So, here we are – across the river, on the last day of the  #aros – A River Of Stones project. I have really enjoyed taking these little moments out of each day and recording a single observation. Sometimes I’ve been surprised by the thoughts that have suggested themselves. I also decided to keep the stones within twitter’s 140 character maximum – I didn’t have to do that but I liked the discipline of it. I’m not good at brevity 🙂

I plan to transfer all my little stones to an AROS page here on the blog.

 It’s something you could try for a month any month, and it needn’t be for publication – it could just be set down in a notebook. At the end of the month you have little meditations that are especially pertinent to you. 

Thanks again to Fiona Robyn whose idea the AROS project was.

Jan 30^th

Sunday bliss – Golden, oven warm cookies – apricots, sultanas and oats, dipped in Taylor’s Rich Italian Blend coffee.

Jan 31^st

January – a journey of moments that has not been about the destination.

Jan 23^rd

On my desk – a soapstone penguin, a heart of smooth polished wood, blue glass paperweight and a notebook – meaningful, thoughtful gifts.

Jan 24^th

Outside grey, damp and cold. Sea in wind-whipped turmoil. But inside – inside me, I sense a return of equilibrium and a measure of peace.

Jan 25^th

For Auld Lang Syne – school-choir solo part in ‘My Heart’s in the Highlands’ –  reciting ‘To a Mouse’ – ‘Ae Fond Kiss’ over haggis, neeps and tatties – and a lifetime of teaching your poetry and songs. Cheers, Rabbie.

Jan 26^th

Sun tries hard to break through, grey lurks on the ridge and at the horizon. But, at last, there’s more light than dark.

Jan 27^th

Shona, fiery, red-haired beauty, formidable matriarch. You command respect my magnificent highland heifer.

Jan 28^th

A clear day. Early sun, orange orb over Ben Tianavaig with pale, crescent moon in the west. Universe goes on regardless.

Jan 29^th

Five little girls watch me at my desk. Sunday best and monochrome smiles. In those faces, I imagine I can see spectral foretraces of what was to come – for me and my sisters.

This is my third instalment of small stones for the  #aros project. (To see first two parts and to read an explanation of what this project is about, please see my Jan 7th and Jan 15th posts ). I hope you enjoy them.

Jan 16^th

Pressure-washed by gale-driven rain, earth softens. Starlings and rock doves jab the grass. Snowdrop bulbs peep through.

Jan 17^th

You came into life feet first, skipped to school, strolled to college, strode to work. And still in step with life. Happy Birthday, son.

Jan 18^th

Lunch – egg laid and collected today, bright yellow grain-fed yolk and thick silky white, mashed with creamy mayo on wholemeal, home-baked bread. Eaten-mindfully. Good times.

Jan 19^th

Full moon pours white light onto the surface of the loch. It shines through a chiffon cloud and Orion stands guard in a navy blue sky.

Jan 20^th

Affirmation and kindness have been the order of today. A conversation, a meditation, a meeting and an email made all the difference.

Jan 21^st

A rare, deep sleep, a necessary dream, gave comfort and revelation.

Jan 22^nd

Saturday morning, a second cup of tea, a long phone blether with my darling daughter, then a pause of quiet contemplation. Time to breathe.