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Saturday 21 August 2010

Time For Bramble Whisky Making

I have not been able to write for a bit having been in the far south, then the far north. Strange seasons this year, sort of absent.   I feel it still should be summer but one feels autumn knocking at the door. Birch leaves shiver more readily and the leaves are turning yellow, we know what comes next.  


I will have to get along the track soon to get as many leaves in as many stages of change as I can or I shall not be able to make cards next year. It is strange that, given how much of my work is inspired by trees, I should spend my holidays in Westray (Orkney), where there are almost none. the truth of it is that when i moved to a place where I could no longer by near the sea,  I found trees and marvelled at how oceanic the sound of a forest is when the wind blows - just shut your eyes and listen and you'll hear it too. This years holiday, our twelfth year visiting the island, was as special as ever.One arrives and the lovely light lifts the soul. The jewel like shores and contented cattle are like a balm. 


Three years ago we built a cairn to remember Sarah and I marvel at the kindness of the islanders have cared for and accepted it. I am also in awe that it still stands after three winters of storms. Home now for a few days then Orkney again for a few. The track will feature again soon, it always reclaims me sooner or later.