Alba: Scotland

                                          Acrylic Abstract on a 15 x 10 cm canvas.  I'm an amateur artist - who admits to being an amateur in other areas also - such as my very slowly improving typing (abilities?). Anyway,  my actual hand-writing has taken all my writing days to become acceptable. I've always been too quick to write something down... and naturally, the style looks rushed (to be as polite!). Furthermore, much of my writing experience has been during working experiences - of course, different lines of employment have different styles of and/or abbreviations - lazy shortcuts! Prior to writing this particular article, I'd been reading some interesting advice regarding posting your artwork online. While I comfortably admit my amateur-artist status, I must say that I am happy with my painting procedures and practice! I'm always conscious of the verity of certain classical sayings, like 'we live and learn'. While not entirely Zen-like - it speaks

Alginate's Workmates The day that I learned from our dear friend, Hugh Campbell, of his terminal illness, was one that came as an absolute surprise! Most people have some understanding that we do not have an eternal lifetime, and we shed this 'mortal-coil' when one 'passes away'. Hugh, Hughie as we preferred to call him, had a peculiar attitude to life and all that it may mean to us! Anyway, I was honoured that he felt he could confide this “serious information” with me - I reacted as rationally as I could, of course. Hughie had worked with the 'Alginate Industries  Factory' for very much longer than myself and many of our fellow workmates. After starting there, and getting used to their shift-work system, I gradually got to know the wide range of individuals employed there... an incredible range of skills and interests. A fascinating place of work. Hughie worked beside our mutual friend, John, 'Ginger' Beaton, and they were both ranked as

                                                                 Kayak Marathon     After parking, we carried our Kayaks to the shore. In little time, we both had all our items loaded and hatch covers in place.  After a few exchanged words, we were paddling on the peaceful and tranquil Loch Awe. Scott's vessel leads the way initially. His Kayak is a deep blue, while mine is a light blue with a 'marbled' lighter blue effect... a 'luck-of-the-draw' situation, rather than choice. The forward position alternated, as the voyage progressed. We paddled in our customary relaxed and focused manner... in silence', bar the paddling sounds.     Without having spent much time in any detailed planning, we were content to paddle freely, knowing we'd recognise where and when to land, eat, and so forth. We were enjoying pastimes that suited both paddlers and our countryside, as many of our people may – without mentioning that we were enjoying father/son companionshi

"Shin Thu!" 'Hi/hello there!' - when spoken in another tongue... Scottish Gaelic  Here is our commencement page of Alba's Images (Scotland's Images), and will serve as a preliminary section before this blog gets further established... which will, of course,  be a steadily gradual procedure. Bearing in mind that Ewen Morrison (myself) originally instigated this blog, a few words about me may be useful at the outset of the 'blog'? I've  enjoyed surfing the internet for many years before my retirement, in February 2010. I  had been a DSA ADI (Driving Standards Agency Approved Driving Instructor), or 'ADI' as we called each other.    That period of employment was of far greater value than you may think, the profession itself was wonderful, of course, yet the actual interactions between my clients/pupils was invaluable... and for ones that don't count value in monetary terms, this requires little further explanation! I comfort

Classic Motorcycle This machine had just left from its parking place... my lens followed - which is natural enough if you're interested in classically designed motorcycles. The other photograph was the first shot, which immediately drew me into this encounter! I live in Dunbeg, by Oban in Argyll,  Scotland. We are blessed to live in what many motorcyclists refer to as 'Bikers Heaven'. ~ I hope that this is enough to say? ~ (for they who don't understand, I'm sorry for you ;) The last few words suggest a few more sentences... I'm a fortunate motorcycling enthusiast - if that's incomprehensible, you are reading the wrong article!  I've loved motoring in every style since youth. The number of wheels needn't  be counted - which, thankfully, excludes unicycles (without motors, of course!). The earliest ever motorcycle which drew my attention belonged to an uncle of mine. I was a small child at the time, so the make or model wou