Normally when I’m at home, I go to bed around 8 or 9 pm during the winter months and I’m up between 4-5 am. I guess you could say I’m an early riser.
But since coming to Fair Isle I’ve been going to bed around midnight or one o’clock in the morning and getting up between 8-9 am. Which in a way seems a little strange, but then again, I don’t have little kids, or a flock of sheep to tend to and the sun isn’t up until about 8:30 anyway… So why bother trying to go to bed/wake up any earlier, right?
Anyway, yesterday I got up around 8:30. I emptied out last night’s ashes from the stove, started a fire, did a little writing, checked emails and suited up {in tons of layers} to head out on a walk.
I stopped by the store for a few things and then walked the long way home so I could stop by the Chapel to take a few photos.
I came in, had lunch and then called the HH. While I was talking to him, John, my 87 year old neighbor {who knew I was waiting for a package, and had asked me yesterday if I’d like to go up with him to meet the ferry {mail boat} when it came in} pulled into the field to pick me up… And so off we went to meet the mail boat/ferry.
I’ll share more of those pictures soon as there are so many of them. After we were done at the ferry {my package was not on the boat} we headed back through the village.
Although nothing was mentioned, I figured we were done and that he’d drop me back off at Lower Leogh, so I was a little surprised when he pulled into the driveway at the shop {grocery} and got out of the car.
He got out, so I got out and he motioned for me to walk around the side of the shop where I noticed the delivery van parked near the side of the building and a few people gathered around unloading the van.
John told me where to stand and before you know it we had a human chain assembled for off loading the van of all the foodstuffs that had come off the boat.
Once that was done, we got back into the car and headed down the hill and I again thought he was going to drop me off at Lower Leogh. But while on the drive down to Lower Leogh he asked if I wanted to come over for a coffee.
I started to explain to him that I don’t drink coffee and he said… It’s rather an invitation {to visit} and so I said yes.
As we got out of the car {at his place} he mentioned he just had to do two things before we went inside {which ended up being feeding the ram and the garden sheep}.
After that, we went inside. And he made me tea.
And by tea I mean he set out a small pot of milk, sugar, 4 biscuits {cookies} and a pot of tea on a tray and set it on the side table next to me. It was the sweetest thing ever.
We sat and talked in his living room for a bit and then he asked me if I’d like an art tour.
HOW COULD I SAY NO!?
So first, he tells me about the pillows his wife had made and then the artwork on the walls in his living room.
We then headed out to the conservatory and then to the kitchen… up the stairs, the upper hall and just when I think we’re done he invites me into his art studio to show me the artwork in there.
I’m not a big talker, and if you’ve ever been to Scotland then you know most people have a heavy accent {but they probably think we do too}… so on one hand this whole exchange was a little hard for me, but on the other hand I kept thinking… What’s behind door number 3? What are we going to do next?
Well, we melted wax. John worked on his piece and I worked on mine and when we were done he put a mat around mine and slid it into a protective sleeve so I could take it home.
At this point I had been gone for 3 hours {the ferry, unloading at the shop, tea and art}. Shortly after that, we headed back downstairs and he said he’d drive me home.
But not because he didn’t think I couldn’t get there on my own {I’m just one house over} but because he wanted to park his car in the garage and since he had to move the car anyway….
So we head out the door only to see the mail carrier coming down the road… and then into John’s driveway.
As she’s getting his packages out of the car {John, at 87 is an Amazon shopper by the way} he asks her if she has a package for me {the package that I shipped on December 16th from Maine, that then got held up in customs {which I paid over a week ago} and is filled with all my supplies}.
She said they arrived and that they’ve already been delivered to the Lower Leogh.
OH HAPPY DAY!
So to make a long story short… It’s been a FANTASTIC day here on Fair Isle. Absolutely fantastic!
Also, I think it’s pretty funny that the watercolor set I ordered from Amazon UK got here in 3 days and it took my package nearly a month! Crazy.
~Mavis
*Lower Leogh is the name of the place where I am staying. There are no house numbers here. Instead all of the homes/cottages/crofts have a name. How cool is that?
Rosemary Calhoun says
Yay! So happy your package finally arrived!
Kim says
I’m delighted for you that your package arrived! Now, you can REALLY get busy.
Your neighbor is a great new friend.
Lynne says
I am so happy for you that your package finally arrived! Now you can settle in for the trip you had planned. I’m hoping that, in addition to adding some special colors to your wool stash, some images of sheep, maybe a bird or two, those beautiful houses and a moss-covered stone wall find their way into your rugs (or ornaments, or whatever art follows next).
It’s interesting that your sleep patterns have shifted so but as long as you are sleeping, you’re good. Is the light on Fair Isle (aside from shorter days) much different from your home in Maine?
I traveled with a child to Scotland many years ago, and in the week we were there, he never got the accents at all. I’d be chatting with someone (in English) and he’d turn to me after they spoke, and I’d have to repeat what they’d said so he could understand it. Most people were good-humored about it, although I was embarrassed.
Thank you so much for sharing this grand adventure with us!
Erin says
Best day!
Tammy says
What a lovely day! And you got your package!! I am loving following along on your adventure!
Tracey says
BEST HOLIDAY EVER! I dream of days like this…
Mrs. C. says
Me, too. This is the perfect vacation in my book.
Kathy says
When are you coming home?! BTW, the Scottish are wonderful people!
Kathy Wolfe says
What a great day! Looking forward to your next post.
Anne in VA says
I think we need a tutorial on the wax art work. That is wonderful!
Diane says
Yes, I agree!
Jennifer says
Melting wax? Sounds like a new challenge for you!! Your first try was beautiful!!
Christie says
What a wonderful neighbor! How great would it be if every town functioned like that?
Lynn from NC Outer Banks says
Mavis, what a lovely day! I’m glad your supplies finally arrived, though the lack of supplies didn’t seem to hamper you. The wool colors were spot on for your surroundings and so pretty. Your creativity is amazing!
I know what you mean about the Scottish accent. While working, I had a client who was Scottish. I had to totally concentrate and watch her mouth to understand what she was saying. But I always loved listening to her talk.
Now that you have all the supplies you need, I can’t wait to see what you do next! Enjoy.
Tina K. says
Good on you to stay open to the universe. The best adventures happen that way.
Katie says
That’s what I thought too. Saying “yes” repeatedly leads to such great adventures.
Tracey says
How fun! What a great memory to make there.
Theresa says
What a wonderful day! Living vicariously through you!
J in OH-IO says
Oh, Happy Day, indeed! Rejoicing for you and your wonderful full day of activities! How splendid and what a thoughtful and sweet neighbor! Enjoy every moment! I am practically pinching myself with delight for you and can’t wait to read about each new day (even more than normal) which is saying a lot! Love your blog!!!
Lori SA says
Ditto! I couldn’t have said it better! I felt quite emotional that your things have come and that you are having such a lovely visit.
laura says
perhaps john would come to lower leogh for tea and crafts?! he sounds charming!!
Lissa in Idaho says
Connection. In many ways I feel like human connection is one of the most important aspects of living joyfully. Even for introverts. What a delightful story! Thank you for sharing it.
maile says
Agreed. That was my take away also. What a gift to be included.
Wendy C says
I am loving these posts Mavis. So happy for you!
Jeanine says
What a great day! You’re art painting will be a wonderful reminder of your trip. Now, you will be getting busy and hooking new projects with new inspiration. Can’t wait for your next posts…this is such a great adventure for you and all of us. Thank you for sharing it with your followers.
Kathy Brown says
Best day EVER! You are making memories to last a lifetime. I know John treasured your visit and art time together!
Patti Vanderbloemen says
Your neighbor sounds like an incredibly wonderful human being…what a memory to bring home with you! And, I am so happy your supplies arrived!
Stacie says
You have the most fantastic neighbor! I’m just so fascinated by Fair Isle and I’m in awe of the close knit community.
Christina says
I KNEW John seemed like a wonderful soul. Lol Now he’s gone and proven it!
And you pitching in to help unload new supplies just made my heart happy. I could totally picture it…
Like others, I love the look of your wax art. Enjoy every moment, Mavis!
Lindsey says
Thank you for the sheep picture.
What I loved about the Scottish accent was that it had not been homogenized like so many dialects all over the world have been. (Like U.S. Southern accents used to be much more distinctive.) I don’t know if it is the impact of Tv or what, but I miss the differences. And if you think Scottish accents are hard to follow sometimes, stop by Glasgow!
janie says
Wow, what memories you are making. John sounds like a special soul. Thanks so much for sharing this trip.!
Enjoy and can’t wait for next post. Janie
Andrea says
I’m loving this adventure! I wouldn’t want to come home – I’d get a P/T job at the store, visit with John and accompany him on adventures, read, do crafts and pet the sheep! What more do you want out of life?
Jim D. says
Tell Me! I was thinking the same thing, what an awesome trip :).
PSUCHIC06 says
The story of ypurnday, made mine! What a.lovely gentleman!
Now how are you going to come back to the states?
I think you and HH need a vacation home in this little town !
Jim D. says
AWESOME STORY / DAY :)!
Katherine says
Your post made my heart smile! What a lovely day!
Jules says
Are all the neighbors so friendly? I would like to imagine so. What a fun day
Gail Nowakowsky says
Oh happy day! Your parcel has arrived! I was so afraid that you would have to leave before it got there and then you’d have the problem of trying to get it back home!
Gail
Sue S. says
Small island — generous people. What a day you’ve had. Thanks so much for sharing and please tell John he made lots of us smile. The amazon thing is hilarious. Maybe he’d let you take a selfie and share that with us!
Trace says
What a fantastic day! And a super cool new friend.
Woolie Blessings
Virginia says
Somehow I think you spending the day with John was even more meaningful to him. What a wonderful story, and I hope you find a special place in your Maine home for that lovely piece of art.
Kippy says
What a wonderful day! I love that John invited you to tag along and then you had tea and art studio time. Wonder if you will come home with a bit of a Scots accent.
Holley says
Absolutely AMAZING day/week!!! I’m glad you allowed yourself to go with the flow! What an adventure!
Annette says
How do you plan to break the news to John, that you have to return to HH? Or maybe not??
Ca says
Maybe it’s just me or does anyone else notice that in the wax art the first white image on the left looks like a sheep with its neck extended and the second looks like a baby lamb?
Vicki in Birmingham says
I am sure every one reading this post is adoring Mr. John. I know I am. He sounds absolutely delightful.
Carol says
I am enjoying your trip.
Have you made plans to join the human chain on delivery days?
I would love to see some of Johns art work if that is possible.
I agree this trip has offered my ideals for your rugs. And lastly i wish to say your dear supportive HH is too to be admired for his caring for Lucy and keeping the home fires burning. He’s your biggest fan!!
Sylvie says
What a wonderful trip, Mavis! I might never have thought of going to Fair Isles, but it’s decided: I will go one day, and I’m putting it on my bucket list right away. Maybe I’ll meet John…
If all goes well, I’m flying to Reunion island with my family next spring. But I’m starting to think I got the wrong destination.
Stacy says
Sounds like a perfectly lovely day and I’m sure that your neighbor thoroughly enjoyed having your company. He will talk about ‘that American lady’ for years to come.
Mary says
I am loving your updates on this “retreat”. This is truly a place for Peace & Reflection. Thank you again for your posts.
Ellen says
Mavis, can I just say how much I am enjoying this! Your neighbor too- how very sweet! What a great trip you are having. I am off to Scotland in March- not to Fair Isle but traveling around a bit to see what my family is up to. If you ever come across the name Skea ( like Skea organics) – that, in theory , is a relative. My grandparents were from Arbroth- my daughter has lived in Edinburgh for several years and we are so excited to see what there is to see in the little time we have.
I never knew what my grandmother was talking about as a child because she had such a thick accent! I had a long conversation ( or listen) to one of my daughters friends, who is Scottish, and I had no idea what he was saying either! I’m getting better at it now though. I can’t wait to read your next post.