An ancient writer advised..."be still". It's such an important exercise - it helps us absorb life's experiences. |
Never in a million years (actually probably more) did I ever think I would share, dare I say it, feelings here. When this little blog began, almost three years ago, it was just going to be a venue to share some images, some reflections, and some experiences related to a couple of our favourite self-propelled activities - sea kayaking and trail running. And maybe, within the context of it all, a little "wisdom" could be shared that got absorbed along the way, really just simple lessons learned.
Such dramatic vistas put our lives, our joys and our struggles, in perspective. |
And the "blogosphere" is hardly a safe place for the honest expression of emotion for a guy who feels he should keep such things to himself - after all, anybody could be reading this!
Our words and our aspirations, however, often outlast even the sturdiest of our human constructions, whether it be those built on a large scale, such as a 1000 year old priory...
...or those built on not so grand a scale, such as a Highland crofter's cosy, stone cottage.
Our words and our aspirations, however, often outlast even the sturdiest of our human constructions, whether it be those built on a large scale, such as a 1000 year old priory...
The ruins of Restenneth Priory, by Forfar. |
Our lives are brief...reason to live each day fully. |
A tiny Scottish "corner" of this fragile island planet, whirling through space. |
I'm smitten...simply smitten with this land and her people.
The pastoral and peaceful fields of Forfar. |
Important moments with both our Scottish... |
...and our English, very special family. |
There is so much..."outside" here. |
All these things inspire a feeling of deep peace...a feeling of connection, a sense of belonging.
Connection and a sense of belonging are so important.
New friendships and warm memories. |
This past five weeks here have been a deeply moving time for one who prides himself on keeping emotions in check. Many thanks to the Reverend David and Catriona Logan. It was their idea and vision that gave birth to the possibility of this exchange.
St. Margaret's Church, Forfar, Scotland |
These two loving and trusting "families", thousands of miles apart, gave us the freedom to pursue this spirited adventure. They also served as great support teams, back at "base camp", to their respective visiting ministers.
I believe we have returned home having invested the time wisely and enriched by this experience.
The "symbol" that sums it all up. |
Tapedh leibh - one and all.
Yours "aye",
Duncan and Joan.
PS And to "Stella" (the well known Forfar umbrella), our constant and faithful companion for just about every day - you were awesome! :)
Glad you finally feel connected even though it is to a land and people many miles away from us here. Now hurry safely back on home!
ReplyDeleteL
p.s.I've been telling you for years that emotions are good!
Connections and emotions are both good. So happy you were finally able to enjoy and link both. Now it's time to come home, but I read between the lines that you will be going back there often.
ReplyDeleteJ.
You will always be welcome in Scotland Duncan, for it is your home. Scotia does not forget her sons.
ReplyDeleteDavid
Well David you Scots may borrow him from time to time but you can't have him! He belongs to Canada whether he wants to or not. haha
ReplyDeleteL
Hi L (X2), J, and David, thanks for dropping by. Yeah, it seems one is never too old to yearn for a sense of belonging. And the very sources of such important connections transition over time. It seems that Thomas Wolfe was not quite correct, you CAN go home again. :) D.
ReplyDeleteit's been a bit of a surprise to see what the heart has guided the fingers to tap out on the keyboard
ReplyDeletethe real magic is in between chair and keyboard :-). our mission is to keep us true and simple as much as possible.
nice, nice words duncan
You sure got that right, Giovanni, "true and simple". But it's not always easy, is it! :) Cheers. Duncan.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that you and Joan had such a wonderful experience and so glad to have you both back home, even if it is now one of two!
ReplyDeleteWelcome back.
Cathy
Thank you so much for that, Cathy. We never stop learning, do we? I seem to be just now discovering that the "heart" can be in more places than one, in all kinds of ways - and that that's a good thing. :) Again, thank you.
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy and marvel at the photos you post but these are simply amazing. I'm awestruck and jealous...we don't have views like that around my parts.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jimmy, we never take such natural beauty for granted believe me. But you folks have sunshine! And it's been awhile since we've seen that either in Scotland or here on the Island. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat to hear from you. D.
As part of the scottish family, it was really great to have the cousins together in the same place for perhaps the first time ever. It was great to see everyone. Thanks for a lovely day.
ReplyDeleteIan
Indeed, Ian, it was an amazing experience for which we are deeply thankful. It was so good to see you all. We won't let such a long time pass again!
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting here on the blog too! :)