This That and Other Things

I have this book on my phone that is 100 Wiccan and Pagan Writing Prompts and Inspirations, and I thought why not try some of these out on everyone. Soooo, here we go.

Prompt #6: Search through books or photographs of scenery. When you find one that interests you, ask yourself what happened here long ago? Write a description of the scenery.

Yetter, Liz. 100 Wiccan and Pagan Writing Prompts and Inspirations: Ideas for Blogs, Articles, and Books . Liz Yetter. Kindle Edition.

Picture of the St. Andrew’s flag was taken from: https://www.inspiringtravelscotland.com/scotland/st-andrews-day-scotlands-official-national-day/ . Pictures (castle and bridge) were taken from: https://peakvisor.com/adm/scotland.html no copy right infringement is intended if you have concerns or questions or if the pictures need to be removed, please email: this.that.and.other.things25@gmail.com

My home in my heart is Scotland…my ancestors are from Scotland and, well, all over the UK — but my heart belongs to Scotland. So, naturally, I looked up pictures of Scotland and found these two. One of a castle and the other an unassuming bridge over a river. The castle is: The ruins of Kilchurn castle on Loch Awe, and the bridge is: a bridge on the Isle of Skye near Sligachan. So, tell me what you see when you look at these pictures.

Picture #1: When I look at the castle, I wonder about the people who used to live there back in the day. You know when the clans were at their height and warring with each other. Could this family/ clan have been one that was an ally to my family, or were they an enemy? I could research it and find out I am sure, and at some point for sheer curiosity I may do that, but for now I will pretend.

Kilchurn castle is located in the highlands of Scotland and my family came from the Highlands, I want to believe they would be an ally to my family. They fought side by side with each other during the clan wars and during the wars for Scotland’s independence. The family was a brave and proud Highland clan, and they fought for the right to a better life.

The inside of the castle was dark, dimly lit by candles and torches. The hallways were drafty and cold, but they were dressed with beautiful tapestries and paintings. I can picture a young girl walking and playing in the halls of the castle as she grew up. She was a strong and independent girl, always wanting to be out with the boys fighting and learning what she needed to know so that she could one day go into battle for her country. She did not care about the societal norms, she knew what she wanted, and she would stop at nothing to have that. The castle holds her story within it’s stony walls.

Picture #2: When I look at the bridge, I wonder what people have crossed it…but my first thought has there been any battles that took place there? Did blood stain the stones red? Did the water turn crimson with the blood of men fighting for what was theirs or for their rights to freedom against the English? What happened here? If I look at the picture and close my eyes, I can hear the hoof falls of the heavy battle horses as they crossed the bridge. I can hear the shouts and battle cries that carried across the wind. I can see myself looking over the edge of the bridge at the water and the crimson blood that stained the water from the men who had fallen in battle. The clang of the swords. The groan of men as they wield these swords, holding tight to them with both hands.

Tell me, what do you see when you look at these pictures?