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Clanmother International Bagpipe Day Scotland

International Bagpipe Day

Twelve highlanders and a bagpipe make a rebellion. Proverb March 10 marks a special day for all bagpipe enthusiasts around the world: International Bagpipe Day. This day is dedicated to celebrating the traditional instrument and its many forms. The bagpipe has a long and varied history, having been played in many cultures for centuries. It is believed to have […]

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Clanmother New Year's Peace

Universal Hour of Peace

Peace be with you as we enter 2023! The quest for peace begins in the home, in the school and in the workplace. Silvia Cartwright, 18th Governor-General of New Zealand I am writing these words on the last day of 2022, just before the hour of 11:30 pm which will usher in “The Universal Hour […]

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Benjamin Franklin Clanmother New Year's

The Wisdom of Benjamin Franklin

The first “Poor Richard’s Almanack” was published by Benjamin Franklin on January 28, 1732.  “Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise” was a mantra of my third-grade teacher, along with “speak little, do much.”  That was a very productive year, as I recall.  At that time, I knew only […]

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Clanmother Milestones Queen Elizabeth II

A Queen’s Passing

“Over the years, those who have seemed to me to be the most happy, contented and fulfilled have always been the people who have lived the most outgoing and unselfish lives.” Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022) I remember taking the photo of The Queen’s portrait on April 27, 2015.  We were visiting the Argyll & Sutherland […]

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Clanmother Sacred Space The Italian Chapel Thursday Doors

The Italian Chapel on Lamb Holm, Orkney

The idea of sacred spaces has been with us since ancient days. Throughout the centuries, we have built temples to reach the heavens, made pilgrimages to seek knowledge, lived in the forests to connect with the earth. Even now, we create personal areas for meditation and reflection, a way to reaffirm our thoughts and feelings, […]

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Bettys Café Tea Rooms Clanmother Thursday Doors York

Teatime at Bettys Café Tea Rooms

The Secret of Happiness “Our treats brighten even the dullest day and are perfect presents for the people you love.  We make them because a little deliciousness makes the world a happier place – it’s really no secret at all.” Bettys Est 1919 York, UK May 17, 2017. It rained all day – the warm […]