Melody Jacob

Winter view of Hogganfield Loch with swans

Happy New Year, everyone! Welcome to 2026. This is officially my first travel post of the year, and I’m so excited to kick things off with a gem I found right here in Glasgow.

If you missed my New Year’s post, I hope your year is starting off with peace and clarity. For me, it started with a trip to Hogganfield Loch (also known as Hogganfield Park). It wasn't a hard decision to head there; it popped up while I was browsing maps for nature spots, and the photos and Google reviews looked so promising. After church, I grabbed my gear and headed out—and let me tell you, it was the best decision.

When I arrived, the first thing I noticed was how popular this place is! The car park was jam-packed. I had to circle around for a bit waiting for someone to leave, so keep that in mind if you're visiting on a weekend. There’s a cute little kiosk selling coffee and snacks, and honestly, business was booming today. Even though the sun was out, don't let those photos fool you—it was freezing.

Once I stepped onto the path, the cold really hit me. It was one of those crisp winter days where the sun shines but the air bites. The loch was nearly frozen over, though not thick enough to walk on. Before I took in the full view, I was drawn to the birds.

Blue knitwear jumper and blue jeans

The variety of birds here is remarkable. The loch’s shallow waters and surrounding habitats attract a huge range of bird life throughout the year. In winter especially, you’ll see Whooper Swans, sometimes arriving all the way from Iceland, and Common Goldeneye Ducks bobbing on the water. There are also Great Crested Grebes, Goosanders, Tufted Ducks, Gadwall, Wigeon, Teal, and more mixing with the usual mallards and swans. In the grassland and marshy edges, warblers and buntings make themselves heard in the warmer months, and woodlands host tits, blackcaps, and willow warblers when spring and summer arrive. Over 150 bird species have been recorded here, including occasional rarities, so birdwatchers will find plenty to enjoy. I saw two people with professional cameras taking photos.

Holding the book A Vast Horizon by Anna Thomasson, published by Pan Macmillan, during a quiet reading moment

Some books transport you to a different time and place so vividly that you can almost feel the sun on your face and the breeze on your skin. A Vast Horizon by Anna Thomasson is one of those books. Published by Pan Macmillan, it reads like a richly woven tapestry of art, friendship, freedom and fear, all set against the storm clouds gathering over Europe in the late 1930s.

Picture this: Imagine yourself in the late summer of 1937, in the South of France. A group of artists and free spirits have gathered for a picnic in a secluded glade, their laughter echoing through the trees. Dresses are loosened in the heat, shoes are cast aside, and a couple share a playful kiss. In that sun-dappled moment, Lee Miller lifts her camera and captures something timeless. This snapshot will come to define the magic and recklessness of youth. That image is where Thomasson begins her story.

Me holding A Vast Horizon by Anna Thomasson, showing the book cover clearly

From here, the book unfolds like a conversation under the stars. Thomasson introduces us to the circle of friends around that table: the daring photographer Lee Miller, the impossibly brilliant but complex Pablo Picasso, the Surrealist icons Man Ray and Dora Maar, the poet Paul Éluard and his wife Nusch, and others like the dancer Ady Fidelin and artist Eileen Agar. Some names you might recognize, others you might not, but by the time you finish the book, you feel as though you’ve walked beside them through sunlit fields and shadowed war rooms alike.

What makes A Vast Horizon so compelling is Thomasson’s gift for bringing these lives to the page through the art they made, the poems they wrote, the letters they exchanged and the photographs that survived. She doesn’t just recount facts; she invites you into their world, showing how art and friendship and love were their anchors even as the specter of war loomed ever closer.

Holding A Vast Horizon by Anna Thomasson while reading at home

As the years move on, the carefree days of that Mediterranean summer give way to the harsh realities of the Second World War. Plans shift, loyalties are tested, and the very notion of freedom changes as Europe descends into turmoil. What I loved most was how these real people, rebels in their own way, struggled to hold onto creativity and connection in a time that sought to tear everything apart.

In a way, this book feels like a bedtime story told around a fire: it is vivid, it is alive with colour, and it lingers in your thoughts long after you’ve finished reading. I found myself turning pages late into the night simply because Thomasson writes with that rare combination of intimacy and sweep. You can almost hear the laughter of that summer picnic, feel the tension of the war years, and sense the resilience in the friendships that endured.

Me holding the book A Vast Horizon by Anna Thomasson, reflecting on the story after reading

And that makes me think about today. What does it mean to seek freedom and creativity when the world feels heavy with uncertainty? How do we hold onto our friendships, our art, and our passions in times of upheaval? These are questions that stayed with me, echoing long after I closed the book.

Anna Thomasson herself is no stranger to exploring such rich human stories. Based in London, she came to this project with a deep grounding in biography and an eye for the details that make history feel personal. Her first book was widely acclaimed, and A Vast Horizon confirms her gift for bringing complex lives into clear, compelling focus.


If you love books that feel like journeys, that make history feel like a conversation, then A Vast Horizon is one to savour. It isn't just about art or war or friendship. It’s about how those forces shape the best and most vulnerable parts of ourselves.

Questions that linger:

What would you hold onto if your world were changing around you?

How do friendship and creativity sustain us in uncertain times?

Is a "safe" life worth living if it’s built on a lie?

Which of these figures do you think carried the greatest burden, and why?

These are the thoughts I’m still carrying with me. And I think that’s the mark of a book that truly matters.


Key Verse


“Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert” (Isaiah 43:19).

Text —Isaiah 43:15-21

Message

God in His infinite mercy has brought us into another year. Praise the Lord! A new year brings us into a new realm of glory to experience more of God’s blessings. “Every sunset is an opportunity to reset. Every sunrise begins with new eyes,” says Richie Norton. A new year marks the beginning of another circle of our lives. We need to spend quality time praising and appreciating God for keeping us alive to see this day. We also need to reflect on our past life and plan for the days ahead of us in this year.

God has promised to do a new thing for youths and for you in particular this year. Begin the year with total devotion to His plan for your life to get the best from Him. Unfortunately, many youths will spend this day with immoral activities, all in the name of celebrating a New Year. As for you reading this piece, give your heart wholly to the Lord this year as only those devoted to Him can fully enjoy the new things He has promised. Happy New Year!
Polytar 4% Coal Tar Medicated Scalp Shampoo Review

Lately, I've been spending hours on my hair, braiding it, slicking it down with gel, and just playing around with new looks. It’s been fun, but honestly, my scalp is paying for it. It’s started feeling so irritated, itchy, and flaky lately.

I’ve realized that as much as I love styling my hair, I have to actually take care of my scalp too. I truly love my hair. I’m that person who is obsessed with her hair because I see every part of my body as a gift from God, and my hair is the one accessory I get to wear every single day.

That’s when the brand Polytar offered me their 4% Coal Tar Medicated Scalp Shampoo, a product designed specifically for people dealing with scalp issues like psoriasis, eczema, dandruff, and itching. I was open to trying it.

Using a quality medicated shampoo isn’t just about clean hair. It’s about restoring the health of your scalp. Polytar shampoo reduces redness, flakiness becomes manageable, and the scalp is soothed. For anyone struggling with scalp irritation, this product could be a game-changer.

I’ve been resting all day watching a Netflix movie, enjoying every moment of it, but I just couldn’t wait any longer to share my experience with the IOWODO W70Pro Outdoor Smartwatch, Black. I’ve been using this watch for over a month now, and after thoroughly testing it in different scenarios, I finally feel ready to give a proper review. Smartwatches are everywhere these days—some brands charge a hefty price but offer only basic features, while others claim durability or health tracking but fall short. The W70Pro, however, stands out as a watch that truly delivers on all fronts without overpromising. Here’s why.

Design and Durability: Military-Grade Titanium Build

From the moment I unboxed the W70Pro, I could tell it was built differently. Its case combines titanium metal with PC (polycarbonate), making it incredibly strong yet lightweight. This is not just a stylish accessory; it’s designed to withstand tough conditions. The watch is IP68 waterproof, meaning it can survive swimming sessions and shallow water adventures, and it’s shockproof, scratch-resistant, and operational in extreme temperatures from -30°C to 70°C. Whether you’re hiking, camping, or just navigating a busy city, this watch can take a beating without skipping a beat.

Durable IOWODO W70Pro Watch

Battery Life That Actually Lasts

Battery life has been one of my biggest frustrations with smartwatches, especially the ones my friends own. The W70Pro solves the issue with a massive 900mAh battery. In normal use, it lasts 15–30 days (this is for real), and in standby, it can go up to 100 days. That’s three to four times longer than most watches I’ve tried. This means fewer interruptions for charging and more reliability for long outdoor trips.

Advanced LED Flashlight and Compass: A Real-Life Example

The first real test of this watch’s outdoor features came the day after Christmas. My partner and I decided to watch the sunset, and afterward, we had to walk along a dimly lit pathway. The W70Pro’s LED flashlight was a lifesaver. Its adjustable brightness levels and SOS mode lit our path clearly, and the built-in compass ensured we stayed oriented even in the darkness. Simple features like this might seem small, but they can make a big difference in safety and peace of mind.

W70Pro Smartwatch for Outdoors

2.01-Inch HD Display and Customization

The large 2.01-inch HD screen makes everything easy to see, whether it’s notifications, maps, or fitness stats. With over 220 pre-installed watch faces and the option to add your own custom photo dials via the “Da Fit” app, personalization is effortless. I love being able to switch my watch face to match my mood or outfit; it feels like having a different watch every day.

Bluetooth Calls and Connectivity

The W70Pro allows you to make and receive calls directly from your wrist, complete with a 360° noise-cancelling microphone and high-quality speaker. Notifications from your phone, calls, SMS, WhatsApp, Facebook, and more arrive instantly. For someone who is constantly on the go, this feature keeps you connected without constantly reaching for your phone.

At this point, I honestly felt worn out. It felt as if even Google Maps had gone on holiday. I am still processing all the details, but this is what happened today, the day after Christmas.

My partner and I had a disagreement on Christmas morning; you can read about it here. We talked it through late at night and agreed it should not have gone that way. We slept calmly and woke up feeling at peace, ready to embrace the day. With most places closed on the 25th of December, our plan was simple: spend time in nature. We wanted to visit the Cairngorms National Park, breathe deeply, relax, and enjoy the outdoors.

As soon as we woke up, my partner started making the bed, and I joined him. It felt like a small but meaningful reset. We got dressed, filled the car with fuel, and stopped at McDonald’s for breakfast around 10:45 a.m., and then we set off.

The drive was long, about an hour and a half. We kept going, trusting the photos we had seen online and hoping the place would be worth it. Eventually, we saw a signpost for the location. That is where the confusion began. There was nowhere to properly park, no clear entrance, and no visible walking path. Google Maps insisted we had arrived, but all we could see was thick forest and fenced land. It did not match what we had seen online, which showed trails, a castle, and accessible areas.

We drove back and forth several times, trying to make sense of it. By then, I was already feeling frustrated. We reset the map and entered the location again, but it redirected us to a place we had already visited before. That confirmed the directions were wrong.

When we stopped to ask a lovely elderly man for help, he explained that the park is enormous and that you cannot simply enter its general name into the map. You need to search for a specific landmark inside or near the park, such as a castle or trail. The route suggested from where we were would have taken another two and a half hours. At that point, I knew it was not realistic. Reluctantly, I told my partner we should not continue.

We tried once more by driving back to the original signpost to look for another access point, but again, there was nowhere to park and no clear way in. Eventually, we realised we had reached the correct area but from the wrong side. The map had taken us through a back route that was inaccessible to visitors.

On our way back, we decided to try another place, the Scottish Wildlife Trust at Loch of the Lowes. The map showed it was open, and it was only about 25 minutes away. When we arrived, the parking area was closed. The surroundings were beautiful: rivers, open land, animals, two people walking a dog, and a nearby golf area. But once again, there was nowhere to park, so we stayed in the car the entire time.

By then, I was overwhelmed. I had packed hot tea and barely touched it. It was already around 2:45 p.m., and we had been out since late morning without truly spending time in nature the way we had hoped. With winter days being so short, I knew the light would soon be gone.

I started crying on the drive home. I was disappointed that I had missed that quiet Christmas time in nature I had been longing for. My partner stayed calm and supportive. He asked what I needed in that moment and whether I wanted to try somewhere else or just go home. I decided it was best to head back.

He tried changing the music to cheer me up, and after a while, I noticed him moving to one of my favourite artists, Davido. I could not resist joining in. He smiled and said, “Let’s not let the outcome of today linger for long.”

With no restaurants open, he asked if I wanted KFC. We stopped, but the food was poorly cooked and disappointing, so we barely ate it. After that, my partner suggested going to a familiar spot by the water where we often watch the sunset. Before heading there, we stopped at Tesco to buy food to cook at home. Watching the sunset helped. It was peaceful, and we finally slowed down, talked, and laughed a little.

Despite everything, my partner did his best to make sure I felt supported. He reminded me that some days do not go as planned, but they can still be meaningful. We agreed that next time we visit a new nature spot, we will carefully read reviews beforehand. Other visitors often leave helpful details about parking, routes, and which location to enter into the map. Today, we were simply on the wrong route, and time ran out.

In the end, we spent the day together. We made up for the tension from yesterday. We came home, had wine and chocolate, and settled down to watch a movie. It was not the day we planned, but it will be one we remember and laugh about. 

If this post feels confusing on its own, reading my previous post from the 25th of December will help. This is a follow-up to that story. Thank you to everyone who read and commented. I appreciate you.

I took a few photos of the sunset, but they might not be very clear; however, I hope you enjoy viewing them.  

I hope your holiday is filled with peace and calm. How did you spend your Boxing Day? Hopefully with fewer wrong turns than me.


Merry Christmas, everyone. I hope you are all having a beautiful day. Whether you are at home with family, spending it alone, or doing something entirely different, your story matters. Today, I want to share mine.

Before Christmas, I told my partner that I wanted to celebrate the day in nature, and we mutually agreed. I have always been drawn to nature: oceans, forests, parks, anywhere quiet and natural. Nature feeds my soul and reminds me that God is with me. It’s a living reminder of His presence. If God cares for the trees, the rain, and the birds, then I know He loves me deeply, too.

Nature settles me. It reminds me that life has seasons: a season to plant, a season to wait, and a season to harvest. No matter where you are, your life can still move toward a new blossom. That feeling is something I cannot fully explain; even pictures cannot capture what happens quietly in the mind and heart.

I had planned to spend this Christmas morning in a National Park here in Scotland. But as we know, sometimes life has other plans.

Before leaving, a small disagreement over making the bed turned into something deeper. I have been burdened with a heavy heart lately concerning my sister, and I did not want drama; I needed understanding.

I asked him to help me make the bed, but he refused, saying he had already folded the blankets. I told him clearly: if the bed is not made, I will not leave the house. To some, it’s just a bed, but to me, it was about effort. He had become too comfortable making excuses for not doing it properly, claiming he "couldn't do it like I do." To me, that felt like he didn't want to put in the effort to learn, and I didn't want that attitude to spill into other parts of our life.

Instead of understanding, he simply said, "Okay, we don't have to go," and fell asleep. In that moment, I faced a choice. I decided to pack my bag and head out on my own. As I walked, he called and said, "You spoiled our Christmas." I didn't argue. I simply told him, "You have your truth, and I have mine." I refused to stay in a cycle of blame.

I headed for the bus stop, not realizing that buses don't run on Christmas Day in the UK. Since I usually spend Christmas at church or home, this was new to me. I walked all the way to the central station, the air cold and the streets of Glasgow completely empty.

At one point, my bag strap snapped. In the past, this would have overwhelmed me, but today? I just adjusted and kept walking. I saw my own growth in that moment. At the station, the only options were expensive trips to Edinburgh or Stirling, and I realized I wouldn't make it to the park after all.

As I stood there, I started to tear up. I realized it wasn't just about the bus or the bed—it was because I hadn't taken my burdens to God in prayer. I had been trying to carry the weight of what was happening with my sister on my own shoulders.

The Holy Spirit whispered to me: “I carried you through the whole year, and you are crying over this moment?” Peace returned. I remembered that if God waters the trees, He surely has me. I thought of those in hospitals or in pain today. I am alive, independent, and breathing freely. That is a blessing.

I walked back home with sore shoulders but a light heart. I didn’t have a big feast, but I had bread, sardines, and tea. I turned on a small light I received as a gift from work, played my music, and enjoyed my own company.

My message to you is this: Never let anyone take a moment away from you. Plans change, and people may lack empathy in moments, but you can still create joy. Learn to enjoy your own company and protect your peace. Secondly, remember that burdens are lifted at Calvary—take them to God in prayer.

I’m sharing some photos of Glasgow on this quiet morning. It was beautiful to see the city so calm. Tomorrow is another day, and God willing, I will finally make it to nature then.

How did you spend your Christmas? Was it what you planned, or did you find beauty in the unexpected? Share how you spent your Christmas day in the comment section.

Jesus is the reason for the season. Take care of yourselves!

Wearing the George Women’s Orange Plain Pullover Jumper styled with jeans as an everyday winter outfit

There is something deeply comforting about finding a jumper that just works. One you can reach for without thinking, knowing it will always look right and feel good to wear. For me, my orange jumper has become exactly that kind of piece, and it has quietly earned its place as a winter staple in my wardrobe.

The George Women’s Orange Plain Pullover Jumper is simple in the best possible way. It is a lightweight knit with a classic V-neck and long sleeves, finished with ribbed cuffs and a hem that give it shape without feeling restrictive. The fit is regular and easy, the kind that skims the body rather than clings, which makes it flattering and comfortable for everyday wear.

What I love most is the colour. Orange can feel bold, but this shade is warm and inviting rather than loud. Every time I wear it, I notice how well it sits against my skin and how it lifts even the simplest outfit. I have worn this jumper several times now, and that feeling has not worn off. If anything, it has become more familiar and more loved with each wear.

The fabric is a soft viscose blend, smooth and lightweight, which makes it ideal for layering without feeling bulky. It keeps me comfortable throughout the day, whether I am out running errands, sitting at my desk, or heading out for a casual lunch. There is something reassuring about a jumper that feels just as good in the morning as it does by late afternoon.

In winter, my go-to outfit rarely changes. A good jumper and a pair of jeans have always been my answer to cold mornings and busy days. This orange jumper fits perfectly into that routine. Thrown on with blue or black jeans, it feels effortless and put-together without trying too hard. It is proof that you do not need complicated outfits to look stylish, just reliable pieces that you trust.

Styling an orange jumper does not need to be complicated. I like to keep things simple and let the colour do the talking. Worn with classic denim and ankle boots, it feels timeless. Paired with a black midi skirt, it becomes slightly more polished while still staying comfortable. On colder days, I layer it under a neutral coat or blazer, letting the orange peek through for warmth and contrast. Even something as simple as adding gold jewellery or a tan handbag can elevate the look without taking away from its ease.

This jumper is one of those wardrobe staples that quietly does its job. It blends comfort and style in a way that feels honest and practical, while still allowing me to feel confident in what I am wearing. Sometimes, fashion is not about chasing trends but about finding pieces that suit you, last well, and make getting dressed a pleasure. For me, this orange jumper does exactly that.



The George Women’s Orange Plain Pullover Jumper worn casually with denim for a classic winter look

Wearing the George Women’s Orange Plain Pullover Jumper showing its V-neck design and relaxed fit

Let us talk honestly about food delivery and what it now represents in our society.

Recently, a disturbing incident involving a DoorDash delivery driver came to light. A couple ordered food and left what many would consider a modest tip. After the food was delivered to their porch, their security camera captured the driver spraying a substance onto the food package. Shortly after, the wife began eating the meal and started choking violently, coughing to the point of nearly losing consciousness. Only then did her husband review the camera footage and see the delivery driver, identifiable by her purple hair, spraying the food with what was later believed to be pepper spray.

The driver who was caught on camera tampering with a customer’s meal has officially been caught. Kourtney Stevenson, 29, was arrested in Kentucky and is facing multiple felony charges, including Consumer Product Tampering and Battery Resulting in Moderate Injury.

Despite her claiming she was just "spraying a spider," investigators didn't buy it—especially since it was 35°F outside! The couple she targeted ended up in agony, suffering from burning in their throats and stomachs.

This is exactly why we have to be careful. You can watch the shocking footage that led to her arrest right here: Watch: DoorDash Driver Caught Pepper Spraying Food


This is not just a story meant to shock. It is a warning.

Food is not just a product. Food enters your body. It affects your health, your safety, and sometimes your survival. When you eat, you are placing immense trust in whoever prepared, handled, transported, and delivered that meal. In the past, food was prepared by family, trusted neighbors, or professionals working under strict oversight. Today, we are expected to trust complete strangers because an app tells us to.

That is a major shift, and we should not ignore its consequences.

Technology Is a Tool, Not a Guarantee of Safety

Technology can be useful. Phones, apps, and delivery services were created to make life easier. But convenience does not automatically mean safety. There is a dangerous belief today that because something is popular, widely advertised, and used by millions, it must be safe. That is not always true.

Food delivery apps rely heavily on volume. Their main goal is to get as many drivers on the road as possible and as many orders delivered as possible. While companies often claim they conduct background checks, those checks are limited. A clean police record does not mean a person has good character. It only means they have not been caught.

Most delivery drivers are decent people trying to earn a living. That must be said clearly. But the system does not filter for emotional stability, moral judgment, or impulse control. And when food is involved, even one bad actor is one too many.

The Illusion of Safety and the Reality of Risk

Food delivery creates a long chain of handling: the restaurant, the packaging, the pickup, the transport, the drop-off, and finally you. Each step introduces risk. Once the food is left unattended on a porch or hallway, anything can happen. Cameras catch some incidents, but many homes do not have them.

Think about people with allergies. Think about elderly individuals. Think about children. How many people may have gotten sick, choked, or worse without ever knowing why?

This is not paranoia. This is awareness.

Tipping Culture and Entitlement

Another uncomfortable truth must be addressed: entitlement.

No one has the right to tamper with food because they are unhappy with a tip. If someone accepts a job knowing the pay structure, they are responsible for doing that job with integrity. Doctors, nurses, pilots, security guards, cleaners, retail workers, and many others do not receive tips, yet they perform their duties professionally every day.

Tipping is optional, not a moral obligation enforced by threat. When entitlement turns into retaliation, it becomes dangerous. And when that retaliation involves food, it becomes potentially deadly.

Low pay is a real issue, but poisoning or tampering with someone’s meal is never justified. If a job is unbearable, the responsible choice is to leave it, not to harm others.

Weak Oversight and Corporate Detachment

The harsh reality is that large corporations are insulated from the consequences of these incidents. Executives are not ordering food through these apps daily. They have private chefs, trusted staff, and controlled environments. When something goes wrong, the burden falls on the customer, not the company.

Reports are filed. Apologies are issued. Life goes on.

But for families affected, the damage is real.

Kourtney N. Stevenson (Courtesy: McCracken County Jail)

A Return to Personal Responsibility

There was a time when food was prepared at home, shared at the table, and treated with respect. Vulnerable people were assisted by trusted caregivers, not anonymous gig workers rushing against a timer.

Cooking is not always easy. Life is busy. But learning to prepare simple meals, buying groceries, and eating in places where you can see your food being made restores control. It reduces risk. It strengthens self-reliance.

You do not need to embrace every new technology simply because it exists. Wisdom lies in knowing what to accept and what to refuse.

Teaching the Next Generation

Children must be taught early that they are not entitled to everything they want. Entitlement breeds resentment, and resentment leads to harmful behavior. Love is not giving without limits. Love is teaching truth, discipline, and responsibility.

A society that avoids correction creates adults who cannot handle disappointment. And when disappointment meets access to someone else’s food, the results can be tragic.

This world is not as gentle as it once was. That does not mean we should live in fear, but it does mean we must live with awareness. Your life is not a gamble. Your health is not a convenience fee.

If there is one habit worth reconsidering as we move forward, it is cooked food delivery from strangers. Prepare your meals when you can. Eat where accountability exists. Teach your children caution, patience, and responsibility.

Technology should serve humanity, not endanger it.

Sometimes, the old ways were not outdated. They were wise.

Photo by Mikhail Nilov

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