Inspiring Women Magazine November 2023

no one but my husband, but I am so very
comfortable with my own company that the
transition was easy for me.
Tell us about your arrival. For example,
what was your initial reaction? Was there
anything you immediately noticed that
was different from your home country?
I was absolutely smitten with Scotland from
the moment I arrived. It was cold, dreary and
love at first sight. Angus took me to meet his
parents. I asked them, “Did Angus tell you I
was black?” They looked at me curiously and
responded, “What does that have to do with
anything?” We never spoke of race again.
What was something about your new
country that you were not expecting?
What surprised you the most?
I wasn’t expecting to feel so safe. That’s
sad but true. I loved the friendliness of the
people. I lived in a very small town but I
didn’t feel isolated. Having said that, I did
miss my culture horribly, so I was so excited
when different American religious groups
came around. I would cook fried chicken for
them and found they would visit frequently.
How did you become involved with
historical re-enactments?
Bridgerton! I became close to obsessed with the
show and of course being an English Lit major,
I was very familiar with Jane Austen and many
historical writers. I went to Jane Austen cultural
events and started watching other shows. I
decided, since my big 60 was coming up, that I
would recreate a Bridgerton Ball event at
Stirling Castle.
It was such a success that we’ve decided to
hold the Bridgerton Ball again next year to raise
money for The FAWCO Foundation. It would be
great if some of the ladies can come to Scotland
to support it. There will be a discount for
FAWCO members.
The website is www.stirlingregencyball.com
Tell us about your favorite event and how it is
tied to the local culture.
My favorite event is any and all historical events
but especially the ones held at the Wallace
monument. The tower is built on the place
where Wallace waited for the English to attack.
They have re-enactment scenes there every now
and again and they bring it to life for you. It's
like you are there. Of course, Outlander is filmed
here so we have so much going on with that.
Celeste Morningside is Cynthia’s pen
name. The book is based on her family's
past, stories her mother’s cousin used to
tell her. (above)
Cynthia becoming a UK citizen (left)
Cynthia and older sister Judy
recreate a picture from 58
years ago.
What cultural traditions from your
current country would you take with
you and continue if you leave?
Burns Night. A Burns supper is a
celebration of the life and work of the
famous Scottish poet Robert Burns.
The suppers are normally held on or
near the poet's birthday, January 25,
known as Burns Night, Robert Burns
Day or Rabbie Burns Day. We usually
eat haggis and drink whiskey and
someone reads or recites Address to a
Haggis. Last year I got together with a
few American women and we had our
own version of Burns Night.
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