Recently, I’ve been feeling overwhelmed when it comes to socials.

Perhaps I’m just not in a very social mood, more of a home-bird between ideas.

I really haven’t got anything to shout about - so why shout?

This is what I’m struggling with, making myself say something when I really don’t have much to say. I’m spending my time learning, researching, pulling together ideas for new works. This feels like internal work so I’m making notes, drawing and living daily life.

Where I do feel comfortable though is here on my blog, and on my newsletter which I treasure more than a treasured thing. (You can subscribe and join us here)

Perhaps the next best thing would be for me to head over to Substack, open my own page and begin there - who knows. For now, I’m happy where I am, here with you.

Below is a new print, just off my press. It’s a little drypoint print of a market bag. Funnily enough it expresses where I am and how I’m feeling. I believe the term is ‘Granny Shopping’. Not huge supermarket hauls that have to be done, more daily walking to the shops for provisions, market trips.

So what’s my beef with socials just now? I think it’s my algorithm. You know that thing where you stop to look at something of potential interest, then it starts to follow you around - and suggests others that you might like too. I stopped to look at a mailing list thing recently, now I’m continually being shouted out by people that I’m doing it all wrong and had I thought of doing it this way - yuk

Will retrain my algorithm footsteps again to show me rescue puppies and ponies…altogether much calmer and joyful.

Much love and more soon

Sam x

Ps… today I am making Turmeric and Yoghurt marinated Chicken, thought you might like the recipe too as it’s always a summer-winner for eating in the garden.

Turmeric and Yoghurt Marinated Chicken

You will need:

Chicken, Greek Yoghurt, Turmeric, Cumin, Lemons, Coriander (Fresh or Dried), Garlic, Salt, and Pepper.

I’m using one whole chicken with three extra chicken breasts as we are group of 8.

Make a marinade sauce but adding the full pot of Yoghurt, a good teaspoon, possibly even two of Turmeric, one teaspoon of Cumin, a liberal spray of Garlic Powder (or a good 8 segments of whole garlic chopped or grated). One lemon quartered to squeeze the juice out of all, Salt and Pepper. Mix together well. Asses… if it looks like it needs more spice, add liberally.

I quartered my whole chicken (or rather Carl did - best to Google how) dipped each piece of chicken in the bowl, smathering it liberally. Finally add all into the marinade bowl, cover in cling-film, then add into the fridge for a good two hours, one hour will do if tight on time - even better, overnight.

When you are ready, remove from the fridge. Warm the oven to Gas Mark 5 (190). Score the chicken quarters by cutting in to the legs and thighs (doesn’t have to be pretty, just so the heat reaches in when cooking). Remove the chicken peices from the marinade and place into a baking/roasting tray.

Place into the warmed oven for 45 - 55 mins - turning the pieces over halfway through.

Once the 45mins is up, asses and use your meat thermometer if you have one (here are the essential numbers to make sure it’s cooked)

I’m taking mine out of the oven when 85% cooked, to finish them off on the hot BBQ - around a further 20 minutes. Will be bringing my meat thermometer with me to make sure I don’t get it wrong, am always a bit nervy with chicken. If you don’t have one, just use your nouse ❤️

I’m no food photographer, but this was so good to eat x

I’m serving this chicken with New Baby Potatoes, A big Green Salad with Feta Cheese added, and a side dish of Coleslaw. The babes will bring the sauces they want to the table (hot sauce with absolutely everything)

Finishing off the chicken on the BBQ really crisps up the chicken where it needs to be.

Just delicious - and it went down a storm.

Much love

Sam x