Belle, for me, is the most special Scottish person I know. simplSimply, the best. We immediately were friends when I met her at the townhall when we stayed with Roger and Jane. I was so happy to see her those weekends.
Belle describes herself as an old hippy with Quaker philosophies. Her bright clothing designed with birds, swirls, and flowers typically matched her blue eyes and tall frame. She works at an assisted living home with the mentally challenged and said that you needed patience, kindness, and creativity for the job, to be light on your feet when you work with them, much like children. She had all of that, even though she has no kids of her own. She's a kind person but do not mistake her for a doormat. Belle stands up for what she thinks is right and will lash a fiery debate. She might be a pacifist but that doesn't mean she can't fight with words. Man, I love my hippy.
We bonded at the townhall through funny Scott words like glaekit and over the LGBT community. Belle said that she hated weddings. She changed her mind when she had an absolute blast at her friends' gay civil union celebrations. We joined the ranks of one of many gay couples she knew. We claimed the title of "the babies".
On that awful Wednesday when Miguel was ill and she helped, Belle invited us to her home for "tea, lunch, and stuff" once Miguel was better AND before we left West Linton. Here is an original text from her:
" Very happy to hear that the invalid is mending and yes, it would be lovely to see you both on Sunday. Why don't you come and have lunch with us - nothing too elaborate, just soup and bread and stuff?
Paul will be working in the morning but should be home to join us for lunch.
How would it be if I come up and collect you around 11 and you can have coffee and meet my idiot dogs, then we can have lunch together when P gets home?
You can tell me if that suits you - if so, I'll see you both then. If there's any problem with that arrangement, just let me know and we can have a re-think.
Looking forward to seeing you on Sunday.
Love,
B "
Isn't she not wonderful and funny? Yep. She's my favorite Scott.
We were picked up via her white smart car and drove a little down the road to her hand built home in the middle of a field. Her two jack russel terriers met us at the door. The male was deaf and the female was just as energetic and friendly as he was. We also met her 18 year-old cat Fuschia. And, yes, it's a boy.
Belle's home took me back to colorful California. Tall ceilings, plenty of windows (in the ceiling, too) filling the rooms with light, plants on the rafters, an organized kitchen, wood burning stove keeping the house warm, plenty of wide hallways, and VAST AMOUNTS OF ARTWORK. Her home was beautifully decorated with bright colors, birds and bats hanging from the ceiling, gargoyles dotting landscapes and sills, metal sculptures from her friends, ceramics, photographs, and books that outnumbered her artwork. I fell in love with her home. And she built it herself with Paul! I applaude both of them.
Paul arrived from his work at the addictions clinic. P is a tall man, taller than me, and healthy for being in his 60's. Handsome, too. He's just as great as Belle.
Our lunch was filled with conversation about ourselves, family, the world, animals, education, what if's, travel, jobs, and anything we could think of to talk about! We stayed for 5 hours. We had such a lovely visit and I would go back! I will be keeping in contact with her for a long time.
Belle describes herself as an old hippy with Quaker philosophies. Her bright clothing designed with birds, swirls, and flowers typically matched her blue eyes and tall frame. She works at an assisted living home with the mentally challenged and said that you needed patience, kindness, and creativity for the job, to be light on your feet when you work with them, much like children. She had all of that, even though she has no kids of her own. She's a kind person but do not mistake her for a doormat. Belle stands up for what she thinks is right and will lash a fiery debate. She might be a pacifist but that doesn't mean she can't fight with words. Man, I love my hippy.
We bonded at the townhall through funny Scott words like glaekit and over the LGBT community. Belle said that she hated weddings. She changed her mind when she had an absolute blast at her friends' gay civil union celebrations. We joined the ranks of one of many gay couples she knew. We claimed the title of "the babies".
On that awful Wednesday when Miguel was ill and she helped, Belle invited us to her home for "tea, lunch, and stuff" once Miguel was better AND before we left West Linton. Here is an original text from her:
" Very happy to hear that the invalid is mending and yes, it would be lovely to see you both on Sunday. Why don't you come and have lunch with us - nothing too elaborate, just soup and bread and stuff?
Paul will be working in the morning but should be home to join us for lunch.
How would it be if I come up and collect you around 11 and you can have coffee and meet my idiot dogs, then we can have lunch together when P gets home?
You can tell me if that suits you - if so, I'll see you both then. If there's any problem with that arrangement, just let me know and we can have a re-think.
Looking forward to seeing you on Sunday.
Love,
B "
Isn't she not wonderful and funny? Yep. She's my favorite Scott.
We were picked up via her white smart car and drove a little down the road to her hand built home in the middle of a field. Her two jack russel terriers met us at the door. The male was deaf and the female was just as energetic and friendly as he was. We also met her 18 year-old cat Fuschia. And, yes, it's a boy.
Belle's home took me back to colorful California. Tall ceilings, plenty of windows (in the ceiling, too) filling the rooms with light, plants on the rafters, an organized kitchen, wood burning stove keeping the house warm, plenty of wide hallways, and VAST AMOUNTS OF ARTWORK. Her home was beautifully decorated with bright colors, birds and bats hanging from the ceiling, gargoyles dotting landscapes and sills, metal sculptures from her friends, ceramics, photographs, and books that outnumbered her artwork. I fell in love with her home. And she built it herself with Paul! I applaude both of them.
Paul arrived from his work at the addictions clinic. P is a tall man, taller than me, and healthy for being in his 60's. Handsome, too. He's just as great as Belle.
Our lunch was filled with conversation about ourselves, family, the world, animals, education, what if's, travel, jobs, and anything we could think of to talk about! We stayed for 5 hours. We had such a lovely visit and I would go back! I will be keeping in contact with her for a long time.