Earthwalker

I love woodlands, forests, in fact anywhere that is surrounded by the beauty of the earths nature, and away from the worlds business, is my idea of heaven. There is nothing more comforting and relaxing than walking through areas like this, and in a area surrounded by concrete it can be refreshing. I've always lived in the city, but I've always felt like it can be a bit suffocating, and I'm sure the day will come where I can spread my wings away from it all - just not yet. 

I've always felt an attachment to the beauty of nature. Though some would say their idea of a holiday includes sun, sand, beach, sea, my idea of heaven would be surrounded by mountains, lakes, trees, which to me is perfection in a landscape. Even the thought of it breaks me great calm and happiness. 

It's so easy to be consumed by the place we live in, and the things that surround us, and I myself don't want to be defined by it. I don't want to be stuck in a concrete jungle, It may be ideal for some people, but not for me. That's why it is so important to seek further than what is on the doorstep. 

I say my area is a concrete jungle, to some extent that is true, but there are parts around here that remind you that there is beauty to the world. 

Every day I do the same walk, a 40 minute minute work from one place to another, and I pass the same things which can get tiring. When the view you are walking consists of a cocktail of cars, pavements, roads and the things we are used to. I think It's easy to forget sometimes that this isn't the world, this is just a part of it. Just because you see a small grain of it every day, doesn't mean that that's it. There is more out there, and this may not be where you belong. You just have to fight to find it. And it's important to take a step outside of that, because like I said, it can be consuming. 

It may be simple but days like this, walking through a woodland, and space surrounded by sights and scents that bring me joy, makes me happy. And it's the simple things that make us the happiest. 

x

Homesick For a Place You've Not Ventured

I'm not a religious person by all means, but one thing that has always fascinated me is the idea of people having a past life and the prospect of reincarnation. This is something I would quite like to believe in.

I'm quite spiritual when it comes to things like this. I don't just believe that there is 'nothing else out there', I believe that it's ignorant to the idea that there completely isn't. I'm quite into my ghost hunting and forever watching documentaries and Ghost Adventures, I've had a few experiences myself. Some things's just can't be explained, even by science. 

Have you ever had a moment and felt like you've been there before? Or perhaps even felt like you've been somewhere before, you know for a fact you haven't, but when something feels so familiar it makes you question yourself? This is what I feel like when I think of Australia.

From a young age I've always has a fascination with Australia as a whole. From a young age I made a friend from Australia who after a while flew back, she was me penpal for a while. I then had a supply teacher who was temporarily in the UK, he got us to have penpals with his students back down under. I grew up trying to find out more about the place, and for some reason have always been drawn to Brisbane. 

When I was about 15 I met my best friend, he also had a fascination with the country, this was one of the first things we bonded over which looking back now, is pretty cool. We one summer planned to make a trip over there, but I had to quit my job at the time and started College was this dream never became a reality. 

In my teen years, I started to listen to more Australian bands. I don't even remember how this came about, but I decided that Australia has some of the best Metal and Hardcore bands, which I still listen to now. I started listening to Short Fast Loud, and that became like a ritual every Wednesday and was one of my favourite parts of the week.

I feel like where I am now, there's too much concrete. I feel like I'd be at more peace surrounded by greenery, forests, sea, the beauty of the natural world. I have always loved the carefree attitude of the Australians I've met and spoke to, their humour and the way the majority of them like to do good for the world and take care of the land that surrounds them. 

I recently saw In Hearts Wake doing an event where they went around beaches and collected rubbish with their fans. I so wished I could have been a part of that. This really inspired me. 

I don't really think it's all that crazy. It's a strange one, I know this is technically home, but it doesn't always feel like I belong here. As if my spirt belongs somewhere else, and whenever I think about Australia the only way I can describe it is as if I'm homesick for the place. Like I'm longing to go back there. Which is where it becomes strange because I've never actually set foot there. 

I believe though that just because you are in one place, doesn't actually mean you belong there. And if you think about it, that's a fantastic way to strive for more, to achieve dreams. I know I will make it there one day. I'm thirsty for it.

x

(Wo)mans Best Friend

My happiness is on a bit of a high at the moment, for one silly little reason; there's a dog around. Unfortunately, he's only here temporarily as were looking after him whilst his Mommy and Daddy are off on their holidays. 

Since my dog past away in October 2015, there has definitely felt like a big space missing. I think it's only something you truly understand if you have been in that situation yourself. I grew up with my dog, Ralph, we had him for 16 years, so when he was put to sleep, it was undoubtably the hardest thing I have ever had to go through, as I am sure many people will understand. But I think once you have had a connection with a dog like I did, you are a dog lover for life - you're always going to want that companion.

I am at the stage now where I'm ready to meet a new best friend, a friend to share with Dan (though he will be mainly mine, he can have a cat). It's just not the right time. For now I am borrowing other peoples dogs and going crazy for every single one I pass on the street. I can't help myself, they really are the greatest sidekick you could ever ask for.

Which is why I am so happy at the moment. Because the past week we've had this little guy to wake up to, he's ever so sweet. And nothing soothes stress and anxiety more than sitting and cuddling a furry friend. Nothing. I stand by that. 

I am available if anyone needs a dog sitter haha.

Big Upcoming Posts

I have a few posts planned which I will be doing soon. But I also have a few main posts coming up which I'm really looking forward to doing! I'm just trying to figure out the best form of documenting them! 

So far, I have three interesting events coming up which I think would be fun to write about and share with people.

Ocean Grove - On Sunday I'm seeing a band called Ocean Grove, these guys are doing their first UK headline show, which has now sold out! I am so excited for this. I'll probably just write my usual summary of the gig on here.

Holiday - August I'm heading to Rome! It's my first time, this is me calling out to anyone who has already visited Rome, or anyone who is from Rome. I'd love to know some quirky, unusual places to go, places off the map that aren't your usual tourist attractions! 

I'm thinking about doing some videography for this, alongside a blog post of my trip! Looking back, I wish I did this for Paris, but I reckon this is a great time to start. Put some of my previous Media Production skills back in action and to good use. If you want to see my Paris post - click here.

New Found Glory - October see's another very special time which I'm pretty sure I have mentioned before. 3 dates with my main boys in New Found Glory. This will either be 3 individual posts, or one mega post - I'm currently undecided. Though I will be too busy moshing my pants off (I don't care how old I am, rules don't apply when it comes to your favourite music), I am going to try my best to get a few shots, without being that person who gets on everyones nerves - including myself. 

If you are unaware for any reason which I am sure you are not, NFG are playing 3 London dates in a row, covering 6 of their albums. If anyone else is going, I'd love to hear! Or even if you're a NFG fan. NFG have some of the most awesome, dedicated and friendly fans. I kid you not, I've lost count how many times I've been to a NFG show and someone random has given me a high five, just out of their pure excitement. 

Anyways, enough rambling. I just wanted to document upcoming events that I will be documenting in some form.

Melanie x