Weeds

Among all the typical weeds growing round my house, some huge and beautiful lupines have sprung up:

However, now I can't help but see these things all over the place whenever I go out for a walk.  I think they are just another weed in this part of the world - even though I don't think I've seen them in my yard before.

Rocketman

After yesterday's post and for what feels like the first time in weeks, I did watch a film last night - Rocketman.  And I really really wanted to like it.  I tried so hard.  I think Elton John's life story is an interesting one, and his music is great.  But the film just didn't do it for me.  I've been trying to work out why - and think it's the simple fact that it's too theatrical.  Better suited to the West End than for the big screen.  I don't know, I'm very conflicted about this one.  In some ways I think it's better than similar films, in other ways it isn't - I'm thinking in particular of Bohemian Rhapsody - but I just didn't like the way they constructed this film.  I'd rather just see the songs performed rather than forced into scenes - or more accurately scenes forced out of the songs.  Rating - a possibly harsh 2.5 stars. 

Tired

So, so tired.  I feel physically and mentally spent.  No energy, no motivation.  I feel like working from home is just rotting my brain away.  And 3 months of it still to go.  At least.  And what's going on in the world right now is just demoralizing and soul-destroying.  These are tough times.  I've definitely had a bad week, where a combination of work-related stress and lack of sleep have sapped all my drive.  This affects all aspects of my life, whether it means I'm eating lazily and unhealthily, or I'm not doing the chores that I need to do to keep my house clean.  I know it's bad because I'm struggling to hold my concentration to watch a film or even read a magazine or book.  Or write a blog post.  I hope I'm able to recharge this weekend.

A Churchillian Moment

This wasn't it.

This photo op, and everything that took place to achieve it, made me sick.  Inappropriate, offensive, appalling, and iconic.

Song of the Week #8

Or should this be songs of the week #8, since this is two sides of the same coin.

We start with a fun early 90's dance hit.

And then, interesting fact, this dance act evolved into an indy darling, who released a couple of really good albums in the early 00's.  I used to really be into them.  This is a beautiful and hypnotic track from that time.  Aside - they never broke into the US, but the one time I went to Coachella I saw them live - they were on REALLY early, like lunchtime/early afternoon early, and there was practically nobody paying attention to them so I think I watched and listened whilst leaning up against the fence that separated the stage from the crowd.  Surreal.

Blackout Tuesday

⬛

Odor

Oh no, it's that time of year when my home starts to omit a very unpleasant musty/moldy smell.  I can't locate the source.  I can't get rid of the smell.  And it's driving me crazy.  I suspect it's coming from behind one of the walls - but then I started smelling it when I left the window open, so does it come from outside?  For sure, the outside of my home could do with some serious cleaning (something I probably suggest to my landlord).  A quick search of my blog reveals I've posted almost the exact same observation for at least the last 2 years.  So this is clearly a regular occurrence now, but hopefully this means that the smell should go away soon.