"Sometimes the gods put things like this in front of us as some kind of test..."

It's been a busy few weeks for this particular Viking-in-training! There's been a birth(a new little Maori Leprechaun niece who has already stolen hearts), an illness(seriously, whatever was in that Barrow River water I accidentally swallowed at Christmas has completely compromised my immune system...I never get sick), paid a visit to a young ginger gentleman by the name of Ed Shearan who rocked our national GAA stadium like no one else with just his voice, a guitar and a loop pedal and a few extra shifts of overtime that I was unexpectedly called in to cover. Nonetheless, I have been busy with my Viking activities but I haven't had the time to keep you all updated with my transition...to Viking, that is(no Caitlyn Jenner style makeovers here)! So I'm back and I'm sorry for not being more active on the blog over the last couple of weeks. Let's get on with it, shall we?
In preparation for the Big Viking Picnic later this month(more on that later), I've been getting my wood work on and honing my carpentry skills #LikeAViking. Because everybody knows, Vikings were good with wood. Now, I'm not going to lie, I didn't go down the authentic Floki route by going out into the wilds of the Irish countryside tapping trees and "seeing" the planks that would be suitable for building my very own Viking shield worthy of any shield wall. (Well I did but even my closest of friends thought I was bonkers and doubted my ability of actually cutting down a tree. And then there was the consideration of wood wastage...never waste good wood!)Nope, I frequented my local mill in search of the finest 1/2 inch thick plywood money could buy. Marched on in there like I've been a carpenter for years and knew exactly what I was looking for. Checked each piece that they showed me for faults like a pro...just as the YouTube video instructed me to.
I was very optimistic of going all lone wolf, strong, independent shieldmaiden about making my shield all by myself. That was right up until dad suggested he oversee the project and told me to go get the jigsaw...he saw fit to step in and take the lead on the carpentry side of things when I returned with one of my nephew's 120 piece Disney puzzles and not a saw. I think he was also alarmed at the fact I'd fallen over carrying said jigsaw box and managed to sustain quite a significant cardboard cut(not even a saw blade in sight at this point and already injured #VikingInjuryNo2). On the basis of my penchant for high fives and the likelihood of me lobbing off a finger(high four doesn't exactly have the same ring to it), I reluctantly/happily agreed to the help. I felt it was important to note the aid of my dad in the making of this shield before anyone thought the masculine, hairy arms in the photos are mine. So whilst much of the cutting out/utilisation of sharp, electrical equipment was outsourced, I got fully involved with the sanding and staining process. I also assumed the role of Principle Photographer for this phase of the shield making by Happy Viking Carpentry Ltd(yup, we gave ourselves a snazzy moniker as all self respecting duos do).
The next phase will be attaching the canvas and steel boss at the front, as well as some creative artwork. But I'll post about that when we have that part done.
Earlier I mentioned the Big Viking Picnic. If you aren't aware, it's a charity event for all the family in aid of children's cancer charity, Aoibheann's Pink Tie. It's being held in Grove Gardens, Fordstown, Co Meath on Saturday, 29th August. It boasts a great selection of entertainment for all the family including live music, Viking settlements and longship, authentic skilled crafts, reenacters, SFX makeup, and charity ambassador, Travis Fimmel, making an appearance along with some of his other cast mates. I'm delighted to say I've been asked to come onboard to help out on the day and give my full support to this amazing event and charity initiative. Anyone looking for tickets should follow this link. They are also looking for anyone who would be interested in volunteering at the event. Please follow this link if you would be interested. Hope to see some of you there! And fear not my American readers, it has just been announced that you will be getting a sister event being held in the USA. I'll post details when I hear more. #FightLikeAChild

Til next time :)
#LikeAViking

Title Quote: Series 1 Episode 9 All Change
Ragnar to Björn