My mother’s first cousin, the self-appointed (and believe me, unchallenged!) keeper of the family history, wrote recently to tell of the various organizations my kids and I were eligible to join. I appreciated the thought, but had no interest. In fact, it crossed my mind that my ability to join the DAR or 17th Century Colonial Dames (?!?) meant that many subsequent generations had much opportunity to dilute my proud English blood.
Drat. That probably explains the diminution of my spunk. Too bad, because I do admire spunk.
No one has been a more striking example of British spunk and indomitability than Queen Elizabeth during and even prior to her 60-year-reign. I’ve eagerly watched footage of the planned celebrations. The British people had every reason to celebrate her Diamond Jubilee in grand and glorious fashion.
And celebrate they have! The weather has not deterred more than a million people from participating in official and locally organized celebrations. The river pageant flotilla of 1,000 boats on the Thames River was quite spectacular with the naval vessels, the pleasure boats, the geyser boats, and the floating bel complete with ringing bells. The band, at least, was under a roof, playing enthusiastically while an assemblage of singers stood on an open barge in the pouring rain and sang God Save the Queen. The 86-year-old monarch stood with her family on a boat and watched the entire event.
Since roughly half of Americans dislike a president (from either party) at any given time, there is something very refreshing about watching a nation united in good wishes for her monarch.
God Save the Queen, indeed.
My British friend, also a woman of spunk (she of the Burns Night Supper, the thatched roof house, and the garden in my header) told me of the fun planned in her village.
She helped organize the festivities there–fun and food which included a Welly Toss, a throwing competition for which first prize was the Golden Welly Award–a small pair of (spray-painted) gold boots. Runners-up received chocolate medals. As she explained, no expense was spared.
I’m certain my friend’s entry in the cupcake contest would have garnered my vote. Behold, her cupcake:
I’d know Her Royal Cupcake anywhere, wouldn’t you?
To see more of the Diamond Jubilee celebration, this site will take you to links of some of the BBC coverage of the events: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18316899
Here’s one with links to the Queen’s coronation in 1953 and other related history: http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/people/queen_elizabeth_ii
I cannot lead you into battle. I do not give you laws or administer justice but I can do something else – I can give my heart and my devotion to these old islands and to all the peoples of our brotherhood of nations. -
Elizabeth II
It’s all to do with the training: you can do a lot if you’re properly trained. - Elizabeth II
O Lord, our God, arise,
Scatter her enemies,
And make them fall.
Confound their politics,
Frustrate their knavish tricks,
On thee our hopes we fix:
God save the Queen. - Author Uncertain
