Noson Lawen

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Maria organized a noson lawen (joyful evening) of storytelling, songs, food, and sharing. Fiona Collins, famous for her skill in storytelling as for her many books of Welsh myth, legends, and folklore, told the two-part tale of why Wales is represented by a red dragon. A professional singer and monumental puppet builder sang bawdy songs. Maria told of her recent "barding"-- being honored as an official Welsh bard.

In Welsh culture the highest possible status goes to poets. And we are staying with one. We are humbled and pleased so entirely that it can't truly be told.

Before the noson luwen, Alain and Maria treated us to a drive through northern Wales with a stop at Pennant Mellangell, about which more later if the wifi works.

Gweddi 'r Orsedd

(Gathering of bards is orsedd)

Dyro Dduw dy nawdd,
Ac yn nawdd, nerth, ....

Grant oh Divine energy thy protection
And in protection, strength,
And in strength, understanding,
And in understanding, knowing
And in knowing, knowing what is just,
And in knowing what is just, loving it,
And from loving, loving the essence of all life,
And from every essence, loving Divine energy,
Divine energy, and everything which is good.