Fair Island in the Sea, Four Seasons Remastered, Island Clay

Good Morning from the Fair Isle,

Fall is officially here and the colours are starting.

Earlier this week the Charlottetown Rotary Club came to our place for a club meeting and dinner. Anyone who has been to a Rotary meeting, know they start meetings with a Rotary Prayer but this club also sings The Island Hymn.  The words of the hymn were penned by the Island's beloved author Lucy Maud Montgomery and it became immediately popular after it was first performed in 1908. It became the official anthem of Prince Edward Island in 2010.

The Island Hymn

Fair Island of the sea,

We raise our song to thee,

The bright and blest;

Loyally now we stand

As brothers, hand in hand,

And sing God save the land

We love the best.

Upon our princely Isle

May kindest fortune smile

In coming years;

Peace and prosperity

In all her borders be,

From every evil free,

And weakling fears.

Prince Edward Isle, to thee

Our hearts shall faithful be

Where'er we dwell;

Forever may we stand

As brothers, hand in hand,

And sing God save the land

We love so well.

So many come to touch the Island and end up being touched by it. It is a blessed land.

For many years Prince Edward Island has attracted many who chose to lay down family roots and call this special place home, I am one.

When I was 17 and working on the Island trying to decide what to do with my life, A story in the Summerside Journal Pioneer told of a farmer who lost everything due to a fire and went on to say how his neighbours came together and built him a new barn, gave him a few animals and some used equipment so he could start again. This story struck me hard, I thought yes, this is how it is meant it to be. We are to care for our neighbours and treat each other with love and respect. Keep in mind I was perhaps a bit idealistic at 17, but you know what, I am still at 62.

The sense of spirit on the Island runs deep and one of Prince Edward Island’s most celebrated songwriters, Lennie Gallant captures that spirit well. His wordsmithing is soul touching. His anthem, Island Clay is for the stewards of small family farms.

Here are photos from the Gardens of Hope 2017 by Katherine MacLaine during the fall.

Land, sea and air are what we have been given to look after and there is a movement called “Zero Waste” and it was first brought to my attention by a good friend as she lives and breathes zero waste and she inspires me to think differently about waste. This story The secret to living zero waste? Start small is quick and interesting read about others being aware.

Every year on the second Sunday in March, Islanders travelling south gather in Fort Desoto Park, St Pete, Florida to celebrate Islander Day. And here they are singing the Island Hymn. Led by retired Supreme Court Justice Alex Campbell and well known Island performer Dino Dunsford.

As many who read my blog, know I like listening to music while I write. This album, Recomposed by Max Richter: Vivaldi – The Four Seasons is the 2012 album by neo-classical composer Max Richter, released on August 31, 2012, was suggested by one our readers. The album is a complete recomposition and reinterpretation of Vivaldi's The Four Seasons.

Listen Here

Take care of you and yours and all around you.

With Love from the Fair Island of the Sea.

Bruce

ps. 

The judge warned the witness, “Do you understand that you have sworn to tell the truth?”

“I do.”

“Do you understand what will happen if you are not truthful?”

“Sure,” said the witness. “My side will win.”