Chin Up, Chicken

 I think it must be the constant drizzle and greyness of today that made the sad and intolerant mood descend upon me. Or the global news, which I have made the mistake of paying too much attention to over the last few days. For that, I only have myself to blame because I’ve grown quite good at ignoring the news and I feel so much better when I do. 

I’m fed up of the posturing, the self-righteousness and the emotional f*ck-wittery of our UK politicians. If only they would spend as much energy on governing the country effectively as they did trying to pick holes in one another in their stupid games of oneupmanship. If only the ‘Prime Minister’ spent time looking after the country instead of poking his nose into the business of other countries because he is under the serious misapprehension that he is some sort of important and influential global figure when clearly he isn’t. If only I could believe a word any of them said. 

I am fed up of the whole Epstein thing - does anyone else see the irony that the only person to be holed up in prison (and quite rightly so) for their association with Epstein is a woman? Not the league of power-crazed, narcissistic, misogynistic males of the species who are seemingly beyond reproach. 

And every time I think I’ll watch a bit of the Winter Olympics, all that seems on offer is curling and snow boarding, when what I’d really like to see is a bit of ice dancing. 

I’m fed up with trying to do my bit for the environment by washing out the baked bean tins and squishing up soft plastics to put into the collection box at the supermarket, when the roadsides and hedges are littered with junk food and drinks cans rubbish thrown from the car windows of those who don’t give a monkey’s bum hole about this lovely planet of ours. 

I’m fed up with hearing of children being stabbed in their schools by fellow students. A teacher was attacked last week, too. I am fed up of hearing about the dangers, the stresses, the anxieties those same children face in this so-called modern and progressive century because of the Internet, AI, digital technology, social media. 

Even though I could go on and on and on and on, I shall hush now with the fed-ups because I can feel myself scowling as I write, and it takes enough effort to push my face upwards in the morning as it is, without self-inflicting more misery wrinkles. 

What did I do, then, to mitigate this mood? I did lots of home herbal study this morning. Really, the wealth of plants we have on this planet that support and benefit our health is quite incredible. Clever Mother Nature! And I read my way to the end of the second Cazalet family saga novel, which was very enjoyable and means I am on track to finish all five novels by the end of the month. I enjoyed a happy half an hour on my piano keyboard playing some calming tunes and some uplifting tunes albeit very slowly and with some seriously off-key moments. I picked some snowdrops from the garden to grace a tiny vase. I noticed some yellow crocus have popped up. 

And then I took myself out this afternoon to visit a local garden centre, mostly with the purpose of exploring their organic herb seed selection. As it turned out, the selection was poor, and also on the pricey side, so I shall spend my money buying from an independent herb place I have found online. 

I found a lovely, very soft and baggy cerise jumper with navy stripe in the ‘Sale’ corner. For £13, I thought I couldn’t leave it hanging there on the rail on its lonesome, could I? I also found a sweet little wooden box with a padded fabric lid for £4.50! I don’t know what I shall use it for but it was calling to me to take it home, so I did. I think it might house some of my collection of crystals. 

And then I stocked up on nuts and seeds at the health food shop, and also some Pukka herb teas which were on special offer. As I paid for my nutritious haul (including some Montezuma giant dark chocolate buttons!), the shop assistant said, ‘Ooh, as you’ve bought two boxes of Pukka teas you get a free mug! I bet that’s made your day!’

She has no idea how much it did.