Wednesday, 30 December 2009
Stone jigsaw patio
Saturday, 26 December 2009
Lethendy sunset
Friday, 25 December 2009
Christmas Day
Thursday, 24 December 2009
Christmas Eve at Lethendy
Tuesday, 22 December 2009
Are you out of or in the woods?
Sunday, 20 December 2009
A WOODLAND WINDOW OF SUNLIGHT
Wednesday, 16 December 2009
Meikleour Sunset
Thursday, 10 December 2009
Woodland Bracket Fungi
Wednesday, 9 December 2009
Holly-A haven for spirits of the wood
Monday, 7 December 2009
Hen Friend
Tuesday, 27 October 2009
...A bit of food for thought
Beetroot chutney:
Cooking time approx 40 min
1lb of onions, chopped
1 lb of granny smith apples or other crisp eating veriety, peeled and chopped
3 lb of cooked beetroot
1 pint spiced vinegar( I use Sarson's Malt spiced pickling vinegar or a mixture of this and cider vinegar. I always make sure I add a teaspoon of dried pickling spices if the vinegar isn't already spiced)
2 teaspoons of salt
1 lb of white sugar
- Chop the onions
- Cook the chopped onions for a short time in a little of the vinegar
- Add the rest of the ingredients ( the beetroot should be diced in very small pieces)
- Boil steadily stirring from time to time until the chutney thickens ( the vinegar will evaporate a little)
- Pour into jars
The flavours will blend and improve with age! I certainly wait at least three weeks before opening a jar...
Monday, 12 October 2009
Coniferous Canopy
Sunday, 11 October 2009
Stone Love Seat
Saturday, 10 October 2009
Home Sighted at last

Thursday, 8 October 2009
'Solar' Plexus and 'Sacral' Chakras?

Wednesday, 7 October 2009
Blue tealight in ceramic vase?!

Monday, 5 October 2009
Look at me!

Thursday, 1 October 2009
Heavenly Body

Monday, 21 September 2009
Dusk in Venice
Wednesday, 16 September 2009
A slice of rainbow
Sunday, 13 September 2009
Prone Patio Pooped Pup
Saturday, 12 September 2009
Colour Marks on antique linen
Tuesday, 8 September 2009
Summer sunset on Tuscan beach
Tuesday, 1 September 2009
The spiritual steps to 'successfulness'
How often do we hear or read about 'achieving success' or 'being a success'? We live in a neurotic society seemingly obsessed with celebrity, becoming famous, desirable, rich, beautiful, exclusive and that most elusive of all-happy. Many who seem on the surface to 'have it all' are still not happy. Why is this so? Let me explain: most people on the planet seem to believe that in order to BE happy they must first DO certain things :ie 1. a demanding job in order to 2.HAVE the money to 3. buy the 'things' {house, car, holiday home, yacht, pony, stocks, shares etc} to BE 4. happy. It's called the Do, Have, Be paradigm and most folk don't seem to be very happy in it.Monday, 31 August 2009
Drystane rubble wall
In addition to running my clinic, I am a drystane dyker {Known as a Drystone waller outside of Scotland}. I specialise in bespoke stone features for estates and gardens-follies, water features, stone seats, ornate steps, walls etc. Some of the foregoing will incorporate lime mortar but the above farm wall is stockproof and built entirely without cement, thus the term 'drystane'{drystone}. This craft goes back to the Iron age when ancient stone fortified houses known as 'Brochs' still stand today, testament to the efficiency of the techniques used back then.Sunday, 30 August 2009
Gordy smiling
A while back I decided to change my lifestyle. This was triggered by a visit to a dental hygienist who asked me if I would like to have my teeth ultra-sonically cleansed. Many years of smoking, eating road kill and washing it down with red wine had taken their toll so I said yes. After various fillings crumbled and fell out during the 'cleansing' I was informed that all that was holding my jaw together was stuff called 'plaque' so we agreed to get rid of that too. Unfortunately this process exposed some nerves which triggered a huge spasm, causing my large intestine to shoot up through my neck cavity and strangle my brain. However, my brain, long used to such attack, perceived this as a dentist's tactic to numb the human brain ahead of comprehending the cost of such transient nonsense. Anyway, me got clean teef now. Saturday, 29 August 2009
Benches beside ancient gravestones
I just had a thought. Stay with me as it doesn't happen often. I thought this picture was of too little interest or too dull to post when I had a sort of epiphany {sudden enlightenment, incontinence, psychotic episode, delusion}. How often do you see park benches in cemeteries directly beside 'recent' burial sites and headstones? By recent I mean from yesterday's internment going back say 100 years or so. Would you agree not many? Say you go to visit grandpa's grave 2 weeks after his burial and you find that, whilst there is no headstone in place yet, a bench has appeared since the funeral with two tourists enjoying ice cream whilst going over their digital photos of the cemetary 'cos it's so different from the ones in their own country!? Yet when the 'sacred and sacrosanct site' gets to a certain age {ie: Anyone who knew the deceased is LONG gone} then it's ok to place a bench or even picnic right on top of their grave-- As if the departed even cared, irrespective of calendar dates!!Friday, 28 August 2009
Lunga does impression of spin-dryer
This is Lunga {Italian for 'long'!} on emerging from a foam-flecked frolic in the Atlantic big wet thing. Being a wee long-haired dachshund she presents a wonderful sight as her head stays still whilst the rest of her goes into spin-dry mode! On completing the spin cycle, she switches to punk rock pup as she sassily struts her silky spikes up the beach past anything or anyone that will notice her-other dogs, toddlers, butterflies, wasps and bits of driftwood. She especially enjoys barking at bees and toads wherever she finds them. I do not know the reason for this phenomenon and when I quizz her about it, she yawns. She obviously knows something that I do not-like giving unconditional love to everyone she meets, having a ball just by being alive, never judging anyone, being eternally curious to learn and never worrying or holding a grudge or compaining about anything-'Oftentimes we entertain Angels unawares'.Thursday, 27 August 2009
Through the mist can you see....?
I love this scene of mist hanging like a chiffon veil over a frosty stubble field! You can almost see your breath in the chilly air and feel the soil crunch satisfyingly under your feet. What I don't recall seeing though, when the photo was taken, is a strange spherical object with a dark centre a couple of yards to the right of the tall tree pictured centre. Can you see it? It looks kind of like an eyeball. I think I can just make out the shape of a house behind it but I'm not really 100% sure.Wednesday, 26 August 2009
Isle of Harris, Hebrides
This picture reminds me of one of my favourite crystals, Aquamarine. It's feeling of cool blue sparkling depths resonates deeply, healing and refreshing the soul. The impression is further conveyed with the solid contrast of shore rocks, hill and distant, mysterious mountain. The foreground is softened seductively with smooth sand. You almost want to slip your shoes'n'socks off and happily pad your tootsies down to the big blue and go for a wee paddle. Breath in the clean, clear ozone whilst gazing at the view. Hold out your left hand, palm upwards, and wait for a change of energy. Once your spirit guide has clasped your hand{and they WILL!} go off together and explore. Be open to the love and wisdom they give to you and know that you are grandly loved!Tuesday, 25 August 2009
Arrid Desert or 'Rocky Forest'?
Millions of years ago a glacier carved out this valley sweeping aside all these huge rocks which now make up the hillsides you can see. Over time, the winds blew in dusty soil from afar which settled in wee nooks and crannies. The trees and scrub you see were most likely borne of bird droppings containing seeds which may have become 'airborne' after being ingested some distance away. These droppings landed on the patches of dusty soil and then, ..one day,.... it rained!Monday, 24 August 2009
Coats of arms
What's in a name? Think about it. Do you get annoyed when your name is miss-spelt or incorrectly pronounced? Do you love the sound of your name or do you not like your name?The coats of arms above serve as a reminder that our names and titles have long been held as important to us, irrespective of our social standing or origins. In olden days the first thing the newly monied did was commissioned a coat of arms, long held as a powerful symbol of social status and 'old money' in an attempt to break away from their humble roots. Many were seduced by the transient illusions of status and superiority that the bold colours and martial imagery of heraldry would bestow upon them, thus elevating them above their fellow humans.
Sunday, 23 August 2009
Peacock in an Ashram, India
This beautiful picture was taken by a friend of mine at an Ashram [Spiritual Centre/Retreat]In India. With it's exotic foreground complete with 'royal' peacock and stunning ornate buildings in the background, this special place exudes a richness of energy, space and tranquility. It also encapsulates an impression of timelessness and warm welcome-you just feel like you could walk in the gate and wander around, meet new people and maybe stay a while..a day, a week, a month.....or not; and that would be ok too.
Saturday, 22 August 2009
Dormant Cherry Tree
Friday, 21 August 2009
Waves crashing on rocks
I took some shots from the promenade looking straight down over incoming waves and wanted to see if I could capture an explosive moment. This one, I think, came closest to that feeling. Like many of us I find the allure of the mighty ocean somewhat hypnotic and exciting in equal measure. Next time you are at the seaside try this simple breathing exercise whilst facing the waves: As the tide recedes, breath in slowly in time with the speed of the water-As the tide comes in, breath out at the speed of the wave's movement. This may take a little practice but it is well worth the effort as you will find it deeply energising and relaxing. Practised over time you will increase you vital lung capacity- most of us breath at only about one third of our true capacity!!Thursday, 20 August 2009
Red sandstone sofa and coffee table
Wednesday, 19 August 2009
Your avenue

Tuesday, 18 August 2009
Candlelight
A dear friend sent me this photograph of a simple candle. It's warm beauty sends out the same feelings of comfort, security, calmness and peace as would a cheery hearth. Even a wee tealight placed in your room can add a bit of magical calm-just turn off the lights and let the little candle be your sun. As well as comforting you, you'll save energy too!Monday, 17 August 2009
Ancient Olive Tree in Andalucia,Spain.
This grand old olive tree could be nearly a thousand years old! It will have grown through many human lifespans and been silent witness to all the highs and lows of local life down through the centuries- births, deaths, marriages, wars, celebrations, family feuds, droughts, plagues, famines and yet, for those who lived successively around it, it has always been the symbol of constancy and strengh. It gave of it's fruit annually without fail and pleased all who beheld it-a living sentinel of nature's generosity. Next time you feel the sting of the unexpected remember that the only thing that is permanent about our universe is IMpermanence-in other words EVERYTHING IS TEMPORARY.It will all pass with the passing of time itself so just let go and LET GOD!!Sunday, 16 August 2009
Wildflower meadow
Whenever you start to doubt the infinite ability of the Universe to matierialise your innermost desires remember what the word means: Uni-verse=One song.We are all one with everything and one of the most effective ways to understanding this deep truth is to contemplate the awesome complexity of nature's ability to orchestrate everything we see. Just looking at this meadow of wild flowers is enough to remind us that if God,Big Momma,Spirit {call it what you like 'cos it doesn't matter} can conjure up and organise that lot then how can we doubt the ability of the uni-Verse to grant our desires? Just remove the word 'want' from your vocabulary and replace it with 'desire'.That is step 1....
Saturday, 15 August 2009
Grass man in boat
Sorry to have missed the last couple of posts. I've been away and don't have a laptop! I thought something light hearted would be a wee change. This 'sculpture' is in the grounds of Dunkeld House estate, famous for it's stunning location next to the river Tay with it's own salmon beat. I couldn't resist taking a photograph and tried to think of a suitable caption for it-I'm sure there could be many and am open to suggestions!Wednesday, 12 August 2009
Stone bird bath
I am a 'Drystane Dyker' {Drystone Waller outwith Scotland}. A client found this beautiful , strange, hollowed-out stone and asked me to incorporate it into a garden wall I was building for her. I think you will agree there is something magical about it. As a healer, I was very taken by it's energies and sense of ancient purpose. Was it used for grinding oats for porridge?Tuesday, 11 August 2009
Barbed wire and blue skies
Sunday, 9 August 2009
Green Screen
Just when I reckon everyone's 'tree'd' out I go and post[by mistake!] yet another 'tree thing'.However, it's not just a tree, there's water too{Gordon thinks feverishly 'What am I going to say about the water??'} Well, it's wet today but not very wobbly 'cos there's no wind.Actually, it's OK to have moments like this-it's called being human.If you lose the plot from time to time don't beat yourself up-just laugh!
Saturday, 8 August 2009
Grow strong roots
If we want to grow strong and realise our dreams we need to be firmly rooted in nourishing,supportive ground. The tree roots symbolise digging deep foundations for our goals and working positively round what may appear immovable obstacles in our way[The boulder in the photo]. Turning a negative into a positive, the tree uses the stone for support then drives itself further and further into the earth spreading it's roots wider and wider, embracing all possibilites and avenues to grow bigger and stronger. The seedling was not put off by it's awkward start to life on a steep embankment-it just took a grip and dug in! -BE THE TREE!!!Friday, 7 August 2009
Thursday, 6 August 2009
Serpent Tree
This picture has got nothing to do with our usual spiritual theme or has it?I came across this larch tree with a very unusual basal root formation in Dunkeld. It immediately reminded me of a giant Boa Constrictor or Anaconda wrapping itself around the base of the tree. You might see something completely different! Let me know your thoughts...
Tuesday, 4 August 2009
Dunkeld Cathedral,Scotland.
Founded by St. Columba of Iona,this is the ancient seat of the Scottish Kirk.You don't have to be a Christian or even religious to feel the beautiful energies of a place like this, only open to absorb them.Everyone who comes here is welcome,whether Muslim,Hindu,Krishna,Bhuddist,Athiest, Agnostic or whatever.We who share this small planet need to wake up to the fact that our differences to not have to lead to divisions and it is precisely the whole concept of division/separateness/superiority that is taking our species towards extinction.It is beliefs which drive behaviours and if we dared to take a closer look at ALL of our 'holy books' we'll find they all have strangely similar tenets-'God is male','God is jealous','God gets angry' God has needs''Females are inferior to males','Our book is the only truth', 'Those who do not believe what we believe must be killed' all because a very long time ago a kind loving God supposedly said these things.Brothers and Sisters I put it to you that someone[most likely a male patriarch] made all that up and the rest simply went along with it-rule by fear.Time we all dropped our fears before it's too late and let's edit the texts to match the times without dishonouring any of them.
Monday, 3 August 2009
Sunday, 2 August 2009
Blue Horizons
In nature there are few meditive/contemplative channels that can equal the mighty oceans.The sea represents our ancient origins and we are magnetically pulled to it.We are physically made mostly of water and 'rapport' with a vast range of water bodies from tidal oceans to lakes, fast flowing rivers and dreamy still ponds with water lilies and dragonflies. Have you ever considered that the human soul is spiritually similar in it's make -up to the body?


