I lost my temper yesterday. In London there is a designated area named Speakers Corner located within Hyde Park that is historically known for all walks of life to have their say? It is supposed to be an unoccupied platform to allow people to talk. Not limited to famous people, politicians, celebrities etc. A place where even I could go and speak with others. It is a place to learn. Potentially a place to debate. However, it seems it has become a place of hostility where women do not feel safe. We don’t have to agree with what we hear, to allow people to talk. It is wrong to use fear and intimidation to stop people from having a voice.

I used to do a lot for animal welfare on social media. Blackmail, poison pen messages and sheer nastiness eventually made me realise it was all a waste of time. Being a volunteer should not meet such hate. But on reflection it has given me my time back and has not stopped me from helping in the real world. It was a big burden to carry and I am glad it’s behind me. So much vicious rivalry with a small team of wanna be film stars using their vague connections to get some free press and halo scrubbing – most of which came from Hampstead (a right clicky bunch.) It is all in my new book. No detail spared. Sheer hate and bullying beyond all comprehension. Pure jealousy and resentment.

However, to stop people using their voice in an open space goes beyond all comprehension. Women are not meant to be treated with suggestions of violence and abuse. Women need to feel safe on and off line. I had jokes directed at me about burning me at Christmas – when I showed myself wearing an Aladdin’s hat at a theatre in Leeds. A photo like this somehow induced a frenzied and very back-handed launch of inadvertent threats, of which the party involved refuse to speak face to face with me regarding their jealousy and resentment of my voluntary work? “Light the torch paper,” they said!

I had been working with the homeless for much of that week. To then feel in fear of my life as a result of enjoying myself really did hit a nerve. Dismayed that jokes about women’s safety are not met with a prison sentence. Jokes about pets going missing and my dog dying. It was just online – I can shut the lid – but to know women are not able to speak in public places means we don’t have much left at all. It’s wrong. It is about listening to what we all have to say. To show empathy that we are not all the same. Patience and virtue from all parties. There are people out there paying to manipulate the shit we read in newspapers. We need free platforms to hear one another!

Tiffany.

I hope everyone had a nice weekend. I can feel spring on the way at last. It’s been soooo cold and damp in the UK this year. I’ve been doing a bit of writing and sorting out all my stuff. I do have bits everywhere. Catching up with paperwork too (not my best quality.) I can suffer with my daydreaming habit when I should be dotting (i’s) and crossing (t’s). I’ve been catching up with my youngest son and hope to see my eldest boy next week! Did a bit of travelling around the Peak District. Then had a holiday in Blackpool with Kris where we caught up with local life. It was a lovely little break. Kris is currently raising funds for her #dogbus appeal. Want to thank Kris for her support this last couple of weeks too! She’s really had my back and has got me into some kind of organised state! Thanks Kris you are a diamond and we miss you and Alan.

I have tried to do a bit of social media too (ggrrrr…)  but I struggle falling in and out of current affairs. I tend to see beyond what seems current/truthful. I suppose everyone has their own opinion and it is about finding the middle ground. Debate. Discussions and free thinking. Yet I prefer to look at colour, read prose and see the crafty side to people. Sometimes words are cheap. Actions do speak louder. But I don’t know, artful words always find a way to my heart. I suppose that’s why I listen to music so much?

Anyway, time to crack on – no rest for the wicked (am I that bad?) … No, seriously – a reality check here, I’ve a heart of gold (modest) … I am at my happiest when helping out where I can. Charity is good for the soul. Being out there where possible and meeting new situations. The world is full of magic. You just have to let go and believe.

Fear is our enemy. Only fear. There’s always love – love is the answer! Never run away from your heart – it will make you sick. Life’s too short. Try to enjoy it and respect those who do kind deeds. They’re your closest allies so look after them. Treat those you love the way you’d like to be treated yourself? It’s a good start … Be true to what’s right and best for you soul purpose.

Tiff. X