My home made mini movie and just some of the places I find inspiration! ❤️
Love in the landscape
One of those mooch mornings! In a relatively secret cove, to the lulling rhythm of the sea rolling small smooth pebbles on the shore, I made this heart of blue.
Aye Write Festival 2019
To wonderful Glasgow, where I was invited be among the happy gathering of authors at a cultural highlight in the city’s year, the prestigious and vibrant book festival Aye Write.
It is always an honour to speak of my writing and researching process. And to share my inspiration, images and insight with people seeking to discover more about my work and about the north west highlands of Scotland.
A joy for my latest book North Coast Journey to be received so kindly at the Mitchell Library venue by a lovely crowd, and great to hear questions, and stories of others’ experiences of the far north highlands.
I was especially touched by a teenage girl and her mum who are planning a highland odyssey together. And an older gentleman who shared beautiful memories of his family traveling with a caravan on fiendish mountain roads in the early 1950s.
He was moved to tears at the memory of the beach at Achmelvich, where he made sandcastles with his sister.
It is an honour to be asked to sign in person my books. for those who queue in line so patiently, I am always deeply appreciative of that.
Having worked in professional theatre, I totally appreciate the huge behind the scenes efforts in hosting any kind of event such as this. The tech crews, the ushers, the ticket sales team, the book sales teams and the inspirational programme curators are all awesome and no festival happens without their passion!
So thank you for a great time Glasgow!
And in keeping with my own little tradition of a special treat at the end of every public appearance, this time I opted for a delicious hunk of cake over Earl grey tea with a friend at Patisserie Valerie on Glasgow Central station!
This mural, seen from the train, explains why!
Far From The Madding Crowd
To lovely Linlithgow, birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots, for a happy literary lunch hosted by Sally Pattle of Far From The Madding Crowd, an award winning independent bookshop of character.
The company was great. A sell out crowd savoured a tasty lunch at the vibrant Granary Cafe where owner Gillian creates delicious food, inspired by her grandmother who kept the community happily healthy at her whole food store!
Literary host Rebecca presented the event beautifully and invited me to share my insight and experience of Scotland’s highland landscape and communities and my work, especially my latest book North Coast Journey.
It is always an honour for me to attend bookish events, to hear questions about my work and other folks’ experiences of the highlands.
Before leaving Linlithgow, I was honoured to accept Sally’s invitation to sign the visiting authors’ beam at her bookstore. I added a stag for good measure!
A wonderful day, and my thanks to all involved in creating the opportunity to gather and share together. I did miss my namesake BB though! The resident rabbit Bookshop Bunny, aka BB, joins children in the basement for reading sessions on Saturday mornings. How special!
Gratitude!
The process of writing a book is immense and I very much appreciate feedback and reports of how my work has inspired others.
Here are a few lines from a terrific and generous review in The Scotsman newspaper. Sharing it with much gratitude!
Winter’s Still Place
Winter crashes, freezes, howls and grips yet when she holds her chill breath, her gentle stillness is magical.
And in the damp, dank sanctuary where brittle branches dance with emerald moss and silver birch, profound stillness is most delicious soul food!
Thanks 2018! Hello 2019!
As the year closes, here’s a lovely reflection that I came across in the Ullapool News, which circulates weekly to a small and scattered community on the west coast of Scotland.
Especially poignant are the lines social worker Andre du Plessis writes about the human experience, relationships and the importance of nurturing our relationships together to create enduring warmth and love in our lives.
I read this while listening to a storm stomp around the house. The wind prowled and howled across the landscape, rain lashed the windows but they did nothing to dim the coals in the fireplace. The room was full of soothing glowing light and reassuring warmth. It was cosy, it was beautiful and I filmed it because it felt so lovely to be held safe while the storm raged. In time it would pass, all part of nature’s rhythm.
So farewell 2018, and welcome 2019!
And may your fireplace warm your heart!
Escape for a moment!
Here’s just a tiny flavour of extraordinary and magical far north Scottish highland places I invite you to discover and experience with my acclaimed new book North Coast Journey.
Discover fantastic people, vibrant communities, intriguing history, mouthwatering flavours and fresh food and characterful places to rest your head! There’s all of this and more!
Relax, dip in and be inspired!
