We might be feeling a bit panicky at the moment as our way of life moves away from us at frightening speed. Everything feels out of control and we need to find ways to bring a sense of normality and calm into our lives. I realise that we all have very different situations, and things…
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I find it hard to believe I used to write in a journal nearly every day. Where did I find the time? What did I write about? What happened to my mental capacity to produce subject matter and text? My guess is that it all resided in my addiction to nicotine. Nothing made me type…
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As a teen of the 80s, I grew up under the mistaken impression that status was defined by material possessions – an odd assumption considering my parents weren’t overly materialistic (although, now that I think about it, every closet, cupboard, and cabinet seemed to be stuffed with rarely-used items). There were no school uniforms where…
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Seven years ago my husband and I bought a lovely little flat in Kilchattan Bay on the Isle of Bute. At the time, I was in the middle of building a profitable business. Hours were long, and I often found it hard to relax when I had any time off because I carried so much…
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I won’t pretend to know what makes us who we are. It’s hard to pinpoint because people change. I was born with certain identities pinned to me. For instance, the certificate issued upon my birth states that I am American. It also says my given name is Jessica Elizabeth. But both of these pieces of…
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Feeling tired and run down at the moment. Our falling EU sales at work have not improved, and despondency is setting in. My husband and I gave an interview to a local paper about the difficulties the business is facing, and of course, as with everything these says, there was online abuse from people with…
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I successfully completed Veganuary – and learned a lot from it. I tried several new recipes, taught myself how to make seitan, and made some awesome discoveries that’ll fit right into any plant-based diet. I’ve been a fan of Essential Cuisine for years, and I’ve mentioned their vegan gravy a few times, so you might…
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Well, it’s happened. Despite a campaign of emails, newsletters, social media, and site notices letting our EU customers know they could continue to buy from us without hassle through 2020, their orders have all but stopped. As of this morning, I’ve received about 1/5 of the orders I’d usually get from the EU by the…
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I’m in the midst of another bout of minimising. It’s getting easier. I am more conscious of what I bring into the house, so there is more going out than coming in at the moment. Yesterday I went through my cookbooks. Since we no longer eat meat, it seemed a bit silly keeping books that…
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Well, Leavers, it’s here: the day you’ve been waiting for. Exit Day! From 11pm tonight the UK will no longer be a member of the European Union. Celebrate and enjoy. Have some cake. Ring a bell. You’ve won. But remember this – today is the easy bit. And perhaps some of you still believe, despite…
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For as long as I live, I will never understand how it was possible that half a population were allowed and encouraged to vote to strip everyone of the rights and privileges they’ve enjoyed for over forty years. I’ve only enjoyed mine since becoming a UK citizen in 2012, but that doesn’t take away the…
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A few things I miss, in no particular order: Being able to trust the media. Not liking the current administration, but not feeling their tenure is the end of the world. A functioning opposition.A willingness to cooperate with international neighbours. Living in a normal country, happy with its place in the world. Not having to…
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I’m not sure when I began to suspect that Steve Jobs might be on to something with his wardrobe. On the face of it, who in their right mind would wear the exact same outfit every day? It’s not only boring, it shows a lack of imagination. But what if your imagination is finite and…
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Last year, the thought of going vegan for a month did not appeal to me, but late in 2019, I phased out nearly all animal products from my diet, so this year I am totally up for it. Going plant-based, even for a month, should not only be about removing animal products from your diet,…
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I’ve mentioned before that I don’t do New Year resolutions. Instead, I like to reflect back on the year I’ve had and see where I’ve made improvements. Despite the spectre of Brexit hanging over my head like a perverse sword, 2019 has been a productive year. I’ve accomplished quite a bit. My proudest achievement was…
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Fig and Pen 