beauty in all things

date arrived in bayview: January 2021

area(s) lived in: downtown historical district

relationship history & status: Came from a long-term relationship when she arrived. Reconnected with her friend of many years, Richard Madden

family: n/a

career 10 years ago: actress/activist/model

THE NOW:

date left bayview: Winter 2023

past residence: London, England

current residence: London, England

relationship status: married to Richard Madden (2026)

family: step-daughter, 11, Finley Cate; daughter, 9, Flora Mei; son, 7, Ewan Qui

current career: actress/activist

FUN STUFF:

favorite location in bayview: the beach

favorite food spot in bayview: the market

favorite drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic!) spot in bayview: Paco’s

favorite event or party: Valentine’s party

best memory in bayview: birth of her daughter

favorite project involved in: n/a

favorite sport played: volleyball

favorite trip taken: Montana

It was, I was a little apprehensive at first. I always feel like I have my phone with me an connected to me. Realize sometimes it’s good to let those bits get away from us. Oof marshmallow all over the face, that makes for a sticky clean up but at least you had a good time. Something tells me Finley probably did too! What little kid is ever going to be disappointed with sugar and messes. 

I try to, but I’m not always successful. Sometimes it feels more like a safety net than anything else because you’re checking messages to make sure nothing important was missed. It was messy! But she enjoyed herself so it was hard to really be mad. I feel like that’s one of their favorite things, being messy.

I’m sure that when the time comes, if you can fit it into your schedule, you’ll both really enjoy the time together. And if not, then wherever you end up, you’ll be happy to be there, right? I know what you mean, I feel like between Montana and the camping this weekend, I’ve definitely had my fill of delicious things cooked over a fire. You won’t hear me complaining about that at all!

It’s certainly an option I want to explore in the future. We had so much fun last time. It’ll be a good time. Scotland has a lot of nature to explore, and castles, something I’m sure Finley might be interested in in the future as well. I know that part took my breath away. I will have to remember that for next time, then, with all those fun snacks. Are you having fun at the Getaway this weekend, too?

There was definitely a ton of luxury and comfort in where we were staying. Now this time? Definitely the opposite, though I am enjoying unplugging from the world. Did you end up camping out or did you more just come down, hang out, before heading back? There’s a campfire tonight! Lots of marshmallows to roast so hopefully at the very least you’re coming out for that!

So that is quite the fun change. It’s always nice to be away from being connected and plugged in. We did a bit of hanging out with everyone and just going home, so it was still nice to be able to participate! The marshmallows were so yummy. Finley had a good time, most of it ended up on her face rather than her mouth.

I’ve missed Montana so much since the camping weekend has started. I’m with you on that, I love how close to nature we can be. But this rough camping is something else! Exactly. This is another level of music and creativity, you know? That’s nice! I’m pretty sure you would find your piano habits back quite quickly if you ever want to give it a shot again.

It was so nice, though, just getting to be out there with everyone and experience it. Even though we mostly stayed for the good company, I think Finley enjoyed the snacks the best, especially those s’mores. That’s true! But learning and playing an instrument is also such a good skill to have. Maybe! I’d have to really sit down and study it again.

There you go, as long as you have a plan in mind! I’ve always liked spending my Christmases in Glasgow, personally. Not just for the scenery, but that feeling of being home where you grew up can’t be beat, especially around the holidays, you know? But either way, if you end up there again in the winter, you’ll love it, you have my word. That sounds like a pretty solid way to spend the trip! We’re having a good time so far, we made it through night one, even with my bad back on the hard ground, so we should get extra s'mores, right?

It’s always nice to go back home. I think with all the scenery out there and landscape, there’s something we need to just cherish. I’ll have to talk to Richie about that, he had been keen on going home. We’ve got a busy season during that time, so we’ll see if traveling will fit into the picture. That’s good to hear! The s’mores were delicious, I’ve never really experienced camp food very much! So it was nice to try out.

Doesn’t seem like Montana is one of the spotlights of the states. and I’m not sure why that is. Might be because it doesn’t seem like the type of state if you’re looking to party. The scenery alone is worth it, though. I would hope so! Aw, it’ll add to your collection. How are you doing with camping so far? 

That is what I had been thinking too! It’s not one of those well-known areas, but I think that is also part of what makes the trip so special. It still is gorgeous! Camping was interesting, it was nice just to be out there with everyone, honestly! How’d you enjoy it?

We were in one of the cabins too! They were absolutely beautiful. Definitely was easier, think when you have kids, especially little ones having something more… normal helps. Especially because Finley is really little! Though getting them to enjoy it is half the battle. Florence loved it, she didn’t want to leave to go back to her dads when we got back afraid she was going to miss out on something fun. Which, I can’t really blame her after that. Going to be doing camping this weekend? 

Much, much, easier. I think we all managed to sleep a little better in a bed or a crib. She managed to get comfy pretty quickly, and really did love being outside. I’m glad you all had a great time as well! I think we might be. I’ll have to check in with Richard, since Finley might be a bit fussy at night, but for the fun with everyone, we’ll certainly join in. I hear there’s a campfire?

Too quickly if you ask me! Still, I’m happy to cross off Montana as another state that I visited here in the states. He sure was! I was a little worried that he would have forgotten about me while I was away, but luckily, he remembered me. Oh, good. Did you take lots of pictures? 

Oh, me too. Well, for me it’s just a start, really. I’ve been to New York and Los Angeles, but not Montana yet either! I didn’t realize how pretty it really is. Aww, well, that’s good to hear! He must love you a whole lot. Sweet little pup. I did! Most of them are of Finley toddling about.

You should, and I recommend going to visit in the winter time, when there’s a blanket of snow over everything. Especially out in the hillside, you can’t get much prettier than that, truly. It’s always good when the family makes the visit a good time! I take it as everyone got along well while you were there? I can understand that, I felt like I wanted to sleep for a week when all was said and done! But you know, no regrets. I think that we are, she didn’t get to go to Montana, so I told her we could do this… although she hasn’t figured out there’s no electricity yet.

I remember Richard mentioning that, too. I think it just means we need to go back. The snow is something I do love being around. I came in the middle of January here so it was still a bit snowy and chilly, but I’m sure in terms of scenery, there’s not much else that would compare. We did! Got to explore the site and just spend a good portion of our days outdoors. Oh, my. Well, I hope she ends up having fun with it anyway. Tell her there will be s’mores, that might make it better!

He was telling me about that! I’m glad that you got to go along with him. I obviously might be a bit biased, but happen to think that Scotland is a gorgeous place to vacation, for obvious reasons, and when you get to show family to family, well, that’s even better. A sheep?! That’s awesome, do you get updates about the fuzzy little guy now and then? It sounds like you had a pretty good time, then, even if I’m sure you passed out when you got home! I’ve been great, keeping busy with everything going on, but no complaints at all.

Well, it is very true, there are just so many places to explore. I love it so much, I won’t lie, because I still want to go back and see the other parts I haven’t seen yet. Ohh yes, especially since his mum is so lovely and so are his sisters, so it was a nice visit. He’s adorable! I do, they send me updates and pictures, and it makes me happy. Oh, we were pretty tired coming home from all the fun in Montana, but it was a good time. That’s good to hear! Are you and Gaelyn headed to campout this weekend too?

It really did! Felt like we just arrived to Montana and now we’re back. Not that I’m too mad about it because I had my puppy waiting for me and my very comfortable bed as well. I did! I road on a horse, and it’s been years since I last did that so it was special to do again. What about yours? 

Time’s gone by pretty quickly since we got back, huh? Aww, yes! That is a great thing to come back to. I’m sure your puppy was so happy to see you. The trip was a lot of fun! I would love to do it again. I think for me, it was the hike.

Good point. I know when my kids were younger I was always looking for activities outside of the home to do. Did you have a good trip away, dear?

It’s been a hot minute, as the kids say… is that actually something that the kids say, come to think of it? Either way, it’s been a little while, so I figured I’d catch up, say hello, find out how your summer is goin! Did you end up heading out to Montana and doing anything terribly adventurous? @xogemma​

It has! I feel like time’s flown by pretty quickly. Summer’s been great! I actually went to Scotland with Richard earlier this summer, and it’s absolutely beautiful. I know Richie was glad to be home again and we explored the area, his mum took Finley for a few days while we went around ourselves and we adopted a sheep. As for Montana, chasing a one-year-old in the woods? Luckily, her chubby little legs could only go so far. But we did the hike and spent some time outdoors, met some of the animals. How about you, Gerard? How’s your summer been?

That’s really awesome. It sounds like you guys are pretty much soulmates, if you ask me. Some force in the universe just kept leading you two together or something. I’m happy for you! Oh, that’s so great. I hope she had a fantastic time - and that you and Richard did as well! It was a really nice trip and I think it was nice to have that balance. I know I burn myself out because I want to go, go, go all the time, so it was nice to have the opportunity to do nothing too. 

ah gem, you missed out. it was a lot of fun. but yeah the hike was too one of my favourites. and the river and… well, everything really. it’s been a good trip that’s for sure but yeah, no matter how much fun you have? there’s no such place as home.

It was a ton of fun! I hope we’ll get to do another tournament in the future. Sure am! Been trying to do as much as I can while we’re on the trip. it’s a good thing we still have a few days left. Still have a ton of things to do on the list! How are you enjoying the trip so far? 

I’m hoping so too! Because it was really nice and it’s for charity, so looking forward to the next one. The trip went by so quickly!! I wish it wasn’t over yet, because it feels like there is still so much to see and do around here. I love it, the scenery is absolutely beautiful. Did you have a favorite part?