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The Scottish Thistle

I am the Scot's thistle The emblem of my proud country it has been our valiant pride for so many years \\!!!!!// \\\!!!!!/// \\\\!!!!!!!//// ====!!!!!!!==== ////!!!!!!!\\\\ ///!!!!!\\\ //!!!!!\\ !!! \!!!/ \!!!/ --!!!-- \!!!/ \!!!/ --!!!-- \!!!/ \!!!/ --!!!-- """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" The thistle has been the national emblem of Scotland since the reign of Alexander III (1249 - 1286) and was used on silver coins issued by James III in 1470. According to the legend, an invading Norse army was attempting to sneak up at night upon a Scots army encampment. During this operation one barefoot Norseman had the misfortune to step upon a Scots Thistle, causing him to cry out in pain, thus alerting Scots to the presence of the Norse invaders. My entry into Deborah Guzzi's " Oh, what a Shape I'm in! " contest. Not easy doing the above, i nearly went cross eyed.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2009




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Date: 11/30/2020 12:34:00 PM
I love this James, it is exquisite and you certainly deserve the top spot in Brian's contest. With kindest thoughts Ann xx
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James Fraser
Date: 11/30/2020 12:37:00 PM
Thank you kindly Ann, this form is a real challenge, with ample patience, James :)
Date: 11/30/2020 12:37:00 AM
Wow! Congrats! Thanks for sharing this. God bless you.
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James Fraser
Date: 11/30/2020 7:35:00 AM
Thank you Beata :)
Date: 11/29/2020 8:49:00 PM
A MASTERPIECE! dear James. I hope your eyes are ok now. lol! ~ Elaine
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James Fraser
Date: 11/30/2020 7:37:00 AM
I can still recall doing this, and yes, my eyes ended up 'cross-eyed' trying to keep it in line <*v*> thanks kindly for popping by, James :)
Date: 11/29/2020 6:33:00 PM
Lovely, James. So good to see you on here and at the top of the list. Congrats.
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James Fraser
Date: 11/30/2020 7:42:00 AM
A rare occasion being here, but I enjoy when I do. Thank you kindly for popping by Andrea. I trust you and your family are well amidst the 'Covid Chaos' take care, James xx
Date: 11/29/2020 11:50:00 AM
Congrats on your winning work. Yes, doing these shapes isn't an easy endeavor but you did really well with it. Interesting story about the thistle. Sara
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James Fraser
Date: 11/30/2020 7:49:00 AM
They're really prickly Sara, and you certainly don't want to land on one. Not easy to create, took me ages, but I got there in the end. Thanks for popping by, James xx
Date: 11/29/2020 11:35:00 AM
- Congratulations on your top win in the "SHAPE UP" contest, James :) - // Anne-Lise :)
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James Fraser
Date: 11/30/2020 8:00:00 AM
Thank you kindly Anne-Lise :) a challenge to create, and a sigh to look at once finished. Thank kindly for popping by, James xx
Date: 11/29/2020 10:34:00 AM
Beautifully done James. Congratulations on your win.
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James Fraser
Date: 11/30/2020 8:08:00 AM
Many thanks Sam, thanks kindly for popping by, James :)
Date: 11/30/2009 10:01:00 PM
James, congrats on your success in Deborah's contest...Raul
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Date: 11/30/2009 1:33:00 PM
Wow James! This is a most awesome win! Warm congrats and so very well deserve! Thank you also for your thoughtful congrats. So appreciated. love, shar xoxo
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Date: 11/30/2009 1:07:00 PM
Congratulations on your win in Deborah's contest James. Love,Carol
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Date: 11/30/2009 9:10:00 AM
Congratulations, James, on your winning poem and design in Deb.'s contest.. I think it should have placed first because it is so unique but I am glad u were recognized for your ingenious artwork and words.. happy to be sharing stage with u as an honorable mention... this was a challenge contest for me with the art work... blessings ... luv.. Linda-Marie "Sweetheart"
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Date: 11/29/2009 6:56:00 PM
Congratulations, James, this was a winner first time I read it...great verse as well as form!! Love, Carrie
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Date: 11/29/2009 5:49:00 PM
Wonderful piece, James, and I applaud you for your effort! I just couldn't get the gumption to try this form. Someday I will! Congrats on your success in the contest! Hugs, Donna
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Date: 11/12/2009 5:56:00 PM
Hi James, me again. This piece was truly interesting and quite a joy to read. I can just see that barefoot norseman stepping upon the thistle and a noise he must have made. That sure would make me cry out in pain. Once again another piece of your that I have truly enjoyed reading. Melody?
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Date: 10/28/2009 10:54:00 AM
Beautiful! A winner for sure! Love, Lainie
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Date: 10/24/2009 2:12:00 PM
What a creative entry with visual appeal and historical value all rolled into one. Thanks for sharing your talent with us. Good luck in the contest. Karen
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Date: 10/24/2009 6:46:00 AM
James I see a sure winner here. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and your poetry with us. Love, Carol
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Date: 10/24/2009 4:38:00 AM
Doing those designs are very difficult and someone like me with astigmatism almost impossible. I love it and the legend. Those thistles are painful but have a beauty of their own. Artichokes are a thistle. Keep writing. Sara
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Date: 10/23/2009 11:46:00 PM
one of the winners and in my favs..excellent Fraser..excellent;)Charma
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Date: 10/23/2009 9:01:00 PM
James, James, James, I love when poets also educate. I learned something new today thanks to you :) Thank you for your comment on my "Hearts Against Will". Love, Iolanda
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Date: 10/23/2009 7:35:00 PM
This is great!! I wouldn't know where to start with this!..... love Pamx
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Date: 10/23/2009 7:29:00 PM
very good image!! I like the poem too, scot's thistle could be Georgia thistle also, we have a plenty, they are pretty and painful like the rose.
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Date: 10/23/2009 5:30:00 PM
Wonderful insight James into your beautiful country... made me feel I was right there.. neat setup ... thankxxx for explanation too ... Linda-Marie
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Date: 10/23/2009 5:24:00 PM
Amazing creation James, I know the difficulty in shaping a poem of this caliber. Nice work and best of luck...Raul
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Date: 10/23/2009 5:03:00 PM
Clever and very educational as well!! Enjoyed reading this interesting history!! ~ Well done, James! ~ Carrie
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Book: Shattered Sighs