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The local greenhouse Gerten’s has the most spectacular collection of poinsettias. 

May you always have walls for the winds, a roof for the rain, tea beside the fire, laughter to cheer you, those you love near you, and all your heart might desire. ~ Irish Blessing

I took this photo of Blarney Castle in Ireland during a holiday in June of 2001.

The castle was built by one of Ireland’s greatest chieftains, Cormac MacCarthyin, and is home to the Blarney Stone (which I kissed, of course!).

On our trip to Scotland it rained every day. As anyone who lives or has been to Scotland will tell you, it rains all the time there.

The beautiful thing about the weather in Scotland is that the sun shines through the rain. And, whenever it peaks through the clouds, there are rainbows. 

Very symbolic of life. There is always a beautiful moment, even on the worst day imaginable.

I took this photo during a holiday to the UK and Ireland in 2001. We had stopped by the side of the road to stretch our legs while travelling from Edinburgh through the Highlands of Scotland. I was so enamored with the beauty of this gorgeous place I had to capture the moment on my camera.

It was only by chance that we came to this beautiful oasis along the single lane road we were travelling on as we made our way through the mountains.

Sometimes it pays to stop for a moment along the journey. You never know what you might discover.