Our day of seeing ancient structures continues. But first, wee stopped at this beautiful site on the Yesnaby coast on our way to Skara Brae.
I’m pretty sure this is a fossil.
Skara Brae is a stone age village that was uncover during a storm in 1850.
It was fun to see a place people lived in 5000 years ago!
They had one section staged like it would have been.
Here is a bed.
And a cupboard.
It was a short walk to the rest of the village.
They have a serious rabbit problem.
Here is what the village looks like now. Imaging living in these cool stone houses.
The Skaill house is a 17th Century manor house that overlooks Skara Brae and the Bay of Skaill. It was built for the George Graham, the Bishop of Orkney, and has been added to over the years. His son became the laird of the estate. It’s not as old as Skara Brae, but looks nice. So do the flowers.
Since my first art history class in collage, I’ve been fascinated by paleolithic and neolithic art. Stone circles like Stonehenge were important to the first novel I wrote. (still unpublished) So when I say August 4th was the day that I was most looking forward to, I mean it. (Don’t believe me? Look at the header on my homepage.) This trip was a dream come true. We were transported in spirit back thousands of years and treated to wonder after neolithic wonder.
The first stop was at the Standing Stones of Stenness. This is the oldest henge in the British Isles and is only five miles northeast of Stromness on the mainland of Orkney. It originally held 12 stones, but only four upright stones are still standing. They are 6 meters high. The people who built this did not have fancy machinery and trucks. All these stones were hand quarried and hauled there. Local outcry stopped the farmer from pulling them down in 1814! He was tired of ploughing around them. Unfortunately, the Odin Stone was already destroyed.
According to local tradition, a couple who held hands through the hole in the Odin stone would be bound in marriage.
Maes Howe doesn’t look like much from the outside, but there is magic within. Built around 3000 BC, Maes Howe is a burial chamber that is accessed by a nine-meter-long tunnel. When it was opened in 1861, the excavators discovered it had been previously visited over 800 years earlier. How did they know this? The interior is covered in a collection 30 runic graffiti and animal carvings.
According to stories, in 1153, a group of Vikings took refuge during a snowstorm.
Some of the inscriptions read: “Ofram the son of Sigurd carved these runes” “These runes were carved by the man most skilled in runes in the western ocean” “Ottarfila carved these runes”“Tholfir Kolbeinsson carved these runes high up” “Orkis’ son says in the runes he carves”
There were a few other, more ‘colorful’ inscriptions, but you get the idea. Basically, bored guys haven’t changed in thousands of years.
These are a few pictures of the landscape around Maes Howe.
August 2nd began our five-day tour through the Highlands and up to Orkney Island. If you’ve ever tried to drive on a narrow winding one lane road over hills in a foreign country, you know why we chose to do a tour instead of renting a car. It was well worth it!
Along the way we learned a lot about Scottish history and saw some beautiful sights.
The drive took us through Glencoe in the Highlands, site of the Glencoe massacre. In 1692, men, women, and children of the MacDonald Clan were murdered in their sleep by troops of the Clan Campbell. It was ordered by the government but violated clan hospitality that Clan Campbell had requested because of a winter storm.
We drove past Ben Nevis Mountain, the highest point in Scotland.
And through Loch Lomond National Park.
Of course we stopped at Loch Ness. Nessie didn’t make an appearance, but we did see some brave swimmers in the icy water.
Inverness is on Scotland’s northeast coast, where the River Ness meets the Moray Firth. It’s the largest city and the cultural capital of the Scottish Highlands.
We got to spend the evening there.
I even found some wolves on a church along with some other critters.
Dinner was a MacGregor’s Bar which had this lovely quote from Sir Walter Scott.
This past August I had the pleasure of traveling to Scotland. The trip idea emerged when Glasgow won the bid for the 2024 World Science Fiction Convention. Well, the con was great, but only a small part of my trip.
My husband and I arrived in Edinburgh, Scotland in late morning on August 1st. After an overnight flight, we were exhausted, but didn’t want to waste any time.
What better way to start the trip than with a hearty lunch. We shared a meat pie that was divine and a bowl of Cullen skink, which is a thick creamy soup made with smoked haddock, potatoes, and onions. Yum!
This is an old city, full of beautiful stone buildings and history, like the Writers Museum.
Then we walked our little feet off from New Town to Old Town and up the Royal Mile to Edinburgh castle.
Castle Rock, where Edinburgh castle sits, is was formed by a volcano several hundred million years ago. The castle itself was originally build in 1103 AD.
Spotted this narrow pathway and had to take a picture.
And a sculpture of Sherlock Holmes in honor of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
The Fringe festival had just started, so we grabbed a pint and headed off to one of the many shows. The problem with a city on steep hills is that a building’s front door and back door aren’t on the same level. It took a bit of navigating to wind our way to the venue we wanted, but made it on time.
Young Maya bears the mark of the moon goddess, a sign that would doom her to be sacrificed in her village where the death god is revered. Forced to dye her golden eyes dark, Maya lives in constant fear of discovery. To save her family and the village’s future, she must find the courage to stand up to the high priest before he can bring the death god into this world.
Today marks birth of the United States of America. Citizens throughout the country are celebrating.
I love my country and have always considered myself patriotic, even when I don’t agree with everything that is happening or what our leaders are doing. I’ll make sure they know how I feel at the polls and by writing to my representatives.
Our country was founded on the principal that all people are created equal. (See the Declaration of Independence, 1776.) It is a land of opportunity where everyone has the freedom to practice the religion of their choice.
Constitution of the United States: Amendment I (1791)
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”
At least that’s how it’s supposed to work. Our constitution clearly states a separation of church and state, but some religious zealots are trying to change that. It’s frightening to watch. Now, more than ever, it is vital that all eligible Americans vote in the coming presidential election. Our democracy is in danger of being destroyed.
Am I thrilled with choice of the candidates this year? No, but at least one of them has shown a clear disregard for our constitution, the rule of law, and has demonstrated an affection for dictators over our allies. This same individual has pandered to extremists, racists, and shown a lack of respect for women. He called the bigots who waved guns and drove into a crowd of peaceful counter protesters good people, and the radicals who participated in the violent assault on our capital four years ago patriots. He sees himself as above the law. When things don’t go his way, he complains that things were rigged, calls people disparaging names like a schoolyard bully, and makes up whatever pseudo-facts suit him without any evidence to back them up.
The other major candidate, has demonstrated integrity and support of our constitution. He has stood up to dictators, supported our allies, and allowed our judicial system to do its job without interference. When his son was convicted, he accepted the outcome with grace. He didn’t question the validity of the court’s decision or resort to tantrums and name calling. Has he made mistakes? Of course. No one is infallible. That’s why we have checks and balances built into our government. But at least he tries to do what is best for this country and all its people, not just a select few.
We are a country made up of many different people and cultures. This diversity is what has made us strong. When we work together, amazing things happen. When we don’t, well, bad things happen.
I am a third generation American with eastern European roots. There are some citizens here who consider themselves pure Americans, better than the people who travel miles, through many hardships to reach this country, but unless they are descended from one of the first nations, they are immigrants or descended from them.
Today I started my fourth of July celebration with huevos con chorizo. (eggs with chorizo sausage, a traditional Mexican breakfast) Tonight we will grill Mediterranean inspired seasoned lamb, roasted eggplant with garlic, and tabbouleh salad. (Tabbouleh is from the Middle East.) Later I’ll have some peach cobbler and watch fireworks.
Have a safe and happy Independence Day and embrace our wonderful diversity
Fifteen Fingers and Two Tails: Creating Non-human Characters
Sat 10 am – Spotsylvania (Madison) – 90 minutes
You’ve created an amazing world for your story, but who or what is living in it? You need someone to carry the plot. This workshop will explore how to populate your setting with appropriate and believable characters. (Max of 20 participants.)
The Public Domain
Noon – Buckingham (Jefferson) – 50 minutes
Each year, some new beloved property enters the public domain, meaning anyone can do anything with it. But should they? The same company that turned Winnie-the-Pooh into the slasher film Blood & Honey is ready for when Bambi goes public domain. Steamboat Willy has a first-person shooter coming called “Mouse.” We’ll discuss the pros and cons of public domain properties and praise some truly great works that have come from creators being able to play freely with someone else’s creation.
Panelists: Sammie Cassell (M), James Fadeley, Dr. Kyle R. Garton, A.L. Kaplan
READING: A.L. KAPLAN & BISHOP O’CONNELL
4 pm – Fairfax Library (Jefferson) – 50 minutes
SUNDAY
NEW WHO? WHO KNEW?
10 am – King William (Jefferson) – 50 minutes
New Doctor, new companion, and a Disney-sized budget! What did our panelists think about the specials and what are our hopes for the new season? And you can expect there will be fan-theories galore concerning Mrs. Flood!
Panelists: Sean Gleeson, A.L. Kaplan (M), Dennis M. Myers, Angela Pritchett
Young Maya bears the mark of the moon goddess, a sign that would doom her to be sacrificed in her village where the death god is revered. Forced to dye her golden eyes dark, Maya lives in constant fear of discovery. To save her family and the village’s future, she must find the courage to stand up to the high priest before he can bring the death god into this world.
Sometimes it’s hard to be who you are meant to be.
Especially when your powers can get you killed.
Eighteen-year-old Tatiana is running from her past and her star-touched powers eight years after a meteor devastates earth’s population.
Her power to heal may be overshadowed by more destructive abilities. Fleeing the persecution of those like her, Tatiana seeks refuge in a small town she once visited. But this civil haven, in a world where society has broken down, is beginning to crumble.
Only by harnessing the very forces that haunt her can Tatiana save her friends…and herself.
Plagued by memories not her own, a young hummingbird struggles to decipher the visions and powers that set her apart from her fellow birds. But the road to awareness is fraught with danger that could doom her to repeat history.
Gifted with the ability to wolf-talk, Kara has lived with the wolves since she lost her memories eight years ago. Now at sixteen, snippets of her past send her searching for answers.
But the warm welcome she receives in the human village hides more danger than life with the pack.
If you’re going to be at RavenCon next weekend, here is where you can find me:
SATURDAY
Fifteen Fingers and Two Tails: Creating Non-human Characters
Sat 10 am – Spotsylvania (Madison) – 90 minutes
You’ve created an amazing world for your story, but who or what is living in it? You need someone to carry the plot. This workshop will explore how to populate your setting with appropriate and believable characters. (Max of 20 participants.)
The Public Domain
Noon – Buckingham (Jefferson) – 50 minutes
Each year, some new beloved property enters the public domain, meaning anyone can do anything with it. But should they? The same company that turned Winnie-the-Pooh into the slasher film Blood & Honey is ready for when Bambi goes public domain. Steamboat Willy has a first-person shooter coming called “Mouse.” We’ll discuss the pros and cons of public domain properties and praise some truly great works that have come from creators being able to play freely with someone else’s creation.
Panelists: Sammie Cassell (M), James Fadeley, Dr. Kyle R. Garton, A.L. Kaplan
READING: A.L. KAPLAN & BISHOP O’CONNELL
4 pm – Fairfax Library (Jefferson) – 50 minutes
SUNDAY
NEW WHO? WHO KNEW?
10 am – King William (Jefferson) – 50 minutes
New Doctor, new companion, and a Disney-sized budget! What did our panelists think about the specials and what are our hopes for the new season? And you can expect there will be fan-theories galore concerning Mrs. Flood!
Panelists: Sean Gleeson, A.L. Kaplan (M), Dennis M. Myers, Angela Pritchett
Young Maya bears the mark of the moon goddess, a sign that would doom her to be sacrificed in her village where the death god is revered. Forced to dye her golden eyes dark, Maya lives in constant fear of discovery. To save her family and the village’s future, she must find the courage to stand up to the high priest before he can bring the death god into this world.
Sometimes it’s hard to be who you are meant to be.
Especially when your powers can get you killed.
Eighteen-year-old Tatiana is running from her past and her star-touched powers eight years after a meteor devastates earth’s population.
Her power to heal may be overshadowed by more destructive abilities. Fleeing the persecution of those like her, Tatiana seeks refuge in a small town she once visited. But this civil haven, in a world where society has broken down, is beginning to crumble.
Only by harnessing the very forces that haunt her can Tatiana save her friends…and herself.
Plagued by memories not her own, a young hummingbird struggles to decipher the visions and powers that set her apart from her fellow birds. But the road to awareness is fraught with danger that could doom her to repeat history.
Gifted with the ability to wolf-talk, Kara has lived with the wolves since she lost her memories eight years ago. Now at sixteen, snippets of her past send her searching for answers.
But the warm welcome she receives in the human village hides more danger than life with the pack.
