Beautiful brick laden streets, misty rainy weather, and ancient buildings surrounding me holding years of history in their walls. I might be falling in love. The West Midlands is an area of England that isn't consider "ideal". Yet even with it's reputation this city holds some special treasures. Birthplace of the industrial revolution Birmingham is a dark 'n dirty 'n gritty city. There seems to be this sort of filth laying on this city, resting on the window sills, as if they can't ever get rid of the remaining coal from the revolution. Being heavily bombed during WW2 some areas still feel broken, creating tough hearts in the locals. Birmingham is a town full of working class people, which keeps the churches empty and the pubs full. Yet there is an enticing feel with all it's imperfections. My curiosity is raised every time I go into the centre of the city. What building will reveal some of it's painful past? Which street will lead me to a new cafe where I can build a haven? Birmingham holds a sort of misshapen, less than beautiful romance, but it still speaks poetry. We will be a good match I think. Already I feel a connection to this city. Though not as strong as some of my other city affairs, yet time will tell if my heart can really be taken away by the industrious, raw, and poetic depths of Birmingham.
Music is my liberator. These past two months have been filled to the brim. As I nearly tip and spill I can run safely back to metal and it cools the heat from the chaos in my life. I have been trying to spend every spare minute looking for live music in the city. I have discovered a magical place called Scruffy Murphey's. It's a pub in the southern part of the city offering free metal gigs every weekend. I have seen some amazing tight groups there. I really enjoy the underground scene. So real and fresh, the talent that comes though that rock pub is vibrant and alive. Sworn to Oath is one of the band's that has really caught my ear. I can't stop listening to their EP.
Another group I've gotten more into lately is As I Lay Dying. The energy and lyrics are so inspiring. As Christian metal artists they give me hope and confidence to keep pursuing my dreams. Another excellent band a long those lines is Demon Hunter. Again their lyrics give me hopeful shivers and their passionate playing gives me strength. Incredible and inspiring musicians.

I miss blogging. I do not have internet at my house and talk about a complete disconnect from the world. I feel a bit cut off my reality, but maybe not having internet everyday is making things more real? Anyways, happy March dear ones. Enjoy these hopeful days of the coming Spring! Cheers!