03/02/2010, 06:37
It's amazing how well the world looks through nice new lenses. I got a call from the optician this morning to say that both pairs of my new glasses were ready to be collected. Within half an hour we were off to Oban for a wee bit of a wander to view the scene with clearer vision.
We had a bit of a shop, collected one or two non-essentials, had a lovely coffee in the Caledonian Hotel which also offers free wi-fi, and returned back to base to have a delicious lunch of olive bread cheese and pate.
The sunshine and warmth of the day encouraged Dougal and I to head for the hills. We found a forest track behind Benderloch and considered attempting the full route which on paper was a mile in length. This particular forest path is peppered with viewpoints and appropriately placed seats to encourage time to sit amidst this lovely forest and enjoy its sights and sounds. The first seat was a welcome stop, since it was situated almost at the top of the first very steep incline. From there it was easier walking with an opportunity to gather a couple of walking sticks from the broken branches lining the path. They proved to be very useful for the steeper parts of the descent. Dougal of course needed no assistants. His wee legs ran and ran and ran up and down, in and out, and all over this sniff haven.
It was lovely to stop and listen to birds in the tree tops and see the blueness of an almost cloudless sky above. We met many others walking their dogs and exchanged greetings. A sunny day brings out the best in everyone.
We were both mighty pleased with ourselves when we made it back to our starting point.Dougal had a very necessary wash down to remove some mud, and I had an early evening bath to ease the old muscles and hopefully lessen any after effects. I might be sore tomorrow, but it will be well worth it! Maybe next week we'll try the path to the Eagle's Eyrie!!
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02/02/2010, 10:01
I was listening to John O'Donohue this morning. He has long been a favourite of mine, a writer who sparks the imagination and with a deep Irish accent, is a great pleasure to listen to. The way he uses word is inspirational. His most known writing is a book called 'Anam Cara' which is well worth seeking out.
Sadly he is no longer with us, but his legacy lives on in his writing and in those wonderful taped conversations that allow us the chance to hear his voice express the thoughts of a very centred human being.
His words naturally inspired me to first draw a little, then add some words to the early morning.
Stillness
awaits those who seek it
the sanctity of it
where the soul touches
eternity
and beyond.
To be in it is to be a part of it
apart from
yet within
being more than ever doing can
embracing wholeness
limitless.
A depth that is unfathomable
where light and dark exist together
side by side
harmonious partners
overlapping
merged
one with the other
comfortable
comforting
renewing
there to reawaken
the neglected spirit.
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01/02/2010, 12:33
;)
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31/01/2010, 10:33
We visited our favourite coffee place and enjoyed a browse round the shop. Naturally we RESISTED the temptation to buy!!!!?????!!!!! Much of the snow that had gathered over recent weeks had gone and there remained only a scattering on the highest peaks. I daresay had we ventured further north or into Rannoch Moor we'd have found more than a scattering!
We're now quite settled into our retreat space and are looking forward to the coming weeks when we'll meet up with friends and spend some time with the Orr family.
Although initially our internet access was a bit iffy, we're now up and running with dial-up speed connections-not great- but better than nothing. We've adjusted to the slower pace and will content ourselves with trips into wi-fi spots for a burst of speed!
Snowdrops cluster with heads still drooped against the recurring frost. A bit of early foliage is prised for an opening and the birds are preparing for the cycle of nesting which is not too far in the future. Light is creeping minute by minute into each new day and the bright light of sunshine, although hampering driving, adds its warmth to the thought of the coming springtime. Tomorrow will see us into February. 2010 is well under way.
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30/01/2010, 10:05
;)
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