The domino effect

Sometimes a decision in life can create a chain reaction. For me, I often marvel at how my impulsive purchase of my Rothesay flat has impacted my life and introduced so many wonders into my world. I am filled with gratitude at the enormously positive domino effect, from both a personal and professional perspective. Sometimes taking a leap of faith truly does open up unseen possibilities.

I have been a bit slack on the blog front of late and it is not for a lack of newsworthy content. Finding the time to write has been elusive and I have not made it a priority. However, with a couple of nudges from some colleagues and an enthusiastic message from a new Canadian subscriber, I decided it was time to hit my keyboard once more. Thank you friends!

The last two trips to Bute have been brief, but filled with friendship. This post will focus on the trip in April, as I managed to squeeze in a lot of fun into an exceptionally swift visit. It was a mad dash of a trip, with an opportunity for an extended weekend on Bute prior to a speaking engagement in London. After an exceptionally long commute via LA, London and Glasgow, I made the last ferry at 9 pm on a Friday night by the skin of my teeth. The sunset from the ferry was magnificent and my relief to finally be able to sleep in my own bed was palpable!!

By the Saturday, I was rested and ready for socialising! That day I enjoyed a beautiful long walk with my friend Gianna around the gardens of Mount Stuart. G often tells me that she knows when I have arrived on Bute, as the sun comes out. Never was a nicer compliment given! I am so pleased that our friendship has continued to grow and we always find so much to talk about.

The gardens were at their Spring best, and suitably grandiose to match the magnificence of Mount Stuart. I always enjoy my visits there, as it is such an impressive estate with an equally impressive tale to tell.

Sunday brought new adventure with a day trip to Glasgow to meet up with my friends Walker and Lorna and explore Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. And what an incredible place to wander and learn more about Scotland and its history. I suspect that this was the first of many visits there for me.

As always, I wanted to squeeze as much into my weekend as possible, so I had arranged to have dinner with my wonderful friends David and Lewis (& of course their dog Jack) back on Bute. To my absolute delight, they were waiting for me in my flat upon my return - with a sensational Sunday dinner prepared. This is a pretty rare occurence for me, so I almost cried with happiness!

My delight was extended when they missed their ferry and dinner morphed into a slumber party. I was happy to lead the way for a post dinner walk through the nearby woodlands. And despite the unexpected change of plans, we all loved the beautiful sunset views. It was like fairy floss!

By Monday morning, David, Lewis and Jack were on an early ferry on their way back to the mainland and I was busily practising my presentation in front of a captive audience! I have to admit, my kitchen in the flat is probably one of the most enjoyable places to rehearse a speech I have experienced to date. And I am pleased to report that by the time I arrived in London, I was fully prepped and ready to go.

Even though my April trip was ridiculously brief, I still managed to find time for friends and I even found a few new purchases for the flat. I seem to continue to find ways to enhance its cosy ambience with little items that bring me joy. In this case, it was two tiny paintings by a local Bute artist and a stag plate from For Bute, a gorgeous notebook from Print Point and a sweet little red vase from the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.

And my generous friends David and Lewis also presented me with a swag of gifts, both practical and sentimental (note the wee Jack!). I felt incredibly spoilt and oh so fortunate. How lucky to have found such friends!

So, as I get back into the swing of updating my blog with my adventures, I would love to express my sincere gratitude for my Scottish friends who have embraced me with warmth and care. It has been an unexpected windfall from the domino of an unplanned, yet inspired decision.