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.

Why dry? Well, they are wind and waterproof so shelter sheep and cattle and provide secure housing for birds, toads, weasels, stoats, butterflies and other insects. They reduce the loss of topsoil from 'windblow' {of crucial importance!} A drystone wall will outlast a fence by up to 15 times so is ultimately less expensive. They are nice to look at AND the energies contained in the stones make it a very therapeutic craft to practice. 'Rock on!' [Pardon the Pun-just couldn't resist it].

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.

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!!

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'.

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.

This blog is beginning to sound like my recent eye examination!--vague stabs at the small letters, more like guesses really. Anyway, I never noticed it at first and there's probably a rational explanation anyway. I mean, there ALWAYS is, isn't there??!!

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!

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!

When the young baby trees became big enough they were able to support some bird nests and sufficient insect life for the birds to feed their young-nature's real estate, population growth control and sustainability! [every image or first impression has a story to it no matter how dull the outward or initial appearance can sometimes be]

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.

The sad thing is that nothing has changed since the above memorial was built. The whole concept of 'better than' 'more special than' 'God's chosen' 'The one true religion' 'The ruling class' are belief systems which no longer serve us. They can and do cause wars. Why are some people so so fearful of 'losing' their illusory status that they are prepared to die just to be 'RIGHT?'

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.

Dormant Cherry Tree

Well I've really done it this time. It's August and I've just posted a picture of a frost -bitten garden. Oops! Sorry folks, Gordy needs a change of medication again.

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!!

Red sandstone sofa and coffee table

In addition to running a clinic I build stone features for estates and gardens. I made this one in pink sandstone to match an old existing walled garden. It faces the setting sun and is ideal for dreamy summer evenings. Just thought I'd post something different. I hope you like it.

Your avenue

Always you are at choice about your life-take responsibility for yourself. The path ahead is smooth so do not throw rocks in your way. There IS light at the end of the tunnel but just remember you created the tunnel!! You are not responsible in this life for what others think, say, or do- only what YOU think , say or do.

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!

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!!

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....

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!

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?

Maybe herbal healing potions? Or something altogether more dark, even sorcery, black witchcraft. The Exorcist in me was obviously curious but to be honest I felt very ok handling it and thought that the wee burdies would enjoy a dook in it so all I require to install is a teeny lollypop-stick diving board and some matchstick deckchairs!

Barbed wire and blue skies

This picture of barbed wire could be anywhere on our planet. It's starkness evokes many different responses in all of us-emotions like fear for those who have endured being imprisoned by it. Memories of prison camps both yesterday and today for some.Old soldiers will recall cursing whilst trying to negotiate their way through it on the battlefield.Others, however, may remember other things-sheeps wool threads quietly recalling a wee brush by as they wave gently in the wind on a crisp winter's evening. A single strand drawn tightly through a gap in a drystane dyke to keep the boisterous calves from straying. Actually, when observing anything, it an arbitrary decision we make about how we 'choose' to feel about it. William Shakespeare put it so well-"Nothing is evil lest our thinking make it so". I read somewhere the following:

'Two men looked out through prison bars; One saw the mud whilst the other saw the stars"

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!

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!!!

Sunlight through oak leaves

What can I say? Channel this colour into your heart and just chill!

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...

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.

Always look at the bigger Picture

Sometimes it's easy to get weighed down by the momentary issues and daily worries.Just imagine being a bird looking down from a great height and seeing you problems from a higher perspective.You will see things very differently!

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?

It too is very attracted to something much larger and more powerful than itself-the universe it came from{God,Big Momma,Massive Snooglumchum-call 'it' what you feel!}and is made up of the very same 'stuff ' that the soul is! They even share the same characteristics-they are both Unlimited,Eternal and Free and ultimately represent Truth, Joy and Love.

Heal your heart

The colour green represents the heart chakra and, just by gazing at this woodland carpet of moss, will soothe and calm a heavy heart. Breathe deeply as you contemplate the rich, deep texture as the sunlight plays on the forest floor. Breathing in this way, whilst focusing on this colour, is nature's free medicine for whatever ails you.