Wednesday, March 9, 2016

so this happened


Caithness, Scotland

Late January or early February, my friend Paul Tarlow who owns Helios, a glass studio and Bullseye Glass resource center in Austin, posted on FB about a 9 day residency he and artist Jane Bruce are doing in North Lands Creative Glass in Scotland next year. This is a place that I have been wanting to go to for some time but financially, it hadn't been possible...til now. Or rather since we cashed out our property in the now stupidly valuable inner city neighborhood where we lived and worked for 40 years. So I signed up.

Then 9 days ago, I got an email from Jane. She was inviting me to participate in her 4th International Artist Symposium and Retreat on the recommendation of my friend Natali (who may or may not be able to participate), 9 days and basically the same dates only this year. No way I could afford both so I had a decision to make and I chose to go this year, not that I think Paul's residency won't be wonderful, which it will be, but I thought the one this year would be more interesting with the international aspect of it (and maybe getting to hang out with Natali) and I knew Paul had a waiting list so it wouldn't be difficult for him to fill my spot.

It's been a little nerve wracking. The fee for the symposium, the air fare, the lodging, and meals sans dinners is going to cost about $4000. I hate spending money, well large sums of money. And I rarely never spend large sums of money without thinking about it hard and long over a long period of time, a habit born of being a working artist living hand to mouth for most of my life, and this, basically, had to be a snap decision for me.

So for the past week of days, I have been busy getting my deposit transferred over from one to the other, making flight reservations (3 flights to get there, three to get back), and getting my passport renewed which doesn't actually expire til August but it needed doing anyway.

my passport photo from 10 years ago

my new passport picture (however, by the time I leave, I'll be sporting my summer hair cut)...I could have looked a little happier I guess.

I still need to secure my lodging while there but I'm working on that, waiting to hear back from a bed and breakfast there.

North Lands Creative Glass is about as far north in Scotland as you can get and even in summer it's wet, windy, and cold. I'll be packing all my winter clothes I guess plus my wind pants and dry shirt from my river guide days. Now that I've made the decision to go I'm trying not to dwell on the cost and I am looking forward to it.

I've never been overseas before.




15 comments:

  1. You're gonna love it, but DO NOT try a deep fried Snickers bar. In fact, DO NOT try a deep fried anything there. But do have the salmon. And the trout. And the mutton.

    ReplyDelete
  2. What an exciting adventure for you. I've never been to Scotland so I'll be following your adventure with interest. Travel safe.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Well, according to my brother's DNA test, you'll be visiting the Land of my People. Haha!
    No, really and seriously, Ellen- this looks fabulous and I am SO GLAD you chose to go. What a fantastic opportunity. I am thrilled for you.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oh Ellen, what fun. Once in a lifetime trips - throw caution to the wind and enjoy yourself. The experience and memories are priceless. Less than a Chanel bag;) Can't wait to hear all about it.

    ReplyDelete

  5. What a fun trip> We will have to keep your daughter in law in mind for wool and get contact info.16 sheep with a product that keeps us warm.They are good lawnmowers also. LOL

    ReplyDelete
  6. This is a perfect first-time-abroad destination. I also want to go to Scotland some day, so I'll really look forward to hearing about your experience. Some years ago I met up with John in Ireland (where he had a conference so his expenses were paid). We had a great time. His then-86-year-old dad joined us. The UK is a great place to visit.

    ReplyDelete
  7. SO exciting! And considering the distance and length of time, the cost isn't that bad. I imagine you'll be hanging with lots of your people (artists), and you get to experience an entirely different world. Fabulous.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I'm so happy for you & so jealous too. I would love, love, love to go to Scotland. How does that work? Only by invitation? Details please, if you're able.
    Have a wonderful time & so well deserved. Anticipating the details.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I looooove Scotland. Never been, of course but it sounds like such a beautiful place, except for the wind. Have fun,fun,fun!!

    I'm not sure whether you look like you are in a lineup or the life of the party. Looks like there's a laugh trying to bust out !

    ReplyDelete
  10. I love that top photo! Sounds like an exciting experience. I've only been as far north as Edinburgh, and that was in June -- but it was definitely jacket weather. I can only imagine what it's like even FARTHER north.

    Don't they say not to smile in passport photos these days? I've looked pretty dour in all my recent shots, too, and as I recall, that's why.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Oh fun! I've always wanted to go to Scotland. I think you look about the same in the two photos. Damn you. :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. For once hang the cost and enjoy your overseas trip. Scotland is a fantastic place, a million midges can’t be wrong. I hope you love every minute of your stay.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Life is short and the biggest mistake we all make is to deny ourselves of a dream. If we don't do it now, when..... Enjor yourself and have a great adventure.

    ReplyDelete
  14. What a great opportunity for you. It sounds absolutely fabulous. I follow a couple of bloggers from Glasgow, and their travels around the country have provided some mighty tempting photos. It seems to be a beautiful country -- and what a wonderful reason to go!

    ReplyDelete
  15. This delights me no end! I am so happy that you are taking this trip and wish I was going with you;) You will see and do and soak up and have such a great time. And I want to hear all about it~

    ReplyDelete

I opened my big mouth, now it's your turn.