What are some memories from your childhood that stand out most to you? Where did you grow up?
I had a blessed childhood growing up in rural Scotland, where I attended a small village school which had terrific teachers. Every summer we travelled by boat to Donegal, Ireland, but it always broke my heart to leave the beauty of my parents homeland and return to Scotland. That is why I moved to Donegal almost 20 years ago. It feels like Heaven!
What it felt like to become one of the first natural medicine practitioners in Scotland?
It was such an exciting time. I had a very busy practice in Edinburgh and enjoyed helping many people find a way forward on their healing journey. I also loved learning from my clients. They taught me such a lot.
How was your experience of becoming a tutor for community projects, a woman's prison, and the Open Studies and Summer Schools of Stirling University from 1993 to 1999? What did you learn about yourself during this period?
I became a teacher to inspire others on their self healing journey, as it was impossible to carry on seeing a large number of clients for one to one consultations. I am a shy person by nature but I seem to blossom when I facilitate workshops and talks. My self confidence
got a tremendous boost from helping others through my classes.
Why did you decide to relocate to Donegal, Ireland in 1999? What do you love the most about the home of your ancestors?
My heart has always been in Donegal. It is a beautiful place, and I love its wonderful beaches, lakes and mountains. Many creative people are attracted to its natural beauty - artists, writers, musicians...
What helped you the most to fight the mystery illness that was eventually diagnosed as fibromyalgia? How do you think creative writing became a significant aid in your recovery?
I remain incredibly proactive in my own healing, and found diet, exercise, flower essences, and meditation very beneficial. Natural medicines have been of great benefit, including reflexology, herbal medicine, kinesiology, spiritual healing, E.F.T... Creative writing helped me to write about difficult events in my life, and it opened up a completely new level of self awareness for me.
When did you realize you want to be an author? Having been published on Sixty and Me, WomElle Magazine, The Mighty, did you ever dream of becoming an author?
I joined a weekly creative writing class in April 2010, and continued to meet other writers in the group for six years. We published two collections of poetry and prose for local charities, and thus began my journey to become an author. I have always enjoyed writing non fiction and as a teacher I wrote lots of notes for my students. Becoming an author seemed to evolve naturally.
What inspired you to start writing inspirational, self help and travel memoir, "Watching the Daisies?"According to you, what is Importance of Slow?
I started to write my memoir after entering a memoir writing competition in 2012. It seemed serendipitous, and so my book was born. My journey with fibromyalgia taught me to slow down, and treat myself gently. I could not work at all for two years as I was so ill. I slowly returned to work and a new career path, but it was challenging.
How do you think concepts such as Kindle, and e-books have changed the present or future of reading? Do you have a library at home?
E-books make reading more accessible for many people, due to their more modest cost. However, I still buy some print books and I also support my local library. I have a small library - much smaller than in the past.
What was the hardest scene to write in "Watching the Daisies?" What did you edit out of this book?
The hardest chapter to write was about my father's illness and death in 1995. I cried a lot writing it. I had to respect other people in my life, and so I avoided writing about a number of personal issues.
How do you think practicing and teaching Natural Medicines for 20 years has helped you in your writings? What is colour and crystal healing about?
I am not sure about a definitive answer but I think that creating lots of notes for my students was a good school of learning. It helped me focus on how others learn. Colour and crystal healing is a vast subject but basically they come under the heading of "vibrational medicine." I use colour in meditation every morning, and it helps me prepare for the day ahead. I am also an avid gardener which is another form of colour healing.
How much do you enjoy gardening, singing and writing in your new life of SLOW? What type of music do you usually listen to?
A lot! I write perhaps 5 days per week, garden almost every week of the year, and I sing every Sunday in our church choir, as well as at home, when no one is listening! I love rock music, and listen to David Bowie, Led Zeppelin, Tina Turner, Bryan Adams, Thin Lizzy, Bon Jovi...
Having spent thirteen years in the life assurance industry, what are some great lessons on healing and being your authentic-self?
I feel as though I have lived several lifetimes in one at times. I wanted to be a doctor but that did not go to plan. However, I was an underwriter for 5 years which was more akin to my Souls Purpose. After 13 years, I had to leave the life assurance industry, and thus I began to follow my heart. I feel I have been blessed with lots of signposts along the way, and I am thankful I took a new route forward.
What is the one thing that has changed after becoming an author? Do you have a secret to success?
I treat being an author like a normal job, and spend some time every day on writing and marketing. Lots of people advised me to write a second book immediately after publishing my memoir. However, my gut told me "No." I needed time to work on my blog and other forms of promotion. I am glad I took my own advice.
What book ideas are you currently working on? What are some of your upcoming projects?
I am gathering material for my next book "The Healing Power of Gardening." It is mostly "in my head" at the moment, but I have a working plan of the chapters. I also work on my blog posting weekly. The blogging community is a terrific support and I have lots of lovely blog friends.
Watching the Daisies: Life Lessons on the Importance of SlowPublish: Nov 14, 2016Advice & How To Biographies & Memoirs General Nonfiction Religion & Spirituality 
