“The larger the island of knowledge, the longer the shoreline of wonder.” — Ralph W. Sockman On this particular day, as we dropped down to the coastline, we spotted the ‘Small Isles’ of Rùm, Eigg and Muck, part of the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. Muck, the smallest of the four main islands of this archipelago … More Isles and miles
“I’ve always felt that distant train whistles heard in the dead of night are the universe’s way of letting us know the best days are neither ahead nor behind us…they’re happening right now, cradled in the palms of our hands.” — Dave Matthes First class seats on the restored Jacobite Steam Train are enjoyed with … More Best days
“Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in…where Nature may heal and cheer and give strength to body and soul alike.” — John Muir A view of the Jacobite steam train crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct gave us pause on our way to the infamous Glencoe area. Faced by the majestic Three Sisters … More Wilderness
Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.” — Dalai Lama A popular tourist attraction, the Jacobite steam locomotive-hauled train follows the same route through the West Highland region of Scotland as shown in the Harry Potter films. The longest staircase lock in Britain, Neptune’s Staircase lifts boats 64’ through a series of eight … More Wanderlust
“The breeze at dawn has secrets to tell you. Don’t go back to sleep.” — Rumi Captivated by the rolling mist and reflections on the glass face of the lake, we traded in our coffee for cameras and were rewarded with the unveiling of a whole world refreshed and dressed purely in beauty. * … More Refreshed
“The Scottish Highlands are incredible. There seems to be magic and poetry everywhere.” — Caitriona Balfe Today we set off by train to Ballachulish, mesmerized along the way by shadows and light playing on mountains that loomed against the sky, and by lakes and lochs that brought relief to the land’s might, before succumbing … More Scottish charm
“Flowers seem intended for the solace of ordinary humanity.” — John Ruskin Also known as broom, thanks to its spiky and prickly spines, gorse has a more splendorous repute as reflected in the Scottish saying, “When gorse’s out of bloom, kissing’s out of season.” Few, however, pay much attention to such guidance, given the nearly … More Blanket of Solace
“If you can convince yourself that you look fabulous, you can save yourself the trouble of primping.” — Andy Warhol * * * Preening Cormorants — Photo by Mary O’Connor © 2018
“The only rule is don’t be boring and dress cute wherever you go. Life is too short to blend in.” — Paris Hilton * * * Downright showy — Male house finch, photo by Mary O’Connor © 2018
“I like when guests come over early and we chop veggies and talk and play music.” — John Stamos * * * Visiting female house finch — Photo by Mary O’Connor © 2018
Life Is Full of Sweet Spots 