Wee Scottish Man

Back in May when I attended LDS Storymakers writer's conference I had the privilege to speak with Anne Perry. She examined my portfolio and loved my artwork. BUT, she thought I needed a challenge. She wanted to see older people. People with character.

So a couple weeks ago when I was cheerfully touring Sterling Castle in Scotland, I nearly ran into a group of people (my attention was directed through my camera lens). I looked up just in time to see a wee old man with a nice looking face. As my legs were continuing forward I had several thoughts run through my mind. The conversation with Anne Perry was my first thought. Then I took another look at the man and thought, "Hey, he has wrinkles and he's got plenty of character" then I thought about asking him if I could take his picture, then I thought, "AH! No way! That's scary to have to ask someone!"

Then I thought, "What's the worst that could happen... he'd say no?"

With a stop and a hop I turned to ask him if I could take a picture so I could draw him.

His first reaction was surprise, then embarrassment, then shyly he agreed.

When I was taking his picture, I could almost read his mind through the look in his eyes.

"Why would this silly American want to take my picture?"

Wee Scottish Man