Don't you remember?...

Sitting in a reverie, the sun wrapping her loving arms around me.

I stare across the land,

and

find it difficult to grasp, a beauty quite daunting.

The sensation, the bliss an experience no one should

miss.

But, if I could, I would beg for one wish.

To be in the paradise--the valley-- where good times were endless.

Where the pines create a canopy across the mountains.

Where the emerald water, that chills and refreshes, laps lazily against

the Georgia red clay.

Where the sun is heavy, but not overpowering.

Where the grill sizzles with the smell of a tender steak.

Mmm, where the fresh catfish crackles in the pan

Where the laughter of children skates across the trees.

Where mischief of brothers will always be remembered; an unforgettable experience.

Where the soothing squeak of the swaying hammock allows one to drift, away.

A home to the elusive salamander, and the aged oak where PaPa carefully

etched his joys.

Where the "mist rolls so beautifully in splendor," alongside the blood reds, sun-kissed oranges and innocent pinks of the setting sun-- a sight which causes even the blind to stand

agape.

Belle's Heaven.

A place to cry and a place to love.

One day,

I will drive back down Cody road

and the fresh mountain air will rush through my senses.

Until then,

it is but a distant memory.

But, one we should never forget.

The sweetness encompassed by Burton's beauty will

live in our hearts.... forever.

Peace and Love.

Friends

Friends, Friends, Friends

It's nice to have great friends in one's life. This morning Jacqueline and several other close friends prepared a wonderful birthday breakfast for me. There was smoked salmon, capers, and delicious bagels next to fresh eggs, savory bacon, and chilled champagne there to help wash down all the flavors.

Each friend handed me a card with a beautiful note written inside. Expressing how they've appreciated my friendship, my passion for life, my love of music, and my often ridiculous humor. I hate to boast, but life is good. My friend Rafael gave me two books from Chile that he read when he was a nino. Jacqueline gave me some Simpson slippers and some warm ones, too. Plus a really fancy vino. Everything was more than I needed or could have asked for, but I'm very thankful for life.

For the joys one can experience and the friendship one can have when one decides to open one's heart and form a connection with those around him/her. I believe that is what has, and is helping, to make my time in Edinburgh so special. I have a unique ability to form close connections with all sorts of people from all walks of life. I know that one day, when I'm old and grey, I will sit and admire these relationships; the privileges that shape our existence. We do not know what tomorrow brings so let us enjoy the days while it is hear.

Eat a new food, sip a delicious beer, kiss a pretty lady (or man if you choose), listen (and I mean allow it to truly move you) to new music, challenge yourself....this world is ours for the taking, so I insist that we make a move or our journey may soon be over. Enjoy these days, friends, and prepare for the day where we can share a "spritely dance [...] amongst the clouds."

My wish for my birthday is that you all takes time to enjoy your lives to the utmost. Scream, cry, laugh, and dance.

I will close with a quote that I heard many years ago, but its relevance seems to never die:

"Our lives are like a coin,

and though we many spend them however we choose.

We may only spend them once,

so [brothers and sisters, friends and foes]

so let us spend them wisely."

-A.N.S.

Alas the cuppeth full, and the band doth begin to play!

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.

-Red, Red Rose- Robert Burns

Robert Burns. 25 January 1759- 21 July 1796. Born in Alloway, Scotland he was the eldest of 7 children. He grew up in the fields, laboriously serving alongside his father to help sustain his family's well being. But it was hard to break poverty's controlling grip. Burns never had formal education, but spent many years in study with John Murdoch who taught Burns French, Latin, English Literature, reading & writing, and math.

When Burns Matured, he embarked on various love affairs. Although he knew many women, his 3 daughters that lived were all named Elizabeth. Burns tried to marry his long love Jean Armour and eventually they did, but due to financial circumstances Jean left Burns brokenhearted and alone with 30 pounds to his name. Burns then decided to pack his bags and move to Jamaica, where he had been promised work, a new life, and all the Carribean pleasures one could ask for. However, just before his ship was set to sail, a community leader got a hold of a few of his works and pleaded with Burns that he was bound to be a writer. Burns published a collection of works in Scottish Gaelic and it was an instant success in the Scottish Nation.

Soon thereafter, Burns decided to move to Edinburgh where he was embraced in the Aristocratic society and became an upstanding member of society. Burns found the climate and artistically vibrant lifestyle of Edinburgh extremely conducive to his writing. He began publishing in both Scottish and English and when he died became known as the most profound Scotsman that ever walked the planet.

Wae is my heart, and the tear's in my e'e;
Lang, lang has Joy been a stranger to me:
Forsaken and friendless, my burden I bear,
And the sweet voice o' Pity ne'er sounds in my ear.

Love thou hast pleasures, and deep hae I luv'd;
Love, thou hast sorrows, and sair hae I pruv'd;
But this bruised heart that now bleeds in my breast,
I can feel, by its throbbings, will soon be at rest.

Oh, if I were-where happy I hae been-
Down by yon stream, and yon bonie castle-green;
For there he is wand'ring and musing on me,
Wha wad soon dry the tear-drop that clings to my e'e.

The Tear Drop, Robert Burns.

I Had the opportunity to experience one of the most unique traditions within Scotland, Burns Dinner, honoring the legendary Scot-Poet, Robert Burns. Through January and February, Scots the world over gather to honor the life and genius of Burns, while dining on delicious "Haggis, Neeps, and Tatties." Jacqueline (the lovely lady who I happened to find early on in my studies) accompanied me and we went to my host club, Rotary Club of Cumbernauld's Burns Night. The night begins with the Haggis being pipped in carried humbly by the head chef. Following the Haggis and Chef is the Honorary Scotsman who is there to eloquently quote Burns and Toast the Haggis before it is served throughout. (For those who don't know what Haggis is, it is an assortment of sheep's heart, liver, and lungs finely placed in a lining of sheep's intestines mixed with onions and select spices to make is tasty.)

After the blessing has been said, the feast doth commence. Luckily, however, my host club doesn't particularly like Haggis, so we had that just as a starter followed by a nice Lentil Soup and a delicious Scottish Stew. After dinner, the real festivities commenced. Select Rotarians got in to character to honor the works of Burns. First, there was the "Immortal Memory" which is presented as a historical depiction to Burns' life, his influence on Scotland, and his Nationalistic ideals. Apparently, most formal Burns suppers can have very extensive and very long "Immortal Memories," but we were spared this misfortune.

Then my host, Ken Robertson, gave a recitation as vibrant as Burns himself. Through his speech, fists were flying, spit was sprayed, and veins began to pop as Ken gave a great depiction of one of Burns' poems. The next talk was a "Toast to the Lassies," which was a very humorous speech. A very mature, very whimsical Rotarian stepped up to the plate for this duty. He began by playfully scolding the women and cursing them that they should be back in the kitchen, so the men could enjoy the rest of the evening. --He was only joking-- He than began to talk about Burns' love of the lassies and how so many different women are featured in many of his works. He admitted, that Burns would not have been able to draft such fine stanzas without the beauty of women in his life. The speaker then acknowledged the fact that all men are only able to do great things with a strong woman behind them, and he asked all men present to stand and "Toast the Lassies." I did with earnest, and laughed at all the old Rotarians present giving a toast the beautiful ladies.

The next was a female rebuttal from a female Rotarian she responded with playfully chastising the male rotarian, while honoring Burns and exemplifying the significance of women in Burns in life and in society in general. After the feminine toast, there was more recitations, toasts, and sharing stories of the life of the legendary Burns.

The nights ended with many shared pints and drams. Then shortly before I left, a Rotarian came to me and said he enjoyed reading my stories. I was a little taken back, because I wasn't exactly sure what he was speaking about. But, I then realized he was talking about my blog. He had been following enthusiastically and he lived only 30 minutes away. Thank you. To anyone who kills there time while reading my words. I do throughly appreciate it.

I stayed with Ken and his wife and were shown great hospitality. A nice, warm house (full of teddy bears) and one of the greatest music collections. Ken and I sat having a nice smokey dram and listening to several rare, but unique cds. I discussed with Ken how I want to focus for my dissertation on "Music and IR," and he started giving me music that depicts different groups, from different backgrounds and musical upbringings playing together to create a beautiful song. I've started researching and i've been quite impressed with the amount of scholarship I have found on related topics: Music and Diplomacy, Music and Peace, Music and Society. Plus I've found many diverse articles on mixed genres and politics. I'm not exactly sure of the angle I'm going to pursue, but something on music and politics is going to be drafted for my dissertation. It is going to be incredible.

: La Ultra Fiesta de mi Hermano, Rafael.

Saturday was my good friend Rafael's birthday. He told us time and time again that he didn't want to do anything because he needed to study. Well, life is short and we wouldn't allow our great friend to celebrate his 31st year in the library. Jacqueline had the brilliant idea of everyone preparing Chilean dishes. You see, Rafael has mentioned several times how much he missed Chile, the music and the food. So, what did we do? We gave him a Chilean feast. Rafael called me to go for a quite beer and dinner and I said that I had to call him back because I was busy running errands, but really we were all busy preparing Chilean dishes. After several more phone calls, and when the food was all prepared, I went to get Rafael. I had to be nonchalant about the supper and what we were going to do. Rafael began asking where I wanted to eat dinner and I said wherever, I just needed to grab my jacket. We walked down to the kitchen and everyone yelled surprise! When we flicked on the lights the room was filled with some of our closest friends and a table filled with Chile's finest dishes. Rafael was speechless. I've been involved in surprise parties but seeing the excited expression on Rafael's face was priceless. He was moved. He was impressed that his friends has thrown a surprise party for him, but even more enthused that we each prepared Chilean dishes to celebrate the evening.

There was a lentil and Chorizo soup, nachos, a spicy shrimp platter, and two delicious Salmon and Trout dishes. Rafael was extremely content.

It is nice breaking bread with a mix of people and celebrating together. That is what life allows us to do; come together and share in each other's company and taste each other's culture. I must admit, that I really like Chilean cuisine so hopefully I can travel there in the near future. We also shared Chilean wine, laughs, and stories. One could notice how impressed Rafael was by the kind gesture as it looked as if he could cry at any minute. But, he did not. Instead, he rose and began to thank each and everyone in his own Chilean way. He apologized for the language barrier that would prohibit him from expressing his true feelings, but noted it was not the Spanish-English barrier, rather he simply lacked the works in any language that were beautiful enough to describe his feelings for Edinburgh, the people his has met, and the love his is experiencing.

I smile constantly when I think about this year, the months past, and the months yet to come. What a golden opportunity to become enriched with beautiful aspects of life. Thank you to anyone who reads this, and for everyone who has helped me get to this point in my life. Many blessings be with you, my friends, and I hope good things greet y'all in the future.

Peace and Love

-William