It’s taken a while, but I’m starting to feel like I’m coming back to myself again after the back injury. What made the biggest difference wasn’t the painkillers or the rest. It was a 1-to-1 yoga session with Stephanie.

Being in pain for that long messes with your head. It wasn’t just the physical discomfort, it was the frustration, the limits, the not knowing how long it would last. Simple things like walking, sleeping, or even sitting still became difficult. I started to feel a bit stuck, and honestly, a bit low.

Stephanie guided me through some gentle movement that actually felt doable. No pressure, no pretzel poses, just the kind of slow, thoughtful stuff that let me feel like I could trust my body again. We moved, we breathed, and I left that session feeling more mobile, more confident, and, most of all, more hopeful.

I’ve never really considered myself a “yoga person,” but that session shifted something for me. It wasn’t about being flexible or ticking off poses. It was about tuning in, listening, and doing something kind for my body at a time when kindness was exactly what it needed.

If you’re ever in a tough place physically or mentally, I honestly recommend checking out what she offers. Stephanie’s work at Love Yoga Crew isn’t just yoga. It’s care, compassion, and calm in action.

I’m really grateful for that moment. It reminded me that healing isn’t always about doing more. Sometimes it’s about doing less, but doing it with intention. And it helps when someone you trust is there to guide you.

There was a time when the internet felt quieter and friendlier. Before social media, before the constant noise, there were just websites and blogs. You’d find someone’s corner of the internet, read what they were thinking, maybe send them an email. It felt more human. And it felt like enough.

These days it’s different. Social media became the default. We stopped building our own spaces and started posting into systems we don’t control. It’s been getting to me for a while.

So I’m changing how I do things.

One of the first things I’ve done is rethink how people contact me. I’ve kept it simple. There’s a form on this site that works and sends messages directly to me. No layers, no logins, no unnecessary hassle.

I’m also trying to take myself off social media altogether. Quietly. I don’t need to be part of something that constantly demands attention. I’d rather have something slower and calmer.

This website is where I’ll try to build that. And the truth is, it can do most of what social media does. I can post a photo of my dinner here, just like I could on Instagram. I can write short thoughts or longer ones, like Twitter or Facebook. People can leave comments if they want to respond. I can still share things, reflect, and stay in touch; just without all the noise that usually comes with it.

The difference is, I control this space. No ads. No feeds. Just a small corner of the internet where I can show up as myself.

It might not be as fast or far-reaching. But I don’t mind that. I’d rather this space felt like a quiet room than a crowded feed.

Thanks for being here.

Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about truth. Not in a grand, abstract way. Just… what’s real, and how hard it is to hold onto when everything around you feels chaotic.

Every day there’s more noise. Politicians saying things that aren’t true. News headlines designed to provoke rather than inform. People doubling down on ideas that fall apart the moment you look at them properly.

I keep coming back to this: people are dying because of all this. Not in some distant, disconnected way. Real people, right now. In Gaza, in Ukraine, on the streets of our own towns. And still, we argue about nonsense while the damage piles up.

It seems simple to me. Look at the facts. Let them guide you. But so many people decide what they want to believe first, and then go looking for “evidence” to justify it. That mindset frightens me. Because once the truth stops mattering, anything can happen.

I don’t have a big answer. I just know I want to be someone who keeps trying to see clearly. Who doesn’t twist things to fit a story. Who stays grounded, even when everything feels like it’s spinning.

This is my little corner of the internet. I’m going to use it to think out loud, to ask questions, and to remind myself of what matters. That might not change the world. But it’s something.

I made vegan leek and potato soup today. It was very nice. The leeks, potatoes and chives were grown in my back garden.

I used this recipe from BBC Good Food but made some substitutions. I didn’t have bullion powder, whatever that is. I used an Aldi vegetable stock cube. I used normal vegetable oil for the pan and olive oil to drizzle. I didn’t have almond milk but I did have oat milk so I used that.

I was super simple to make and perfect comfort food for this blustery autumn day.

As an English person who has made Scotland my home and fervently supports the cause of Scottish independence, the upcoming coronation of King Charles III poses a significant paradox. While the occasion carries historical and traditional weight, it also reignites the age-old debate surrounding the relevance and legitimacy of the monarchy in a modern society.

The coronation of a monarch is a momentous event, steeped in centuries of tradition and pomp. For many, it symbolizes continuity, stability, and national identity. However, as an anti-monarchist, I view this tradition as an anachronism, a relic of the past that hinders progress towards a more democratic and egalitarian society.

Living in Scotland, a nation that has consistently expressed its desire for self-determination, the coronation takes on added significance. It serves as a stark reminder of the unequal union between Scotland and England, where the monarchy is seen by many as a symbol of English dominance and centralization of power. The question of Scottish independence inevitably looms larger during such occasions, igniting feelings of frustration and disillusionment.

Advocates for the monarchy argue that it provides a unifying force, bringing together people from different backgrounds and beliefs. However, as a supporter of Scottish independence, I believe that true inclusivity can only be achieved by embracing a republican system that places power in the hands of the people rather than an unelected monarch. The coronation, therefore, becomes a stark reminder of the hierarchical structure that perpetuates inequality.

In an era marked by global challenges, increasing social awareness, and demands for greater transparency, the monarchy’s relevance is called into question. As an anti-monarchist, I believe that the time has come for the United Kingdom to reassess its constitutional framework and embrace a more modern and accountable form of governance.

Living in Scotland while identifying as English creates an interesting dynamic during events like the coronation. It forces me to reflect on my own identity and consider the potential implications of supporting Scottish independence while observing the ceremonial traditions of the monarchy. The balance between respecting cultural heritage and advocating for change is a delicate one, requiring introspection and open dialogue.

The coronation of King Charles III presents a unique challenge for someone like me—an anti-monarchist residing in Scotland and supporting Scottish independence. It serves as a reminder of the deep-rooted traditions and inequalities that persist within the United Kingdom. However, it also highlights the importance of engaging in constructive conversations about the future of the monarchy and the democratic aspirations of the Scottish people. As the country continues to grapple with its constitutional future, it is vital to embrace diversity, challenge the status quo, and strive for a more inclusive and equitable society.

I actually thought I’d give watching the coronation ceremony a shot, from an anthropology interest point. It all started with Christian praise and offerings, making the whole thing even more objectionable. It’s another layer of oppression, excluding those of other faiths and none from proceedings. I lasted three minutes, got annoyed, switched it off and went for a curry. In my opinion a much more British activity.

Amidst the grandeur of Westminster Abbey,
In a ceremony so lavish, so grabby,
A coronation unfolded, for a new king,
A symbol of oppression, and all that’s wrong with this thing.

For the Republicans, the ceremony was a farce,
A spectacle of privilege, power, and class,
A symbol of the oppression, they’ve long fought to end,
A relic of the past, they could never befriend.

They saw in the coronation, the chains of old,
Of kings and queens, who ruled with power untold,
Who oppressed the people, and squandered their wealth,
Leaving them in poverty, and ill-health.

They saw in the King’s coronation, a betrayal,
Of the values of democracy, so real and so frail,
For how could a king, rule over them all,
When it was the people’s voice, that should always stand tall.

They remembered the struggles, of their ancestors past,
Who fought for their freedom, and cast off their chains at last,
They remembered the bloodshed, the tears, and the pain,
And vowed to never let the monarchy rule again.

They saw in the King’s regal robes, a symbol of greed,
A reminder of the wealth gap, that they so desperately need,
They saw in the crown, a reminder of the oppression,
And vowed to fight on, for a true democratic session.

For the Republicans, the coronation was a sign,
Of the need for change, of a new design,
Where the people’s voice, would always be heard,
And the monarchy’s power, would be forever deterred.

And so, they protested, they rallied, and they spoke out,
Against the monarchy, and all that it’s about,
For they knew that true freedom, could never be found,
With a king or queen, forever crowned.

I wanted to share this quote I came across today.

“We must do away with the absolutely specious notion that everybody has to earn a living. It is a fact today that one in ten thousand of us can make a technological breakthrough capable of supporting all the rest. The youth of today are absolutely right in recognizing this nonsense of earning a living.

We keep inventing jobs because of this false idea that everybody has to be employed at some kind of drudgery because, according to Malthusian-Darwinian theory, he must justify his right to exist. So we have inspectors of inspectors and people making instruments
for inspectors to inspect inspectors.

The true business of people should be to go back to school and think about whatever it was they were thinking about before somebody came along and told them they had to earn a living.”

Buckminister Fuller

I don’t know much about Buckminster Fuller but this spoke to me because I’ve always been puzzled by “automation is taking away people’s work” as an argument against it. For me “automation is taking people’s away people’s work” is an argument for automation.

Who actually wants to work really? If work was fun, if work was something people actually wanted to spend time doing, they would need to pay us to do it. We want to work because we want to live. We need to trade the time working for currency so we can trade the currency for homes and food and health.

The self-service tills in Tesco don’t stop people from doing something they love, the stop people from spending their lives engaged in the drudgery of scanning products. The self-service tills take away the amount of work we need to do as a society.

If we can spend more time as a society making art, enjoying the company of our loved ones or other humans, progressing human knowledge or anything we want, why is that a bad thing?

This blog post is sponsored by Love Yoga Crew who will be serving this at their social on Sunday April 30th.

This dish is actually called Kapora, not pakora. One time, in the 90s Stephanie and her mum had a little too much drink in an Indian restaurant and asked for kapora. It became one of those family private jokes where they asked for kapora every time they wanted pakora. That’s not the funny bit, though.

Stephanie and I went for an Indian meal recently. She was telling me about her pakora/kapora private family joke. I’d also had a little too much to drink so I asked for mushroom kapora. The waiter, responded “yes sir mushroom kapora”. That’s actually not that funny or interesting now I’ve written it down. I guess you had to be there.

Anyway, here her recipe is. Enjoy. If you want to check out Strathaven’s most friendliest, accessible and understanding yoga classes, visit loveyogacrew.com. Stephanie will be serving this kapora/pakora at her monthly social.

Ingredients:

• 200g gram flour.
• One green chilli, chopped.
• One tsp chilli powder.
• One tsp garam masala.
• Two tsp ground corrianda.
• Two tsp tumeric.
• Tsp chilli flakes (optional).
• Two medium potatoes, grated.
• Two large carrots, grated.
• One large onion, finely chopped.
• 40g kale, chopped.
• 40g cabbage, finely chopped.
• Vegetable oil for frying.
• Hot sauce, chutney, pakora sauce for serving.

Method:

1. Mix the gram flour with the spices and slowly add 150ml of water as you stir to form a smooth batter. You can use it straight away, but it’s best to let it settle for an hour.
2. In a large bowl, add and mix all the vegetables together. Add the batter a little but at a time. The vegetables should be coated but not super wet.
3. Fill a pan about a third full with oil and heat. To test if it is hot enough, drop a drip of the batter into the oil. If it sizzles, you are ready to go.
4. Take a handful of the batter and vegetable mix then form it into a small ball. Use a spoon to carefully lower the ball into the hot oil.
5. Fry for three to four minutes or until golden and crispy, using tongs to turn halfway. Remove from the oil and taste to check consistency. You may need to add more water if it’s too thick or more gram flour if it’s too wet.
6. Repeat frying the remaining mixture in batches, ensuring that the pan isn’t overcrowded.
7. Drain the cooked pakoras in a paper-towel lined oven dish.
8. Serve immediately with choice of sauces.