Well, what about the midwest? (Indiana to Utah, Dakota to Texas)

[the phantom]

While hopping around the boards today I noticed threads for BD conventions on the East and West coasts, which is great, but what about that big area in between?

I'm not sure how many people are from those areas, but I know there's a few. I know that last summer there was some sort of convention in Kansas City (only three hours from where I live, but I was in Texas at the time so I missed it), and KC seems like a fairly central location, so why not have something there this year?

If you fall between Indiana and Utah (as far as East-West), and Texas and North Dakota (North-South), then this would be for you! Would anyone be interested? Is there already something in the works?

PS Not meant to exclude anyone. If you want to come from the coast, or from Europe, or Canada, that'd be cool with me.

-list of members

the phantom (Omaha, May-August)
Nuranar (Texas)
Diamond18 (Wisconsin)
lord of dor-lomin (Omaha, May-August)
Tigerlily Gamgee (Chicago, anytime)
ArwenBaggins (Kentucky, summer)
Jesse (Minneapolis)
Lindorlirian (Indiana)
Gwindor (Chicago)
Alaklondewen (Indiana, July-August)
Alphaelin (Nebraska, summer)
Vardamar (Indiana, summer)
Brinniel (Idaho, August)
Kalimac (Chicago, May-June, August)
DaughterofVana (Texas)
Bulelainwen (Texas)
Eressie Ailin (Texas, June-July)
Red (Michigan)
Lady_Bain (Utah, July)
BethoHOG (Texas)
Sophia the Thunder Mistress (Indiana)
Aerandir Carnesir (Colorado)
Liriodendron (Indiana)
Arafangwen (Texas)
One Axe to Rule them All (Texas)
manaratowen

[ May 26, 2003: Message edited by: the phantom ]

[Nuranar]

I'm glad someone started this topic! I didn't want to start anything, but thank you for doing it. smilies/smile.gif

Unfortunately, the odds are pretty slim I can do anything, though. My schedule's pretty tight with both school and summer plans, and Kansas City is a long way from home for me.

Of course, if there's anyone else at all in Texas, I'd love to know... smilies/biggrin.gif Houston would probably be possible, although College Station is optimum! smilies/tongue.gif smilies/wink.gif

[Diamond18]

Oh, come on, what is a midwest Tolkien convention without a visit to the Holy Relics at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin?

Not that I myself could come, or anything. My parents would probably disown me if I announced I was going to meet a bunch of people I met on the internet. But those handwritten Tolkien document are right there, waiting for a group of Barrow Downers to file by in awed reverence.

[the phantom]

Hey, I'm not saying KC has to be the choice, I just mentioned it because that's where that one convention was.

Well, Nuranar, I'm fairly certain I've seen other people say they're from Texas. We should've had something down there last summer when I was there! I have relatives in Austin and Houston, and I visit them every once and a while, so who knows, a Texas convention might work for me depending on when.

And Diamond18, what's this you say they have at Marquette? (And you need to get your priorities straight. What's more important, your mom and dad, or the barrow downs? ha ha)

Anyone else out there from someplace between the coasts? (come on, I know there has to be)

[lord of dor-lomin]

Hello all. I'd also love to see a mid-west Middle Earth Convention (ha) and I would kind of like to see it be in Omaha! hmmm... wonder why??

Yes, Diamond18, do tell about the "holy relics" up there in Wisconsin. I might go just to see them.

Let me see, other possibilities for locations... St Louis would be good.. maybe Oklahoma City.. it'd be cool to have it in Denver.. Chicago would be fine.. and Texas seems a bit far south, but I suppose if there are enough downers there it'd be fine.

[Diamond18]

Here are a couple newspaper articles about the subject:

June 11, 2000 (http://www.jsonline.com/Enter/books/jun00/tolkmu11060900.asp)
December 23, 2001 (http://www.jsonline.com/Enter/books/dec01/6951.asp#onwis_top)

Strangly enough, phantom, my mom is always telling me I need to get my priorities straight, too! Only she means it the other way around. smilies/wink.gif

This article
here (http://www.jsonline.com/Enter/books/jun00/tolk11060900.asp) was in the paper the same day as the first article I mentioned (June 11, 2000). It doesn't have to do with Marquette, but reading it was the first time I'd ever heard of J.R.R. Tolkien, Hobbits, or Lord of the Rings. I feel nostalgic...

[ January 30, 2003: Message edited by: Diamond18 ]

[Tigerlily Gamgee]

If it is held in Chicago I can help scout out a place... I am the local line party leader here & I already know lots of LOTR fans & places that take large groups smilies/smile.gif

[ArwenBaggins]

I would love to come! I live in Kentucky, but anywhere that isn't majorly far (like Cali) might work for a summer vacation. I know all kinds of LotR freaks, and my friend Jessie in Loisiana may wanna come. We should get in the works of that!

[ January 31, 2003: Message edited by: ArwenBaggins ]

[Jesse]

Hi all:
I would love to see a LotR convention in the midwest. Perferably, in the Twin Cities (Minneapolis/Saint Paul, MN.) That way I could attend. It'd be cool to meet other LotR fanatics.

[Lindolirian]

Hey,cool. I'm from Indiana.

[the phantom]

Okay guys, I'm going to start making a list of everyone up at the top in my first post. Next to their name, I'll give their location, so we can get a feel for where people are from.

[ February 01, 2003: Message edited by: the phantom ]

[Lindolirian]

We seem to be a little bit too spread out. Maybe if we broke it down to northern, middle, and southern areas...

[the phantom]

Yes, we are spread out. But, this can't be all of us, right? Eight people? I think I'll hold off on sectioning off groups until some more people have replied (crossing fingers).

[Gwindor]

Hey, I'm from the south side of Chicago, so any gathering in the Chicagoland area would work great for me! Many of you may not know me...I tend to chat in the chatroom more than I post in the forum. Anywho, it would be great to meet all of you!

Gwindor

[alaklondewen]

I would love to meet you all! I live in Indiana. Lindorlirian, we should talk!

[Alphaelin]

Wight, thanks for bringing this up. I would be interested in a Midwest convention, but am not sure I would be able to attend due to possible distance problems and family schedules.

You may add me to your list as Alphaelin (Nebraska) if you would like.

[Alphaelin]

smilies/eek.gif

D'OH!!! Apologies to both Wight and Phantom. I did not *read carefully* & got your locations wrong.

Cringing in shame,
Alphaelin

[lord of dor-lomin]

Ha ha! Nebraska is in the lead with three barrowdowners (pretty amazing considering our population compared to other places like Texas).

Where's the rest of the Mid-West people??

[the phantom]

Hey, I can think of a couple people right now who are from this region that haven't posted. Here's an idea. Everybody watch people's locations on other threads, and if somebody is from this general area, PM them and tell them to come here.

[the phantom]

I've been looking at people's locations, and I also scanned the barrow-map, and here's some people that appear to live in our area. If you know any of them, or just happen to see them posting on something that you are, tell them to come to this thread.

child of the 7th age
thenamir
merendis
niltaliel
calencoire
samb
eriathwen
ainur
mhoram

[ February 09, 2003: Message edited by: the phantom ]

[the phantom]

I added the range of states to the subject. Let's see if that gets it any more attention. Remember, be on the lookout for the people listed above.

[Vardamar]

Dont forget about me! But if you dont know me in the first place how can you forget me?
I live in northwest Indiana!!

[Brinniel]

*sigh* I have yet to find an Idahoan to meet (besides Ithaeliel). Unfortunately, Idaho is in the middle of nowhere and it takes a couple of hours just to get out of this stupid state.
But I might be able to go to Utah or possibly a little further during my spring break (last week of March). I don't know; I've never been to states like Nebraska, so I'm not sure how long it takes to get there (more than a day, I'm sure). I'll have to try to convince my dad.

[Kalimac]

I'm just north of Chicago, and a trip to see the Holy Relics in Milwaukee would definitely be possible for me (I work in a library so my hours aren't exactly 9-5, but I'm sure I could get a free weekend at some point). Indiana could work too if that's how things turned out.

[the phantom]

Hello all!!

I've added Vardamar, Brinniel, and Kalimac to the list.

Vardamar and Kalimac, you two make the count six for Chicago and Indiana. Pair that with Diamond18 in Wisconsin, and it looks like a convention at Milwaukee to see the "holy relics" is the best choice thus far.

And if this is not to your liking, you'll just have to drum up some support for where you want it by bringing in some more people from that area smilies/wink.gif !!

Brinniel, do you know Ithaeliel? If so, tell Ithaeliel to sign on this thread. Where in Idaho are you from? I've been up there three times (once up in the pan-handle, once in the Salmon river area, and another time in the south). And you can make it to Nebraska in one drive if you really work at it (pretty easy with two people). I can't remember how long it actually takes, but it is more than 24 hours (but like I said, with two people it's cake).

[Brinniel]

Ithaeliel is a friend of mine from school and we both live in Boise. Unfortunately, I can't drive and if I went at all it would probably only be my dad and me. Perhaps Ith and one of her parents could come along, but I have to convince my dad that I should go before even asking a friend.

[the phantom]

Is your dad a Tolkien fan too? If so, then make sure and tell him that he's welcome. The more, the merrier. (I'm trying to get my dad to come, he's a Tolkien fan)

[Brinniel]

Unfortunately, no. He's seen the movies and perhaps has read The Hobbit, but he's not a fan. But he promised I could do something fun for spring break since my mom and sister are going to LA without us. I just hope he'll say yes to this.

[Kalimac]

Spiffy! I hope we can get a group to go see the relics...wow, an event I can actually attend smilies/smile.gif. Diamond, do you think you'd be able to make it to something like that? The relics are a fairly public venue, after all, and it's not like there's anything wrong with talking there to people of a Tolkienphile disposition smilies/smile.gif.

[Diamond18]

I'm just guessing, but they wouldn't so much think you all are dangerous (ah! scary interet people!) but would rather be dismayed at my further decsent into geekiness. My mom already complains about the way I spend my days now that I've graduated from high school. I wouldn't want to even bring the idea up, as I already have visions of long lectures about my priorities or terse statements to the same effect. Gah!

Basically I don't have my own car, and the thought of me driving their van all the way down to Milwaukee for a *gulp* frivolous activity would sit none too well. *Counts car money and sighs...nope...*

Anyway, in short, I don't foresee myself being able to go unless it was a quite a while from now (read, a year or more!). But I'm happy to have been able to impart a little Tolkien knowledge and an idea for the rest of you (now only to wait for that compensation check from the Wisconsin board of tourism! smilies/biggrin.gif).

[lord of dor-lomin]

You're out of high school Diamond? In that case, you can descend as far into geekiness as you want! smilies/biggrin.gif

And hey, if they won't let you borrow their car, find a friend with a ride to go with you. Are you like all the way across the state or something?

[Diamond18]

Oh, but I still live in my parent's house, drive their car, eat their food, etc., etc. We wouldn't want to displease them, my precious. Nice massssters, with nice fisssh.

Acutally, heh... it's only about 60 miles away, a rather easy distance compared to the rest of you, but I am terrible driver. My navigation skills...well let's just say I don't have any. I also have a bad habit of panicking and doing stupid stuff when I get lost, and get lost in Milwaukee, I would. My parents get lost when they go down there, so I'd be hopeless. And my dad is fond of old cars on their last leg, so with my luck it'd probably break down on the highway. (I'm such an optimist).

On the upswing, my mom likes LotR: she's read The Hobbit twice, and LotR of course, and loves the movies. So this would be something she might find interesting... probably if it was her idea. Geekiness would not be such a terrible thing if I had a better job to go with it. So... I'll give it time.

If you do decide to make Milwaukee the place, you certainly don't want to do it in winter. I'd suggest late spring, as once Summerfest and the thousand and one Otherfests get going in summer traffic will be murder.

[ February 10, 2003: Message edited by: Diamond18 ]

[the phantom]

Isn't living at home great!? Actually, I suppose it kind of is. Someone else makes your food, does your laundry, and pays the bills while you stack up cash and goof off.

And don't worry. If people are driving many miles to get to a convention in Milwaukee, I'm sure one of your fellow downers with better navigational skills wouldn't mind picking you up.

And I don't think you'll get any arguements about not having it in winter.

[DaughterofVana]

Not saying that I could come to one of the conventions, but put a vote in for Texas. smilies/smile.gif

-'Vana

[Nuranar]

I'm just running into you everywhere, Vana! smilies/biggrin.gif

I'm down here in College Station, and as my signature used to say, I'm the proudest member of the Fightin' Texas Aggie Class of 2005! A-A-A-A-A!

*blushes* Now that I've gotten that out of my system, I just wanted to say welcome. It's always nice to meet a fellow Texan at the Downs! smilies/smile.gif

[Vardamar]

Oh well, the only time I'd be able to attend would be late summer, Ill be turning 18 then smilies/evil.gif not to mention that schools out then.

[the phantom]

I, too, would prefer summer.

As a matter of fact, I'm thinking that most people here are in school, and that summer would work best for them as well.

Is that correct??

[Alphaelin]

Not sure if I can come; I live at home and am not in school - but as I'm the one who provides hot meals and clean laundry at my house, it's the same as a (paying) full-time job. Summer might work for me; my *kids* will be out of school then!

Are my wrinkles getting deeper or does it just look that way?

[alaklondewen]

I, too, would prefer the summer. I am planning a trip to California and it would be convenient to have the 'convention' on the way. I have not set a date, but would like to consider this when I plan.

I also think a trip to see the 'relics' would be splendid. I truly want to see his hand written "One Ring to bring them all..." Doesn't it just make you shudder?

[Brinniel]

I'm really busy this summer, so I'm not sure I'd be able to do it. If I can, it would most likely be in August.

[Bulelainwen]

Hello
Personally for me I think it would be best for some place in the Houston (Texas) Area. Though I'm not sure how this idea would exactly pass with my parents. I think this it would be best for sometime in August because of vacations in June and July (and sometimes early early august) that most people take.
Bulelainwen

[Tigerlily Gamgee]

I vote to have it any time that there is no snow on the ground.
Of course... I can only come if a car becomes part of my life this summer *crosses fingers*
A car, and enough money to travel... when you come out of college your are quite in the hole.

[the phantom]

Oh, don't be silly Tigerlily. I'm in my junior year, and I'm keeping pace with car payments and such just fine smilies/biggrin.gif . Then again, I've always been very lucky.

Hey, why doesn't everybody post again and say what month (or months) would be the best for you and I'll add that to the first post next to your name. Remember, I want which months work for you, not ones that you think would work for others. Let me know your complete availability if possible.

[ February 13, 2003: Message edited by: the phantom ]

[lord of dor-lomin]

Summer for me! Well, maybe May would work also.

(And not everyone has as easy a time keeping up with bills as you do, Philip. Give me your scholarships, and I bet I could keep up too!)

[alaklondewen]

I can meet in July or August.

[red]

Since when was Texas considered a part of the Midwest? Or any state south of Missouri and west of Iowa for that matter!?

[the phantom]

Yes, Texas usually isn't really considered part of the mid-west, but Iowa certainly isn't the limit as far as a western border goes. I've always seen for sure Kansas and Nebraska included in the definition of mid-west.

[Nuranar]

Since when was Texas considered a part of the Midwest?

Texas usually isn't really considered part of the mid-west

And where exactly would you consider Texas, pray tell? More to the point: Must I start an exclusive and discriminatory thread for only Texans? As I said on Gilthalion's The South (Farthing) Shall Rise Again! (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=14&t=000977),

One of the things that makes Texas interesting is how it is so difficult to be categorized. Is Texas part of the Midwest? South? Southwest?

My apologies, I certainly do not want the tone of this post to indicate that I am offended. red and the phantom, you have both made a very true point. But the Downers in Texas as of now truly have no other place to post; especially, when I first posted on this thread the only other options were the East and West Coasts. Furthermore, I have not seen enough Texans interested in meeting to warrant opening an exclusive thread. Please don't kick us out of the Midwest!

[the phantom]

We wouldn't dream of kicking you out!! We love Texans (well I do anyway)!! More than half my family lives there. I was merely agreeing with red that Texas is not what pops into people's heads when they hear "mid-west".

Remember, I'm the one who wanted to include Texas in the definition of mid-west from the get-go (as can be seen in my thread title).

[red]

Please don't kick us out of the Midwest!I'm not kicking you out. You were never there to begin with. smilies/wink.gif

I rarely should be taken seriously.

What would I consider Texas? Hmm...? South or southwest probably. Kansas and Nebraska are more central US or plains states. smilies/tongue.gif

Not to rain on your parade too much, but you do realize that the chances of these get-togethers ever happening are slim. Keep in mind many of the people posting are still living with mom and dad.

[ February 14, 2003: Message edited by: red ]

[the phantom]

Where are you from red? How do we know you belong in this thread?

Wait just a minute here. Nebraska and Kansas are central US where as Illinois, Iowa, and such are mid-west??? That makes absolutely no sense!!

How can the mid-WEST states be to the EAST of the CENTRAL states??!!

All the people I know here in Nebraska refer to themselves as mid-westerners. Businesses around here call themselves "midwest this" and "midwest that", and I recall that my geography text book also grouped us with the mid-west. They must have a different definition where you're from.

And maybe the chances are slim for a get-together, but the chances are none if you don't try. I, for one, plan on getting together with some fellow downers this summer, even if it's only three or four.

[Eressië Ailin]

Why can't Texas just have its own little region thing? I mean, I live in Texas, but I still don't know if it's in central US or the midwest or what! I'm confused!!(but that's not saying much)

Gig 'em Aggies!!

[red]

Haha! You're right! Texas is so big, it might as well be its own region! Neat state, btw. I enjoyed my visits.

In case you missed this little part of American History, the term "midwest" was applied to the region around the Great Lakes (which was also the Northwest for a while!!) and the areas just south and west early in our country's development when the western frontier was still wild and crazy. smilies/wink.gif Back then it really was the mid-west. The name somehow stuck.

Gosh, didn't expect this to become a history lesson.

Can't remember who asked, but I'm from Michigan. Spent several years in Iowa and a few in Indiana. So I've been all over the "midwest"! smilies/biggrin.gif

[the phantom]

Oh, I'm perfectly aware of how and when those states got dubbed the mid-west, it's just that I've always seen a few other states lumped in there with them, because as countries expand, regional labels don't stay rigid in their definition.

Yes, I have seen us called the central states before, but in those instances, the term mid-west wasn't used for those other states, because the authors of the geo-book assumed that some people would be confused by having the mid-west to the east of central (and it makes more sense to define geographical regions using geography rather than history).

So all I'm saying is that I've never seen the terms central US and mid-west US used together on the same map (never in my books anyway) because of the obvious contradiction to normal rules of geography. You can call us plains states if you wish, but if you're using the term mid-west, then I've always seen at least Nebraska included.

[ February 15, 2003: Message edited by: the phantom ]

[Kalimac]

May, June or mid-August would probably be best for me; July is for traveling (really trying to get to Turkey...kind of antsy about that, though).

Texas is its own phenomenon, isn't it? smilies/smile.gif (No offense, Nuranar and anyone else). I think the confusion comes from the fact that Texas actually was its own country for about ten years, back in the 19th century, and psychologically neither it nor the rest of the country has ever *quite* adjusted smilies/smile.gif.

[Nuranar]

Kalimac, being a phenomenon is no cause for offense! smilies/smile.gif And thank you for pointing out that except for Hawaii, Texas is the only state to have ever been a nation. And they had to fight a war to make it so. Incidentally, I am a direct descendant of Samuel A. Maverick, who signed the Texas Declaration of Independence. Thus my roots go deep - at least some branches (Hurrah for mixed metaphors!) I believe Texans have a reputation for what I shall euphemistically term "pride" in their state. Thus I apologize for any contention my previous post may have aroused, hoping my ancestry and life-long residency excuse me. smilies/biggrin.gif

Various responses on this thread and on others have lead me to believe that there are more Texans on the Downs than I first thought. Should I open a Texas or South Central thread? Please post a reply or PM me if your interested. Starting a forum and having no responses is like giving a party and having no one come - I'm not anxious for that to happen. smilies/tongue.gif

[ February 15, 2003: Message edited by: Nuranar ]

[Mithadan]

BW, Sharku, Mr Underhill and I have been monitoring this thread and others like it. While we understand why members would want to meet one another, we are a bit concerned and wish to emphasize that care must be taken if you choose to arrange such a meeting.

First, the Barrow-Downs itself is not involved in organizing such meetings and does not intend to be in the future. These meetings are arranged by individuals or groups of individuals and we take no responsibility for the outcome. The decision to meet is made by individual members at their own risk. We are not providing transportation, accomodations or security and are not involved in the choice of locale or the agenda.

If you choose to meet, individually or in groups, please think it through, plan carefully and be careful! Meet in public with other persons present. Make sure that others know where you are going and who you are meeting. Think twice before providing personal information to other members such as e-mail addresses, telephone numbers or home addresses and do not send anyone money or credit card information.

We're sorry to throw a wet blanket over this but we are concerned about peoples' safety and want to emphasize that this is not an "official", sanctioned event sponsored by the Barrow-Downs. If you choose to meet, good luck and we hope that you enjoy yourselves. But please be careful!

[the phantom]

Will do. (don't be too worried about me though, I've been practicing my kung fu smilies/smile.gif )

Seriously, though, thanks much for your warning, it shows that the moderators here care about the safety of their members.

[Kalimac]

Thank you, Mithadan - not to worry, I'm pretty close about giving out the touchy kind of information. A busy museum in daytime seems like a fairly reasonable spot, and of course we'll all let people know where we're going. But thanks for the words, and no, we're not holding you accountable smilies/smile.gif.

[the phantom]

Okay. No one's replied for a while, so I decided to get this going again.

People can continue to jump on board as it gets closer to summer, but later this week or early next week I'd like to go ahead and start coming up with some possibilities for dates and times. I'm sure most of you would like to know plans far in advance because of tight scheduling.

Right now, August is looking like the best month. After that would be either June or July.

On the outskirts we have four Texans in the south and up in the northwest we have one from Idaho. Everybody else is easily within driving distance of a few central locations such as Chicago, Milwaukee, or maybe St Louis (I say easily within driving distance, but I go on a lot of long road trips, so maybe it doesn't seem that close to others).

Anyway, we'll see if anyone else joins the thread in the next few days. If not, we'll just just start planning with what we have now.

[alaklondewen]

I would like to make a suggestion from what Mithaden has said. When we decide the right day and time to meet, maybe we should keep the exact location between us. Using PM to determine where to meet might be a bit safer. What do you think, phantom?

[the phantom]

Agreed.

We can discuss possible places and times on the thread for a bit, but after getting a feel for the way things are going, I'll make a proposal via PM to all of the people on this thread, and they can PM me back voicing their support (or displeasure) for the date/time, and so on until we get it right.

[Lady_Báin]

hmmmm i don't know if i'm too late or anything but i am going to be in utah during september and milwakee (is that how you spell it?) so uh yeah theres my two cents smilies/smile.gif.

but hmmmmm that seems to be a bit too north and a bit too west for your plans, well let me know any way please smilies/biggrin.gif

[ March 04, 2003: Message edited by: Lady_Báin ]

[the phantom]

Well, I would let you know, but I'm not sure I understand your post. Do you mean that in September you're going to be in both Utah and Milwaukee? (well, I realize it wouldn't be right at the same exact time, that would be quite difficult smilies/biggrin.gif )

What should I put your location as? (in other words, what state are you usually in, considering the summer months look like the most likely time to meet, as opposed to September, when most of us will be in school)

[Lady_Báin]

Well there has been a change of plans on my part, I will be in utah for july. There, completely solid plan smilies/biggrin.gif.

p.s. i don't live in the U.S. but i have family in utah that i visit in the summers.
(just ya know f.y.i.)

[ March 05, 2003: Message edited by: Lady_Báin ]

Heloooooooo anybody there? *echos* there....there....there

[ March 10, 2003: Message edited by: Lady_Báin ]

[Lady_Báin]

um well i'm just trying to sort of bump this up so i can get some attention smilies/biggrin.gif just kidding, but seriously is anyone going to contact me on the progression of this thing ??

[the phantom]

Of course we'll tell you smilies/smile.gif .

Okay, let's go ahead and start voting on possible times and places.

Everyone post what dates in August work for you (eg 1-6/15-24). If August doesn't work, say so.

Then give a yes or no for the following locations (whether or not you would be able to go there at any time, doesn't have to be in August).

1) Milwaukee
2) Chicago
3) St Louis
4) Nashville
5) Kansas City
6) Oklahoma City
7) Indianapolis
8) Omaha
9) Austin
10) Dallas

I'm hoping that everyone who has replied to this thread thus far will cast a vote (crosses fingers). After we get some responses, I'll start posting a tally.

[alaklondewen]

Well, here is my availability, and anytime in August before the 20th is great.

1) Milwaukee - yes
2) Chicago - yes
3) St Louis - yes
4) Nashville - yes
5) Kansas City - hmmm.?
6) Oklahoma City - no
7) Indianapolis - yes
8) Omaha - no
9) Austin - no
10) Dallas - no

[Alphaelin]

Hi Phantom,

My plans for August have just been changed - bleah! I will be in Denver in late July/August, and my kids start school in mid-August, which will preclude traveling.

For the record, normally Kansas City and Omaha are the most feasible locations for me.

I hope others are able to get together, though.

Alphaelin

[lord of dor-lomin]

There's a weekend in early August that I'll be unavailable (I think it's around the 6th or 8th). Other than that, I'm good up until school starts (whenever that is, but you start the same time I do, so I won't bother looking it up).

As far as the locations go...
1) Milwaukee YES
2) Chicago YES
3) St Louis YES
4) Nashville MAYBE
5) Kansas City YES
6) Oklahoma City YES
7) Indianapolis YES
8) Omaha YES
9) Austin MAYBE
10) Dallas MAYBE

[BethoHOG]

Not like I'll end up going to any convention or anything, but I'm from Texas... howdy y'all. smilies/wink.gif

[alaklondewen]

I just wanted to bump this up in hopes of getting some more people interested.

By the way, when are you available, phantom?

[the phantom]

I am available in August on the following dates: 1-6/11-24

1) Milwaukee yes
2) Chicago yes
3) St Louis yes
4) Nashville yes
5) Kansas City yes
6) Oklahoma City yes
7) Indianapolis yes
8) Omaha yes
9) Austin probably
10) Dallas probably

[Eressië Ailin]

I can can not go anywhere during August. For me, that is when school starts. But I can go somewhere in June/July.

1) Milwaukee NO
2) Chicago MAYBE, CLOSER TO A NO
3) St Louis NO
4) Nashville NO
5) Kansas City YES, CAN'T STAY FOR LONG
6) Oklahoma City YES, CAN'T STAY FOR LONG
7) Indianapolis YES
8) Omaha YES
9) Austin MAYBE
10) Dallas YES

Dallas is definately the best for me, it's really close to where I live.

[the phantom]

Okay, I'll go ahead and start posting results of our voting. I'm only going to put people who've given a definite answer. I'll post an update every so often.

And don't be discouraged, you non-August people. It might end up being another month, so don't go away.

who?---------------August works?-----dates?

the phantom-------------YES---------1-6/11-24
alaklondewen------------YES-----------1-19
alphaelin-----------------NO
lord of dor-lomin---------YES---------1-7/11-24?
eressie ailin---------------NO


Location?---------YES----NO

1) Milwaukee-------3------1
2) Chicago---------3------1
3) St Louis---------3------1
4) Nashville--------2------1
5) Kansas City-----3------0
6) Oklahoma City---3------1
7) Indianapolis-----4------0
8) Omaha----------3------1
9) Austin----------0------1
10) Dallas---------1------1

(sorry the columns aren't straight, I couldn't get them to work for the life of me)

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

Hm, I'm jumping in a little late, but I'm in Indiana (north western corner to be precise) year-round, and I think this little plan sounds delightful-- especially if a visit to diamond's sacred relics can be worked in smilies/wink.gif As for dates in August preferably in the first two/three weeks and for locations:
1) Milwaukee yes
2) Chicago yes
3) St Louis yes
4) Nashville no
5) Kansas City no
6) Oklahoma City no
7) Indianapolis yes
8) Omaha no
9) Austin definately not
10) Dallas definately not

smilies/biggrin.gif Sophia

[Brinniel]

I'm really going to try to push my family into vacationing in Texas this year (I've never been there and I would like to go). If I can convince them, perhaps I'll take a detour and meet you guys. If I do go anywhere this summer, it'll be in August.

For now, I'll do a whole bunch of begging. The only reason my parents would say no is because of money reasons (dumb economy).

[Eressië Ailin]

So far, Indianapolis seems to work out the best. I go up there every summer, but I still don't have my schedule planned out so I don't know how long I'll be staying.

PLEASE don't do it in August!!

[Tigerlily Gamgee]

1) Milwaukee --> MAYBE
2) Chicago --> definite YES
3) St Louis --> NO
4) Nashville --> MAYBE
5) Kansas City --> NO
6) Oklahoma City --> NO
7) Indianapolis -->MAYBE
8) Omaha --> NO
9) Austin --> NO
10) Dallas --> NO

Sorry, I have fewer options that most because of car issues.

[ March 25, 2003: Message edited by: Tigerlily Gamgee ]

[Lady_Báin]

okay... 11th-24th august or anytime after the 11th
1) Milwaukee-------yes
2) Chicago---------yes
3) St Louis--------yes
4) Nashville-------no
5) Kansas City-----no
6) Oklahoma City---no
7) Indianapolis----yes
8) Omaha-----------no
9) Austin----------yes
10) Dallas---------yes

[ March 25, 2003: Message edited by: Lady_Báin ]

[the phantom]

Sophia, nice to have you. smilies/smile.gif

Brinniel, best of luck begging. I hope you convince them. smilies/wink.gif

Eressie Ailin, don't worry, smilies/frown.gif we'll consider every date. I just thought August was a good place to start because of all the people that had it available. In a week or two, I might PM everyone on this thread and ask for a complete summer schedule, listing every possible day they could meet, and we may find that some little two day window like July 2-3 just happens to work for everyone.


who?---------------August works?-----dates?

the phantom-------------YES---------1-6/11-24
alaklondewen------------YES-----------1-19
alphaelin-----------------NO
lord of dor-lomin---------YES---------1-7/11-24?
eressie ailin---------------NO
sophia-------------------YES---------1-23
tigerlily------------------YES---------1-31
Lady Bain----------------YES---------11-24


Location?---------YES----NO

1) Milwaukee-------5------1
2) Chicago---------6------1
3) St Louis---------5------2
4) Nashville--------2------3
5) Kansas City-----3------3
6) Oklahoma City---3------4
7) Indianapolis-----6------0
8) Omaha----------3------4
9) Austin----------1------3
10) Dallas---------2------3

(if you see members of this thread that haven't voted yet, point them in this direction)

[ March 26, 2003: Message edited by: the phantom ]

[lord of dor-lomin]

I notice you have a question mark by my availability because I never gave exact dates. You can go ahead and get rid of it, the dates you have listed for me are right on.

[the phantom]

Lord of dor-lomin, the next time I post an update, the ? will be gone.

And it looks like we won't be able to get it in Omaha. It's down 4 to 3. Too bad. Milwuakee, Chicago, and Indianapolis aren't too far though.

[Eressië Ailin]

Sorry guys! I can't come to Oklahoma City or Kansas City! smilies/frown.gif

[the phantom]

Eressie, the tally will be ammended next time I post it. No biggie. (plus, it looks like those aren't the favorite spots anyway)

[the phantom]

Hello, Aerandir. I'm glad to see another face on the thread! Go ahead and reply to the dates and time question (found on the page before).

[the phantom]

Okay. Just to let everyone know, if I have time this weekend I'm going to start the PM campaign.

So watch your e-mail! smilies/smile.gif

[Brinniel]

I gave up on dragging my family to Texas after my parents complained it would be to hot.

So now I'm going for Chicago. The only problem is when I told my mom I wanted to go to Chicago, she responded, "Chicago?! And what would you do there? It's just a big city." Unfortunately, I could not answer her as I do not know much about the city. Perhaps you guys could give me a list of all the things one could do in Chicago during August that would convince my family to vacation there. Then I can try to convince them to let me spend an extra day and meet all of you, if at all possible.

[Gwindor]

My vote is chicago, as that is the only place that I will be able to go this summer.

Brinnel -- There is plenty to do in Chicago! I can't name anything special off the top of my head, but check out these links. they should give your parents a good argument smilies/biggrin.gif
http://www.ci.chi.il.us/Tourism/ http://www.chicago.il.org/

if you are really interested, I suggest checking out a local travel agent and getting some pamphlets. Doing that might be less overwhelming!

-Gwindor

[Gwindor]

My vote is chicago, as that is the only place I will be able to go this summer. As for dates, any weekend should be good for me.

Brinnel -- There is plenty to do in Chicago! I can't name anything special off the top of my head, but check out these links. they should give your parents a good argument smilies/biggrin.gif
http://www.ci.chi.il.us/Tourism/ http://www.chicago.il.org/

if you are really interested, I suggest checking out a local travel agent and getting some pamphlets. Doing that might be less overwhelming!

-Gwindor

[ April 06, 2003: Message edited by: Gwindor ]

[ArwenBaggins]

August works for me, but I don't know exact dates yet

1) Milwaukee- NO
2) Chicago- NO
3) St Louis- YES
4) Nashville- YES
5) Kansas City- YES
6) Oklahoma City- NO
7) Indianapolis- YES
8) Omaha- NO
9) Austin- NO
10) Dallas- NO

[Bulelainwen]

1) Milwaukee no
2) Chicago maybe
3) St Louis no
4) Nashville no
5) Kansas City no
6) Oklahoma City no
7) Indianapolis no
8) Omaha no
9) Austin maybe
10) Dallas maybe

I can't give out a definite yes because it all depends on what my parents feel like doing since they do have to drive me there. I can meet anytime, except June 20-July 15 because thats when I am going to Europe (yay!!), August probably would be best.

[the phantom]

As far as times go, many of the pms I'm getting have not included dates because they are not known yet. Once I have some more, I'll post an update on those.

These are the updated location totals. (some people have voted or changed votes via pm)

Location----------YES----NO

1) Milwaukee-------5------4
2) Chicago---------7------3
3) St Louis---------6------4
4) Nashville--------3------5
5) Kansas City-----3------5
6) Oklahoma City---2------6
7) Indianapolis-----7------2
8) Omaha----------3------7
9) Austin----------1------4
10) Dallas---------3------4

Make sure and vote if you haven't. I'll do another pm campaign this weekend.

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

WhooHoo! Chicago and Indy are winning! smilies/biggrin.gif those are the two I'd be most likely to get to!

[Liriodendron]

I could easily do Indpls. Anytime! smilies/smile.gif I live an hour away, so anytime in Indpls is good. I couldn't really go anywhere else, my family wouldn't "understand"! smilies/smile.gif I hardly know anyone anyway, so it doesn't really matter, but if you have it at Indy, I'll show up!
smilies/cool.gif

[ April 21, 2003: Message edited by: Liriodendron ]

[Lindolirian]

Anytime in July, but I'm booked the rest of the summer, and I can only make it in Indianapolis.

[Lady_Báin]

hmmmm..... well it's almost may so any concrete dates would be awesome!!!!

[alaklondewen]

I believe this thread went a bit stale, so you think setting the date could liven things back up? smilies/smile.gif

[the phantom]

Yes, maybe that will encourage those who haven't sent me their availability yet to hurry up.

I'll take a look at what we have so far and then make a proposal via PM (probably tomorrow).

I'm going to list people that I need exact dates or locations from, or possibly both. If you did give both to me but I list you anyway, just tell me I made a mistake. If you can't give me concrete info now, just give me your best guess or tell me that you don't know.

Jesse
Alphaelin
Brinniel
Kalimac

Here's people that told me they didn't know exact dates before. Please let me know if you do know them now (or if you still don't).

Tigerlily Gamgee
Eressie Ailin

[ May 17, 2003: Message edited by: the phantom ]

[Vardamar]

All I can say is that if you set a date and a location...Ill do my best to be there...scouts honor. smilies/tongue.gif

[the phantom]

Okay, Vardamar, you are officially off the list.

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

Phantom- I can do any date in August, up till the 23rd, Chicago or Indianapolis work the best for me... but anywhere you go I'll do my best to be there! I'm really excited about this smilies/wink.gif so we'd better try to make it happen!

Sophia

[Arafangwen]

I've been told numerose times by my parents that you are all serial killers and just want to meet me so you can kidnap me and ritualy sacrifice my blood mixed with that of a rabbit..... I'm way off track here. I'm in Texas and would love to meet you all but for the afore mentioned reasons, seriously doubt I will ever meet anyone in my entire lifespan smilies/frown.gif . I shall be with you though, in spirit smilies/biggrin.gif . Have fun!

[the phantom]

but anywhere you go I'll do my best to be there!
That's the spirit!
I'm really excited about this smilies/wink.gif so we'd better try to make it happen!
I, too, am very excited about this. Expect the first date and location proposal sometime this weekend. I'll try to make it a good one.
I've been told numerose times by my parents that you are all serial killers and just want to meet me so you can kidnap me and ritualy sacrifice my blood mixed with that of a rabbit
Ha ha! That just gave me a really funny thought. What if every last person who showed up at the meeting was a pyscho kidnapper. They get there and they're all like "What?! We're all psycho kidnappers?! Isn't there at least one normal person to kidnap?!!"

(well, I think that sounds funny, maybe I'm just odd)

But seriously, don't worry people. Once a location is set, a local of that area will find us a nice public place (like a Burger King, a hotel lobby, ect) to meet in. And as I've said before, if your parents like Tolkien bring them along. The more the merrier.

[Vardamar]

as for me...

1) Milwaukee- NO
2) Chicago- YES
3) St Louis- NO
4) Nashville- NO
5) Kansas City- NO
6) Oklahoma City- NO
7) Indianapolis- YES
8) Omaha- NO
9) Austin- NO
10) Dallas- NO

as for times, I still need to get my syllabus for the fall...that is if it happens in august...

Ill edit this...Chicago is also a go for me.

[ May 16, 2003: Message edited by: Vardamar ]

[Arafangwen]

Ha ha! That just gave me a really funny thought. What if every last person who showed up at the meeting was a pyscho kidnapper. They get there and they're all like "What?! We're all psycho kidnappers?! Isn't there at least one normal person to kidnap?!!"
(well, I think that sounds funny, maybe I'm just odd)


LOL! *dies* *again* That would be great! Can I be one?! If any of you end up in Austin, PM me ok? smilies/biggrin.gif

[the phantom]

Okay you guys, time for some fun!

I want everyone to try to think of some neat, enjoyable, silly, or Tolkienish things that we can do while we're together this summer.

For instance, when we first meet nobody tell their name and we all fill out a card where we guess who everyone is before introductions are made.

Or maybe we could visit a costume shop and dress up as characters (and take pictures of course) and maybe even act out scenes from the movie and record them.

Maybe we could each make up some quizzes from LOTR (book and movie), Silmarillion, and The Hobbit and administer them to the rest of the group and see how people do (and have prizes for the winners of course such as everyone else buying their dinner that evening).

Or perhaps we could fix some Middle Earth food?

Anyway, those are just some quick ideas. Tell me what you think of those and try to come up with some other ideas.

PS (check your PMs and respond to the date proposal if you haven't done that yet)

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

For instance, when we first meet nobody tell their name and we all fill out a card where we guess who everyone is before introductions are made.

This would be hard, as many of us seen pictures. smilies/frown.gif I'm fairly certain I'd recognize at least Alak and Lindolirian from their pics (unless they've changed a lot).

Or maybe we could visit a costume shop and dress up as characters (and take pictures of course) This sounds fun... as does this: Or perhaps we could fix some Middle Earth food? Raefindel posted a recipe for Lembas in N&N! smilies/biggrin.gif

Sophia

[manaratowen]

ok, i realize i read this a bit too late, but alak just told me about it...lol... indy or chi town sound great, any time in august is good for me, except the weekend of the 17th, as i have b-day plans.

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

May we have a small update, please, Mr. Phantom, sir... As I'm currently planning to go wherever there are Barrowdowners this summer even if I have to walk. smilies/biggrin.gif

Hmm... just worries me when the thread goes stale, as I *really* want to meet you all.

Sophia

[Liriodendron]

I have the dates of July 25, 26, and/or 27 as the current selections, from pm, from Phantom. (in Indpls) I would like to do any of those fun things....one question, is anyone planning on attending this Midwest get-together an older adult? At 47, will I be the only old person there? Just wondering. smilies/smile.gif What type of place to meet? I imagine when it gets right down to it, there won't be all that many of us. A restaurant, hotel/motel, park, place of interest such as a museum or zoo? Just curious.

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

Hm, Liriodendron... the next person to your age that I know for sure is planning to go is early twenties... *cringes* that's not really that old. smilies/wink.gif

[Liriodendron]

Oh oh! Well, darn! Odd gal out again. smilies/frown.gif

[the phantom]

Age means nothing to me, Liriodendron. A couple of the coolest, most interesting people I've known are both in their seventies, and you're not nearly that old.

At this point, I'm waiting for more votes (yes or no). I'm going to try a slightly different date and see if I get the same response. I imagine I will, because pretty much the only people responding to my PMs all have the same general window open. It's the maybes (people that I think can attend, but haven't said so yet) that I'm concerned with.

We might be going to a resturaunt, hotel/motel, park, and a musuem. I'm up for pretty much anything. Come up with more ideas for activities and locations and tell us about them.

[Iarwain]

Greetings fellow Midwesterners, I'm a Chicagoan!

Iarwain

[the phantom]

Hello, Iarwain. It's nice to see you here. Would you be interested in joining us this summer for our little get together?

[Iarwain]

Sadly, (but surely) impossible. I thought that for future years I should just put forward my name and affirm my location.

Oh well,
Iarwain

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

smilies/frown.gif smilies/frown.gif smilies/frown.gif Aw, sad, Iarwain. We'll look for you in future years then. smilies/smile.gif

Sophia

[Meoshi]

St. Paul resident here...

[alaklondewen]

Our date is coming up soon...we still need to hear some suggestions for activities. We will want to stick to public places and inexpensive endeavors I'm sure.

Let's get this thread back in motion! I'm looking forward to meeting everyone.

[arianrod]

Sorry for just jumping in here, but I thought some of you would like to know that you've got a fellow Texan among you. ^_^ I would LOVE to be able to meet up with everyone, yet I'm still under the control of my parents and highly doubt they'll be willing to transport me anywhere to get together with a group of people I met online (even if it was on the Downs). Mom's stuck with the impression that the second I log onto a chat room, I'll be brutally murdered by some serial killer. This from the woman who is still afraid of the family toaster... Luckily, I'll be away from them in another few years, and will be more than happy to see you then! 3 long years...

[Luthien_ Tinuviel]

Arianrod, the same applies to me! I'm from Texas as well, but I would probably not be allowed to/ have no real way to go. Oh well... at least there are a lot of us Texans here! smilies/biggrin.gif

[Bulelainwen]

I'm sorry, I really would love to meet you all, or shall I say y'all since I'm from texas smilies/wink.gif, but I am still a minor and I can't really help what my parents decide. They hardly even agreed to go to the other side of Houston to meet Valesse, they defiently refused to go just to Dallas or Austin. It just doesn't fit into our schedules also, because my brother and I are starting new camps for our new schools. I really would love to go but I'm sorry I can't.

[Liriodendron]

I've got it written in my date book...."Barrow Downs Indy...Sat July 26" As an added attraction...The actors for Sam and Gimli will be at the "Gen Con Game Fair", in Indianapolis, that very day! Go to www.gencon.com (http://www.gencon.com) for more info. Sam and Gimli (along with many Star Wars actors) will be signing autographs on Sat the 26. It's $23 for a day, $60 for all four days, and I guess it's a big gaming blast!? I'm not a gamer, but they're talking it up in the local papers here. I haven't heard from Phantom so I don't know if any of you younger ones were actually going to try to come to Indpls. or not. Just thought I'd let you know there is actually some cool movie LoTR action going down next weekend! smilies/smile.gif

[Eressië Ailin]

Is that the final date we decided on? I don't know if I'll be in Indy by then, and if not it'll be a couple days after... Don't plan on me coming, though it is a possibility. I'll post tomorrow and see.

------------------

Okay, I checked the calendar! And... I can't come. I'll be there August 4-9.

[ July 22, 2003: Message edited by: Eressië Ailin ]

[alaklondewen]

Tomorrow is the big day! smilies/biggrin.gif I'm looking forward to meeting all of you who can come. This will be grand weekend.

[Liriodendron]

Where is everyone meeting? smilies/confused.gif

[the phantom]

I'll send you a PM with directions.

[Cameron Waite]

Brinniel, this is way off topic for the planned events(none of which i can attend) but i just wanted to let you know that im a fellow idahoan too. Didnt know i had Barrow Downers so close by. Its nice though. Sorry for the interruption! Continue your meeting plans.

[Phrim]

I came. I saw. I took pictures.

http://www.phrim.com/indymeeting.jpg

(I was there by some odd coincidence, happened to be in town for other reasons.)

[Arafangwen]

Sophia's hair is shorter than I imagined, and Phrim looks a tad younger, but otherwise, you all look just as I imagined!

I'm sorry I couldn't be there. Did you guys have fun?

[GaladrieloftheOlden]

Oh my... sorry to jump into your topic, as I am many miles away from the midwest, ( smilies/wink.gif), but you all must have had so much fun! And you all look close to how I imagined, except that I thought Phrim was older...

Swan song,
-Menelien

[Yavanna228]

Also, to add to GOTO's apology, I'm sorry to interrupt, but I cannot see the picture that Phrim posted. smilies/frown.gif Ah well, still sounds as though you all had a blast! smilies/smile.gif
Peace

[the phantom]

Hey, Phrim, how did those pics of us at the resturaunt turn out? Could you e-mail them to me? (I'll PM you my e-mail)

Black t-shirt and black hat, I was dressed very phantomish.

You should've posted the ones where my face is covered by the book. That would've been funny.

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

That pic is on my roll, phantom. smilies/wink.gif I'll post it when it's developed.

[Tigerlily Gamgee]

Though I did not make it to the gathering, I was in Indy the same weekend for GenCon... http://www.elvishinspirations.com/IndyMoot2003Go here for images</a>, I have the first batch up and there's more to come!
Thanks, phantom, for calling me after the moot and letting me know why you didn't receive my email.
Hopefully I'll catch ya next time!

[Gorwingel]

Tigerlily, how was GenCon?

Because I attended Comic-Con which was wild and very busy the day that many of the actors from the film came. From the pictures that you have (which are really cool) GenCon seems much more relaxed, and it seems that the actors got get much closer to the crowd.

[Sirithheruwen]

I live in Illinois, and there is nothing real close (there is some stuff in Chicago, but that's far away from where I live) I'd appreciate if I knew if there were more people in my town!

[the phantom]

I'd appreciate if I knew if there were more people in my town!
Well, where in Illinois are you? I've been in South-Central Illinois for the past couple days visiting my relatives. I'm kind of between Effingham and Vandalia. I'm here two or three times a year.
That pic is on my roll, phantom.
Hey, when you get your pics developed, send them to me, k?

[Tigerlily Gamgee]

If you want to meet more LOTR fans in Chicago... go to TheOneRing.net (click on "movies" then click on "line parties" and type in the city and state) and look for the Chicago Line Party... I'm the administrator. We are 68 members strong. There are also some suburban line parties and a group called the Chicago Fellowship (www.chicagofellowship.org).

[Alphaelin]

I am so sorry I couldn't get to Indianapolis, but I'm glad some other BD-ers were able to meet up. Thaks for posting the pic, Phrim...and a round of applause to the Phantom for putting a meeting together! That's hard to do, especially with a far-flung group of people.

[Tigerlily Gamgee]

I just had a thought... since the moot overlapped with GenCon this year and nobody knew it... what if for next summer we plan on doing it again, and then we can all attend GenCon together???

[the phantom]

Sounds great, but when and where is GenCon going to be?

[Tigerlily Gamgee]

I imagine that there'll be one in Indianapolis in Mid-July... just like this year.

[the phantom]

Well, I'd rather rely on exact locations and dates than your imagination Miss Gamgee. smilies/wink.gif

But if you happen to "imagine" any details for the event make sure and let us know.

[Tigerlily Gamgee]

Well, who dropped a crab down your trousers?
I was just making a suggestion... These kinda of events almost always fall on the same weekends every year... so it can be generally assumed that it would be the same weekend, or right around that weekend. Details will probably posted sometime in the Spring about the event.

[the phantom]

Well, who dropped a crab down your trousers?
Don't be so dramatic. smilies/biggrin.gif
(and as if I could ever be the least bit unpleasant)
These kinda of events almost always fall on the same weekends every year... so it can be generally assumed that it would be the same weekend, or right around that weekend. Details will probably posted sometime in the Spring about the event.
Awesome. I'll see if I can keep my schedule during that part of the summer flexible. Thanks for keeping tabs on it Tigerlily.

[Tigerlily Gamgee]

Keep tabs!? Ok, I can do that... I'm pretty good with organizational stuff (since I'm handling a line party of almost 200 people right now for the triple! yikes!).

I'll post here as the info comes along.

PS - thanks for taking the crab out of your shorts! smilies/wink.gif
I know that you're pleasant, after all, you did call me on the phone to apologize for not getting my message in time.

So, Midwesterners... keep your eyes posted here next year for some info for another Moot!

[Orominuialwen]

I am from Wisconsin. I'm so happy to have discovered this thread!! But maybe next summer we could meet somewhere other than Indianapolis? Milwaukee would be fun -- we could see the relics... Anyway, I know of 3 other Downies frow WI other than Diamond, so that makes 5 of us. I could also come to Chicago (it's only 3 hours away from me), possibly Texas(I have a lot of family there), maybe even St.Louis. I could try and convince my family to drive me to Indianapolis, but I have doubts as to whether they would agree. Anyway, to protest me from the kidnappers you all could be smilies/biggrin.gif , I'd probably have to bring at least 1 parent, but some of the other WI downies could fit in our car. Anyway, I'm rambling totally so I'll end this post here.

Namarië!

[Finwe]

For all who are interested and can come, the Renaissance Festival at my school is on November 14 (I think) and you are all invited. My school is in Mercedes, TX and for those of you who can go, I can get directions and times. Just PM me or reply to the post.

[the phantom]

Go to the link below for information about GenCon 2004, Indianapolis. The site lists the dates as August 19-22.
http://www.gencon.com/indyhome.aspx?file=indy

[StarJewel]

I'm from the south suburbs right outside Chicago. It's cool to see some other people from Illinois here...I thought I was the only one (at least at my school). Hopefully I can meet some of my fellow Illinois BD'ers!

[Orominuialwen]

I'll have to make this quick, but David Salo is coming to speak at a library in Madison, WI on November 21! If you want more information or think you can come PM me ASAP. You have to reserve a spot, but I will do that if you tell me you can come. In case any of you are wondering, Madison is the capital of Wisconsin. It is in the southern area of the state and is wiithin a couple of hours drive from Iowa, Illinois, Indiana (maybe), and Michigan. Please try to come!!!!!(It would make me very happy to see you smilies/biggrin.gif )

[Diamond18]

If anyone is wondering who David Salo is, here (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=4&t=001760) is some more info about him. smilies/smile.gif

[Orominuialwen]

Thank you Diamond18 smilies/smile.gif . Hope you can come!!

[Tigerlily Gamgee]

I'm all over GenCon again if people want to do that in August! smilies/smile.gif
I'm already planning on going with a bunch from BitofEarth.net, but we always love more LOTR company!
So, if it sounds like a good idea to people, we'd probably need to start discussing sometime early next year smilies/smile.gif

BTW - thanks for posting the link to their webpage, phantom!

[Galadel Vinorel]

Greetings all, my name is Galadel Vinorel, and I am very glad that The_Saucepan_Man pointed this thread out to me. I currently live in the beautiful state of Kentucky. I used to live in Texas, though, and I shall be visiting some relatives there this December. I would gretly love to meet some other Barrowdowners that live there, if any would like to meet me somewhere during that time period. Anyone interested? If so, please respond here or PM me.

Namarie, my friends. :D

[Lhundulinwen]

Howdy everybody! Well, I am from Arkansas, and am still in high school, so as soon as I'm in college or at least graduated count me in! Until then, hope y'all have fun!

[Tigerlily Gamgee]

I wanted to let ya'll know that the Chicago Fellowship has set up a ROTK EE theatrical screening for Tolkien's birthday. It will be held on January 3rd in Chicago, and it's a fundraising event. For more info go to: http://www.elvishinspirations.com/lineparty
Tickets are presale only, and are only on sale until December 20th.
I'm gonna be there... I'm taking the train in.

Also, this fall the costuming exhibit is going to Indy. Sound like a good event for meeting???

[Assasin]

I don't know if Arizona would be considered in the Midwest, but I think it is. I was looking through some threads and I thought, God, this is an old thread! I would really like to meet some of you guys. But I'm still in school as well.

[Tigerlily Gamgee]

Okay, so every year there is a group of Tolkien fans (mainly people from the Chicago Line Party, but also people from elsewhere) who get together to attend the Bristol Ren Faire. This year I was planning on making it the same weekend as the Wizard World convention in Chicago. That way we can have two geekful days at the con (Friday and Saturday) and one fun faire day (Sunday). Anyone interested in joining us!? I guarantee that good times will be had by all!
If your worried about hotels and stuff, here's the thing... I, wonderfully, work for hotel chain and can get some dirt cheap rooms! So, it could end up costing less than $10 each per night! :eek:
So, the weekend that this occurs is August August 5-7th. Here is the WizardWorld site: http://www.wizarduniverse.com/conventions/chicago.cfm
Not many guests have been announced, but they usually get great ones! Last year some of the guests included Kevin Smith, Joss Whedon, Kelly Hu, Jim Lee... and more greats!

[the phantom]

That sounds fun- but I am going to be in Ohio that weekend.