Back to Scotland for a bit – a story coming I promise – but I just loved walking around the remains of the stunning St Andrews Cathedral last week and wish I’d had time to paint there. So dramatic and sculptural, and moving to read about how the celebrants and congregants would have processed in, what it must have looked like, how freezing cold it was in winter… FYI there is a good piece in Oct 14 NYTimes by Jonathan Merritt about talking about God and spirituality, and how people don’t do it anymore, in part “because they don’t like the way it has been used…and abused by others. But when people stop speaking God because they don’t like what these words have come to mean…those who are causing the problem get to hog the microphone.” Hunh. I mention this because I notice that here on Insta, when I touch even lightly on the spiritual, there is always a warm and affirming response. Beauty, spirituality, and yes God, are all in one and all emanate from the divine. How could they not? Let’s keep talking. .
@jonathan_merritt @randallday @hollyejacobs @eslong @longstewart @christelnani @duvallfuqua @rosestoryfarm @carmeloblandinoart @carolyneroehm
#newyorktimes #standrewscathedral #remains #ruins #cathedral #pillarsoftheearth

The happiest, most soulful and heartfelt service I’ve been to in some time, particularly in this era of weddings as productions. Let us never underestimate the power of ritual and ceremony to move us in ways that can allow us to glimpse the divine, in ourselves and others. Amen. .
#stewartandwilliam #wedding #weddingday #weddingblessing #figureeightisland And what a beautiful #motherofthebride @eslong100

A moody, accidental vignette at the stables at @camboestate in the course of our lovely and lively workshop this past week with @cultivatedbychristin @hedgerow and @simplybyarrangement

For my butterfly friends, asters (?) and butterflies in the gorgeous Cambo gardens. I’ll post a story when I het back stateside. Love Scotland! Thanks for the brilliant workshop @cultivatedbychristin @hedgerow @simplybyarrangement .
@hollyejacobs #frollyetravel #frollye @camboestate #cambogardens #cambohouse #butterflies

An ode to apple picking day at Cambo, our centerpiece for today’s installation was a team effort by @rosestoryfarm @cultivatedbychristin and me. Things got a little testy but no punches were thrown. Flower arranging can be a feisty business. .
#camboestate #cambogardens #cambofarm #flowerworkshop @simplybyarrangement @hedgerow

The clocktower @camboestate as seen across the magnificent #prairiegarden. We are richly privileged to be able to forage from the gardens here thanks to workshop leaders @hedgerow @simplybyarrangement @cultivatedbychristin #iwanttopaintit

Yesterday’s arrangement installed in the house on this amazing Indo-something ivory inlaid desk. Thank you @cultivatedbychristin for the photo and an amazing day with @simplybyarrangement @hedgerow .
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@camboestate #camboestate #flowerworkshop #fallarrangement #centerpiece

First centerpiece… Flower workshop with @cultivatedbychristin and @simplybyarrangement at @camboestate in Scotland, near St Andrews. Raining, wind howling, love it all. So much talent in our class, and about half are professionals. V inspiring to watch them.

A fellow student’s bouquet. By Joanne of the wonderful mother-daughter duo of @narboroughflowers in England.

My first bouquet… with plants firaged mostly from the North American prairie garden – and a rose amd hydrangea or two. Day 1 of the workshop with the fabulous @simplybyarrangement and @cultivatedbychristin @camboestate and my buddy @rosestoryfarm

View from Edinburgh Castle, with the Balmoral Hotel (where we stayed) and its clocktower in the foreground and Calton Hill with Admiral Nelson’s monument in the background. Because the Balmoral is just by the train station, the clock is set 3 minutes fast so people won’t miss their train. Although Im sure I could manage it. The Nelson monument is in the shape of his telescope. .
#edinburgh #balmoralhotel #caltonhill

Terribly tweedy on a blustery day at Edinburgh Castle, because we could not leave Edinburgh without seeing it. The views alone are worth it. Re the hat: I did not used to like these hats, but this one possibly saved my life. Warm and does not blow off, but makes my face look fat(ter). #newbestfriend Photo by @rosestoryfarm