Wednesday, October 2, 2013

dreams

                                                          a dream comes true...

               at eight years old, or maybe nine... certainly before ten, i dreamed of going to scotland
                      to a little village called tillicoultry, where somewhere around ninety-five years go,
                                                           my great-grandparents lived

   

                               at the foot of the ochil hills, nine miles east of stirling

                                               yesterday I walked it's streets
                                  a small little place that has loomed large in my mind


we wandered about, looking for the creek, or perhaps "burn" is the word i should be using


made my way to upper mill street, where I think at one time or another, very far back, 
even more distant relatives made their home - the house they lived in is gone now, replaced with another, but it was enough to just be in the area, to trod the streets and look on their hills


   rather than finding family homes, i contented myself with taking pictures of houses i liked


       and i knew this was "my place" when I stumbled across this sign outside of a pub...


                                                               love it!


                                   we also took time to visit the wallace monument

   
     
                                          william wallace, of braveheart fame

                                         the monument stands high on the hills, 
                    overlooking the ancient city of stirling, and it's surrounding fields

                               
   
                                                    scotland's freedom hero 

                           you can climb to the top of the monument, all 246 steps...

                           i didn't even get half-way up before i started feeling dizzy,
 the stairs being of the typical castle variety: rising steep and narrow, twisting round and round,                                  
                    with small slits that allow the wind to whistle and swirl all around

many deep breaths and some much-needed coaxing and support from marc helped me make it      
     all the way - can't truthfully say i enjoyed the view from the top but i was thrilled i made it


                                  freedom for scotland and it's people was his dream

                    climbing his monument seemed a fitting way to honour that dream

                                                        so, so, so glad i did it

                                                      dreams never forgotten

"i've dreamt in my life dreams that have stayed with me ever after, and changed my ideas; they've gone through and through me, like wine through water, and altered the colour of my mind."
                                              - emily bronte, wuthering heights

13 comments:

Marj Talbot said...

great photos and a truly great story - hope it gets into print along with the photos. I'm so happy that you are fulfilling your dreams and that you take the time to share your journey. Thanks for this post and a safe remaining trip for you and Marc. Hugs!!

Createology said...

So very happy you are able to realize your childhood dreams and visit your roots. Lovely country to see. How proud you should feel that you climbed all those scary stairs and saw the land below. Continue your safe travels dear...

Diane Kelsey said...

A special trip indeed. The Scots are still so proud of their freedom

FlowerLady Lorraine said...

I am so happy that your dreams came true. Also happy that you made it to the top of the tower, you DID it!

The countryside is truly beautiful and like out of a fairytale.

Love and hugs ~ FlowerLady

Anonymous said...

Stunning! What a perfect little town... so happy you got to see it (and why they would have left that to eventually end up in Whitehorse is so far beyond me you have no idea, haha).

Glad you made it to the top of the tower. Can just imagine Dad playing Coach and driving you nuts! But worth every step :)

Wendy said...

Such a wonderful day to be spent in the area where your ancestors hail from. The tower is amazing! Thank you for sharing your journey with us. Safe traveling for the remainder of your journey.

FredaB said...

So glad you made it to the top. You would have been sorry later if you did not.

Your scenery pics are just wonderful. I am enjoying yor trip along with you through your blog. Thanks.

Hugs
FredaB

Tanya said...

I am SO happy you realized YOUR dream..."home" is BEAUTIFUL!!! Enjoy the trip - travel safe - will email when you get back (I have been traveling back and forth to home this summer, as well, but just got back and found the most delightful little Christmas book here...absolutely breathtaking, your work is - THANK YOU!) Travel safe, dear Jillayne...enjoy!

Tanya said...

I am SO happy you realized YOUR dream..."home" is BEAUTIFUL!!! Enjoy the trip - travel safe - will email when you get back (I have been traveling back and forth to home this summer, as well, but just got back and found the most delightful little Christmas book here...absolutely breathtaking, your work is - THANK YOU!) Travel safe, dear Jillayne...enjoy!

Mosaic Magpie said...

Just keep on stepping....I loved the movie Braveheart and to see the monument honoring William Wallace is neat to see. The village pub sign is great!
Deb

Dorthe said...

Jillayne, such a special experience, walking the streets and watching the mountains, your forefathers did ,too...they lived in such very beautiful surroundings. I can imagine how very mooving it was for you, my dear. I hope you enjoyed a good pint in the pub :-)
Hugs, Dorthe

JennyPennyPoppy said...

A big congratulations on fulfilling a long held and cherished dream. A wonderful post and the pictures are gorgeous.

Suztats said...

That's a climb I wouldn't be able to make in short time. Congrats.
A long-held dream now fulfilled-- what contentment and satisfaction that must bring!