Back in November 2017, I sent my dad a message.
“Where would you live if you could live anywhere?” I asked.
“Kintyre,” he replied, “Nobody ever thinks of Kintyre.”
Now, every morning when I wake up and look out of the window, I see the ocean, which is never the same twice. Sometimes, sea mist rolls in and settles on our little village, obscuring the view. On clear days, I can see the island of Cara three miles out, its craggy mull facing south. People say that Cara has a brownie living on it – but that’s for another post.
Gigha lies a bit further north, with its secluded gardens, art gallery, post office and wind farm. If you wander down to the beach not far away, you can watch the little ro-ro ferry bobbing its way back and forth between Tayinloan and Ardminish. When the sea gets rough, Gigha’s inhabitants are left trapped on their six-mile-long island, reduced to a hopeful line of twinkling lights in the darkness of night.
Sometimes the ocean in front of me sits calm as a pane of glass, reflecting the sky like a mirror. When the wind kicks up, things get choppier and early on bright summer mornings, joyful little sailboats appear not far off shore. When the westerly gales roll in over the winter, the water turns a deep shade of green and covers the sand completely.
So, here we are, living out on the edge of the world. And it’s beautiful.
I cannot wait to read more. I have missed you.
I loved reading this, a very talented writer.
Don’t forget we’re coming up 30/03 for a week. We must try to meet 💕 x
Looking forward to your future posts as l did when you were in Kansas.
Wonder what your impressions are of what is going on here…..similarities?
Beautifully written. We’ve been friends on Facebook and when you left for Scotland, I wondered if your reasons for leaving were for the same reason I returned to live in New Zealand. They are. We’re both lucky that we had another option. Like you, I asked my father, ‘where would you live (if you returned to New Zealand), and that’s where I settled. I’m glad that all is well with you and family. It sounds like it was a good move.
You and your family are such an inspiration! We have felt much the same here in our little reddish corner of NH since 2016 and are finally at the point where we think it’s time to give our children a better future some place else. It’s a daunting task and so much needs to come together, but we’re hoping to emigrate to Canada within the year. Glad to see you all living in such a blissfully beautiful place and writing and painting as beautifully as ever!!
I read it and enjoyed it
Lisa x
Jeanne, I’m so happy I happened upon your blog! Nice to see where you and Joe have landed. I made a major move as well, only to a bluer state not another country, to Massachusetts. Love your observations about ocean-watching, it is my favorite morning ritual. Please give my best to Joe. I look forward to reading your future posts!
Wow Jeanne, what a wonderful piece of writing – you have such a gift. I am so glad that you have come back to the UK, nearer your dad and brother and not too far from the rest of our large family!
Jeanne, it’s wonderful to read your post!! So glad you are all doing well, and can’t wait to read more!
This is an awesome blog, Jeanne. I miss you on FB because we share a similar view of what is happening here in the USA. I am happy that you have found a home in beautiful Scotland.
Thank you Jeanne, we loved reading your thoughtful review and insights. Beautifully written account of surely challenging times of brainstorming and transition.
Looking forward to sharing more when we visit in a few weeks‘ time!!