Eventually, many of the rules don’t make sense anymore, in fact, they oppose sense. For so many years we told ourselves that this is the way to happiness, but the path of happiness isn’t marked on any map. Fulfillment comes from cutting our own path, stumbling and falling yes, but ultimately making our way, creating our own rules. It means removing, sometimes painfully, what we thought we ought to do. Then we are really living and just occasionally, we may be happy. Finally, happiness is less the point because we’re not striving for it any longer. Our search for it was really our search for authenticity, our yearning for self.
© S. Marian, Jan. 23, 2013
(Overall image design credit to S. Marian, Anais Nin for words that accompany image, and for photo source, click here.)
“Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.”
~From “Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night,” by Dylan Thomas. For photo source, click here.
Arguably one of my favourite poems. On this day of darkish thoughts and a darker, rain filled sky I seek solace in the light. There is always the light.
The old man felt the warmth deep in his bones. It awakened memories of youthful fire, where time stretched endless and new dreams rose with the morning sun.
(The Old Man of Storr, Isle of Skye. For photo source, click here.)
Root structure, Cluanie, Scotland.
(The very fine photography of John S., for photo source, click here.)
What could I possibly tell you about Eilean Donan Castle that you don’t already know…
It’s one of, if not the, most photographed castle in Scotland, giving competition to the dramatically located Urquhart Castle on the Banks of Loch Ness and the equally spectacular Edinburgh Castle, guardian of a great and historic city. What is it about this castle we love so much? It sits on a confluence of three sea lochs, Loch Duich, Loch Long and Loch Alsh, looking toward the Isle of Skye. Its island position gives it a romantic aura but there’s been bloodshed and suffering in the life that runs through its veins. Brought to the ground and left to neglect, it took the vision of one MacRae with fortitude (their motto) to ressurect it to glory. He dedicated his life to this task. For me Eilean Donan will forever be a beacon, a reminder that home is not far - there is rest for us all one day.
This unqiue photo comes from Stuart Blance (Facebook) and compels us to remember, it’s not romance that builds castles, it’s the strength of the stone, the determination in the mortar to hold together and the fortitude to endure over time.)
Yes, for today this is just right. Thank you ‘little fish’ that always finds the photos that convey simplicity and emotion.
The Colours of Scotland
These lovely girls were my bridesmaids. The wedding was a Scottish - Indian fusion. It was a great day, great because of their participation and excitement. A wedding is just one day and ours was informal and unconventionally ceremonial. I love their jewel colours, the different expressions on their faces, I love the way they’re looking at me as I walk down the stairs to my husband to be.
