The Miscellaneous Goings On Of Tom - Excuse The Temporary Silence

I've Been Busy!

As some of you may have noticed the blog has become increasingly quiet over the last week or so, that is because I have been working on a project that has required my full attention and focus. I am also thoroughly enjoying this high level of productivity and using this bountiful amount of time in a constructive way. I am keeping the project under wraps at the moment, before you feel inclined to ask me what it is! Anyway, I have been in high spirits over the last couple of weeks despite the lockdown I have found a way to harness and control things that I though previously uncontrollable. Like Odin's two wolves I have fed them both but instead of raging in me they have calmed and become contented with themselves and each other. Wearing my Mjölnir around my neck has also been a great comfort, as I've become increasingly spiritual again over this amount of time and reassured my faith in Mother Earth. I'd be lying if I said I've been productive the whole time though, I've been binge watching The Last Kingdom and following with great anticipation the adventures of Uhtred, although I'm currently near the end of series four now! Alas, I shall probably rewatch Vikings afterwards and definitely revisit Middle Earth again. As for Westeros, I'll still have a think on that one. One thing we can all agree on though is that once this global lockdown is lifted and we can fly abroad again, we are all going on a much needed holiday. I've been reflecting on my Swedish adventure back in 2018 and how I want to add to those Scandinavian memories so desperately in Norway and Denmark whilst also seeing Finland and the land of the giants Iceland. Due to The Last Kingdom I've delved back into the world of the Anglo-Saxons and learning a bit more about my ancestors, being particularly drawn to the flag of Wessex because to me it looks awesome! Anyway, this should be some justification as to why the blog hasn't been as active in the recent week, and I do have a couple of reviews in the pipeline so stay tuned and keep rockin'! 🤘

What I'm Listening To At This Very Moment 

Something a bit more stripped back than usual, I've loved Scotland's Big Country's first three albums for as long as I can remember, and have appreciated the songwriting more and more as I've got older. With the sun beaming down it makes you feel like you're working in an industrial environment sometimes and this album captures the toils and trouble of this. I definitely there is some commentary on what Scotland was like during the 1980s but I think most of the lyrics can be reapplied to various modern circumstances, I'll let you decide. 

What I've Been Jamming To This Week

Surprisingly not a lot because I've been working hard on the aforementioned project. However, one thing I have found that brought me immense nostalgia and happiness was the discovery of the Brütal Legend soundtrack! Please tell me you guys remember that game? Jack Black as the chosen roadie to take on epic metal monsters whilst shredding on his guitar. Ophelia must have has an influence on me subconsciously because I think that is how the black metal interest came around early one, plus the licensed songs were epic too. Definitely have a big respect for Peter McConnell for composing this masterpiece! 

My Latest Book Purchases 

I invested some of my furlough money on something other than independent breweries beer delivery service. I've been wanting to read the Poetic Edda and the Saga of Ragnar Lothbrok for a long, long time so I bit the bullet and got these wonderful editions for my ever expanding library! Jackson Crawford's translations came highly recommended to me and I'd been toying with getting his books for ages, but I'm glad I did, I can't wait to delve into the world of the Norse myths again and read the wise words of Odin!

The Flag Of Wessex

Just to prove how awesome the flag of Wessex is, here is a picture of it! Wessex as a historical region covers the modern areas of Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Dorset and Wiltshire, as well as the western half of Berkshire and the eastern hilly flank of Somerset. Anyway, keep looking after each other in these trying times, make sure your friends and family are well and stay safe!