Realistic Artist Life on a Scottish Island 🚐 🌿🌊

Hello and welcome to the second episode of my new series, Holly in the Hebrides. We just moved to the Isle of Mull in the Scottish Inner Hebrides, and we're settling into life and work here. This week, I'm shipping out more Etsy orders, and we explore some of the wilder sides to Mull, wild camping by the coast and hiking. Enjoy the beautiful beaches, coastal paths and woodland walks with us.
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[@hollyexley]

My friend Kate Logan is fundraising for Ahmed Omar Mahmoude Al Sikaly, and his family. It would make my day if you could donate. Please give anything you can. www.gofundme.com/f/help-ahmed-his-family-in-rafah

[@DocumentedJourney]

I am so glad Craig is enjoying his new job and making friends. It's hard to meet people these days, I kind of feel like everyone is judging you and like you said don't have time for others. However, I think they are missing out. My very favorite people are those that give not so great first impressions. I married one! I think giving people space and trying to meet them where they are is key and when I do that I make the best connections! Keep your head up... you're amazing and I am so grateful you have decided to share your life with us!

[@hollyexley]

Thank you! I like what you said there about meeting people where they are and in an environment they're comfortable with. So often the places we typically socialise, a bar, a cafe, an event, won't be somewhere I'm comfortable! It's tricky.

[@DocumentedJourney]

@@hollyexley I totally understand that. It’s hard to connect and have good conversations in public and especially when it’s loud. The more you find what works for you the better you will be at articulating it. Or be like my husband and just ask your partner for help. 😊

[@catklu]

☺👏🙂

[@louiselangton]

Bob Mortimer's autobiography is a book written by one of our fellow shy people with a plea to give a shy person in your life a chance if you haven't read it ❤ have a lovely weekend and thanks for a fab vlog. Art, van life, daily routine and food vlog - perfect! X

[@janblackwellart]

Gosh Holly, never apologise for being shy, it’s really just being sensitive to your environment and new people. I’m much older than you and now realise how much masking I’ve done in life to get through life. It’s exhausting! Now I am much more comfortable being myself but can’t help getting into mask mode. Much better to not get into that state. X

[@TheJessPurrr]

Thank you guys :)

[@bluewren65]

I'm really enjoying this slice of Scottish Island life. Good on you getting some work done while caring for 2 dogs while living in a van! I have 4 dogs. Last week we were having some major earthworks done on our property and I had to have the dogs inside with me for much of the day. I was so stressed out that they would get bored and ratty. I started the day with a long walk in the state forest which they always enjoy and allows them to burn off some energy. Then, fortunately I was able to let them out for an hour at various intervals when the excavator driver had to go to the quarry for a re-up of gravel. My dogs were little angels considering they usually spend all day outside running around like lunatics. I was so proud of them.

[@hollyexley]

It's a lot of work to keep our animal companions happy sometimes isn't it! Your dogs sound like they're living their best lives. I hope that some day soon we can give our dogs a home again, with a garden, so they can lie out in the patches of sun. I think they enjoy travelling and going to fun places, and spending more time with the both of us, but a garden would be great for them.

[@bluewren65]

@@hollyexley For sure, dogs are just happy to be with you all the time. We live in a remote part of the central highlands of Tasmania. For 2 decades we dreamed of living somewhere rugged and remote. Slowly, over the last 20 years we have built a beautiful home here, the likes of which we dreamed but never thought possible. When I hear you say that you dream of a home where you can have solitude and be close to nature I think, "hang in there, Holly, it's coming".

[@maxlinesartist]

Hi from New Zealand love your videos and style of makeing them . what stunning area bit like here in New Zealand in many ways .you two would love traveling around New Zealand in a van .Any way your helping me to be more motivated to make more videos .have sub to your channel thanks

[@hollyexley]

I would love to visit New Zealand some day! A shame it literally couldn't be further away from here :D I have heard that it is similar to Scotland :)

[@erinmacdonald4138]

Lovely video Holly! I like the slow life island vibe. :)

[@hollyexley]

Thank you Erin!

[@Lilybet1316]

Holly, I too am shy and often am quiet and smiling when meeting people or even spending time with certain friends. It is interesting how humans can all be so different but then also all be human. 🤷🏻‍♀️🙂🩵

[@dawnbevins451]

Definitely don’t be so hard on yourself, Holly, I’m also a quiet smiler, but I think that without us instinctively keeping some kind of balance, the world would be in even more chaos than it already is 🤗 I would also be grumpy if someone hit the van with their door, you are taking up such a small space in the world in your van, you would think it could be avoided, also it is your home, your small private space, so even though it is unlikely to be intentional, I imagine it could feel like an invasion of privacy to hear/feel any sudden knocks or bangs. I’m really enjoying Holly in the Hebrides, the views are stunning and it is so interesting to see how you and Craig are settling in and finding your way, thank you 😊💖

[@hollyexley]

Thank you Dawn!!

[@shonaaitken7635]

Loved this vlog. So positive and peaceful. I have such a good feeling about your time here. It seems like a wonderful place to rest and renew some creative ideas.

[@rominagalotta5966]

I love this island! I love that I get to see it through your eyes. One day, I will go.

[@rararagrr]

You did an excellent job with the editing on this video, Holly. I felt very immersed in all the areas you visited and showcased here. Absolutely love the landscapes and the animal life you get to see on a regular basis.

[@hollyexley]

Thank you so much!!

[@elyxandra]

Lovely learning all about Mull! Now I know that it's home to the namesake of not only Tobermory, Ontario, but Calgary, Alberta - two places that I've spent a lot of happy times. If I ever make it back to Scotland I'd love to spend a few days enjoying the Isle of Mull.

[@hollyexley]

There's a lot of connection to Canada here - many people left for there during the clearances!

[@elyxandra]

@@hollyexley I'll have to do some reading on the topic! The movement of groups of people is very interesting. My paternal side is Scottish, and my maternal side is partly Acadian, a group of peasant French settlers in maritime Canada who were largely driven out by the English in the mid 1700s. Interesting fact: many settled in Louisiana and Acadian is the origin of the word Cajun, a prominent cultural group in that part of the USA.

[@itscarolinemary]

I loved the montage at Lochbuie! So pretty ❤

[@michellevillarreal9946]

"Unknown guide did great" lol! You guys are too cute 😊The views are amazing too, and I adore the sheep 🐑 Looking forward to more 👍

[@kayymonstar]

I totally understand being shy and being hard on yourself after being surrounded by people. I think societal pressure to be extroverted and "on" all the time is a big reason why we feel so deflated after those interactions. Either way, keep your chin up :) Love these videos!

[@hollyexley]

I agree - we're living in an extroverted world! It's hard. I feel so different.

[@ChantelleArts]

This looks so amazing ☺☺

[@theclosetthinker]

Enjoying seeing you guys settling into island life! I think just knowing there is a nice quiet arts cafe on the hill would help me cope better witht the crowds in the harbour!

[@hollyexley]

Yep, exactly that, it's my safe haven!

[@Lindzo89]

I completely get what you mean when you said a lot of people don't want to take the time to get to know a shy person. I think that's really very true. I never thought about it that way though before. It's kind of sad how few people give us a chance to open up. I think they write us off quickly and unfairly sometimes.

[@OrrieInBetween]

Thank you for sharing all this beauty with us, holly!

[@debsllewelyn230]

If that was me the banana bread would be gone looong before Craig got home

[@hollyexley]

😅 I had some self restraint that day (not typical me!)

[@jdgcreates]

Lovely video and my sister and I can relate to the social anxiety! It's hard not to rehash it all afterward, but no one else seems to view us as we do, so I get relief from that, lol. Mull is gorgeous and I wish I could visit that plant paradise of a cafe!

[@ThePattiw]

It looks really, really gorgeous there! I am shy too, and the shyness hits at the most awkward times. I love the Cyprus swamp , but I thought the tree stumps were a kind of fungi called "Dead Man's Fingers". I do know about tree stumps in the swamps, but here, most of our swamps have birch stumps in them.

[@itscarolinemary]

Absolutely stunning video Holly! Tobermory looks so quaint and pretty, the art museum looks like a nice place to work in!

[@hollyexley]

Thank you Caroline! :)

[@ClayDisarray]

Another lovely vlog, Holly! 󠁧󠁢I'm autistic so shyness and introversion are part and parcel of my experience of the condition, so I completely relate. I often wonder what a world mainly consisting of shy people would be like (awesome, I reckon!) 😊🧡

[@hollyexley]

haha I agree, the peace and quiet of a shy world!

[@karolsartoasis4815]

Thanks for your fantastic video. I totally understand the challenges of being shy, you can’t be something your not. Keep doing your best anyway.❤

[@hollyexley]

Thanks Karol x x x

[@livig4636]

Absolutely loving this series! Wow such beautiful scenery, you are certainly giving those fur babies their best lives. Your art work is so interesting and detailed, you are very talented! 🌿🐞🌸🍄

[@TheSissie]

Oh wow the island is beautiful! Love those images….also a shy and introvert person myself, I am in my 50’ s now and it’s better more and more comfortable.

[@hollyexley]

Thats wonderful to hear, I'm very happy for you, I hope it will be the same for me! I am finding my 30s to be quietly transformative, I am gradually learning that I am enough!

[@Begobolas]

Loving these videos ❤ Thanks 😊

[@hollyexley]

You are so welcome!

[@danshibuya6593]

I'm really enjoying this series Holly (and all your travel series, it's been so interesting to see those places through your gentle. emotionally intelligent lens), it is so good to see Mull! I love your drawings, they're wonderful, I've been enjoying them with my children, and your lovely tree card game. You're creating beautiful things celebrating nature for the world and we really appreciate it. Greetings from the Dark Peak! xx

[@katierobertsart5658]

Oh I LOVE shy people! They are secretly my favourite type of people. I am the opposite, but I have always paired myself with quieter introverts - my sister, my best friends, my partner. I learn so much from them and love to tune in to their 'vibration', if you know what I mean. I feel like they are a super intelligent mystery to me. I just have to be safe and give them time and listen and they open like a beautiful flower. I'll be your friend. Also you were completely right to say something and get pissed off about your van getting banged. I have an older car too, it's covered in dings, only because everyone prangs it and doesn't own up! They are responsible and owe you an apology and admission if not paying for repairs. Silly people. Glad you cheered up though, gorgeous Island. What was the name of the band? Dogs on the Loch?

[@Angela10277088]

Gorgeous video, What a lovely island. I am glad you are settling in and enjoying it so much! I understand your irritation about the car door hitting the van. I too find myself getting annoyed when it seems people aren't thinking of or aware of others. Then again, people have off days too. It is a lot to negotiate. 💛

[@katylouiise]

Such beautiful shots in this one Holly! You've given me a proper yearning to get to a quiet seaside and just breathe! xo

[@hollyexley]

Thank you Katy :)

[@EmmaCarpenterIllustration]

Hey Holly, I’m just a few minutes in. I’ve never tried hummus on a crumpet before 😄 maybe I should try it. I do love a marmite crumpet now

[@hollyexley]

Its a little strange but I like it! I eat so much hummus its crazy 😅

[@newflanged_]

Best vlogs, I’m So glad I joined the channel late in your 🔥van ERA🔥

[@emilyjtaylor89]

Lovely series Holly! Great to see you and Craig settling in. What a stunning place! My mother-in-law lives on Islay but Mull seems incredibly green and verdant, much less bleak! Have a lovely week :)

[@hollyexley]

Mull has very different landscapes to Islay, teeming with life in the trees. I do miss Islay's stunning, empty beaches though!

[@laurawoolf3577]

Great video!

[@hollyexley]

Thank you Laura!

[@MintyMintMinty]

Lovely video, Mull is so beautiful.

[@hollyexley]

It really is!

[@amandahilleary2581]

Wow what beautiful scenery!!

[@hollyexley]

:)

[@julie_uk_]

A really lovely video Holly, thank you. Relaxing soundtrack too 😊

[@hollyexley]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@beccac615]

Very late to these videos having moved house last month but had to leave a comment about the first impression thing when your shy because I totally relate - my partner of now nearly 7 years told me that on the first date he thought I didn’t like him but I was just being my super shy self 😅 luckily he didn’t give up on me!

[@hollyexley]

Aw thats so sweet. Lucky him! It's worth it for the patient ones :D

[@srawson15]

I think the swamp print would be better without the border

[@mailartlover]

Such nice video, beautiful scenery, thank you for sharing. I would love to know how you do your prints... I mean, for example the one you are showing that it is your favorite but it has not been that popular in sales... the original is it exactly like that? Or do you do it in parts, for example, the frame, and the different elements are different illustrations, and you putted them together digitally? I hope my questions is understandable, sometimes I get confused translating my thoughts :s

[@hollyexley]

The original of the print I showed is the same as the print, the only difference is the size, as the original is A4 whereas the print is A5 :)

[@dantedressage]

Just letting you know that your Patreon link in your description is missing the "y" and goes to 404. I love your work and want to join! ❤

[@hollyexley]

Thanks for that! Appreciate you letting me know, have updated!

[@cecile3414]

Would you live in Scotland or in the Hebrides in the winter? I'd love to move there, but I think the winter would be tough....

[@hollyexley]

We would consider it but maybe not in the van! Where we used to live in our house in N. England, we had worse winters than the Scottish islands - freezing cold, grey, and lots of snow! So I think if we could handle that we could handle a Scottish winter :D

[@cecile3414]

@@hollyexley good to know. I just feel like they may have some crazy wind storms, which is something that makes me very nervous.

[@hollyexley]

@@cecile3414 depends on the island I think? Mull can be quiet sheltered due to it's position - whereas there are islands further out into the sea that are completely exposed and windswept! If you've got a house to hunker down in, I'm sure it would be ok (and far enough away from the sea!)