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The last post regarding what we're doing now was a bit driech so I thought I'd illustrate with a few photos. Himself was supposed to be home for a month from the 1st of February. Just our luck he managed to get snowed in Iraq for three days! Here's the proof!




Iraqi Snowmen

He finally got home after days of being told he'd be getting the next flight then not... aaargh! So a week of making up for the last few months, then we headed down to Cardiff for the Scotland / Wales Rugby Six Nations.... I can only talk about this now after this weekend Calcutta Cup triumph!



We all got our faces painted, JC decided to get another part of his anatomy decorated too.



Scotland got slammed.


The millennium Stadium is absolutely amazing!

The atmosphere was electric! Half of the group of friends was Scots, the other half Welsh and everyone had a fantastic time despite the score. Here's to Wales lifting the Grand Slam. Then we went off to a wild party in Hereford. I ate all the pies... and the steak bakes and the sausage rolls.

I could show you photos of the party but then I'd have to kill you. Someone lost their shirt to a knife wielding maniac which led to some unintentional cross dressing.... Hmmmmmmm

The week after we went over to Arran to Visit family again and I finished clearing out the shop. Best of luck to Viv from Island Porcelain who is taking over.

We sat every evening looking over the magical view from Balegra.... The sun beams breaking through the hills, watching the horses frolic and the heavily pregnant ewes and coos munch and wait... The sun breaking around Ailsa Craig and spill over the waves of the firth of Clyde right out to Ireland and the ocean beyond. You can see straight into Belfast loch on a clear day. I can't tell you how sweet the air or how beautiful the birds outside our window. The old sheep dog (will call Dog to preserve his privacy) Came every morning for his treat and craic. He's not allowed ben, He's a sheep dog, they're working dogs so never house trained. People are surprised to see Shepherds and their dogs walking onto the car deck of the ferry. It's because, if they go up the gang plank and walked though the carpeted decks they will widdle on the carpet. The Car deck is shortest, easy clean rout to the outer decks.

Mither in Law excelled herself as usual with guid scots quisine, proper breakfasts: Lorne (square) sausage, bacon, tattie scones, drop scones, eggs, black puddin, white puddin, eggs, mushrooms & Haggis. Great dinners... oh I'd make you weep id I went into that but if you ask I may tell Mmmm. And great céilidh. Now that's the way to start the day. I've never got "cereal"; I know goat feed when I see it. That's true h'elan' hospitality.

My Uncle and Aunt have been living with half a house full of art shop and Uncle W went way out of his way to help me pack up and move, the stuff I couldn't take he's been storing in his shed and all over their house! We got the vast majority of it out this weekend but they're still plagued with a lot. Uncle has sold off some bits for me. He might get rid of the rest at the famous Kildonan Auction! I will keep you posted of the date as it's a great time to pick up some major bargains. From antique quilts to stained glass and works of art!

I once bought a bird cage at the auction. The parents then had to give in and get me the Budgie to go with it. He was brilliant! We taught him to speak. He knew his name and address and he always wolf whistled when a lady came into the room and shouted “Show us your knockers!" This went over exceptionally well when the Minister visited with a Lady Elder of the Kirk.

Everyone has been so kind. From family to all my wonderful ex customers who have been so supportive, especially all the people who came to my classes. We proved that everyone who wants to can express themselves satisfyingly through art.

All the groups on the island that I am letting down... I will miss giving talks and demonstrations to the Women’s Rural, The Women’s Guild, The Free Church, Arran Visual Arts who do much to bring art to everyone especially their work with Art In Mind, but also, giving workshops in so many varied arts from beginner level, with no snobbery or elitism.

Also Holy Island and the retreats. The beauty of the art id fascinating and I love discussing the rules of Buda :) Looking forward to meeting the guys when they come out of their 4 year retreat this June! It will be fascinating to see what 4 Yeas of such isolation brings.

And of course the painfully underfunded Youth club, toddles group and the nursery, the Brownies, I loved taking the Brownies through their art badges. The Brownies were a pleasure to work with. As we worked. I saw how they are working together. Many would say regardless of race, creed or colour as an off the cuff remark. The Brodick Brownies go beyond that, they are sisters who work together under exceptional leadership. One young lady is quite handicapped. As part of the group the girls just make adjustments as necessary without being told. Her Mum is there all the time but doesn't have to be with her all the time. She get to be just the same as every one else.

The whole Scout and Guide movement. The NTS and RSPB, The High School and the Primary Schools. The Local Authority has no idea how many the Teachers on the island spent of their own money to give the children decent art supplies to work with. Not just the art departments. Many Primary and High School teachers came into the shop and spent their own hard earned cash to give their pupils good, safe materials to work with. As did people working with youth groups and so many diverse community groups across the island.

That’s what kills. That so many different groups benefited. So many older people love to paint or sculpt or craft. Everyone knows children do too. But! But there are so many other people who want to do something creative.
That was my real joy, seeing those who were so tentative, just wanted to see if they could make a model or draw something. When they came back and showed me their work… That was magical.
Babies looking around in wonder. Toddlers making their first work of art in wax! And their parents having a go and realizing their babe has talent: D I loved that!
I miss all. Everyone who came into the shop, visitor or local, were so interesting to talk to, to learn from. I most loved solving their problems or just helping someone get started.
There is such a wealth of talent on this tiny island. I am proud to have been there to supply it for a short time.

We finished the month off with a week at Centre Parks in the lakes. Oooh it was lovely, very relaxing, even with four teenagers. It was Herself Juniors 16th birthday so she brought her insane friend with her and we took the nephew and his girlfriend too. The boys played golf, the girls got pampered in the spa and himself and I had a mud bath for two...mmmmmmmm. Having our own sauna, steam room and hot tub was a godsend. Between all that and the tropical swimming paradise we've all got webbed feet now and had a great time together.



It was a really lovely month. Himself is back at work for another couple of months. Spain next time he's home!