I have been homesick for Scotland. I appreciate my phone bringing photos of my September visit to the forefront almost daily. It features short videos from the day trips I took with James during our visit. It helps – sort of. I do miss the vistas of Scotland, the incredible fresh air, the wonderful people we met, the footsteps where Elen walks, and the smell of the sea. The Scottish landscapes are like an undercurrent in my mind. When I’m very homesick for Scotland, to close my eyes and remember the time I was there, sort of a visual, waking dream. I do have an ache in my heart for Scotland. Many people don’t understand, and I’m not sure I understand myself, but there is a definite connection.
I think about connections to places. Why do we feel so connected to a place? Perhaps it is the feeling of peace or happiness. Or does it reach further back to my family’s Scottish roots? Is it the fact that the Scottish Highlands are the sister mountains to my childhood home in Central Pennsylvania? I only know that Scotland had a profound effect on my head and my heart. I feel strongly that I need to return to Scotland as soon as I can.
In the last few weeks, I had a hiatus in writing while I completed the final shows and book signings for 2025. I made numerous fairy and mermaid Garden Dancer ornaments embellished with sea glass. Each little ornament takes ninety or more minutes to complete.
Writing goal – to complete Will Dye Another Day in the next eight weeks.
Never fear, Elen is constantly with me. Sentences sneak into my journal. Much of what I’m reading sparks more ideas.
Thank you to everyone who has expressed interest in this book.
Photo by Max Hermansson on Unsplash
