Summer Heat

Dear Reader,

It has been hot. At times very hot. Now that might be an underestimate of this current heat wave in the UK, but for the first time in ages, it is hot. That said, how have we faired. In places not that well. Only a few months ago it was bad weather, too much rain still too cold. We seem to be suffering the fringes of extremes here. Prods the global debate a little.

So what else has happened since my last blog? A few things as always. The world (as yet) does not stop. Some may say thank goodness. 2013 has been rolling along nicely and of course events such as films, holidays, writing, archery and sports have all popped up.

I do want to point out a couple of possible memories that 2013 will keep, a certain Lions team and Andy Murray. The Lions rugby win, down-under against the Aussies was brilliant if not nerve racking. The Lions in the last match really did out play the opposition. The first two tests were not the greatest. At one all , the test series hung in the balance. The Lions made a change, which many thought would be the downfall. Sometimes a bold move makes much more of a difference than first imagined. The Lions pulled off a truly amazing win. The Aussies did make a fight of it for a time, but the Lions roared and came away with the first series win in years.

Another summer of sport? After last years Olympics you might think how could that be topped. Well, the Lions tour started it. At the same time a certain Andy Murray was starting Wimbledon. Often we put a great deal of pressure on certain people due to the time it’s taken for one person to win a trophy. Again it was hoped Andy Murray would or might win. This year was different. Having won a gold and silver medal in the Olympics he went on to his first grand slam in New York.  He had a confidence which was more than normal. I will skip to the good part now. After a tough semi-final, Murray faced the current number 1. A record viewing audience saw Murray compete as a winner. He outplayed Djokovic, he found the strength to break him and win Wimbledon. The first UK male winner in 77 years. A few forgot Virginia Wade’s win in 1977, never the less it was epic. So the summer of sport rolled on.

Now comes another mighty battle, the Ashes. To those who don’t know, the Ashes is one of crickets unique trophies and of course England has to be deep in it. This is England against the Aussies (yes again see Lions) playing 5 tests each of which lasts 5 days. To explain cricket to non-cricketers is one of the greatest arts to undertake. Eleven men stand in a field trying to get another eleven men out only for the reverse to happen after all the eleven men are out. Add LBW (Leg Before Wicket) and well the off-side rule in football is easy. Given that, the Ashes can be like a long drawn out game of chess suddenly finishing in a blur of arms and legs (and now technology) when for the last 4 days, 4 hours and 10 minutes nothing seemed to happen. With 1 down and 4 to go, it will be a very long chess game. This might be the third major sports memory for 2013 or maybe something some of us will forget.

This past weekend saw myself taking part in my very first Wenlock Olympian games, archery of course. I made sure I took enough water with me, yet it was still almost too warm to shoot. Something I learned from this weekend about setting up as well. Being prepared still can catch you out.

What I did find interesting from the competition was following advice of a friend. To some this may sound odd but this did work. Walking meditation. Well, for me it was standing meditation really. I was told to concentrate on five basic points, feet, knees, hips, stomach and head. It helped me keep my mind occupied, which stopped me thinking about the occasion. A new personal best (PB) by some 32 points. It made me think about how to approach competitions. Given I am taking part in a few during the summer (please keep the weather almost the same) I have an improved approach now.

With more film reviews to come, The Wolverine for one, I think this blog has been hot enough. I am sure the Ashes will appear again and again during the summer. What else will it hold?

Tagline: Some Like It Hot - says it all really.