identity<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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"Come to me and I shall give you rest." </div>
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"One bread, one body, one Lord of all, </div>
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one cup of blessing which we bless, </div>
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and we, though many, throughout the earth, </div>
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we are one body in this one Lord." </div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">© John Foley, SJ</span></div>
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"You are something new but haven't fogotten where you've come from."</div>
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"Lord of all power, I give you my will,</div>
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in joyful obedience your task to fulfil...</div>
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Lord of all wisdom, I give you my mind,</div>
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rich truth that surpasses our knowledge to find...</div>
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Lord of all bounty, I give you my heart,</div>
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I praise and adore you for all you impart...</div>
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Lord of all being, I give you my all;</div>
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if I should disown you, I'd stumble and fall."</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">© John Copley Winslow</span></div>
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What did you learn about yourself during your time on Iona?</div>
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How do you feel you are different now?</div>
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Has your faith changed, and how?</div>
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What did community life teach you about the kingdom of God?</div>
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Did living in community make it easier for you to talk to people you don't know?</div>
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Do you feel more able to be an involved member of a church after your time there?</div>
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What did you learn about God?</div>
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These are just <i>some </i>of the <i>many</i> questions I have been asked since finishing my job with the <a href="http://www.iona.org.uk/" target="_blank">Iona Community</a> back in December. These are some of the questions I have found very hard to answer since then. I realise that they aren't questions I can take and answer lightly. "What did you learn about God and about yourself?" There will never be a one line answer to those types of questions. They are questions about life and questions that I can only begin to answer as I continue to journey through life beyond living on Iona. </div>
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One of the things which has been difficult for me in my transition from Iona life back to Edinburgh life is knowing how to 'do' church; where to go, who to be with, what it means to me and so on. I went back once to my church that I attended before moving to Iona and, although knowing deep down I didn't want to go back there full time, it was a very strange experience for me. I say I knew deep down that I didn't want to go back there for a few reasons, but the main reason being something to do with change in myself. The last time I was attending this church on a regular basis I was 19/20 years old. On returning from Iona I was 22 years old. That difference may not seem like much in terms of age, but in terms of where I have been on my life's journey, with God and personally, there is a big difference in those 2-3 years. Of course I love my church family there and I would never want to lose contact with them, but for who I am now this church does not feel like the most comfortable fit for me. As quoted before: "You are something new but haven't fogotten where you've come from." That church will always be the church where I found Christianity for myself, where I began my personal growth and journey with God and where I made so many important friends. I will never forget what that church has allowed me to go on and do. Yet, now, I am something new and I have to let that be what it needs to be.</div>
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I have also been back to the church where my dad goes a couple of times. This is the church where I was raised, where Christianity was set in my bones and technically my home church I guess. The familiar - that is what that church is to me. The familiar safety net. In some ways it will always be that for me, and it's very special to have a place like that. I think if I had have had the time lately, which I didn't due to working most weekends, I would have gone here more often. It has been so many years since I have been there regularly that not many people have known me there since I was about 13 years old, and so going back now they take me to be somebody very different. There's that something new again. </div>
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So, what does this 'something new' need? I need to not forget where I have come from, from my roots at Christ Church and my growth at Liberton Kirk. I need to allow myself to be who I need to be now within a church, as a 22 years old woman who is now strong in her views, willing to express who she is to the outside world and not so afraid to hide her life journey with anyone. I require somewhere that I can stand up and be open and honest about who I am, and I require somewhere that I can be challenged to a new level over and over again. Life is dull withough challenges. I don't want to sit back in a church community and nod along with everything merrily like a plastic dog sitting on the dash of your car. Of course, like any human, I would like to be accepted in a community for who I am. I would like to be able to accept everybody in that community also, and feel able to contribute something to benefit the wider community (here speaketh the girl about to study Working with Communities....). </div>
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Today I went along to a new church, a church which I found on a simple google search. <a href="http://www.augustine.org.uk/" target="_blank">Augustine United Church</a> in Edinburgh is a beautiful place. The building is so beautifully built right in the centre of town, mixed in with libraries, cafes, shops, pubs, museums and tourist attractions - right in the heart of the community. The building is so beautifully put together inside, with words of inspiration, faith and stories to tell, with community art/craft projects hanging on the halls and with stained glass windows telling very moving stories. The people, most importantly, are also beautiful. The warmth as you walk in is very obvious and welcoming, the smiles are genuine and the words spoken are honest. God can be felt within those walls and within those people. The interest in my life, the enthusiasm for the Iona Community, the smiles of familiar faces (met previously on Iona last year), the words of the sermon and prayers, the songs honestly sung and the spirit of God moving in that place - they are the things that made that church this morning so special for me. It isn't often you will hear a sermon in such 'normal' language that all can understand and relate, songs being sung with such emotion and truth, and a minister positively praying for the same-sex marriage bill in the Scottish parliament. It isn't often you would feel comfortable to sit in a church with a 'Pride!' bracelet on and not feel judged for doing so. The church has a group called <a href="http://scotland.urc.org.uk/index.php/archives/4127" target="_blank">Our Tribe</a> and they have recently won an award for the work that they do in their community, and I found this very moving and inspirational. I feel truly blessed to have found this church today, and I hope and pray that it continues to challenge and reward everybody who attends, and more. </div>
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This morning God became real for me again for the first time in a while. Since leaving Iona I have not been a regular church goer and that has put a strain on me in many ways. I hope this is another new chapter of my life now, and certainly a new step on my journey. "Lord of all being, I give you my all; if I should disown you, I'd stumble and fall." That stumbling has been oh so real for me in these last months while settling back in to Edinburgh and making decisions of what to do with my life. This past week I have stepped back on my little ladder and journey onwards once more, after time spent on Iona with people who mean the world to me, in the place which I can still call home, and within the Abbey itself, and then finding this church where I hope I can just be me as I begin my new studying venture. Life moves on. "And you can't keep life from moving on so roll along."</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Patchwork put together by 'Our Tribe'</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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"O Christ, you are within each of us.</div>
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It is not just the interior of these walls:</div>
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It is our own inner being you have renewed.</div>
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We are your temple not make with hands.</div>
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We are your body.</div>
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If every wall should crumble, and every church decay,</div>
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we are your habitation.</div>
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Nearer are you than breathing,</div>
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closer than hands and feet.</div>
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Ours are the eyes with which you, in the mystery,</div>
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look out with compassion on the world.</div>
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Yet we bless you for this place,</div>
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for your directing of us, your redeeming of us,</div>
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and your indwelling,</div>
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Take us outside, O Christ, outside holiness,</div>
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out to where soldiers curse and nations clash</div>
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and the crossroads of the world.</div>
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So shall this building continue to be justified.</div>
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We ask it for your own name's sake.</div>
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Amen."</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">© Wild Goose Publications - Iona Abbey Worship Book</span></div>
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<br /></div>Lorna Bowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05649004560085196310noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292132537591937310.post-4325319946314648662012-07-11T00:07:00.002+01:002012-07-11T00:11:07.549+01:00Observations<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Royal Observatory: Edinburgh</td></tr>
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July 6th 2012:</div>
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A day off work for a very tired, worn out, grumpy little person. Full time work, friends staying, sports, committee papers, life decisions and planning, association meetings, denitst appointments, tea and cake dates, shopping, cleaning. The list could go on of what I have been up to for the past few weeks that have made me so busy. Though you may look at that list and think it looks quite average, it has been quite stressful for me. And this day, 6th July, I realised why. It isn't often I will share these moments with people, as they are 'my' moments, but this one has made enough of an impact on my life in the past few days that I feel like sharing it is ok. </div>
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I had what can only be described as a twitchy day off. One of those days when you don't really know what to do with yourself, when you wake up in the morning with a list of possible things to do as long as your arm yet no inspiration or motivation to do a single thing off that list. I like lists. But on this day that list didn't really matter to me. It was drizzly outside and the wind was whistling through my living room window as I tried to sit still and read my book, with a cup of tea in hand. Sitting still isn't something I do well, but I try. This trying failed as I knew something wasn't right inside of me. What, though?</div>
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A few hours later after going to Sainsburys, cleaning the kitchen and hanging my washing I got in the car, turned the engine on and pressed play on the cd player. I drove. But where was I going? I had no idea. I had no plan, I had no aim, I had nowhere to go. I just needed to go. </div>
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15 minutes later I found myself up on Blackford Hill. It hadn't been many days since I was last there with my friend watching the sun set over this beautiful city. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset from Blackford Hill</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i>"Hour after hour in this evening light</i></span></div>
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How long will we stay here tonight?<br />
There's still a distant power in the daylight<br />
But you can keep it for the morning.<br />
And the shadows of the woods<br />
We could hide from what we know<br />
But as I understood<br />
We were hiding from tomorrow"</i></span><br />
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So there I was standing on the top of this hill. It's not a big hill at all. Just a hill. But a hill with quite some view. To my left perfect rows of houses. In front of me stood the castle, high and majestic, with the water behind it. To my right Arthurs Seat towered above the city. Behind me the ski slope lit up the distant Pentland hills. But, most importantly, surrounding me there was air. Air that I could feel, air that I could breathe, air that I could join with. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrKlIjBTWl7OpaTovZATX2QwZxGxH27wl9Aj0YEkl2AgvUGGN-5JqNN9qDq4xxAF2pIp4oagzVu9rnd4PVOmLofsDVQGpQnIuA0Hu1O0yG5YgwTqK8aq0dyeujrXSlS4FN9aEj_3Xf4hkI/s1600/IMG_8202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrKlIjBTWl7OpaTovZATX2QwZxGxH27wl9Aj0YEkl2AgvUGGN-5JqNN9qDq4xxAF2pIp4oagzVu9rnd4PVOmLofsDVQGpQnIuA0Hu1O0yG5YgwTqK8aq0dyeujrXSlS4FN9aEj_3Xf4hkI/s320/IMG_8202.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The weather creeping in over the city</td></tr>
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The wind continued to blow as it had all day, and the rain splattered down on my head. It was cold up the hill. There was a man running, a woman walking two brown spaniels and a family of four racing back to the car before the rain poured down. The usual popularity of this hill was no more as the weather closed in around it. There I stayed. I stood. I listened. I watched. I knelt. I heard. I saw.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: small;">"And you can't keep life from moving on<br />
So roll along till there's nowhere to go"</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;"> </span> </i></div>
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Life can move at quite some pace sometimes. That pace can be too fast for me to appreciate all that is happening. In the run up to me standing on this hill I had some great days and weeks, with the most amazing of friends I could ever ask for to keep me sane. Yet here I stood only just realising those joys, because I had the space to be 'me'. <span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i>"And my advice
<br />
It was to make something out of what it's worth<br />
Make something out of what it's worth</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>In the end, what's more important?<br />
To have toiled?<br />
To have tried?<br />
I'll let you decide"</i></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> </i>I am an introvert. That's it. That is what all of this is about. I am an introvert.</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
This is a fact anybody who knows me will know. As an introvert I get easily overwhelmed by too much stimulation, if you like. As an intorvert I require solitude and stillness. That is what has been missing lately. This hill made me remember this. I say remember because I knew all of this before, so it wasn't a realisation, it was a reminder. This is me still getting used to how to live in the city again after spending so much time on a remote Scottish island. My automatic reaction when over stressed and unable to concentrate was to get in my car and drive somewhere away from people. I ended up on the top of this hill, overlooking this city which I love so much, getting cold and wet, knelt on wet grass, and for the first time in weeks I was still. Not just physically still. Internally still. Content. Able to think. Able to feel alive. Able to connect with the God who is so much bigger than I am. Able to stretch my mind. Able to feel people close who are at a distance. Able to enjoy the stillness inside of me. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
With 'Be still and know that I am God' going around in my head I knelt there for quite some time, just breathing in the fresh air and taking all of the wind and rain and view in. Nature is such an amazing thing. Nature makes me alive. Really, trully alive. I love sitting in my flat, I love being in cafe's with a cuppa tea chatting, I love being busy. But if I don't take this time to be in nature, I am unable to enjoy all of that love. So, from now on, when I find myself getting stressed at life, I must just go and say hello to nature, take in the air and enjoy the elements for the freedom they give me. I did it before, I forgot recently how to do it, and just needed that one evening to nudge me in the right direction again. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
This introvert needs to be an introvert and that is ok. That is who I am and that is what I will continue to be.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"In your love, my salvation lies"</i></div>
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</div>Lorna Bowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05649004560085196310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292132537591937310.post-34623769383316735142012-06-17T13:49:00.001+01:002012-06-17T13:49:52.889+01:00Differences; spoken or unspoken<a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/difference?s=t" target="_blank"></a><br />
The word <a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/difference?s=t" target="_blank">difference</a> says so much. But how much are our differences spoken about or unspoken?<br />
<br />
I am going to speak. If you have differences with me, then go ahead and speak too. If you agree with me, then go ahead and speak too.<br />
<br />
As somebody who has been working for and living with the Iona Community for the past few years I think it's only right if I share something from them. <a href="http://www.iona.org.uk/news.php?id=268" target="_blank">The Iona Community response to same sex marriage</a> makes for an interesting read. When I first read these responses I was very proud to be part of this organisation. But it wasn't until a few days later when I read them again that I wondered how many other organisations, especially from a faith-based perspective, would be so strong in making their views known. The world makes it difficult at times to be strongly opinionated. There is a lot of opposition, no matter what the issue. But there is also a lot of support. However, how will you ever know who agrees with you if you aren't willing to share your point of view? Sometimes all it takes is one person to speak out for others to follow suit.<br />
<br />
With the <a href="http://www.ipsos-mori.com/researchpublications/researcharchive/2978/Majority-of-Scots-support-gay-marriage.aspx" target="_blank">Ipsos</a> results just being published and <a href="http://www.equality-network.org/Equality/website.nsf/home?OpenForm" target="_blank">The Equality Network</a> appearing on Sunday Politics show today I have to wonder how many conversations are floating around Scotland about equal marriage. (I am not excluding the consultation in England and Wales in this deliberately, I am just focusing on what I have seen in the news these past day!) I know that many of my friends and people I am connected to do not agree with same sex marriage, and I am not in any way trying to anger you by writing this and being strong in my opinions. I do, however, hope that maybe eyes can be opened even in the slightest. I am not going to ask you to change your opinions and beliefs. I am not going to force you to engage in debate. I am not going to ask you to agree with me. I ask you to treat everyone the same, whether you accept their life or not, because they are still human. Everyone has the right to their opinion and their beliefs and their way of leading their lives. And this is exactly why I agree with same sex marriage. Whether I 'label' myself as bisexual or not, I have had this view point on this matter since I was old enough to understand it.<br />
<br />
There is debate as to whether or not allowing same sex marriage will force religious organisations to perform same sex ceremonies, whether they want to or not. There is debate about how the law will be brought in to force to stop this from happening. There is debate around who can and can't perform these marriages. And I agree, these things need to be sorted out, so that nobody should be forced to do anything they don't want to. That is very possible with good wording and enforcement of the law. And in the same way, everyone needs to be able to act how they want around this issue. For the religious organisations who don't want to be a part of this, they can opt to never perform a single same sex marriage, and for those people who want to get married to the person they love, they can opt to do so. Choice. Free choice. If the law allows marriage between two people who love each other then everybody should be happy. Those who want to get married can get married. Those who don't want to get married don't get married. Those who want to marry couples can marry them. Those who don't want to marry couples don't marry them. Tell me what is wrong about that, about free choice.<br />
<br />
The other thing that has got me stirred up in to writing this (not only because I have a day with no plans but drinking tea and tidying!) is that my flatmate, my friend, my dad and I watched the film <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1013753/" target="_blank">Milk</a> last night. This film follows the life of Harvey Milk, gay activist in the 1970's, through a few years of his life as the first openly gay elected official to the day of his assassination. (The best line from this film, for me: "If it were true that children emulate their teachers, we'd have a lot more nuns running around"!) I think this is a film more people should watch if they want to understand more about gay rights and how this debate all began. <br />
<br />
So, here I am, sat at my desk sharing my opinions with you. I know my opinions may be different from yours. But at least I'm speaking out. Are you? Go on, say what you think and maybe even tell the government. I have.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyyOBGvrDETN-PNXP9g9ajg-BBTnL828wHsqpv15s62EDcr_2od2imJR3cuqBup4XdBKCk6wYKFP5NzxNT7h0nWnCP1wWR8Olv5VZnMvbkzH4CuwBdgAxAjUNpA9I8qkdm-WdQtGMF1N6t/s1600/IMG_6346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyyOBGvrDETN-PNXP9g9ajg-BBTnL828wHsqpv15s62EDcr_2od2imJR3cuqBup4XdBKCk6wYKFP5NzxNT7h0nWnCP1wWR8Olv5VZnMvbkzH4CuwBdgAxAjUNpA9I8qkdm-WdQtGMF1N6t/s320/IMG_6346.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcBOmcOzuwWsBRl2EfDk0O7Mwu7jcOZ9P9oA-NdCpzfjHdn3-68H4_sfkxek03xMh87-aIE0_0ryONKZcm_JH1xD_ldVWQ7rzdb5CxxnwW389YA87OnEYlqlAB86K6VEaT1t19GkooOzjm/s1600/IMG_6333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcBOmcOzuwWsBRl2EfDk0O7Mwu7jcOZ9P9oA-NdCpzfjHdn3-68H4_sfkxek03xMh87-aIE0_0ryONKZcm_JH1xD_ldVWQ7rzdb5CxxnwW389YA87OnEYlqlAB86K6VEaT1t19GkooOzjm/s320/IMG_6333.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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p.s. This isn't the only issue I relate to that I could write about, but it is the one that stands out the most with the public eye watching the parliamentary debates. Refugee and asylum seeker discussion next?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1013753/" target="_blank"></a><br />Lorna Bowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05649004560085196310noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292132537591937310.post-64137183153065451332012-04-23T13:40:00.001+01:002012-04-23T13:40:24.288+01:00Motivation<div class="header" style="color: #eeeeee;">
<b>mo·ti·va·tio</b>n <span class="pronset"><span class="show_spellpr" style="display: inline;"><span class="prondelim">[</span><span class="pron">moh-t<span class="ital-inline">uh</span>-<span class="boldface">vey</span>-sh<span class="ital-inline">uh</span><span class="luna-thinspace"></span>n</span><span class="prondelim">]</span> <span class="pron_toggle" style="display: inline;"></span></span></span><span class="pg"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">noun</span> </span></span><br />
</div>
<div class="pbk" style="color: #eeeeee;">
<div class="luna-Ent">
<span class="dnindex"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">1.</span></span></span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword"> the</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">act</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">an</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">instance</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">of</span> </span><span><a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/motivate" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">motivating</a><span id="hotword">, </span></span><span id="hotword"> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">providing</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">with</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> </span><a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/reason">reason</a><span id="hotword"> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">act</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">in</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">certain</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">way:</span> </span><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">I</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">don't</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">understand</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">what</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">her</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">motivation</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">was</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">for</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">quitting</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">her</span> job.</span><span id="hotword"> </span></span> <span><span class="sectionLabel"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">Synonyms:</span> </span></span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">motive,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">inspiration,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">inducement,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">cause,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">impetus.</span> </span></span></div>
<div class="luna-Ent">
<span class="dnindex"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">2.</span></span></span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword"> the</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">state</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">condition</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">being</span> </span><span><a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/motivate" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">motivated</a><span id="hotword">: </span></span> <span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">We</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">know</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">that</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">these</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">students</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">have</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">strong</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">motivation</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">learn.</span> </span></span></div>
<div class="luna-Ent">
<span class="dnindex"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">3.</span></span></span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword"> something</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">that</span> </span><span><a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/motivate" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">motivates</a><span id="hotword">; </span></span><span id="hotword"> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">inducement;</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">incentive:</span> </span><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">Clearly,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">the</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">company's</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">long-term</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">motivation</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">is</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">profit.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">Motivation - what is it to you?</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">Above is the dictionary definition of motivation. When in life do we actually go by exactly what the dictionary says, exactly what is prescribed to us, exactly what we were taught as children?</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">Motivation has been a big part of my life lately. Not because I have been overly motivated, but because I have been lacking in it.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">I, Lorna, am a motivated person. I aim for things. I am stretch forward. I set my eyes on a goal and I try to get there.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">So, why am I saying I have a lack of motivation? Because even if I want to aim for things, I want to stretch forward, I set my eyes on a goal.. I don't necesarily motivate myself to do anything about it. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">In about a months time I am running 10km around Edinburgh; up a hill, down a hill and around a loch. My motivation for doing this? My mum. I am raising money for Macmillan in memory of my mum. That's a pretty good motivation I guess. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">But my motivation for training for this run, is, well, somewhat lacking at the moment. You know what I need? Extra motivation. I can only do so much myself. Who would like to sponsor me some money? Who would like to come running with me? Who would like to feed me dinner when I return from a training run? You? Great! Then go to www.justgiving.com/lornabowry or give me a call to arrange a run or a cooking session!</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">Honestly, it's all it takes... a few quid and a bit of moral support. Please. For me and my sanity. For my mum. For Macmillan. </span> </span></span></div>
</div>Lorna Bowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05649004560085196310noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292132537591937310.post-14707990774676738852012-03-22T23:41:00.001+00:002012-03-22T23:41:50.001+00:0022nd March 2012http://www.blipfoto.com/lornabowryLorna Bowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05649004560085196310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292132537591937310.post-20428051914337542682012-03-06T21:47:00.000+00:002012-03-06T21:47:16.559+00:00Memories...<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"> <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/43H4lUbfJMM" width="560"></iframe></span></h6>Lorna Bowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05649004560085196310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292132537591937310.post-53370070758702017052012-02-14T22:34:00.001+00:002012-02-14T22:39:23.384+00:00Equality<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4F5sM7uXaIQkff9f4kml5HQ4tkT1cUTI0PvKLC0iEOXpHXlSg4Bajnfe5lHM0PmkZg0ibM1GJjKhaQzGmEc1Zu4r-BmGQX7kuWaKg6eKdsKpEhPfLwzM8kl665VJ6oJAMN4H2N1NgO-fp/s1600/IMG_6365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4F5sM7uXaIQkff9f4kml5HQ4tkT1cUTI0PvKLC0iEOXpHXlSg4Bajnfe5lHM0PmkZg0ibM1GJjKhaQzGmEc1Zu4r-BmGQX7kuWaKg6eKdsKpEhPfLwzM8kl665VJ6oJAMN4H2N1NgO-fp/s320/IMG_6365.JPG" width="320" /></a>Today is Valentines Day and it took me to Bristo Square in Edinburgh where there was a march for equality... for equal marriage. The march began there and made it's way along George IV bridge, down the Royal Mile and to the Scottish Parliament. When we arrived at the Scottish Parliament building there were a few wee talks by various folks from the organisations supporting the event, including politicians and ministers. There were over 1000 people there and it was nice to see such a range of folks there. Everyone including LGBTQ people, straight people, small children, older folks, dressed up people, first time marchers, experienced campaigners... People from all walks of life coming together to march for equality. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinasvmW5xWrpDHGq0Svkf0fFX7HG8FM5tN82ilVjvaz4Lk2FU1j0NmLUXa2rRD_uslflskrEqq1-4ctJDkKNmrSJGirUUfqU5aD6hSQdQYRwq5vujVE0EQobLWtItCIFXreK0rlJUF0J_r/s1600/IMG_6367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinasvmW5xWrpDHGq0Svkf0fFX7HG8FM5tN82ilVjvaz4Lk2FU1j0NmLUXa2rRD_uslflskrEqq1-4ctJDkKNmrSJGirUUfqU5aD6hSQdQYRwq5vujVE0EQobLWtItCIFXreK0rlJUF0J_r/s320/IMG_6367.JPG" width="320" /></a>I realise that this issue is a big topic in the world right now, and a lot of folk are likely fed up of hearing about it. So, the sooner it's over the better! But, then again, I realise that this isn't the view of everybody. For me, it being 'over' (in Scotland anyway) is for equal marriage to be passed by the Scottish Parliament (and straight civil partnerships too please), yet for others it being 'over' is quite the opposite. Can we ever really all agree? I'm not so sure. If it were a little issue, maybe we could, but it is a big issue in the world and one in which the majority of people will have their own personal stance on. So, allowing for the fact that not 100% of the population will just agree or disagree, can we compromise? If this law is passed then same sex marriages are legal in Scotland. What about in places of religion? That, for me, is one of the bigger debates. I think that the law should allow same sex marriages to be taken place in places of religion but it is up to each individual demonination/minister etc if they are willing to do this. That way, they don't have to if they don't want to. Nobody can force you in to doing something you don't want to do. I reckon I could have a wee rant about this for quite some time, but as I said it has been shoved in peoples faces enough lately and I just wanted to state my point of view roughly.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgup25WOn0n1OkYy2Whw82qYOyYZMxgB44U-ryV09MSZjuAlSeXYET01kqP-EznxRjCX-9XR3HXtdfC5dt1ESY7PjOvdjxeAd9UR3D_D9Uy-0pTAdjoBCR3XL1zyjlv3bC-MmWgns3_dpz1/s1600/IMG_6346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgup25WOn0n1OkYy2Whw82qYOyYZMxgB44U-ryV09MSZjuAlSeXYET01kqP-EznxRjCX-9XR3HXtdfC5dt1ESY7PjOvdjxeAd9UR3D_D9Uy-0pTAdjoBCR3XL1zyjlv3bC-MmWgns3_dpz1/s320/IMG_6346.JPG" width="320" /></a>Choice. That's what it's all about. Choice of how you live your individual life. Choice of how I live mine. Choice.<br />
<br />
There are people in my life who do not agree with this, my view point, and that is (within my friend groups) mainly because of their religious stand point. And, you know what? I'm ok with that! I understand why you take the stance you take, and I am appreciative of your openness to talking about it and embracing the issue. Yes, I have dated both girls and guys. Yes, this may come as a shock to some of you out there, but I am open about this because it is who I am. Yes, I want equal marriage rights. Yes, I love everyone. Yes, I would call myself a Christian. <br />
<br />
Iona has taught me a lot over the last couple of years, and one of those things that is very important to me is to stand up for who I am. I am someone who is loved by God no matter what I do. I am someone who can stand firm on my own two feet. I am someone who loves the people in my life more than anything else. I am someone who is introverted and that is ok. I am someone who likes to be in nature because it is what makes sense to me and where I feel most connected to the world. I am who I am, and that is the way I will continue to be.<br />
<br />
I am not someone who will push my opinions in your face, certainly not on these big issues, and I am not someone who generally starts up such conversations. But that isn't because I don't want to talk to you about them, it's because I don't want to make you feel uncomfortable about anything. So, if this is something you want to talk about, you know where I am.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-8IEtcmgQdv7XhOoph_sIRg1nYXjBTaqRTZzD21wSgnpMcXYGUM0HFZYQfuBzjV3MciuMEI2r78OedREecLFn59ADZ2Gw5bY3aKFgG-2piA7cVTQtR-FaCYnf2xr7Z_7Y9vW3UKZcNhUP/s1600/IMG_6321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-8IEtcmgQdv7XhOoph_sIRg1nYXjBTaqRTZzD21wSgnpMcXYGUM0HFZYQfuBzjV3MciuMEI2r78OedREecLFn59ADZ2Gw5bY3aKFgG-2piA7cVTQtR-FaCYnf2xr7Z_7Y9vW3UKZcNhUP/s320/IMG_6321.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>In the meantime, I am going to continue to support the equal marriage equality movement both here in Scotland and elsewhere in the world, I am going to continue to love every individual person for who they are, I am going to continue to be a Christian and I am going to live, love, laugh and comtemplate.<br />
<br />
Blessings to you all xxLorna Bowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05649004560085196310noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292132537591937310.post-75470145446415755202012-02-07T01:07:00.002+00:002012-02-07T01:11:44.239+00:00Inspiration<div style="color: #3d85c6; text-align: left;">I have decided today that everything runs on inspiration. What is inspiration? Well, I don't think it's a word that I could ever fully understand, but I know it changes a lot about my life. At least twice a day this week I have found myself using the words 'inspired', 'inspiration', 'inspirational'. Why? Well, because there are a lot of changes in my life and each one if spurred on by another, or so it feels.<br />
</div><div style="color: purple; text-align: center;"></div><div style="color: purple; text-align: center;">"Don't know what time it is, I've been up for way too long and I'm too tired to sleep"<br />
</div><div style="color: #3d85c6; text-align: center;"></div><div style="color: #3d85c6; text-align: left;">The Wailin Jennys album and I have become good friends in the last few weeks. Sadly I only own one, and so this will soon have to change. But I have found that a lot of their lyrics just make sense. Life beyond Iona is a funny thing, one I won't understand for a long time. It's exhausting. That's the main thing I've noticed. I knew that I was very tired on Iona, after two years of physical work and mental stress. But I never quite expected to be this exhausted trying to 'recover'. I also knew that it would be difficult to adjust to live outside of community, not being surrounded by people all of the time, not eating with everyone. But, again, I never quite expected it to be this exhausting. I find myself exhausting myself trying to meet up with people because it feels very lonely out here in the real world sometimes, and although that isn't a bad thing, it just takes some time to get used to. My patience runs low, my energy goes away quickly, my enthusiam disappears half way through a task, my ability to write job applications gets smaller, my likelihood of doing the things on my to-do list shrinks, the washing piles up, my emotions can be slightly tapped and they explode... Who warned me of this?! Oh yeah, everyone who has left Iona before me that I know! But, really, did I ever trully believe them? I thought I did. But now I know that I didn't. My, oh my. However, alongside all of this, I feel fine overall and am enjoying being back in Edinburgh! </div><div style="color: #3d85c6; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #3d85c6; text-align: left;">Anyway, this rant was not what was meant to happen on this blog - it's about inspiration! But, then again, a lot of the above rant is related to inspiration in some ways. The things in life that have kept me going lately have been inspirational... nature, music, friends, lights, singing, bass vibrations, lyrics, sunshine, country driving, re-discovering, guitar, old friendships, excercise, memories, painting, conversations, gardening, diy, cake, concerts, fire, trees, skype chats, motorway driving, graveyards, photography, emails, reading, meals out, feeling alive... etc, etc. What in life is not inspirational? I have no idea. The main thing for me has been music. But to save me writing a bit of an explanation, just look here: http://www.blipfoto.com/entry/1728962 The most amazing, musical related, inspirational moments for me have been at concerts when the music just fits so well that you get a shiver up your spine. I didn't understand that feeling for a long time, but I am so glad that I do now. I think live (especially folk music) will do that for me forever, but lately it has meant more to me than anything. Good ol' Celtic Connections has given me that in the last few weeks, and for that I am very thankful. Thoughts that were previously muddled suddenly made sense.<br />
</div><div style="color: #3d85c6; text-align: left;"></div><div style="color: #3d85c6; text-align: left;">And the sun, the stars, the trees, the ice, the bogs, the cows, the leaves... nature. I have taken so many pictures lately of nature, nature in many forms. It's everywhere and never looks the same twice. Every time I walk my local walk I see something different, and I love that. Every time I walk my local walk I feel something different, and I love that. Every time I walk my local walk something else in my life suddenly makes more sense or I start to process some other part of life that needs processed.<br />
</div><div style="color: #3d85c6; text-align: left;"></div><div style="color: #3d85c6; text-align: left;">And now that it is 1.05am and I started with a quite about being too tired to sleep and then a wee rant about being exhausted... I think it is time to stop typing nonsense and go to bed.<br />
</div><div style="color: #3d85c6; text-align: left;"></div><div style="color: #3d85c6; text-align: left;">World: thank you for being an inspiration.<br />
</div><div style="color: #3d85c6; text-align: left;"></div><div style="color: #3d85c6; text-align: left;">Friends: thank you for all that you are.<br />
</div><div style="color: #3d85c6; text-align: left;"></div><div style="color: #3d85c6; text-align: left;">Blog: goodnight.</div>Lorna Bowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05649004560085196310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292132537591937310.post-64682223179775099932012-01-05T13:45:00.003+00:002012-01-05T14:09:12.375+00:00Power is amazing"Power is amazing,<br />
wood thrown on stone.<br />
A life under there.<br />
Once it lived, <br />
just like the wood.<br />
But now it's still,<br />
just like the stone.<br />
Life before it,<br />
creating history.<br />
Life above it,<br />
wandering round.<br />
Life after it,<br />
miracles to explore.<br />
What does it mean,<br />
the power of nature?<br />
The comings and goings<br />
of life once so strong.<br />
The stable tree now twigs<br />
On the ground<br />
Surrounding the stone.<br />
The gift of life now<br />
Still underground<br />
Yet so much higher above.<br />
Power is amazing."<br />
<br />
A walk to the cemetery on a cold, sunny, wintery day after the strong winds had struck the landscape around... and Lorna writes on her way home.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMuHggkS1x_ptQqBhxNzOgdbeqCK2xqWHHGmHnkUjaHB1We11nBEw78Q3WnaFSpbVdheFtZ_h8IbF40_uHwJroyg6QjsRxlmTzR7mbYYXP7veXHCyPOfkZmlP09wuSwiRgee9nnbfQXYsm/s1600/IMG_5944.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMuHggkS1x_ptQqBhxNzOgdbeqCK2xqWHHGmHnkUjaHB1We11nBEw78Q3WnaFSpbVdheFtZ_h8IbF40_uHwJroyg6QjsRxlmTzR7mbYYXP7veXHCyPOfkZmlP09wuSwiRgee9nnbfQXYsm/s320/IMG_5944.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiExBpLGZkBSO2VcdD058Or4KTqCebSqDK10eKUshMN9g9-b3RekmREbJ2wsSbRYlP_11gasrZk8ycpWMeoAgweyt8_3mIjU2eRRO32gkqdd-G-WuzaEvX54Dyp-2cxlbn-tMMGdtTO706E/s1600/IMG_5953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiExBpLGZkBSO2VcdD058Or4KTqCebSqDK10eKUshMN9g9-b3RekmREbJ2wsSbRYlP_11gasrZk8ycpWMeoAgweyt8_3mIjU2eRRO32gkqdd-G-WuzaEvX54Dyp-2cxlbn-tMMGdtTO706E/s320/IMG_5953.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I can't get it the right way!</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvlr_5w5ZIoelDLENJ3k55RBhaGdN6BZcMxdHrTWwjCQftCY4nGmphi7mSLQHW7MM3LYSvFFuW3Jrc7N6jpZcvkQvwNSkIUOnBVVxZs5mXZ-XnJEtoTJm0gbpCum0pTuOJKV3wbGhgfkJw/s1600/IMG_5949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvlr_5w5ZIoelDLENJ3k55RBhaGdN6BZcMxdHrTWwjCQftCY4nGmphi7mSLQHW7MM3LYSvFFuW3Jrc7N6jpZcvkQvwNSkIUOnBVVxZs5mXZ-XnJEtoTJm0gbpCum0pTuOJKV3wbGhgfkJw/s320/IMG_5949.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu5nHkxnDZBckINY0FHcLfPggpmPaW7l4mw5CrQnZtb5uRrxCfZyqRkmpoZ0cUmenYc0eCHsROy8gbR6Il5RcNLoaTAmeeiEc6vum0BXZSPbsP7E4bOoXQor1PqD4WNAO4AXTIj-jpa7WM/s1600/IMG_5948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu5nHkxnDZBckINY0FHcLfPggpmPaW7l4mw5CrQnZtb5uRrxCfZyqRkmpoZ0cUmenYc0eCHsROy8gbR6Il5RcNLoaTAmeeiEc6vum0BXZSPbsP7E4bOoXQor1PqD4WNAO4AXTIj-jpa7WM/s320/IMG_5948.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I can't get it the right way!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Lorna Bowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05649004560085196310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292132537591937310.post-75070525296221736652011-12-30T22:35:00.000+00:002011-12-30T22:35:46.367+00:00Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes.Less than 40 hours ago I was doing that thing that I've always wondered how people do. I was on the CalMac ferry leaving Iona, leaving my home, leaving my friends and my lifelines. But, you know what, it was ok. Even though I have no idea what I am going on to next. Even though I am leaving the place, and more than that, the people I love. Even though I have to make a new life for myself. Even though I don't yet know when I will go back.<br />
<br />
Sometimes emotions disappear, and 40 hours ago they did just that - blank. There were tears shed. But not in the way I may have expected, after watching so many people leave on that ferry before me. They were shed mainly because I was being taken away from the most important people in my life. But even that didn't quite feel real enough to really hit home to wherever it is emotions hide inside.<br />
<br />
In another 40 hours time, or even 400 hours time, I can bet those emotions will come rushing and hit hard then. My heart feels quite broken after leaving and I know soon it will start to make more sense.<br />
<br />
"Sometimes we sorrow, other times embrace,<br />
sometimes we question everything we face;<br />
yet in our yearning is deeper learning:<br />
we belong to God, we belong to God." <br />
<br />
And now I am in Edinburgh, adjusting to life in a busy (well, compared to Iona) city, driving in traffic, starting up a house for the first time in my life, living with someone I've never lived with before (though known for years), hunting for a church to feel comfortable in (eventually), applying for jobs and universities and colleges (ah, deadlines), reconnecting with friends, trying to stay in touch with friends around the world (thank you internet), cooking for myself, getting up in the morning with no official things to do each day... etc etc. <br />
<br />
From here, I expect emotions and visitors... please.<br />
<br />
"Mayenziwe 'ntando yakho."<br />
"Your will be done on earth, O Lord."Lorna Bowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05649004560085196310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292132537591937310.post-69553975888688028942011-12-14T20:57:00.001+00:002011-12-14T20:57:29.173+00:00Going mad?<code class="code_main"><object align="middle" allowscriptaccess="always" data="http://www.justgiving.com/widgets/jgwidget.swf" flashvars="EggId=1400299&IsMS=0" height="230" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="150"><param name="movie" value="http://www.justgiving.com/widgets/jgwidget.swf"
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value="all" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent"
/><param name="flashvars" value="EggId=1400299&IsMS=0" /></object></code>Lorna Bowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05649004560085196310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292132537591937310.post-65334992949217875042011-12-12T17:15:00.000+00:002011-12-12T17:15:12.574+00:00What you do with what you've got..."What's the use of two good legs if you only run away <br />
What's the use of the finest voice if you've nothing good to say <br />
What good is strength and muscle if you only push and shove <br />
And what's the use of two good ears if you can't hear those you love"<br />
<br />
Songs mean various things at various points in your life. It's amazing how you can take new things from them each time you listen depending on where you're at in your life... <br />
<br />
"It's not what you're born with <br />
It's what you choose to bear <br />
It's not how big your share is <br />
It's how much you can share <br />
It's not the fights you dreamed of <br />
It's those you really fought <br />
It's not what you're given <br />
It's what you do with what you've go"<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Eddi Reader - What you do with what you've got</span>Lorna Bowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05649004560085196310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292132537591937310.post-70203062073475617482011-12-06T21:17:00.000+00:002011-12-06T21:17:04.723+00:00See...?What can you see? <br />
What can I see?<br />
What can we see together?<br />
<br />
Do you ever see something that you don't quite want to be true? <br />
<br />
Do you ever see something that you want to be true yet know isn't?<br />
<br />
Whether it's actually seeing with your eyes, or experiencing something in other ways; through thoughts, emotions, sounds...<br />
<br />
Do the things that we see change the way that we act, we react?<br />
<br />
Do the things that we see change the way we think, we feel?<br />
<br />
Whether it's a simple action or a change of life direction. Whether it's a flying thought or a long term dream.<br />
<br />
And more to the point, how do we deal with what we see? Sometimes what we see is right. Sometimes what we see is wrong. Sometimes what we see is somewhere in between. But how do we deal with these things?<br />
<br />
If there are answers, surely they don't follow any one rule. Answers on a postcard.Lorna Bowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05649004560085196310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292132537591937310.post-66863663300862206612011-11-17T21:48:00.000+00:002011-11-17T21:48:42.525+00:00Old And New EyesLooking on at a difficult situation with 'new eyes' can be challenging, heart wrentching, exhausting, testing, emotionally draining... The list could go on. Looking back on a situation with 'new eyes' can be just the same.<br />
<br />
How do we deal with this? How do we deal with our own expectations; expectations of ourselves, expectations of others, expectations of a situation? How do we comprehend all that goes on within us, mind and soul? How do we make sure that our 'new eyes' don't take away from the experiences that our 'old eyes' had?<br />
<br />
Our 'old eyes' saw something great and embraced it, our 'new eyes' see something great turned in to a challenge to deal with, yet still needing to be embraced.<br />
<br />
~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />
<br />
A lot has happened lately. A lot is happening. A lot will soon happen. This is life.<br />
<br />
I just now have many questions about dealing with all of this, good or bad, positive or negative, old or new. Not so much answers to be looked for, but questions to continue to be asked.<br />
<br />
~~~~~~~~~~~~Lorna Bowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05649004560085196310noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292132537591937310.post-71389983035071787232011-11-09T22:25:00.000+00:002011-11-09T22:25:53.959+00:00Feels Like Home To Me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKKefFmYKqAJLQNp2za-fHerp69gISCXvCPZQE6n5IyJakXFiwi1GwX9jlEb5hvHCqQpj5H8J5wC_DKqfVrbomV-SprVXAAZQ_q1su6Oau5EXxANpsAVWJm7akwlEknYj793HqoXKYwjSI/s1600/IMG_5459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKKefFmYKqAJLQNp2za-fHerp69gISCXvCPZQE6n5IyJakXFiwi1GwX9jlEb5hvHCqQpj5H8J5wC_DKqfVrbomV-SprVXAAZQ_q1su6Oau5EXxANpsAVWJm7akwlEknYj793HqoXKYwjSI/s320/IMG_5459.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>When walking along a very familiar beach, with very familiar people, watching a very familiar sunset, a very old familiar song popped in to my head.<br />
"Feels like home to me. Feels like I'm all the way back where I come from."<br />
And that was right, that is right. But the strange thing is, it's also right that I'm leaving this place.<br />
No more familiar walks along the Machair watching the sunset with these people again. Not like this anyway.Lorna Bowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05649004560085196310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292132537591937310.post-15006723151926057052011-10-31T16:17:00.000+00:002011-10-31T16:17:51.615+00:00Thoughts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVoyHGtczud0rSSy07pIHXz5nxM5FeO5JPrBYS04pwVlKqtgZ1tDeS8kA_2dox5o1oFRSXD2vBkETURGiaf0BhcOBsLOyGICOJypMSLmVcV-1PwsgGZii0HrZpImSZdrpBSRMzgiJl2g5r/s1600/Dulux-Colour-Cards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVoyHGtczud0rSSy07pIHXz5nxM5FeO5JPrBYS04pwVlKqtgZ1tDeS8kA_2dox5o1oFRSXD2vBkETURGiaf0BhcOBsLOyGICOJypMSLmVcV-1PwsgGZii0HrZpImSZdrpBSRMzgiJl2g5r/s200/Dulux-Colour-Cards.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZZrAH3Oxvj7IugwhSwyFKdnLTCCm_RVKap6E7yos8Cv1Bi625-pulzMMPCalqSx603yDpSBLRyDHT2ohj3PNDtdiy3NALerVHuMVGkkP2ggZLCYhEYJ-s7Cq47irp51JWyL9Q8Fnkj4uh/s1600/t-fal_encore_black_enamel_cookware.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZZrAH3Oxvj7IugwhSwyFKdnLTCCm_RVKap6E7yos8Cv1Bi625-pulzMMPCalqSx603yDpSBLRyDHT2ohj3PNDtdiy3NALerVHuMVGkkP2ggZLCYhEYJ-s7Cq47irp51JWyL9Q8Fnkj4uh/s200/t-fal_encore_black_enamel_cookware.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoH42lyBY_SDOjMajY52kxTRQwDN3BRRn6pb_PDHiNyrQXSwRFoOwqrXMjtgEW81rRPCjEBphNmeuM_JQKQitOkR1DJS2-6HuQcAMrdT6fDdVSTmkrHvsri0-XfJouyFKEl23c6fEEph8l/s1600/121577105_1_purple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoH42lyBY_SDOjMajY52kxTRQwDN3BRRn6pb_PDHiNyrQXSwRFoOwqrXMjtgEW81rRPCjEBphNmeuM_JQKQitOkR1DJS2-6HuQcAMrdT6fDdVSTmkrHvsri0-XfJouyFKEl23c6fEEph8l/s200/121577105_1_purple.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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Where would you expect me to be when thinking about the above things? In the maintenance shed whilst picking paint for work? In the kitchen whilst cooking? In the guest rooms whilst making beds? Out shopping? Looking at the Argos catalogue or on Amazon?<br />
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Nope. In church. Yes, not only in church, but in the leader's desk while leading a service.<br />
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Do you think you can get so used to something to the point you get blasé, even when you're the one leading it? Clearly so!<br />
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2 years living in community with 2 services every day, 9am and 9pm...<br />
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Is it a wonder at times I switch off and my mind wanders? Not really.<br />
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But is that such a bad thing? To me: not really. You can't always engage with everything all of the time. Can you? If you can, I don't think you're a true human. End of.Lorna Bowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05649004560085196310noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292132537591937310.post-87532129958503984862011-10-24T23:46:00.000+01:002011-10-24T23:46:39.069+01:00Music for the soulLately I have listened to a lot of music, and have also started to play my guitar again. I have even written a new song in the last week. Life is changing. Fast. Sometimes music feels stable.<br />
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Tonight I have been listening to the Wailin' Jennys. For a few reasons/memories I find them tricky to listen to. But after a 'jukebox' last night with some friends I was challenged to listen to them again. So here I am.<br />
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"Take me where the angels are close at hand<br />
Take me where the ocean meets the sky and the land<br />
Show me to the wisdom of the evening star<br />
There's only one way to mend a broken heart"<br />
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Short post as I don't have many words tonight. Bed.Lorna Bowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05649004560085196310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5292132537591937310.post-23490767375151671362011-10-13T17:55:00.000+01:002011-10-13T17:55:59.917+01:00Memories and dreamsSo I went for a wander this afternoon up to St Anthony's Chapel...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUbBpjj-TNdKmD1T1EOVG_1bSySeyfU3o-hIKbt-PqbIlHD0H3okaqkMPovm5otTZAO53TIziQALwBpSkbzle4cm6rC9LnzIzulEY-jgLO2qID1c_dto8SKwezrcac2ioZT1W2WZFZIYm-/s1600/IMG_5301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUbBpjj-TNdKmD1T1EOVG_1bSySeyfU3o-hIKbt-PqbIlHD0H3okaqkMPovm5otTZAO53TIziQALwBpSkbzle4cm6rC9LnzIzulEY-jgLO2qID1c_dto8SKwezrcac2ioZT1W2WZFZIYm-/s320/IMG_5301.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
It was a lovely sunny afternoon, although not by the time I got up the hill! The only annoying this was that there were people there. People? How dare they!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhauaaM2VXtQ3pjdKd4hYsL5HIYmbGk8-sxbwcemhH12QMBC3xrONT7FTBCcBbWjTXtQjJo2NGVJ9PNDIjsXUZTqmj7l-1mXFB6eVXko0QfOx9JXc4OMn5t6dcFPWb-B3U9mv72JbIK_ZEO/s1600/IMG_5312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhauaaM2VXtQ3pjdKd4hYsL5HIYmbGk8-sxbwcemhH12QMBC3xrONT7FTBCcBbWjTXtQjJo2NGVJ9PNDIjsXUZTqmj7l-1mXFB6eVXko0QfOx9JXc4OMn5t6dcFPWb-B3U9mv72JbIK_ZEO/s320/IMG_5312.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
In my sight there was the castle, the Scott Monument, Calton Hill, the football stadium, the sea, Fife, power stations, houses, the city centre, Dynamic Earth, a pond full of happy ducks... The list goes on. Some of it doesn't sound so lovely, and to be honest it isn't that lovely. But some of it is lovely. And if you put the lovely and the not so lovely together, you get Edinburgh.<br />
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There's many memories up there There's many dreams looking out from it. With less than 12 weeks left on Iona before moving back to Edinburgh, it's hard to try to mix those memories and dreams together. <br />
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There's a theme in my blogs and general life lately - leaving Iona. Did you guess?! Guess what's taking up my mind right now! There's an awful lot more in there, but this is the easiest stuff to share I guess. Dum dee dum!<br />
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Memories and dreams,<br />
Mine and yours.<br />
Memories and dreams,<br />
Challenging and rewarding.<br />
Memories and dreams,<br />
For now and always.Lorna Bowryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05649004560085196310noreply@blogger.com0