Blog Changes

SING ME A SONG OF BONNIE SCOTLAND

comes to an end on Friday

NOW THAT'S WHAT  I CALL ART

returns this weekend for a Saturday series

nowthatswhaticallart.blogspot.com 

No.29

“The tree which moves some to tears of joy is in the eyes of others only a green thing that stands in the way. Some see nature all ridicule and deformity -  and some scarce see nature at all. But to the eyes of the man of imagination, nature is imagination itself.” - WILLIAM BLAKE

Advice from a Tree

by Ilan Shamir

Dear Friend,

Stand Tall and Proud

Sink your roots deeply into the Earth

Reflect the light of a greater source

Think long term

Go out on a limb

Remember your place among all living beings

Embrace with joy the changing seasons

For each yields its own abundance

The Energy and Birth of Spring

The Growth and Contentment of Summer

The Wisdom to let go of leaves in the Fall

The Rest and Quiet Renewal of Winter

Feel the wind and the sun

And delight in their presence

Look up at the moon that shines down upon you

And the mystery of the stars at night.

Seek nourishment from the good things in life

Simple pleasures

Earth, fresh air, light

Be content with your natural beauty

Drink plenty of water

Let your limbs sway and dance in the breezes

Be flexible

Remember your roots

Enjoy the view!

-o0o-

Petticoat Dan

Dan Cooper 1835-1913 was a mentally-handicapped Kirkintilloch odd-job man. He kept himself busy going around the town shovelling and stacking coal which had been delivered to householders.

Dressed in a man’s jacket and a women’s skirt right down to his heels, he had to endure a lot of teasing from children in the street. I’m told that there were many stories about him, showing that he was much more intelligent than he appeared to be.

Most communities at one time or another had men or women just like Petticoat Dan, and stories about them, some true and probably a good few fictitious, were eagarly passed around.

In the 19th century the town of Maybole had its worthy - Johnnie Stuffie, and sadly both children and adults often made his life a misery. After his death, the local minister Roderick Lawson wrote this poem.

A queer wee man, wi’ a simple air,

Was Johnnie Stuffie.

Weel-kent alike by rich and poor

Was Johnnie Stuffie.

The water-carrier o’ the town,

The messenger to a’ aroun',

And the butt o’ every idle loon

Was Johnnie Stuffie.

Nae common bonnet crowned the heid

O’ Johnnie Stuffie.

But an auld lum-hat was there instead

On Johnnie Stuffie.

A lang greatcoat, aince thocht genteel

Aye wrapt him roun’ frae neck tae heel,

Which only did the feet reveal

O’ Johnnie Stuffie. 

-o0o-

Next Post Monday

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