The battle of the buildings....

I've recently become a tourist in my own town, which kinda fits since every time I open my mouth and talk, the other person thinks I am a tourist.  So, if the shoe fits....... wear it out and visit all the places you can!

Holmwood House - the chimneys are flowerpot in design.  Now that is creative!

I have come to know two different Glaswegian architect/designers.  On one side we have Charles Rennie Mackintosh and on the other is Alexander 'Greek' Thomson.  

Charles has been in the lead for me this past year, since I was blind to the fact that Thomson existed, but now he is becoming a formidable opponent and has many designed buildings all throughout Glasgow.  

This is the Holmwood House, built for the wealthy paper magnate Couper in 1857.  Thomson has a penchant for Grecian style and bold opulent colours.  So far, he's completely speaking my language.    

This one is for you J!

And yes, the carpet was this shade of pepto bismol pink!  

I am a sucker for these tile floors.  

Loving every bit of this uniqueness!

No clue what time it is!

This was my favorite room of all!  Perfect for game nights and a view of the gardens.  

I really loved this house, it was grand, yet still homey.  The setting was near a river and very peaceful.  8/10.  Well done Alex!

Next up is the Hill House designed by his rival Mackintosh, inside and out.  

But the crazy thing is, this is how it is presented now!!!  

So you run around on this habit-trail thingy, and see it ensconced in a box.  They say that two roofs are better than one?!?

It seems that cement was used on the outside, for durability and a unique look.  And while this is Scotland, they thought the rain wouldn't get in.  It was a devastating mistake that proved fatal for longterm sustainability.  The house is crumbling under the elements.  (can you even imagine what the Michigan winters would do to it?!?!)  

So now, this is the magnificent view from inside.  

So once you realize this is a necessity, you can get past it in the name of preservation.  Because this 'house' is SPECTACULAR!~

This is the master suite complete with a coved ceiling on one side and a flat ceiling nearer the wardrobes.

This is the famous Mackintosh rose, seen all over the city.

He had me at purple and pink!

The light fixtures are stunning.

The detail goes from lights fixtures, to wall paper, to ceilings and rugs.

I often compare Mackintosh to Frank Lloyd Wright.  They are designing around the same time (born 1868 and 1867 respectively), and their styles are weirdly similar.  I like CRM better because he worked hand in hand with his artist wife Margaret Macdonald.  I think it makes the designs a wee bit more feminine and softer to live with than FLW, IMHO.  FLW only cheated on his wives, so there's that.....

This clock is famous for its quirky design of reading right to left at the bottom.  Get it?

9, 8, 7

So you read it clockwise, or as the hands rotate.  

BRILLIANT!

I don't know which house you liked better.  They both are amazing in their own rights.  Charlie edges out for the win in my mind, as the house was a true masterpiece and the owners seemed to absolutely love it.  You could really move right in (other than the box that encases it and the hoards of tourists stopping by all the time).  

But what clinches the deal for me is the quote from Mackintosh above.  If you can't read it, I will outline my favourite part,

"Margaret (his wife) has genius, I have only talent."

You win Chuck!  You had me at genius!  Let me find what other little nuggets you left behind in our wee bonnie country.

Thanks for taking the tour.  Please come again soon and be sure to leave us a review on tripadvisor.

💙

your

wee

guide

Keltic Kitty

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

the Dora the Explorer of the 

Scottish countryside

It's true....

I really think that I have the best friends.  And I'm willing to fight you if you disagree.  

Everyday, since Dublin, I have an automatic email I receive.  I set it up for myself to ensure that I am focused on the right things.  I have to (get to) tell myself three things of where I am of 'value to others' or to myself, and then I focus on all of the 'areas I have of abundance.'  It only takes 5 minutes, but it does change my view for the day.   It stops me from focusing on all the minor little niggling issues, that I seem to make bigger than they should be.  And it helps me to see how very fortunate I really am.  

I do try to come up with different things each day and to bask in them, as I believe that you get what you focus on, and today, as I was answering a text with one of my besties, I thought.,.,.,.

I HAVE THE BEST FRIENDS!

Holy shit!  I seriously do have the best friends.  And I'm joking you about fighting you as I really want you to have the best friends too!  

It makes all of the difference in the world.  I mean ALLLLLLLL of the difference.  They are the ones that are super fun to hang out with, yet are there when I can't lift my head off of my chest with tears rolling down my face.  They are the ones who really know me, and I don't have to explain anything, and what I just can't figure out, is why they STILL like me?!?!?

I mean, I think I would have run long ago.  And to be fair, some have.  And I wish them no ill will.  There are days that I would run if I could too.......

But as I sit here today and focus on my areas of abundance, I really can't help thinking...

I HAVE THE BEST FRIENDS!  

I mean I have my health, I can walk, talk, hear, run, eat good food, help others, volunteer my time, feel the sun on my face, sleep in a safe and warm home, I get to pet my cats, stimulate the economy at TK/J
Maxx, ,,,,,,,,I have so much to be grateful for...

But in case you missed it, 

I do have the best friends a girl could ever ask for.  And for that, I feel abundant beyond measure.  

the ever humble and grateful

Keltic Kitty

 

A love affair.....

What are your plans for 2023????

For me, I'm determined to stay in a great, fun and positive space this year.  Stacy and Deepak Chopra (my 2 besties) are helping me really hone and refine my intentions.  I have to tell y'all, it has made a huge difference.  And with these past years, I feel like I am coming out of a very VERY dark cloud.  

But January 2023 has started off with a bang and has been loads of fun.  I'm treating it like a job, and so far, it is the best job I've ever had (though Tastee Freez from age 11-16, is a close contender). 🍦

Since focus goes where energy flows, I decided to spend some time looking for what makes me happy and it just makes the days so very joyous.  So let me take you on a journey, not exhaustive, of what I like in Scotland! 

First and foremost, it is the awesome group of friends I am honoured to be with frequently.  

These are our monthly game nights, except for Aine and Effie that are hiding from the camera!!!  Maybe they are embarrassed to be seen with us?  

Though here is Aine and I at a fabulous 5+ course meal at one of the best restaurants in the West End.  

(yes, I got permission for this to be published).  

The architecture here is simply stunning and all you have to do is remember to look up!

There are mini-Coopers on every corner!

I think it just has to be my next car!

The moss on trees is magical!  I think there are fairies hanging out close by!

tostadas & vegan chili

COOKING!  (who are you and what have you done with Kitty??)

It may be Guinness that welcomes you home in Dublin, but its scotch in Glasgow.

The Highland Cows!  Or Heeland Coos as they say...

My Open Gates Family

Truly a godsend!!!

Being a hop, skip and a jump from Dublin.

Did I say the architecture?

The Guisers on Halloween

The shows with my Scotland Squad that Oma gets to join when visiting!

(now you can see Effie. far left. She's a beautiful soul inside and out!)

no i do not have permission to publish this one 😆

Visitors!

The landscape - it is beyond stunning!

Seriously - I walk by this at least twice a week and I am always smitten! 

EVERY. SINGLE. TIME!

These never disappoint!

 And lo and behold, I'm looking for the pot of gold!

Which I feel like I have found....

landscapes and more landscapes!

The ever flowing waterfalls!

The unending castles.

The ancient standing stones that are older than Stonehenge.

The days of yore.. . those thatched roofs!

The seaside!

I'm not kidding, they are every where you look...

The Scottish thistles as big as your head!

The gothic churches too big to capture on film!

The Celtic Connection concerts at the Mackintosh Church.  Pure heaven!

And to keep the momentum going, I'm listening to this gem of a book.  Sooooo good!  I truly wish I had met Desmond Tutu, but I'll settle for the Lama himself!

Keltic Kitty kreating good kharma!

What are you in love with???????