All bets are off in the summer!
That’s probably the simplest way to explain my absence for the last couple of months.
There’s just something about this season that brings out my inner child – the one who couldn’t wait for the school term to end and the magical “summer holidays” to begin. Those precious months dedicated to cramming in as much fun as possible, every single day.
I’m a classic “summer child” – which might explain why I always try to look on the brighter side of life. The truth is, that gets a little harder every year. It’s increasingly difficult to look at global events and keep a “sunny” disposition.
Usually, I combat this by spending the summer recharging my internal solar battery. This year, I’ve been pulled under by a relentless tide of heatwaves, each one crashing over me before I can catch my breath!
It’s been too hot to do… well, almost everything!
Anyway, here we are in September already. The summer is fading – along with my tan and my tolerance for the mainstream narrative – and months have gone by since I last wrote a post.
I’ve also fallen behind with my reading on here and I sincerely apologise for that. Now that my brain can concentrate on more than just keeping me from spontaneously combusting, I’m ready to get back on track.
As much as my inner child mourns the end of the summer holidays, part of me is secretly craving the structure of autumn. I am ready for stew instead of salad, drinking hot coffee undiluted by ice and, more importantly, a return to writing.
It’s not like my work here is done. Before my summer absenteeism, I was on a roll! But my views and likes were down. I’m not sure if it was because I introduced a new format – which included my Citizen Jane Field Guide™️ – or if the shadow bans are finally catching up to me. Or, just maybe, you simply went AWOL for the summer too.
Either way, I’m glad to be back. As a Scot, my genetic blueprint is strictly designed for drizzle, overcast skies and temperatures that top out at a dizzying 18°C.
Swapping that for a country with a climate where the summer sun feels like my personal Nemesis has been… character-building. My inner child might love the sunshine, but my Scottish skin has spent the last two months begging for mercy.
Now, the air is cooling down and the keyboard is calling.
Before the heat melted my focus, I was having a blast with you all. I’ve missed this community and I’m itching to know how you’re all doing.
I’ve got my hot coffee ready, but first, I need you to vote on the fate of this blog. Give it to me straight:
- Do we keep the Citizen Jane Field Guide™️?
- Or do we launch it into the sun?
Drop a KEEP or BIN in the comments – and tell me how you survived the summer while you’re at it!
I’ve missed you!
Citizen Jane x ✌️


Now it’s your turn! Join me here and let’s keep talking…👇🗣📣