Firstly, I want to say this is my 40th day in row of posting on here. Also, I’m thinking it’ll be interesting to talk about a few things re what’s going on right now in the UK. I’m open and honest by saying I’m anti establishment & rebellious – so I’m trying to be consistent with that. So there’s no point me pretending to be distraught by the Queen’ passing. It’s not to say that someone passing away isn’t sad – of course it is – but it’s about context. The queen was 96 & lived an unbelievably wealthy life. I won’t get into the colonialism stuff now but there’s a cost of living crisis going on in the UK – there’s people who are homeless, people worrying about paying bills and people going to food banks – and an unbelievably tough autumn & winter awaits. There’s over a 1000 food banks in the UK – I read that it’s 1,400 the other day – it may be more. I’m strongly against elitism – there’s people who are going to be choosing between heating and eating – and many are struggling to get by.

The UK is one of the richest countries in the world too – I don’t just say these things willy nilly – I’m not an expert – but I do read articles & listen to podcasts/watch videos/documentaries about this. I don’t think mourning should be forced. I don’t think patriotism should be forced. I don’t think anything should be forced. I’m anti establishment – trust me there’s so many reasons for why that it is but it doesn’t mean I don’t respect many good aspects of the UK. I absolutely do and I appreciate many things I have – as well as the freedom I have – and the city I live in. My indentity is Scouse & I’m a bit punk & a rocker/sorta hippie too. I enjoy talking to people from many places – and as a Spanish speaker – I especially love talking to people from other countries, as well as being someone’s who’s got a massive passion for music, culture & languages. But I’m sorry but I refuse to buy into this – only play sad songs rubbish – feeling a need to stay in doors to mourn. And to be frank loads of young people aren’t interested in the Royal Family or can’t relate to them. Not just young or Scouse or British people but many from abroad too. Not only that but there’s people who are enjoying themselves as much as possible – even with next to no money – even if it’s enjoying music, walks etc. I mean lots of people are upset at the current cost of living and they’re making sacrifices – I know I am. Or utilising what is at our disposal – and for many it’s not that much – especially compared to the millionaires/billionaires/fat cats/elite that are making giant profits from businesses in the UK.

Plus I think the coverage of all this is really over the top, bizzare & comical to be really honest. It’s not to say that people can’t pay their respects or be sad – they absolutely can be – but I’m sorry but the world still continues despite the queen’s passing. I mean, I’m not shy in saying I think the monoarchy is outdated & saying that it’s not very practical to have the Royal Family to the scale they’re at. I personally wouldn’t have them anymore but I know some countries have a royal family but a much smaller one. I think it’s obscene that the Royal Family still exist as an establishment (to this extent at least) – I don’t mean as people – they can sell up & do something else. Listen, I know people appreciate tradition and are affected by this – I’m emotionally intelligent but at the end of the day I’m not going to hide how I feel – I’m very open person but I’m a respectful one to; I don’t intend to upset people but at the same time I am not going to pretend to be something that I am not. I absolutely don’t appreciate royality and what they stand for – and they’re against everything that I stand for. It’s 2022. Times change. And they very much are changing, especially technology wise.

Back to what I was saying, music is massive – it can brings us so much joy – so for people to feel like they can’t tweet as readily or post what they like (within reason) is bonkers to me. Music is a healer. Music is magical. Music is one thing that makes sense. I’m writing anything here – but it’s flowing – this is what is coming out of me.

People have a birth right to enjoy themselves when possible- to be joyful, laugh & enjoy themselves – that can involve being a bit cheeky & rebellious.

One of the things that’s helped me deal with the grief of my Mum passing away a little over a year ago was going for walks – as well as listening to lots of music & talking to people. Music is a huge love of mine and it is even more so now – it massively helps me – and certain songs or lyrics reflect where I’m at physically, emotionally or generally how I’m seeing things in a certain moment of time.

What works for me – it is a mix of upbeat music & music that’s less upbeat – depending on my mood. I’m strongly against the ‘stiff upper lip’ approach and just because something was a tradition many years ago doesn’t mean it’s relevant now – times change. Remember that I write very freely – I deliberately don’t edit these too much – only very slightly; it allows me write with flow and somewhat imperfectly but it allows me to express myself. You don’t have to agree with me on everything, that’s absolutely fine but please respect my right to stand against what I dislike & for what I stand for.

Also, knowing what I’m against makes me love what I’m for even more.

The way society progresses and how we have better interactions is to be open and have discussions. We can disagree, but let’s open to our minds to what someone has said – and why they’ve said it and the rational to why they feel that way.

I like having a laugh, being a bit mischievous & rebellious but I respect people and their views. It’s only normal to get emotional sometimes though, and I think it’s healthy to embrace that when it’s channeled in the right way or in the right place – like what I do with my writing here.

It’s a tight rope sometimes but it’s one I’m happy to walk across – metaphorically speaking.

Joy is an act of resistance.