The Young Rulers: James III of Scotland & Margaret of Denmark

James III and Margaret:
King & Queen of Scotland

Arranged Marriage, by King Charles VII of France.

A marriage set in stone: James was born in 1451 & Margaret in 1456. At less than five yrs of age, there was talk that she was set to marry James.

After clarity of debts owned to Denmark were realized, Charles VII from the house of Valois, made his political suggestion for the two to marry.

The 13-yr old bride Margaret, became
the "Queen of the Scots".

Stirling Castle

Moving away from Denmark, the only daughter of Christian I and Agnes (Dorethea) Brandenburg, headed to Stirling castle, to rule her new kingdom, "Scotland". Which indirectly gained Orkney, Shetland, Hebrides, and the Isle of Man... all due to her non-paid dowry. The original dowry of 60,000 Florins, which also included that any former debts that Scotland owed Denmark were to be cleared. (long-held debts from James and other past Scottish Kings).

Not so fast though, while Margaret of Denmark was newly given 1/3 of all Scottish Kingdom income, for her side of the marriage deal. Her father Christian of Denmark did not pay the dowry, only 2,000. So, in essence James was stinted 58,000 Florins and ended up with islands instead. Perhaps very confusing to James, with both the Kings of France and Denmark pushing him to marry.

It was not a happy marriage, though, they lived perched up and away in their different castles.
Military styled Castles on steep cliffs, without extensive gardens.

Edinburgh Castle

He lived most of the time in Edinburgh Castle which overlooks the city, and she preferred her mountain-top view while raising her children to be at Stirling, high above the rest of the world in the countryside.

Somehow, as the years have passed on, generation to generation, we know that the married couple... apparently copulated only for propagation purposes. A lack-luster love pairing to say the least, a financial coup of Scottish Income for Margaret and a land claim for James.

Nothing to do with her beauty or attitude? Love lost? She wore very expensive haute couture to impress. Perhaps one of them was "gay" or "frigid" or the business of being King was just filled with constant troubles.

James was only 9 years old when his father died, crowned "King of the Scats". Then he had another 8 yrs to acquire debt. The marriage to Margaret was normally to be his financial trump card, and at the age of 17, he was to be "in the money" again. Yet, It was just those missing Florins that probably nagged at him and her, the missing Rhenish florins. Christian I to blame, turning her dowry into a near nothing, only the "No war state with Denmark" with the "keep-allow" of the outer islands.

Father to James:
King of Scotland,
James II

King of Scotland, James III

All that the "impoverished" Denmark could do, was drop their Military push on those outer islands. Possibly Denmark had planned to stop fighting over those islands and forfeit them anyway, plus Christian I, didn't have to pay the dowry.

James may have appeared like the new King on the block, to many people though, the islands making the country of Scotland its largest ever. They probably even had to change all of their maps, costing even more money.

Surely, England would have become very interested though, by the new Monster-Sized "Scotland". Where to next? Would the Scots take England or Ireland? All plausible. It was a historical land grab, that provoked World interest.

Ross, Scotland

Old Earl Macdonald & the Land of "Ross"

As the yrs past, James wanted his 2nd son to become the Earl of Ross. A good location, so James called Macdonald to "treason." However, his wife Margaret, Queen of the Scots, made the political decision, to allow Macdonald his freedom, his lands & continued status.

A further thorn for their marriage. Why did she side with a stranger & forfeit her son's rights? I can only presume, she liked to mingle with the social classes, and didn't want to make any waves against "the party group of nobles". Plus, going into battle in the North was expensive, and possibly she was told by her father in Denmark, to "maintain the peace".

The Unusual Gold Coin: "The Unicorn's" were Minted.

Yet, there was
"The Disfavor of James"

His action against Macdonald created an uproar & Margaret had to plea for the rights of James, for him to maintain his power of rule. All of which may have pushed her too far. The two became more estranged, and her religious self more pious. While his city was Edinburgh and her Castle was Stirling. "City & County" a marriage like a magazine title.

James was not adored by Scottish nobles either, because he only chose certain favorites and gave them expensive gifts and land. Those friends were called out as "wary characters". No mention of gambling debts, but normally wary friends go hand-in-hand with some sort of debt-owed. Chances are he was taken advantage of by them financially, from a very young age, as they "oogled" at his properties.

A mistake from James, was that he didn't make peace at home with the nobles, which eventually brought him to his death.

Sadness for the People, Due to Losing their Young Monarchs

The Young Queen died at age 30 from an illness, in her nested castle.
Two yrs later James died at 36. Some say he was killed in battle, others say, he fell off his horse during battle, injured & taken into safety... only to be brutally stabbed to death by opposing rebels, the horrible rebels that were led by his own 15 yr old son.

The War Years Before James III was Killed

The years preceding James' death, were filled with political disruption and even battleships. He sided with England & then called to France for weapons, and all sorts of problems "Arose"...

The desperate nobles convinced his own son, "first-born James IV", to fight against his father, during the rebel battle, the very same battle that brought the King's death.

Elites from many other countries had also become involved,
but I'm not a "war story" verbatim-exact type of story-teller here.

Just a few facts, like he was imprisoned for a time, in his beloved Edinburgh Castle.
There was talk of his escape with bed sheets from high windows, after he either:
caused his guard to pass out from binge-drinking, or he actually killed his guard.

Therefore, it appears his last few years were troubled, with Armada-styled ships invading cities, castles burned, and his first son becoming his enemy. Not a laissez-faire lifestyle at all, rather one that was very tumultuous, stressful & uneasy

Golden Rose

The Golden Rose

Even the Pope sent James a rare rose, which became an "unlucky" gift, like it was "the kiss of death" from Rome. Thereafter, he was further attacked, imprisoned and killed, just 2 yrs later.

Why would the Pope be mingling in Scottish Politics?
England was pushing-in for Dominion land takes, and France was involved, Navarre and other high Counts from Spain were all dabbling into the foggy Scottish Highlands. All looking for land claims, available and easy.

Edinburgh Castle

A Broken Scotland

It looks as if, James hadn't created enough supporters to maintain the border rights. Had he gone with the Lairds and nobles and respected their dominions of "chateau keeping", he would have created a region of "stability". Scottish leadership had became divisive, so much so, that it practically wooed the International takers into war.

Conclusion to his Son James IV

At the age of 15, James IV became the next King of the Scots. However, he ruled under bevies of guilt due to his fathers murder. Being pushed into leading that opposing side.

War never left his past time though, ordering the build of approx. 38 ships, an Armada to protect Scotland. 25 yrs Later, his reign ended when he was killed in battle as well.

Genealogy Notes

James II, III, IV run thru my "Thomas" line.

General Links:

Wiki: James III, King of Scotland and Margaret of Denmark.

Ottokar III King of Hungary "Bela V": Imprisoned

Ottokar III King of Hungary

Ottokar... on his Way
to Hungarian Rule

The former 12-yr old ruler of Hungary, Wenceslaus III, had inherited Bohemia and at the age of 16 left Hungary... and renounced his throne away, to Ottokar.

Already 44, born in 1261, Royalty was nothing new to Ottokar, because he had already been Duke of Lower Bavaria for 22 years. Otto had even engaged in a vicious battle at Golheim, over electoral princes. Where his side, ruled by King Adolf of Nassau, died by the hands of the Albert I of Habsburgs army. Later Albert I was renamed Albert the One-Eyed due to injuries..

Ottokar was also of Hungarian royal blood. The son of Henry XIII & Elizabeth of Hungary (1236 – 24 October 1271, daughter of King Béla IV and Maria Laskarina. Most likely due to his age, he was disputed.

Crown of Hungary

To be Crowned

He traveled a dangerous distance under a commoners disguise to become King. Venturing, to Buda (pest), acting and clothed like a merchant for protection because of the Hapsburg soldiers near the border.

In Buda, he was officially crowned as "King of Hungary", by the Holy Bishops of Veszprém and Csanád.
Along with being given title rule over the lands of Croatia.

Some new Silver denar coins were also minted.

While Hungary was essentially given to Ottokar in 1305, his Monarchy as "Bela V", wasn't an easy keep.

He held the title as the Hungarian King for only 4 years, with the enchanting & symbolic golden crown of Hungary "St. Stephan", from Kings of the past eras.

Charles I
Ottokar's Opponent
& Successor to Hungary

 

However, during his reign, Charles I was unstoppable, and called Ottokar out as the "Anti-King"

Charles I became Otto's ousting successor.

Ambitious Charles was determined to become King, siding with nobles who preferred his methods.

 

Captured in Transylvania

To further his predicament, Ottokar was captured during a visit into the wealthy lordship lands of Transylvania. He was imprisoned for a year by the "Voivode of Transylvania," "Ladislaus Kán".

However, Ladislaus did not remove Ottokar from his Sovereignty though. Instead, Ladislaus merely held Ottokar, away from being able to rule as King. Leaving the status of the kingdom in limbo.

Abdication of His Throne To Charles I

Ladislaus eventually freed Ottokar, who quickly escaped away back into Bavaria. At that point, Ottokar abdicated the throne to Charles in 1308.

So, it wasn't until, 1308 that Charles actually received the status along with the "believable" King of Hungary crown. & another 10 -12 yrs until he seized Hungary by force away from regional lords, that Hungary truly became his keep.

Burghausen Castle (Ottokar's Domain)
& the Longest castle in the world

His Sparse Home-life

Born in being a Bavarian Duke, his path was set into politics. However, he lived much of his adult life without a spouse. He lost 2 infant sons and was then his wife Catherine of Habsburg died, where he then became a widow for 23 yrs.

Not until he married Agnes Glogau of Bavaria, was Otto a father again: to his daughter Agnes of Wittelsbach and Henry XV, Duke of Bavaria. Ottokar died at the age of 51, just a few years after his children were born, in the German Bavarian town of Landshut

Conclusion

Even with coins and an illustrious royal crown, someone can still call into question who is to be the ruler of a Kingdom.
All in all, the disfavor of Ottokar, being the son of a Duke of Bavaria, plus his own rule of Bavaria must have gone against him. Not only with his opponent Charles, but in the eyes of others.

The Hungarian nobles would have still wanted warrior leaders, Kings who looked ready to fight; like famous Kings in Hungarian history. Charles fit the "look" of a younger conquering spirit, increasing his popularity, no doubt.

In truth, most of the people didn't have a choice of which King, it could have been an 8 yr old boy or a 95 yr old man. Charles simply was naturally suited, with his "brawn", to effect himself as a capable knight, rather than being just a less active political leader. By appearing ready to fight with his armies, it would have allowed for idolization and favoritism by the people.

Genealogy Notes

Issue with his ascending children linking through from Burgandy or Naples. Some data has changed since.
Mary of Hungary's line is confirmed through Blanche D'Anjou, & later Bela IV, but Ottokar the "Anti-King" is in question if he's a real ancestor or not.
General Links:
Wiki: Otto III : Bela V
and Dukes of Bavaria

Andrew II of Hungary: "The Braided King"

Andrew II King of Hungary

Manly King Andrew II, Braids & All

A leader of the wicked Crusades? Beginning with a murky tale of succession after Béla the III died.

Béla's son, Emeric, became King of Hungary and ruled for 8 years.
During which time Andrew convinced Emeric to forfeit his lands of "Dalmatia and Croatia", and title them to his name.

Then, Emeric became quite ill and died, leaving the Kingdom of Hungary to his 4-5 yr old son Ladislas the III.
Ladislas the III, died within 6 months of his "child rule", and immediately, thereafter: Andrew became King of Hungary.

Statue of Andrew II

Árpád Dynasty King at 28 Years Old

Now, if Andrew was dedicated to the "Throne", and exceedingly ambitious, he very well could have secretly ordered the death of the young boy. "A boy king?"
The chances are quite high Ladislas was poisoned.

Not much is said though, about the upstaging "all of a sudden" from Andrew.
After all, Andrew was a true descendant of Béla, just known to be pushy for land and titles with his older brother Emeric.
Therefore, thoughts can't help but to linger towards if the boy was assassinated in a quest for power.

It was power too, Andrew reigned from 1205 to 1235, 30 years as King.
He built an army of 15,000 men with horses, & countless infantry, all requiring food, housing and provisions. Andrew and his army traversed, and claimed: Halych and Lodomeria in the Rus territories after many failed battles.

Andrew's father, Béla the III
John of Gaunt, England
being his descendant look-a-like.

To the Crusades

However, Andrew's father, Béla the III had wanted the Crusades to take hold. So, in effect Andrew eventually followed his father's orders.

The dutiful son fulfilling his destiny off to the Holy Land, the 5th historical Crusade for a military coup d'etats. He had been fighting for years prior so he may have already experienced too much sadness from war and by losing his first Queen. Not alone in this quest, Leopold of Austria, The Templars, Teutonic Knights, & The Emperor of Constantinople, John of Brienne

In Jordan and Andrew achieved only a mild success, when the Egyptian Sultan Al-Adil I, Sultan of Egypt forfeited. Andrew became more intrigued though, by the local trinkets and after a years time returned to Hungary.

Returning to Hungary, finding disquieted nobles demanding freedoms from non-paid Military duty and over-taxation.

The Golden Bull

In 1222, he decreed "the Golden Bull", to include some limits to his power, increasing nobility power in the counties, plus freeing the elites from taxation and being in the military without a hefty pay scale. Surely, he was pushed to it, the expenditure of running his kingdom was costly, constantly having to sell his lands and castle quests, in order to maintain his "powerful stance in the public eye".

By creating his "rich coup of noble friends" they were given a trump card, to look lightly upon him with favoritism in the immediate future.

The Golden Bull was essentially the same as the rich guise under to this day. Using corporate leveraging to remove themselves from being drafted, and lobbyists to increase their business powers. The free taxation in our today's time is "Golden Bull" given to certain businesses: agriculture, forestry, weaponry, gas & oil and other tax-free and tax-reduced government granted subsidies.

What a tangle of the rich to keep, since 1222.

Queen Gertrude of Hungary
Mother of Béla the IV
Murdered by Peter

Andrew's Wives

During his campaign of Galicia in the Kingdom of Ruthenia, from the North Sea to the Black Sea. "When the cats away, the mice will play", and his Gertrude*, lost her life.
In 1213, The Lords of Hungary murdered his wife Queen Gertrude of Merania & most of her courtiers, due to her & her court, siding with the Germans. Upon his return Andrew had the murderer, "Peter, son of Töre" was executed, and Andrew left the other lords, to be named as perverts.

There was quite a bit of murderous fallout with the Germans, even between the Germans themselves at the time. The group of Lords feared a German takeover, and apparently not the wrath nor chance of death from Andrew, upon his return.

What can be said about the year 1213, a despicable number 13. Raining itself throughout history.

Three years past, and he married again, to Yolanda de Courtenay later to Beatrice d'Este in 1233.

Andrew's Age-gap Wives

1. Queen Gertrude (Merania) was 8 yrs younger.
2. Yolanda de Courtenay was 23 years younger.
3. & Beatrice d'Este was 38 yrs younger.

Andrew's End

Andrew died shortly after his trip to Vienna, in 1235. At the age of 58.

In the Summer of 1235, he made a trip of demands to Austria, to retrieve indemnification costs from Duke Frederick, whose troops had recently caused damages when they raided Hungary.

Béla the IV King of Hungary
Son of Andrew II & Gertrude

Andrew's Son: The next King of Hungary, "Béla the IV"

*During Gertrude's short life, before being murdered in the Pilis Hills, on 28 September 2013, Queen Gertrude of Merania, bore Andrews' Royal son, Béla. He became the next King of Hungary, "Béla the IV" immediately after Andrew's death. Béla, was named ruler of Hungary at the age of 29, and ruled for 35 years. A larger Army than his father, of 60,000, with many battles away from Hungary, and yet he was known more for being defeated by the Mongols.

Son of Béla III of Hungary. Andrew reigned during 1205 to 1235, 30 years. King of Jerusalem, Hungary and Croatia.

Genealogy Notes

*My ancestral Queen from Andrew's wives: Queen Gertrude.
link to wiki: Andrew II
xlsx sheet link: 10 "Andrew II" Crowns:
Mother’s Ancestry side: Baker, Thomas (4), Sevey (2), Vaux (2), Williams
or the Kings of Europe Chart: Ancestry Kings Chart

Theme Gardens: Japanese Shofuso with Zen

A Serene Garden

Zen, Shofuso & Ikebano

The Tranquil, "Pine Breeze Villa", Flower arrangements on a grand scale.
Imagine walking into your own backyard, and it was a real forest scene with delicate formed topiaries of azaleas with thick green carpets of clovers and mosses.

A large pond or waterfall hosting fish, with tall pines to nest the birds.
Poetic, quiet, and serene.

Pond with Floral Bushes

Japanese Garden House

Well, the option to create a little Japanese house that borders the garden edge would be more official-looking. Yet, it's not necessary. A few Japanese-looking screens, and occasional lanterns along the side of the house area will help fit the Japanese style.

How Popular Are They?

The sanctuary garden effect is really for the home-owner to experience every day. However, they're such interesting gardens, that you might attract a bunch of curious people, who would love to see your "Japanese Forest"

Smaller Shofuso Garden

Backyard Spaces: Large & Small

The conversion would take some effort, but even a smaller garden can accommodate the theme., A few basic items help to define the space as a Shofuso:

1. Pine trees
2. Water feature: waterfall, pond or brook (river)
3. Floral bushes
4. Calm ground-covers
5. Delicate Pathways
6. A Bridge, with or without a small island.
7. Large Garden Ornament(s), boulders
8. Low maintenance, once established.

Oddly, planting varieties are much more minimal in retrospect to a typical English Cottage Garden. The bushes tamed into rounded forms, with ground-cover which takes up most of the ground space.

The sky itself is often an important interplay, where clouds chance the mirror upon the water.

However, it's not for everyone to have an open garden look. If left too-open, the garden could be appear as "amusement-park tacky", like a disneyland with it's very open sky, waiting for a giant costumed creature to shake your hand.
The trusty trees are a mandatory planting, in order to create the "symbolic refuge effect".

Shofuso River Look

Waterfalls & Rivers

The meandering river directly off from a back porch would be amazing. Water intensive though, an easier garden in rainy regions, especially.

Desert gardeners, the re-circulation process can be done, even filtered gray water sent from the house to create a humid environment. In drought areas, ponds & mini-rivers would need to be replenished with water often. i.e., an average desert region pond requires a refill once a week during the summer of approx 10 - 20%.

Waterfall with Koi Fish

Believe it or not, some states do not allow the plumbers to re-route gray water, so, gray-water is an Ecological Political issue.
Converted, Laundry and shower water (botanical soaps) can bring thousands of gallons into a garden space from an avergae sized house. If you do it yourself, it may effect your property re-sell values. The thousands of gardening gallons are there, they're simply going into the sewer systems. Another political fight on the eco-table.

Mosquitoes are an issue, but with fish the larvae doesn't late long, and becomes their dinner. I prefer to include the mosquito dunks & recirculating the water as a precaution.

Water features of course also attract, small mammals, birds, amphibians (toads, frogs and salamanders), snakes and even turtles.

Philadelphia Shofuso Gardens

Famous Japanese Gardens

There are the Shofuso in Philadelphia and The Huntington Botanical in Los Angeles. As well as a few other notables like the busy Japanese Tea Gardens in San Francisco, with it's steep bridge.

The Huntington using more of the Ikenobo technique which can look a bit more wilded. Allowing for large decorative grasses.

Huntington Botanical Gardens

Note, the size of the Huntington, which in the image, is actually the same as a typical backyard (rear garden) space in the USA.
 
Showing that given the chance, the delicate theme of a Zen directional garden, from Japan can exist on most plots of property.
 

List of Japanese Gardens
in the United States.

Cherry Blossoms & Geta's

Don't forget your Geta's !
Fun wooden sandals worn by men and women.
Ready to pour tea,
while resting into the ideal of a respected space.

Japanese Geta Garden Shoes

Waterfall's Plethera

Cherry blossoms to Weeping pines
bringing the Japanese motif into reality.
Imagine the birds, as they stop over,
 

"What is this magnificence,
the land of Nature's Utopia?
I must stay & rest my idle hours,
to ponder my journey's next."

Mazes & Grassy Swirls: French Chateau's of France

Indifference,
Spelling Disaster: Fontainebleau

The Mazes of France

Before, I naturally dedicate my time and energy over the topic of Shofuso Japanese Gardens, with their design and structure. I'm afraid I have a few French Garden relics to swelter into my dis-enchantment of.

A long wait, for those trees to grow

Why so Atrocious,
Large and Empty?

Disappointment, begins, on the very sight of them. Mazes so vast, an airplane can land in their fields.
Gardens with swirled hedges like a wallpaper canvas, & very little topiary. They've been a real ecological plight for native and visiting wildlife.

Certainly not a preferred garden for this era of Climate Warming, rather a garden who's time really needs to end.

A Helipad Wannabee?

 
 
 

No longer are we playing court games with a free romp in the "maze", under petticoats and satin's.

 
Away from the "party" of courtiers, those times have past, and the mazes have become just a cheap & lazy garden blanket of hedges with shapes.

Large grounds adrift in surreal,
"Where are the roses, the chameleons, lilacs & honeysuckle for the birds & the bees?"

Beauregard, too busy for life?

I'm all for a smaller maze,
then, there is intrigue and mystery.
The large mazes are just a blatent shock design to view from outer space.

The show of opulence for the excitable tourists can be accomplished even more so,
without the blight of another "fibonnaci" stuck into form.

An open wedding plan?
Well, it's gone too far.
The French maze-gardens are shouting the words,
"emptiness, too-wicked, and disheartening"

As, I list each of these Chateaus, there is hope, they can be modified. Gardens can flourish there again. & Visitors will be "pleased" with their visits.

Nature and natural places are our time now, instead of Hectares of devoid, unloved and sterile.

Hopefully, after my admonishment of their lazy indifference on offer, the Chateaus in question will make amends and jump into our 21rst Century.

Vaux Vicomte

The Vaux Le Vicomte's garden design is enough for anyone to hate politics forever, Helipads and mazes. What a concrete bore!

& to change those horrible gardens of tragic emptiness, one would have to re-locate the rich & famous EU participants into the reality of today.

Aonach: A beautiful change !

Today ! Look at Aonach!

Today brings the chance for aromas
of scented-florals,
birds nesting and chattering at dusk,
ducks swimming and devouring delicate grasses.
 
All the while,
gorgeous blooms proliferate,
instead of the decadent treaties
that forever fail.

Brought into the light

As an amendment to our times: I suggest 75% of the formal Maze* gardens (*they are practically from Mars) per Chateau, officially be turned into true gardens. Gardens that are intimate with nature; ... gardens with: trees, fruits, berries, flowers, billowing vines, pergolas, bridges, ponds and bushes.

Charming... but, needs limits

Take Heed of my Critical Review?

 
 
Absolutely,
the 14th Century
and King Louis' games
with the Bourgeosie have changed.

Sweet-Styled

"Dream Forests Only"

A dream forest and cottage gardens of blooms, that's what people want.
They want gardens of opportunity, because it states "survival", and the old regime of 5 HA's of mazes & grassy swirls has become just a kick in the teeth.

Addressing the chateau owners who are "history-locked" into placation

Massive door-keys, & gate-keys are real locks, but the key to a Garden is simply, "the choice of making a change".

& Yes, this applies to you also, "Decadent Castles of Austria." known for keeping gardens, without any love.

Castle Notes

The above castles, are from my Vaux line.

Free Thought & The Future of Self: the World of Social Media

"Dainty": Into the Pond of Thought

Where will our minds go?
"The Future of Self"

Curiosity Beckons

As we each become more Internet savvy, questions arise as to whether or not this direction has been good for humans on a Philosophical scale.

Experientialism with Freedom of Thought is more possible than ever, decisions & opinions to stalwart with. Communicating on Social Media and finding interests well-suited to our own.

The old "no-choice" of being glued to past rhetoric now has a chance to lift away,
the veil of thousands of yrs of have-to's, due to strict religious and political mechanisms of control, has been lifted.

Freedom of thinking and the ability to communicate those individual thoughts is a powerful gift.

A gift that allows for completeness and substantiality of "being human",
a new thought passage for many, a chance to live with our thoughts.
Thoughts non-wasted, and allowed to earn respect in agreement.

Victorians Be Gone

Without this new chance of freedom, far away from the Victorian & Colonialist Eras,
we would still be captive prisoners of societies "standard heeds" and "warnings", filled with superstitious beliefs, that for centuries have put millions under control.

"But I love tea-time!", don't get me wrong I adore tea-time also.
Biscuits and beautiful teasets, with a time for purposed "Civility".

Beyond rituals of scheduled fun, there were ritualistic thinking patterns during the last few centuries, heavy with societal ordinances:
Such as... :
How "humans" relate with animals as animals-only, and rarely were they seen as pets (companion animaux).
Compliances such as Family Sunday Dinner after Church,
Never speaking out of turn towards a parent or elder, regardless of their "sane or non-sane" reasoning.
Devout religious rituals and pious sanctity of chastity holding moral vices on every living soul.
Where Puritanical ruled for centuries.
"Mum is the word", "better left unsaid", "It's been our way"
The age of writing a letter, being the main method to initiate the possibility of a courtship, to even spark the chance of a life-long marriage.

What a Break-Out!

In order to pursue this gift of "free thought thinking",
each of us must be allotted the time, else we feel incomplete and sent back into those restrictive historical eras.

Social media has become our new thought-resource "speak-out" event, in which to obtain even more free-thought thinking.
A place where we can each make decisions of whether: "to follow or not follow" the lead.

Although as empty and vast, it can feel to each person by being online,
it does offer the chance to disclose ideas, in which to pool towards a higher human self.
A human self generous, ethical, intellectual, "World-purposed as opposed to being Self-purposed".

The Crude Past

The disclosure of thoughts processes from oneself is an important new beginning, for the much of the human race.
Whereas prior, only a certain few were granted the privilege to "Ponder",
While the others lived in their mired sweat-factories and mills, entertaining "crude aspects of personality", being their only norm.

It will take time for generations to grab hold of this new allowed freedom though.
Due to years of inherited & taught conditioning from "ruled" perspectives.

My Quick list of...
Motivational & Philosophical
Youtuber's:

Matt
Russell Brand
Markus Rothkranz
Mark Bajerski
Sadhguru

Although as empty and vast, it can feel to each person by being online,
One day though, I do believe many people will be true "Free-thought thinkers",
"Creators", where their mind-sight is enriched from having the new ability to draw their own conclusions, gained by their discovered insight and experiences.

Where personal satisfaction grows-up,
and looks forward to the new daily expansion;
of free participation to share and continue formatting ones own belief systems.
Where like a brook, that rarely new the rain, the expanded mind now has the chance to flow.

Therefore to be online, is not just the first flippant extreme held for years as "this is my funny gag".
Oh no, we definitely have the opportunity each to go past those moments of sheer stupid human tricks,
or idle non-caring.
Towards a future, rich into the philosphical aspects of self, where maturity becomes a true satisfaction.

A Pool of free-thought?

As time goes on, we will not be just a pool of chorinated toxics, but rather a beautiful thought pond: an ideal gathering of life's constructs;
where frogs, dragonflies, birds & fish inhabit along a flowing river surrounded by willows & pines, with cool water perfect to step into during the days heat.

Do we resent online? Yes, especially when it's turned into a media glitch of non-discovery. All in good time, the ads will not be so required, companies will be appropriated for their efforts, in other ways, and we can finally be able to live within the game of our thoughts and expression.
Our compelling worries & woes, our new creates, and our expressions of love and joy will be never be leashed again.

Garden Club Memberships: Worldwide

A Simple & Sedate English Garden

Creation of the
"World Garden Club"

Starting Garden Clubs: per city: a money maker for approx. 150 people min. per city. Then, further increasing the potential with increased memberships adding even more Garden Houses. Goal of over 1000+ cities-suburbs to participate, where the old basic $200,000 in revenue, for 1 city, could increase into approx. 20 billion a yr worldwide:

$1000 to each Garden House per yr.

The starting payouts to 100 "Garden House" people per 2000 members
would increase to payouts for 10,000 people per 200,000 members per city.
On a global scale with 1000 active cities, creating payouts for 10,000,000 people worldwide each yr.
All the while reducing city temperatures.

2000 Members:100 Gardens Per City

In the look for an income out of these rally round houses across the world, there is one commonality, & usually that is a garden space. Gardens large and small can create a new garden economy while the current economy is rewarded through this design. Every person with a career or an extra $1000, is always helpful to spur economic stability.

Shofuso Japanese Garden

I begin with a basic goal of 2000 members per 100 gardens, 10 gardens to visit per member: but obviously this is a minimum and the real future goal would be much higher, working up to 200,000 members per 1,000,000 houses, with 10,000 gardens of availability.
The gardens houses can each be given names, "Lavender Lane", "The Cherry Castle", etc.
& Yearly votes to the winning Gardens. Gaining them even further notoriety for Home, Garden & Building Store Advertising Opportunities. Where Home Depot or Lowes would use their images in their Garden center campaigns.

The plan is simple and offers a chance for 3-10 year round jobs, per 2000 members with a side income of $1000 per garden house per yr. If expanded across 1000 cities, and as membership numbers increase it will be a wonderful economic boost.

Basic Plan

• 2000 members, membership fee of $100.00 each per yr.
• 10 Garden showings per Garden per Summer. 20 visitors only per garden showing.
• 10 different Garden House visits per membership per Summer.
• Each of the 100 Garden houses receives $1000.00 for participation and being selected.
• Profit potential per 2000 members: $200,000
• From the $200,000, $100,000 goes to pay the 100 Garden Houses, the other $100,000 pays the year round workers, office supplies and any adverts.

xlsx garden profit sheet:

Booking Days

• Garden Houses can book their 10-day showing schedule for a shorter duration or all throughout Summer. ie. Bookings for Senior Days only during the week, or just Family Days on the Week-ends. Shorter durations would be within 2-3 weeks of bookings, ie. 3 week days and 2 week-ends for 2 weeks of visitor tours vs 10 Saturdays.
• Garden showing hours limited to decent times: 10:00 to 2:00 or 9:00 to 12:00 in desert regions.
• Each Garden House showing day would have to be for 20 members per booking and not less. Unless there were no-shows.
• Booking software normally used for to book vacation rentals, could be modified for the Gardens.
• Pet friendly needs to be noted, so animals aren't kept in cars, some sites could also offer a play room for the dogs.
• Drinks availability would be up to the Garden house, usually donations would be easiest for water or juice.
  
• Party Day Option: extravagent, with caterers, music and bartenders, magicians and doves etc. This optonal "pay more per visit" could be added for a few days & that party income and planning going to the Party Garden House only, and not the club. The club would only handle the booking and could transfer the extra ticket value paid for the booking. ie., $25 dollars extra per member. Note: Party houses would require seating in their gardens to match the ambiance. Weddings could also be booked on party days, but the guests would all have to be garden club members. with a choice for different # of hours and times also, ie. 2:00 - 6:00pm.
• Members would also get to choose favorite visiting days, ie. Thursdays, Saturdays, to match their schedule for their specific 10 garden visits. As well, the database has to weed-out their former visted gardens from being a choice each yr.
• Email reminders of their 10 house visit days and a schedule for each Summer, with some type of punch card for the members with each seasons: "10 Garden House Names". Garden house greeters, would punch out their cards out, on arrival.

Other opportunities & benefits, to add into the business plan:

• Networking Potential: Visitor books for each garden house would be a nice touch. The Garden House people could make this event similar to a Networking meet and greet to pursue other business goals.
• Include a twice-a-year "cuttings buy-sell or swap show" for the members. This venue would require either a rented: large field space with tables or an indoor center. A nominal entrance fee, to pay for facility space, and a chance for a side profit for locals who garden and want to sell off some rare cuttings or seeds. Typical basic vegetation cuttings should be free though.
• Local garden stores will have increased sales & garden staff, due to the new attraction of people wanting to be selected as a "Garden House". Which beautify city and suburb spaces, as well as help local economies.
• A few more extra jobs will be created for Pergola & Greenhouse Builders, Pond & Fencing builders and even Garden Designers for the truly elaborate gardens.
• Eventually, as the number of Garden Houses increases per city, online mapping services could include the houses name tag, all of which advance property values. If 1 out of every 5 houses is accepted & becomes a Garden House, then well, that's like 1 out of every 5 houses receives 1 free month to pay their (average) mortgage, which further helps to stabalises the property market.

Using this basic business model to support the "Cultural Arts"

• Opera-Ballet-Music: Opera Houses* with season tickets. *building rent or leasing would best if the city and/or federal gov. waived the costs, then more dancers, actors, singers, musicians could be hired per venue. Thereby, enhancing the economy.
  $100 for 5 shows with 2000 season subscriptions = $200,000 revenue before wages & costs.

Environmental Benefits

• Aside from being a mini-money maker for the Garden Houses, every year, local wildlife: hedgehogs, frogs, lizards, bees, butterflies & birds will be able to find more and more elaborate gardens and prosper.
• Gardens all on there own, can reduce city temperatures by 5-15 degrees. So more gardens means less chance of climate-related heat strokes etc. Therefore, the goal of adding thousands & thousands of new Gardens to every city is key to reducing further Climate upsets.

Vaux "Baux" History: 800AD to "Visigothic Balti"

Visigothic Kingdom:
Dark Orange-toned into Spain

Vaux's & Baux's en Provence

My Mother's Genealogy Work

The Vances from Mexico, Alabama, Mecklenburg, Ireland, Scotland & France:

I will blog further about the Visigothic Balti, but not in this blog which is really about the important Vance & Vans history link, after the 3rd file image:
detailing info about the three "de Vaux" brothers Hubert, Randolf & Robert originating from the William Conqueror era and Castle de Baux.

Mary "Vaux" Vance was more of a teaser mom about the past, after all, the family had carried years & years of surnames memorized from generation to generation, in practical song.
A bit of a boring repetitive, yet "a worth" to them especially during their impoverished times. You see the Vaux name itself brought with it the character of loyalty, valor, "be faithful" & courage.

A mis-balance I've found in this line is the forget of the woman, many of the wives were not given the same name prestige as I've discovered with other lines from the same era. So when researching there are many missing histories from the spouse lines.

The Rev Vans is also a problem, with his correct birthdate, supposedly a graduate from St Johns College & Cambridge, then later the added "of Kilmacrean" town name in Ireland. Plus there are possibly 3 generations of Rev Vans from Barnbarroch with a Sir Patrick Vans in the middle.

My Royal Mum: Queen Mary of France & her Father: Richard "Vaux" Snow* Vance:
Photo's are from the Interior of Mexico, at the bank, and later to a wedding to bestow gifts to the bride to be, in one of the worst currency times in history. When the Peso fell, during the 50's. Still exhuberant with "Joie de Vivre". Mary had to return her diamond bracelet shortly thereafter..

* Snow is an Indian line Reference from Sitting Bull

I did find this paperwork today, about our descent as "Baux" and Baux de Provence, which could be very helpful to genealogists. Mentioning the Visigothic Balti, etc.

All great, and wonderful for myself as well, matching my own sure thing, with easier substantiated truths with familysearch.org.
The Library files are not scanned in, rather a link to the manuscript: but the first 2 files listed below are scanned into family search.

In ernest, I did not want to rebuild a castle that didn't belong within the family line.

So now, any of the "Catapult" & ("Fontaine" Fountain are separate) taxes collected henceforth, can be further legitimized.

Scottish Vaux Genealogy

from the Library of Scotland

There's a couple of links about the Baux de Provence Castle Rebuild, from the Catapult tax: (as my ancestors "Baux" inventored the Catapult), the small 300 Euro tax pays for the rebuild, paid by Owners of Chateau's within the EU : check payment link.

"35 Euros per month or 300 Euros per yr.
from each, chateau, keep, or castle owner
within the European Community. "

"Additionally, those with fountains must also assume the higher yearly "Fontaine Taxe"
A tax per fountain, for each large estate or city, typically 1-5 fountains."

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