We still write 'UK' in the postal address. Scotland returns to the fold. Business as usual? Every says 'No, it will be different from now on'. How? (and who am I to complain about change? I find it hard to change my toothbrush.)
The change I sense is in the almost-half who voted Yes. What does 'the UK' do with these people today?
Hard to break, attachments: we are attached to routines, other people, small economic advantages, status quo, tranquillity, toothbrushes. We are even attached to kidnappers and jailers, remember? They call it Stockholm syndrome.
Scotland syndrome. After the long, inspiring and arduous road to the referendum, Scotland still said No, sorry but No. We like the hope but we hear the fear. Always louder, the fear.
It's over for now, perhaps for our generation, over and out. We shall live quietly and make the best of it. We shall return to our personal goals and make small changes in our lives - we may exercise more, read more non-fiction, start to floss, save money. We may occasionally sign petitions, or even install a solar system on the roof. Stop using plastic bags and help our children with maths. We may do the ice-bucket challenge of, if we feel extra daring, a parachute jump for charity.
A Scottish friend said she was 'relieved and grieved'. That sums it up beautifully.
The change I sense is in the almost-half who voted Yes. What does 'the UK' do with these people today?
Hard to break, attachments: we are attached to routines, other people, small economic advantages, status quo, tranquillity, toothbrushes. We are even attached to kidnappers and jailers, remember? They call it Stockholm syndrome.
Scotland syndrome. After the long, inspiring and arduous road to the referendum, Scotland still said No, sorry but No. We like the hope but we hear the fear. Always louder, the fear.
It's over for now, perhaps for our generation, over and out. We shall live quietly and make the best of it. We shall return to our personal goals and make small changes in our lives - we may exercise more, read more non-fiction, start to floss, save money. We may occasionally sign petitions, or even install a solar system on the roof. Stop using plastic bags and help our children with maths. We may do the ice-bucket challenge of, if we feel extra daring, a parachute jump for charity.
A Scottish friend said she was 'relieved and grieved'. That sums it up beautifully.
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