Although Scottish born, in Glasgow, I discovered this past year that my principle forebears were Irish and Scandinavian. That means that my ancestors could very well have stood in this very place of wind and waves...and sand.
The Vikings came from Norway, Denmark, and Sweden. The word, "Viking" comes from the Old Norse and means "a pirate raid". They migrated down and along these Outer (and Inner) Hebrides to Scotland and Ireland in the 9th Century - to raid, and to settle. They are still very present in both place names and in physical evidence.
It gave me goosebumps to be in this special place with Joan. It was a "thin" place" on the Isle of Lewis. Adopted as a new born in Scotland, by wonderfully loving parents, we moved to Canada when I was just three years old. I always felt like I "belonged", and could never imagine a more wonderful mum and dad. In later years, however, I did wonder about "where it all began", way back in time. Where were my roots?
Now that I know, there is a sense of having "a place in the universe", a firm connection to the planet, that we adoptees sometimes yearn to discover.
I brought back sufficient sand from this very beach, dried it over several days, and created a little "zen" sand garden in an oven dish. Using a camping fork, from Mountain Equipment Co-op in Canada, it's possible to create a new design in the sand several times a day, or whenever we pass by it.
It's a contemplative exercise. It brings peace and for me...a connection to a distant "family" who may have stepped on these same sands so very long ago.
In some ways, the "circle" has been closed, as every circle needs to be.
All the creativity that I can muster, however, can never begin to match the artistry of the wind, the tides, and the waves on that magnificent and remote Isle of Lewis.
Beautiful photos, Duncan! The last one too. Even if the circle is closed, it's not frozen, it's open for changing circumstances, with more or less in it, or even a change of content. What a feeling it must be to discover more of your background and be able to take it in. Hopefully you and Joan can visit Scandinavia while retracing your roots.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for that, Leif. It's so true what you say, the circle can be opened to accommodate change. It means that the circle grows and evolves. Just the way we all should. It would be a real pleasure to visit you and I've enjoyed very much your thoughts by email. Take good care, my friend.
DeleteSuch beautiful white sand. I love the designs that the wind and rain create in both the sand and in the snow. Creations creativity is so naturally beautiful.
ReplyDeleteYou're so right, Linda. In both sand and snow, Nature has the most delicate of artistic touch. Always an inspiration! Warm wishes to you.
DeleteSome great and evocative images of sculpted sand here Duncan - and I love the first image - nature's power. Perhaps it's an expanding spiral more than a circle closed - the outward trajectory of future possibility from the "ground" of origin....
ReplyDeleteWarm wishes to you both :o)
An expanding spiral...and the idea of future possibilities. It's a wonderful and hope-filled outlook, Ian. Look forward to seeing you soon. Warm wishes from us both.
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