random last bits of scotland… and a thank you.
Dear friends and strangers, old and new, near and far, who take the time to come here and read and comment and leave little messages of wisdom and prayers of hope ending with x’s and o’s. Thank you. I am so grateful to each and every one of you. Having this blog sometimes feels like you’re showing up on my door step with a plate full of homemade chocolate chip cookies and of course, I must invite you in for a hot drink because those cookies aren’t going to eat themselves. And so, we plop ourselves down at the kitchen table where the light comes in a little diffuse this time of year and we listen to the kettle boil and you ask me how I’ve been and I spill my guts. Every time I am out of sorts and don’t quite know how to handle a situation, I come here and meet you and after a few cups of coffee and a couple cookies, I always end up feeling better. So thank you. For showing up on my door step.
I was reminded, after writing my last post, that I chose the word TRUST at the beginning of the year and it is apparent to me now why I chose that word — precisely because it does not come to me easily. But if there is ever a time when I need to let go, it’s now. I have to trust in myself, in him, in us, in everything. Naturally, this is easier said than done but I’m damn well going to give it my best shot because living with some level of faith is something I aspire to while I’m floating around on this planet. So… trust. Trust is the word. The word is trust.
And speaking of someone who’s taking a big leap of faith, my dear friend Leonie has created the NZ Creative Retreats and if I had a penny in my name right now, I would so BE there next Spring. I admire this woman so much for her courage, her skills, her appreciation of life. She is by far one of the most loving, generous, beautiful souls I’ve ever met and if you are anywhere in or near New Zealand (or have ever wanted to visit New Zealand), I strongly suggest that you sign up for this retreat. It is going to be absolutely Fabulous with a capital freaking F!
And on that note, I share with you the last of the Scottish photos. I’m already looking forward to going back in November because she’s just s’darn photogenic, don’t you think? Besides, I have yet to taste me some haggis.
Thanks again for everything.
With love,
J.
wonderingsandwanderings.com 
dang, girl…you take some mighty fine photos. i know you will land on your feet, just like a kitty. after the loop-d-loop that you’re in finishes..you will land. on your feet. pennyless, maybe, more open to LOVE-ing and being LOVE-d, sure sounds like it. i look forward to hearing how the next chapter unfurls.
keep breathing.
(and….could mister gnome and his life-size shot glass BE any sweeter? i think not)
Beautiful. Pleased to see that you made it to Islay (I grew up there, you see). You must go back, if only for haggis (it’s good!) but especially because I have so enjoyed seeing Scotland through your camera lens.
always so great to read you. i wish i could write and spill my guts like you do!
these scotland shots are amazing! i wish i could go there right now!!
btw, i am making chocolate chip cookies that are supposed to be good, if you come to paris, i’ll cook you some 😉
Oh Jeanine, these shots are so incredibly beautiful. I so love them. That very first one though reminded me of you and me in Maine last year. Sigh. Good times. And I do love little gnomie but I didn’t know he’d picked up the whiskey bug. 🙂
Lastly, as Jennifer Allison said, just breathe.
xxxooo
First off … You had me in tears at the first paragraph …. And then the more I read the more I felt sitting there with you drinking coffee … 🙂 Your pictures are awsome … love them all … but I must admit that I do have a weak spot for the gnome ! Love you xxxx
Oh gosh, the light in those photos, it’s magical. You so captured the essence of Scotland, it’s a landscape that’s captured my heart, too. And haggis, oh my, I love it. It looks not so appealing but there is something about eating it while drinking (lots) of good wine (or in your case whiskey :)) and dancing it all off with a heartfelt Ceilidh. And then there is the Scottish wisdom: “To be trusted is a greater compliment than being loved.” (George MacDonald) xo
is this film and digital? all film or all digital? either way, i LOVE it.
thank you, rhiannon. it’s all film. i hardly ever shoot digital anymore. xo
good for you! film is not dead!
love love love the pictures. scotland is bumped high on my list now. thank you thank you.
and thanks so much for so generously sharing the craziness of life — I’ve found that your words often bring me to a pause, to think hard about my own meandering path, all those choices and reactions, all of it, and so I’m hoping that you realize how powerful and valuable your stories are to others.
hang in there with the BB. i spent several years doing the distance/live here/live there thing… just be brave and most important stay true to yourself and hang in there. it’s all good.
Wow, Scotland is amazing! We only ever made it as far as Edinburgh. We had every intention of going back to see the highlands but then time just got way from us. Talk about a big regret now, after seeing your pictures. Just a stunning!
Beautiful photos ~ I love how you capture the subtleties of the light and the mood ~ I can smell the air in some of these images! I stumbled on your blog a short while ago, this is the first time I’ve left you a comment, so I should say ‘Hello’ too! And, thank you for sharing your pictures ~ they are joy-bringers!
i don’t know what i love more, your photos or your writing. both. it’s both. thanks for sharing yourself.
Glad to hear from you, I was a bit worried after your last post. I hope that some of the dragons are dead? And I hope the ball is waiting…
xoxo