Blessing Blackburn NYC ~ Installment 3

“Now to Him Who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.” (Ephesians 3:20)

Wednesday, 12/30/09
11:10 am in Brooklyn, New York

Susan Boyle’s whirlwind visit to New York City during Thanksgiving week coincided with the release of her debut CD, I Dreamed A Dream. The captioned photos in Slideshow 3 tell the story of the exciting before-during-after progression of her first Susan-only live concert before huge numbers of fans. “I’ve always wanted to perform in front of a large audience.” Since her live televised performance on November 23, little more than a month has passed, and Susan’s own marvelous television program has aired in the UK and the USA, surrounded by several other televised appearances in various countries – including in Japan on New Year's Eve!

Meanwhile, Susan’s CD is racking up enormous sales records globally, all within the space of a mere month. One hesitates to report the milestones – golds, platinums, millions, this country, that country – because they become obsolete almost as soon as one hits the enter key. Susan herself celebrates back home in Blackburn. On any given day of her choosing, publicity is a snap – just open the front door, hoist a simple prop, and wait for the next global blog posts and press runs of a couple million. Her daily publicity machine does not require high-paid hairdressers, makeup artists and costumers – the beauty of Susan Boyle is that she is Susan Boyle.

Susan spent a traditional Christmas with family and friends in the Lothians in Scotland. Del and I spent Christmas a bit differently. Check the photos! We visited favorite holiday spots and lovely church services in Manhattan and Brooklyn, with time out on Christmas Eve for a bite to eat at the busy Rock Center Café in Rockefeller Plaza! Somehow, the hostess chose us ahead of another couple in line, and seated us at a rinkside window table that just happened to open up as we walked in. Dining right next to us were two people from Italy. They were so nice and friendly, and even used our camera to take our photo. I decided to ask if they had heard of Susan Boyle, and noted that she had sat right over there and had sung right out there. Yes, of course they had heard of her! Ilaria Dallatana and Francesco Facchinetti just happen to be the producer and on-air presenter of Italy’s X Factor! Oh, Simon! I predict an Italian invitation for Susan soon…

It was a joy to revisit the sites seen by our dear Blackburn/Bathgate friends Hugh and Mary, and the venues of Susan’s appearances. As one of the organizers of fan events in NYC (with many alphabetical thanks to Del, Diane, Jane, Marie, Marta and certainly not least Rhonda), I was happy to see Susan in various settings and to know that she deeply appreciates the warm welcomes that she has received here and elsewhere. She thrives on the genuine outpouring of love for her. I was so thankful to have my square included on the wonderful fan quilt (courtesy of Carol and Phyllis), and one of Del’s badges of Pebbles actually belongs to Susan now – spotted several times on her various coats and jackets both here and at home! It was so cute when she recognized the identical badge on Marie’s scarf and pointed to each of them!

My own NYC opportunity for a photo and a hug was truly unexpected – at the last minute someone asked me to hold the beautiful fan album made by Carolyn, which would be given to Susan during the amazing quilt presentation in the Rock Center Café. When the time came that Susan turned toward me, I leaned forward to say a short remark – and she hugged me. I didn’t even realize that her arm was around my shoulders until I saw photos and videos!

What I shared with Susan was this: “I just want to say that millions of people love you, and thousands of people are praying for you every day. God bless you!”

I am among the many who have been moved to pray for Susan since April. Since her visit to NYC, my daily prayer has been this prayer in the Bible, in Ephesians 3:14-21, with words for Susan specifically: “For this reason I kneel before You Father, from Whom Your whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of Your glorious riches You may strengthen Susan with power through Your Spirit in her inner being, so that Christ may dwell in Susan’s heart through faith. And I pray that Susan, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that Susan may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to You Who are able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to Your power that is at work within us, to You be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”

During Susan’s own television special, she sang an incredible duet with Elaine Paige. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0ogG9_FBWI At the time, and in many views thereafter, I was struck by the words. They were characteristic of Susan’s frequent theme and life experience of elusive love and heartbreak on a human level – a message that speaks so poignantly to so many. Yet the Christmas and New Year season marking His birth is a perfect time to reflect on a love that is altogether transcendent and intimate, and stunningly utterly real. The nativity of Immanuel, God With Us, reveals the love of Jesus and how He wants to be tenderly close to you. A rewrite of the words that Susan sang could read like this: “He moved His world to be with you because the gap between was too wide – He wants to be with you constantly – He is completely on your side.”

You might say, “Why me – the wee wifey?” Or, “How could He – look at me!” Dear one, that is the beauty of His gift, received by faith – it all depends on His love and grace, not on your own ability to earn it. All fall short, so He gave all.

Can the Susan Boyle phenomenon be explained naturally? I believe that she is His beloved, fashioned by Him for this time, unforgettably reflecting His love and care in a heartsick world. We all need that kind of love, do we not?

“…To grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge…” (Ephesians 3:18b-19a)

Blessing Blackburn NYC ~ Installment 2

“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” (Romans 12:14)

Guest Blogger ~ Marie Sheahan Brown

Thursday, 11/26/09
4:08 pm near San Francisco, California

“Love and blessings, Susan Boyle”

I saw her autograph on two different fans’ memorabilia. She writes the person’s name and then, “Love and blessings, Susan Boyle.”

Words are living things. Once uttered or written or even communicated nonverbally, they discharge energy, create waves of effect, and cannot be taken back. Consider the power of the Word made flesh. Consider the malevolence of a curse, the damage wrought by an internet troll, a schoolyard bully, an undermining gossip, a cruel tabloid reporter. Consider then – please – the magnanimous transforming energy of a multitude of small blessings. We each carry such power and responsibility.

I don’t know the reasons Susan Boyle chose as her standard closing, “Love and blessings, Susan Boyle.” I would like to think she knows or intuits exactly what she is doing.

The priests of her cherished religion carry a special power to bless all kinds of things: marriages, houses, babies, pets, large crowds. Non-ordained people do not diminish or usurp this priestly role by their everyday actions and words of blessing. Sacred Scripture testifies that the Creator and Lord of the universe has granted each citizen a share of power and expects us to use it for good. St. Paul in Romans 12:14 urges, “Bless those who persecute (you), bless and do not curse them.”

In the heart of New York City this past weekend, some 100 identified Susan Boyle fans congregated from around America and other countries to support and appreciate Susan’s first solo appearance on the world stage. At Rockefeller Plaza early Monday morning, thousands of unidentified fans showed up from the highways and byways. Millions of world citizens tuned in on television or internet. The vast majority of these have already experienced “love and blessings” from Susan Boyle. Wow. And there’s more to come.

On Monday morning, for the first time since she unwittingly unleashed the worldwide Susan Boyle Phenomenon, the Scottish songbird wasn’t just one performer among many. She wasn’t pre-taped with the comforting fudge factor of editors able to choose and tailor the best performance. Monday morning at Rockefeller Plaza, Miss Susan Boyle was the performer. She had to stand and deliver live before the world. Imagine the pressure on this wee lassie from Blackburn, Scotland, who is much more petite than I had imagined, just a little over five feet tall.

The NBC Today Show’s official videos capture the love radiating from the sea of faces Susan beheld. As a member of that audience, I know – I hope – she felt our unabashed love. She interacted playfully with us before and after each song, her charmingly childlike spirit free to express itself with no fear of judgment. She seemed relaxed yet exuberant. She was among friends, was she not?

Like fire, love and blessings gain warmth with mutuality. The Susan Boyle Phenomenon isn’t only Susan loving and blessing us with her gorgeous voice and sweet autographs. We love and bless her, too, and one another. The delightful gathering of fans in New York City, just seven months after we first came to know each other’s avatars and handles on the internet, testifies to the truth that genuine love and blessings are not only possible but powerfully real even in a world wracked by malice, violence, and fear.

One of my favorite quotes from Clarissa Pinkola Estés, Ph.D., describes what Susan Boyle started when she took that bus to Glasgow on January 21, 2009, and declared, “I’m going to sing for you on Britain’s Got Talent today”:

One of the most calming and powerful actions you can do to intervene in a stormy world is to stand up and show your soul. Soul on deck shines like gold in dark times. The light of the soul throws sparks, can send up flares, builds signal fires ... causes proper matters to catch fire. To display the lantern of soul in shadowy times like these — to be fierce and to show mercy toward others, both — are acts of immense bravery and greatest necessity. Struggling souls catch light from other souls who are fully lit and willing to show it. If you would help to calm the tumult, this is one of the strongest things you can do.

Susan carries her power of “love and blessings” humbly. She knows their source in the kindly mighty God she worships. She understands what it means to be an instrument, to be “Who I Was Born to Be.” She experiences the world’s thirst as sometimes “surreal,” sometimes “overwhelming.” We have witnessed, felt, and stood with her in tears and elation. I, personally, have sensed a mature, nurturing solitude in her life alongside her obvious devotion to family and friends. Her spare, direct words in interviews and the handwritten comments on her album demonstrate intelligence and the keen perception born of contemplation.

A very good spiritual director I know says of Susan Boyle, “She is self-authorizing.” She knows her gift – honed, honed, honed to perfection over decades of world obscurity. She kept on going through the defeats wrought by people of shallow judgment. She kept listening to the loving, encouraging voices of her mother and her God. She kept listening to her own voice. She developed courage and strength to go on. She kept singing for free to “make people happy.” She kept giving “love and blessings.”

Susan is who she is, and she has many sides.

In person, I experienced the unedited Susan. I fell in love again with a new tenderness, a renewed desire to shield her from insensitive cads of any gender or profession. This determined, resilient woman who “just kept going” has the spirit and unfettered candor of a child.

The kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.

Her demonstrative comical humor can startle and puzzle people who aren’t paying attention to its subtle brilliance. She lays her head tenderly on the shoulder of one she senses is kind. She looks directly into the eyes of a stranger who says, “thank you,” and draws the stranger’s face to her cheek. Cor ad cor loquitur. Heart speaks to heart. She cries easily when vexed or heart-touched. She play-acts dialogues with her sweet wee Pebbles. Those of superficial judgment who rate and berate her according to boring rules of social propriety miss the gift altogether. Larger hearts notice that, despite everything, never have we heard the once-bullied Susan speak unkindly of another, although she has learned to “defend her corner.”

A friend of mine observes, “She has set up no superstructure of image.” Susan is uniquely and completely Susan. She is the very “love and blessings” of God to us.

What return shall we make?

I suggest the simple hospitality of unconditional love, understanding, and acceptance.

With unbearable poignancy, Susan sings her own answer in her first-ever professional album:

Why can’t you say you love me as I
Say you want me as I am
Say I’m someone in your eyes….
I’m on my knees so help me please
Please don’t shoot me down
Though you can’t see it now,
Someday I’ll make you proud.

This morning near San Francisco, we opened our Thanksgiving prayer at SVdP’s Catherine’s Center with Susan’s rendition of “Up to the Mountain.” Each of us then shared three things for which we are grateful. Many tears spilled in this room full of women seeking to change their lives after sometimes decades of the revolving doors of jail and prison.

Some days I look down
Afraid, afraid I will fall…
But I hear your, your sweet voice
Oooh
Come and then go
Come and then go
Lord, telling me softly
You love me so.

Yesterday, I played this same song for two of our alumnae visiting briefly. I then showed them Susan’s 500-million-YouTube-viewed audition and the Today Show performance.

Diana exclaimed, “The world needs Susan Boyle!”

And Tiffany, “God chose the weak of this world to confound the strong.”

Diana: “It was for such a time as this that she was called….”

These women’s lives testify to the knee-bending reality of suffering, grace, and redemption that imbue Susan’s voice with its power.

Susan, your music reaches our depths and heights. Your “love and blessings” do profoundly more than “make people happy.”

Thank you.

Blessing Blackburn NYC ~ Installment 1

"Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate." (Proverbs 31:31)

Thursday, 11/19/09
10:00 pm in Brooklyn, New York

The wee lass from Blackburn, Susan Boyle, is preparing to visit New York City for a concert on the TODAY show, outdoors in Rockefeller Plaza, on the morning of November 23, 2009! This is the day her debut CD will be released. Fans from all over the United States, and even Europe, will attend Susan's concert. We begin this blog just a few days prior, as everyone prepares for Susan's big adventure in New York!

Please read installments in order ~ 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Blessing Blackburn ~ The Sequel ~ Installment 9

“From the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another.” (John 1:16)

Thursday, 10/8/09
11:05 pm in Brooklyn, New York

We had planned to take a series of buses to Edinburgh Airport, thinking that it would be interesting to experience Susan’s mode of travel not only locally but regionally as well. Using Scotland’s nifty government-sponsored travel site, we plotted out the buses and routes that linked the various bus companies (plus trains and walks) from point to point. Good! The starting point was to be a short walk from the Burnview, and the ending point an hour or so later was to be the terminal at the airport. But we awoke to a stormy morning and realized that we would be soaked by the time we arrived at the airport, and probably wouldn’t dry out for hours. Thankfully, Colin was graciously available to call a taxi, so we departed the delightful Burnview Bed and Breakfast with extra gratitude and jumped into the taxi as soon as the driver arrived.

Well, well, well. It turns out this very driver had driven Susan herself in this very cab many times in the past! He lived in a neighboring village, but Blackburn was a regular service area for him. We were glad to pay the fare and tip as we were delivered, early and dry, to the terminal!

We had plenty of time to drink whipped coffee while waiting for the Delta counter to open. Once we were in line, a nice airline worker with a clipboard asked us the typical security questions, including whether or not we had any scissors in our carry-on luggage. My super-light packing did indeed include a small pair of scissors, and although the JFK security scan had not found this troublesome the Edinburgh team did – so I had to drop the scissors into a big transparent container bristling with unpremeditated weaponry. Well, the pen is mightier than the sword, so at least the laptops made it through security.

Settling into the T-Mobile wi-fi hotspot near our gate, I tried to log in to my previous account with the 30 minutes left over from July, but alas the time had expired almost immediately after the end of our first Scotland trip. So I paid another $8.33 for 60 minutes, and used about half of that to post a few messages and upload some photos to the blog before we were called for boarding.

Our international flight had free meals galore, so there was little time for snoozing between blogging and snacking. We arrived at JFK in fewer than 7 hours, quickly passed through customs wondering how we would have declared haggis if we had purchased some, and said our goodbyes as Marie continued on to San Francisco. Bless his heart, Del had anticipated our early arrival without baggage to claim, and he was waiting to pick me up as soon as I reached the curb outside. Within 25 minutes, we were home in Brooklyn.

A few days later, Susan’s CD version of Wild Horses hit the web, followed by the exciting news that she would be singing it the following week on the finals of America’s Got Talent. Wild horses could not have kept us from the Starbucks in Edinburgh, and they definitely will not keep us from buying enough CDs for a whole herd of family and friends! Marie and I will have to compare shopping lists as to who gives to whom.

Serendipitously, Marie was scheduled to be in Manhattan for a banquet the day before the AGT final, so we agreed that if our busy agendas could accommodate a joint viewing we would meet to watch Susan’s American debut together. Sure enough, the day cleared perfectly for us, and we decided even to post an invitation on the fan site and at the YouTube pub for anyone who could change their evening plans at the last minute and join us to Suevue in Manhattan.

Late in the afternoon on September 16, Del and I caught the subway, which near our house is an elevated train that later disappears underground. We decided to include photos of our little journey on the Blessing Blackburn blog, since we hope and pray that Susan will soon visit New York City! We saw her sights, and she can see our sights! We were thrilled that Susan felt so loved and welcomed in America, from the moment that she arrived at LAX, through her visit to Disneyland, during the filming of AGT, including her backstage interview for Today, throughout the fantastic news coverage of her astonishing performance, even to the point of 95+ percent approval on various enormous online polls.

We exited the subway at Broadway and Herald Square in front of Macy’s, walked along 34th Street past the Empire State Building, crossed Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue, then walked several blocks up Park Avenue to the Union League Club where Marie and Betty were staying. They were hurrying back from uptown by pedicab, and when we met them Betty opted to return to her room to rest while we scrounged around for something to eat in Manhattan. Our initial choice, a nearby bistro, was packed, so we headed toward the food court at Grand Central Station, but opted instead for a classy Chinese buffet a block away. We dined and dashed (paying, of course!), in time for the start of America’s Got Talent featuring Susan Boyle.

In her small, tasteful room at the Club, Marie fired up the laptop so we could watch the proceedings on TV while simultaneously interacting with fans virtually partying together on the sites. Susan stole the show and the follow-up media coverage with her fabulous performance, and we were delighted that newyorkrican from the YouTube pub actually phoned us to chat about all of it! Walking back to the subway, Del and I noted that the Empire State Building happened to be lit up in Susan’s official website colors, and of course we had to stop in at the Starbucks on the ground floor to purchase a little sustenance for our journey home.

Now, a few weeks later, we await the Thanksgiving week release of Susan’s CD, thinking how fun it would be if Susan could actually be the featured singer on the Herald Square platform at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. It is televised by NBC, after all, and they have previously managed to find a little time in their schedule for the Scottish songbird. The playlist for Susan’s debut CD, just officially announced, includes 3 classic hymns – How Great Thou Art, Amazing Grace and Silent Night. These, along with the other 9 songs, will be sure to thrill millions, including Christmas shoppers on the day after Thanksgiving, traditionally America’s single biggest shopping day.

The final months of each year are always special to me because of the sacred holidays commemorating God’s provision, particularly through Jesus. The gift-giving season is a reminder of how much He has given, and still wants to give. This year, virtually the whole world is watching His grace at work in the life of one humble Scottish maiden with a God-given voice. He gives for a purpose, and He has a plan for each one of us – a plan that may be completely unexpected, and more than anyone could possibly imagine.

“For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” (John 1:17)

Blessing Blackburn ~ The Sequel ~ Installment 8

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12:15)

Guest Blogger ~ Marie Sheahan Brown

Tuesday, 9/8/09
12:48 pm somewhere over the North Atlantic

By early Monday, just after midnight, Leslie and I had decided, “Why bother going to bed at normal Blackburn time?” We’d be flying back to America soon, where our body clocks were more aligned to the night-shift hours we’d been keeping.

Besides another fine Scottish breakfast, one other item hovered on the morning agenda. In my haste to get to Mass on Sunday, I had forgotten Leslie’s camera; hence, I hadn’t gotten a photo of the framed musical score.

I slipped into Susan’s church for the Communion service that about 20 parishioners take turns leading when the priest is on deck in other parishes. I was beginning to recognize faces of the regulars, including the silver-haired lady who’d stopped in to pray days before. They would be among Susan’s daily companions, decade after decade.

After the service, I approached the distinguished-looking man in charge this morning. Joe easily found The Gift in the vestry, and I took the photo. Then we chatted.

Leslie and I didn’t go to Blackburn as investigative reporters to pry about Susan, her family, or people who might be friends. We went to bless and be blessed, to experience, not to snoop. Nevertheless, when I told Joe about our reasons for being here, he noted his long friendship with Susan’s parents. In an interconnected village and church, families know each other long and well. Joe volunteered that Susan’s mother was a wonderful artist, which I had not heard before.

Joe’s internet-savvy, so I gave him the blog address. Hello, Joe, if you’re reading this! Thanks for your kind hospitality.

On return to the Burnview B and B, I thought, “Hmm. As long as my hours are weird anyway, I might as well take a morning nap” – which stretched into early afternoon. It was time to blog, and I needed coffee. Leslie said the library, Blackburn Connected, has a coffee machine – 50 pence a cup.

As I walked along the Bathgate-Blackburn road, two older gentlemen across the road hailed me over. Jim and Michael had seen me in church the day before. (See what I mean by everyone knowing everyone else? A new face really stands out!) They were a delightful pair, good pals for more than 50 years; their wives, too, I gathered. To me they represent the rich possibilities of life in a village.

We three kept walking toward “downtown.” They stopped to chat with some ladies waiting for the bus. I, personally, value this aspect of village life – having grown up and even spent recent years in a tiny forest community in Oregon. http://www.metoliusriver.com/. My casual daily encounters with friends on trails and at the store/post office provided connection and belonging, a pattern of life that I love. Susan would know the treasure of this, too.

At the library in the small mall, I realized that “Blackburn Connected” means more than connecting to the internet or printed sources. It’s another meeting place (besides the parish or the pubs) where the locals can connect just by showing up, no appointments needed. Even non-locals like Leslie and I could show up and feel welcome.

In fact, as I was blogging at Blackburn Connected, a steaming paper cup of espresso at hand, who should walk in but Hugh. “I thought I might find you or Leslie here,” he said. As usual, he offered perspicacious insights on local news. But his real reason was just to say, “Farewell, and have a safe journey.”

On April 10 this year, Leslie and I never imagined we would share budding friendships with people in West Lothian, Scotland, thanks to Susan and the remarkable connecting power of YouTube and the internet. Indeed, such connections can be faceless, impersonal, rude, exploitive, trashy, even dangerous. But with underlying motives of sincerity and goodness, most of us on worldwide fan sites dedicated to Susan Boyle are fostering genuine friendships with people we would love to meet one day – at a concert, a fan gathering, or even at Blackburn Connected.

We fans are experiencing the power of the written word for good or for harm; thus, our obligation to wield this power with sensitivity and respect. Our words present us to the world, a source of news and opinion. Now we all are journalists obligated to uphold the dignity and honor of our vocation.

In a while, Leslie showed up – and instantly recognized Kiera, the 11-year-old poet, who had come in with her mom to log on to the internet. How fortuitous! Leslie handed them Kiera’s much-folded poem about Susan and mentioned that several impressed fans, well known in our virtual community, want to write encouraging notes to her. Kiera’s mom gave us an email address to use, which she, the protective mom, always supervises. (Good on ye, mom!)

The library closed at 5:00 p.m. As Leslie and I left, the friendly but not-to-be-messed-with Mill Centre guard approached. During our Japanese TV interview, he had told us of visits to America, including San Francisco. He asked (as many had) how we were enjoying our stay. Of course, we were loving it!

We walked kitty-corner across the road to the Happy Valley for lemonade and, perhaps, a bit of pool. I’d read of Leslie’s sharkly exploits during her June visit. We hadn’t played pool together since our brother’s wedding in 2003. Was I a bit nervous? “Yea, sure, now!” Good thing her pal John was there, and his pool-playing-buddy Rob, who proposed a team match – like mixed doubles in tennis.

Ever notice that beginner’s luck can kick in again after a few years? Well, lucky for me, it did – for the first few shots. After that, it didn’t matter. At least I didn’t embarrass my twin by ripping the felt! She and John won graciously.

The village pubs don’t serve pub grub, and Leslie and I were hungry. We headed toward The Qualifryer Fish & Chicken Bar attached to The Mill Centre, and I was determined to try the Haggis Pudding. Alas, The Qualifryer was closed. Next time, perhaps.

Good fortune arrived on bicycle tires. Two of the sweet, lively girls Leslie and Del had met in June spotted us and rushed over to greet us. They offered to find the traveling chip trailer. Off they raced on their bikes, reminding us of ourselves at their age. After trawling the neighborhoods of Blackburn for 10 minutes, they returned – not a chip trailer in sight. We thanked them anyway for their efforts, and once again they hopped on their bikes.

We had opted for Chinese takeaway, just across the parking lot from The Qualifryer. The owner was sweeping the speck-less sidewalk as we approached. Chinese take-out menus seem much the same in San Francisco, New York City, and Blackburn, West Lothian, Scotland. Salivating at mental images of fried rice and mushroom chicken, we suddenly felt two presences beside us: our helpful little friends! The least we could do was spring for their favorites – chips and curry sauce.

Leslie and I asked for chopsticks, expecting packets of disposable wooden ones. The owner nodded, went back to the storeroom, and, after many minutes, returned with real chopsticks (for a small addition to our tab), which Leslie and I now keep as souvenirs.

We finally parted trails with our local scouts and headed back to the Burnview. Mmmm. Chinese takeaway never tasted better than on our tiny table between the twin beds.

Just then, Stevieboy49 arrived as planned. This was our last opportunity to check in at the Happy Valley Pub, to say, “adios amigos.” I also had a book to return to Delizia and a couple more Harper’s Bazaars for the denizens.

We were happy to find Jock the pool player there, along with his lovely bride, Debbie. We handed him his very own copy of HB, into which he immediately burrowed at the table next to Susan’s, fascinated and delighted by the article and pictures. Leslie got a priceless photo, which she has since emailed to Harper’s Bazaar.

Leslie and Del’s knowledgeable acquaintance Tony, who had regaled them on local history in June, had been out of town for a few days. Tonight, he was in the pub. He and Stevieboy49 had much in common to discuss, though monolithic their views were not. Tony operates from deep passion for the underdog, while Stevieboy49 mines history for truth from all perspectives. We can report, both men of passion live for goodness and justice.

I think that’s one reason both of them, and others, accept Leslie and me. It’s not that Leslie and I are so good; it’s that we care about what they care about, in our own ways. We both have found our life callings working alongside people who are underdogs. Currently, she heads a small non-profit ministry among recent Russian-speaking immigrants; I serve with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in a program for women seeking new life after jail or prison.

Historically, many, including Susan’s parents, immigrated to Blackburn from Ireland and elsewhere. Perhaps through their own experiences or family stories, the locals we met can relate to the hardships Russian-speaking immigrants face, and how they might appreciate a Native American guide in Brooklyn, New York.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul business card identifying my backpack served as a passport with some of the locals, including Tony. They know SVdP firsthand and even have a Frederic Ozanam Club in Susan’s church. The world of goodness is, indeed, a small world.

After Stevieboy49 deposited us at the Burnview B and B, Leslie and I tiptoed upstairs to our cozy Twin Room. It was after midnight, but neither of us wanted to sleep through the last few hours of our Twin Adventure in Blackburn. I drank hot Airborne while she drank tea. We began sorting through the day’s digital photos, reminiscing, thinking of captions. We caught up with the fan site and YouTube pub news. We typed a few blogthoughts for further development.

Sometime after 3:00 am, almost reluctantly, we curled up under our duvets for catnaps before dawn.

Blessing Blackburn ~ The Sequel ~ Installment 7

“So shall He sprinkle many nations. Kings shall shut their mouths at Him; for what had not been told them they shall see, and what they have not heard they shall consider.” (Isaiah 52:15)

Tuesday, 9/8/09
12:48 pm somewhere over the North Atlantic

Our Sunday junket to Edinburgh coincided with the grand finale of the famous Edinburgh Festival, which had been underway for several weeks. The Festival combines many different sorts of creative and performing arts, and includes opportunities for less-established participants in the Festival Fringe. Susan Boyle had performed in a Fringe musical several years ago. Now she could probably fill all of the venues combined!

Stevieboy49 and Irene picked us up at the Burnview and drove to the train station in Linlithgow. Irene needed to stay with her mother, while Stevieboy49 kindly accompanied us to Edinburgh. He has a wealth of historical knowledge (his specialty as a teacher), and we were blessed with the opportunity to learn so much about the Lothian area and Scotland as a whole. Our train ride took about 20 minutes, during which we sat at a table with Rich, a window cleaner from London, and shared the latest news about Susan Boyle. Rich knew something about her, but we were far more informed. By the time we exited the train, Rich was far more informed, too!

Edinburgh Waverley Station seems a bit smaller than the two stations in Glasgow that Del and I had seen in June. It is located in the heart of Edinburgh, a short walk from the amazing Royal Mile arterial that stretches from Holyroodhouse Palace to Edinburgh Castle. The locals pronounce the word “Edinburuh” – formed with a rolling Scottish R and a silent gh as in through.

Our plan, determined weeks ago, was to watch the final triumphant segment of the revived Edinburgh Riding Of The Marches. Riding the marches (or borders) is a centuries-old yearly practice of reviewing the community boundaries, usually on horses. Many communities in Scotland still do so regularly, and this year’s Edinburgh cavalcade incorporated 250 riders from all over Scotland. The revived Edinburgh event had not occurred since 1946. By the time we reached the High Street section of the Royal Mile, crowds were lining the route and we were temporarily thwarted from crossing the street to grab a Starbucks. Wild horses could not keep us away, however! With fresh, hot brews in hand, we found an open space along the rail just in time for the bagpipe band that was leading the parade up from Holyroodhouse Palace.

Marie and I have loved horses, and occasionally owned them, since childhood. Now that we are busy adults, we don’t really have time for these living works of art, but we always appreciate them. The horses and ponies in the cavalcade were all well-behaved and calm, even as they were led by bagpipes and surrounded by cheering crowds. The riders were sharply dressed in English-style finery, carrying flags and banners and wearing ribbons to indicate their affiliations. We were surprised to see many Paints and Appaloosas – breeds developed by Native Americans. Later, while snacking in a pub along the Royal Mile, Marie reminded me of our twin cousins (seen in the beginning of Slideshow 2), who had arranged for their extended family to present an exquisite Appaloosa stallion to the descendants of the famed Nez Perce, Chief Joseph, in fulfillment of an ancient promise made by their grandfather to the Chief. You can read the account of this special gift at http://www.historycooperative.org/journals/ohq/105.1/liberty.html. As the cavalcade ended, we were able to see presentations by the Lord Provost (Mayor) and the Captain of the Marches at the Mercat Cross in Parliament Square. The pageantry was impressive, and the printed programs available for sale enabled us to read the words that were being spoken, even though we could not hear them.

The weather was beautiful, and we enjoyed our history-filled stroll up the Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle. Along the way, we noticed with amusement many Cashmere wool and kilt shops. We were amused not by the kilts but because, for many years, our family had lived in the small town of Cashmere, in Washington State, and all 5 of us siblings are graduates of Cashmere High School. We have not seen that much Cashmere since our high school reunion!

Outside the gates of Edinburgh Castle is the wide cobbled square in which the renowned Edinburgh Military Tattoo takes place every year. Del, a music-loving veteran of the United States Marine Corps, has a special place in his heart for the Edinburgh Tattoo, because it was here many decades ago that the Marine Corps Band participated on a world-class level that has enhanced the organization built by John Philip Sousa even to this day!

Having seen Linlithgow Palace on Saturday, it was fascinating to visit on Sunday the primary fortified home of the same generations of royals who had vacationed in Linlithgow. Edinburgh Castle, with its 900-year-old chapel and later structures, is enormous – a complex of many buildings inside high walls melded to a pinnacle of steep volcanic rock. We opted out of the interior tour, which would have cost about $20 each for tickets, but spent much time in the gift shop filled with clan paraphernalia and reference books. Homecoming Scotland 2009 was in full force at the Edinburgh Castle gift shop – with something for anyone in the worldwide diaspora of Scottish heritage. I settled on a deck of clan tartan cards for Del, along with a history of Edinburgh Castle. For Gulia, I was delighted to find the same history book, printed in the Russian language (her second tongue, after Kyrgyz)! This book notes that the most significant event in the castle’s history was the birth there of James VI, who became James I, the first Scottish king of all England. As we had learned on Saturday, he was also the king who commissioned the translation of the King James Bible.

We still had several hours before the start of the Festival Fireworks. As we made our way back down the Royal Mile, we were privileged to see some talented Festival Fringe performers – a violin and guitar duo, and an escape artist whose entire livelihood depends on freeing himself from heavy locked chains – all within 2 minutes. Dare we hope that he will qualify for next season’s BGT?

It was mid-afternoon, and we opted for a snack at one of the many pleasant dining establishments along the Royal Mile. Over a combo appetizer plate, we discussed Susan’s singing and career as if we were in Susan’s Pub or the fan site forum. It’s simply amazing to consider everything that is happening to her, and to all of the fans who have been drawn to her. As I said in the BBC video, I really think God is doing something. How else can we explain it all?

We were eager to see the rest of the Royal Mile, and proceeded down the route, which was cobbled in places and paved in others. There were many shops selling wool, tartans, kilts and souvenirs, alongside pubs, historic structures, churches and memorial plaques. Finally we reached the new Scottish Parliament Building, a modern work with dominant style elements that we could not understand without a written description. Designed by a Spanish architect, the building is controversial among Scots but represents an interesting move toward more Scottish self-government.

Across the street is the Queen’s Gallery, an ancient building housing some of Queen Elizabeth’s extensive art collection. Public access is possible, but not at the time of our visit. A hundred yards beyond, past the Abbey, the Royal Mile begins or ends with the Holyroodhouse Palace, which is the official royal residence in Scotland. Holyroodhouse Palace was also the home of royals who lived in Edinburgh Castle and Linlithgow Palace. Unlike these other two dwellings, Holyroodhouse Palace is still used by monarchs. Queen Elizabeth lives here for a few days each year. On this particular weekend, she has been staying in a more northern royal residence while on hand, as always, for the annual Braemar Gathering Highland Games that culminates the dozens of highland games events held throughout Scotland (and even the world) each year.

As twilight approached, we caught a taxi to a nice restaurant recommended by the driver. Marie ordered vegetarian haggis that was not cooked in a sheep’s stomach, and pronounced it delicious. I wondered how it could accurately be called haggis with neither the ingredients nor the methodology, but I wasn’t about to compare it to the real thing in order to prove my point!

Following dinner, we walked briskly through the rainless night to the nearby apartment of Fran, a gregarious Spanish teacher with whom Stevieboy49 had worked several years ago. How fortuitous, that Fran’s apartment had several windows with a perfect view of the Festival Fireworks, and that he graciously allowed us to join his watching party, among the 200,000 viewers citywide! All of the lights were out, with seating arranged to face the windows and the local radio station providing live coverage of the event. Moments after we arrived, the show began! It marked the end of the Edinburgh Festival and also the 250th anniversary of the death of George Frederick Handel. The Scottish Chamber Orchestra and Chorus performed various works of Handel, in perfect live synchronization with the fireworks. Handel’s Messiah has long been my favorite musical masterpiece, even to the point of the Hallelujah Chorus being my cell ringtone! Sure enough, the spectacle concluded with the most glorious fireworks accompanied by the full orchestra and choir. Having visited the venues of passing generations of Scottish royals for the entire weekend, I gained an even greater appreciation for these words: “Hallelujah! For the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. The kingdom of this world is become the Kingdom of our Lord, and of His Christ: And He shall reign for ever and ever. King of kings, and Lord of lords. Hallelujah!” (Revelation 19:6, 11:15, 19:16)

We enjoyed pleasant conversation and pastries with Fran and his guests, then caught a cab to the train station before the last train left for Linlithgow. Irene was waiting for us in the car, bless her heart, and Marie and I were back home at the Burnview before the clock struck 12:00.