Great Expectations | Photos
by Elouise
By whose expectations do we live? This post from two years ago, lightly edited, is still relevant, particularly in light of current political and global realities. In September 2015 D and I were on a grand 50th wedding anniversary trip, driving through Scotland. Which more than exceeded our expectations–in every way! But that’s another topic.
D took the photo above in Edinburgh, directly behind the Sir Walter Scott Monument. We’re looking down into the East Princes Street Gardens. Notice the benches. They line the sidewalk from one end to the other. Each bench includes a plaque to honor an everyday person or family member(s) now deceased yet remembered warmly by friends and relatives.
The plaque below caught my attention and made me laugh and smile. How did the Rev Alan B. Cameron MA BD STM, the piping hot Scot ‘prove Romans 8’? I don’t know, but his life of faithful generosity made an impression. Perhaps despite great trials?
Above the Gardens looms the huge Edinburgh Castle and grounds. It’s packed with tributes on stone plaques. The plaque below stood out to me. Though it isn’t small or simple, the words describing Mary of Lorraine are human-size, even though she was “Queen of James V, Mother of Mary Queen of Scots and Regent of Scotland from 1554-1560.” I’m taken by the warm tribute to her character and behavior. Perhaps Mary of Lorraine was related to Rev. Alan B. Cameron, “the piping hot Scot?”
Finally, we have a different kind of tribute in the outer wall of the Edinburgh Castle, overlooking the city. These aren’t to human soldiers, but to their faithful canine companions. I can make out three of the dogs’ names on the gravestones–Scamp, Tinker, and Feora (?) who was a Band Pet. Even though I’m a cat lover, my heart melted.
Faithful. That’s what I want to be. Not faithful to others’ expectations of me, but faithful to God as one of God’s beloved daughters and sons. I’m drawn to the simplicity of the tributes above. In the end, it’s all about faithfulness–to God, to oneself and to others. Including the faithful bond between human beings and their canine (and feline!) companions.
© Elouise Renich Fraser, published on 23 September 2015 as Small Signs of Faithful Lives | Photos; edited and reposted 21 October 2016
Photo credit: DAFraser, September 2015 in Edinburgh, Scotland
Daily Prompt: Expect
Thank you for the images of beloved Edinburgh. I loved my time there! The area you are depicting is absolutely lovely and breathtakingly dramatic. One of my favourite sights in the world is arriving in Edinburgh by train, coming out of the tunnel to be greeted by the site of mighty Edinburgh Castle looming high and mighty over the city. Far north, Inverness Castle is like that, too, watching over the wonderful city of Inverness and the beautiful River Ness.
All animals are mystical and holy, far more advanced in spirit than human beings. i miss England and Scotland so much. Thank you for sharing these photos that let me have a taste of my beloved land.
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You’re welcome, Pamela. I’m so glad you enjoyed them! I’d go back in a heartbeat if I could, with arriving by train on my list!
Yes, we have so much to learn from animals. Thanks for your comment. 💐
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Oh my goodness Elouise, I loved this! Thank you for sharing (again). It made me giggle more than once. Happy Saturday ☺️
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Giggles are great! You’re so welcome. Hoping you had a happy Saturday, too! 😊
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What a spectacular place and what a way to celebrate 50 years. And that animal cemetery, they do melt the hearts in ways some human crypts cannot. Lovely piece Elouise ❤ lovely pics D ❤
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A once in a lifetime trip! A big Yes to animal cemeteries. And I hope you enjoyed a lovely Saturday….😊
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Ya canna get anythin more faithful than a wee doggie missie
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Awww….:)
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I did a post about my wee doggies birthday the other day
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Oh…..I’ll have to make sure I read it. 🙂
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There isn’t much to read, except the comments of which there appears to be many.It’s mostly pictures/photographs I took wit my trusty Sanyo. 😀
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So lovely to read your comments about your visit. Next time you are by the benches, I’ll come and say HI. xxxxx
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Oh I would just love love love to meet you there! Who knows what the future holds? I’ll keep that bright star of possibility on my horizon–just in case. 🙂
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Thank you! 😀
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beautiful pics💖😍😍👌
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Thank you! 😊
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welcome😄😄
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