tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-496522256748038434.post7569215030344717060..comments2024-03-18T17:15:39.964+00:00Comments on Life on (nearly) a Small Island: Orkney: Symphony of The Magnetic NorthSianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13827449325297069660noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-496522256748038434.post-42471055074943634612012-04-22T12:46:51.246+01:002012-04-22T12:46:51.246+01:00Now heard the whole album. I find it unbelievable ...Now heard the whole album. I find it unbelievable that this wonderful music exists. My prediction is it will be regarded in thirty years as one of the best ever albums of any genre which makes an attempt to convey the 'feel' (as opposed to the sound and sights) of a particular place. Having spent the Wednesday before we left making our first visit to Hoy, we spent all too brief moments at the Dwarfie Stane - the drive and walk to this place are unlike anything I have ever 'felt', and Hoy Kirk where there's an extraordinary archive and an Old Man of Hoy exhibition, we 'saw' Rackwick ( a 30 year ambition- I need to spend more time there- I mean 'need' as well!!)- I applaud Erland Cooper and his band on making these places become 'felt' again- at least in our house!! <br /><br />While I'm on Sian , my wife, daughter and I have been seriously considering the move to Orkney since our last summer visit. We are both A level Psychology teachers- evangelical passionate ones mind- but Psychology is more an obsession with young people in England as opposed to an option (as it is, more sensibly perhaps, here). Frankly we would stack shelves, host soirees at Skara Brae, do whatever it took if for one minute we thought we could move to Orkney. I've been head of dept for seven years at a large FE college, both wife and I have 17 years experience in total.She also is currently SENCO at private girls GS in Lancashire- while I am also a senior examiner. Had warning in November when I became ill - 3 month breakdown- but back now and well.<br />We have a house to sell- we could raise about 35k in total inc house and savings. Ali wants to wait till we've got definite job to go to, I'm prepared to take the risk -rent for a year to find things or things to generate income- feel optimistic we could offer something.<br />I have not approached any Orcadian or non-Orcadian for advice on this- wondered what your story is and if our 'plans' are feasible or just pie in the sky? <br />I would be extremely grateful to receive your thoughts.<br />Best regards- recent additions to the blog are great-very interesting-by the way.<br /><br />CB<br />What I'm interested in is your story-I've not spoken tocarter brandonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-496522256748038434.post-15444012502013466512012-04-14T13:57:53.368+01:002012-04-14T13:57:53.368+01:00i'm so glad you enjoyed these clips. Orkney h...i'm so glad you enjoyed these clips. Orkney has a way of seeping into your soul...... Hope you get many more visits to Orkney. "Drop by" Graemsay next visit if you have time :-)Sianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15086990153239265950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-496522256748038434.post-67034610120762194542012-04-14T02:37:21.828+01:002012-04-14T02:37:21.828+01:00Having today returned with heavy heart from eight ...Having today returned with heavy heart from eight days in a bungalow on Stenness Hill to the grim inevitability of East Lancashire, I have just watched the videos for 'Bay of Skaill' (where we walked on Monday) and 'Rackwick'(where I saw a silver sea twice on Wednesday).I have to say I was deeply moved by these songs and films. Both seem to me to utterly capture the essence of this extraordinary place. <br /> I fell in love with the idea of Orkney when I read Greenvoe at University 30 years ago- finally had the chance to go for the first time last Easter- came back in Summer and our fortnight in August will be our fourth trip to Orkney in fifteen months.It is the most beautiful place I have ever seen, felt, heard , smelt. It is my Eden. I'm lucky that my wife and daughter also seem to 'get' it. So seeing these beautiful films and songs on the day of our return deeply touched me.<br /><br />carterbrandon lancashireAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com