A bit more Scotland

I know I promised a story about Margaret and I will get to that.

It has been a head cold, stay in bed kind of week for me.

But I wanted to touch base and let you know I was here.

This was the beginning of my adventure: this staircase

in a castle in Glasgow.

My romantic heart could barely stand it that,

after all those Victorian novels,

I had finally landed on one of these staircases.

Of course, I also wound up in Medieval churches, another long term dream of mine.

In my heart of hearts,

architecture is just another form of art.

Who knew heavy stones could be made to look like fine lace?

OK, I had seen photos myself,

but standing there before these buildings

was an experience of a lifetime.

In the meantime, I am growing a tutorial of sorts for you to see how I create my newest projects,

and

there is another article in the planning stages.

The last chance to see the work of my journaling students

is this week end at Union Avenue Christian church.

We are having a closing party on Sunday afternoon beginning at noon

if you would like to drop by for tea and scones.

My classes at the St. Louis Artists Guild are starting again on October 8 from 10:00 to noonish on Saturdays. This a beginners class.

We also have a slightly more advanced class on Mondays from 10:00 to noonish.

My beginning acrylic painting classes

at the St. Charles Michaels

are now twice on Tuesdays; in the afternoons,

from 2:30 to4:30

and in the evenings from 6:30 to 8:30.

We finish a complete painting in just two hours!

You can always email me for more information on classes.

Watch my Etsy for new additions in the next week or so!

In the Land of Bobbie Burns

Walking ancient paths,

Love joined two souls forever.

A blessing shared.

I had the distinct pleasure of attending this lovely wedding at Sherbrooke castle in Glasgow Scotland.

I came home much richer in family,

as I gained not only a sister-in-law,

but her sister as well.

My family grows in wondrous ways.

I loved the ancient buildings and memorials:

They captured my heart as well as my imagination.

I could have spent weeks in Edinburgh,

a city of culture and history.

The sound of bagpipes followed us about as we explored tiny alleyways and cobbled streets.

There were magical meals aplenty.

The Scots know how to make bread so delicious,

you can eat it alone,

but toasted mushroom or thick bacon tops it well,

and often.

I also had my special dream come true:,

my dear brother came through on his promise

and I began a journey searching out

two of Scotland's greatest artists.

They were also married.

Charles Rennie Mackintosh and his artist wife, Margaret MacDonald Mackintosh.

I have a tale about dear Margaret,

Which I shall share on another day.

I was charged with mission

in a building too beautiful for words.

Another day.

I would also like to very much thank my dear brother and his lovely wife,

for sharing their journey and allowing me to be a part of the celebration

of their love,

and for the Haggis.

Counting down to Scotland.........

Whew!

Things are moving along here in Middle Earth.

Today was for a quick stop at Wally World to get some travel supplies

like chocolate granola bars

and some homeopathic sleepy time pills.

I'll be leaving Middle Earth early Monday morning to arrive in the

city of brotherly love late afternoon

and jump on the transatlantic flight to what is essentially

our motherland!

Glasgow waits!

In the meantime, there are painting demonstrations at Michaels

on Saturday with 50% off

on all classes signed up for.

(was that sentence ?)

And

an anniversary

And a house to clean a bit before disappearing into a castle.

No fairies to clean up on this end, but

who knows what waits in Sherbrooke Castle?

So for now,

bills to pay,

classes to prepare for,

schedules to create.

Life, 

a life that I love and cherish.

One that will be expanded just a bit

by the spirit of a long ago immigrant,

Margaret Barnes.

I like to think she is smiling about all this fuss.

I may not have Internet access in bonnie Scotland.

I may not WANT it.

But I will be thinking of all the dear hearts I sing to here in blog land.

Be well until I return,

well stuffed with oatmeal and shortbread!

It's all about the Glow.

Bright Red and gold glow

with light given and received.

A spiraling gift.

A late haiku.

My life is aswirl with hanging art exhibits, writing articles

and teaching the most amazing students ever.

I am so blessed to have all of these

wonders in my life.

This morning I began considering what to pack for Scotland.

It is not exactly

a bathing suit destination.

The temperature seems to hold steady between 55 and 65 degrees.

Much cooler than the 101 I saw on the bank sign

when I went out to lunch.

It is difficult to even imagine.

Sweaters look silly.

Cashmere...really ????

Oh, but it is so warm....though I am

at this moment

melting.

The painting is acrylics on gold gesso'd paper.

I actually did the sketch years ago.

Discovered in a forgotten corner,

I resolved to finish it in 30 minutes.

so I set out my colors, grabbed some brushes and clipped the drawing to my easel.

It was a most satisfying 30 minutes.

The glow in my heart was there on the easel.

My smile is still glowing.

Please join Rebecca and the other Haiku artists

and share the glow.