Saturday, December 1, 2012

Ireland and the Islay connections part 2


 

Extraordinary Dreams of an Ireland Traveler

presents

Author Jon Magee

 

This wonderful post today comes from across the seas from Scotland's Author Jon Magee and dedicated to Sandra McLeod Humphrey. Jon wrote Part 1 about a month ago and Sandra loved it so much as she was very interested in Ireland/Scotland and had many times spoke of traveling with us in 2013 back to Ireland with a special tour we have been organizing.

 

Sandy, this is for YOU!!

 

 

Ireland, and the Islay connections (Part 2)

 
The 1st part of this theme can be found at:

http://extraordinaryireland.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/extraordinary-memories_4872.html?spref=fb

 

 

(Coast of Islay)

 

The last time I was invited here I spoke of my time on the Isle of Islay in the Hebrides of the West coast of Scotland, and of the connections that could be seen between Islay and Ireland, some 20 miles across the sea.. The stories I shared are only a small portion of how much could be spoken of. There are many more stories when we look through history, some will be good experiences, and some will be heart breaking. Life is so often like that. The sea can be a bridge that unifies, or a barrier that undermines the hopes of defying the tragedies in life. I can recall hosting a group of American friends from Colorado back in the 1980s, and deciding that having come from a land locked State they may find that a visit to a lighthouse would be of interest. To reach the lighthouse required the assistance of a boatman, there was no other way of reaching it. We were about half way there when the boatman took the opportunity to say, “You realise that we are in the most treacherous waters of the British Isles, and that there are many ship wrecks around here.” I could not help thinking this may not have been the best time for us to hear those words. Too late, we were right in the midst of it all. Talking of American visitors reminds me of something.

 

It was in 1918 that the San Francisco Herald had the following front page headline: “US Troopship torpedoed in war zone: 267 missing”. Below that was the sub heading “Ship bearing 2179 American soldiers sunk off Ireland”

 

The newspaper was close, they had the correct stretch of water but it was actually nearer to the Isle of Islay than it was to Ireland. It was on the 5th February, 1918, that the American troop ship, the Tuscania, en route to Britain with more than 2,000 American soldiers on board, was torpedoed by a German submarine in the North Channel and sank seven miles off the Mull of Oa on Islay. More than 200 men either drowned in the seas off Islay or were dashed to death on the rocks. And on 6th October the same year, just a month before the armistice that would end the war, the American troop carrier Otranto collided with another ship and sank in Machir Bay on the west coast of the island. More than 400 lives were lost.

 

Many of those rescued, and the bodies that were recovered, were due to the gallant efforts of the people of Islay, or Ileachs as they would call themselves from the Gaelic meaning they are “of Islay”. Many of the local men were away serving in the war, leaving the rescue teams to be either very young or those tooo old for military service. They were, however, to be led by a police Sergeant who was destined to become the maternal grandfather of Lord Robertson, the 10th Secretary General of NATO between 1999 and 2003. The grandson was to meet and work with many Americans in this role.

 

The sea that lies between Islay and Ireland has seen many shipwrecks. The American Red Cross built a memorial to those lost in the sinking of both ships on the Mull of  Oa, on the isle of Islay. It stands there to this day, looking out to sea to Ireland. The full text on the plaque reads:

 

Sacred to the immortal memory of those American Soldiers and Sailors who Gave Their Lives for their country in the wrecks of the transports 'Tuscania' and 'Otranto' February 5th 1918 --- October 6th 1918. This monument was erected by The American National Red Cross near the spot where so many of the victims of the disasters sleep in everlasting peace


On Fame's Eternal camping ground
 Their silent tents are spread
 While Glory keeps with solemn round
 The bivouac of the dead
 

 

 
I said that the Monument was pointing across the sea in the direction of Ireland.  Some Ileachs, the natives of Islay, would speak of the times when they had crossed the sea in fishing boats for more joyous occasions as they went to enjoy “The Ould Lammas Fair”.

 

The Ould Lammas Fair


The Ould’ Lammas Fair at Ballycastle is held on the last Monday and Tuesday of August each year. It is Ireland’s oldest traditional market fair, involving horse trading, street entertainment, and market stalls. It is traditionally associated with the local delicacies “dulse”, which is dried seaweed and is very nutritious, and yellow man, a sweet that tastes of honeycomb. The fair has been in existence for at least three hundred years, and perhaps even earlier.

 

It’s an event not to be missed. An opportunity to savour the atmosphere of the live music and the many hundreds of stalls selling souvenirs and bric-a-brac of every description. The name of Lammas originated from the 'Feast of Lughnasadh' or Lugh. In Irish legend, Lugh was a Sun God who had a mortal foster-mother named Tailtiu. She was a queen or princess of the Firbolgs - Men of Bags. These early inhabitants of Ireland are said to have come from Greece or Spain where they were put into servitude and forced to carry soil from the fertile plains to the higher ground. To do this, they devised leather bags which they later used to build boats and escape from their enslavement.

Throughout ancient Irish history, one will find references to the ‘Tailthiu Games’ and the ‘Games of Lugh’. However, with the arrival of Christianity, the old pagan festival was modified and adapted to suit the teachings of the church. The name was changed to Lammas which means ‘loaf mass’ and this was reflected in the custom of placing loaves of bread baked from the first harvest grains on the church altar.
 

The Ould Lammas Fair


 

There is one more Ireland/Islay connection comes to my mind.

 

THE LORDS OF THE ISLES

 

 

Finlaggan, the centre of the Lordship of the Isles, is an island settlement in the beautiful secluded Loch Finlaggan in the north east corner of the Isle of Islay. The site is maintained by the Finlaggan Trust and is sign-posted off the main road between Ballygrant and Keills.

 

Recent archaeological excavations have demonstrated that Finlaggan has been occupied since very early times, but it achieved most fame in the 14th and 15th centuries under the MacDonald Lords of the Isles. There are two islands, the larger accessible by a walkway or boat. It is called Eilean Mòr (large island). The path across the island goes over the remains of the 13th century defences and then through an area of old lazy-beds, probably dating to the 16th century.

When an area of these was excavated, underlying remains of at least two round houses and a small pit with Bronze Age pottery were exposed. On the highest point of the island are the ruins of the 14th century chapel with its burial ground.


Eilean na Comhairle - Council Island


At the height of their power the Lords of the Isles had control not only of all the Scottish Islands but also down as far as the Isle of Man on the west coast of England, but had influence far wider than that, including Ireland.

Lords of the Isles were, after all, 'those who fought,' and, descended, as they were, from a fierce breed of Norse-Gael warriors and sea kings, they were, they believed, and genuinely believed, God’s privileged, born to conquest and acquisition. Their wealth was in cattle and ships and land, but they collected and treasured gold and silver and precious objects, and they and their noble women adorned themselves in linens and silks and jewelry befitting their rank.

They practiced 'piracy' and raided one another’s cattle because they could.  They also made use of gallowglasses, who were the mercenary elite among Gaelic – Norse clans residing in the Western Isles of Scotland (or Hebrides) They were involved in much of the conquests  and assisted in taking possession of the North Antrim coastline in Ireland.

 

In the Islay museum in Port Charlotte, Islay, there is a copy of the text of a document that refers to one of these gallowglasses being rewarded with land on Islay that equates with what is now known as the parish of Kildalton and Oa. Here is where the story of the 14th century comes right up to date in a very personal way, for the man was no less than Brian Vicar Magee, the ancestor of a man of lowly beginnings in Belfast, Thompson Magee, later known as Paddy, who was my father. Often I had passed through that area never realizing that sense of my family history, yet always feeling I belonged.

 

 

 (Kildalton Cross at Kildalton, Islay





 

Today’s blog has highlighted that there has been a mixture of tragedy and blessings. Life is often like that in so many ways. As authors we have sensed some of that in the passing of Sandra Humphrey. We feel the anguish and pain, but we are also conscious that we have benefitted from the friendship, and the world has the opportunity of knowing the heritage of her life through her books.

 


Sandra and Brian
November 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
Farewell my friend, Sandy.  You will be forever remembered.

 




Please be sure to stop by Jon Magee's site on Amazon for your copy of the incredible books he has to offer. The addresses are:

FACEBOOK

 
http://www.facebook.com/from.barren.rocks.2living.stones
 

http://www.facebook.com/paradise.island.heavenly.journey?fref=ts


WHERE Jon Magee's Book can be Purchased:


http://www.amazon.com/Jon-Magee/e/B003VN33WA/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1/175-2809173-7678919
 

Author of "From Barren Rocks to Living Stones" & "Paradise Island,

Heavenly Journey" lochgellybaptist@aol.com

 

 

Thank you once more for visiting my blog. Please come back this coming Friday to find a special offer that benefits the American Diabetes Association.

 

Rosemary "Mamie" Adkins

Extraordinary Dreams

of an

Ireland Traveler

http//:www.ExtraordinaryIreland.com


 

Dedication to Sandra McLeod Humphrey


Extraordinary Dreams of an Ireland Traveler
presents our dedication to
Sandra McLeod Humphrey
 

 
This is Sandy, the name she used when talking to us as friends and the photo we all knew her by.  Seated next to her is Willoughby. Cute oversized lion with a big heart. Sandy told me once she had hundreds of stuffed animals all over the house and many on her bed. In my heart, I believe they spoke to her in kind thoughts she shared with the rest of the world.
 

I spoke to Sandy every day for what seemed like an eternity but in actuality only a short time as time goes. For some reason we were brought together to bond and there is little doubt in my mind she was Heaven sent in a time I needed help the worst.

 
My first book had just been published and I was unsure of myself and had no idea how much work it took to promote yourself. Sandy knew all these answers and took me by the hand encouraging my every step. She adopted me as a sister and I loved her from the start. As time went on,  we shared deep long forgotten or buried secrets and then I sent to her my new book's beginnings. It was at that moment we bonded even more as she felt I had a story that needed to be told to help others.
 

Sandra McLeod Humphrey spent her life helping others and then authoring books recognising the people she felt had the courage to Stand Alone which in it's own title was one of many books to her credit. Sandy gave hope to all she could and every life she touched.  In fact, the name Dare to Dream was a fascination to me and spurred my first comment on her blog post. Her books did indeed give children to adults the courage to Dream.

 

My heart weeps for your loss but selfishly because I miss you. Each day I watch for that notice from Facebook telling me you just shared another link. All I get now are notices for book sales and launches which is expected but I keep hoping yours will appear and my sobs of sorrow are no more.

 
I also believe in my heart Sandy was here as a special Angel from Earth that looked out for every life she crossed and now is our Guardian Angel in Heaven, again watching over us, just in a different way. For this alone, I celebrate her life, though I grieve.
 

I never knew Brian but I am sure that he must have been made from the same slice of life and in his own way, lent his hand to those his life touched as well.

 
My next post written by Author Jon Magee of Scotland is dedicated to both Sandra and Brian  as Sandy loved to read the stories I wrote about our journey to Ireland and they spoke of joining a tour group we are organizing to Ireland in 2013. She also loved the story Jon wrote several weeks ago wanting to read more, so Jon has now written the follow up and it will dedicated to them both. Sandy had told me a few weeks ago that they looked forward to this journey to Ireland/Scotland unless it was during the time they plan to move-to downsize.

 
Sandy sent me a Prayer Pup about two months ago with a message I will never forget which read. "Rest, recover and know we all love you. Each time you look into this pups eyes you will see all of us that love you. Never give up and write your new book as soon as you recover.  She told me God would not leave me in the dark (I had just endured an injury to my eyes) and that I was loved. With His help,  I would finish my book." She ask for the first copy. That one will be dedicated to Sandra along with those that have helped it be finish.

 
In the end, a special blessing is what is in our hearts and prayers for her adult children and their families. They obviously had to gather great strength to post their tribute to their Mom and share with all of us that loved their Mom so much. To them, thank you and you too, will also remain in our prayers.

---------------------


and

http://www.ExtraordinaryIreland.wordpress.com/

----------------------

Borrowed from Linneann Larsen, an amazing soul and Author. Please see her dedication as well as she paints you a perfect photography of Sandra McLeod Humphrey.

http://linneann.wordpress.com/2012/11/30/tribute-to-sandra-mcleod-humphrey/#respond0

----------------------

Sandra’s Amazon author’s page is: http://www.amazon.com/Sandra-McLeod-Humphrey/e/B001JP2RW4/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1354211264&sr=1-2-ent

 


Individual dedications to date that were provided by Linneann Larsen:

 

From her children: http://www.kidscandoit.com/blog/2012/11/27/dare-to-dream-big-the-power-of-two/

 

From Sharla Shults: http://catnipoflife.wordpress.com/2012/11/28/a-tragic-loss-sandra-mcleod-humphrey/

 

From Deirdre Tolhurst: http://www.deirdretolhurst.blogspot.com/2012/11/dear-sandy-til-we-meet.html#comment-form

 

From Eunice Nisbett: http://www.savvyvirtuals.co/bookmarketing/the-power-of-presence-even-on-the-internet/

 

From Olyn Warfield: http://omarblue.blogspot.com/2012/11/in-memory-of-sandra-mccloud-humphrey.html

 

From Delinda McCann (a piece on death and dying prompted by Sandy’s death):http://delindamccann.blogspot.com/2012/11/random-thoughts-on-death-dying-and-my.html

 

 

Farewell Brian and Sandy-You will be forever Loved and Celebrated
November 30, 2012
 
Thank you again for stopping by my blog post. I realize this is not about Ireland, but it was as important in my heart and needed to share this part of my journey through life.

 
Rosemary "Mamie" Adkins

Extraordinary Dreams of an Ireland Traveler  


 

 

 

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Our Thanksgiving


EXTRAORDINARY DREAMS
OF AN
IRELAND TRAVELER

by
Rosemary "Mamie" Adkins
introduces

  

Greetings and thank you for once again dropping in to say hello. I would like to introduce you to my extended family friends and fellow Authors.

 

A very special thank you to Clayton Bye, Author for his role in this collage as the artist.

and

 
Linda Hales, Author

for creating our Pinterest Boards where you can meet each of this special group and review their books. That address is: http://pinterest.com/twittergroup/seasonal-promotions/

 Today in keeping with Thanksgiving and the holiday season, I invite you to help me raise funds for a Cure for Diabetes. I am offering to make a 30% donation for each book sold to the American Diabetes Association, Research department during this promotional campaign. In January I will entertain continuing this support, depending on response. So hurry and lets make a difference in the lives of millions of people all over the world together. Please refer to this promotion as PR2 when writing.  Please help me spread the word. Write for your signed copy at my e-mail address below.



 

My book is not just a travel book. Here is a review written by Tyler Tichelaar of Superior Book Promotions.

"New Ireland Travel Guide Offers Up

Close and Personal View of the Emerald Isle

As someone who has visited Ireland myself, I’ve sort of checked it off my list.

It’s a beautiful country filled with wonderfully friendly people, but there are so many other wonderful places to see in the world that after one visit, I felt I had “done” Ireland.

 But Rosemary "Mamie" Adkins’ “Extraordinary Dreams of an Ireland Traveler” has proven me wrong by introducing me to many places I missed and now want to go back to see. Rosemary has not written the ordinary travel book filled with facts, figures, dates, and sites to see. All of that is included in this book, but she also offers us her personal preferences, her likes and dislikes, tips on what not to miss, and tips on what she and her husband, Doug, would not do again or where they would not repeat a visit.

Rosemary is not an expert on Ireland or travel writing, but that has advantages in itself because she is like most of us when we visit Ireland for the first time. Her trip to Ireland in the summer of 2011 was a lifelong dream and a surprise to celebrate her husband’s retirement and their anniversary. She thoroughly researched the trip before she went, and she made contacts with people at many of the finest hotels and most celebrated tourist stops, but she also offers us a person’s first impressions of the Emerald Isle. Her experiences, consequently, are more likely to be those of anyone else contemplating a first trip to Ireland, which makes the book less overwhelming than many, and more like having a personal friend along to share the journey.

Of course, all the wonderful sites of Ireland are presented, and in vivid colored photographs. These photos, many of places I had not visited or not seen in such depth as Rosemary, made me want to journey back to Ireland. I learned a great deal more about Dublin and saw sites in this book I had missed on my own journey. Readers will be awed by beautiful Kylemore Abbey, enjoy a boat ride to the Cliffs of Moher, maybe consider twice sailing to the Aran Islands—not a good experience for Rosemary due to seasickness—enjoy a banquet at Bunratty Castle, and visit numerous wonderful Irish towns from Killarney to Galway. Rosemary also speculates on such Irish mysteries as just who was the real Molly Malone, known for selling “Cockles and Mussels, Alive Alive-O” and what are the origins of the Blarney Stone.

All the beautiful sites of Ireland discussed in this book are not to be missed, but what makes a visit to Ireland special are its people. On my own visit, I found the Irish to be the friendliest people in the world; if you asked for directions, they wouldn’t tell you how to get somewhere—they would take you by the hand and walk you there. I was glad to know Rosemary had the same experience on her visit. In fact, Rosemary got to know many of the local people well and interviewed them for her book, including employees at the Blarney Woollen Mills, hotel managers, and creative fashion designers; they all share their stories and reflect a true love to assist visitors to their beautiful country.

I recommend that if you go to Ireland, you read this book before you go and that you take it with you. In conjunction with the places she visited, Rosemary provides several special rates and offers to her readers, and at least one offer requires you to show the copy of this book. If you’re not going to Ireland, visit it vicariously through the pages of “Extraordinary Dreams of an Ireland Traveler”—it may jump start or create a new dream for you. And if you’ve already been to “that dear land across the sea,” well, of course, you will enjoy reliving your visit and discovering how Rosemary and Doug’s visit compares to your own.

Be sure to visit www.ExtraordinaryIreland.com for more information about the book as well as up-to-date information on original Irish items for sale and the latest offers for tourists.

— Tyler R. Tichelaar, Ph.D., and author of the award-winning “Narrow Lives”

Superior Book Promotions

tyler@marquettefiction.com

 
Thank you again for visiting!!
Rosemary "Mamie" Adkins, Author
Extraordinary Dreams of an Ireland Traveler
RosemaryAdkins@ExtraordinaryIreland.com