The summer is here and so I have been more absent than present at Substack of late. My dear writer friend Tamara wrote a wonderful essay just yesterday which posits the idea that our becoming selves are made by what we pay attention to. You should absolutely go and read it.
For me, right now, here in the Highlands with my love, our attention is on mountains and forests, foxgloves, butterflies and lochans ( Yes we did swim in it)
The good news for you is I generally have a camera with me. Today is a home day and I have managed to squeeze in a wee piece to let you glimpse the beauty here.
I may be gone but you are not forgotten.
Enjoy the lyrics to a well known song round sung these parts whilst you browse the pictures ( Audio at the bottom if you wish to listen too)
In truth the heather is not yet blooming here but it was the song “Wild Mountain Thyme” we sang atop the mountains yesterday.
Oh, the summertime has come, And the trees are sweetly blooming
And the wild mountain thyme, Grows around the blooming heather
Will ye go, lassie, go?
And we’ll all go together, To pull wild mountain thyme
All around the blooming heather, Will ye go, lassie, go?
I will build my love a bower, By yon cool crystal fountain
And round it I will pile, All the wild flowers o’ the mountain
Will ye go, lassie, go?
And we’ll all go together, To pull wild mountain thyme
All around the blooming heather, Will ye go, lassie, go?
I will range through the wilds,And the deep glens sae dreary
And return wi’ their spoils,To the bower o’ my dearie
Will ye go, lassie, go?
And we’ll all go together, To pull wild mountain thyme
All around the blooming heather, Will ye go, lassie, go?
If my true love she’ll not come, Then I’ll surely find another
To pull wild mountain thyme, All around the blooming heather
Will ye go, lassie, go?
And we’ll all go together, To pull wild mountain thyme
All around the blooming heather, Will ye go, lassie, go?
This is absolutely beautiful. Your words and photographs carried me straight into the Scottish Highlands — that rare place where wildness and peace seem to live side by side.
I loved the sense of attention here: mountains, forests, foxgloves, butterflies, lochans, song, love, and the quiet joy of being fully where you are. What a gift to be given this glimpse.
Gorgeous, soul-feeding work.
Oh my gosh.. how beautiful. Your landscapes are so different from where I am.. I'm surrounded by trees (which I love) but to wander in a vast open space like that where you can see the stunning views wherever you go? That would be amazing! And so green! That little butterfly captured my heart.. her colours are so soft and beautiful. Thank you for sharing these gorgeous views. I'm not here as much either right now, and will be travelling in the coming days.. enjoy these summer days, Paul. They are fleeting!