Newtonmore, Scotland
Welcome to my first monthly post on my travels! I’ve been blessed with traveling to many places–from across the U.S. and Mexico, to Europe. Each one holds a special place in my heart, so I hope you won’t mind if I share them with you.
Several questions I’m often asked in interviews: How were the Dragon Knights created? What was my inspiration? The picture to the left is the start of something truly magical.
“I can feel the Highland breeze on my face, the bleating of sheep, and the ghosts of decades past.” I jotted this down in my journal that evening. The day was June 20, 2000.
Originally, I saw seven to nine men within my creative mind, but finally settled on four. Perhaps the additional men were the Fenian warriors. I can’t say for sure. All I know is where it all began–on a boulder in the Highlands of Scotland. We were staying at the scenic Gaskmore House Hotel in Newtonmore.
This was the view from our bedroom window. Glorious, right?
It was a wonderful place to daydream and fill my mind with magical stories. Of course, I must indulge you with more pictures of the sheep, so please forgive me.
Beautiful flora everywhere…
Foxglove (fairy) flowers
Scotch broom
This was further down the road. While my husband left me sitting alone to dream, he wandered along a path to capture the gray, evening light. You can see the mists starting to descend.
I didn’t have any good photos of the hotel, but here’s a postcard of the place.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this small tour–a place where the Dragon Knights of Scotland were born and the beginning of a dream…
Beautiful post about picturesque, mysterious places. Thanks for sharing! I enjoyed reading about Scotland. Your words and photos allowed me to experience a place I will visit perhaps in another lifetime.
I’m so happy I was able to covey what I felt in this post for you, Carmen. I remember that moment so vividly. That trip changed my life. It was also the trip where I lost my journal on my first day in Ireland. I will share the story of words lost and found in another post. (Eventually, I did get my journal back.)
Thanks so much for visiting. 🙂
The Scotch Broom brings back fond memories. Thank you for sharing.
Oh yes, Dianne! I remember on my trip in 2009 how the hills were covered. Spectacular view! 🙂 I’m happy you were able to make that trip, too. Hugs!
beautiful pictures , what an awesome place to come up with the dragon knight series , awesome
A moment in time that changed my life forever, Sharon. It was the spark that led me on the path.
Can’t you just see the Dragon Knights riding their horses over these hills? A great visual. 🙂
oh aye sure can, stunning
🙂 xoxo
Absolutely gorgeous . My heart is yearning for my ancestral home. Thank you for sharing your beautiful journey. One day I hope to share my photos with you!
I know in my heart you’ll take that journey to your ancestral home, Jennifer! It calls to you so much.
Thanks for visiting. 🙂 xoxo
How Wonderful to see where it all started…beautiful pictures, thank you for sharing with us
“A dream is a wish you heart makes…” I’ve often quoted this saying, Liz. To have the dream start here was purely magical.
Thanks for visiting. 🙂 Hugs!
The hotel and location sounded so lovely, out away from the cities, that I had to look it up! It seems exactly like the kind of place I want to stay on my next trip to Scotland! Thanks for the tip!
Fantastic, Shannon! I’ve been twice to this hotel and have had the best time. If you go during spring, be prepared to hear the “wee” lambs in the middle of the night. 🙂
Thanks for stopping by!
I would so much to visit there at the start of the Dragon Knights and my ancestral country. Thankyou Mary tis magic.
I hope you visit one day, Kay. I’ve been twice and the land still calls for me to return.
Thanks so much for stopping by! 🙂
Great photos Mary! Your site has given me a wealth of ideas. I’ve been to many of the places you visited in England, specifically York and the Shambles and Tower of England, Westminster, etc. I envy you seeing Scotland and Paris, as well. I feel as you did–sitting among the ruins, seeing and hearing the history of these enchanted places. Very spiritual.
It’s wonderful to meet another traveler, Cj. Scotland feels like home each time I visit. I was fortunate to return last June and visit the Orkney Islands–all for research for my next paranormal series. Thanks so much for visiting. 🙂