Lemon Pressed

We may not agree. Our politics may differ. One of us will be disappointed by tomorrow's result. Your vote may even make mine void and mine, yours but please vote. People died to give us that right. People in other parts of the world envy this freedom. Above all, if you forego your vote you forego the right to complain, the right to pass judgement on those of us who did and the right to claim hardship under any elected government. Finally, whatever the result, can the voters amongst us simply accept the democratic result, in our favour or not, and move on from such woeful divisory issues and make the most of our lives.

I do not usually judge others, living and let live, but today I watched in utter horror as a mum had her baby boy's ears pierced. The little boy was no more than six months old at best, maybe even as young as four months. He sat happily on the knee of the woman he trusted, the same mum who laughed as his screams filled the air as his little earlobes were pierced. The look of pain was etched on his face and I was moved to tears as it took me all my time not to march into the shop and wipe the mundane smile off his mother's face. Even now I can still picture his tears. So, I came home, found and signed this petition. I simply don't understand why any parent would inflict unnecessary pain on their unsuspecting, trusting child.

Ban ear piercing for babies/toddlers It is a form of child cruelty. Severe pain and fear is inflicted upon infants unnecessarily. It serves no purpose other than to satisfy the parent's vanity. Other forms of physically harming children are illegal- this should be no different.

A lesson in why, when it comes to SMART Parking, it is always wise to keep your parking ticket. Today I received a £60 fine, which would rise to £100 if not paid within 14 days, because I had been photographed leaving Perth's Kinnoull Street multi-storey car park at 17:39:43. The ticket I had kept confirmed my recollection of paying up until 17:40, which gave me 17 seconds of parking time left, therefore rendering my fine premature and downright dishonest. On this occasion they've picked the wrong girl, but what about those who find threats of civil action intimidating and devastated to find themselves on the receiving end of a substantial fine? I have to wonder how many people this has happened to when they have actually left within their allotted time.

Made In Scotland article about the lovely Sally Sutherland and Soul Silver.

Made in Scotland Magazine | articles | Soul Silver Chilblains and hot water bottles shoved down her trousers; being a creative soul hasn't always been glamorous but, as Sally Sutherland will testify, it definitely has a silver lining.