Moments of Renewal

I started the year with what I thought was a modest intention to write a blog once each month. We’re already well into March and having missed last month, I’m already behind.

It’s been that kind of year so far. Some of you know that I took on a temporary, full-time position in early January. My consulting had slowed quite a bit toward the last quarter of 2023 and I thought this would give me some more income and experience. As I’ve continued my consulting along with the job, I’ve just had a lot less time to do some of the things I love. If you haven’t heard from me, I’m sorry; life’s felt a bit messy.

I haven’t had any great adventures since my last post, but I thought I would share instead a few memorable moments that brought inspiration and restored my energy.

On a sunny, winter day in late January, we ventured to the National Museum of Rural Life in East Kilbride. The exhibits were interesting but what I really loved the most was being outdoors along beautiful pastures and magnificent creatures. Though only about 10 miles from Glasgow, it felt a world away.

Have you yet figured out that I love moss?
On the property is this old farm house
The interior had this great vintage tile floor in the foyer.
This charming sitting room – love that desk! – with a cow portrait over the mantel
Can you guess what this item is? Hint: it is in the kitchen (answer at end of blog)
And, among the creatures, some real beauties
Some affectionate calves
And this stunner – a true Clydesdale horse.

Did you know that Clydesdales are of Scottish origin? They were the working horses along canals and in farmers’ fields.

We also saw cows, chickens and these piglets taking a snooze.


Last weekend, we took a trip to Helensburgh, which I’ve written about in a previous blog, a small coastal town a little more than a 30-minute train ride from us.

Living on an island, one very nice thing is that you’re never too far from the shore. I really appreciate when we take a day trip to the sea – the view of the water and the fresh sea air somehow help me to unwind.

A look at the shorefront from the pier. There’s a nice walkway along the shore.
Helensburgh’s charming train station
Let’s play fetch.

We enjoyed watching dogs play fetch as their people threw sticks in the water. One dog who had just fetched a stick from the water, came running in our direction and I was sure it would drop the stick at its person nearby. To my sheer delight, it passed its person and dropped the stick at my feet. I carried the joy of that through the whole day.

My little friend

For me, joy and renewal can come in simple, but beautiful experiences – being in nature, interacting with animals and time with loved ones. I hope you enjoyed traveling these small moments with me. Wishing you moments of peace and renewal in this crazy world we’re in.

Answer from photo above: The wooden form is used to make traditional Scottish shortbread.

7 comments

  1. Beautifully done!.. I love all the pictures. Thanks for sharing. My next door neighbor growing up was born in Scotland and I loved when her mother “Granny” came to visit with her Scottish accent. Stay well.

    Reply

  3. Sue,
    Wonderful photos. Thanks for making Scotland come alive for us. I, too, remember Granny, our neighbor’s Scottish grandma. Continue to thrive in Scotland. We are planning a lunch trip to dear Luther Ridge the end of April.
    Marlene

    Reply

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