Continued ~ A Year Ago in Scotland

The mist lifts for a moment and clouds part to reveal shimmer on the water in Fort William, Scotland.

A friend posted photos on Instagram this morning of Edinburgh. A light blanket of snow covered the city in scenes that looked cold and wintry. A year ago bright daffodils dotted grass that was the color of emeralds and a pale haze of pink softened the trees. On 11 March, we left spring in Edinburgh to drive through the highlands and on to skye. Below are more photos from that starkly beautiful journey.

The neon red roof of the Seafood Restaurant was a welcoming beacon as we pulled into Fort William. It was warm and cozy inside and the food was delicious and fresh.

We drove on to Eilean Donan after lunch. I can't think of a more atmospheric or romantic place, no wonder it is the most photographed castle in Scotland. We didn't linger because we were anxious to get to Skye before dark, but we did have a chance to spend more time there on our return trip.

The view that greeted us just after we crossed the bridge to Skye.

A sparkling morning after a brief shower. JCB enjoys the view and Skye's pristine air.

The Three Chimneys, Isle of Skye, Dunvegan, Scotland.

Morning view in Dunvegan.

And off for a day of exploring, a little whiskey tasting and lots of photography. Along the way we passed this pretty farm near Carbost.

A twisty narrow road beckons us forward! More of Skye later!

We're Out of Basmati Rice!

I used to despair over winter's paltry offerings in our local markets when we moved to rural Maine. The selection has improved over time. Perhaps it is the result of a blossoming, and very welcome, new foodie culture that celebrates our delicious home grown produce. Creative chefs are also adding ethnic twists to old favorites and Mainers with adventurous tastes are responding enthusiastically, trying out new restaurants and searching for new herbs and spices not seen in our stores in earlier times. Even so, Peter and I are hopeless rice snobs and we could not find our Bombay Original brand of Basmati rice anywhere. Our dilemma required a trip to the bounteous Co-op in Belfast.

I love Belfast and have written about and photographed this seaside town before. I decided to bring just a small 50 mm prime lens which easily fits in my handbag. I love this lens for its portability, clarity and the way it makes me think about my shots. The following photos show some of the exceptional details in Belfast's lovely brick work.

Peering into the windows of the Lost Kitchen which unfortunately won't be open until dinner. You can read more about this remarkable bright spot in Maine's culinary offerings here.

Lunch at Chase's Daily with its airy space, excellent vegetarian dishes and sculpture exhibition provided a haven from the damp March sea air.

...and finally, not so lingering views of the waterfront on that cold raw day, wind whipping up surf and freezing my fingers!

At last we head home with two huge bags of rice not unlike the tubes of sand we carry around in the trunk when mud season is upon us!

Spring is an Abstract Notion

It's March 1st and snowdrops, daffodils and tulips are bringing cheer to gardens everywhere it seems, but not yet in Maine. It has been snowing all day, tiny flakes drifting down but not sticking. The days are noticeably longer, the sun higher in the sky and winter's tight brittle grip is loosening. Our signs of spring can be seen in dancing sparkly bokeh and the audible tick tick of melting ice.

And so we wait...

until Winter's sharp edge begins to soften.

Scotland ~ Almost a Year Ago

We have another snowy, possibly even stormy week ahead of us here in Maine and I can't help thinking it was almost a year ago when our daughter and son-in-law accompanied us on a March trip to Scotland. So much has happened since that lovely family time together and I still have not finished editing and posting all my photos. I did manage one blog post last April titled The Bride with Pearls and a Fuchsia Bouquet. Just married at City Chambers in Edinburgh, the couple allowed me to photograph their exuberance and happiness. I've always hoped the pictures would find a way to them through the internet...March 9th will be their first wedding anniversary.

Our plan was to drive through the highlands and on to the Isle of Skye after our stay in Edinburgh. Early spring flowers and a soft green haze were in evidence in spite of the chill. Our first stop was a charming Inn called Monachyle Mhor in Valquhidder Glen.

A perfectly timed evening ramble with a setting sun casting a golden glow across the glen took our breath away. The wind was fierce and we welcomed the crackling fire at the inn...not to mention sampling some unique single malt whiskeys!

We left Monachyle Mhor the next morning with real regret.

No paintings, books or photos prepared us for the sheer scale and stark beauty of the highlands. We all tried to capture the atmosphere...here are some of mine...

My daughter quipped this solitary little house must be the most photographed home in the highlands!

...and on to Fort William for a cozy lunch and picturesque Eilean Donan, but I will save that for another day.

The Chinese Brush Applied to Photography ~ Random Memory #30 ~ Hong Kong

I try to remember many things while composing a shot, light, angle, composition and camera settings and many shots wind up in my computer trash bin. I practice almost daily, I want the steps to seem as natural as brush strokes.

Five hundred revolutions of the ink stick on my ink stone. Add a few drops of water and let my mind wander while keeping the circular motion smooth and steady. When satisfied with the consistency, dip the point of the brush into the ink and make the first stroke on the rice paper. There is no turning back.

Click

Random Memory #30 ~ Hong Kong

I am sitting at a table in Mr. Lao's class with my felt cloth and a section of rice paper unfurled before me. I have been grinding ink and making horizontal and vertical lines on my rice paper over and over and over. I have been doing this for weeks.

A fellow student arrives with a small package which she proudly unwraps to show Mr. Lao. It is an exquisitely carved antique ink stone, the surface smooth as silk. It is a wonderful find she purchased in one of the many fine shops in Central...it could have been a museum piece. Mr. Lao's face is a blank mask, he says, "Put it away. It belongs to a Master."

It will be months before I am allowed to paint a cherry blossom.

My shots on the move are rapid, instinctive, free and relaxed. Sometimes the result is startling.

Cold is so Clean

We had a January thaw, a tease that left bare ground giving us an opportunity for walks without the threat of hidden ice, or ankle breaking depressions underfoot.

We could see wind rippled water, sapphire blue, between the ice floes in the bay. Slanted light left long shadows across dull brown grass...and then it snowed again. It was just a dusting that arrived with frigid temperatures that burned skin with a numbing intensity.

The following photos were taken with a wide angle lens. Clicking on the images will reveal more detail.

Cold is so clean.

A Rare Day

Winter bestows its own delights for the photographer in Maine, but an interesting sky is a rarity. Now that I've written that, there will undoubtedly be many who disagree! I love the brilliant blue of a deep freeze and the flat gray that comes with the anticipation of snow...beauty can be found in all weather...however, I'm a cloud fan and a chaser of shadows and slivers of light. The following photos were taken at the Blue Hill Fairground two days before Nemo. It was a frigid brisk walk with a sky that made the weathered buildings pop in the landscape.

Peter and Cooper race ahead of me trying to keep warm!

Weather warnings were increasingly ominous in the days that followed. The next photo was taken of snowfall in the early hours before the storm intensified. It could have been much worse...and the power stayed on!

Glittering crystals in the day's waning light.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Cooper wishes everyone a rapturous Valentine's Day!

Hazel....Cooper's Valentine!

Pippin, the newest member in our dachshund family!

Greetings created from a combination of Pip Camera, Pixlr Express+ and Skitch apps.

Wishing you a very happy Valentine's Day full of love, chocolate and flowers with a good dog at your side!

Nemo and the Year of the Snake

It will be dark soon. The wind has picked up rattling the windows and snow swirls in dense clouds of haphazard patterns. The sound is similar to a low muffled roar rising and falling with each powerful gust. We probably have at least 24 inches of snow....and counting!

Nemo! Since when did winter storms have names?

Creating a path for Cooper is the first order of the day. No doubt mini dachshund companions all over the northeast were out with their shovels and snowblowers this morning!

It's Chinese New Year today, the Year of the Snake!

2012 brought profound changes and challenges for my children and parents. I am so proud of their grace, humor and courage. Happy New Year!

The Year of the Snake