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Musings: to meditate, think, contemplate, deliberate, ponder, reflect, ruminate, reverie, daydream, introspection, dream, preoccupation, brood, cogitate.

Tuesday, August 11, 2015

Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady - August


Edith Holden's 1906 diary tells us that August received its name from Emperor Augustus and because July, named after Julius Caesar, had 31 days, a day was added to August so that Augustus would not be "in any respect inferior to Julius."

Edith would take a summer holiday late in the summer each year.  This year she went to Scotland, taking the train on the 9th. . . .

She had spent a year with Denovan Adam's family studying painting in 1891 when she was 20.   Mr. Denovan had died in 1896, and his widow is now running a boarding house on the edge of Callander.  In Edith's biography Ina Taylor writes, "Edith loved the area perhaps even better than that around Craigmill, because from Callander she could explore the countryside around the lochs or high on the hills.  Always it was quiet and beautiful.  It was also an area very closely linked with literature and steeped in history...the local traditions about Rob Roy, walking out to see the legendary tomb and reading the heroic tale, but it was Sir Walter Scott's connection with the area which really fired her imagination."  His The Lady of the Lake and Waverley novels were set here.

In the DVD series we take the train to Scotland with Edith and explore the countryside with her.  The series takes liberty and has Mr. Smith pay her a surprise visit in which he declares his intentions.  Edith is not ready, however.  Her major objection is that he is 28 and she is 35 and she values her independence too much to give it up for marriage.

Ragged Robin's Nature Notes, Part 5, follows in the Edith's footsteps by taking us to Packwood House.  Edith had known the children in this household when she lived nearby from 1880 to 1890 and visited often.

Bunny Mummy's August post highlights Edith's 1905 Nature Notes diary.  This month she takes us on her own nature walk in Cornwall.

With Edith's visit to Scotland this month I decided I should draw the Thistles from her Diary.  This is what the Country Diary Wildflower book has to say about the Thistle.....
The Cotton Thistle, Onopordon acanthus, was assumed to be the thistle chosen as the emblem of Scotland, bearing the motto 'Nemo me immune lacessit', standing for 'No one irritates me unscathed'.  This stemmed directly, so it was thought, from the old legend concerning an invasion by the Danes.  The Danish forces came upon the camp of the Scots one night, and thinking to overrun the camp with a surprise attack the Danes advanced stealthily and barefooted.  Unfortunately, one of the attackers stepped upon a thistle, and in the ensuring melee the Danes were driven off.  This action was believed to have taken place at either the Battle of Largs or the siege of Stains Castle in the reign of Malcolm I.  An interesting legend, but it was certainly not the Cotton Thistle which was responsible for saving the Scots.  Most probably it was the Spear Thistle, Cirsium vulgare, which was fairly common in Scotland, whereas the Cotton Thistle is quite rare, and it was not until the reign of James III that the thistle was adopted as the national emblem, with the motto 'In Defense'.

The Cotton Thistle was introduced to America in the late 1800s as an ornamental.  It is now considered a noxious weed here because it creates dense, impenetrable stands that prevents animals from foraging and can overtake a grain field.

Another reason Scotland interests me is because I just finished reading Elizabeth Goudge's compelling story, The Middle Window, which is set in Scotland.  Goudge had me crying in the middle of the book as she described the horrors of the 1745 uprising and subsequent punishment of the highlanders by the British for their rebellion.  My ancestors were lowland Scots who had resettled in the late 1600's to Northern Ireland and subsequently here to America in the early 1700's so were not a part of this tragic history.  Scotland's history is very unsettling to me and a testament to the fact that war does not bring about a lasting peace.

First I drew the three different thistles on my drawing pad. . . .

Then I chose the Creeping Plume Thistle to paint.  This time I did a light background wash to give it more of the feel of Edith's diary. . . .

Here are some other drawings I did in my journal during the month. . . .


.•*¨`*•. ☆ .•*¨`*•
Take Joy!

33 comments:

  1. I enjoyed all the history in this post and need to find this Goudge book to read. We are working on another for our next book club. Your thistles are lovely--such a pretty color too.

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    1. Thistles are such a beautiful purple. It's too bad they've been a weed!

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  2. Cathy the history of Scotland is full of sadness and great heartache. My Daddy's ancestors were Scottish. I hope to visit Scotland one day. We were so close, but needed to stick to our plans in order to see the English countryside. I must read Gouge's book.
    Backwashing your drawing was a great idea. It really sets it off. I remember as a child stepping on those mean thistles! Ouch! ♥

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    1. After reading Goudge's description of the highlands and Skye, I'm ready to go visit and stay myself!

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  3. Thanks for the Scottish history lesson. I feel very attached to Scotland too. I have quite a bit of Scottish blood, and I have been there twice to visit over the past few years. If it wasn't for my family being here I think I would move there. I like it that much! I'm tempted to try that Goudge book, but I hate to read things that are sad. As for the thistles, I grew up on a grain farm and my dad used to send my brother and me out to the fields to chop them down. :-)

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    1. I feel the same way you do about not liking to read sad books! I had to skip over a couple pages because of how I felt....but I can say, by the end of the book you will feel better.:-)

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    2. I forgot to say your drawings are fantastic!

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    3. Thank you, Kristie! ❤️

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  4. Thank you Cathy for a lovely post I always enjoy these. I have been reading Outlander and watching the show , a bit racy for my usual taste , but such a good storyline set in Scotland during the Jacobite risings , so your history was quite fascinating to go along with it. Your thistle painting was very pretty, perhaps next month I shall join in.
    Take Peace,
    Suzanne

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    1. Thank you, Suzanne. The Scots have a way of bringing out the passion in life I would say. Perhaps it's the breathtaking, soul-impacting scenery! I hope you will join in and do your own drawings.

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  5. I love the diary and open it at the beginning of each month. Your thistle is wonderful, you have an artistic flair.

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    1. ❤️ "Flair" might be the right word.....sometimes I think any artistic ability I have is just "flaring up" and will burnout soon!

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  6. I have Scottish blood too, on my paternal grandmother's side - and loved your history lesson today. How did you feel about the possibility of Scotland breaking from England earlier this year? I agree about thistles too. They are SO Scottish, and I heard somewhere that when Sarah Ferguson got engaged to Prince Andrew, thistles were one thing she insisted on being included in her crest. Thistles and bumblebees and anchors [Andrew was in the Navy] - so there's one point in the Not-A-Weed" column for the poor thistle. PS - am also loving your lettering here, Cathy. I know a little about lettering and calligraphy, having taken a number of college-level classes at my university, and you have a very good sense of weight and spacing. Keep it up - maybe you'll end up illustrating and lettering a book of your own, just like the awesome Susan B! Wouldn't surprise me one bit. Have a great week... :>)

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    1. Janet, you've found me out! Susan Branch has been one of my inspirations! As far as calligraphy goes....I was just thinking I should get out all the books/pens I have and use that to help me with my drawing. In 1978 I was taking an evening class once a week. I was going to miss one week because we had a vacation planned in Florida--I was 6 weeks pregnant and this was going to be our last "couple" vacation. While we were there my father died suddenly and we spent a week in Mississippi helping my mother after the funeral. When we got back I came down with a cold....so after missing 3 lessons I decided not to go back and have never tried again. Between my thoughts and your timely comment, I can't keep putting it off! I'm deeming you my Angel of Encouragement, Janet. You have a knack for saying things I need to hear to spur me on.

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    2. Well, I can see how you got off-track with it but honestly, I don't think you'd need much instruction or expert guidance, Cath. You could try doing a class for a while, because it really can be helpful and encouraging to have other calligraphers around. But you're already very good in my estimation, and there are TONS of materials out there now. You could do a lot of practice and brushing-up on your own. One of the best things about calligraphy, to me, is that the technology has changed for centuries! Isn't that great? And all of it is relatively inexpensive. Good luck and keep us posted!

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    3. Janet, Yes, that's my plan. To get out my books and give it a try on my own. I've collected books and supplies from yard sales over the years, so I'm well-equipped!

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  7. Another beautiful post Cathy & lovely drawing too.
    We went on a lovely walk a few days ago over the fields & spotted many thistles, some with bees on.
    Fondly Michelle

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    1. Hello Michelle. I love that you experienced what inspired Edith to paint her painting which led to my drawing it and now your telling me about it. I love the interconnectedness we all have!

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  8. I really am encouraged to re~visit my Edith Holden books, but how many books can one possibly have 'on the go' at any one time without suffering desperate confusion? Mr Denovan died the year my Grandmother was born. Funny how we make connections, such as that, as we go through our days over a hundred years on.
    As ever, I have enjoyed reading, but, moreover seeing your illustrations. I have let things slip again; I must exercise greater discipline!
    ~~~Deb~~~

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    1. I'm glad to hear this Deb. You do have a gift of art--your composition ability (which I, so far, haven't exhibited any ability in) for one thing. You may discover you have even more gifts if you give yourself permission to not be very good at it in the beginning (like me!). My biggest struggle was getting started. As long as I don't stall out, I know I'll eventually get to where I want to be. I can feel it in my bones so I must honor that and see it through.

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  9. I also have a very small amount of Scottish blood, and my English husband wore a Campbell tartan kilt in homage to them when we got married in Edinburgh! He had been stationed in Scotland for 12 years while in the RAF and loves it. His mother's ashes are scattered near the Italian Chapel in the Orkney's as she also very much loved Scotland. It's a beautiful country.

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    1. I'm loving that so many of us have Scottish roots! Your wedding sounds dreamy. My youngest son has been to Edinburgh and I have photos of Greyfriars Bobby's grave site. Have you read my Poetry & Gabriel adventures in Scotland. Maybe your youngest daughter would enjoy it: http://viewinglifefrominsideout.blogspot.com/2014/03/poetry-gabriel-in-scotland.html#more

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    2. Patricia, I'm seeing that Blogger doesn't make my URL a link. If you don't want to type that whole string of words just type in the Blog URL (viewinglifefrominsideout.blogspot.com) then find the story in the side bar under Children's Stories: Poetry & Gabriel in Scotland.

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  10. Hello Cathy. I so enjoyed reading your journal today. You have such a gift for writing and art. The time and setting of Edith' s life is such a fascinating period. The thistle is a lovely flower but as you mentioned, it's a big time noxious weed here in the states. I love your painting you did this month. You captured the essence of Edith' s work perfectly. Have a great day. Pat xx

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    1. Thank you, Pat. That's so sweet of you to say I've captured Edith's essence. I hope by the end of the year that I will feel that I have! Watching the DVD and reading her book each month, along with her biography has gone a long way in helping me to get a feel for who she was and perhaps channel a little of her gift.

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  11. As always your paintings are so lovely! I have Edith's autobiography and it is lovely been reminded of her story through your posts. Scotland is so beautiful we love visiting it.I have some Scottish blood too! Sarah x

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    1. Thank you, Sarah. I love that we have a Scottish connection!

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  12. A lovely post and the thistle painting is so evocative of the book. I loved your little drawings too :)

    I haven' t read any Elizabeth Goudge books for years - having read the extract I think I will have to return to her stories.

    Thanks again for the mention. I visited Packwood House and Gardens last week and was thinking of Edith as I walked round the parkland there.

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    1. Your posts add so much to mine. I'm working my way through all of Elizabeth's stories, using my library's interlibrary loan system in our State. I read her autobiography which further deepens my understanding of her stories. It's quite obvious she's writing from true experiences.

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  13. Elizabeth Goudge is wonderful, isn't she! I love her Middle Window also, though her _Scent of Water_ is my favourite!

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    1. I loved Scent of Water, too. It was the first of her books that I read and why I keep coming back to read her other books. Have you read her autobiography, The Joy of the Snow?

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  14. "Wretched English!" (James Herriot) Oh those Scots had much to tolerate didn't they?! There are a few Scots on my family tree as well... but mostly English. I love all these history lessons you provide, they are informative and fun... I've yet to read Ediths Diary even thought I have owned the book for years. It is used mostly for reference material. Your sketch book is filling with many delightful wonders

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  15. I am enjoying the journey with Edith. Having the DVD series helps, but also I think spending the whole year, reading and drawing a little every month really helps me absorb everything.

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