Brandi Bernoskie
No. 31

The Return

Forgive me, but my words haven’t returned to me entirely just yet. Since leaving Scotland, I’ve been in this strange state, making it difficult to determine if my time there was a dream or if this life I returned to is where I sleep.

Scotland was beautiful. Breath-taking. Magic. As I drove beyond the limits of Edinburgh, into the countryside, the buildings gave way to fields of heather. It draped the mountains in its purple, and in the afternoon, the sunlight caught it in such a way that I thought I would lose myself to the land right then.

And I did lose my heart there. Eleven days, over 2400 miles, and more than 1300 photographs later, I can tell you that it has changed me. It has left me with secrets and given me stories, all of which I will share with you in time.

But first, I still need to shake the tears from my eyes and recenter myself here.

About brandi

Brandi is a digital strategist, website developer, and founder of Alchemy+Aim, a company that helps entrepreneurs and business owners elevate their online presence and enhance their digital experience. Her academic background in theatre, philosophy and physics was the perfect foundation for launching her business, where she’s worked with Brené Brown, Laverne Cox, Judy Smith, and other notable thought leaders since 2013. She is an advocate for using technology in ways that humanize, connect and serve people as well as for asking deeper philosophical questions and teaching others to think more broadly about impact when they create, particularly in STEAM fields.

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17 thoughts on “The Return”

  1. Oh, that coming back to earth with a thud. Despite losing your words, you have expressed this so beautifully, poignantly. It’s like you have articulated to a tee my own feelings on returning from solitary travel a little while ago. And oh, the light! The open, purple air in these photographs! I am in awe.

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  3. YES! I knew you would fall in love like I did! Isn’t it the most magical place? There’s a secret in Scotland, in their heather and fields, and I love it when other people discover it also.

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  4. I.
    Can’t.
    Wait.

    To hear how it transformed you, to bask in the stories, to glow in the newness.
    But, I’m off to SouthEast Asia for two weeks in a few days. So, I’m going to guess I’ll need to loop back to you with my own stories in October. Ha!

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  5. It looks as though I need to make my way up to Scotland soon. I’ve heard many lose their heart to the country. I’m so happy to hear you had an amazing time and were able to take in all the mesmerizing beauty and I’m looking forward to hearing more!

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  8. Hello Brandi! It’s Smallburst:) I’ve been so out of the loop. I loved being greeted by the breathtaking photos of Scotland. I hope you share more pictures of your trip. Can’t wait to hear about the food:)

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  9. It looks so incredible there, agh, I can’t keep adding places to my list like this. And thank you for the email, I promise you I’ll respond :)

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  12. I’m glad that you’re home, Brandi. But I sort of wish you were still there. It seems like it’s become a part of you… And I’m certain you’ll go back.

    I can’t wait to hear more.
    xo

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  13. Welcome home, Miss Brandi! I can only imagine the tales you’ll have to tell us. Having been to Scotland myself I know only too well the gloriously haunting beauty of that place. In some ways, I should probably say, “Sorry you’re home.” xo UB :)

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