Housekeeping

Dearest Readership,

Just a brief note... I've upgraded 'The Roaming Gnome' (as required by Blogger). In the process I've made a couple of improvements.

You'll now find:
1) Links to some of my mates sites & the wider world;
2) Anti-spamming security (sorry to those who don't want to register to comment); and
3) Listing in the Blogger registry.

This last point is helpful if you'd like to know when I've posted or others have commented as you can have an e-mail sent directly to you.

Finally, I've gotten many e-mails asking why there are no pictures of me on my site. Many of you will remember I don't have my picture taken; I am artist not subject. Actually, there is a slightly more practical reason (besides detouring my current stalkers ha ha ha). In all my travels and tales, I have observed that people enjoy the experiences more if they can imagine themselves in the midst of the action. How would they feel? What would they do? Posting my ugly mug cements that memory in your head with me, rather than possibly you in the future. So, for continued, and purely selfish reasons, there will not be no change in this policy. I want you all to have the opportunities to explore this great big planet...

Adventurously yours, The Roaming Gnome

"Life is...

what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.”
- John Lennon, from 'Beautiful Boy'

There is truth in John Lennon’s woefully understated advice to his son, Julian.

After spending the better part of three months at leaving dos for mates and coworkers, I find myself reflecting on the passage of time. When I arrived on the soggy shores of Scotland five years ago, I had a simple objective – see the world on someone else’s tab. Well, ok, it was actually to complete a PhD in 3 years without teaching undergraduates, on a secure salary, with six weeks vacation. What could be better for a girl born under a wandering star?

True to form, almost everything went wrong. Rather, life took over while I was busy making high-flying plans. Having always found solace in adventuring, I’ve spent the time meandering through life, discovering how small our world is, and challenging my opinions through experience. And, as always, you’ve come along for the journey either as companions or tucked inside my camera case.


As much as I dislike the invasiveness of the digital era, (Will children remember what paper and pencils are in a generation?), its time to bite the bullet and replace hand-written letters and real photographs with this chronicle of my adventures. I hope to share these adventures, both in Edinburgh as well as further a field, once a fortnight. So, pull up a comfy chair and a wee dram as the adventures of the roaming gnome continue…

(image courtesty of travelocity)