November has been a month of reflection, reconnecting and new experiences. As I sit today in a howling gale I reflect on our Life journey. Life is about the journey, not the destinations. A gentle reminder that each day of life is but another beautiful step along the way. There has been bumps, cracks and obstacles along the way, yet also, moments of extraordinary joy, learning and beauty. The route has taken unexpected turns onto new paths which will be life-changing in their possibilities for growth, development, renewal and, sometimes, redirection. As Helen Keller said, “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.” written by Mike Reuter
Living within a new community has given me the reconnection I craved, new friends, new experiences and a social life like non that has gone before! What with birthday parties, dinner events, road opening ceremonies and a viking bonfire night, life is most certainly full on. I even got to practice letting off flares whilst the Guy blazed across the water. As an introvert this could be classed as exhausting but the community is small and I feel at home. Much of my week is sat behind the computer beavering away on my own so I get plenty of time during the week to reflect, collect my thoughts and top up the energy levels, so all is good and in balance.
BIRTHDAYS & CHOCOLATE
Gills birthday party was at Kerrera Marina in the Waypoint Bar and Restaurant. This time it was Gills time to sit down and let her friends take care of her. The girls rallied round as chief bottle washers and apprentice waitresses but Ollie stole the show as top waiter. The evening was hosted by friends of Tim and Gills, guest chef and his wife, Ian and Nicola Mabon. The home grown food was absolutely delicious and all supplied from Tim and Gills Farm.
Ian also gave us a peak into his new business venture which he created during lockdown in his home kitchen.
Cocoamania - Ian's creation and wow these chocolates are delicious, said by the girl who rarely eats chocolate! I can see these been in many a Christmas stocking this year. Check his shop for your chocoholic treats. CocoaMania | Facebook
VIKING VOLLUM BONFIRE
The bonfire night was the best yet! A floating bonfire in the bay with a fire pit outside the Waypoint bar to keep us all cozy and warm. Children toasted marshmallows, drew circles with sparklers and ate hot dogs. The adults sipped mulled wine, tipples of spiced rum whilst enjoying pulled pork and traditional Scottish Stovie made by David from the neighbouring Ardentrive Farm. Ardentrive Farm - Home.
Together we all gazed over the water to view the spectacular Oban firework display, such a special night. I just wish our grandchildren were here to join in the fun and our children, Reece, Bry and Victoria could mingle in this environment along side us. They too would surely find this creative family vibe at Kerrera Marina addictive. Home - Kerrera Marina
NEW EXPERIENCE
Hill farming and sheep gathering is a completely new experience for me and so when Gill the shepherdess of Balliemore Farm invited me along I jumped at the chance. Isle of Kerrera is home to a flock of Tex, Llyn and Scottish Black Face sheep. Balliemore farm | Facebook Every winter Gill must gather these notoriously hardy sheep and bring them down to the farm for some TLC and flock management. Perched on the quad bike we set about this rugged land with 2 trusted collie dogs, Meg and Ginny. I sat or should i say bounced along in total orr of Gills fearlessness as she navigated the foggy peaks and crags with her trusted and skilled team. As the fog lifted to expose the breathtaking landscape, I watched small pockets of sheep merge into one big group and calmly move towards the farm.
The sound of the sheep bleating, the rhythm of Gills voice and her call of the wild echoing down the hillside will stay with me forever. As will the captivating sight of Meg weaving her way along vertical steep hillside for hours on end, not once did she give up. Here she patiently rests as Gill checks the bullocks on the tops of Kerrera. Just another job whilst touring the island gathering sheep.
Wet through to our knickers and with a pair of boots that will never be the same, the girls returned to the farm triumphant! Wet knickers ??? It was raining cats and dogs and blowing a gale !!! Five hundred sheep must now be wormed, checked over, identified as keep or sell and finally separated into individual flocks by the use of a race and gate. Great co-ordination required here, I am better at arm flapping and the 5 bar gate style of counting than operating the race gate. I opted to leave that to Gill. Four days of gathering and sorting and we were done!!!. The rams were let free to do their stuff and the ladies let loose to roam again. If I say so myself, exciting times are ahead, lets hope 1010 and Nutter father great lambs. Next experience should be lambing time, just another chapter of a shepherd’s life. I can't wait.
Refueled by these November events, I turn my attention to my day job. I love my job as a Leadership Coach and Mentor and I am very lucky to have some fantastic clients to whom I often talk to about the joys and tribulations of Life's Journey. Recently I shared with them a piece from the 'Three Minute Leadership Column' and so I close this post by sharing it with you too. I hope it inspires you to dare greatly and live the life you want.
Until the next time, take care xxx
May you leave no path untaken. Take the roads less traveled and make your own. Live your life’s journey to its fullest enjoying each day’s gifts and joys, as you remember the words of an unknown author, “The best view comes after the hardest climb.”
May you make your journey an extraordinary exploration of life’s opportunities and its undiscovered possibilities and riches that your feet may bless the ground and leave your footprints that others may follow. Each morning, may you quietly say, “The rest of my life will be the best of my life… my best is yet to come.” Choose to make your life a daring adventure.
Three Minute Leadership
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