Great Britain Postage Stamp

Hogmanay is the Scots word for the celebration of the New Year in the Scottish manner. Its official date is the 31st of December. However this is normally only the start of a celebration which lasts through the night until the morning of the 1st or, in many cases, the 2nd of January.

There are many customs, both national and local, associated with Hogmanay. The most widespread national custom is the practice of first-footing which starts immediately after midnight. This involves being the first person to cross the threshold of a friend or neighbour and often involves the giving of symbolic gifts such as coal or shortbread, intended to bring different kinds of luck to the householder. This may go on throughout the early hours of the morning and well into the next day.

Immediately after midnight it is traditional to sing Robert Burns’ “For Auld Lang Syne”. Burns claimed it was based on an earlier fragment and certainly the tune was in print over 80 years before he published his version in 1788.

“Should auld acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot and auld lang syne
For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne,
We’ll take a cup o kindness yet, for auld lang syne.”

And it is worth remembering that January 2nd is a holiday in Scotland as well as the first day of the year – to give us all time to recover from a week of merry-making and celebration, all part of Scotland’s fascinating cultural legacy of ancient customs and traditions surrounding the pagan festival of Hogmanay.

Source: Scotlandia

Greeting Stamps - France

All the very best from Scotiana’s Team

Collie's Magpie Jays by J.J. Audubon - USA Scott 1241

Gotta tell you all today about an article that recently caught my attention. Written by John McEwen, it was featured in the Scotman’s ezine .

The title “How the Scottish capital helped inspire a force of nature” triggered my curiosity as “Everything Scotland” is always of great interest.

John McEwen starts his article by announcing the new publication of John James Audubon’s  Journal of 1826 and then goes on to give us a glimpse at Audubon’s life journey.

John James Audubon Journal of 1826 Voyage Birds Of America

Inside his journal, John James Audubon reveals how the time spent in Edinburgh was instrumental to his now famous work of art, “The Birds of America“, the world’s most valuable and expensive book!

In the video further down, we can see the dimension of the book’s page.

They are huge my friend =>  90 cm x 65 cm as J.J. Audubon wanted his drawings to be nature size!

By the way, as mentioned on the selvage of the Canadian block of 4 stamps pictured below, 226 of the 435 plates that make up John James Audubon ” The Birds of America” depict typically Canadian birds.

J.J.Audubon - Birds of America - Canada - Scott 1979-1982

Born in the French colony of Santo Domingo (now Haiti) in 1785, educated in France, where he started to explore the natural environment and developped his drawing talent, John James Audubon then moved to a family estate’s farm, near Philadelphia, in the United States.

“After first experimenting with migration and bird-banding from the family estate near Philadelphia, he moved to art. He earned a living as a portrait painter and for a short time taught drawing in New Orleans.

His Birds of America plates were printed between 1827 and 1838 by a Scottish publisher.’

” (…) Audubon arrived in Edinburgh still in search of a publisher. The “splendid city” immediately impressed him, not least its “wonderful cleanliness” after “Dirty Manchester”; and having taken a handsome set of rooms at 2 George Street he eagerly went calling.

John James Audubon - Source: http://www-tc.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters

After three fruitless days, during which he tramped as far as Leith, noting how similar the working women were, both in gait and the way they carried baskets strapped to their heads, to the “Indian Squaws of the West”, he thought of giving up and going to London.

The breakthrough came on the 30th. After another wasted morning he stormed into the printer Patrick Neill’s office “as if the World was about being convulsed”. Neill calmed him down and took him to meet William Lizars, the famed engraver.

One of Lizars current projects was the Illustrations of British Ornithology by Prideaux John Selby. He lavished praise on Selby as he accompanied the silent Audubon back to George Street to see the folio. “I slowly unbuckled the straps, and putting a chair for him to set, without uttering a Word, I turned up a Drawing! – Now, Lucy, poor Mr Selby was the suferer [sic] by that movement – Mr Lizars, quite surprised, exclaimed, ‘My God, I never saw anything like this before’.” Friendship was instant and three days later Lizars committed himself to publish the great work. (…) ”

John James Audubon & Pink Flamingo

The text, Ornithological Biography, came out in five volumes between 1831 and 1839.

Scottish naturalist William MacGillivray collaborated with Audubon on the text and provided much of the scientific data. By 1838, Audubon had completed more than 400 paintings.”

I remember when we read the passage in Sir Walter Scott’s Journal about his encounter in January 1827 with John James Audubon.

The Journal of Sir Walter Scott Canongate Classics 1998

Edinburgh, Monday 21 January 1827

A long day of some pain relieved by labour. Dr. Ross come in and recommended some stuff which did little good. I would like ill to lose the use of my precious limbs. Meanwhile patience, Cousin, shuffle the cards*

Missie** dined with us to-day. An honest Scotch lass, ladylike and frank. I finishd about six leaves doing indeed little else.

(*) A favourite tag of Scott’s from Don Quixote, pt. ii, ch. 23

(**) Miss Macdonald Buchanan.

 

Edinburgh, Monday 22 January 1827

Work varied with camomile poultices – we get on though. A visit from Basil Hall with Mr. Audebon* the ornithologist who has followd that pursuit by many a long wandering in the American forests. He is american by naturalization, a Frenchman by birth, but less of a Frenchman than I have ever seen – no dash or glimmer or shine about him but great simplicity of manners and behaviour – slight in person and plainly dressd, wears long hair which time has not yet tinged – his countenance acute, handsome and interesting, but still simplicity is the predominant character. I wish I had gone to see his drawings. But I had heard so much about that I resolved not to see them – a crazy way of mine, your honour ! – five more leaves finishd.

(*) John James Audubon. During his visit to Edinburgh he read a paper to the Royal Society on 9 February; he was later elected a Foreign Member.

 

Edinburgh, Monday 23 January 1827

I have got a piece of armour, a knee-cape of Shamoy leather, which I think does my unlucky rheumatism some good. I begin to sleep a night which is a great comfort. Spent this day completely in labour ; only betwixt dinner and tea while husbanding a tumbler of whisky and water I read the new novel Elizabeth de Bruce*– part of it that is -

(*) By Christian Isobel Johnstone, 1827

 

Edinburgh, Monday 24 January 1827

Visit from Mr. Audubon who brings some of his birds. The drawings are of the first order, the attitudes of the birds of the most animated character and the situations appropriate – one of a snake attacking a bird’s nest while the birds (the parents) peck at the reptile’s eyes – They usually in the long run destroy him says the naturalist – The feathers of these gay little sylphs, most of them from the Southern states, are most brilliant, and are represented with what were it [not] connected with so much spirit in the attitude I would call a laborious degree of execution. This extreme correctness is of the utmost consequence to the naturalist [but] as I think (having no knowlege of virtue) rather gives a stiffness to the drawings. This sojourner in the desert had been in the woods for months together. He preferd associating with the Indians to the company of the Back Settlers, very justly I daresay for a civilized man of the lower order, that is the dregs of civilization, when thrust back on the savage state becomes worse than a saffage. They are Wordsworth’s adventurer

 

Deliberate and undeceived

The wild men’s vices who received

And gave them back his own.**

 

The Indians he says are dying fast : they seem to pine and die whenever the white population approaches them. The Shawanese, who amounted Mr. Audubon says to some thousands within his memory are almost extinct and so are various other tribes. Mr. Audubon could never hear any tradition about the mammoth though he made anxious enquiries. He gives no countenance to the idea that the red Indians were ever a more civilized people than at this day or that a more civilized people had preceded them in North America. He looks on the bricks etc. occasionally found and appeald to in support of this opinion to the earlier settlers, or where kettles and other utensils may have been found to the early trade between the Indians and the Spaniard.

John Russell and Leonard Horner came to consult me about the propriety and possibility of retaining the Northern pronunciation of the latin in the new Edinburgh academy. I will think of it until tomorrow, being not great judge. We had our solitary dinner ; indeed it is only remarkable nowadays when when we have a guest.*

(*) Anne writes on this theme to Sophia on the 26th: ‘He is working very hard, ten minutes at dinner is all I see of him… I wish I was at Abbotsford where I might have somebody staying if it was only for the pleasure of talking for I am sure I will lose the use of my tongue… I shall be glad when Buonaparte is done what a horrid long dose of History we will have to read.’ Abbots.

(**) Ruth, II

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Walter Scott's study at 39 North Castle Street, Edinburgh

‘This posthumous portrait by Sir John Watson Gordon dates from the 1840s or 1850s. It depicts, somewhat fancifully, Scott’s study at 39 North Castle Street, Edinburgh, where he lived between 1801 and 1826 (see Homes).

Scott is shown reading a large book at his writing desk. On an adjoining table to the right sits Scott’s cat Hinse of Hinsefeldt. A dog, probably Camp, lies on the floor in the foreground. Light is provided by a window to the left. On the wall behind Scott hangs a map with a suit of armour standing to its left.

To the right, above the chimney-piece, hangs a portrait of Scott’s mother, also by Watson Gordon. In reality, Scott’s study was lined with bookshelves and dominated by a portrait of John Graham of Claverhouse, portrayed by Scott in Old Mortality.

The painting is now held by the Scottish National Portrait Gallery. It was engraved once, in 1871, by Robert Charles Bell’

Source: http://www.walterscott.lib.ed.ac.uk/portraits/paintings/gordoncastlest.html

Birds of America - John James Audubon - Source: www.bbc.co.uk

Birds of America by John James Audubon - Edition Folio

Thanks Mairiuna for sharing the picture of your own Folio Edition of “The Birds of the America“. It looks just great!

Clicking on the image will navigate to Amazon’s marketplace, for anyone wanting to purchase this superb and magnificient book. Below, for your convenience, are Amazon customers reviews.

5.0 out of 5 stars

Mr. Burke (Miami, Florida)

This review is from: Audubon’s Birds of America: The Audubon Society Baby Elephant Folio (Hardcover)

We keep this beautiful book open on a fine antique table in the foyer of our home. Every few days someone will change the page to a new, breath-taking piece of art. This is an American masterpiece and by far the most beautiful and affordable collection accessible to most people. It comes with a very stout slip case and dustjacket. The book is well constructed and I expect it to last a lifetime.

 

5.0 out of 5 stars The most priceless bird book to treasureBy

Amanda A. (NE, TN)

This review is from: Audubon’s Birds Of America: The Audubon Society Baby Elephant Folio (Hardcover)

I adore this book, with it’s priceless drawings of birds by members of the Audubon Society. Being a birder, the illustrations are fantastic in helping one delineate between different bird species. It is such a big and beautiful tome, you can also have it on your coffee table for friends and family to admire.

 

3.0 out of 5 stars Preposterous. Honestly

By Caraculiambro (La Mancha and environs)

This review is from: Audubon’s Birds of America: The Audubon Society Baby Elephant Folio (Hardcover)

I bought this book as a gift for my parents, who are elderly and who enjoy watching birds and looking at pictures of birds.

But when I later went to visit them I got an unpleasant surprise: this book is HUGE. Ridiculously huge.

It’s the biggest book I’ve ever seen. It’s about the size of a computer tower laid on its side. Bigger than any unabridged dictionary.

As a result my parents never use it: it’s simply too heavy for them to lift. I’m not joking around here. They’re afraid of getting a hernia or hurting their back if they lift it.

So it just sits on the shelf gathering dust.

Actually, not on the shelf, since this book won’t fit on any normal bookshelf. So they just stand it on the floor.

If you buy this, make sure the person you’re getting it for is in excellent shape.

You’ve been warned.

 

Enjoy and all the very best,

Janice

It is fascinating to learn that King James Bible is the most published book of Bible translation!

As an introduction to its famous story, click on the arrow below to watch the video and discover, how very long ago, it all came to form…

The Marshall Islands sheetlet of 12 stamps, celebrating the 400th Anniversary of the King James Bible, depicts the twelve (12) apostles, with the portrait of King James VI of Scotland (and James I of England) in the four corners of the salvage.

Apostle Andrew
Apostle Philip
Apostle Simon
Apostle James the Lesser
Apostle Paul
Apostle Matthew
Apostle James the Greater
Apostle Thaddeus
Apostle Peter
Apostle John
Apostle Bartholomew
Apostle Thomas

 

Marshall Islands - May 2,2011- King James Bible 400th Ann - Sheet 12 stamps

In 1567, James Charles Stuart was crowned King James VI of Scotland at the age of just 13 months. Reared by tutors, he became one of history’s most learned and intellectually curious monarchs. His writings were among the most influential of their period, and his book, — Basilicon Doron — or “the Kingly Gift” — became a bestseller. In 1603, he ascended to the English throne and became King James I of England as well.

Perhaps King James is best known for commissioning a new translation of the Holy Bible. The Authorized King James Version — begun in 1604 and completed in 1611 — has eclipsed all previous and subsequent versions of the Bible.

In 2011, the world celebrates the King James Bible’s 400th Anniversary.

Source: Unicover.com

Stamp designs ©2011 Marshall Islands Postal Service Authority. All rights reserved.

BIBLE TRANSLATION TIMELINE:

Bible Translation Timeline - Source: www.kingjamesbibleonline.org

If you wish to read more about the fabulous story of King James Bible, hop over to the Official King James Bible Online website, into the section dedicated to the 400th Anniversary of King James Bible.

Enjoy and talk soon,

Janice

AMAZON CUSTOMER REVIEWS

This review is from: Holy Bible King James Version Study Bible (Burgundy) (Leather Bound)

5.0 out of 5 stars Exceptional value!

by “rnf4118″ (SW Oklahoma)
1. GENERAL EVALUATION: The intent purpose of a Study Bible is to give the reader assistance in understanding the scriptures through cross references, comments and exegesis carefully compiled by a board of theology scholars. There are many Study Bibles available, as you likely discovered [....] Each version and publisher differs to varying degrees. I own and use four Study Bibles. All my Study Bibles are very helpful.

The Holy Bible King James Version the King James Study Bible from Thomas Nelson Publishers is an outstanding value. [....]

2. FORMAT: The binding is genuine leather with gold color stamped letters. The page are also gold edged. The paper is high quality Bible paper and thin but not so thin that the printing on the reverse pages is distracting. This Bible is quite thick. The flexible leather covers are very helpful in holding the pages open for easy reading. A stiff cover might make the inside printing somewhat hard to see. The type font is large and very easy on the eyes.

The page format is the standard two column Bible arrangement with a third column between the main texts. The center column is a wealth of information. In the middle column, references to related scriptures are given. Also if an original Greek or Hebrew word has more than one meaning, that meaning is printed in the center column. There is more information in the center column that is too lengthy to describe in this review but a complete, clear explanation is given in the front section of this Bible. Suffice it say that the center column alone can indeed greatly expand the meaning of the texts.

Icons are used to clarify to what a note or comment refers. Doctrinal Footnotes Icons are used for systematic Biblical teachings. Personality Footnotes Icons give descriptions and information on persons in the Bible. Archeological Footnotes Icons refer you to information about places in the Bible and recent discoveries. These footnotes and icons are of significant help to the reader.

The Holy Bible King James Version the King James Study Bible differs from many Study Bibles in the format the notes are presented. The notes are, as with most Study Bibles, on the lower part of the scriptures pages. However, in many Study Bibles, you will see: See notes on Mt 4.16 as example. Turning to that reference can cause one to lose the train of thought. This is not so in The Holy Bible King James Version the King James Study Bible. In well over 90% of footnotes, all the information pertaining to the text is on that page – complete.

The expositors did an exceptional job of a running account of clarifying each verse! There are many references to the original meaning of Greek in the NT and Hebrew words and thoughts in the OT. This, alone, should help the reader gain a better understanding of the Bible.

Maps are included on the pages to which they relate.

3. CONCLUSIONS: Nelson’s comment, “The most comprehensive KJV Study Bible ever printed” is indeed accurate. The study notes and comments are, to say the least, profuse and in depth.

A word, if you will, on the debate over the King James Version. Some folks claim the King James Version is not an accurate translation. This is simply not true. This version is, in reality, quite precise. The basis of this opposition may well be in the language used in the 1600s when the King James Version Bible was translated. The word archaic language pops up in most debates. Archaic is not the proper word. POETIC is! The wording in the King James Version is lilting, flowing like a Mozart symphony. Archaic, no. Beautiful, yes. If you are one who thinks the King James Version is archaic, try reading the lines as you would a poem. Allow the words to sing the message.

- 4 – CONCLUSION: No mater what translation a person selects and/or prefers, they all tell the same time proven, enduring message.

To augment understanding of the Bible, I would suggest reading whatever version you prefer with a copy of The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. This book has Greek and Hebrew dictionaries. You do not have to know Greek or Hebrew to use the dictionaries. The words you want defined are looked up in the concordance in English and referenced by numbers in the Greek or Hebrew dictionaries. While the words are in Greek or Hebrew, they are also transliterated into English. [...], this book is a real bargain.

I have no reservations in giving this exceptionally well-done Bible five stars.

I hope my comments are of some value to you.

 

The King James Study Bible -Thomas Nelson (June 16, 1993) - 2,208 pages

Romania 2003 Easter Rabbit Stamp

Mairiuna and Jean-Claude are traveling today towards the beautiful French Touraine’s region to visit family, and I would like to wish, on their behalf and mine, to all our loyal readers, a very Happy Easter!

The celebration of Easter is a worldwide celebration and involves many customs and traditions.

It’s a time of joy, relaxation and celebration and also a very important day in the Church of Scotland.

In many parts of the country huge fires used to be lit on Easter Saturday, a tradition that dates back to the pagan era when spring festivals were held at this time.

That would explain why many postage stamps commemorating Easter, shows rabbits, hot crossed buns, eggs, jelly beans, while others depicts the religious aspect of the Christian celebration:  the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Savior.

Slovakia - Hungary - Easter stamps

Source: www.golowesstamps.com

Planning to make authentic Scottish food recipes for your Easter Sunday menu? If so, you are kindly invited to share your ideas of recipes in the comments area below. I would love to know what plates will be served at your table! Here in the province of Quebec, it’s the traditional Turkey supper.   

If your traditions and customs still includes a grace, below is a Scottish Grace that is well-known and written by Scotland’s famous Poet, Robert Burns  (a.k.a. Rabbie Burns )

 Selkirk Grace
by Robert Burns

Some hae meat and canna eat,
And some wad eat that want it;
But we hae meat, and we can eat,
And sae the Lord be thankit.

And to give you ideas for your Easter Party Table Theme, watch this short video. Very creative!

Have a lovely time and do keep in mind that there’s no guilt to over eating this week-end. 

Talk soon,

Janice

You can imagine the smile on my face when I stumbled upon a Great Britain First Day Cover commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the world’s oldest known golf club – the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers.

It is known as the “Postage Stamp” hole because it is the shortest hole (123 yards) and the most slippery, like the gum of a stamp

“The ninth hole (known as Bruce’s Castle) is Turnberry’s signature hole, it is one of the most photographed holes in world golf. The remote tee is set on a high rocky outcrop jutting out over the sea. From the tee you drive across the corner of the bay on to a narrow fairway when the wind is gusting you will need to be at your very best to find the fairway. ” (Source)

St Andrews Old Golf Course - GB 1994 Postage Stamps

 

Muirfield Golf Course - GB 1994 Postage Stamps

Carnoustie Old Golf Course - 15th hole -GB 1994 Postage Stamps

Royal Troon - Scottish Golf Courses - GB 1994 Postage Stamps

Turnberry Golf Course - GB 1994 Postage Stamps

Hope you enjoyed reading this “wee” post on the most famous holes of Scottish golf courses as much as I enjoyed writing it. Topical stamp collecting is such a great way to storytell and to share knowledge. I love it!

Talk soon,

Janice

Gretna Green Topical Postmark 2001

Results from the Web were fascinating and I’m excited to share some examples with you today.

On BFDC ‘s website (an acronym for Bradbury First Day Covers), long time UK established company catering to First Day Covers stamp collectors, I discovered that it was a Gretna Green topical postmark that tied Britain’s first ever “ Occasions”  stamps issue.

Wow.. a “Première” .  ;-)

You might be wondering what is a “First Day Cover” (FDC)….  A First Day Cover is a cover franked with a postage stamp or stamps, postmarked and sent through the post on the first day they were officially authorised for use.

On the cover pictured above, the date of the postmark is 6 February 2001 which is the official date of issue for the set of five stamps commemorating various occasions or greetings: Thanks, Teddy baby, Cheers, Welcome and Love.

During my research, I found a variety of postmarks created for the little town of Gretna Green and they romantically adorn some very colorful First Day Covers:

Great Britain's Occasions Stamps Tied with Gretna Green Topical Postmark

Great Britain's Occasions Stamps FDC - Gretna Green Topical Postmark

Great Britain's Occasions Stamps FDC - Gretna Green Topical Postmark

Great Britain -Gretna Green Postmarks -1981 Bradbury FDC for St-Valentines Day

Great Britain, Gretna Green Postmark on a Benham First Day Cover with Teddy Bear cachet

I find these subjects are great ideas for a topical stamp collection created around stamps depicting Greetings, Occasions, Hearts, Love & Romance, or St-Valentine’s day.

You already collect postage stamps by subjects? Leave a comment below and share with us your favorite topics

Talk soon.

Janice

Mairiuna, I have a great Sherlock Holmes detective story to share with you today!

To commemorate the 150th Anniversary of Sir Conan Doyle’s birth, (1859-1930), the small island of Alderney, a bailiwick of Guernsey, issued a mystery set of 6 postage stamps beautifully illustrated by Keith Robinson.

The mystery case, written by Keith Robinson, starts with the theft of an Alderney bull, a breed of livestock much valued in the 19th century for the quantity and richness of milk produced by the cows. 

“Sir, a great injustice is about to be done. My name is Alice West. Two nights ago my Father’s prize Alderney Bull was stolen. The police suspect that it was smuggled to an American buyer; a lucrative trade, for the breed is highly prized in New England.

Even now, the police are preparing to arrest our herdsman, Thomas Vine, when he brings the cows down to Marais square for watering.

Mr Holmes, I beg of you; I have known Thomas since we were children and I swear he could never have done such a thing.”

“The bewildered looking herdsman is arrested, shown in the second image, whilst Holmes studies a scrap of paper containing a coded message found in the herdsman’s jacket.

In the third stamp Holmes studies the scene at the old harbour and then visits Alice’s father, shown in the fourth image. The fifth stamp depicts Holmes and Watson observing a half-built lighthouse in the middle of the night where they witness what Holmes believes is a signal.

The final image shows the police restraining a man, whom Holmes had concluded was guilty of the Alderney bull theft.”
Source:  www.trussel.com

To all budding detectives: can you use your powers of deduction to work out “whodunnit”? Suspense…let’s open the Sherlock Holmes Mystery Pack.

By reading the story, studying the pictures and scouring the stamps for clues, you should crack the secret code in Sherlock Holmes curious case of the Alderney bull and beat Holmes to work out “whodunnit”!

Follow the instructions on how to use the special lenses included, then turn the mystery pack upside down to find out how the story ends.

I sincerely hope the weather is fine while you are roaming the roads during this festive season to visit family members and relatives in different parts of your lovely French country.

Upon your return, you will have added more than 2,000 kilometers to your car’s km counter and that is quite some mileage!

Let us take together a moment to wish all Scotiana’s loyal readers, a very Safe & Happy Holiday season, and all the very best for the New Year!

The Christmas Holiday season being one of sharing, I would like to share a very inspirational story about someone who has benefited by the “Habit of Going the Extra Mile”.

It starts like this…

“Many years ago, an elderly lady was strolling through a Pittsburgh Department Store, obviously killing time. She passed counter after counter without anyone paying any attention to her. All the clerks had spotted her as  an idle “looker” who had no intention of buying. They made it a point of looking in another direction when she stopped at their counters.

Finally the lady came to a counter that was attended by a young clerk who politely asked if he might serve her. “No,” she replied. “I am just killing time, waiting for the rain to stop so I can go home.”

“Very well, madam,” the young man said with a smile. “May I bring out a chair for you?” And he brought it without waiting for her answer. 

 After the rain slacked, the young man took the old lady by the arm, escorted her to the street, and bade her goodbye.  As she left, she asked him for his card.

Several months later the owner of the store received a letter, asking that this young man be sent to Scotland to take an order for the furnishings of a home.

Andrew Carnegie -USA 1960 Scott# 1171

The owner of the store wrote back that he was sorry, the young man did not work in the house furnishings department. But he explained that he would be glad to send an “experienced man” to do the job.

Back came a reply that no one would do except this particular young man. The letters were signed by Andrew Carnegie, and the “house” he wanted furnished was Skibo Castle in Scotland.

The elderly lady was Mr Carnegie’s mother. The young man was sent to Scotland.

He received an order for several thousand dollars worth of household furnishings, and with it a partnership in the store. He later became the owner of a half interest in the store.”

Skibo Castle in Scotland | Source: www.libraryhistorybuff.org

Isn’t this a great story! It’s taken from Napoleon Hill’s book The Master-Key To Riches, a timeless and such useful work for all motivational thinkers.

We should always make a greater effort to get the task done correctly, or to please someone. Going the extra mile also means ”to do more than one is required to do” to reach a goal. Very inspiring…

Andrew Carnegie - Scottish Immigrant

Andrew Carnegie was born on November 25, 1835 in Dunfermline, Scotland. In 1848, the family moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where Carnegie eventually made his fortune in the steel industry.

In 1900, he sold his steel company, to become the “richest man in the world” and dedicated his time to philanthropy. Carnegie created many funds, charities, and foundations to distribute his wealth, but the bulk of it would go towards education, mainly libraries.

Carnegie was strongly opposed to war and used his finances for publications and conferences to promote peace. Through his efforts, he established eleven national hero funds, three temples of peace and an endowment for international peace. Andrew Carnegie died on August 11, 1919.

Source: www.epokhe.com/entrepreneurs/andrew-carnegie

Great Britain Aerogram - Andrew Carnegie | Source: libraryhistorybuff.com

Larry T. Nix from the libraryhistorybuff.com wrote a great philatelic tribute “Carnegie Librairies on Stamps” and the stamp images below are sourced from his site.

Andrew Carnegie donated more than $56,000,000 for construction of 2,509 english-speaking library buildings

.

Canada - Victoria Public Library in Victoria, BC (1904) - Funding came from Andrew Carnegie

Other Related Webpages:

- Andrew Carnegie: A 175th Anniversary Tribute

- Carnegie Library Links

I’m gonna treat myself tomorrow and go to the bookstore to buy more Napoleon Hill & Andrew Carnegie related books.  I suggest you do too

Bye for now,

Janice

Robert Louis Stevenson - 100th Ann Death on Samoa Stamp 1990

Hi Mairiuna! I have to tell you I had much pleasure reading your article about Robert Louis Stevenson, one of our favourite Scottish writers. 

Furthermore, it was great to see such a nice variety of beautiful book covers from the many different editions. As we are both on the lookout for new additions to our RLS bookshelf, we will be shortly be out of space to store them all!  

You can imagine, after reading your post, that my passion for topical stamp collecting got me thinking about worldwide postage stamps featuring Robert Louis Stevenson and more specifically, from Samoa itself, where he lived towards the end of his life, with his wife Fanny, inside their dream house near the sea. 

I remembered Steve Trussel’s superb webpage featuring  Robert Louis Stevenson on postage stamps, banknotes and other collectibles. 

Took me two seconds, thanks to Google, to locate his site and there you go… the Samoan stamps were there! I selected some to include below: 

Robert Louis Stevenson on Samoa Postage Stamps 

Western Samoa Robert Louis Stevenson Vailima House And Tomb

In 1935, his house and tomb were commemorated by Western Samoa. Stevenson called his house “Vailima” which means  in the local language ” five streams “. There might not be that many streams in the island, but apparently, Stevenson liked the word. 

Robert Louis Stevenson - 1969 - Samoa Postage Stamps - 75th Ann Death

Here above, we can see the characters of the most popular novels and the inscription “Tusitala” : 

- Long John Silver (Treasure Island) 

-Balfour & Stewart (Kidnapped) 

- Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde  (Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde) 

-Archie Weir and Christiana Elliott (Weir of Hermiston) 

Samoa Robert Louis Stevenson - Centenary Death -Equator Sailing Ship and Tomb

November 13, 1850 – December 3, 1894 

From the moment he boarded the Equator sailing ship to his last day, only four years passed by… 

Equator, two-masted schooner, was built in Benicia in 1888 and operated as South Seas trader and mail boat by Wightman Brothers, San Francisco. The Equator and the British battleship Calliope were the only ships within a radius of 200 miles of Apia to ride out the great Samoan hurricane of March, 1889. Later she was chartered by Robert Louis Stevenson, the novelist, for a South Seas cruise and in her cabin he heard the yarn that gave him the nucleus for the plot of The Wreckers.

Robert Louis Stevenson – Sailing to the Gilbert Islands Aboard The Equator – 1890 Source: www.robert-louis-stevenson.org

Western Samoa 1939 Postage Stamp - Robert Louis Stevenson

When World War I broke out in 1914 the German controlled islands of Samoa were occupied by allied forces and the islands passed to the administrative control of New Zealand. On August 29, 1939 a set of stamps was issued to commemorate the 25th anniversary of New Zealand’s control of the islands. Western Samoa became independent in 1962. Among the set, one stamp pictured Robert Louis Stevenson, as shown above. 

Bookshelf - Robert Louis Stevenson - Popular Novels

A good book on your shelf is a friend 

that turns its back on you and remains a friend. 

Author Unknown 

Hope you enjoy! 

Talk soon, 

Janice

A New Year’s Eve Song written by Robert Burns and published in 1796 .

We dedicate this post to Iain and Margaret, our Scottish friends who are going to leave France. Both are great admirers of Robert Burns and they’re living in Dumfries & Galloway, not far from the native place of the great Scottish bard. Let’s say them “Ce n’est qu’un au-revoir” in music…

AULD LANG SYNE

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne

And surely ye ‘ll be your pint’ stowp
And surely I ‘ll be mine
And we ‘ll take a cup o’ kindness yet
For auld lang syne

We twa hae run about the braes
And pou’d the gowans fine
But we ‘ve wander’d monie a weary fit
Sin’ auld lang syne.

We twa hae paidl’d in the burn
Frae morning sun till dine
But seas between us braid hae roar’d
Sin’ auld lang syne

And there’s a hand, my trusty fiere
And gie ‘s a hand o’ thine
And we ‘ll tak a right guid-willie waught
For auld lang syne

[CHORUS]
For auld lang syne, my dear
For auld lang syne
We’ll tak a cup o’ kindess yet
For auld lang syne

……………………….

Now for the English translation :

Times Long Gone

Should old acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
And days of long ago

[CHORUS:]
For old long ago, my dear
For old long ago,
We will take a cup of kindness yet
For old long ago

We two have run about the hillsides
And pulled the daisies fine,
But we have wandered many a weary foot
For old long ago

We two have paddled in the stream
From noon until dinner time,
But seas between us broad have roared
Since old long ago
And there is a hand, my trusty friend,
And give us a hand of yours,
And we will take a goodwill draught
For old long ago

And surely you will pay for your pint,
And surely I will pay for mine
And we will take a cup of kindness yet
For old long ago

Lyrics Source: www.links2love.com

………………………………………………

Great Britain Commemorative stamp Robert Burns

Hi Mairiuna!

While Jean-Claude and yourself were in Biarritz with our dear Scottish friends, Iain and Margaret, who flew over from Kirkconnel, Scotland, to spend a vacation week in the Basque Country, (how I wish I could have been there! ), I had the idea of creating a short video about the countries that had issued postage stamps in commemoration of Scotland’s best-loved poet and bard, Robert Burns. And for the fun of it, I will showcase below some Robert Burns memorabilia that we happen to have in our collections.

Robert Burns - Postcard - Postmarked West Hartlepool - Jan 28,1904

Robert Burns Poster Stamp

One of my favourites are the Royal Mail Stamp Card Series issued by Great Britain in 1996 as they elegantly apppreciate his poetry. Each stamp depict an image along side with a line of the poem.

To a Mouse

The poem denotes the narrator of the poem is plowing his field when he cuts through a mouse nest. The poet shows regret and apologizes to the mouse before he goes on a tangent which reveals the deeper meaning of the poem.

The connotation is that even when you mean no harm and have pure intentions, you can destroy somebody else’s well laid plans. Life is unpredictable, and while preparing for the unpredictable future we are not enjoying the present moment – which the mouse seems to be able to do. The narrator reminisces on “prospects drear,” i.e. bad events that have happened in the past which in some ways prevent him from moving on. Furthermore, some say that he is very fearful of the future and that these two reasons do not allow him to enjoy the present.

He is also hinting that we humans aren’t very empathic or sympathetic towards animals like this mouse, but both species prepare for the future, hoping for nothing to affect their smooth lives. He asks, “So what if the mouse steals our corn? It still wants to survive; this is the same for humans, so why are we so apart?” And, they are best friends: one is tall and one is short; one is strong and one is weak.

John Steinbeck took the title of his 1937 novel Of Mice and Men from a line contained in the penultimate stanza: “The best laid schemes o’ mice an’ men / Gang aft agley” (often paraphrased in English as “The best-laid plans of mice and men / Go oft awry”). The 1997 novel The Best Laid Plans by Sidney Sheldon also draws its title from this line.

The first stanza of the poem is read by Ian Anderson in the beginning of the 2007 remaster of “One Brown Mouse” by Jethro Tull. Anderson adds the line “But a mouse is a mouse, for all that,” at the end of the stanza, which is a reference to another of Burn’s songs, “Is There for Honest Poverty”, commonly known as “A Man’s a Man for A’ That”.

Burns original:

Wee, sleekit, cow’rin, tim’rous beastie,
O, what a panic’s in thy breastie!
Thou need na start awa sae hasty
Wi bickering brattle!

I wad be laith to rin an’ chase thee,
Wi’ murdering pattle.
I’m truly sorry man’s dominion
Has broken Nature’s social union,

An’ justifies that ill opinion
Which makes thee startle
At me, thy poor, earth born companion
An’ fellow mortal!

I doubt na, whyles, but thou may thieve;
What then? poor beastie, thou maun live!
A daimen icker in a thrave
‘S a sma’ request;

I’ll get a blessin wi’ the lave,
An’ never miss’t.
Thy wee-bit housie, too, in ruin!
It’s silly wa’s the win’s are strewin!

An’ naething, now, to big a new ane,
O’ foggage green!
An’ bleak December’s win’s ensuin,
Baith snell an’ keen!

Thou saw the fields laid bare an’ waste,
An’ weary winter comin fast,
An’ cozie here, beneath the blast,
Thou thought to dwell,

Till crash! the cruel coulter past
Out thro’ thy cell.
That wee bit heap o’ leaves an’ stibble,
Has cost thee monie a weary nibble!

Now thou’s turned out, for a’ thy trouble,
But house or hald,
To thole the winter’s sleety dribble,
An’ cranreuch cauld.

But Mousie, thou art no thy lane,
In proving foresight may be vain:
The best-laid schemes o’ mice an’ men
Gang aft agley,

An’ lea’e us nought but grief an’ pain,
For promis’d joy!
Still thou are blest, compared wi’ me!
The present only toucheth thee:

But och! I backward cast my e’e,
On prospects drear!
An’ forward, tho’ I canna see,
I guess an’ fear!

……….
English translation:

Small, crafty, cowering, timorous little beast,
O, what a panic is in your little breast!
You need not start away so hasty
With argumentative chatter!

I would be loath to run and chase you,
With murdering plough-staff.
I’m truly sorry man’s dominion
Has broken Nature’s social union,

And justifies that ill opinion
Which makes thee startle
At me, your poor, earth born companion
And fellow mortal!

I doubt not, sometimes, but you may steal;
What then? Poor little beast, you must live!
An odd ear in twenty-four sheaves
Is a small request;

I will get a blessing with what is left,
And never miss it.
Your small house, too, in ruin!
Its feeble walls the winds are scattering!

And nothing now, to build a new one,
Of coarse grass green!
And bleak December’s winds coming,
Both bitter and keen!

You saw the fields laid bare and wasted,
And weary winter coming fast,
And cozy here, beneath the blast,
You thought to dwell,

Till crash! the cruel plough passed
Out through your cell.
That small bit heap of leaves and stubble,
Has cost you many a weary nibble!

Now you are turned out, for all your trouble,
Without house or holding,
To endure the winter’s sleety dribble,
And hoar-frost cold.

But little Mouse, you are not alone,
In proving foresight may be vain:
The best laid schemes of mice and men
Go often askew,

And leave us nothing but grief and pain,
For promised joy!
Still you are blest, compared with me!
The present only touches you:

But oh! I backward cast my eye,
On prospects dreary!
And forward, though I cannot see,
I guess and fear!

Souce: Wikipedia

A Red, Red Rose

Burns worked for the final ten years of his life on projects to preserve traditional Scottish songs for the future. In all, Burns had a hand in preserving over 300 songs for posterity, the most famous being “Auld Lang Syne”. He worked on this project for James Johnson’s The Scots Musical Museum (1787-1803) and for George Thomson’s five-volume A Select Collection of Original Scottish Airs for the Voice. Burns had intended the work to be published as part of Thomson’s selection. However, he wrote to a friend that Thomson and he disagreed on the merits of that type of song. “What to me appears to be the simple and the wild, to him, and I suspect to you likewise, will be looked on as the ludicrous and the absurd.”

Instead, Burns gave the song to Scots singer Pietro Urbani who published it in his Scots Songs. In his book, Urbani claimed the words of The Red Red Rose were obligingly given to him by a celebrated Scots poet, who was so struck by them when sung by a country girl that he wrote them down and, not being pleased with the air, begged the author to set them to music in the style of a Scots tune, which he has done accordingly. In other correspondence, Burns referred to it as a “simple old Scots song which I had picked up in the country.”

The lyrics of the song are simple but effective. “My luve’s like a red, red rose/That’s newly sprung in June” describe a love that is both fresh and long lasting. David Daiches in his work describes Burns as “the greatest songwriter Britain has produced” for his work in refurbishing and improving traditional Scots songs including “Red, Red Rose” which he described as a “combination of tenderness and swagger.”

Burns original (click here to hear Kenneth Mc Kellar sing this marvellous song)

1.
O, my luve’s like a red, red rose,
That’s newly sprung in June.
O, my luve’s like the melodie,
That’s sweetly play’d in tune.
2.
As fair art thou, my bonie lass,
So deep in luve am I,
And I will luve thee still, my Dear,
Till a’ the seas gang dry.
3.
Till a’ the seas gang dry, my Dear,
And the rocks melt wi’ the sun!
O I will luve thee still, my Dear,
While the sands o’ life shall run.
4.
And fare thee weel, my only Luve,
And fare thee weel a while!
And I will come again, my Luve,
Tho’ it were ten thousand mile!

English Translation

O, my love is like a red, red rose,
That is newly sprung in June.
O, my love is like the melody,
That is sweetly played in tune.

As fair are you, my lovely lass,
So deep in love am I,
And I will love you still, my Dear,
Till all the seas go dry.

Till all the seas go dry, my Dear,
And the rocks melt with the sun!
O I will love you still, my Dear,
While the sands of life shall run.

And fare you well, my only Love,
And fare you well a while!
And I will come again, my Love,
Although it were ten thousand mile!

Source: Wikipedia

Scots Wha Hae (“Scots, Who Have”; Scottish Gaelic: Brosnachadh Bhruis) is a patriotic song of Scotland which served for a long time as an unofficial national anthem of the country, but has lately been largely supplanted by Scotland the Brave and Flower of Scotland.

The lyrics were written by Robert Burns in 1793, in the form of a speech given by Robert the Bruce before the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, where Scotland maintained its sovereignty from the Kingdom of England. Although the lyrics are by Burns, he wrote them to the traditional Scottish tune Hey Tuttie Tatie which, according to tradition, was played by Bruce’s army at the Battle of Bannockburn,[1] and by the Franco-Scots army at the Siege of Orleans

The tune tends to be played as a slow air, but certain arrangements put it at a faster tempo, as in the Scottish Fantasy by Max Bruch and the concert overture Rob Roy by Hector Berlioz.

The song was sent by Burns to his publisher George Thomson, at the end of August 1793, with the title Robert Bruce’s March To Bannockburn, and a postscript saying that he had been inspired by Bruce’s ‘glorious struggle for Freedom, associated with the glowing ideas of some other struggles of the same nature, not quite so ancient.’ This is seen as a covert reference to the Radical movement, and particularly to the trial of the Glasgow lawyer Thomas Muir of Huntershill, whose trial began on 30 August 1793 as part of a British government crackdown, after the French Revolutionary Wars led to France declaring war on the Kingdom of Great Britain on 1 February 1793.

Muir was accused of sedition for allegedly inciting the Scottish people to oppose the government during the December 1792 convention of the Scottish ‘Friends of the People’ society, and was eventually sentenced to fourteen years transportation to the convict settlement at Botany Bay, Australia.

Burns was aware that if he declared his Republican and Radical sympathies openly he could suffer the same fate. It is notable that when Burns agreed to let the Morning Chronicle, of 8 May 1794, publish the song, it was on the basis of ‘let them insert it as a thing they have met with by accident, and unknown to me.’

The song was included in the 1799 edition of A Select Collection of Original Scottish Airs for the Voice, edited by George Thomson, but Thomson preferred the tune “Lewie Gordon” and had Burns add to the fourth line of each stanza, to suit. In the 1802 edition, the original words and tune were restored.

“Scots Wha Hae” is the party song of the Scottish National Party. It is sung at the close of their annual national conference each year.

Scots, Wha Hae (Click here to hear Nathalie Leducq play the tune on flute)

Scots, Wha Hae.
Scots, wha hae wi’ Wallace bled,
Scots, wham Bruce has aften led,
Welcome to your gory bed
Or to victorie!

Now’s the day, and now’s the hour:
See the front o’ battle lour,
See approach proud Edward’s power -
Chains and slaverie!

Wha will be a traitor knave?
Wha will fill a coward’s grave?
Wha sae base as be a slave? -
Let him turn, and flee!

Wha for Scotland’s King and Law
Freedom’s sword will strongly draw,
Freeman stand or freeman fa’,
Let him follow me!

By oppression’s woes and pains,
By your sons in servile chains,
We will drain our dearest veins
But they shall be free!

Lay the proud usurpers low!
Tyrants fall in every foe!
Liberty’s in every blow!
Let us do or dee!

English Translation

Scots, Who Have.
Scots, who have with Wallace bled,
Scots, who Bruce has often led,
Welcome to your gory bed
Or to victory!

Now is the day, and now is the hour:
See the front of battle lour (impending),
See approach proud Edward’s power -
Chains and slavery!

Who will be a traitor knave?
Wha will fill a coward’s grave?
Who so base as be a slave? -
Let him turn, and flea!

Who for Scotland’s King and Law
Freedom’s sword will strongly draw,
Freeman stand or freeman fall,
Let him follow me!

By oppression’s woes and pains,
By your sons in servile chains,
We will drain our dearest veins
But they shall be free!

Lay the proud usurpers low!
Tyrants fall in every foe!
Liberty is in every blow!
Let us do or die!

Source: Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scots_Wha_Hae

Before I wrap it up, let’s add just one more item from our cherished “Robbie’s” collectibles; a beautiful calendar offered to Mairiuna in 2009 by Iain and Margaret.

Robert Burns - 2009 Calendar

Talk soon,

Janice