Lessons

Its cocktail hour in Houston.  So, I'm sitting here on my wonderful little 'Juliet' balcony with a G&T in hand, surrounded by blooming Magnolia's, Jasmine, Wisteria and all manner of spring flowers, and with my little balcony mates somewhat disconcerted by my presence.  But its a kind of witching hour for me where my mind is calm and able to ponder the challenges and gifts of the last week.  For me, its been a challenging month.  The demands of life require my presence, but my body has been determinedly taking me to places that are difficult on the heart and soul.  Chronic disease is a constant companion for those that suffer some form of it.  Sometimes quiet and thankfully absent, and then other times she barges in through the front door without a care in the world and totally disrupts your peace and quiet.  She is the kind of visitor who is demanding, petulant, disrespectful of your intimacy and needs along with those of others in the house, exhausting and absolutely dreadful.  But you can't get rid of her...certainly not without some assistance.  Patience is truly tested beyond belief, and the heart just wants to give in to her demands.  But my gift....my partner, C, who never gives in and doesn't allow our unwelcome visitor to overcome.  He is a constant source of energy and positivity, love and encouragement.  He gives me power in the sails to push through the rough sea and to hang in there.  The other gift this week....Nurse Michelle, who is always ready to give a smile and share a joke and convince you all will be good tomorrow.  I should also say modern medicine is a gift.  I think often of my amazing and beautiful grandmother who must have lived through sheer agony and without the benefits of the modern treatments today.  When I woke up this morning and the sun was shining and I was pain free for the first time in 18 months, I smiled, stretched out like a cat, and gave thanks for everything I have in my world!!

Art Cars on show

We hear the saying "only in the US" all the time right?  And of course "everything is bigger in Texas". Well, on Saturday, I attended my first Houston Art Car Parade.  This is an annual event here.  Its the first and largest Art Car festival in the world and features all types of art on wheels.  Everything from bicycles to roller skates to golf carts and trucks.  If it has wheels - make a piece of art out of it.

The parade first started in 1986 when there were only 11 cars on show.  This year saw 300 cars displayed, and several of those were from countries including Wales and Brazil.  The mind boggles at the artist talent of some people or even at what inspires art.  The cars were brilliant, some macabre, some bejewelled, and some downright over the top.

Accompanying the cars of course, were the people and not to be outdone, not only were the drivers decked out but so too were many of the spectators.

This is a great day out and I have to say, a truly unique festival.  Perhaps next year.......

Highland Fling

Logic should have told me that somewhere in the world, Daffodils grow wild.  But lets face it, how many of us really sit and ponder these sorts of questions??

Anywho...it was quite a delight to land in Scotland last week and be greeted by Daffodils everywhere.  In fact, there were Jonquils and some wonderful little Blue Bonnet style flowers in bloom alongside the Daffodils.  Just gorgeous, and to have them growing along the rivers and country lanes just made for a truly simple pleasure.

Although I have been to Scotland a number of times, this trip I decided to take the opportunity and explore further afield.  And to be honest, I did get lost on the myriad of country roads but luckily its only 3 hours from one side of the country to the other, so worst case scenario, I just hit water and turn around, right.  But I managed to find my way back to the hotel each night without too many hassles.

Dunnottar Castle

My journeying on this trip took me down the coastline from Aberdeen to Stonehaven and the Dunnottar Castle; west along the River Dee to Ballator; north to Oldmeldrumm and more castles; then northwest to Inverness, Loch Ness and Fort Augustus.  It is truly a beautiful country and the Highlands don't disappoint.  There was still snow on the peaks and I got the full effect of the blustery Highland winds and some rain, just to make it all even more spectacular.  It was dammed cold but even that is okay when you are exploring the wilds of the heathers.

One of the things I always enjoy about travelling to places like Scotland or Ireland or even various spots in Europe, is sitting down for a coffee or wine in little town cafes and pubs and having a great conversation with a local....even if you struggle to understand a word they say.  Despite sharing a language, some Scots are next to impossible to comprehend!  But I always enjoy the experience and the opportunity to exchange cultures.  I also love the look of surprise and wonder on many faces when you say you are from Australia.  It seems that the land downunder continues to hold some mystical awe for many people and the questions are always entertaining.  On this trip, one chap who is heading to Brisbane to visit family and making his first trip to Australia, was obsessed with spiders and snakes and had himself worked up into a lather worrying about how he would protect himself.  It didn't help that we got onto the subject of jellyfish, crocodiles and sharks.  I think I did calm him though with warming stories of pet wallabies, cockatoos and growing up on a farm in Australia.  I did have to sensor that though as I am sure the truth of country life wouldn't have contributed to his fears!

But I always experience a little pang of sadness when leaving behind a journey and heading home. Not because I don't enjoy my own home and space, but no matter what, I am in love with seeing the world and meeting people.

The truth though is, I get home and inevitably a new experience outside my door awaits.  It might be a new neighbour or a new expat or, as has happened this week.....the magnolias outside my window have bloomed and that, my friends, is something beautiful!

River Ness, Inverness

Glenfiddich Whiskey!