Balance

For a dancer, you would think I have good balance. Wrong. I have to work at it. I often find myself way off centre; only to be remedied by re-focusing on my core. My core values, that is. Life balance. Sure enough, I have recently let myself get lost in work with no energy left over to maintain a life outside of work. Difference from my younger days is that now I know to keep close attention and take corrective action often. A few planks. Some crunches. Little adjustments to strengthen my core, regain my balance, and give me the energy to enjoy my life.

A few weeks ago I attended the 2013 Scottish Nature Photography Festival. Even though the gap between their work and mine is Grand Canyon worthy, the day was incredibly inspirational. I came away with ideas, resources, and the desire to achieve just a little of what those photographers have done. Oh, and it was just plain fun. Fun people. Brilliant photos. Amazing captures of wildlife and natural beauty. Great to hear about positive change in conservation. Felt like I drank a V-8 (do you remember those commercials?).

Then something much better...my parents arrived at Glasgow airport. Their love and support is incredible. A reminder of what is important to me. It has been wonderful to spend time with them and do a wee bit of traveling together. After a whirlwind tour of Glasgow, we headed up to Oban for a few days to enjoy the coast and to take a quick trip to a few of the western isles.

A day trip to Kilmartin Glen to see standing stones, ring and cup saucer rock carvings, and cairns....

Mull and Iona are beautiful. I have a hard time getting my head around what it would have been like in 563 when the Iona Abbey was established and its existence over all the years to current day.

View from the B&B in Oban....

My prior visit to Mull and Iona was on the week that Princess Diana died. I remember coming into breakfast at the B&B and the owner was crying. At the Iona Abbey, visitors were lighting candles for her. No matter how one felt about the Royal Family and Princess Diana, it was a shock.

I am back at work for now but will rejoin them again on the weekend. I have returned to the long work hours for now. But I have regained my balance. Now to try to get to the gym to work on those ab muscles.