Are You Living or Just Existing?

Capt Lightning said:
It depends what you're asking. The west of Scotland is rugged, beautiful, bleak etc.., but very wet. The population is small and amenities are few. The beauty and remoteness attracts many visitors, but this brings many problems. The roads are often narrow , winding and steep and many drivers have no idea how to drive on them. There is a problem with litter, and inconsiderate parking and abuse of facilities. In short, it is a victim of it's own success. I no longer go there.

In contrast, the east has a much softer landscape, but much less rainfall. Apart from areas such as Royal Deeside, and Speyside, it is less tourist oriented. This means that beaches, roads and countryside are quieter so it has a decent quality of life. It could support a lot more tourism, but most people seem to like the quieter life.
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Thank you - you fully answered my question. :) Sounds like the east is a much better place to live.
 

StarSong said:
Thank you - you fully answered my question. :) Sounds like the east is a much better place to live.
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Just FYI, here is a photo of the coast near where I live.. banff and macduff.jpg

To the right is the fishing port of Macduff. To the left is the bigger town of Banff. The first governor of the Canadian pacific railroad spent his youth in Banff and gave the name to the area that became the Canadian City.
Further to the left is a marina , campsite and a large sandy beach. Several films and TV series have been shot in and around this area.
 
When I was with my abusive ex, I mostly just existed. After I left him I had 18 glorious years of living my life to the fullest, making up for the prior 30 years.

Then my son died. After that I was just barely existing, hanging on by a thread.

I still have days like that, but I’m working hard to re-engage with my life even though I often don’t want to. The joy I used to feel is just missing now.
 
Capt Lightning said:
Just FYI, here is a photo of the coast near where I live.. View attachment 429556

To the right is the fishing port of Macduff. To the left is the bigger town of Banff. The first governor of the Canadian pacific railroad spent his youth in Banff and gave the name to the area that became the Canadian City.
Further to the left is a marina , campsite and a large sandy beach. Several films and TV series have been shot in and around this area.
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Wow! How gorgeous and green the area is. No wonder the Canadian governor had fond memories of it.

On an aside, in the mid 1960s there was a popular US TV show (satirical western) titled F-Troop. It included a character from Banff, which they always pronounced as Banff-ff-ff. Because of it, an entire generation of American children knew about Banff long before we ever heard of Quebec or Toronto, though we couldn't properly pronounce it.

To this day, when I see the word Banff, I think Banff-ff-ff!

 
The west of Scotland....the most visted part of Scotland by tourists for it's sheer beauty......

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It depends on your prospective. Some might say I exist because I lead a fairly mundane life compared to them.
I dont go out much and nobody ever comes here. Theres no trips to go bungee jumping. I have no desire to travel.
Going to the grocery and getting my hair done is about as social as I get. And that usually happens on the same day
cause I hate to go out. :D

But if you ask me Im living fine. Somewhat better than a few years ago. Since now I only have me and the fuzzy huzzy and the hairy harlot to take care of. Actually, Ive always been fine. Im a weed. Ive always been able to bloom where Im planted. :D
 
I'm living! Anytime there is a good play or concert in town I book tickets. We try to travel several times a year, even if it is just for a long weekend in cities like Denver, Austin, San Antonio, Miami, Seattle, etc. As long as I have something fun to look forward to, I'm happy and consider myself "living".
 
Great pictures of W. Scotland courtesy of Hollydolly and it's easy to see the attractions for visitors. The area is sparsely populated , so no big towns. The cost of basic goods, fuel etc. is higher because of transport costs. The Caravan club has a campsite in the highlands, and when the site is full, it is the largest 'population' for 20 miles in any direction.

The East is much less hilly and much of the land is given over to arable farming - wheat, barley, oilseed rape etc..

Here's a pic from Aberdeen - the 3rd largest city with about 220,000 inhabitants. The pic shows Marischal college. Like most of the old city, it is built from granite, giving the buildings a uniform silver/grey colour.

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I guess you could say I'm existing. But I noticed from my extended family and others, who must always be doing something, going somewhere, their view of life seems a bit shallow. Not meant to be critical, I was the same way when I was younger. It's just something I've noticed.
 
Fritz said:
Even if I had money and no health issues I likely wouldn't do much. I kinda like puttering around the house keeping myself entertained.
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Im the same. Thankfully Im in mostly good health and I have enuf cash to be comfortable. I do enjoy puttering too.
Im a professional putterer. I always have several projects going on. :D

After the husband passed and I was no longer involved in his care and I had all this free time on my hands.
I kept thinking I should be doing this and that. But after a while I realized I dont want to be doing this OR that.
This is way too much like work. :D
 
Ronni said:
When I was with my abusive ex, I mostly just existed. After I left him I had 18 glorious years of living my life to the fullest, making up for the prior 30 years.

Then my son died. After that I was just barely existing, hanging on by a thread.

I still have days like that, but I’m working hard to re-engage with my life even though I often don’t want to. The joy I used to feel is just missing now.
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Same in a way. 3 years ago, on this past 6th of June, my Autistic son was able to escape his so-called safe group home. He ran up to a freeway on ramp (on foot) and was hit and run by a car. Ever since then I've just been a recluse and it's difficult for me to join the world again. I must say I am so very sorry for your loss. From my heart.
 

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