Tea for Three

The phrase "tea" has quite a few meanings in Scotland. Firstly, it is having tea but can also mean snack, dinner or time to eat. Today I had some friends over for "tea" and it was a lovely time. Jason took Soren to the park for a few hours while my friends Kate and Memosa and I enjoyed scones, biscuits, fruit and herbal tea. . . and they brought me the flowers shown above!

I love being a woman and really enjoy spending time with other women and experiencing their lives through good conversation. I love how good food and good company bring people together. I'm reading this book about sisters from England and having "tea" is an integral part of the many stories within the book. The characters often say "cuppa" in place of "cup of tea." When offering a tea it's as though they're saying "sit down and tell me your woes--I'm here to listen."

Happiness

Soren loves putting on my glasses and looking at himself in the mirror

These pictures make me laugh with happiness! We were in City Center a while back and I just couldn't say "no" to those darn rides and I'm really glad I didn't because I took some really fun photos and Soren had the time of his life!

My First Day on the Job

Here are some shots of the new project I'm involved in. The artist, Jaygo Bloom, is combining contemporary dance, modern art and film. It is going to be very cool. I'll post a link upon completion.

Our Trip to Oban and the Isle of Mull. . .

. . . was just what our little family needed. We took a ferry to the Isle of Mull and went up to Tobermory and it was a wonderful time with so many beautiful sites and lovely beaches. . . throwing rocks into the water, finding shells, castles, and colorful towns. I just love it here and I loved this little family trip!

More of Oban and The Isle of Mull

Lush gardens at the Castle were fun to travel through

Highland Cows are so great and we saw beautiful sheep too!


This was the view from our room--what a wonderful site to see right when we walk out the door as well.


We took this novelty train to the castle and is was so cute and fun for the kids--it went about 5 miles per hour but our trip was only a few miles. Soren had a cute little friend during the trip named Elody and they looked out for each other and had a funny little inside joke that they laughed about on the ferry.

I love the words to this song. . .

I love this song and never new all the words so I decide to look them up. Here they are. This song is one of my favorite hymns and it really touches me and humbles me during hard times (and anytime I think to sing it). I'm excited to learn all the words now.

Amazing Grace

"Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me....
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.

T'was Grace that taught...
my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear...
the hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares...
we have already come.
T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far...
and Grace will lead us home.

The Lord has promised good to me...
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be...
as long as life endures.

When we've been here ten thousand years...
bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise...
then when we've first begun.

"Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me....
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.
(end)

The 4th of July in Glasgow

I love America! We're missing Jason today but still had a fun time with wonderful friends at a 4th of July party. Soren had had it by the end of the night with no nap to tide him over. We took the subway there and back and that was his first time riding it. He was so excited!

ps. I had red shoes on to complete my red, white and blue!

Sincerely, Camille

Dear Glasgow Rain,

Thank you so much for all of the wonderful water that you give us. I greatly appreciate such lush and beautiful surroundings all day. Flowers, moss, grass and anything else that is green and grows fill our hearts and shine like emeralds for our eyes. Because of you I now know for sure that I need a striped pair of rain boots and a better and cuter raincoat than I had last winter. I can't wait to walk through the large puddles without fear of soggy waterlogged socks and shoes. I would also like to compliment you on your tricky weather today--you always keep me guessing. . . You! You gave us quite the unexpected showers and I was so prepared for the worst but it was surprisingly warm. I was hot all day and didn't have the option to change. I remember the time in April when you decided to let the sun shine for about 2 weeks and we all got ready for Summer weather in the Spring and then you left us for a good while. . . You.

I just want to give a teeny, tiny, wee reminder that July has come and, for the time being, you may rest your labors and we can resume our meetings at the beginning of September. But if the situation arises that you must come, I will welcome you and thank you still for all that you do for me. I love you and hope that you remember how much we appreciate your faithful work. A few great vacations spots could be Las Vegas, Death Valley or even Atlanta. I'm sure that Charla will welcome you with a hearty song in the rain!

Sincerely,

Camille

Two Great Women are Missed

A couple of months ago I was in a piece about the connection we have to our past mothers and grandmothers and how there are metaphorical and literal threads that link us to our history. Two great-grandmothers of my little family's "threads" have now passed beyond this life to join their mothers and grandmothers, and they are missed.

On May 29th, 2007, my Grandma Cook (my mom's mom) past away. She was 89 years of age.

On July 1st, 2007, Jason's Grandma Mac (McLeod) (also his mom's mom) past away. She was 92 years of age.

I feel very blessed that I was able to travel to Utah to be a part of my Grandma's funeral and memorial and that Jason has the same opportunity. He will be leaving for Canada tomorrow. The ties that I have to my past are strong and give me a sense of direction. We are a part of and even created by our past and I have deep gratitude for their lives and the life that they gave to our mothers.

Both of our grandmothers were exceptional seamstresses. I received many beautiful blankets and clothing from my dear Grandma growing up. She made Jason and I a very special quilt for our wedding with a darling heart on it. She told me that it was there because of her love for us. Jason's Grandma made fabulous sweaters and knitted clothing for the brothers growing up. We have a sweater that she made for Jason as a toddler that Soren has been wearing (he has just grown out of it). It was so precious on him.

Our little boy, Soren, brings these two women together being tied to both through genealogy. I'm grateful that he has the McLeod name as a middle name just like his dad. I want him to know about their pasts, their struggles, and their love.

Both of our grandmas lost their husband early in their marriages and despite heartache and tremendous opposition raised their children and gave all that they had for them. I want to honor their lives and give all that I have for my family. I want to be strong during opposition and hold strong to my faith as they did. I love them and feel sadness because of their passing yet I have a sense of peace in knowing that they are at rest in heaven. I imagine my Grandma Cook welcoming Grandma Mac to her new home.