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at the heart of the matter...

01

eco - friendly way of being

Taking care of our beautiful planet is a cause which many people feel they are at the heart of - whether giving up plastic bags or participating in the 'new coat' scheme, where you simply choose a coat and can donate too. We all have a role to play no matter how small.

02

true to the heart of midlothian

This brilliant part of the U.K. has plenty of things going on where we can participate and find our own niche. What does the typical Midlothian lady seek out? Many services; to nail salons to a quiet walk or somewhere reasonably priced. A good coffee at the local bakers will do for me but sometimes a wee afternoon tea might be a good idea...

03

cultural diversity

With a host of different backgrounds, experiences and outlooks, it is interesting to hear the array of languages spoken. Midlothian feels like a wee melting pot highlighting the uniqueness of us all.

04

Technology social media

Living through this technological 'revolution' sometimes I feel left behind and struggling with 'technophobia' now and again...but everything has advanced so quickly with almost everything at the touch of a button these days which is wonderful but lets not lose our face to face interactions.

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Culture

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Creatures, humans and art

P. Smith
Feb 14, 2024
2 min read

What do T in the park, immigration and Monet have in common? All are featured and represented somewhere at the Kelvingrove art gallery and museum in Glasgow. As a first time visitor, already informed by the taxi driver of the brilliance of the museum, entering the spacious building which has a light, welcoming and airy feel to it and then faced with the decider - which artistic route to go on?

The ground floor made the most sense to begin with after sampling the cafe which was comfortable, slightly overpriced and displaying scones which made me want to return later in the day.

From creatures in the past in Scotland such as wolves and wild boar to animals close to extinction, we see the still versions, alert and beautiful, and learn about habitats and the re-introduction of certain species. There is a real feeling of Scotland as a highly adapted host for many varied and interesting creatures - we can read about Scottish native wild cats, environments and the wing span of the golden eagle.

Not all creatures are free to follow their instinct and this is evident and sad with the tusks of the 'elephant' taken for sale. Nature can be cruel, savage and unforgiving but man has played a significant role in many destructive practices.

As I wander, observe and read, letting the atmosphere do its 'thing' it is easy to become increasingly aware of the utter shortness of the 'life cycle' from the preoccupation in ancient Egypt of preparing for the afterlife to discovering how Scotland has changed over the years.

The evolution of life on planet earth brings home that we live in a place which is still thriving with life, transformation with much work going on to preserve and protect species.

It is all very thought provoking then in dark contrast some sombre paintings, brighter ones with a highlight for me - Renoir and Cezanne. There were some visual cues with the paintings informing the visitor of the hints and expressions held within the works of art allowing some of the mystery to be set free.

A section of photography depicting images of immigration in the context of groups and individuality is grounding, reflective in message and humility.

At three pm there was an organ recital where the dramatic music calls for attention and deservedly so! It was time to wrap up the visit of this impressive building inside and out, with many reasons to return at a later date.

photo credit :wix images and P.Smith (T in the park)

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