I met a fellow BDer!!

[A Little Green]

Yay for Agan posting the Paper Telephone, and yay for everybody participating! I'm not going to write an accurate description of what happened in each moot since I beileve we have had (or will have) enough of that anyway. No sense repeating, and I'm too lazy to do that in any case. To further avoid repeating stuff, I will say that all of the 'Downers we met were such sweet and friendly people and just incredibly easy to get along with. (So, sweethearts, don't think I don't like you because I don't say that separately about each of you - because I do.) Like Nog said, they really made for an essential part of our trip with their awesome company and their help with lodging, food, places to see and routes to take. I miss them all and wish I was richer so that I could travel more often – or else that they lived somewhere rather closer.

So. The first 'Downer we met was Brinn, with whom we stayed in Boston for a few days and who also joined us in the bigger 'Downer meeting in Geneva. She was a great guide and host, and it was lovely to meet her again (she had spent a weekend in Finland two years ago). She also joined us in New York at the very end of our trip. It was great to get to know her better, I love her smile, we had a good time and I'm looking forwards to some stuff we planned to do a) in the next Finlandmoot and b) once we get back to NYC and are legal there... ;) Kath joined us for our last night in Boston. She is just as lovely as I remembered from last summer, and it was refreshing to listen to her cute British accent among all the Americans. :D She has a knack for being both cuddly and mean, which I like a lot.

The two of them came with us to Geneva (that moot, at least, has been suffiently covered already) to meet Mac, Rikae, Boro, Wilwa, Fea, Celuien, Mira and Nienna. Mac and Rikae were awesome hosts, as hospitable as you can get! Apart from that, Mac had a truly scary evil laugh though he was otherwise among the least scary people I've ever met (a teddy bear, as opposed to a scary bear), and Rikae was just adorable and I loved her sense of humour. And the Wereducking of course was about my favourite baby ever. Boro had amusing tan lines and I loved ruffling his hair (he suspected me because of that in ww, actually). Wilwa was adorable, I wished I'd been able to talk to her more because the once we really got to talk was very enjoyable. She really reminds me of a butterfly except that a butterfly isn't half as huggable. I'm rather sorry I didn't get a ride in Fea's famous car (another thing to return to the US for?), but the owner of the car at least was amazing and completely understood my over-the-top fascination with Watkins Glen. I didn't know Celuien from the 'Downs, but she turned out to be a truly delightful person who also baked the best (though the first, too) cobbler I've ever tasted. I only saw Nienna and Mira for one night which was a pity, because I really liked them both – yet another reason to return to the US I think. We also met Bethberry and her husband and son at Niagara, and she turned out to be a friendly, smiling and just generally good person like all the 'Downers I've had the privilege to meet - and also another I'd love to meet again with more time.

After a night spent at Boro's place (we accidentally stole his laptop cable which I felt really sorry about because he is so sweet) we continued to Milwaukee to meet Ibrin, Diamond, Oddwen and McCaber. Ibrin laughed a lot and smiled a lot and her artwork was truly great. Agan and I managed to make Diamond miss a turn on the highway by chatting too animatedly about werewolf, but it was lucky actually because I enjoyed getting more time to talk to her. Oddwen had made us beautiful necklaces and provided us with much amusement by randomly pushing Lommy's famous nose. McCaber (once we had managed to find the right one and not the random fake Joe) ate pistachios. Though I'm generally no fan of cars I have to say his car was waaaaaaay cooler than any I've had a chance to get a ride in.

After Milwaukee it was Sally, Shasta and phantom in Omaha and driving through Nebraska, South Dakota and a part of Wyoming with phantom and Shasta. Sally had a very cute way of sniggering and we spent a lovely morning with her and Agan and some truly disgusting music videos. Shasta (whom we met also later on in Oklahoma) climbed every high rock we saw, sang beautifully, had a lovely evil laugh (though very different from Mac's!) and ate little green grapes in a truly disgusting manner. It turns out she isn't nearly as boring or mean as I was expecting her to be.It did turn out though that he was just as boring and mean as I had expected. :p He is responsible for not only the breaking of my finger (it still hurts!) but also the most enjoyable car rides I've ever had. And whatever it may do to his reputation, I will venture to add that he was nice and cuddly and secretly a gentleman.

We met morm and his family in Salt Lake City, first for an evening and then later on, when we returned from the west coast, we spent a night at his place. He and his wife were both really kind and polite and he had a very nice voice. Their girls were totally adorable, all of them.

In San Francisco we met Alona and Lari, though only briefly – we had brunch and visited the Museum of Modern Art. It was a pity we didn't have more time with them, for they were both really sweet and funny and smiling girls.

In Oklahoma City we met Roa and Craydon (Crayon!) for dinner. I swear I'll never be even slightly scared of a 'Downer again, because Roa wasn't scary at all but very kind and funny. They both were. And once again it would have been nice to see them for longer but we had to get on driving..

In Missouri we visited Folwren on her summer camp. It was really interesting, and she was as warm and kind and attentive a host as we could possibly have hoped for. And I think we might even have managed to convert some others of the camp staff to join the 'Downs!

We had dinner with Inziladun in Alabama, and had great fun eating fish and discussing werewolf, traffic jams, and whatever came to our minds. He surprised us by pronouncing our names perfectly before ever hearing us say them aloud and was just generally nice.

In Virginia we had some trouble with our operation Finding Mnemo. Once we did manage to find her (or she us), we spent a lovely day together. There is definitely something elvish about that girl! She's totally adorable. We talked long about horns and antennas and buried Boromir.

We had lunch in NYC with Rune and Brinn. It was lovely to see Rune again if only briefly, though he did manage to start being mean to us in his old way in such a short while! Apparently the very cheesy onion soup Agan and I were eating was horribly funny. We then spent a few days in New York with Brinn and Encaitare (boring Rune went to Boston). Brinn lived with us in the apartment we had, and Encai spent time with us during day-time. We strolled around, went to see a Broadway show, played a bit of Apples to Apples, visited some museums... Encai was another I didn't know from the 'Downs but who proved to be a totally lovely person. She looks like an elf, has an adorable laugh, and was just so easy to go around the City with.

Argh. I kind of meant to write shortly. But on the other hand it was twenty-eight awesome, unique, lovely darling 'Downers in a month's time. If any of you dearies ever consider having a vacation outside the US, you know where to go, eh? (A hint: Finland, Finland, Finland, the country where I quite want to be!)

[A Little Green]

A teaser: I might post a few photos tomorrow if I have time. Hehe.

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Such a large number of wights so close, and I managed to miss them! I live just a tad north of Boromir.

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

Wow, Greenie! That was absolutely fantastic to read! :D

But of course now everyone will get to Finland! There are such lovely people there! ;)

[wilwarin538]

Wilwa, Rune wants to know why you're jealous of him for being with me, but not jealous of me for having Rune here. :p

Ahaha. Well I am jealous of both of you, but actually I was mostly jealous that Rune was with Ty (that is the right name for your depressed dog right?), who I adored and want to snuggle with. But I do love you both. ;)


That was the best paper telephone ever! And didn't take nearly as long as the ones we do on here, haha :p.

[Thinlómien]

So, we met a bunch of awesome people. I'm trying to keep this short and just write general stuff about people. And I will ignore Brinniel, Kath and Rune as I've met them before (sorry darlings!). Although I may want to add that Kath proved more cuddly and violent than before (but I love her nevertheless, haha) and that when I met Rune again I realised a summer (my mum tells me to write "sømmäre" instead of "summer" since I'm talking about a Dane :D and she also adds that Danes are the funniest and most beautiful Scandinavians) is not a proper summer without Rune. (For those who don't know, I've met him in the summers of 2006, 2008, and 2009.) So, here we go...

Well, there were a few 'downers who I thought might be slightly intimidating (reagardless how much I like them). First ones I met in Geneva, and they were Rikae and Mac. No one who has played ww with Rikae or seen pictures of Mac can say they're totally unsacry before meeting them! However, they did prove very unscary and wonderful hosts, and I just like them so much. They are both very kind and considerate, and very amusing. I found them both easy to get along with and I'm happy I got to talk with them as much as I did. I'm not sure if I ever mentioned it anywhere, but I had a plan of adopting Mac as my big brother and Rikae as my big sister-in-law and having met them, I will definitely pursue that plan. Plus, that means I get the most adorable nieces ever.

Fea was also somebody who could've been slightly intimidating - not scary, but sort of "I'm here I'm having a show" type, which kind of people sometimes just make me forget I'm present too. However, I now must apologise for this concern, because Fea turned out to be very empathetic and didn't have a show on at all. Also, she has a great talent for storytelling and it sure is not boring where Fea is! I liked her a lot and I wish I had had more time to talk with her.

Wilwa is another whom I talked with too little. She's incredibly sweet and so nice to everybody. I loved her down-to-earth calmness and it was quite refreshing to have someone who's not just making mean jokes about their friends or anything else all the time! (Not that I mind mean jokes, I make them all the time myself as some people *coughphantomandshastaandprobablyotherstoo* might have noticed.) Plus, I just loved it how happy she got when planning future 'downer meetings and she looks like a wolf. (In the positive sense! She just has these beautiful bluegrey wolf eyes.)

Continuing the list of people I'd like to have talked with more... Mira and Nienna. They were both very nice, and in different ways - Mira is the kind of straightforward and funny girl, Nienna is calm and empathetic. Sadly, the thigs I recall the best of them was Mira's obvious crush on Fea's brother :p and me sitting next to Nienna while playing Apples to Apples. It was also cute how they were clearly part of "Fea's gang" but they still took sisterishly car of her. Awws.

Celuien then, too. It was great to meet a person who has written a few of my favourite RPG characters ever. It turned out she was just as adorable as her Eorling Mead Hall characters - very kind and sweet and it was great to talk to her (although again didn't have enough chances of that). Plus, she had a very pretty dress and she used wonderful hippie bug spray which we all borrowed all the time.

Last one of the Geneva-mooters I haven't mentioned is Boro. Now I'm happy to say that I got to talk with him almost enough and that we actually ended up making some kind of siblingly adoption plan... Anyway, it was great to meet Boro because before the Kent-episode I had a certain kind of picture of him and after it a different one, and I was kind of lost what kind of person this guy who I considered my friend was. Turned out he was actually the mixture of the old Boro and the new Boro I had in my head and it made me really happy, because I could finally clearly see who he was and also because I liked this real person a lot, even more than the two persons I had had in my mind before. (Ok, I'm aware this is getting rather in-depth. Won't continue ranting here anymore!) Anyway, to go on my adjective spree, Boro is both calm and funny, and smart and kind. I like him (although I guess I said that already!)

With the Geneva-mooters, we went to the Niagara Falls where we met Bethberry and her family. Bethberry was really warm and witty, although more quiet than I expected her to be. Anyway, she was great company, had a nice family and gorgeous hair. (What else could a woman ask for?)

Our next stop was in Wisconsin. Ibrin was our hostess and she did very well in that, providing us with anything we might have needed and being great fun around. Like Fea, she is a gifted storyteller and she sure had interesting stories to tell! She was also very cheerful and warm (not like the overtly dignified and sorrowful lady I thought her to be, mostly based on her avatar and I have to say I prefer her the way she actually was!)

Other people we met were Oddwen, Diamond and McCaber. Oddwen was very sweet, she gave us beautiful self-made jewellry and pushed my nose. She was quieter than I expected her to be, but very funny when she said something funny. (Getting Captain Obvious-y, eh?) Anyway, I liked her a lot. Diamond was very nice too, and I just loved it when she and Greenie were geekying together (sitting on the sofa next to each other, talking leisurely and both checking their Facebook). She's also one of the people I'd like to meet again just because I didn't have enough time with her! McCaber then, he's very amusing and sympathetic although he speaks too fast (and laughs every time he finishes a sentence, which was just great). He also has the coolest car ever!

Next moot was in Omaha. We met the phantom, and a day after that Shasta and Sally. Phantom and Shasta also accompanied us for a bit of our roadtrip. Sally was cuddly and liked attacking people's kidneys. She was also just as amusing and sweet as on the 'downs, and she also proved very generous (she bought us Apples to Apples, yay!) She's also very wicked when playing word games!

Shasta is somebody you just can't help liking. He's very open and lively, and probably the most entertaining person we met. He seems to have two obsessions: singing Disney songs and climbing high rocks, but both obsessions provided entertainment. Also, he's very cuddly, funny and a gentleman despite his wicked sense of humour and his evil laugh. I'm very glad we got lots of time with him and we actually managed to see him twice!

Phantom then... I'm afraid I have to ruin his reputation. He's definitely not scary, he's very kind and caring and a good host. And as you have probably noticed on the forums, he's smart and a control freak. He's very good company probably partly because he seems to put effort to people having good time with him, which is kind of cute. And he tried desperately cling to his remains of reputation by being mean to me but it didn't quite succeed. ;)

The next person we met was Morm. He was again somebody I could've been scared of, but no - despite his rather intimidating height, he's the opposite of scary. He has a nice, soft voice, very gentle demeanour and he's very friendly and easy to get along with. Talking with him was very nice, and his wife was great company too, and their kids were just lovely. Liked the whole family very much, and they were also as kind as to put us up, which was great.

While Agan was in Washington meeting THE Ka, Laurinquë and TGEW, we others spent time in San Fransisco. On our last day, we met Alona and Lariren. I didn't know Alona very well from the 'downs, but she proved to be awesome. She was very easy to get along with - again one of those people you just can't not like - , seemed genuinely interested in everyone around her and has good taste (she took us to SF museum of modern art. <3) Lari seemed a bit more reserved, but she was really funny and sympathetic, and seemed very calm and sensible too. I'd love to meet both of them again!

Then there was a pause of meeting 'downers, until we met Roa and Craydon for dinner. Again, one more scariness myth busted. Roa was very kind and calm, and gave a considerate and smart impression. (So not the kind of "hahaa! I'm right and I'm the boss, you listen to me"she sometimes has in ww.) I didn't know Craydon very well from the 'downs, but he was very nice too (and had interesting stories to tell) so I say he'd better play ww again! And I could definitely have spent more than just a few hours with these two.

Next 'downer we met was Folwren. Now I was really excited about meeting her because I have known her for a long time, I've had some good discussions her and I love RPGing with her but we are very different, partly it's our personalities and partly our worldviews. However, there was no need to worry about anything 'cos we got along great. We had some very enlightening discussions, got to do lots of fun stuff (for example petting goats and archery) and met her friends who were very nice too (please say hi to them for me, Foley!) Folwren herself was very friendly, thoughtful and welcoming and we had great time with her.

One could think that meeting a police investigator from Alabama could be slightly scary, but again, Inziladun wasn't scary at all (well truth be told he's not scary on the 'downs either, at all). He made a lasting impression when he immediately recognised who is who (ok, telling Nogrod from us three girls wasn't probably difficult, but it was quite good he was able to tell which of us was which given that he's not on Facebook) and pronounced our names correctly on the first try. Also, he was very fun to have around and easy to get along with, and I liked him a lot (especially after hearing that he uses his work hours for ww!)

Mnemo was the one we met after Zil. After having some minor troubles with getting in contact with her, everything went fine. She took us to a nearby park to climb trees and arrange a funeral for Boromir. We talked a lot and Mnemo was certainly one whom it was great to talk with. We talked more about LotR than we had with other 'downers before and it was lots of fun to be geeky. Mnemo was very smart and funny, and somehow refreshingly un-American. (Can't really describe it better than that!) I got along with her great and I do hope she comes to Finland some day (and drags Sally with her of course).

Last but not least is Encai, whom we met in New York. I can't get over how sweet she is - very compassionate and kind yet she has a slightly wicked sense of humour and a slightly wicked laugh. Again one of the persons you simply can't not like. She definitely needs to post on the 'downs more, because she is lovely.

All in all, we had amazing time and met 28 amazing people all of whom I want to see again. You know, Finland always welcomes you (and also you who we haven't met yet because you know we're dying to meet you too)!

The bad thing is, I've already started missing people and I'm terrible at keeping in touch with anyone... so please, keep poking me on 'downs, FB, LJ, MSN, skype, anything... but not for the next three weeks or so 'cos I won't be around.

*sends a great hug to everybody she met during the trip*

PS. Pictures to follow...
PPS. Didn't read Greenie's post before writing this so sorry if I'm repeating stuff...

[Thinlómien]

Ok, so we got group photos of all 'downer meetings except of re-meeting Shasta and of meeting Rune (which we do every summer anyway). Here we go...

At Niagara with the Genevamoot gang...
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i55/Thinlomien/usadowners/P6220787.jpg
Left to right: back: Rikae, Fea, Wilwa, Kath, Boro, Lommy, Nogrod, Greenie, Bethberry, Brinn, Beth's son whose 'downer nick I can't recall sadly, front: Agan, Wereduckling and Mac.

At Ibrin's backyard...
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i55/Thinlomien/usadowners/P6240033.jpg
Left to right: Diamond, McCaber, Agan, Nogrod, Greenie, Ibrin, Oddwen & Lommy.

At a random parking lot...
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i55/Thinlomien/usadowners/P6270146.jpg
Left to right: phantom, Greenie, Agan, Nog, Sally and Lommy. Front: Shasta.

to be continued...

[Kath]

Oh my goodness you all look so cute in that last photo! :D And it's lovely to see the big Genevamoot group shot.

[Thinlómien]

Thanks Kath! Continuing...

On Weathertop in Salt Lake City...
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i55/Thinlomien/usadowners/P1010012.jpg
Left to right: Agan, Lommy, Nog, Greenie and Morm.

On a famous square whose name I forgot in San Fransisco...
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i55/Thinlomien/usadowners/P7030574.jpg
Left to right: Alona, Lari, Greenie, Lommy and Nogrod.

In a park in Oklahoma City...
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i55/Thinlomien/usadowners/P7080244.jpg
Left to right: Agan, Nog, Greenie, Lommy, Roa and Craydon

To be continued still...

[Thinlómien]

On a Christian children's summer camp...
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i55/Thinlomien/usadowners/P7090266.jpg
Left to right: Nogrod, Greenie, Folwren, Lommy and Agan.

In front of a restaurant...
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i55/Thinlomien/usadowners/IMG_1527.jpg
Left to right: Lommy, Greenie, Nog, Zil and Agan.

Again in a random parking lot (this time in North Carolina)...
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i55/Thinlomien/usadowners/P7150483.jpg
Left to right: Lommy, Greenie, Agan, Mnemo and Nog.

One more...

[Thinlómien]

In the central park in NY...
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i55/Thinlomien/usadowners/P7190043.jpg
Left to right: Brinn, Agan, Encai, Lommy, Greenie and Nog.

And that's it! :D

[Aganzir]

Does anybody want to guess what are my two favourite sets of clothes (out of those I had with me)? :p

Anyway since Lommy has been posting all the meeting photos I should probably go ahead and share a picture of my meeting with The Ka, TGEW and Laurinquë in Washington.
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y62/Aganzir/America/washingtonbunnies.jpg
Left to right: Agan, Lauri, Ka, our common crush, TGEW.

[Nogrod]

It seems people tend to make descriptions on people they have met, so I thought of doing one myself as I’m pretty sure the girls will keep you updated with the events of our trip to the US. The people will appear in a loose order of meeting them… (heh, Lommy seems to have beaten me with the same idea… but who cares…)

Brinniel – I really loved her open and shiny personality when she visited us in Finland and without her caring devotion we would have missed a lot of things both in Boston and New York. And even if we had some disagreements in the end, we parted in love (realizing one is going to miss someone for good changes the mood in an instant) and I’m looking forwards to meeting you again. We love you Brinn! You’re special.

Kath – Oh my how I love her – and her delightful British accent (the girls kept using “Reelly-reelly” -phrase for a week after departing from her). You make my day, anyday! Open, fun, hilarious and easy to hang around with. A super-Brit.

Rikae – She doesn’t bring herself to the fore like many Americans do (in contrast to most Europeans) but she is just as loveable and ironic in real-life as in werewolf. Even if she is a bit bossy over Mac I do think they’re a perfect match. I would have loved to have a chance to talk with her more but there were a dozen of people around all the time and so little of the time… (this actually applies to more or less everyone we met in Geneva!)

Macalaure – If there ever was a decent human being, then Mac is one. I reelly-reelly love him: responsible, caring… and fun in his own way. It’s hard to make a difference between the two adjectives, but if Rikae is irony, then Mac is sarcasm… read it as you like.

Boro – A charming guy and a good man. I really appreciated his company and hospitality – and his college-lodging reminded me so much of the times I was in the Uni myself… And really, if this guy is single… with the wits and a general hang of things, what’s wrong with you girls?

Fea – An alpha-female with stress on all the good the term implies: self-confident, funny, friendly, flirty; you name it. Most easy to come by with and always a good company. And hey Fea, I learned driving the auto-gear car in the end! It’s just that one needs to break the habit of trying to pedal the clutch (which is brake in an autogear).

Wilwarin – Of all the people she reminded me of my High School mates (why is that, don’t ask me as I don’t know). A fun and hippie enough personality to my liking. There’s something innocent, cool and impulsive about her I really like. And I do love her smile.

Mirandir – She was one of the loudest people around but still one of those I had the least contact with. She felt very much at home at the company but I never had a chance to know her better. Good laughs, though.

Celuien – One of the most silent Americans I’ve ever met (which is not saying a lot). Also one of the persons I really feel bad not having a chance to talk more with – we have a history of writing the Mead Hall with our characters as close friends and their children as best mates, it would have been so much fun to discuss that, and everything. But maybe the next time?

Nienna - Another quiet person. She reminds me of Lommy’s & Greenie’s mother to an extent it feels creepy. And what goes to Celuien applies to her as well. It would have been great to get to know her better. But I got the feeling that she and Form is a good match indeed…

Bethberry – We met at the Niagara Falls and the first thing that comes to my mind is her concern if I thought Canada was overall like the Canadian side of the Falls (a town turned into an amusement park)… Don’t you worry, I have other sources of information and like Rikae said “who is the place for but the Americans…”. One more person I’d really have liked to know better. Maybe we’ll have the next round-trip in Canada?

Ibrin – The former moderator of the onering.com turned into one of the ‘Downers was just an amazing personality – and most hearty & hospitable. A tornado wrecking the area was no excuse for disallowing visitors. And despite her husband managing to buy a huge HD -tv, she seemed to be in charge of the house – and full of life lived & stories about it. An artist, a composer… a really interesting personality. You miss a lot if you don’t meet her!

Diamond 18 – Heh, the new hairstyle is soo cool and she’s cool anyway. Sadly the Mythbusters took so much of our time together… I was somewhat unhappy the little time we were allowed together. (Same goes to Oddwen) I think we could have made good friends.

Oddwen – A girl every young guy should be wild about! A bit shy but so lovely! I wouldn’t use the term “geek” but some might. Whatever, aren’t we all more or less geeks? Ibrin’s actually the worst what comes to being a nerd… she had her new iPad with her all the time, and all the gadgets they had! (actually they found a US compatible cord to our laptop and so we have nothing but praise for their kindness!)

McCaber – He spoke so fast… and smiled and laughed – and had the coolest convertible (although a Japanese one). I can still hear the ring of his laughter in my ears. And happily he was not the Joe – Jablonsky or whatever – we came up with in the first WalMart…

the phantom – He was so much alike his ‘Downs persona – and so far from it at the same time. Call it a contradiction if you wish. He was really one of the nicest persons I met on the whole tour. Honestly. You may dislike his BD personality (especially the werewolfers) but he is such a great and caring person in real life it just disarms everyone (with the exception of Lommy perhaps?). You’re cool, dude! I really appreciated your company and would love to meet you agin!

Shasta – I mainly knew him through werewolf and we had been more or less annoyed by each other’s playing styles, so it was great to meet him in person which kind of made me totally change my appreciation of him. He’s such fun and in-the-middle-of-things personality! I really wish him all the best in his career as an actor (you have what it takes!) – and heh, we saw “Next to Normal” before you!

Sally – One should have anticipated a person with an overriding sense of humor and caring but what Sally was just quadrupled the expectations! And she woke up early one day to go to the Wal-Mart to buy us a copy of Apples to Apples! (we bought an expansion-pack from NY) Need one say more? Love you Sally!

Mormegil – The girls were downright frightened to meet him but he was a most relaxed guy and a terrific father of a bunch of adorable kids – and we remember his wife with warmth. You all were just so hospitable to us and we really appreciated it! We were even a bit confused about all your apologetics… the time with you guys was great and we have nothing to complain, not even the quietness of the SLC downtown or the size of your house…

Alonariel – If I was twenty years younger and thus twenty kilograms (more or less forty pounds, like I was) less than I am, I would really had a crush on her and would have done all to get her as my girlfriend! Happily / unhappily those conditions do not apply and I will just say she was a really pleasant person I felt very easy to get on with… They sing about leaving your heart to San Francisco… it kind of makes sense, with the city itself as well.

Lariren Shadow – Nice, cool and fun to meet with. In some odd (sic!) way she reminded me of Oddwen. One of the persons I feel more time would really have made a difference!

Roa Aoife - Another one I think most ‘Downers are afraid of turned out to be a really sweet personality and just relaxed company. A dinner-meeting was fine and dandy: good food and nice company. In real-life she was in no way intimidating or scary but the opposite of it, even a bit hesitating and soo lovely because of that. God, I’d have wanted to share more time with her…

Craydon - He has played one werewolf-game so we’d have to count him as a ‘Downer as well. The first (and thus far the last) Iraq-veteran we have met – and so unlike the stories about depression and life-long syndroma’s the military personnel have according to the media. Even with a short meeting and really slight foreknowledge I really liked him. A good man he is.

Folwren – Our favourite RPG’er was a way nicer we could have believed (even if the expectations were high)! Despite the differences in metaphysical / religious issues we had a great afternoon with her at the summercamp and really enjoyed our visit there. And it was a great fun to meet the others at the camp as well. Love you, Foley! Really.

Inziladún – Thinking about meeting a cop from Alabama sent shivers to our spine but Inzil turned out to be an easy-going person we enjoyed the company of greatly. It was a short meeting but the food was excellent (fresh from the sea) and it was so good to meet him. Hopefully we have more time the next time. He’s not from the CSI, but he could be…

Mnemosyne – After all the logistical problems we had a nice afternoon with Mnemo – and it was good fun indeed: hanging out at Duke University student’s favourite café, climbing a Magnolia, playing Apples to Apples… (and she won it easily!!!) A nice day out in a good company. She’s just an adorable person not trying to make a number of herself but still being on to it all the time. Just plain lovely.

Rune – Our paths met once again – with the aid and despite the curse of lady Fortuna… He’s as fun and lovable as ever. After meeting with him a few times I like him more and more – even if we never talk politics all others seem to think we would do… Maybe we’ll change that as we meet the next time?

Encaitare – What a wonderful person! All positive, easy and adaptive… It’s just super-cool someone has that positive attitude and openness shared with an interest to know people – and to see what is in their interest. I really love her and praise her tact. Really. Thanks Encai for your company in NY!

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

Well, Agan. That's a very lovely picture, but I think that we need to have another one that goes with it... :rolleyes:

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs164.snc4/37537_413575244478_730359478_4415585_3352591_n.jpg (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=4415586&id=730359478)

We are not fangirls. Sort of.

And I liked this picture of our meet-up too:

http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs067.snc3/13464_407823433802_605013802_4703768_1114423_n.jpg (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=4703769&id=605013802)

From left to right: THE Ka, Aganzir, TGEW, and Lauri.

[Nogrod]

Is there a gene of "Alaskan awesomeness"?

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

Is there a gene of "Alaskan awesomeness"?
Why, yes. Yes there is. :p

[Durelin]

I'm so very very very times a million sorry that I could not meet you guys. Both sorry that I could not be a bit of a pseudo-hostess in DC and just plain sad that I missed you (of no fault but my own). I am glad you had a good trip and got a good taste of the States as well as meeting a lot of awesome people! I'm sorry you didn't have anyone to greet you in DC :(

Nog, Nog...there are plenty of quiet Americans, just as there are plenty loud ones! And my very limited as they are ventures to touristy places in the UK and Greece have shown me that many, many different nationalities can be quite loud and obnoxious (and no, not just the tourists!)... :p Finland must just be extra quiet. Makes me want to visit more. :D

Once again, sorry I missed you.

P.S. - Nogrod! Go to bed! You're back in Finn time!

[Nogrod]

Why, yes. Yes there is. :pLooking at the pics it looks like there really is one... :)

Dury: Don't feel bad about missing us... we had a tremendous time and meeting you would have just being extra-fun. It was sad it never happened, but no can do...

And I do know there are different people inside different nations, it's just the stereotypes one keeps toying about - even if one knows they're just stereotypes...

We need to meet the next time we're in the US., or you're in Europe!

P.S. - Nogrod! Go to bed! You're back in Finn time!It's called the jet-lag... hard to adapt into another time-zone... well slowly and slowly...

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Can I just say we are one darned attractive group of people?

Our brains and personalities don't matter; we're gorgeous!

I wonder if I should admit that I was nervous to meet Nog?

Aganzir, I was extremely excited to meet. I've got a bit of a girl-crush on her, really, and her pure mischievous wickedness delights me. Lommy is such a sweetheart that I was stoked to meet her too, and all of my [albeit limited] interactions with Greenie pointed me toward excitement about her too. I knew I'd like them, though I wasn't sure they'd like me as much. And I really wanted them to like me.

But I was outright worried that Nog wouldn't like me at all!

More specifically, I was worried that our personalities would clash instead of mesh, and that it would be like an unstoppable force meeting an immovable object.

But I made a point of getting some alone time with him as soon as I could, so that I wouldn't chicken out and end up too shy to talk with him later. When he asked about how to get to a grocery store, I offered to navigate since I know Geneva fairly well by now. Within a couple blocks, we were talking effortlessly, teasing each other.

"Beer and bacon? What an American purchase!"

"That's the brake, dear, not the clutch. Are you trying to give us whiplash?"

I began to giggle pretty uncontrollably during our first game of werewolf when without really realizing or planning it, he started arguing about the importance of Day One and I said in passing that they didn't matter. We just sort of looked at each other and grinned.

I thought it funny that Nog, who I was most nervous about meeting, was the one I talked to most! He's an absolute sweetheart, generous and easy-going, witty and intelligent. So easy to get along with. I'm glad to have had my worries banished.

Rune informs me that there's now a competition to see if I'll go to Denmark or Finland first? Let the bribes commence. :p

[Nogrod]

But I made a point of getting some alone time with him as soon as I could, so that I wouldn't chicken out and end up too shy to talk with him later. When he asked about how to get to a grocery store, I offered to navigate since I know Geneva fairly well by now. Within a couple blocks, we were talking effortlessly, teasing each other.

"Beer and bacon? What an American purchase!"

"That's the brake, dear, not the clutch. Are you trying to give us whiplash?"That was great fun indeed! (Hey, I learned off from the manual gears in a day or two) And the fact that we purchased the stuff with your ID.! I'm forty+ but we got the beer with your papers... And I must say I did appreciate the easy-going company of yours.

I don't think I was afraid of meeting you but it was one of the interesting moments - just getting into a car with a shopping-trip with you as soon as we arrived... It was a good choice in the end. It seems we both got the precautions out of the way with the humour in our trip and after that it was really easy and fun.

Can I just say we are one darned attractive group of people?
You can... :)
I was outright worried that Nog wouldn't like me at all!
And don't you worry, I liked you a lot!

Rune informs me that there's now a competition to see if I'll go to Denmark or Finland first? Let the bribes commence.Do not let Rune's "information" cloud your view - like the "fair and balanced" Fox News which are the most imbalanced I know of - so of course it is Finland! We can offer you both the city-feeling (in Helsinki) and bring you to our summer-cottage (in the middle of nowhere with a lake and a sauna).

No way a Dane could top that offer! :D

[Keeper of Dol Guldur]

Sadly, the thigs I recall the best of them was Mira's obvious crush on Fea's brother and me sitting next to Nienna while playing Apples to Apples. It was also cute how they were clearly part of "Fea's gang" but they still took sisterishly car of her. Awws.

I don't know WHAT you people are talking about. Fea's brother is a moody oaf (not to mention unattractive), where Fea is an awful human being who dominates everyone around her and makes them feel insignificant within seconds of meeting. *cough* I mean...love you, big sis! :D :p

Methinks Rune needs to get his butt back on here so he can back me up on that and thrill you all with tales that just get more entertaining the more people you hear them from. :D

[Nogrod]

I began to giggle pretty uncontrollably during our first game of werewolf when without really realizing or planning it, he started arguing about the importance of Day One and I said in passing that they didn't matter. We just sort of looked at each other and grinned. Funny you should mention it... that was the most hilarious part of the game that was set for us losing it. I really had fun exchanging those looks - we were so good but sadly it didn't help... But losing can be fun also. :rolleyes:

On the next one people should have gathered from our changed attitude that we were not guilty, but who can blame them for not lynching Erika & Chris (and Lommy)?

[satansaloser2005]

Nog, go to bed!

<3

[Nogrod]

Nog, go to bed!

<3Trying to... :D

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Funny you should mention it... that was the most hilarious part of the game that was set for us losing it.

I was trying so hard to figure out who our third [non-existent] wolf was! Wait, was Boro's comment a hint? Hold on, Agan said she's as much a wolf as me... does that mean she knows I'm a wolf and that I didn't see her, and she's telling me? Hang on, Rikae too is saying things that might be clues! WHO IS OUR THIRD WOLF!?!?!?!?!?

[Nogrod]

I was trying so hard to figure out who our third [non-existent] wolf was! Wait, was Boro's comment a hint? Hold on, Agan said she's as much a wolf as me... does that mean she knows I'm a wolf and that I didn't see her, and she's telling me? Hang on, Rikae too is saying things that might be clues! WHO IS OUR THIRD WOLF!?!?!?!?!?That was a dilemma... (trilemma?) It was pretty hard to make a plan without the knowledge, but I was actually thinking the game just missed the third wolf as there was none to be seen at night... That's why I went the bold way the second night, like we had no problems. Sadly they were ready to outwit us there... :rolleyes:

[Mnemosyne]

I'll reply in detail more fully... (I think?), but for now I just have to say:


Boro – A charming guy and a good man. I really appreciated his company and hospitality – and his college-lodging reminded me so much of the times I was in the Uni myself… And really, if this guy is single… with the wits and a general hang of things, what’s wrong with you girls?

He's in Ohio and we're not. :P

[Nogrod]

He's in Ohio and we're not. :PWell, go for it! It's not that far! :)

[Aganzir]

It's called the jet-lag... hard to adapt into another time-zone... well slowly and slowly...
If it's of any comfort, my brain refuses to admit I'm back in Finland and so very far away from all the fabulous people I met, and insists on staying up late. Oh wait what do you mean it isn't 11pm? :p

Aganzir, I was extremely excited to meet. I've got a bit of a girl-crush on her, really, and her pure mischievous wickedness delights me.
I was excited to meet you too. As I told you, I was kind of semi-scared of you before meeting you because I could never figure out what you thought of me. And yay thanks for the compliments! Oh and did I forget to mention you were one of the fellow wolves I was talking about? :p

Rune informs me that there's now a competition to see if I'll go to Denmark or Finland first? Let the bribes commence.
You'll get lots of lovely people in Finland while all Denmark can offer you is one Rune!

Hahaha Nog are you comparing Rune to Fox News?

does that mean she knows I'm a wolf and that I didn't see her, and she's telling me?
Hey I wouldn't be that mean! If it had been me I would've been waving at you and trying to get your attention!

Well, go for it! It's not that far!
Hey matchmaker stop drinking and go to bed!

[Nogrod]

Hahaha Nog are you comparing Rune to Fox News?The belivability of Denmark over Finland is about the same level as the believability of the Fox News over BBC - or any real news-network. Rune is not involved, just the "fair and balanced" facts.

Hey matchmaker stop drinking and go to bed!Tehee, I'd love to score a new one! :D

[Inziladun]

Yay for Agan posting the Paper Telephone, and yay for everybody participating!

I'm just happy that I was able to produce something remotely interesting on such short notice. All those eyes upon me. Pressure! :D

If any of you dearies ever consider having a vacation outside the US, you know where to go, eh? (A hint: Finland, Finland, Finland, the country where I quite want to be!)

When I get my European tour on the rails in the future Finland is certainly one of my preferred destinations.

One could think that meeting a police investigator from Alabama could be slightly scary, but again, Inziladun wasn't scary at all (well truth be told he's not scary on the 'downs either, at all).

Scary? Me? I'm just eccentric, that's all. ;)

He made a lasting impression when he immediately recognised who is who (ok, telling Nogrod from us three girls wasn't probably difficult, but it was quite good he was able to tell which of us was which given that he's not on Facebook) and pronounced our names correctly on the first try. Also, he was very fun to have around and easy to get along with, and I liked him a lot (especially after hearing that he uses his work hours for ww!)

I have to confess that I had a good idea who was who from looking at the BD Photo Page previously.

And as for the last bit....shhh!!! :D

Inziladún – Thinking about meeting a cop from Alabama sent shivers to our spine but Inzil turned out to be an easy-going person we enjoyed the company of greatly. It was a short meeting but the food was excellent (fresh from the sea) and it was so good to meet him. Hopefully we have more time the next time. He’s not from the CSI, but he could be…

You all really were a pleasure to meet and spend time with. There don't seem to be any active Downers in my neck of the woods. Suffice it to say that I can't imagine a first-time meeting with members of this exceptional forum to have possibly been more delightful. Thanks for coming round!

[Kath]

The belivability of Denmark over Finland is about the same level as the believability of the Fox News over BBC ...
Excellent! So she'll be coming to England first? :D

[A Little Green]

On a famous square whose name I forgot in San Fransisco...Psst... it's Union Square!

Looking at the group photos, I figured that there is a striking similarity between Inzil and Agan if you ignore the difference in skin colour. Is there a family secret I haven't been told? :eek:

Excellent! So she'll be coming to England first?Wishful thinking, love. I have a way better solution in mind: she comes to Finland, and you and Rune can come too! Problem solved. I'm a genius.

[Inziladun]

Looking at the group photos, I figured that there is a striking similarity between Inzil and Agan if you ignore the difference in skin colour. Is there a family secret I haven't been told? :eek:

I know on my father's side my European ancestors were English and Swiss. I know very little about my mother's forebears though. For all I know there might be Finnish blood there somewhere. :cool:

[Estelyn Telcontar]

OK, you travel-happy Finns - who's coming to Oxonmoot in September? Since I missed you in the States, I'd love to meet you there! After all, it's THE original Moot!

[Rikae]

Psst... it's Union Square!

Looking at the group photos, I figured that there is a striking similarity between Inzil and Agan if you ignore the difference in skin colour. Is there a family secret I haven't been told?


Haha, I had the same thought!

I also seem to have a long-lost Canadian brother - which makes one of my Barrowdowns heroes... my mom? :D

Nog, I like your very observant commentary about everyone - I remember thinking when you were here that you had a bit of the air of a professor grading a presentation. :p I wish we had more opportunity to talk with you, though you seem to have given me a passing grade anyway!

Agan, Lommy and Greenie are three of the most lovely people I've met ... they have a wonderful blend of sweetness and naughtiness. Agan, who I always found a bit intimidating on the 'downs, I felt as though I could especially relate to; Lommy was very sweet and open (though she found everything disGUSting ;)), and Greenie reminded me of a wood nymph or some such mythological creature, communing with nature (I wish I had a photo of her in Watkins Glen - she looked as if she belonged there.)

Though the Finns stayed with us for a good while, I didn't get nearly as much time with them as I would have liked. Luckily, I'll be dragged to Germany some time in the next couple years, so I'm sure we can make it to Finland and see them again.

[Encaitare]

Can I just say we are one darned attractive group of people?

Our brains and personalities don't matter; we're gorgeous!

I have to agree! Love all the photos, we really are just a devastatingly attractive bunch. The picture from Niagara falls is great!

You Finn-folk are just too sweet. Thank you for all your kind words. :)

So, now for my account of things... my one-to-one encounters with Lommy, Nog, Greenie & Agan were fairly limited before this. I think I played WW with a couple of them, and Lommy and I have been LiveJournal friends for some time, but there was never much direct interaction. I felt like I was coming in cold, but I have always had such positive experiences meeting BDers that I wasn't worried at all. Plus, Brinn was with them, and we've already met a few times, so I almost saw her as a little bridge to help us get to know each other.

Fortunately, we didn't need much help at all! Everyone struck me as warm, funny, and clever. On the first day, we did a lot of walking around various parts of the city. We hit the Museum of Modern Art, which I think everyone enjoyed a lot, and also made it all the way down to Wall Street and the South Street Seaport, neither of which I had been to before. We played Apples to Apples that night at the apartment, and I had a nice chat with the girls while Brinn and Nog went on a food/drink run. I really enjoyed just getting to hang out and talk, I wish we'd had a little more down time like that! Definitely next time, yes?

The second day, we took a nice walk around Central Park. Brinn was a great guide since she had worked there last summer, so she knew the nice places to go. It's such a beautiful park but I rarely spend any time there; it was great to enjoy the day and hear lots of musicians performing around the grounds. That evening we went for an Italian dinner -- when we were considering the restaurant, a man came out and sang the praises of its wine and olive oil, and I guess he thought my lack of response beyond a smile and nod meant I was foreign, and he asked me "Parlez-vous Francais?" I do not speak a word of French, and I don't know why he thought I might! Then he told me just how good the wine was, and said "I would use stronger language, but we're in front of your children." WHAT? :eek: This man was obviously crazy, haha. After the dinner we saw the Broadway show "Next to Normal," which I went in knowing nothing about but enjoyed very much.

It was a fun two days with some lovely people whom it was a pleasure to see again or get to know!

Also, I think there's something in the water in Finland that makes beautiful ladies! I'm surprised the tourism rate isn't higher. ;)

[Aganzir]

I was finally going to post my impressions on people I met during the second part of our trip, but then I was assaulted by a couple of Downers on various IMing programs and now it's quite late so it will have to wait. For a few weeks.
However I did add some photos into my first post (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showpost.php?p=633012&postcount=944).

Agan, who I always found a bit intimidating on the 'downs, I felt as though I could especially relate to
That's exactly what I could say about you! :>

[Boromir88]

I don't know WHAT you people are talking about. Fea's brother is a moody oaf (not to mention unattractive), where Fea is an awful human being who dominates everyone around her and makes them feel insignificant within seconds of meeting. *cough* I mean...love you, big sis!

Methinks Rune needs to get his butt back on here so he can back me up on that and thrill you all with tales that just get more entertaining the more people you hear them from.

As you post on her bro's name while professing this hatred. :p

And I see Nog's trying to take Form's job as my new match-maker. Form tends to go with the theoritical route of matching personalities. Nog just throws my single-status right out there to the entire forum and challenges the ladies to jump on it. Oh the love of bachelorhood. :p

[Nogrod]

And I see Nog's trying to take Form's job as my new match-maker. Form tends to go with the theoritical route of matching personalities. Nog just throws my single-status right out there to the entire forum and challenges the ladies to jump on it. Oh the love of bachelorhood. :pIt was thought of in all love and brotherhood... and in all fun. And in all seriousness.

I mean the good ladies in this world miss a lot letting you go free.

No pressure for you, but to the more beautiful sex here... :)

[wilwarin538]

It was thought of in all love and brotherhood... and in all fun. And in all seriousness.

I mean the good ladies in this world miss a lot letting you go free.

No pressure for you, but to the more beautiful sex here... :)

Ahaha. This all really cracked me up.

Not that Boro isn't extremely fantastic and desirable. I just love the way Nog's pushing it. :D

[Oddwen]

Also -


Oddwen – A girl every young guy should be wild about!


A subtle nudge the other way or something, eh? Covering all your bases, hmmm?

++NOGROD

(The Matchmaker sounds like a developable WW role, doesn't it?)

[Loslote]

(The Matchmaker sounds like a developable WW role, doesn't it?)

:eek: It absolutely does! Every Night they choose two people to be pm buddies for the next 48 hours or something? ... I want someone to make this role now. :p

[Boromir88]

Such a large number of wights so close, and I managed to miss them! I live just a tad north of Boromir.

Really! How come neither of us discovered this earlier? We'll have to rectify this having not met yet if you're up for it.


Last one of the Geneva-mooters I haven't mentioned is Boro. Now I'm happy to say that I got to talk with him almost enough and that we actually ended up making some kind of siblingly adoption plan... Anyway, it was great to meet Boro because before the Kent-episode I had a certain kind of picture of him and after it a different one, and I was kind of lost what kind of person this guy who I considered my friend was. Turned out he was actually the mixture of the old Boro and the new Boro I had in my head and it made me really happy, because I could finally clearly see who he was and also because I liked this real person a lot, even more than the two persons I had had in my mind before. (Ok, I'm aware this is getting rather in-depth. Won't continue ranting here anymore!) Anyway, to go on my adjective spree, Boro is both calm and funny, and smart and kind. I like him (although I guess I said that already!)

Oh just rant away, I know you want to, because I'm pretty sure we decided you were my big-little sister correct? Scolding me when I misbehave and act childish, but always have an open ear to my few moments of brilliant Dr. Phil-ing or encouragment. :p

It was thought of in all love and brotherhood... and in all fun. And in all seriousness.

I mean the good ladies in this world miss a lot letting you go free.

No pressure for you, but to the more beautiful sex here... :)


Not that Boro isn't extremely fantastic and desirable. I just love the way Nog's pushing it. :D

You two are going to make me tear up...stop it! But seriously, I truly am honored you lot think so well of me to say I would be a worthy catch. Although, you should know Nog that the blame doesn't just go to the opposite sex, I do a fine job with the whole confidence and fear of messing up good thing all by meself.

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Really! How come neither of us discovered this earlier? We'll have to rectify this having not met yet if you're up for it.


Sure, I'm near the Trumbull Co. & Ashtabula Co. border. I wish the The Hobbit movie was out, it would be great to see it with another Downer!

[Laurinquë]

This is what I get for not checking here more often, such wondrous tales! I would have loved getting to meet all of you.


Paper Telephone--it was wonderful! I'm so glad you decided to make that. It was delightful watching The Ka labour over her artistic masterpiece, I had always wanted to see how she worked her magic. Great job everyone! Now if only we could do it again. . . you Finns need to come back to the US; I still need to meet Lommy, Greenie, and Nog!

Is there a gene of "Alaskan awesomeness"?

Hehehe, what prompts this bold statement? You haven't even met Lottie yet! :D

[Boromir88]

Sure, I'm near the Trumbull Co. & Ashtabula Co. border. I wish the The Hobbit movie was out, it would be great to see it with another Downer!

Indeed, they need to get that thing moving! And that is quite close to me. Nienna and Form are stopping in Cleveland on the 19th and 20th. I'm taking them to one of my favorite places, perhaps you've heard of it...Melt? If you are available and able to on the 19th, you should come too. If you haven't eaten at this place, it's a must! PM me if you're interested and we can work out details. :)

[Valesse]

From deep within the depths of time, two barrow-downers appeared out of the mist...

Actually, we both went to an archaeological dig and in a random conversation about Lord of the Rings (and the discovery that we were both avid fans) Meela and I became wise to one another's "real life" guises... by way if, you know, asking "wait... what forum did you say you were a part of?" And much merriment was had.

We share a love for bunnies.

[Bêthberry]

From deep within the depths of time, two barrow-downers appeared out of the mist...

Actually, we both went to an archaeological dig and in a random conversation about Lord of the Rings (and the discovery that we were both avid fans) Meela and I became wise to one another's "real life" guises... by way if, you know, asking "wait... what forum did you say you were a part of?" And much merriment was had.


Oh, how cool! An unexpected meeting. :cool: :D

[Valesse]

Oh, how cool! An unexpected meeting. :cool: :D

Yes! I was quite excited. I felt rather irritating always bringing it up to her after having talked to her for days before the 'discovery' last night... (we parted ways this afternoon), but I guess that says something about birds, feathers and their tendency to group in specific ways... we both set up our temporary barrows right on top of that hill surrounded by mist, you see, that really should have given it away in hindsight...

More seriously, though, I wish I had known because just some weeks ago I was in Oxford eating at the Eagle and Child (their open chicken pie is irresponsibly delicious.) in addition to some other related venues! What better place could we talk about the hunk'a, hunk'a burning love that is Denethor? ; )

[Anguirel]

I have now to my great delight met Amanaduial the archer many times, generally fleeting but fruitful encounters

But I feel I ought to relay that she has an amazing car

Accessorized

[Anguirel]

(I hope I spelt her right in her barrowed incarnation)

[Amanaduial the archer]

I have now to my great delight met Amanaduial the archer many times, generally fleeting but fruitful encounters

But I feel I ought to relay that she has an amazing car

Accessorized

:) What do Oxford undergrads do when they are no longer Oxford undergrads? Return to memory lane (or jousting competitions) it seems....

[skip spence]

So, I paid a visit to the Finns earlier this week and the end of the previous one. It was a nice little trip with many highlight, including:

*Getting freaky face-paintings and then frightening or amusing unsuspecting Finns with them

*Getting plastered with dirty oil money and extra dirty martinis

*Seeing the inside of the Penguin’s lair (though not nearly enough of Lommy herself). There were penguins in there. Literally hundreds of penguins.

*Catching Nogrod and his choir's song and dance performance which was very impressive.

*Hearing Greenie play the kantele and seeing her super-cute smile on a regular basis. On a somewhat related subject: any good drummers around on the 'downs?

*Greenie and Agan reciting poetry in an effort trying to replace my notion of Finnish as a crude language best fitted for profanities. They succeeded. Kind of.

*Discussions about politics with Nogrod, Volo and a bottle of Skåne Aquavit.

*Having the notion of Scottish Dwarwes erased by Volo’s very Russian treatment of Gimli.

*And of course: seeing Leonard Cohen and his classy band playing live in the Hartwall Arena.

[Aganzir]

You should add:

*Getting a healthy dose of Agan's mood swings. :p

I was horrible half the time, and I'm kind of sorry about it. In any case, it was great to have skip here, and my thanks for the face paintings, drinks etc.

I have a few photos here (http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=193734&id=688229302&l=93383612f8) in case somebody is interested.

[skip spence]

I was horrible half the time, and I'm kind of sorry about it.
Oh come on, you were never horrible though perhaps not always at your charming best, granted. ;)

And I did have a good time in Finland and really enjoyed getting to know all of you a bit better. So you certainly don't need not apologize for anything (and I know you don't like apologizing anyway, my proud little lioness or lion-king if you wish :p)

[Thinlómien]

Skippy, there's really not that many penguins in there. Just one wall full of penguins. ;) Glad to hear you had fun though. :)

Valesse, Ang and Aman - why do you only show up when I'm not around? :(

[skip spence]

Skippy, there's really not that many penguins in there. Just one wall full of penguins. ;)
Well many is a subjective concept I guess but the in all fairness, there was the one wall full of penguins, the two walls that were partially decorated with penguins, and the windowed wall which was lacking penguins but that hardly counts as it was just windows really. But yeah, my idea of many penguins may differ to yours. :)

[Valesse]

Thinlómien: Oh, I'll be coming back! I'm going to be taking my masters in England (if not Oxford, itself) if I'll have anything to say about it! You English types won't be safe when this Texan comes rolling back into town!

[Aganzir]

Hi there all non-Facebooking (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2204573651) Downers!

Us Finns (Nog, Lommy, Greenie & yours truly) are hosting a Barrow-Downs moot in Finland this summer, early August to be precise. Activities include visiting Nog's awesome log cabin in the middle of nowhere, playing real life werewolf, exploring Helsinki (& Tallinn which is a short ferry trip away), just having fun with awesome people, etc.

If you need a reason to travel to Finland/Europe, now's your chance! Kath & Hookbill have already booked their flights (July 31 - August 13), and in addition to many of us Europeans, some people from across the pond are considering coming. We should be able to provide accommodation for everybody so you need not worry about that.

Contact me (or any other Finn) for further details!

**

Also, this is a bit late but I met Rune & Hookbill in England in December. They are awesome people, even though my love for snow flakes embarrasses Rune, and Hookbill is a weird mushroom. Here's photo evidence (http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1156.snc4/149860_465702098931_508873931_5844413_1958483_n.jp g) that proves we all are sane and mentally stable.

[Galadriel55]

The weird thing about not using your real names is that some fellow Downer could be my best friend, and I won't know about it! I think it would be great to meet another Downer, but that could happen accidentally, and I won't even realize!
So, for those of you who might be thinking the same thing about me, I live in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Do I have any Downer neighbours? :p :D

[Glirdan]

So, for those of you who might be thinking the same thing about me, I live in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Do I have any Downer neighbours?

Actually, one Ms. Bethberry and her family live in the same city as you, and myself and Wilwa are a four and a half hour drive north in Sudbury. :)

The weird thing about not using your real names is that some fellow Downer could be my best friend, and I won't know about it! I think it would be great to meet another Downer, but that could happen accidentally, and I won't even realize!

Funny thing? Wilwa and I are actually best friends in real life and have been for almost ten years now. Ask anyone who attended the Bostonmoot last year and they can attest to it :D

[Galadriel55]

Actually, one Ms. Bethberry and her family live in the same city as you, and myself and Wilwa are a four and a half hour drive north in Sudbury. :)

This is freaky! Every time I'm gonna see someone, I'm gonna wonder if it's Beth. :eek:

[Rune Son of Bjarne]

This is freaky! Every time I'm gonna see someone, I'm gonna wonder if it's Beth. :eek:

That should keep you occupied. . .

Actually Kath and I, went and visited her in Toronto in the summer. It is a quite nice city.

I just realised that I never wrote about my meetings this summer, I will try to correct it within a few weeks.

[Bêthberry]

This is freaky! Every time I'm gonna see someone, I'm gonna wonder if it's Beth. :eek:

Are you a member of the Tolkien Society smial in Toronto, Wellinghall, Galadriel55?

Yes, it was lovely hosting Rune and Kath last June; (Rune I had met at Oxonmoot the year previous, and Kath at the Niagara moot. But alas they were here the weekend of the G20 summit, which severely limited our access to various venues downtown, and they were subjected to our endless talk of the unnerving experience.

[Galadriel55]

Are you a member of the Tolkien Society smial in Toronto, Wellinghall, Galadriel55?

Alas, I am not. :( I never even heard of such a thing! What is it?

[Kath]

Yes, it was lovely hosting Rune and Kath last June; (Rune I had met at Oxonmoot the year previous, and Kath at the Niagara moot. But alas they were here the weekend of the G20 summit, which severely limited our access to various venues downtown, and they were subjected to our endless talk of the unnerving experience.Are you kidding? It was exciting! Fire engines all over the place, hearing stories of masked sewer dwellers, watching the protest march going through. All of which paled in comparison to actually meeting you of course! Seriously I had a lovely time. It would have been nice to see more of the city but then we had a limited time anyway. :)

[Nogrod]

Haha. I finally got time (on a sick-leave) to do it.

Go here (http://www.facebook.com/#!/video/video.php?v=1409005683655&comments) to see the "official video" of our Road Trip!

So that is the "coast-to-coast-and-back" mission - with the appropriate country music that played every day in the radio back there. Three minutes around the US - and having a few 'Downers involved as well.

We'll be making a real 'Downers video as well in a near future.

Stay tuned... :)


PS. In a slowly built-up nostalgia (while making the video): you were just awesome, everyone we met and who made our trip possible! Hope we can repay you when you come to Finland in turn!

[Glirdan]

Question for you Galadriel55. Are you a memeber of this wonderful social networking site known as Facebook?? If so, I believe you should join the Barrow-Downs group. :) There is an ulterior motive behind it by the by.

[Galadriel55]

Question for you Galadriel55. Are you a memeber of this wonderful social networking site known as Facebook??

One of the weirdest things about e is that out of my entire school I'm probably the only one who doesn't have facebook (one of my stupid principles). :( :p And I don't want to get it - nothing against people, just against facebook. ;)

[Folwren]

Firefoot and I got together today. My horses tried killing her twice on two separate occasions. The first incident happened during our trail ride when the horses took a detour to a nearby pond. They wouldn't leave, and in an attempt to get them to go the way we wanted to, her mount dragged her under some low oak-tree branches. :eek: I was annoyed.

And then later, while I stood holding a horse getting her shoes put on, the mare spooked and bolted forward, right into poor Firefoot. :mad:

We played Dominion in between the trail ride and the Ferrier’s visit. She latched onto the game really well and made some very intelligent decisions during the game.

I think despite the horses' apparent ill-will, Firefoot enjoyed herself. I had fun, while I wasn't worrying about the safety of my guest. We found we had more in common than we knew about. For instance, we both have the same favorite actor, which is crazy, and no I'm not telling you who it is, because I don't divulge that information very often (don't ask me why not).

All in all, it was a really fun afternoon.

-- Foley

[Firefoot]

I see Folwren has beat me to it, but I got to meet her, some of her family, and her beautiful horses today. Her horses did not come so close to killing me as she makes it sound, though I have a lovely red scratch across my belly from the oaks. But it was a lot of fun riding them around her property, and I daresay I have some new material to work into my writing over in the Scarburg Meadhall thread, for those of you involved with that.

Having never met anyone from the Downs in person, I wasn't quite sure what to expect but it was a really great time. Foley was an excellent hostess and we had lots of things to talk about - the time flew by and I was sorry to leave, but it being the end of spring break I had to get back to school.

[Pitchwife]

At last, I too have something to post on this thread! The Might and I got together this Friday at a Tolkien reading in Karlsruhe (http://start.tolkien-karlsruhe.de/) (photographic evidence to be presented shortly).

We met in front of the bookshop where the reading was to be held and, thanks to the photo page thread, recognized each other instantly. The reading, organized by the local section of the German Tolkien Society, was a rather informal affair - about a dozen people tucked into a passage between a bookshelf and a book display - , but nonetheless quite enjoyable. Various passages from LotR as well as from Letters and Roverandom were read, giving a nice impression of the broad spectrum of styles and registers our Professor wielded. I especially loved the rendition of A Long-Expected Party, delivered with gusto by an excellent reader who brought all those gossiping hobbits to life perfectly.

Afterwards, we retreated to an Irish pub and talked Tolkien (and one or two other things, but mostly Tolkien) to our hearts' content over a few Guinnesses (at least for TM, while I, having to drive home, confined myself to what we call a radler in German). Time flew by, and I'm sure we could have gone on for a while still, if not for me having to leave in time to avoid falling asleep at the wheel. TM is an amiable chap, and his German is incredible considering he's only been living in this country for five years. It was fun to talk to somebody about the Downs in RL who gets all the references - a new experience for both of us, and I'm sure we'll repeat it sometime or the other (preferably when I haven't got such a bad cough - I'll take your advice, Miggy, and try to find some athelas!).

[The Might]

I can only second all that has been posted above!

It was great to finally meet another Downer and be able to talk about Tolkien lore without feeling out of place.

I am now looking forward to attending the monthly meeting of the Tolkien section in Karlsruhe and hopefully I can bring a couple of them to the Downs into the realm of the undead!

As promised here is the photographic proof of our meeting:
http://img268.imageshack.us/f/foto0094ku.jpg/https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/AJDJ5CxgZHhtvHKNP4Cg0_a8FAt87aNOt9ert4hiA20?feat=d irectlink

Looking forward to our next encounter Pitch and to enjoying some good wine from the Rhineland/Dorwinion!

[Folwren]

Your visit sounds really fun! I think it'd be a lot of fun to go to a Tolkien reading...

It was fun to talk to somebody about the Downs in RL who gets all the references - a new experience for both of us, and I'm sure we'll repeat it sometime or the other (preferably when I haven't got such a bad cough - I'll take your advice, Miggy, and try to find some athelas!).

Ha! I know what you mean. When Firefoot and I met, towards the end of our visit, we started talking a lot about the BD. At the time, I stood at my horse's head while my farrier shod her. Pretty soon, the farrier popped his head up and said, "I'm completely lost. What are you talking about?"

[Pitchwife]

Miggy, that pic wouldn't look out of place in Peter Jackson's Prancing Pony! Two shadowy figures lurking in a dark corner...:D I suppose the ones with the flash turned out too ghostly then?

I took the liberty to tweak the gamma correction a little with Irfan View and make not quite as Rembrandtesque:

http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad352/pitchwife/Karlsruhemeeting.jpg

[The Might]

Yes, the flash ones were worse and the other one without was way too dark.
Nice work with the tweak, looks a lot better!

[The Only Real Estel]

So....it has been quite awhile since I've stopped in and I apologize ahead of time if this isn't the proper place for this question, BUT...

I'm an actor now and I'm a finalist for consideration of a role in a film that would take place overseas - namely in London. The film has a smallish budget, though, so anyone who has a place to stay so they don't have to put all their actors up for the duration of the shoot has an advantage (however small, an advantage is an advantage!).

SO, I'm inquiring of my fellow Downers...anyone located in London that would like to "meet a fellow Downer" ( hence the topic I picked to post in ;) ) and allow him to crash for a bit!? :D

I'm sure any details should be kept to PMs so the thread doesn't get going down that path but, yeah - you all were always such kind, curtious, and generous people when I was frequenting the site that I can't imagine people I'd rather stay with!

-Estel-

[Estelyn Telcontar]

The German Tolkien Seminar was occasion for two Downers to meet once again - for Guinevere and myself, both the event and the meeting are annual highlights! We took an extra day before and after so we could do some sightseeing in Potsdam, which is a beautiful city, the historical summer residence of kings and emperors in days gone by. And the seminar lectures were interesting as well!

[Guinevere]

I had indeed a great time together with Esty in Potsdam, both at the Seminar and sightseeing in beautiful Potsdam! Time was only running too swiftly...
It was nice to meet shadowfax again, too.

[skip spence]

Had Rune over last night. We had a nice dinner and then some Orc draughts and then went out to see what the night had to offer. Then something happened but I don't remember it too well.

[Rune Son of Bjarne]

Had Rune over last night. We had a nice dinner and then some Orc draughts and then went out to see what the night had to offer. Then something happened but I don't remember it too well.

I think you may be right, Gammel Dansk (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gammel_Dansk) is probably just a comercialised version of Orc draught.

[Glirdan]

Wilwa and I had our second visitor of the Down's come to our little out of the way city. Formy, who was on his way home to Alberta from Boston, stopped in for the night last Thursday. We had dinner and sleepover at my place and then went for breakfast the next morning before he continued his journey.

He also brought us a little gift of food from Ms. Bethberry (thank you by the way, the cookies were delicious!! :D).

[Bêthberry]

He also brought us a little gift of food from Ms. Bethberry (thank you by the way, the cookies were delicious!! :D).

Glad you liked them. And I would have to send you some berries, no? :D

Before Formy hit Rock City to visit with Wilwa and Glirdan, he passed through my little town and we had lunch together. A brief visit, but the conversation was good and the company better. Formy is every bit the gracious and loquacious (in a very positive sense) fellow I imagined him to be. Imagine two Albertans connecting via the Downs and then meeting in the dreaded confines of Eastern Canada!

[Galadriel55]

You guys could have told me you were meeting. I would have found the time to come and say hi as well.

(Which reminds me - Bethberry, would you like to meet a crazy fourteen-year-old sometime this summer?)

[Bêthberry]

You guys could have told me you were meeting. I would have found the time to come and say hi as well.

(Which reminds me - Bethberry, would you like to meet a crazy fourteen-year-old sometime this summer?)

But Galadriel55, when I invited you to join Wellinghall Smial's Tolkien Reading Day, you said you couldn't, so I didn't think you could come for lunch. Have you changed your parents' mind? :D

Sure we could meet sometime this summer. :) Ferry to the island or a local park? The boardwalk at Kew Beach? A favourite Tim Horton's? PM me so we can arrange details. :smokin:

[Galadriel55]

But Galadriel55, when I invited you to join Wellinghall Smial's Tolkien Reading Day, you said you couldn't, so I didn't think you could come for lunch. Have you changed your parents' mind? :D

One thing is going somewhere far without any good explanation, and another is "going to see a friend" that lives wherever I'm heading... :D

So no, I haven't changed their minds, but I found a good excuse.

[Formendacil]

Indeed, they were a couple of delightful visits--it was delightful to see Wilwa and Glirdan again, and it was delightful to meet Bêthberry--my first new Downer since Bostonmoot. It's somewhat unfortunate that I was rushing through as quickly as I was, but I suppose a short visit is better than no visit.

[the phantom]

*waits for impending explosion*

[Nogrod]

Well...

You might be flooded with pics from the FinlandMoot, but nevertheless I'm sending you this preview of just some of us (we had 17 Downers here + a Downer child & a stalker of the Downs).

From left to right: Legate of Amon Lanc, Oddwen, Pitchwife, Volo, Rikae, Lommy, Kath, Greenie, Mac (& Annika), Hookbill and Aganzir

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc90/NogrodU/P1010886.jpg

[Nogrod]

Heh, couldn't resist sending another one, this one from my place...

From left to right, again... Squatter, Lommy, Skip, Greenie (Annika), Aganzir, Shasta, Kath, Oddwen, Legate, Hookbill, Volo (back only), Rikae (hair only), Macalaure.

(Outside the pic: Rune, Estelyn, Pitchwife, myself)

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc90/NogrodU/P1010850.jpg

[Estelyn Telcontar]

We really should have a picture album somewhere - I have similar shots. However, this one is, I think unique:

Cannonicity: The Musical!

http://i1136.photobucket.com/albums/n484/EstelynTelcontar/Fotos2011August218.jpg

(from left: Shasta, Aganzir, Hookbill, Greenie, Volo, Mac, Wereduckling, Kath, Lommy, Legate, Pitchwife, Rikae and Oddwen)

[Galadriel55]

WOW.

*awaits a bigger explosion*

[Estelyn Telcontar]

A picture may equal a thousand words, and some characteristics of people show in their faces, but I'm going to start a report about individual Downers, as I always enjoy reading what others have to say about the people they've met.

I must begin with a confession - I fell in love with one of the participants. The person is hilariously witty, absolutely charming, lovably cuddly - and two years old. I so enjoyed the WereDuckling! She will forget our encounter, I'm sure, but I'll always remember her adorable smile, and playing "oopsie spider" and "Hoppe Reiter" with her.

Oh yes, her parents were also present ;) - I'd met Rikae and Mac before, but only briefly, so I enjoyed getting to know them better this time. They are fun to have around and a good-looking couple to boot.

I've met Squatter on numerous occasions and always enjoy hearing him talk about so many Tolkien matters with so much knowledge and erudition. He is as crazy as ever, especially in combination with Hookbill. Their conversations were often hilariously wacky. The esteemed editor of the Downer was so kind as to draw a special Phantom and Alien comic strip on the event page of my Tolkien scrapbook, which I shall photograph and show in the near future.

Fortunately for the reputation of the nation, there was one normal Brit attending - Kath! She is a delightful person! I met her briefly at Oxonmoot one year and enjoyed getting to know her better now.

Rune is another Downer I'd already met at other events, so his definitely strange sense of humour wasn't new to me. Conversation is never boring (and rarely family-friendly!) when he's around.

The rest of the participants were new to me, though familiar by nick from their forum posts, so I was very curious to meet them! I knew that Pitchwife lives in Germany, so leaving the country to meet him was a rather amusing detour. He's a very likeable and interesting person, and comes across as equally smart and witty, just like his posts.

Skip is another fascinating person to talk to, and musical as well. His guitar playing at the bonfire really added to the atmosphere - and he dances too! :cool: (Yes, he does have some resemblance to a Blues Brother when he wears sunglasses and a hat...)

Oddwen seems reserved at first, but when she says something, it's very, very funny! She has a wicked sense of humour and a way with words that make her interesting to be around.

Since Shasta posts mostly on threads that aren't as familiar to me, I wasn't sure what to expect. However, he was very easy to get to know, a great conversationalist with a real talent for performance and a charming smile.

I've often read Legate's thoughtful and well-written posts, so I looked forward to meeting him in person. He is just as intelligent as I expected him to be, and one of the people who actually thinks when talking! I also appreciated his friendliness as a guide when he accompanied me to an activity on one day which I would otherwise have had to do alone.

Like several of the other participants, Volo posts mostly on werewolf threads, which I don't often read, but his nick was familiar to me as the person who didn't let the Downs photo gallery die. He really does walk barefoot a lot, but if he's a Hobbit, then he's drunk too much Entdraught, because he's so tall and has such long hair! His personality is just as charming as his looks.

Last but most certainly not least come our wonderful hosts! All four of them encountered us with a great deal of warmth and they went all out to make us feel at home. They planned activities, cooked food, and were our tourist guides. Nogrod was the chief organizer, always willing to look up information for us and to figure out how to coordinate everything. He is also a wicked werewolf (player) who had lil' ol' inexperienced me completely fooled! I was one of the participants who stayed at his place, and his collection of books is mind-blowing. He is also very funny, and he plays guitar really well! He and Skip jammed together and we all enjoyed that.

Lommy is a sweetheart! She is such a friendly person, always making us feel comfortable and willing to show us around and explain the history involved in various sites to us non-Finns. And of course she's one half of a very cute couple! :Merisu:

What words can I use to describe Greenie that I haven't already used for others?! When she smiles, you feel like the sun rises. She is a very talented musician whose singing and kantele playing charmed and moved us.

Aganzir is both charming and wicked, and she has a talent for bringing out similar qualities in others. Her teasing conversation is always amusing but never mean. Besides that, she bakes very good bread!

Did I already mention that all four of them are great cooks?!

Anyway, staying with this whole group for so many days really made each of them special to me. It was hard to say farewell to them on the last evening and to leave in the morning. I'm glad I was able to be there with them all and had a wonderful time!

[Pitchwife]

A CHRONICLE OF
FINLANDMOOT
AND
THE RETURN OF JON SNOW
(as seen by your humble servant, being the memoirs of Pitchwife from Germany, to be supplemented by an account of the participants and photographic evidence following as soon as I manage).


I arrived on Monday 1st and was picked up by Nogrod at the airport. After dumping my baggage at his place, we joined the rest of the Finns (including Legate as a Finn honoris causa) + Estelyn, Oddwen, Squatter & Hookbill, who had arrived before, on one of the lovely islands near Helsinki for a delightful seaside picnic. In the evening, we had dinner at Nog's, where Aganzir and Legate had a highly entertaining staring contest and Apples to Apples was played for the first time but not the last.

On Tuesday 2nd, some of us went to the Ateneum art museum where we saw a fascinating exhibition on the Magic of Lapland; sharing our impressions of the paintings and objects there was both fun and enlightening. For the evening, Lommy and Agan had secured the clubroom at their students' home for us, where we abused the pool table for playing table football and lots of other fun was had. By then, Rikae, Mac and the Wereduckling had arrived as well, as had a somewhat jetlagged Shasta (who had had bad luck with his plane connection and been stuck in Paris the night before).

On Wednesday 3rd, the whole of us (now including Kath, skip spence and BD lurker Annina) moved to Nog's family's log cabin in the middle of Finnish forests, between a lake and a swamp. After feasting on a yummy veggie chili cooked by Esty on the campfire, we much enjoyed the sauna (++beer for the pouring!) and a swim in the lake.

On Thursday 4th, skip led a fishing expedition which didn't catch anything but at least avoided getting Squatter drownded. Also, there had already been omens presaging that Rune (that "sad predictable piece of Danish meat", © Lommy) wouldn't be able to stay away from the moot; his arrival in the late afternoon was celebrated with a repast of crêpes, ice cream and freshly gathered berries. Later that night, the elderly fraction (Esty, Nog & myself) watched the rest of us playing the legendary Guardian game (which revolves around hiding in the forest and sneaking back to the campfire without being caught); lots of suspense there and very entertaining, I'd love to play that the next time.

From Friday 5th, the most memorable event has to be the RL Werewolf game of triumphant wolf victory, which has already been reported on on the TIG thread. Also, yours truly introduced the others to Obatzter (Bavarian beer cheese).

On Saturday 6th, we headed back to Helsinki (Annina, who was driving one of the other cars, leading me a merry chase on the way). After rejoicing in the blessings of civilization (the first hot shower in four days!) and having dinner together at a restaurant near Nog's place, we conducted a logistic experiment to determine how many Downers fit into Nog's living-room (answer: 17 + 1 Wereduckling) and indulged in surrealistic storywriting creativity fuelled by Rune's Quality Danish Mead. In the small hours of the night, the Gradual Crumbling of the Fellowship began with the Departure of Squatter (this being the Seventh Age, he was buried in an airplane instead of a boat).

On Sunday 7th we went to the island fortress of Suomenlinna, the Gibraltar of the North, where rehearsals for Cannonicity the Musical took place and Esty, Agan, Shasta and yours truly had an erotic cherry-eating contest. In the evening, we played paper telephone at Nog's and said goodbye to Rikae, Mac and the Wereduckling.

On Monday 8th we took a ferry across the pond to Tallinn (enduring gruesome dance music and even more gruesome karaoke on board), explored the lovely old town centre and had a delicious medieval lunch in highly immersive atmosphere at the Olde Hanse; also, skip unsuccessfully tried to teach me the tango on the ship (I'm still negotiating with Legate on the price for not posting the video he made of this event on YouTube). Back in Helsinki, the Crumbling continued with the much lamented departure of Rune.

On Tuesday 9th, some of us went to see the beautiful Temppeliaukio rock church and admire a stunning view of Helsinki from the Torni tower café twelve stories over the city. In the evening, we gathered once more at Agan's and Lommy's club room and had a farewell party for Esty and skip, who were to leave the following day. We played an outrageously funny name guessing game (unforgettable question from Kath: "Am I some kind of food ?"), Greenie played the kantele for us, and Esty read some pertinent passages from LotR; by the time she came to Sam's Famous Last Words, I think most of us had moist eyes - the occasion made us feel how much we had indeed grown together into a Fellowship during the past week, and breaking apart was hard; but as Gandalf said, "not all tears are an evil".

After that, it felt kind of strange to still be there the next day, and I rather dreaded going through more leave-taking, but we made light of it by going to listen to some interestingly weird live rock music in the evening and saying goodbye quickly between changing busses on the way home. In the early morning hours I caught the plane back to Frankfurt, and coming home felt - to borrow Frodo's words at the end of Homeward Bound - "like falling asleep again".
__________________________________________________ ________________

So far the memoirs of this chronist; but I hear there are more stories to be told which others will have to recount - most notably the forming of an ad hoc Downer band with potential to go far; watch out for Die Kunst der Wurst!

(Appendices to follow)

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Since no one has yet posted the one group photo we took that has everyone on it, I'll add mine to augment Pitch's great report:

http://i1136.photobucket.com/albums/n484/EstelynTelcontar/Fotos2011August170.jpg

[Estelyn Telcontar]

We also managed to have three BD t-shirts to show off:

http://i1136.photobucket.com/albums/n484/EstelynTelcontar/Fotos2011August177.jpg

(Do I really need to add the names? You must know our faces by heart already... )

[Pitchwife]

Left to right on Esty's pic:
Back row - Wursto, Pitchwurst, Nogwurst, Wurstikae, wurst spence, Wurstalaure + Werewürstchen, Shastanis Wurstreduin, Sausage of Amon Rûdh, Rune Wurst of Bjarne, Legate of Amon Wurst
Front row - Kathwurst, Aganwurst, Wurstelyn Telcontar, A Little Wurst, Oddwurst, Thinwurstien, Hookwurst the Goomba

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Pitch, I can't rep you again (yet), but you just cracked me up!! :D

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

I think Pitchwife's summary of the Finlandmoot (especially accompanied by Nog's and Esty's pictures for a better idea) is worth Bilbo Baggins' Annual Literary Prize, and there would be very little to add. I believe it could be better described perhaps by the one who stood at the beginning of the abovementioned Die Kunst der Wurst Ensemble, that is, Hookbill Himself - at least he was the one who started humming during one long evening in Nogrod's appartment the mysterious words "Das ist Wurst, Das ist Wurst, ja", which ensued in chorus which can be readily compared to that of the thirteen Dwarves on a different evening in Bilbo Baggins' house. Nogrod then only did the simple thing that he recorded, polished and edited the sound - I am sure a link will appear here sooner or later, if there is interest. That, in case you readers haven't gathered that yet, was one of the greater activities we managed to do since Pitchwife left us; the other one, preceding it, and possibly worth mentioning, was visiting a local amusement park in Helsinki, where especially Shasta must have made the impression that he is a servant of Ulmo, given how many times (and maybe it was the magical seven times?) he attended one of the local rollercoasters, more specifically, the one whose speciality was drenching you in water at the end.

I would probably have very little to add otherwise to the already large account of the great Finlandmoot 2011 without feeling repetitive. Perhaps I might at least contribute with some impressions I have gathered, especially relating to the present 'Downers, of whom many I haven't met before. Generally, even though I am basically a naturalised Finn by now and have attended two such 'Downer meetings in that far northern country, the third time was this far the best time. Of course, it has been this far the longest moot and also with the largest number of participants.

I won't go speaking here much of the Finns, in whose company I have spent already quite a lot of time, but about those many whom I haven't met before. There was one whom I didn't know even much from posting on the 'Downs, and that was Squatter. I had read some of his posts in some older threads, but I didn't know anything more about him before meeting him. At first I wasn't sure how he is going to turn out, but after the initial moments of carefulness, which accompany every meeting with people you don't really know, he turned to be a cheerful companion with sense of humour, and supplied us all also with rather geeky Tolkien-esque material, including among others photos of baby Tolkien and "tourist guide" which could be well used for making a Tolkien-related pilgrimage, if anybody intended to visit the important places connected with the Professor's life. Simultaneously with Squatter, we had the arrival of Oddwen, whom I knew a bit better from 'Downs interactions, but still it was nice to meet her. I would say more of us will possibly agree that she turned to have a bit more wicked sense of humour than we have expected, but her sense of humour was an important addendum to the show, so to speak. Despite what I said about the wickedness, I think she is a lovely person, which was shown also by the memorable gifts she brought to all of us, mystical runestones with "G3" inscribed on them. With the two of them, we spent the first official day (or afternoon and evening) of Finlandmoot visiting Helsinki's forest which is for some reason called "the Central park", playing Apples to Apples and dissing Mel Gibson (for his performance in Braveheart - probably had something to do with Squatter's proud British heritage).

On the second day after the first guests' coming (not counting myself), there were two people who turned out to be very close to what I have imagined them as: Esty and Hookbill. I have yearned to meet them for a long time and now it happened both at once. Esty is as delightful a personality as she is on the 'Downs, very kind and very nice to talk to - part of that is also because she is very interested in everything and therefore one gets to speak about many things with her (it may seem to resemble a Pippin-Gandalf dialogue, even though the roles keep changing during the time). Her reading of LotR on her last evening was very emotional just as Pitch had mentioned. Hookbill, on the other hand, raises a different kind of emotions, as you can imagine if you have ever read The Downer, but he is also a nice and merry fellow (only his boots are not yellow). I also managed to get a Phantom and Alien cartoon drawing into my notebook, which I shall now bear proudly.

Next in the list of participants, by the date of arrival, would be Pitchwife, and here he already managed to tell everything about himself, I believe, so there are no surprises to be made. Now as for myself, I've been looking forward to meeting him, but the reality surpassed my expectations. How should I put it so that it does not sound like something ridiculous. .. Well, he is hilarious and German. Okay, that was definitely a bad way to do it. No, he's a lovely person, both witty and funny. And from now on, whenever I am reading his posts, I am sure I will imagine him saying it with his voice. His sudden yells of amused horror (or how should I put it), like when in live-Werewolf he caught Skip making a Wolfy slip -"If we don't kill an innocent today..."- (sadly he did not hold on to it), are something I shall remember probably for a very long time.

Shasta is a 'Downer I have played quite many Werewolf games with, but did not know him much otherwise. He surprised me completely, and in the most positive way. He is funny and has a great artistic talent, which I would almost envy him (his and Esty's performance of reciting the Ring-verse was one memorable experience). Even though it is obviously far more difficult for him to come to Europe than for the Europeans (and he could tell you about his adventures at the Paris airport), I would very much like to meet him again, too.

Rikae, Mac and the lovely Wereduckling (even though corrupted by Aganzir's education and taught to eat 'evil people') were other people on my list whom I really wished to meet at some point, and I really enjoyed meeting them, even though the time was really short to get to know them as much as I would have wanted. Well, at least the Wereduckling I managed to get quite well acquainted with (as everyone did, being pursued by her much of the time, see above for the explanation about 'evil people'), but also Mac and Rikae were very kind (with Rikae maybe having a bit mean streak to her, which worked well in encouraging people to play the "pointing game" and asking sometimes mildly mean questions to each other) and really reminded me of their Werewolf-selves, too (in the positive way!).

The last two... ahem, alright, three to have joined us, Skip and Kath and The Expectedly Unexpected Rune (of whom most people assumed that he won't be able to resist to come... and lo, he did!), I have met already once (in Rune's case twice) before, two years ago (uhh... has it been that long?). Rune has been around only briefly this time, but I think he tried to catch up the best way he could, and already knowing him well from before, it was fun to see him again. Skip this time had the proper chance to show his musical (and dancing... ;) ) qualities, and also his skill as a fisherman in the Finnish lakes (and hence managed to amuse the Wereduckling with a couple of living fish in a bucket when we needed to take care of cleaning Nog and co.'s summer cabin). Concerning Kath, actually speaking of art, this time I was surprised to find out how really nice is her singing (as proven especially during the last days in relation to the Wurst ensemble, but also outside it). I am also baffled by how she can manage to be such a merry person all the time, basically working as a little sunshine (in that, possibly taking over a bit the Wereduckling's role).

All in all, the time we have spent together - from the summer cabin through Helsinki, its islands, Tallinn, amusement park, wherever we were - has been one of the loveliest in my life, and I am most grateful for all of it. Thank you, and once again, thank you all! And thank you, the Barrow-Downs... and as Esty had pointed out to us participants as well, thank you, Professor.

[Aganzir]

I am sitting alone at home, eating leftovers (salad, sweet potato chips, cookies that Oddwen left here...) and drinking tea (not the delicious blood orange maté I got from Pitch but chai). I feel empty. As I said on Facebook, the great Finlandorgy seems almost like a dream that has slowly faded. Also, this is the first time I visit the Downs since March. Eek.

Way back when I created a Facebook event called The Big Barrow-Downs Finlandorgy, I didn't know how appropriate the name would be. Strictly speaking it wasn't an orgy, but the running jokes have never been so dirty in any other BD get-together I've been to. I am fairly sure this was because the average age of the participants was quite high (29 as opposed to like 22 as it was in the first Finlandmoot in 2008). Also, we started using considerably less alcohol when Esty and the grown-ups left (but to be fair, she didn't consume that much of it either).

I had met most of the people before, but seeing them again was fun and meeting previously less-known Downers even more so.

Legate, Rune and skip have been to Finland so many times that there probably isn't much new to say about them. It actually feels stranger when Legate isn't here than when he is, and it was odd that he wasn't the last one to leave. He should probably just move to Finland and be done with it.
It was great that Rune made it here too even if he could only be here for a few days. We were actually starting to get worried when the moot started and he was still of the opinion that he wasn't coming, but fortunately he didn't let us down.
Even if skip doesn't entirely understand my love of public transport, it was nice to meet him again too. He took me (and Squatter) fishing and it was fun even though the huge fish we almost caught managed to escape before we got it out. :-(

Kath is just as nice to cuddle with as I remembered, and I did that a lot. She's also funny, especially when she plays a dog. Woof-woof! I don't think I'll ever be able to forget her frustration when we played this 'guess which Tolkien character you are' game and she always got these weird animals etc.: "Am I a saucepan?"

One of my absolute favourite parts of the Moot was the day we came back from the cabin. I got up before 6am after two hours of sleep (one of which in the sauna - I was freaking cold after talking about politics and stuff with Squatter in the lake for an hour). Those of us with a comfortable pillow slept in the car but I think everyone was still quite tired when we got to Helsinki. It could have been a dreadfully dull morning with me replying to important-ish emails and Oddwen, Hookbill and Shasta drowsing in the kitchen, but the turning point was when Hookbill showed us a ri-pixie-dicilously funny, if rather vulgar Harry Potter video that enriched my vocabulary a lot and indirectly led to us sending the phantom a very rude message. In the afternoon we & Squatter marched in Slut Walk Helsinki with Amnesty International's banners and played a game called Truth Be Told, which is basically about being nasty to your friends. We were good at it - and learnt all sorts of things about one another.

Oddwen is hilarious and wicked. As usual, we wrote these stories (write two lines, fold the paper so the next player only sees the latter line, they write two lines and fold etc.) and the nastiest things were without exception written by her. She's my dear Malice Horace Manfred Manflesh and I look forward to meeting her again soon.

Hookbill is a demented nutter and it got quieter immediately after he left - besides it felt weird when there was nobody insulting Jon Snow (from A Song of Ice and Fire) anymore. In spite of having met Hookbill briefly before and reading the Downer regularly, I had no idea he would be so much fun to be around. I think the whole Wurst thingy started when he told a wacky story about how the only phrase he knew in German was Das ist eine Wurst.

Shasta sang songs as always: Be Prepared, his own version of My Favourite Things, his own version of Hey Jude (granted, he wasn't alone in inventing the new lyrics)... He and Oddwen were an insane team, they actually started to runefy classic fairy tales. They'll probably tell you more about it themselves though. Oh and guess what happens when it falls to Shasta and me to do the grocery shopping? On our way back home we sold the wine box we had bought to three alcoholics who offered to pay €5 extra for it. We had to go and buy a new box and the cashier guy looked at us very disapprovingly, but hey we got money!

Squatter is a sweetheart who put up patiently with me and the Wereduckling playing violent games with him. When at me & Lommy's place, he was kind enough to help damsels in distress and consume the disgusting bottle of pre-mixed Cosmopolitan that had been in our fridge for half a year since a friend of ours left it there. He really knows his Tolkien (which shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone) and has a crazy sense of humour. Also, he wears boots.

I was looking forward to talking to Rikae more, and I did. She's someone I absolutely adore. I seem to remember threatening to steal her from Mac, but she said he wouldn't mind. :p I'm so happy they could make it to Finland - and that they brought the Wereduckling along. She's a delightful girl and I had a lot of fun with her. At the end of the week I realised to my joy that her roaring had really improved during the time she spent here and she had learnt at least one new word: tyhmä which is Finnish for stupid (and a name for Hookbill who wouldn't die when we told him to). I also told her about Scar.

I really like Mac too even if I spent more time with the female members of his family. He's nice, helpful and funny, and he doesn't look as scary anymore as he used to. At least in real life. It's always been photos he's looked the scariest in anyway.

I can't remember who it was who first called Pitchwife Tom Bombadil, but they were more right than they knew! There's something really really Tom-like in Pitch - personality, looks, hat, you name it. What Legate said about his voice is also very true. And there's something kind of mysterious about him. I'm sorry about not getting to talk with him more, but that will hopefully happen in Wurstlandmoot. Or Britainmoot. Whichever is first.

Esty is drunk and disorderly. Not really. She just got the card in Apples to Apples. She's a kind, warm, lovely person - and really fun to be around. On our way to Tallinn, I ended up having a three-hour girl talk session with her which was something I had never expected but enjoyed tremendously nonetheless. It's a pity she couldn't be here till the end (but then again, that's the case with everyone else who had to leave early, too).

Here's a smaller group picture from Suomenlinna. It features Shasta, Kath, Oddwen, Hookbill, Greenie, Pitchwife and Legate.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/s720x720/206008_10150281279654303_688229302_7505740_2995208 _n.jpg

And here's a photo of skip spence and Pitchwife dancing tango:
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/s720x720/223653_10150281319919303_688229302_7506237_3402764 _n.jpg

If someone wants to see the rest of the pictures Volo took and I posted on Facebook, the link is here (https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150281274019303.348531.688229302&l=ddf7789590&type=1).

I want to thank everyone who cooked, helped wash up and clean and carry stuff, brought us gifts etc. I'd also just like to thank everyone who came here because I had a wonderful time. Thanks for existing. Thanks Barrow-Downs. Thanks Professor. ♥

[Galadriel55]

*is green*

You all look amazing! Legate's hair grew some and a bit since his last picture that I've seen. The Wereducking is adowabul.

I wish I was there.

[Nogrod]

Nogrod then only did the simple thing that he recorded, polished and edited the sound - I am sure a link will appear here sooner or later, if there is interest.
Yeah, only the simple thing of compiling five files ranging from two half a minute rhytmical recordings, two 2½ minute aleatoric ones with a 15 minutes discussion section broken down by accidental bursts of singing into a whole that had kind of a dynamic of it's own and made sense also musically, adding parts of the layers on top of layers from different recordings... You know I do these with my left hand... :rolleyes:

But for those who do not have a FB-account there's now a version of it in Youtube as well. You can find it from here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sm5I6nBXii8).

You can get it from FB as well, from https://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1729962387372.

Wurst is der König für alles es gibt!

[Oddwen]

200 out of 1400+ pictures uploading...

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

Yeah, only the simple thing of compiling five files ranging from two half a minute rhytmical recordings, two 2½ minute aleatoric ones with a 15 minutes discussion section broken down by accidental bursts of singing into a whole that had kind of a dynamic of it's own and made sense also musically, adding parts of the layers on top of layers from different recordings... You know I do these with my left hand... :rolleyes:

That 'simple', of course, was an irony, in case it wasn't clear to people ;)

[A Little Green]

My emotional jet lag is still half on after almost a week. It was a real treat to host a bunch of such amazing people. Among my favourite moments during the Moot were the mornings at the cabin, waking up in a room full of sleepers and thinking, ”My biggest problem in the world at the moment is how to get out of this room without stepping on a 'Downer.” Needless to say, I miss each and every one of them and would trade my current dilemmas for that one any day.

Esty (Grandma) was warm and open and lovely, genuinely interested in everything and everyone. I miss our few serious discussions about life and music (want more of those!!), as well as not being the only hopeless quote-machine with a song or a quotation for everything anyone says.

Hookbill ((Dead) Horse, Jim Snow, Wurst McWurst or Tyhmä) was both more and less crazy than I had thought, kind and sweet and entertaining and an essential part of our group. I miss our slow mornings of making tea and talking about serious stuff or random stuff or not talking at all.

Kath (Dog-dog, Mutterwurst or the Normal Brit) is a cuddly sweetheart, lovely to everyone every single minute of every single day! She is the ideal person whether you want a hug, a serious talk or a moment of hilarious banter. I miss our tired airport afternoon of baked potatoes and gossip.

Mac (Evil Papa, can't remember if he was nicknamed something else as well) is kind and helpful, but has also a very evil laugh and a lovely, quiet, sardonical sense of humour. I miss his hilarious facial expressions, whether at the baby or just in general.

Oddwen (Malice, Manfred, Horace, Manflesh, Keine Wurst or Mew-mew) is reversed. No. She is wicked and hilarious, easy to get along with, an amazing singer and just generally awesome. I miss her way of flashing a really happy grin whenever our eyes met.

Pitchwife (Tom Bombadil) got more hilarious by the day, and his performance in the Erotic Cherry-Eating Contest provoked Legate to shout ”I can't watch!” He is also very kind and helpful, always volunteering to lend a hand in whatever needed doing. I miss his catching voice and the unexpected dirty jokes that always took us by surprise.

Rikae (Evil Mama, she, too, probably got some other nickname as well but I can't remember any!) is gorgeous. There's just no other word. She also brings me in mind of an elf and has a lovely laugh. I miss our brief conversations about forests and writing on the back seat.

Rune (Sad and Unpredictable Piece of Danish (Quality) Meat) turned up too which was only appropriate as a Finlandmoot is not really a Finlandmoot without him. He was great with the baby which was cute, and I miss trying to read his Danish newspaper over his shoulder: ”A man was stoned on the beach?” ”Yes.” ”Yay, I know Danish!”

Shasta (Evil Dragon, Dinner, Kinderwurst or Ee-ee) was just as much of a darling as I remembered though he did climb trees instead of rocks this time. He is charming and cuddly, and I miss playing with him in the swing or on a seesaw, as well as our random fights (I usually never fight with anyone!) and shared outbursts of Danny Boy.

Skip (did he ever receive an unflattering nickname? If so I can't remember it :() too provided us with no surprises but continued to be his smiling and good-natured self, among other things playing ”Twinkle twinkle little star” countless times for the Wereduckling. I miss Nog and his jamming sessions that were among the cutest moments of our time at the cabin.

Squatter ((Dead) Horse) is a lumberjack with a really nice voice. He is hilarious and entertaining as well as kind and polite, and I miss how all our talk turned, in the end, to dissing either Scotsmen or Mel Gibson or both.

Last but not least, the Wereduckling was adorable, and provided us with much entertainment and entertaining nicknames (a good part of those mentioned in this post are given by her). It was concluded that every 'Downs gathering should include a toddler. I agree; she brought such cute sides out of people! I miss her giggles and her singing, and yes, even her tugging at my earrings in the car.

Naturally, the Moot also featured the Finns and more-or-less Finns, ie. Nog (Evil Man or Vaterwurst), Legate (Messy or Wurst Ja!), Volo (the phantom), Agan (Bad Monster, Pixiewurst or Penguin-penguin), Lommy (Evil Egg or Darth Wurst) and myself (Mean Dragon, Autowurst or Evil Papa Fish).

[Hookbill the Goomba]

You know, I did write out a post for this thread the night I got back but there were technical difficulties (read: I closed the tab by accident). But I think I can remember what to say...

So, yeah, Finlandmoot was cooler than Lommy's frozen penguins! But lets talk about some of those peoples, shall we?

The first Downers I met were Legate and Lommy who were patiently waiting for me at the airport, ready to have me bagged, tagged and shipped off to some people trafficking group. If not for my pre1996 computer-like speed, they might have gotten away with it too!

It took me a few minutes to make my brain click that these two interesting peoples were actually those Downers that I'd known for years. Once it slotted into place it was as if we'd known each other for a little more than five minutes.

Legate is a fine chap with hair that would melt your heart (seriously, it's on fire a lot of the time). He can effortlessly flick from serious business man to absurd wide-eyed-death-glare maniac in moments! It's really quite impressive!

Lommy is charming and has this hyper streak that makes every conversation that bit more exciting! She was always very sweet and endearing, but also something of a grounded counterbalance to the craziness that was Aganzir. Not that Lommy isn't also a bit bonkers - she most certainly is!!

Speaking of which, Aganzir is mad! MAD, I TELL YOU! I had met her very briefly before, long ago in the cold of winter. But here in Finland we got better acquainted. When not regaling us with her vulgar dreams of vulgarity, she was usually biting people or else teaching small children to bite them for her! That being said, it all hides deep down (I think it's VERY deep down under many layers of malicious and insane violence) a very caring person who always managed to keep us organized. Sometimes resorting to making this odd clicking noise that will haunt our dreams forever!!

Now then, Nogrod is a blast! A laid back old greaser who will never be too old to rock and roll (but shall always, we pray, remain too young to die)! His hospitality was grand and he was an excellent host. When not under pressure to entertain one could imagine him pulling a pipe out and blowing smoke rings above all our heads while he pondered philosophical and, at the same time, drew offensive paper telephone pictures.

(I realise I'm going out of order of when I met people already, but who cares, really? You do? Well, sorry... um... Have a cup cake).

Esty I'd met at a few Oxonmoots. Every year she gets younger, I am sure of it! Though she has been stealing a lot of magic rings lately... Anyway, she always brightens the atmosphere and can be just as sharp and vile as the rest of us when she wanted to, no longer bound by her moderator oaths! Her bright colours and personality are always welcome at a moot! :)

Squatter, once again, is a fellow I was already acquainted with. Southerner though he is, we share a mutual love for all things on the odd side. Though hatless, he still remained a fit and proper member of our group.

A Little Green is a fine soul possessed of a gollum impression that puts other to shame. Though sometimes quiet in the mass of madness going on all around, she always had this look about her - that she was plotting SOMETHING! She can play a mean guitar and whatever that magical instrument of witchcraft was! More often than not the first to wake and make absurd teas - and this is something I can respect. We had many a discussion of the politics of the day as well as just general silliness.

What to say about Oddwen? Well, she certainly has earned her place as The Downer's odd expert! Also a budding photographer, judging by the sheer volume of snaps she took, Oddy has that mad-cap laugh and down right terrifying grin that will steal the scene if every she chooses! Always ready to lend a helpful word of humour and more than capable of slipping into the background until you least expect her to jump out and KILL YOU... um... I said no slander, didn't I?

Volo is a dark horse, and also a brilliant fellow of messianic proportions! Also, he defended my honour against those who said that corduroy was not cool. IT IS, by Eru's mighty beard! He's a dear for allowing me (and others) to constantly steal his hat and sunglasses. That's what Jon Snow said.

Mac, of the impressive beard, won my affections when I spotted him sporting a Green Party T-Shirt. ;) Not that he hadn't already impressed us all with his wood cutting skills!

He and Rikae made a lovely addition to the moot - wouldn't have been the same with out the pair of them bouncing off one another with deep thoughts and craziness in equal amounts... Okay, maybe the crazy was a little more, but you get the idea! I'm trying to be nice! Don't call the men in white coats!

Shasta I hadn't interacted with much on-line, an omission I regretted very quickly! He's got a sharp wit and a nothing-but-nonsense attitude to pretty much everything around him! He seemed to appreciate the dark, rude and over-the-top humour that flew around - even encouraging it a lot of the time! The guy needs a Stetson, though.

Skip is Mr. Cool. He glided into the moot in a pair of shades and it wasn't long before he had his hands around a guitar. A mean werewolf player, but with a wolfish grin that nearly gave him away. Always laid back and probably with a beer in his hand, I'm sure he could probably drink Rune under the table, but nobody would notice. Except him. He'd know, and that would be all that mattered!

Rune is a man I'd met a few times before. I like meeting him because he's taller than me and this makes me feel normal. He gained something of a reputation though his business of selling quality beef... And other quality 'products' and 'services'.

Pitch is someone to be reckoned with! Sharp as Narsil and wacky as Mr Blobby with a concussion! Calm and collected, he takes his time with thoughts, but when they come out he usually has this way of blowing us all away with something completely brilliant or completely mad! Usually accompanied by a puff of smoke! And he was not offended by my woefully limited knowledge of German, which extended to "wurst" and a couple of Kraftwerk lyrics.

Kath I'd met once before at a long forgotten Oxonmoot, so it was nice to meet again properly! She was called "The normal Brit", but I know for a fact she was nothing of the sort! She had the same bizarreo sense of humour as the rest of us and just let her try and deny it! She'd surprise us all with a sudden dirty joke or else dump her feet on top of your head when she was tired.

Have I missed anyone? I hope not. If I did, feel free to have me thrown to the wereducklings! :p

[Nogrod]

Heh, I see a lot of posts being sent to this thread and reading them makes me realise the loss of not having you guys around any more - while the school-start and the numerous choir-practises & gigs have kept me busy from even thinking about the Moot for a week now. I see many of you have done this "person to person" -thingy... Let's see where I get when I start a bit differently.


So we had initially this idea that we'd bring Rikae, Mac & the Wereduckling here to my place as they'd have a room of their own with an ability to shut the door and maybe the others wouldn't disturb her sleep if we brought Esty, Squatter and Pitch here as well (thus Esty could have a room of her own as well and wouldn't be forced to sleep in a shared bed with a random person possibly half her age).

Explaining this to the New Yorkers on our way from the airport I got smug smiles and some laughs... "it's not that the Wereduckling couldn't sleep if there was noise, but rather no one else would be able to sleep if she decided to be on that mood". :)

Happily she was tired enough the few evenings she stayed at my place that there was no problem with that. But anyway my place turned out to be "die älter-haus das Deutsches-volk" (whatever the correct German would be for that), aka. the old-timer house for the Germans - with Squatter who seemed to be more or less fluent in German as well...

But if I'd thought of my place being the one where people could (or would) sleep unlike in the "Youth Hostel" Lommy & Aganzir were having, well I was soo wrong! :rolleyes:

I don't know about each and every night at their place but we did actually stay awake at nights: keeping company to Squatter who needed to set off about 6am to the very end and pushing him into the taxi, sleeping two hours to drive the New Yorkers to the airport at 4am, sending Esty off around the early hours while taking up all the on-line duties neglected, sitting with Pitch the whole night talking and sharing pics others had posted on FB until the morning... And that was all great fun even if it did end up with some major sleep-deprivation.

It was not a purposeful act to try and separate the younger ones from us oldies but it was, I still think, the smoothest of arrangements (look above what I said about our pre-thoughts about the Wereduckling) and I think it worked out just fine. I had some really good time with Squatter, Esty and Pitchie, and the New Yorkers - even if their energy was oftentimes concentrated on the Wereduckling who is, to make it mildy, a strong personality, well a character. (And I do love her for that even if she yelled and cried all the boat ride from the Zoo to the harbour making other kids on the deck stick their hands into their ears... :D)


Sure, the logistics were a problem, but we managed it quite well in the end. We went to our summer cabin for a few days not only to give our guests a chance to experience the "middle of nowhere between the forests and the lakes" in Finland but also because that was one of the only places we could get all of us being together and not needing to mind about the neighbours, but surprisingly we also managed to crowd my place with all of us aboard a few evenings and the "club-room" of Lommy's & Aganzir's place was just priceless (priceless also in the way that it cost us nothing). So somethnig we were afraid of (well at least I was) just worked out fine as we got enough places to fit us all - as in the end of the Moot with dwindling numbers we had nice evenings both at my place and at Lommy's & Agan's. The Kinderwurst und Autobahn was recorded at my place with all of those left involved...


~*~

But even if I had some better chances to get to know Esty, Squatter and Pitchwife (and the New Yorkers for a few days), I do think it was really an easy going-time with the others as well.

I do think I know Legate already more or less well, and I have met Rune, Skip and Kath a few times already, so there were no surprises there as they were their lovable persons as ever. I had also met the New Yorkers, Shasta & Oddwen the last summer we toured the US. and they were more or less as I remembered them to be - although I have to join the chorus of saying that Oddwen is much more sinister and fun person I learned her to be last year - and that is a compliment!



~*~

But what about the people I met the first time?


Esty is just a heart of gold. Something that tells a lot about her is the following...

After our first evening gathering at my place we woke up the the next day and after breakfast she asked whether she could do the dishes. I was kind of undecided (as I don't like to put my guests into work), but she took my indecisiveness as a "yes" and said she would interpret that as a stable yes as to anything that needs to be done in the kitchen... and she did hold onto to that! I think she did more than half of the dishes at my place while she was here...

But that's anly the kind of glimpse into her - even if a telling one. I really found her the most gracious, witty, intelligent, fun and entertaining person - and every lover of music is someone I have my heart open to as I do share the love. But above all I feel she is the caring person, one who has love and wisdom enough to just think of others more than herself. *bows*


Squatter, oh my... I've interacted with you in a few threads a time or two, but that is little. But I do remember Rune saying sometime that you are too intelligent... I don't know about the excess, but I loved your traditional "European learning", "bildung" a they say in German, and your Tolkien knowledge especially. Had we had more time I would have loved to dwell on some of the stuff you brought with you I o0nly got a glimpse with...

But way to go, you're just such a great person a well - even if some of the jokes you had with Hookbill went quite far over most of us others as we have no inside knowledge of every British humour series you shared the jokes about.

I met a young British aristocrat at the archeological excavation site I was in on 2004 in Israel - he shared my room with two other guys. You kind of reminded me of him... learned, witty, fun, warm - but in this odd way soo British intelligentsia you just can pick out from the French or Scandinavian ones.


Pitchwife: it was a great pleasure to have met you. Before I met you I was thinking whether you were a neo-liberal (libertarian) or a hippie. To my great comfort I found you a true hippie indeed (even if you don't like the categorisation), but you did actually make me re-think some of the things I had already been forced to reconsider after meeting Foley & Morm the last summer... even if we didn't exactly talk about that I just realised it after the fact that you guys have more in common you might think!

But politics aside, I really liked you and am looking forwards actually to redeem the hospitability; to see your hens and all the rest. Maybe one day, next summer... or the next?


Hookbill ho! Seeing your pics on the 'Downs I had always thought you were quite a short guy... could I have been more wrong? But on the other pre-beliefs I think you fitted quite well with my preconceptions... funny, intelligent, hearty, easy to go along with... actually I'm a bit jealous of those who said they had had nice political and moral discussions with you as I never get into that with you - which I would have loved to do as I think we share a host of convictions.

But maybe the next time?



~*~

It was a great two weeks even if I had to pull off at certain points to both keep up with my medical care and to prepare for the fall-semester. Great to have had you all here!!! To the next time, in the GB or Germany?

And remember you all are welcome to Finland any day you choose... after this summer we're confident we can manage any host of 'Downers here.

[Gwathagor]

One of these days, when funds are plentiful, I will attend. And a great and terrible day it will be.

[Galadriel55]

One of these days, when funds are plentiful, I will attend. And a great and terrible day it will be.

One of these years, when I actually earn my own living... :D

And if ever in those years I happen to meet Shasta, we shall definitely have a rock/tree climbing race. :cool:

[Estelyn Telcontar]

For the record, here is the Downers page of my Tolkien events scrapbook:

http://i1136.photobucket.com/albums/n484/EstelynTelcontar/Fotos2011August282.jpg

I met some members before I made the book, so not all are recorded here. As far as I can remember, those would be: The Barrow-Wight (yes, Himself!), Sharkey, Thenamir, Child of the 7th Age, Shadowfax, and at least two or three more whose names I will add when I recall them...

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

Now I REALLY wish that I had enough money to be there!

[Eomer of the Rohirrim]

Now I REALLY wish that I had enough money to be there!

Wish I had had the time.

Thanks for the detailed descriptions, everyone. It sounds like a wonderful time was had by all!

[Oddwen]

That. Was. AWESOME! Utterly worth the thousand dollars and 40 hours of traveling back and forth.

(I would have had this post up a week and a half ago, but I've been catching back up on REB, PandA, H*R, etc.)

I have eight albums full of pictures on my Facebook! I went for quantity over (Rune's) quality, unfortunately. The only events I missed were the erotic cherry eating contest, and the recording of Die Kunst der Wurst's first hit single. The latter because my batteries were dead, and the former because...well, I'm not quite that nasty yet.

Many many many thanks to Nogrod, Aganzir, Lommy, Greenie and cryptkeeper Annina who arranged all of the transportation and housing and meals for so many strange people.

Helsinki and the surrounding areas in the summer is a dream come true. Rocks and trees and forests and seas...not to mention ice cream stands on every corner...streets relatively safe for the bare feet...and a BarrowDowner wherever you care to turn. : )

I was incredibly sad not to be introduced to the famous Theodred, as he disappeared some while ago. Something to do with Grima's Makeup shop, I assume.


Nogrod (Evil Man, nasty wolf), Aganzir (Evil Monster, Evil Zombie, You B****, Pixiediculous, Aghh-aghh!), Lommy (Moo-Moo!),Greenie (Oink-Oink!), I had met last year, but was sad that that visit seemed rushed. I was very glad to see them while they were awake. Noggy is an always-sneakily-recording-things hippie, Aganzir is queen of all she surveys, Lommy is a darling and Greenie is a dearie.

Legate (Messy) is fun to listen to, whether he speaks sense or nonsense or Star Wars quotes or chants about sausage. He and Lommy together were so sweet together it made my teeth hurt. He reminds me of the babe.

The Owl (a bad move), poor owl. Best not speak of it.
Squatter (:smokin:, Evil Horse, Nasty Wolf), is hilarious, intelligent and inebriated, a punching bag to small children, and long it was that we sang Strong Bad songs by the campfire. Looks like we're gonna have to juuuuuuump...

Hookbill (You dead!, Tyhmä) is way taller than I expected. That's what I get from letting "the Goomba" influence me. Also, he is Alien. He tried to burn down the cabin and steal all of the buses, not to mention being sick everywhere. I don't envy Lommy and Aganzir's having to clean their apartment after he left. He has the power of voodoo. If he ever comes to the USA, we shall have an Awesome Sock Battle and this time I shall emerge victorious.

Mel Gibson (The Gibbinator) was defeated at last.

Esty (:Merisu:), as reported many times in this thread, is super duper nice, super duper knowledgeable, and just generally super duper, even though she kept trying to steer errant conversations back to Tolkien, of all things...or cherries...*wink* Her readings of LotR on her last evening were a major highlight.

Volo (Me-Me) is amusing, and not at all boring. He reminded me that shoes are a prison for your feet, so we cast them off and aired our toes on the streets of Helsinki together. I don't remember if I've ever heard his voice before, but when I did, it was...right.

Alcohol (Karhu, Beleg, Viking Blod, etc.) was a dear friend to many, bringing joy and laughter wherever he went. Oft he would go astray, but merry (and many) were the quests to bring him back, stronger and more plentiful than before.

Pitchwife (Evil moon), I say, indeed! I third the comments about his voice, it was always awesome when he would shout in surprise at something. It was also through Pitchie that we discovered just how silly pouring pancake batter on someone's head isn't.

Elevators (elevators), they take me up, then they bring me down.

Shasta (Eee-Eee!, wrapped in leathaaaa, Nasty Wolf) was someone I knew from WW reputation only. He's an amazingly vibrant person, always singing & dancing or wanting to, even though his trip was fraught with peril and frustration and France. We had great times singing together on the swings at the beach, though our particular song repertoires only overlapped on "Bohemian Rhapsody".

Jon Snow (Jon Snow) was a no-showing, no-knowing illegitimate son, so we made fun of him. It's a good thing he didn't make it though, we would have given him the Sean Beating of his life and he would have cried all the time, and then Aganzir would have been upset with us.

Rikae (Evil mama) & Mac (Evil papa) were, alas, the people I spent the least time with. A lot of their time was taken up urging the Wereduckling (Awwww) to unleash violence upon the evil and the English. They are lovely together, very nice and a very wicked couple. I would have loved to have plotted Simmish things with Rikae.

Kath (Woof-Woof!) has been called "The Normal Brit", but I personally would call her something more like "The Not Gibberingly Insane Brit", since she does have a very silly streak to her as well. She is also sweet and caring and puppy-cute.

the phantom (the pantsdom) appeared in all of the Paper Telephones, Stories and most of the other games, so it was like he was actually there, unable to protest his own mistreatment, which is just the way I like it.

skip spence (:cool:, "Play Twinkle Twinkle", Nasty Wolf) - always grinning, always musical, and his thirst for the Tango is insatiable. He attempted to teach me to dance, but I failed. His dance with Pitchie was no doubt largely due to the rumors of Pitch's very high score in the cherry eating contest.

Rune (Nasty Cobbler, Sniffle Spreader) had a cold when he arrived, so naturally (Rune's Quality Plague) it spread to several Downers. He then lorded it over his victims (only me, at that time), taunting them, dancing around them and singing, and irritatingly being able to breath through his nose. Otherwise, he's a very fun young man, and I shall write another poem about him when I have more than a couple of hours to devote thought to him.


You had all better make it to Britmoot, or I shall be very sad.

the nastiest things were without exception written by her.

But they weren't the only nasty things being written...

I don't want to wait another yeeeeeearrrrrrrrrr!

When I think of my Finlandmoot things,
Then I don't feel so baaaaaaad...

[The Squatter of Amon Rûdh]

And the circles and the ages and the ages...

Or words to that effect. I was the first to leave Finlandmoot, dragging reluctant heels back to the featureless void that is reality. Naturally, having more time than anyone else to spend on documenting the whole affair in tediously minute detail I've done nothing of the sort. I start out with good intentions like 'today I'll post my perspective on Finlandmoot' only to find long afterwards that the time has been expended in looking up references to Dwarves in HME or driving to London. Or taking the ferry across the river to eat mussels and drink beer. Come to think of it, this would be a pretty good place for a Downsmoot...

Such directionless stalling aside, it falls to me to reveal the truth behind the headlines. I was there: I know where the bodies are buried; I recall only too well how narrowly the Barrow Downs avoided war with Estonia, and how Estelyn had to sneak out of Finland disguised as a newt. The image of Nogrod dressed as Venezuelan shepherd and waving an egg-whisk in the direction of Sweden will stay with me forever. I digress, though. Perhaps it would be better to start at the beginning.

As some of you may have noticed, I haven't been around much for about five years or so. It was therefore something of a surprise when I received an invitation to a new Barrow-Downs event. I recognised one or two faces on the list, so I replaced my old passport and booked myself some flights (actually this took quite a long time, but the magic of prose allows me to compress it all into one sentence).

Skipping forward a few months, it turned out that Oddwen and I were supposed to arrive within ten minutes of each other, and that I was to land first. This turned out to be a shameless fabrication on the part of British Airways, who got me to Vantaa half an hour late due to some sort of aerial traffic jam. This was not an auspicious start, but it wasn't the worst airport disaster of the week. Stumbling dazedly out of baggage reclamation, still reeling from trying to read the Financial Times on the flight, I was hailed by some odd-looking people. Either this was my first meeting with my hosts or I was about to be mugged. Perhaps both.

Fortunately the natives were friendly, although some idiot had put the steering wheel on the wrong side of their car. We were whisked into Helsinki for a bit of sitting down, which I hadn't done since getting off the plane. Back at Nogrod's place we were regaled with a fine dinner of roast duck and wine, which was the opening salvo in a barrage of alcohol that lasted for the remainder of the trip. Some might say that I'm not obliged to drink it just because it's there, but those people are, not to put too fine a point on it, wimps. This was my first experience of Nogrod's granite death-fortress, and I must admit that the large collection of cookery books came as something of a shock. Unlike most of the people who bought those books, though, he can actually use them. We ate very well while staying there. Some of the details are a bit hazy, but by this time there were six of us: Me, Nogrod, a very tired Oddwen, Thinlómien, A Little Green and Legate of Amon Lanc (I always thought that was a nice title).

After varied banter, we went for a walk in the park. I've been to London, so I know what to expect from a city park; I was therefore completely unprepared for Helsinki's version, which is simply to end the city and call the countryside just outside a park. There was enough room for a hockey pitch (on which people were playing ice hockey without ice), an archery range from the XV Olympiad in 1952, and everything between us and Lapland. The obvious message was that you don't want to get lost in Helsinki or you'll end up at the North Pole three months later. It was a lesson I was glad to learn, just as I was pleased to discover that settees have been placed at strategic intervals around Helsinki for the comfort of passing walkers. The most logical and reasonable explanation we could think of for the random sofa was that someone was moving to the forest one piece of furniture at a time, which tells you everything that you need to know about the rôles played in Finlandmoot by logic and reason. Returning to the Dark Tower of Nameless Dread, we whiled away the remainder of the evening in Downish wise. Thus ended the first day.

At this point I have to admit that I can't remember in what order everyone turned up. I know that by the time we went to Suomenlinna and - more importantly - a Finnish supermarket, Hookbill and Estelyn were in evidence, and on that day I also encountered Aganzir for the first time. I do remember that we left Oddwen sleeping as only someone with transatlantic jet-lag can, but that she joined us later. The fortifications at Suomenlinna were sadly inadequate as a base from which to conquer the universe, there being no working guns and a café instead of a magazine. Legate and I walked over them together, and realised quite quickly that the Downs will have to launch its campaign from a different national monument, and that I can't read Russian. Once Oddwen arrived, we all sat down for a picnic at the beach, just like the Secret Seven, except there were eight of us and everything else was completely different too. Later on we were joined by Pitchwife before wending our weary way back to the Command Centre.

Day Three saw Estelyn leaving ludicrously early in the morning to pursue her dark paths through the fabric emporia of Finland. Nogrod, Pitchwife and I preferred a more civilised and altogether slower start to the day. Eventually, at the crack of noon, Pitchwife and I were ready to venture outside. Nogrod remained on guard against the arrival of more invaders from across the sea while we hijacked a bus. I realise that it will seem strange to other Downs members, but somehow we ended up in a bookshop (I think that Kirjakauppa may have been the first Finnish word I learned, but more of my linguistic exploits later). We met Aganzir, Estelyn and Hookbill for a trip around the Ateneum, where there was indeed very much art. Some paintings depicted snow inside a living room, which reminded me of my student days. By this time I’d just about begun to get the hang of saying ‘kiitos’ and smiling like an idiot; when people think that you’re a fool you can get away with more. Speaking of cultural exchange, Aganzir proved to be very keen on the phrase ‘creepy-crawly’, as I discovered while we were admiring some metal insects.

Back at Nogrod’s castle of doom, we were ready to receive the next batch of inmates, this time Macalaure and Rikae, who had brought with them my nemesis, the Wereduckling. They seemed like such a nice family, which just goes to show how masterfully their disguises had been prepared. We were soon to discover that they came bearing destruction and torture, but who hadn’t? I think that it was on this evening that we all headed over to Thinlómien’s place to clutter up the recreation room. I remember drinking gallons of Karhu, being repeatedly assaulted by a small child, playing Paper Telephone and badgering Rune to come and join our depraved revels. By the time we repaired to the student flat I had ceased to exercise due caution over what I was drinking, which resulted in my consuming something that the girls had been hiding in their fridge to keep the world safe. It tasted of pink death, but I drank it anyway. This proved to be something of a tactical error.

This is probably the best point at which to mention what the Icelanders would no doubt call The Saga of Shasta the France-trapped. He had been expected the day before, but had called to announce that he was being subjected to the worst torture an Englishman can imagine: being stuck in Paris for the night. The French had done what they do best and deranged his travel plans, which apparently were the only things about him that hadn’t been deranged to begin with. By the point that I’ve reached, he was in Helsinki, and wisely spending most of his time asleep. As it turned out, he was merely husbanding his energy for concerted lunacy.

Also at this gathering was Volo, who apparently owns no shoes. He makes up for this by wearing an unfeasibly large hat and rather a fancy weskit. It’s just as well that he and Skip brought hats with them, because I’d left mine at home in the belief that they’d come to harm if they went anywhere near an airliner.

Speaking of Skip, he and Kath at last deigned to join us in Joutsaa, which is quite simply beautiful. We drove out in convoy, but I was in the most dilapidated van in Europe with Nogrod (the driver), Estelyn, Hookbill, Oddwen and Aganzir. If you’re going to travel half-way across Finland with a bunch of unreliable maniacs, I recommend them.

It was a stroke of genius to get us all out to the cabin, sawing up trees (kill the Ent, kill the Ent), cooking over open fires and taking saunas. I discovered a one-litre beer glass that was perfect for doing Darth Vader impersonations, if you can impersonate Darth Vader, which I can’t. Oddwen can also do some interesting voices, but the real stars of our evenings around the fire were Nogrod, A Little Green and Skip. It was during this time that I really started to relax, although this was a mistake as it allowed Wereduckling to sneak up on me and eat me to death on more than one occasion. It was after a day of such treatment that the final horror was unleashed and Rune joined us. The circle was complete, and the universe was doomed.

There isn’t enough space on the forum’s servers for me to give a very detailed account of Joutsaa. Suffice it to say that I went fishing with Skip and Aganzir (the boat is apparently unsafe for eighteen people, so we had to take turns), played werewolf for the first time (and was on the winning side, because we really were that good). We played the longest game of Apples to Apples in living memory on the veranda of a log cabin, and witnessed the frightening woodcraft of the Downs membership from the relative comfort of an open fire. We ate pancakes with berries we’d gathered in the woods that very afternoon and spent a lot of time in the lake. A number of us also fell over spectacularly, especially Rikae. It’s interesting when you reach my advanced years and crosswords seem like a pretty wild way to spend an afternoon to have your banged head carefully examined by a concerned teacher. People have been calling Kath ‘the only normal Brit’, but I think ‘least immature’ is probably a better way to put it. I’m not sure whether to find that galling or reassuring. Having said that, when the only other two Britons present are me and Hookbill it’s not surprising that such comparisons spring to mind.

The last night in Joutsaa was spent largely sitting in a lake, rambling on about politics with Aganzir. I ended up getting about two hours’ sleep before the journey back to Helsinki in our amazingly still functional bus. I can impersonate a pillow or a footstool with equal felicity. Then, after a long-overdue shower, I donned my best Theakstons T-shirt and headed off to look at some church boats with Nogrod and Esty. Apparently they weren’t Viking longships, but they were the closest thing to them that I saw in Finland. Eventually, Esty and Nogrod poured me into a bus, which would ferry me to the Slut Walk. This journey, incidentally, reminded me why most people have working mobile phones. I was reduced to scribbled numbers and occasional telephone boxes, but fortunately I’d remembered to bring some blind luck, which got me to the station in time to join the march. Present there were Aganzir (our fearless leader), Hookbill, Oddwen, Shasta and your humble correspondent. We walked as we’d often walked before, exploring Helsinki in what I’m going to start calling ‘protest tourism’.

Back at Lommy and Aganzir’s place, we watched the obscene Glaswegian Harry Potter video that had so captivated the junior Downers and then headed off a bar (at last) to play ‘Truth Be Told’, which is a game in which no truth is told at all. I find when trying to recall the game that my memories have been suppressed. Something about Rush Limbaugh dressed as Scarlett O’Hara floats up from the depths of memory like a dead sheep in a reservoir. Anyway, we laughed a lot. Then everyone else turned up and we went to dinner.

This was the last evening we’d spend together, so we made the most of it by eating, drinking, collecting all the restaurant’s stuffed toys on our table and dressing one of them up as Rune. We then piled back to Nogrod’s Doom Fortress for tea and cakes, or more accurately Danish mead and lots of beer. Estelyn had brought with her the silliest Lord of the Rings film any of us have seen, courtesy of the Russian society, and we played far too much of the two-line story game: five simultaneous sheets that eventually contained some of the most disturbing and ridiculous statements that we’ve ever produced. Since Estelyn and I were in REB together, that’s saying quite a lot.

Once the little ones had been packed off back to the nursery flat, there seemed little point in sleeping as I had to be up in three hours to catch my flight. Therefore Nogrod, Pitchwife and I spent some time looking through Nogrod’s quite impressive library: Snorri in Finnish, sagas in Danish, the most dilapidated copy of LR in the world; the list is practically endless. We talked, I avoided falling asleep, and finally Nogrod saw me into a taxi and I was, as they say, out of the saga. It seems that the best of the Moot was yet to come, but such is the punishment for those who can’t arrange enough holiday.

Normally I’d add some impressions of the various people, but I think I’ve imposed on the Forum’s time enough. Suffice it to say that it was obvious from the start that I was among friends: people with whom one could comfortably build a guillotine or barbecue a head of state. It would be to the great impoverishment of mankind if this company were never again to be assembled, and I hope that I’ll have the opportunity to meet each of them again. Special thanks are due to our hosts, Nogrod, Thinlómien, A Little Green and Aganzir, who gave their bus passes, their time, their money and so much energy to organising the whole thing and catering for half the Downs. A week is too short a time to spend in the company of such excellent and admirable folk. May your beards grow ever longer, and your feathers never fall.

[Pitchwife]

Reposted from the RotR 2012 thread:

IN THE MEANTIME...

... for all those around Europe who won't be able to make it to RotR (or who just can't wait that long;)), how about having a Wurstlandmoot sometime next spring (like, say, around Easter)? I'd be pleased to host, if there's interest. We live half an hour's drive from Frankfurt-Hahn and about an hour from Frankfurt International, so picking everybody up at their respective airport would be no prob with a bit of organisation. Our house easily sleeps ~8 people (10 with a little piling), and if there should be more, there's a youth hostel in a very nearby village. We live in a pretty rural aerea, but close to the cities of Mainz, Koblenz and Frankfurt and the Middle Rhine Valley, which is one of the most beautiful pieces of Germany with lots of historic attractions (indeed, a day tour by ship on the Rhine, passing the Loreley and one castle after another, is something to write home about).

Discuss.

[Kath]

I've done that boat trip Pitch, it is well worth it. :-)

[Mithalwen]

So have I. I was interrailing and staying with friends in Koblenz and the first thing the boat passed was a nude bathing site. I hope they didn't get as sunburnt as I did (only bare arms and feet).

[Aganzir]

I met Hookbill briefly on Saturday and Squatter, Mith & Kath yesterday. Both meetings were great fun.

Hook and I spent about an hour walking around London, he dissing British politics (they're not left enough) and I Finnish (we're not left enough), and being just generally offensive. We got semi-lost, and when we eventually figured out our exact location, we were a 100 meters from where we had started. We then went into a cafe and I proceeded to lecture him about having a negative attitude towards everything. I even said he reminds me of Jon Snow, but he said he took it at half face value. I had a good time with him, and when we parted, I hit him with a banana as requested earlier.

Sunday started with Squatter & I sitting in a cosy wine bar for 45 minutes before Mith arrived. I was the one having alcohol while he only drank orange juice and it felt very weird, but I entertained him with stories of Lommy listening to Elton John. Then Mith came and brought along a banana. We played with the banana, the candles and Squatter's hat, and I spilled wax on his trousers. Kath arrived about three hours later, and we (this is to say, it was my idea but no one objected) made her get us drinks as a punishment for being so late. We stayed in the bar for some more time and then went for dinner in a nearby pizza restaurant. I had a lasagna and even though it was huge, I finished it before anyone else was done with their pizzas - but that's because I'm Finnish and never speak during meals.

After dinner we saw Mith to Charing Cross, and on our way there Kath told me to hug attack Squatter. I am always happy to comply to her wishes, especially if they involve doing something that Britons reputedly find awkward, and so I pounced. Unfortunately he was a bit closer than I had thought (I had obviously been looking at Kath while she counted to three) and I managed not only to hug him but also to scratch a passer-by across the face with my fingernails that are at the moment just the right length for inflicting pain. She screamed, swore and stormed off. I was very sorry, but it was really too funny.
We then said goodbye to Mith, and on our way to Oxford Circus the discussion got really weird. Suffice to say, it was about Wurstlandmoot and fetishes. Before we parted with Squatter, I bit him as Pitchwife had asked me to do. He punished me by grabbing my precious hat and running onto the train. I was upset, but going to a nice cocktail bar near King's Cross (that served a drink called Pippin) with Kath helped.

Aganzir likes her British Downers a lot.

[Mithalwen]

http://s6.thisnext.com/media/largest_dimension/8C5BFB03.jpg


The banana was a commission.. not quite as random as it sounds...honest..

[Bêthberry]

Sunday started with Squatter & I sitting in a cosy wine bar for 45 minutes before Mith arrived.

Gordon's I presume! :D


http://s6.thisnext.com/media/largest_dimension/8C5BFB03.jpg


The banana was a commission.. not quite as random as it sounds...honest..



But what of the banana skin? Our business with it really only beings when it has been rejected by historians. It is more useful when it has been thrown away. The historian would be likely to say that the banana-skin story 'became attached to the Archbishop'. . . . I think it would be nearer the truth to say that the Archbishop bcame (sic) attached to the banana skin . . . .

Just pointing out the extent to which some Downers will go to keep moots Tolkien-based. ;)

[Mithalwen]

It was ... splendid place.. I was so stunnedby the delights of the wine list I quite forgot I was meant to be getting Squatter a drink..:o

[Pitchwife]

*is envious*

[Aganzir]

Gordon's I presume!
Yes, it was really nice. Just the right atmosphere for a Barrow-Downs moot.

Just pointing out the extent to which some Downers will go to keep moots Tolkien-based.
Yes, that's exactly what we had on mind with the banana thing. How did you guess? ;)

I was so stunnedby the delights of the wine list I quite forgot I was meant to be getting Squatter a drink...
I successfully managed to avoid buying drinks, which wasn't intentional and which I felt slightly bad about. So to make up for it, I bought Kath's drink when we got to the bar. She protested because it was more expensive than the wine she had got me, but I reminded her I still owed her a Pepsi from our last Londonmoot in 2008. That's what you get from having a good memory and a strong sense of fairness.

*is envious*
Wurstlandmoot. That is all. We want it.

[Pitchwife]

Wurstlandmoot. That is all. We want it.
Come and claim it, then! (In other words, see #1116 above.)

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Ah, I have fond memories of Gordon's, where Squatter, Bêthberry and I met several years ago! A lovely place for hobbitses!

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

Ah, I have fond memories of Gordon's, where Squatter, Bêthberry and I met several years ago! A lovely place for hobbitses!

On first sight, I read it as "Gondor's", which might be a more appropriate name anyway...

[Bêthberry]

It was ... splendid place.. I was so stunnedby the delights of the wine list I quite forgot I was meant to be getting Squatter a drink..:o

I am so happy you accepted my suggestion. Very Middle-earth.


Yes, that's exactly what we had on mind with the banana thing. How did you guess?

Nothing to guess about. ;) I was positively certain that Squatter would never forget a Tolkien reference to banana skins. :D

[Mithalwen]

The location was Squatter's choice rather peversely since he wasn't drinking wine but it was very convenient for me, being carried by the lazy South wind to Waterloo and since there were over three hours of malfunctioning public transport between me and my car I did sample a couple of vintages...

I have to admit I haven't read "On fairy stories" but I am sure it was the intention of my more erudite and learned companions.... I have long since learnt not to mind too much always being the dimmest person present at such gatherings..:rolleyes: as well on this occasion demonstrating that I seem to possess both moth and goldfish DNA...

[Aganzir]

Come and claim it, then! (In other words, see #1116 above.)
I will, and I will also claim a certain hat I was dared to claim. Around Easter should be fine for me, we don't usually have an Easter holiday but should have a couple of days off so time-wise, I think it's manageable. Finances are a different matter, but if I can balance between school and work well enough, you can count on my being there.

Nothing to guess about. ;) I was positively certain that Squatter would never forget a Tolkien reference to banana skins. :D
Actually if he said anything about it, I must have missed it - having never read On Fairy Stories, I only learned it from your post.

[Kath]

Over the last two weekends I have been lucky enough to spend my time in the company of some admirable 'Downers and one equally admirable non-'Downer. This has involved frequently running for trains, accidentally assaulting innocent bystanders, meeting random Swedish people and consistently making fun of Squatter. (By the way, there is a wonderful picture lurking on my computer of a certain person drinking a certain drink - have I permission to post it Squatter?)

Anyway, it all started in London (after an evening spent researching how to get to London give that every train in the south east appeared to have morphed into a bus) at the most expensive pub I've ever been in with Mith, Squatter and Aganzir. Having been coerced into buying drinks we then had a lovely if hard to hear chat. Occasionally the conversation went a bit high-brow or at least, 1980s-brow and therefore went a bit over mine and Agan's heads but it was still lovely! We then moved on for food. Agan refused to speak to us during the meal but that was apparently due to her being Finnish rather than hatred.

From here we lost both Squatter and Mith, but not before a well-planned hug attack turned into an attack on a very cross woman. We feel bad ... really we do ...

Agan and I went on to spend an hour or two sat in a bar waiting for the non-'Downer component of the trip. There was much talk of werewolf, other 'Downers, my inability to remember anything in my life, and the events of previous moots. Then Annina turned up, demanded food and we left. (This is misleading. I was getting the last train home right at that moment :D).

Now, I thought that was it, but no! Friday arrives and there is another opportunity to see 3/4 of these marvellous people. So off I trooped up to London again (without train troubles this time thankfully) and there were Agan and Annina waiting for me. A theme was revealed when we immediately went to get food, picked up Squatter, and headed straight for a bar again. :D No people-abusing this time though. Around 3 or 4 hours were then spent in said bar where Annina and I watched as Agan and Squatter fell steadily in love over a cosmopolitan and politics. A mad dash to the last train then followed and back home.

It has been a while since I've seen Mith and it was lovely to see her again! I think she was a little terrified by some of the madness but she coped gallantly. She also brought chocolate raisins which means I love her for life.

It was nice to see Squatter so many times in a week! And he very kindly bought us drinks so again he is loved for life. His hat, his random mumblings, his new fuddy-duddy moniker and his general laid back attitude to the insanity around him makes him a very enjoyable person to be around.

Agan is always fun to experience! Got to spend quite a bit of time one to one with her for once so we had some really interesting conversations. Admittedly I monopolised a large part of one of them with school questions but it was really interesting! I'm very glad we got to meet up so soon after Finlandmoot and didn't have to wait a whole year this time!

Annina I finally feel I actually started to get to know this time which was so lovely! Normally when we meet there are so many others around we barely have time for a chat but over drinks if not food (:p) we did this time! Hopefully we'll meet up again soon!

Two fab weekends all in all.

[Aganzir]

Around 3 or 4 hours were then spent in said bar where Annina and I watched as Agan and Squatter fell steadily in love over a cosmopolitan and politics.
Politics is so passé, we talked about aesthetics. The discussion was triggered by something the bartender said while collecting glasses that I didn't hear properly, but I think it was about Squatter looking beautiful with his pink cocktail. (This happened while Kath and Annina went to see if they could change Kath's train ticket.)

Got to spend quite a bit of time one to one with her for once so we had some really interesting conversations.
That happens way too seldom. We should make it a habit to get some private time each time we meet because I always have so much fun with Kath!

It was a good week and two great weekends. I'm home now, but I'd rather be in England.

[Mithalwen]

Having been coerced into buying drinks we then had a lovely if hard to hear chat. Occasionally the conversation went a bit high-brow or at least, 1980s-brow and therefore went a bit over mine and Agan's heads It has been a while since I've seen Mith and it was lovely to see her again! I think she was a little terrified by some of the madness but she coped gallantly. She also brought chocolate raisins which means I love her for life.
.

Knowing most of Blackaddar verbatim is an indicator of many things, not necessarily being highbrow. Nor is talking about the merits of convertibles.

Terrified is a bit strong but I was a bit startled by Agan's unwitting battery upon a hapless passer by...

But it was lovely to see them again and well worth emerging from my near anchorite level of anti-sociability ..I was quite envious that I couldn't rejoin them especially since pink cocktails were involved... hopefully it won't be another three years till the next time. And the raisins are a bit of a tradition but I can't remember why...

[Galadriel55]

I have just returned home after meeting Bethberry. We have been planning this moot for 6 months, and now it finslly happened! We talked about Tolkien and the Downs, and toasted the Professor together. Bethberry is a really kind and nice person, and really fun to be around. I hope to meet her again soon! She can now attest to me being a real person and not a random chimpanzee randomly posting random randomness. Or maybe I am one.

Oh, and we remembered the bananas. :D

[Bêthberry]

Okay, Galadriel55 covered the Downs while I covered Facebook and Wellinghall Smial. Now to crack the society page of The Downer. . . . :D

Galadriel, for all those who haven't seen her, looks, despite her screen nick, like Arwen, with lovely, long dark hair, but with waves and curls like one would expect with Galadriel. We recognised each other immediately, even without wearing Barrow Downs tees. She has an infectious smile and a look both mischievious and mysterious. She laughs often and I'm very glad I never challenged her on any of the quote threads!

And if I'm the first Downer to meet her in person, I'm probably the last Downer to learn her real life name. :eek:

We toasted The Professor with thanks for bringing us together and planned next to meet at our smial's next moot.

And no, there's no cool pictures of us fishing, boating, climbing monuments or singing wurst songs on the city streets because it was -17C out and like hobbits we preferred the cosy indoors.

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

Sounds nice and sounds like you had fun :) I wouldn't worry about not supplying any stunning photo-documentation, I think it's good to hear for a change about a meeting where no really peculiar stuff had occured...

[Estelyn Telcontar]

For better, not for wurst...

[Galadriel55]

For better, not for wurst...

Not for wurst. For bananas. :D

And if I'm the first Downer to meet her in person, I'm probably the last Downer to learn her real life name.

Hopefully not. I hope I didn't freak you out so much that other Downers looking at you would avoid meeting me. :p:D

And I remembered this (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showthread.php?p=665747#post665747). I wish we had more time for it.

[Oddwen]

... for all those around Europe who won't be able to make it to RotR (or who just can't wait that long;)), how about having a Wurstlandmoot sometime next spring (like, say, around Easter)? I'd be pleased to host, if there's interest. We live half an hour's drive from Frankfurt-Hahn and about an hour from Frankfurt International, so picking everybody up at their respective airport would be no prob with a bit of organisation. Our house easily sleeps ~8 people (10 with a little piling), and if there should be more, there's a youth hostel in a very nearby village. We live in a pretty rural aerea, but close to the cities of Mainz, Koblenz and Frankfurt and the Middle Rhine Valley, which is one of the most beautiful pieces of Germany with lots of historic attractions (indeed, a day tour by ship on the Rhine, passing the Loreley and one castle after another, is something to write home about).


The sister has a week off this spring, we had a couple of options for it and it's possible one of them could be me dragging her overseas. Is anyone else thinking of taking Pitch up on this?

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

The sister has a week off this spring, we had a couple of options for it and it's possible one of them could be me dragging her overseas. Is anyone else thinking of taking Pitch up on this?

Certainly at least I'd be up for it (the famous Wurstland is almost in riding distance for me, and that goes probably also for other Wurstland-denizens apart from Pitch...). Especially if you were coming, that'd be a non-miss opportunity.

[Estelyn Telcontar]

For me, it all depends on the date - a family gathering is planned for Easter, and it definitely takes priority. If the dates don't coincide, I could possibly come...

[Bêthberry]

Dearest Pitchie,

Much as I would greatly desire to savour a Wurstlandmoot, this year would be impossible for me.

I am already committed (yes, get that ;) ) to RotR in England and have two other high-carbon-footprint trips planned (to Nicaragua and and then later to Ecuador/Peru) so alas the pennies just aren't there for more.

But if the future holds any possibilities . . .

Sincerely,
Bethie

[Aganzir]

I originally said yes I'll come, but at the moment I doubt I'll make it - I'm quite busy with university at the moment which means both my time and monies will be limited. However, I'll be in England in August.

[Oddwen]

It's quite a long shot, as it'll be a month or more until Ollie knows if she can even afford the trip, and who knows what ticket prices will get up to in that time. If she can't go I'm not sure if I would go or not.

But you'll definitely see me in England.

[Thinlómien]

Late as ever (late like the Rohirrim?), I just read all the Finlandmoot posts for the first time. They made me smile and miss summer and all you fantastic people. Thanks for everything everyone - this might come a little late, but I still wanted to say it! *sends hugs everybody, even the Englishmen*



And as for the Wurstmoot - April is bad for me, but if it was later, I could always try skipping lots of school and combining a trip to Prague with a trip to Wurstland.... ;)

[Galadriel55]

Bethberry and I met again today at our Smial's moot. This time we have some pictures to show off!

I prepare to strike with canonicity (http://s1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb454/Galadriel55/Tolkien%20Forever/?action=view&current=DSCN2321.jpg)

Canon makes Bethberry happy (http://s1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb454/Galadriel55/Tolkien%20Forever/?action=view&current=DSCN2323.jpg)

Frodo crossing the River of Canon. Or maybe it's the Man in the Moon... (http://s1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb454/Galadriel55/Tolkien%20Forever/?action=view&current=DSCN2325.jpg)

Some Rings involved. Fortunately, it didn't get to finger food, gollum gollum. (http://s1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb454/Galadriel55/Tolkien%20Forever/?action=view&current=DSCN2326.jpg)


The Frodo in the last 2 pictures is the Smial mascot.


Somehow the discussion got to whether Turin is a good guy or a bad guy. :rolleyes: Don't blame me. All I did was bring a copy of COH... No!!! I'm innocent!!!!! :D

But guess what: I actually found an ally! I'm not alone in the world who thinks Turin is awesome!

It was really really fun, and I wish we could stay together for longer. But there's Tolkien Reading Day comming up, so we hope to see each other again in about a month's time.

[Mithalwen]

Ai! Ai! a Banana! A banana is come...

[Bêthberry]

Indeed. Banana terror spreads.

I-hate-it-when-Im-studying-and-a-Velociraptor-throws-bananas-on-me/251762552445 (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Guerrilla-Feminism/148018205268816#!/pages/I-hate-it-when-Im-studying-and-a-Velociraptor-throws-bananas-on-me/251762552445)

[Aganzir]

I am surprised you played so nicely with the banana even though Bêthberry was there!

[Bêthberry]

I am surprised you played so nicely with the banana even though Bêthberry was there!

Why, Agan, I am shocked, shocked I say. :eek:

Just because you and Mithalwen and Rune and Kath and Squatter engage in more European behaviours with bananas doesn't mean that we less sophisticated new worlders do. I'm sure I speak for Galadriel55 and all my smial when I say that we don't go in for beating folks with fruits--or our mascot.

[Galadriel55]

I am surprised you played so nicely with the banana even though Bêthberry was there!

I was about to post a very witty funny retort that would shine of brilliant cleverness when I realised I don't have a clue whatever you mean by that, so I don't know what to retort to. :o:D

Edit: xed with Bethberry herself! :eek:

[Galadriel55]

I'm sure I speak for Galadriel55 and all my smial when I say that we don't go in for beating folks with fruits--or our mascot.

At least we don't attack unsuspecting passers-by! ;):p

*hides*

[Mithalwen]

Just because you and Mithalwen and Rune and Kath and Squatter engage in more European behaviours with bananas doesn't mean that we less sophisticated new worlders do.

*chokes on coffee, raises eyebrows, considers suit for defamation of character, mutters that not European but British, sniffs in the style of Lynda Snell, notes that sun well past yardarm and pours snifter. Sulks*

[Bêthberry]

*chokes on coffee, raises eyebrows, considers suit for defamation of character, mutters that not European but British, sniffs in the style of Lynda Snell, notes that sun well past yardarm and pours snifter. Sulks*

Oh, I say, I have been negligent. I forgot that you Brits take your bananas with a, um, stiff upper, um, lip.

So sorry, old bean, but perhaps you will forgive me for providing a thoroughly legitimate reason to take recourse in that snifter. *looks appeasingly*

[Mithalwen]

Well Rune wasn't there, and we only waxed the banana.... and I think you will find that is a South American practice....:Merisu:

[Galadriel55]

Well Rune wasn't there,

Yeah, but he's the one who asked someone to hit Hookbill with a banana in the first place. :smokin:

[Mithalwen]

Well Rune wasn't there, and we only waxed the banana.... and I think you will find that is a South American practice....:Merisu:

And I have never met Hookbill or heard of that incident... so nothing to do with me guv..... sometimes a banana is just a banana.

[Galadriel55]

Although Bethberry did not meet at our smial's moot for Reading Day, I've met a Barrow Downer. Surprise surprise! ;):D

He used to participate in the Revised Silmarillion project a long time ago - so long that he doesn't remember his screen name. But it was so cool! I just meet a person, and they turn out to be a Downer!!!

I think Bb and I should make our smial convert to Downerism... :p

[Galadriel55]

Yet another smial moot - three Downers at once! :D Man, by next summer there'll be enough of us here to have a Torontomoot!

Bethberry, Jallanite, and myself were there (as well as Mith's envoy - thanks a million!). Bb has the pictures.

PS: with the three of us together and a banana in a place of honour, I think we've managed to convince some others to take a look at (and hopefully join) the Downs. :D (hint hint wink wink if you're reading this, Wellinghall Smial!)

[Bêthberry]

Yet another smial moot - three Downers at once! Man, by next summer there'll be enough of us here to have a Torontomoot!

Bethberry, Jallanite, and myself were there (as well as Mith's envoy - thanks a million!). Bb has the pictures.

PS: with the three of us together and a banana in a place of honour, I think we've managed to convince some others to take a look at (and hopefully join) the Downs. (hint hint wink wink if you're reading this, Wellinghall Smial!)

Yes, and if my new computer would accept direct downloads from my old camera and not force me to download to my old computer, and then to a memory stick, and then over to the new computer, I would have beaten Galadriel55 to the post. :p

Hoom, hum, though, let's not be hasty. Here's the evidence.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y64/MimsyBorogroves/IMG_1229.jpg

And, yes, that is Jallanite behind Gal. I'm behind the camera. :D

[Pomegranate]

A few weeks ago myself and Greenie started our Europe-tournee by visiting Rune at his place in Copenhagen. I was slightly afraid beforehand. I was right to be so.

Rune was big and blonde, one of the viking-like Danes. I think I started understanding him a wee bit eventually, after two days of slight confusion, and no, it was not the accent. Gladly we met various interesting friends of his, including his famous (?) flatmate, who all were absolutely adorable. Copenhagen was a very beautiful city and the house was grande. The Danish history is very full of Christians and Frederiks (and one Hans), and every single one has a rider statue and a big nose. Rune also knows everything about them. Some people have funny hobbies.

I should've done this a long time ago, it would've been a lot more witty and up-to-date back then. Oh well :P

[Kath]

This evening we finally got out full complement of Britmooters - and here we all are! We are having a fabulous time. Fresh bread is baking now courtesy of Esty, a Finnish lesson is occurring behind me and we have just written and read stories written by the lot of us in costume.

EDIT: The picture is really small due to the small bandwidth allowed on the site! For a larger picture look on FB in the near future. :D

[Galadriel55]

*eagerly and impatiently awaits more stories and pictures*

[Hookbill the Goomba]

Okay, let's do this!!

You may have seen pictures, you may have heard the rumours, you may even have been there in person; but none of that could be enough. If I were you, I'd prepare my internal organs for HOOKBILL'S BARROW DOWNS BRITAIN MOOT REPORT 2012 WOW! Or HBDBMRTW for short.

http://i45.tinypic.com/pwqk4.jpg

Top: Guinevere, Oliphaunts_Rule, Aganzir, Pomegranate, A Little Green, Thinlómien
Middle: Oddwen, Hookbill the Goomba, Estelyn Telcontar, Legate of Amon Lanc
Bottom: Kath, The Squatter of Amon Rûdh

So let's talk people. For no other reason than convenience, I'll discuss in the order they appear in the image above.

Guinevere
I'd met her once or twice before, at Oxonmoot I think, and it's always a pleasure. Softly spoken and polite, very much a respectable gentle-hobbit! While quiet, her contributions were always valuable and she had new perspectives on Tolkien and the Barrow Downs that were always neat to hear. I particularly recall her method of dealing with Palantir of Fortune by carrying the notes around in her bag!

Oliphaunts_Rule
I'd never met her before, but it was still a grand meeting. She and Oddwen seemed to have a bottomless well of inside jokes (NOT THE JELLY!!) but we soon added to her numbers. I loved her idea of dressing up a Spock for our Tolkien costume party; it reflected ideas I'd had to dress as Tom Baker for an Oxonmoot one year. She's a mean Apples to Apples player and managed to hunt down the best Wi-Fi spots in the cottage LIKE A BOSS.

Aganzir
WARNING: THIS ONE BITES. DO NOT FEED. I've met Agan a few times and every time things get a little sillier and stranger! When not trying to cannibalise her fellow Downers, she's sweet and thoughtful and has an impressive beard. :p There was a noted lack of Jon Snow attacks from me this year, which is probably why we got on a little better... *whistles innocently*

Pomegranate
Honestly, I'd never even seen her on the Downs! I felt bad and after meeting her I decided to expand my horizons out of Mirth for a while. She had a thousand stories and songs to sing! Well, one song about a Rover who was Seldom Sober that was sung repeatedly anyway. We had a good few conversations about life the universe and everything and it was cool!

A Little Green
NASTY LITTLE HOBBITSES! Greenie has the best Gollum impression in the world! I'm sure this has been said before but it bears repeating. Moreover, she's a brave soul of impeccable ambition, and I could not help being impressed with her tales of adventure and excitement from her globe trotting. I think we interacted more this year than last year and it was all to the good. She has excellent perspectives and is a joy to talk to, but she will probably bite your finger off if you steal her precious!

Thinlómien
Lommy is far more than just another penguin! Excitable and engaging and other alliterative words all jumble together when trying to give her a description. We've met a few times and interacted on the Downs and elsewhere enough for conversation to be understandable when done mostly with jokes. Just don't let her make bacon near the smoke alarms!

Oddwen
She earned her place as the Downer Newspaper's resident odd expert. So many inside jokes that not even I could keep track of them all! We met before, of course, and we'd talked on Skype and elsewhere, too, so we were able to settle into a stream of conciousness type conversation easily. We both faced horrible troubles thanks to transport issues, so I think we gained a lot of mutual respect for that.

Hookbill the Goomba
I hate this guy! I'm glad he's dead!

Estelyn Telcontar
Oh moderator our moderator! Although, she did not seem too eager to jump into moderating us rapscallions, she needed a holiday! Esty is another wonderfully Hobbitish, kind-hearted dear, and she cooks better than she cooks! She could work seamlessly from the silliest conversations right into deep discussions of some obscure reference in a Tolkien letter. I got a copy of her book (Music in Middle Earth) and she signed it, which I was very grateful for. Her pink wizard costume(s) had us all in stitches and it went down a storm at Return of the Ring!

Legate of Amon Lanc
A man of many talents! Legate has a sharp humour and seems to share my love of silly voices and over exaggeration. I wish he'd been around for longer, but in the short time we had, I think we managed to confuse and delight one another enough to be acceptable. Also he gave me booze.

Kath
Don't let her primary school teacher persona fool you! She has a dark and dangerous mind of doom! :eek: Kath was invaluable throughout the moot, while I was collapsing under the weight of my own ineptitude she seemed to pick up the broken pieces and put everyone together. Even when we were asking deep, philosophical questions, like "What am I? Why am I this shape?" She's sweet, sharp, and has a brain the size of a fricking planet.

The Squatter of Amon Rûdh
The man is a mind-machine. He seems to have all the Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien memorised as well as large sections of The History of Middle Earth. He's brilliantly silly and laughed at my jokes, which is always a plus in my books. Though my eyes may have glazed over when he talked about his sports car, I don't think he held it against me. He knew his stuff, and his stuff was Tolkien! He needs to be more active on the Downs!

Now, there were other people we met along the way who did not join us at the cottage. Let us take a journey through time and space to see these strange and wonderful people, shall we? Well, you have no choice because I'm the one writing this.

Lalwendë
We'd met once before, but this time we were in the open air, with other Downers, and a tree. Lal has a wonderfully cutting humour and does not pull her punches, taking pride in her northerness and making sure everyone knows it! She helped make the moot, even if she was only with us for a day, her planning and idea pitching gave us all brilliant times, so we thank her for it!
(Le childe was also a handful, who was for some reason convinced that I was 'Doctor Who', and made me chase aliens around a tree...)

Bêthberry
I'm so glad I managed to meet Bêth again! I was so deep in money troubles that I thought I wouldn't be able to go to the Return of the Ring, but thanks to her and the rest of the mooters, I was able to! Bêthberry is a sweety and manages to light up the company whatever the mood. Her Mrs Maggot costume was adorable and I wish I'd had more time to talk to her properly.

Faramir Jones
We met briefly and I went to his lecture on Law and Hobbits. It was great and I really respect the time and effort Jones puts in. He's always got a neat view on the issues that I hadn't thought of before and is always a pleasure to hear out. And having a cool accent doesn't hurt, either.

Poison Ivy
I met her a few times while at Return of the Ring! She is always very kind and supportive and seemed to like my costume. Her Ivy Bush Inn was inspired, and a little crazy. And we on the Downs think crazy is always a good thing.

narfforc
I spotted him walking around but didn't interact beyond a polite 'hello'. Many things were going on.

Brian Sibley
He still counts, right? Our own celebrity! We got a chance to talk to him about the Lord of the Rings BBC radio drama and it was delightful. It's obvious he's as much a geek as the rest of us, he just gets paid to do it, lucky guy! No hard feelings, though.

Right, that just about wraps things up, here. Let's all make a toast to the bread makers! To the Barrow Downs! To the Professor!
Next year in Deutschland?

[davem]

BBC website has some pics http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-19317810

The re-enactment of the Wicker Man finale (pic two) is a bi-annual event, involving the ritual immolation of an unsuspecting member accompanied by the singing of 'Troll sat alone'.

[Bêthberry]

Bêthberry
I'm so glad I managed to meet Bêth again! I was so deep in money troubles that I thought I wouldn't be able to go to the Return of the Ring, but thanks to her and the rest of the mooters, I was able to! Bêthberry is a sweety and manages to light up the company whatever the mood. Her Mrs Maggot costume was adorable and I wish I'd had more time to talk to her properly.

And I'm so glad you did come, Hooky, because I got to see your magnificent performance as Turin. Next I want to see you do Hamlet. There's never enough time just to talk because we're all running off to do that conference type thingy.


Brian Sibley
He still counts, right? Our own celebrity! We got a chance to talk to him about the Lord of the Rings BBC radio drama and it was delightful. It's obvious he's as much a geek as the rest of us, he just gets paid to do it, lucky guy! No hard feelings, though.

Here's the commemorative photo, with Brian's permission to post it here. Unfortunately, my new camera was having focussing difficulties. The only ones missing are Poison Ivy, narfforc and Oliphants_Rule, I think.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y64/MimsyBorogroves/003.jpg

[Galadriel55]

Are the people in between Hook and Agan, and Oddy and Guinevere - Faramir Jones and Poison Ivy? Can't recognize them but it's down to elimination method (they are mentioned somewhere on the list of people Hook met, but they can't be Lal or narf judging by the photopage...etc). I don't know how either looks, though, so...

[Bêthberry]

Are the people in between Hook and Agan, and Oddy and Guinevere - Faramir Jones and Poison Ivy? Can't recognize them but it's down to elimination method (they are mentioned somewhere on the list of people Hook met, but they can't be Lal or narf judging by the photopage...etc). I don't know how either looks, though, so...

I couldn't edit the photo post and see the photo, so I'll try to do a name check here, Gal55

From left to right . . .

Oddwen in a red sweater around waist, next to Pomegranate in green, and then Guinevere. Brian Sibley is the guy in black sitting down. ;)

Behind these three are Lommie, Squatter and Aganzir. Next to Aganzir is Faramir Jones in a blue shirt, Hookbill, and Kath.

Behind Brian in a blue medieval dress is Estelyn Telcontar, next to A Little Green (in a mustard green ensemble) and then Legate. In front of Legate is me (as you likely know. ;) )

Poison Ivy alas was also absent. That makes for 17 Downers at RotR. Not bad.

There are many more pictures of us up on FB.

[Galadriel55]

Thanks, Bb! I knew most of the faces there, I just couldn't figure out PomPom and Faramir. I must say, Pom, that's not how I imagined you, but your look fits you nonetheless!

(And judging by Hook's photo Olighaunts_rule and Oddy are the same person with different hairstyles. You look so alike!)

[Hookbill the Goomba]

(And judging by Hook's photo Olighaunts_rule and Oddy are the same person with different hairstyles. You look so alike!)

There's only one logical explanation. Clones. ;)

[Mithalwen]

Well since Bethberry has announced her intention or reporting on her visit here, I may as well follow perceived wisdom and get my retaliation in first!

Without boring you with too many details the Mini-moot of the Southfarthing was arranged when Bethberry, in her folly, expressed a wish to meet me again (strange but true) on her UK visit for ROTR. Now it happened that I wasn't planning on going to ROTR but Poison Ivy who is technically rather than actively a Downer but whom BB had met at an Oxonmoot, and who lives less than a mile from me, was, and that Bethberry and I were both investigating our family histories and had links to Gloucestershire villages less than a dozen miles apart, so after various possibilities had been considered it was arranged that Bethberry should stay with me from the Friday before ROTR, we would have a jaunt up to Gloucs and then Poison Ivy and Bethberry would travel together to ROTR.

Now these things seem so simple months in advance but car problems, illness, natural sloth and the fact that we were doing rather well at the Olympics (astonishing for a nation conditioned to thinking of itself as plucky losers or gallant runners up...and yes ok a lot of the medals were in "sitting down" sports but it still counts), and the planned programme of decluttering, decorating and gardening went by the by and milady Bethberry was due to arrive and the place looked like a low rent Satis House set in a jungle. But at least a guest room was habitable and mostly denuded of the handiwork of Shelob's little friends.

But though I was vaguely ready, the car had been sprung from the fettlers and even the worst case journey time between airport and my local station had elapsed there was no word from Bethberry and several attempts to call her cellphone resulted in being informed bilingually that she was not available, so I was beginning to worry. But then the phone rang and an unfamiliar voice asked for me and I had one of those awful moments when you expect to be told of accident or disaster but it was merely a nice man who had lent BB his phone.

So delaying only to put the roof down on the car (when I changed mine recently I yielded to the temptation to get an elderly rag top instead of something sensible on the grounds that Bethberry would expect it after her previous visit to an UK Downer), I went and got her. Having exchanged gifts (she brought me maple syrup in hugely indulgent quantity , I gave her a bubble sword that gave a blue glow lest there be orcs at ROTR), Bethberry discharged her duty as Shirriff and passed on a special Shirepost delivery. We then hit the Tolkien trail viewing the sites of Chris Wiseman's house and Tolkien's holiday cottage in the next village, then went for a meal and up to Lyndhurst to see the grave of Alice Liddell (Alice in Wonderland).

The next day started with another dead literary figure and a visit to the grave of Conan Doyle which happens to be in the same Forest village as Furzey Gardens, who won Gold at Chelsea - a particular achievment since the team included workers with learning disabilities. It was quite inspiring that the gardens were wonderful by any criteria. Also for the amusement of Tolkienistas were features designated as Elvish bowers and what just had to be Beorn's table.

Since one DLF is not enough for a day, we pressed on to Winchester and Jane Austen's tomb. It always amuses me that the actual floor slab makes much of what a wonderful sister and aunt she was but fails to mention the small detail of her books. Had I known then that Bethberry is not a fan I might have had to kill her or at least start a twelve step programme but she wisely concealed this information until the eve of her departure, and at least was able to experience the quintessential English experience of choral evensong. Not, since it was holidays, the cathedral choristers but a first rate guest choir.

The next day saw us meet up with Poison Ivy and we had lunch in Hobbits restaurant in Hythe. They are hobbity themed but haven't run foul of the Saul Zaentz company,apparently since they don't sell merchandise. Then we went to the New Forest wildlife park. We saw wild boar (unskewered by spear thrusts), wargs, the most adorable otters and a tame deer which ate my skirt, possibly in revenge for the Bambi burger I had eaten a few days previously. Bethberry was spared a DLF for a dead folk hero and we visited the grave of Brusher Mills, the Snake catcher, at the ancient church in Brockenhurst on the way back to Poison Ivy's hobbitly comfortable house for wine and the LOTR musical dvd (music and stills).

Monday started with various alarums and excursions. Apart from the usual paranoia of "Have I locked doors?" etc (telling BB to assure me should I have "a moment" later along the way that I had checked the gas and immersion were off and had locked the back door, didn't stop me checking another five times) I managed to lose the car key and, in a last minute decision to get a bag for the maps, I managed to up turn a pot of paint in the half decorated kitchen. Unfortunately I didn't realise this until I had also spread it over the hall carpet and, as it transpired when I had cleared everything else up, myself. After a bit of a hunt I managed to find garments that hadn't been packed or eaten and we finally managed to head of on the expedition. Sadly the traditional English weather of heavy cloud and heavy rain had turned up but we ploughed on westwards, acquired a substitute camera for BB who had exhausted hers by photographing every bit of thatch in south Hampshire ;), thinking there would be time on her return I spared her the Shelley memorial in Christchurch Priory and we pressed on to the Miramar and then the site of Tolkien's bungalow in Branksome Chine. Then it seemed like a bright idea to bypass the horrors of driving in Poole on a wet lunchtime and take the Sandbanks ferry across the mouth of the harbour to the glorious Isle of Purbeck. Glorious that is if you can see it. By now there was very limited visibility and of the prettiest parts of the country poor Bethberry saw naught but a sea fret.

Being a considerate host I chucked my guest out of the car to photograph the ruins of Corfe castle whereupon it rained as if someone had chucked a bucket of water over her. Then a steam train emerged from the mist compounding the feeiling we had slipped back in time. Heading inland the weather improved and I couldn't resist taking the slow road north to introduce Bethberry to an old acquaintance. I told her he wouldn't say much but he would be very pleased to see her. The jest became clear when I followed the signs for the Cerne Giant - one of the chalk carvings in the area of a smiling man with a great big.... club.

We pressed on to Sherborne where I let Bethberry visit the Abbey alone being weary from hours at the wheel - and having spent many Sunday mornings there hushing my young charges in my incarnation as a boarding school matron, I didn't feel such a need to return. A bonus was seeing one of the post boxes painted gold in honour of a local Olympic champion - in this case the trap shooter Peter Wilson.

The next stage of the journey was the stressful bit.. the rolling English road was getting tiring and tiresome and I had a mini-meltdown caught up on the outskirts of Bristol (I have a history of getting horrifically lost there and arriving at best friends wedding in time for the signing of the register so the paranoia may have kicked in). Fortunately Bethberry was very calming and we arrived at the historic inn where we had booked rooms late but in one piece. I had chosen it mainly because the location was handy for the dead rellies but also because the Queen had stayed there when stranded by a blizzard. It was a fortuitous choice because they served good food til late and had extremely comfortable beds and served a truly epic breakfast.

No Nazgul disrupted our departure (though we hadn't met a ranger at supper either) and we went first to Bethberry's ancestral home. I thought she would just take a picture from the drive but by the time I had parked she seemed to have disappeared. Then there was such a hound music that I assumed the owners had set the dogs on her and discretion being the better part of valour I left her to it. As time wore on and I realised that I might have to explain to her family how I lost her, I grew more concerned but fortunately my guest reappeared having used her charm to wangle a guided tour. We then went to the church which was sadly but all too commonly in this godless age closed due to Vandals (not as it happens Bethberry and me) and Bethberry set off to look for graves. I parked my idle carcass on the nearest box tomb and basking in the sunshine noticed that the faded carven name was very familiar..... Photos taken we went on to the village where a few generations of my family had lived in the middle of the last century. No graves located here but I saw where they had had their shop and happily the church was open so I could be where they had been hatched, matched and dispatched. Best of all was the bench sited to best observe a view surely unchanged since their day and which represented to us much of the Shire that Frodo strived to save... little fields and hedges and hills...

Could have stayed all day but time was not our friend and we took a more sober road to Avebury by which time my feeble knee and possibly feebler appetite for history flagged and I appreciated much of it's attractions while drinking tea. It is a fascinating place which claims as so many do to have inspired Tolkien but certainly Silbury Hill could have had Edoras set on it.

We now headed south and in Salisbury Bethberry managed to catch the tail end of another evensong while I caught the Archers in the car ..sorry I was cultured out . The next day was sadly so wet that the hoped for trip to the Isle of Wight would have been masochistic but my guest took me for a meal at my favourite restaurant and eventually we got a wonderful view of it. We made a shopping foray before the day ended in Poison Ivy's summerhouse which she had turned into a LOTR shrine with Aragorn standing guard and provisioned with Elvish snacks. We played the LOTR trivial pursuit which was based on the film and proved a challenge to Bethberry and me who have only seen the films other than the fellowship once. I started a variant whereby I would try to guess beforehand and believe me no invention was more ludicrous than some of the reality. Anyway we contrived a Bethberry win as courtesy to our visitor and so ended the mini moot of the Southfarthing since the others were booked on an train straight after breakfast. And that is far more than anyone probably wanted to know. Ah well..

[Bêthberry]

Mithalwen, this is a superb remembrance. Reading it, I felt like I was still there trouping all over the south of England with you, and doing iconic Tolkienista things with Poison Ivy and you.

I had sent about four text messages and still have no idea why they didn't go through. Then, when the kind gentleman offered to call you, I was first relieved and then suspicious that he now has your cell number. (North American hangover) However, we did connect and I had pillows galore and Lush bath bombs galore and orc bubbles galore and a great many laughs. Who could have guessed that the Dead would enjoy meeting DLF so much and so often?

We had a great many good aventures (and anyone from RotR will remember what that means) together and I can only say thank you greatly for a wonderful time. There is always the reciprocal arrangement of you and Poison Ivy coming here, you know. Less chance of DLF but we could search out the only known Viking landfall in North America . . . .

This trip marks my meeting thirty Downers this year. Yes, thirty, in one year, and 11 for the first time. I don't think even Estelyn can top that! Must return later with my full reminiscences . . . .

[Mithalwen]

I am not entirely averse to kind gentleman having my cell number...:Merisu: but there have been no consequences for good or ill.:cool:

[Faramir Jones]

It was really great to have seen so many of my fellow-Downers at the convention! :D

Greenie and Pomegranate I was particularly interested to see. I had been discussing with them, or rather the first, about both possibly taking a trip to Ireland; so it was very nice to meet them in the flesh.

Hooky, your portrayal of Turin's death scene on the Saturday was very nice, and provoked me to ask two questions: 1) Would things have been different if Morwen had warned her son against listening to strange swords?; 2) If Gurthang had been used to cut the lovely cake we had that night, would it decompose, turn all the people who ate it evil, or cause the dragon and Bilbo on it to come to life? :eek:

In terms of what you said about me:

Faramir Jones
We met briefly and I went to his lecture on Law and Hobbits. It was great and I really respect the time and effort Jones puts in. He's always got a neat view on the issues that I hadn't thought of before and is always a pleasure to hear out. And having a cool accent doesn't hurt, either.

Thanks to you and others for turning up. About my accent, it's the first time I've heard it called cool. Not that I'm complaining... :cool:

Mithalwen, a lovely and amusing account of what you, Bêthberry, and Poison Ivy got up to. If anyone else wants to put up what they were doing before the convention, please do. I'd certainly read it.

Galadriel55, you finally know now what I look like.

Bêthberry, your talk on Tolkien and Nonsense was also great. A big thanks from me, and I'm sure from all the others, for the photo of so many of us (including Brian).

Esty, that was a very memorable talk on the merits of the musical adaptations of the Walking Song. I agree with your conclusion.

narfforc, it was good to see you and talk with you again.

I'll be posting my view of the convention, and of what I was doing before it began.

[A Little Green]

I thought I was abominably late doing this. Then I checked a calendar and found out it has only been three weeks. (!!!) Anyhow, it is about time I recounted this summer's 'Downer adventures!

They began with a couple of days in Copenhagen with Rune. He received a proper shock when we arrived, as I had failed to inform him beforehand that we would be arriving with newly-shaved heads. He proved to be an excellent tour guide with an astonishing amount of knowledge about pretty much every building and statue (though sadly not the statue that resembled Senator Palpatine). Our stay in Copenhagen included late nights, live jazz, rider statues, red lights and beer. Rune was the same as ever - making fun of people all the time, but as soon as someone's in trouble he suddenly becomes the most caring person in the world.

Copenhagen was followed by a month of 'Downer-free travelling, at the end of which we found ourselves in a cottage filled with people who are certifiably insane. And lovely, of course.

There were two among that number whom I had not met before. Guinevere definitely has some elf in her. I was also very impressed by her and Esty's talent for recognising flowers and herbs and other plants. It's a pity I didn't get to talk to her more, but maybe next time?

Oliphaunts_Rule was another new acquaintance; calm, sensible and down-to-earth for most of the time compared to the insanity of the rest of us, she could surprise you with a sudden instance of absurd humour.

Esty was the darling I remembered from last year; I enjoyed sitting next to her on lectures as it turned out we get the same jokes. She is also an excellent cook and an invaluable friend, and a quote-machine of the highest order!

Squatter was even more of a darling than I remembered, he made us feel instantly at home at the cottage (where the rest of them had already spent a week). He served us mead and showed unexpected talents at various fields such as captioning photographs ("people" or "things" or "a castle" or "people in front of a castle"), not to mention simultaneously teaching Old English poetry and serving as a footrest!

Kath was lovely as always; always cheerful, always a sweetheart, and always ready to cuddle! I am especially grateful to her for keeping a Gollum warm during our masquerade, as you can imagine I was more or less freezing in those nylons! :D

Oddwen has the loveliest evil grin, and she impressed me with her extensive Finnish vocabulary which included, among other things, "I am a sociopath". She isn't, however, even though we mostly communicated with grunts and squeals and other animal noises.

What can I say that is enough about Hookbill? He was the life and soul of the Moot. Such a generous, kind, responsible person - and a complete nutter at the same time! We told him he should move to Finland. I hope he does. I remember a particularly cute moment when he was driving Pom and myself to a bus stop and Imagine started playing, and the three of us sang along and it didn't feel cheesy at all.

Then there were the ones I only met during my too-brief stay at Return of the Ring, namely Bêthberry and Faramir Jones. I had met Bêth two years ago, though equally briefly, and it was a joy to see her again. She is just such a good person, very warm and open and kind; I hope that someday we'll have time for a proper long talk about everything and nothing.

I was sorry that me and Pom's travel plans got screwed up in a way that prevented us from meeting Faramir already in Dublin, but fortunately we got to see him in RotR. He was very much a gentleman, calm and polite and easy to talk to. And I agree with Hookbill - the accent is cool. (And, given that I had only just spent a month in Ireland, it made me feel curiously at home! :D)

There was, of course, also the delegation of Finns and Quasi-Finns (aka Legate). Of them, suffice to say that
- It was probably appropriate that Pom and I should dress as two personas of the same character as that was more or less what we were after over a month of travelling together;
- Lommy's achievements of the week included filling the kitchen with smoke while frying bacon, and helping the Gollums dress (and laughing at them in the process);
- Agan, unsurprisingly, amused herself by biting people and, a bit more surprpsingly, was very easy to steal hats from; and
- Legate sang a Christmas carol with an impressive falsetto, and I spent almost half my time at RotR being geeky with him on religion- and spirituality-themed lectures.

To sum up - I love you, folks. Every one of you. And lastly and most importantly: where there's a whip, there's a way.

[Lalaith]

Well yesterday was a red-letter day for me as not only did I go to my first ever Tolkien event, but I also had my first-ever RL meet-up with a Downer.
Mith kindly offered me a spare ticket to the 75th anniversary Hobbit talk at the British Library.
We met up early so that we could first see the Writing Britain exhibition, also the BL. It was amazing. My only complaint was that we only had an hour and I would have liked to have spent at least twice that time there. Some highlights for me were (of course) Tolkien's watercolour of Hobbiton, a beautiful manuscript of the Canterbury Tales, Jane Austen's notebooks and the A4 notepad on which JK Rowling wrote the Philosopher's Stone.
The event was excellent. Brian Sibley (much to Mith's delight) also Alan Roberts, who was a really engaging speaker - he talked about the two versions of the Hobbit (and prefers the first) - plus Jane Johnson and David Brawn.
There was also chap from the Inner Magic Circle who did a very dramatic reading of Gandalf's rescue of Bilbo and the dwarves from the Great Goblin. I did hope, childishly, that he would do some wizardry for us as well, but the magic was purely of a literary nature. It was interesting to see too what a mixed crowd made up the audience, shows what a wide demographic Tolkien reaches.

We then had something to eat on the South Bank before Mith set off back to the south coast - unfortunately it was a journey of tortuous diversions and delays (which she may share with you). As I said to her, I hoped it hasn't put her off visiting the metropolis again. It was really lovely to spend an actual face-to-face evening with someone I've spent so long cyberchatting to over the years.

[Mithalwen]

I can only second Lalaith's sentiment on the last point (and a few others). The exhibition was fascinating. Tolkien's picture has the vibrancy of an illuminated manuscript whicb you don't quite get in reproductions and it was fascinating to see the different working methods displayed by the various authors from Stalla Gibbons' scrawled on scraps , JK Rowling's cheap A4 loose leaf pad and biro and the bound proof that Jane Austen wrote on little slips of paper (A6 approx) that she could slip under her blotter if disturbed... and her handwriting is tiny and precise.

I was ridiculously excited to hear Brian Sibley and he read marvellously from the book and while I enjoyed the other speakers and particularly seeing the various illustrations some of which are "new" to most, that was the real highlight. Apart of course meeting Lalaith herself who is lovely and funny and considerately fierce (no I have saved that seat for my friend - she has a stick!) and patient as I hobbled after her bright feet.. she was the perfect companion and I hope we will meet again somewhen.

Oh yes... I do see rather doomed by transport problems when meeting Downers.... the journey up was fine this time but someone had driven a tractor into a rail bridge at Basingstoke rendering the line unsafe.. which meant the train I caught was theoretically the one of an hour previous and didn't leave even so for a further twenty minutes, was packed until Woking where they had a train that would go to but not through Basingstoke leaving the few destined for the West heading East to Guildford and Havant before heading back in the right direction picking up a relief crew at Southampton for the onward journey. I had taken the train a couple of stops up the line to give myself a wider choice of train and so then had a half an hour drive but at least my car was warm and comfortable. I got home at about quarter past two in the morning and it should have been just after midnight... but well worth it.. though

[Bêthberry]

Galadriel55 and I were Ladies Who Lunch today and that gave me an opportunity to hand deliver some very important Shire Mail for her from Mithalwen.

She loves her wolf cub!

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y64/MimsyBorogroves/IMG_0804.jpg

PS. Lunch was lovely too and we had a fantastic time catching up on Downs and Tolkien news since had last mooted. I'm so glad Galadriel lives in the same city as me.

[Mithalwen]

Hurrah!! Thank you for Shirriffing again.(The wolfcub was acquired on the Southfarthing Minimoot visit to the Wildlife park .. and since Galadriel and I werewolfed together it seemed apropriate).

[Galadriel55]

*G55 huffs and puffs as she drags her legs - eyes? - to the thread*

As Bb has already said, we have met today and talked about Downs, Tolkien, and everything, and since Bethberry has been to half a dozen cool places with ten times as many cool people since our previous moot, I pestered her about them, and she *gasp* didn't even mind!

Also, she gave me some very lovely mail.

Look at that little cub. And now look at me. Can you see the resemblance? Don't we just have the same face? Right? Right? When we're gonna grow up we're going to be as vicious as MamaWolf and we're going to feast on Seers every Night. :p:D

[Mithalwen]

Just try not to get caught so easily my cub...:rolleyes:

I note that the sophisticated wolf-about-town appears to be drinking blood with lime this Autumn..

[Bêthberry]

I note that the sophisticated wolf-about-town appears to be drinking blood with lime this Autumn..

Not quite! The restaurant was Middle Eastern, so the "drink" is pomegranate juice mixed I think with a bit of cranberry.

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

Well, my socks! G55, next time you go to lunch with Downers, will you take me please? :D

[Galadriel55]

Well, my socks! G55, next time you go to lunch with Downers, will you take me please? :D

Certainly, if you're gonna pay for the transportation! :p:D

[Hookbill the Goomba]

I will be in Finland for the New Year! If anyone else wants to come along, please do! We will make bread! And beards! And beard bread! ;)

[Pomegranate]

I will do a good deed and give two reports at once, given that I never wrote anything on Britmoot. This is not going to be huge, but it is the best I can.

I hadn't actually done that much in the 'Downs before plunging into the craziness that was Britmoot. I only knew werewolfy people, and there were not many werewolfy people in the Moot - thus I arrived without having a clue of whom I'd meet. Gladly it turned out to be a lovely bunch. And I was actually lying there two sentences ago, I had met the Finns and Legate before. But anyway. There were Squatter who was very welcoming and demonstrated us his narration skills ("Here is a tree", like I'm sure someone already mentioned), Esty who was sheer friendliness with a delicious touch of pink humour and a lot of pictures of adorable babies, Guinevere who was very genteel and lovely, Kath who was sweet and welcoming, dear Oddwen with whom we had many conversations consisting of funny voices ("Brownies!"), Oliphants_rule with whom I shared the new-to-these-circles-situation and thus had a lot of discussions on things that are not 'Downs, Hookbill whose car I wont step into again without serious consideration but who was the heart and soul of this moot really, Bethberry whom I only met briefly but who was immediately very friendly and warm, and Faramir Jones who, amongs being a very interesting and nice acquaintance also gave a fascinating lecture in RotR and cut me cake. Regarding the Finns, I won't even start on Greenie, just send her love, it was lovely to spend some time with Agan and seeing her in such different
surroundings (and hearing her speak English - I have a friend here who is from Moscow, and he (!) sounds exactly like Agan! It is amusing). Lommy and Legate I had only met briefly before, but heard a lot about, and thus putting the pieces together was rather interesting and we had a lot of good moments together with both of them. All in all, a very amusing week.

Moving forward, I've only a couple of hours ago said goodbye to Squatter and Hookbill, who braved the cold and the darkness of the North and drove all the way to Scotland to have a mini-moot (mini in that it only lasted less than 20 hours and in that it only consisted of three people). There were plans for writing a book, inventing an author, inventing a personality, shooting an all-stars movie where Sean Bean dies in the first scene and Sean Connory makes an appearance in a kilt. There were also whisky, Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh Castle, several men in kilts, fiddles in a pub, cold (!), bagpipes and lots and lots of tea. And hugs to the Englishmen. Gladly we will all be in Finland soon enough, so the goodbyes are not for too long.

[Aganzir]

An idea that came up during our small New Finland Moot.

http://i48.tinypic.com/35n8xmh.png

hEY gUYS! We invite you to celebrate and/or lament the release of Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug with us in Helsinki in December. We got the first part a few days before most of you, so there's a chance you'll also get to see the second one earlier, and in any case it's more fun to see it with like-minded Tolkien fans. Dress code: Tolkien character, preferably one from the Hobbit/LOTR movies (but we'd prefer every character to appear just once).

More information obviously later, but we just want you to know this is happening.

Attending at least your friendly neighbourhood Finns yours truly (Fíli), Thinlómien (Elrond), Volo (Radagast), Nogrod, A Little Green (Thranduil), and Legate of Amon Lanc (Saruman).

(Photo courtesy of Hookbill)

[Hookbill the Goomba]

I will move the universe to come!
I've been told to dress as Thorin, but don't expect movie accuracy. :(

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

I would very much like to go to the 'moot later this year in Finland. Money will dictate whether or not I will actually be able to go.

[Bêthberry]

I was so envious of New Finland Moot going to see the Hobbit movie together. :smokin: I figured that has to be the quintessential experience, seeing the movies as a Downer coven. ;)

I've been told I could come as Lobelia, with a bit of change to my Missus Maggot costume, but I'm hankering after coming as one of Radagast's rabbits, a huge rabbit, possibly a pink bunny if that isn't stealing the Pink Wizard's meme, maybe called Hef.

That's if I can make it.

[Mithalwen]

And if you can't make it in person you can go as Harvey ..

[Hookbill the Goomba]

Okay I suppose I'll write up a little report on the moot from my perspective!

It was a very different gathering to others, it was very relaxed, very calm, and very sick! At Britainmoot we were doing fun stuff every fifteen seconds, travelling here, there and everywhere, which was a lot of fun but exhausting! This moot was more about hanging around together and generally just being crazy, geeky people together.
We probably would have gone and done activities but a strange illness stuck us down one by one and by New Year's eve I think at least three of us were not very well. I certainly wasn't!
All the same, it was fun! We watched the movies, both Jacksons and the animated ones, played games, sung songs and were very respectable Wights... Well, sort of.

Aganzir met me at the airport and was as strange as ever! She was a fine friend throughout and even kept me company when I fell to the pestilence! That was most kind and moving. *wipes away tears*

A Little Green was like a magical pixie, popping in and out of the moot, but whenever she arrived it was great! Silly noises and hilarious jokes, she is always one of the smartest and silliest people in the room. And given the competition, that's saying a lot!

Thinlomine is owed many thanks from me! She was kind enough to read the draft manuscript of a book I'm writing and she gave me insightful and helpful criticism that I am eternally grateful for! Also, she was always lively and cheerful, though I think she's given up on trying to make Agan civilised. :p

Oddwen brought with her a dark and terrible game that we played until we were all dead from laughter. She's always fun to have at a moot and can do a wicked Orlando Bloom impression!

Squatter, my fellow countryman, was soon brought around to the ways of the Dwarves and digging holes. A man who knows (or at least drinks) his alcohol and can still hold witty dialogue afterwards! Always worth dragging to a moot!

Nogrod is a chef of the highest order! I wish we'd gotten to have more discussions, but what we did talk about was always interesting and I still think he needs to write a book of some sort! I don't know what it would be about, but I think it would be great. Also, if he offers you pancakes with cheese and mushrooms, take it! It's amazing!

Pomegranate I've only met three times and yet she seems already like an old pal! One of the Downs' crew! Even when fawning over AZOG, she brings life to the party! And if there isn't a party, she'll still bring life to whatever's going on.

Volo is a wizard. He just needs a pipe and a wide hat. He's a man who thinks about his words and picks them well. And this time he wore shoes!! :eek: I was so shocked I nearly fell out of my chair!

I think that's everyone! Sorry if I missed you. But thank you to everyone for making this a wonderful Barrow Moot! Even if it did turn into sick moot!
Last of all, special thanks go to the googly eyes.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/406595_10151221883778932_1662050447_n.jpg

They made the whole moot much better. Well, they made Agan and Lommy's flat a lot better, anyway.

[Bêthberry]

And if you can't make it in person you can go as Harvey ..

Only if Hooky agrees to be James Stewart. :D

[Pomegranate]

I shall be there watching more hobbitey-and-dwarvey stuff with you all either in person (if I can drag myself away from the faraway place where my life will have led me by then) or, if not, as a slightly-bigger-than-livesize photo print that's got me dressed as Kili. I am aware that you might prefer a print version of me ;) I will still try my best to actually be there.

[Hookbill the Goomba]

Are there any plans on a BIG Barrow Downs moot this year? I remember Deutschland being suggested, but nothing was set in stone.
Or will this be the year of many mini moots? That, too, can be awesome!

[A Little Green]

If there was ever an unlucky 'Downs moot, it would be this one.

For one thing, Hookbill and Squatter seemed to bring the British weather with them; it was beautiful and wintry the day before the Moot, but the day they came it was raining and it remained that way for most of the Moot. So much for getting a taste of the northern winter.. What was more, a highly contagious something took over and inspired us to rename the moot as Sickmoot (even Elijah Wood vomited!). My own participation was further disturbed by work and, for the last couple of days, a sad thing happening and occupying most of my thoughts.

But if there is something to be said for all these misfortunes, it would be the realization that somehow, we've become such good friends that it doesn't matter if you're sick or tired or sad because you're not obliged to be busy entertaining guests and planning things if you simply can't. You can just hang out at home and play cards and have a whale of a time anyway.

[Aganzir]

I figured that has to be the quintessential experience, seeing the movies as a Downer coven.
It was. The rest of the audience laughs at the 'obvious' stuff - Bullroarer Took inventing golf and Rhosgobel rabbits and so forth. We laugh every time someone says "You know of what I speak" or Fili swaggers or Benedict Cumberbatch appears on screen or Thorin gives bedroom eyes, etc.

I've been told I could come as Lobelia, with a bit of change to my Missus Maggot costume, but I'm hankering after coming as one of Radagast's rabbits, a huge rabbit, possibly a pink bunny if that isn't stealing the Pink Wizard's meme, maybe called Hef.
Hahaha! I vote for Lobelia though, she's awesome! Unfortunately for you, we have no silver spoons.

She was a fine friend throughout and even kept me company when I fell to the pestilence!
That's how I made up for throwing up behind your back myself.

I think she's given up on trying to make Agan civilised.
It's Greenie who wields the whip these days. (And, as she pointed out, I'm at my best if I get to play a lion mother on a leash.)

Pomegranate I've only met three times and yet she seems already like an old pal!
The truth is, I haven't met her that much more, but I tease her as if I'd known her for years.

me dressed as Kili.
More tips for doing it perfectly:
http://25.media.tumblr.com/79837862be620c15c9f3ce5f3713123e/tumblr_mfgqciLGIq1r96sd4o1_400.jpg

http://25.media.tumblr.com/464265e8bcb0bb20adb0a30f73ebd19d/tumblr_mgpw7ykIfo1s0w9dqo1_1280.png

http://25.media.tumblr.com/d6125e8ce674fe8ec32039c6bc5cabed/tumblr_mg46igWs4h1qltzoyo1_500.jpg

Are there any plans on a BIG Barrow Downs moot this year? I remember Deutschland being suggested, but nothing was set in stone.
Or will this be the year of many mini moots? That, too, can be awesome!
I vote for Deutschland! I vote for Pitchwife's farm!

But if there is something to be said for all these misfortunes, it would be the realization that somehow, we've become such good friends that it doesn't matter if you're sick or tired or sad because you're not obliged to be busy entertaining guests and planning things if you simply can't. You can just hang out at home and play cards and have a whale of a time anyway.
Ditto.
These are people I feel comfortable to be sick in the same room with. ♥

[Galadriel55]

Routine reporting Bethberry, Jallanite, and myself. *snore...* Nobody special visiting Toronto. Deutschland is cool, but screw Deutschland. I can't even spell it right without double-checking, and it's pronounced all weird (you Doich people... :rolleyes:). Just come to Toronto. :Merisu::D

[Mithalwen]

Ah but your little wolf cub might like to know that his fellow escapee from the wildlife place had a starring role at Oxonmoot.....and the special people are already in Toronto:P

[Bêthberry]

Yes, our little smial moot was little and it lacked outrageous costumes, but we did manage to discuss some Tolkien, mostly before you arrived, G55. ;) And we had a tiny little Bilbo figure standing guard over our table.

And I really would like to thank jallanite for the gift of a copy of his book. As John Garth told me, that book was instrumental in helping him feed his interest in Tolkien's exploration of language.

Mithalwen, I am waiting not so patiently for more pictures of Gooseberry, the not-quite-twin-sister of Goldberry who I believe won the Best Film Adaptation award. She otter be in pictures. And Saruman of the many colours won Best Audience Reaction. I hope there's a video of him dancing to 'Stayin' Alive'.

And the secret of bearded dwarven women was unveiled! Kili and Fili have never looked so good. It is true that dwarven women cross-dressed when traveling outside their community. That is could be done has been proven and Downers were in the forefront of the evidence.

We definitely have to work on some sort of presentation for our smial moots.

[Hookbill the Goomba]

And Saruman of the many colours won Best Audience Reaction. I hope there's a video of him dancing to 'Stayin' Alive'.

Oh there is! ;) On Facebook, for now. I may upload it elsewhere...

[Aganzir]

This was my first time at Oxonmoot and I loved it!

Kath already covered everything essential about Friday (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showpost.php?p=686617&postcount=6), except that my guess about how long Smaug reigned under the mountain only went off by one year (like a boss), and that I taught her how to tango (https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/1270932_10151680269878932_981581759_o.jpg). Our room was freezing, and because she didn't want me to shiver against her on two nights, we got a radiator on Saturday morning. I couldn't carry it for Kath, but I could carry Kath. (https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/544562_10151680268783932_1203458422_n.jpg)

My head is still kind of achy from all the headbutting we did on Saturday in our dwarf costumes (https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/1277803_10151680274713932_1504015766_o.jpg), but it was worth it. Our good looks and awful jokes got quite a lot of attention from the ladies and gentlemen alike, leading to some failed kissing attempts, and some that did not fail (a due reward for organising the moot, I should say). The funniest part about the evening, however, was when Kath threatened to rip my beard off.

I cannot quite remember how, but the two of us volunteered to host a room party. One of its highlights was when I got to plait a real beard (whose wearer seemed happy about it and continued to sport the plait the next day). After changing rooms in consideration of a neighbour who wanted to sleep, I was introduced to Pervinca Took (which means that after finishing this post, I'm at least going to check out the Password thread). However it was very late and I was quite occupied with other people, so we didn't manage to talk much.

On Sunday Faramir Jones (whose lecture I missed again because ART) took me around the graveyard and showed me Humphrey Carpenter's grave. Apart from that, Kath and I sat more or less comatose in the ground, but lunch and hanging out with awesome Downers and Tolkien Society people cheered us up. Still, I can't remember when saying goodbye has last been this sad because the weekend (and the week that preceded it, which involved me playing a housewife, meeting Kath's family, having a Finland day at her school, and hiding dirty drawings around her flat for her to find) was so amazing.

I am currently occupying Hookbill's brother's old room, and tomorrow we miiiight head up to Scotland to meet Eonwe. I don't like British computers which refuse to give me umlauts.

Here is a BD group picture with a quarter of Pervinca Took, Poison Ivy, Faramir Jones, yours truly, Kath, Hookbill, Squatter and narfforc:
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/1294435_10151680278393932_2139658559_o.jpg

[Galadriel55]

This was my first time at Oxonmoot and I loved it!

Kath already covered everything essential about Friday (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showpost.php?p=686617&postcount=6), except that my guess about how long Smaug reigned under the mountain only went off by one year (like a boss), and that I taught her how to tango (https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/1270932_10151680269878932_981581759_o.jpg). Our room was freezing, and because she didn't want me to shiver against her on two nights, we got a radiator on Saturday morning. I couldn't carry it for Kath, but I could carry Kath. (https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/544562_10151680268783932_1203458422_n.jpg)

My head is still kind of achy from all the headbutting we did on Saturday in our dwarf costumes (https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/1277803_10151680274713932_1504015766_o.jpg), but it was worth it. Our good looks and awful jokes got quite a lot of attention from the ladies and gentlemen alike, leading to some failed kissing attempts, and some that did not fail (a due reward for organising the moot, I should say). The funniest part about the evening, however, was when Kath threatened to rip my beard off.

I cannot quite remember how, but the two of us volunteered to host a room party. One of its highlights was when I got to plait a real beard (whose wearer seemed happy about it and continued to sport the plait the next day). After changing rooms in consideration of a neighbour who wanted to sleep, I was introduced to Pervinca Took (which means that after finishing this post, I'm at least going to check out the Password thread). However it was very late and I was quite occupied with other people, so we didn't manage to talk much.

On Sunday Faramir Jones (whose lecture I missed again because ART) took me around the graveyard and showed me Humphrey Carpenter's grave. Apart from that, Kath and I sat more or less comatose in the ground, but lunch and hanging out with awesome Downers and Tolkien Society people cheered us up. Still, I can't remember when saying goodbye has last been this sad because the weekend (and the week that preceded it, which involved me playing a housewife, meeting Kath's family, having a Finland day at her school, and hiding dirty drawings around her flat for her to find) was so amazing.

I am currently occupying Hookbill's brother's old room, and tomorrow we miiiight head up to Scotland to meet Eonwe. I don't like British computers which refuse to give me umlauts.

Here is a BD group picture with a quarter of Pervinca Took, Poison Ivy, Faramir Jones, yours truly, Kath, Hookbill, Squatter and narfforc:
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/1294435_10151680278393932_2139658559_o.jpg

And you're implying that after this England still doesn't look like a giant meteorite crater? Impressive, quite impressive, I must say.

[mark12_30]

Does anything Tolkien-related ever happen in New England?

[Inziladun]

Does anything Tolkien-related ever happen in New England?

I don't know about NE, but in the Southeast the answer seems to be "no". :(

[Galadriel55]

I don't know about NE, but in the Southeast the answer seems to be "no". :(

That's why you should all come to Toronto! :smokin:;)

[Aganzir]

Anything Tolkien-related (or rather, Barrow-Downs related) wouldn't happen in Finland either if we weren't so adamant about it. :smokin:

[Mithalwen]

To switch franchise...make it so!

[Aganzir]

Sitting at breakfast table with Kath, Greenie, Hookbill, Encaitare and the future Jonathanleon. Legate and Lommy are (surprisingly) up too but they're probably cuddling somewhere. They will soon go and get Oddwen and Rune from the airport. It's a grey day, and our only hope is the forecast that predicts snow for Friday.

As for our plans, we thought about having a little skype call with Downers who are willing to join us for a moment! The times are today between GMT 6-7 p.m. and tomorrow 8-9 p.m. My skype name is scavengerlikeme - feel free to join in! :)

[Galadriel55]

As for our plans, we thought about having a little skype call with Downers who are willing to join us for a moment! The times are today between GMT 6-7 p.m. and tomorrow 8-9 p.m. My skype name is scavengerlikeme - feel free to join in! :)

I may be able to join in tomorrow, and even today if its, like, right now. :)

[Aganzir]

Okay tomorrow is maybe better - there isn't anyone around now at least, and we're writing stories. :)

[Hookbill the Goomba]

I see nobody has posted this on the Downs itself yet. So here's the group of odd balls that met up in Helsinki this new year! We are all happy.

http://i39.tinypic.com/zvbt5g.png

Mystery Man / Encaitare / Kath / Aganzir / Hookbill the Goomba / A Little Green / Rune son of Bjarne / Legate of Amon Lanc / Thinlomine / Oddwen

It was the best of times! Even if there was no snow, there was good friends, good wine, and mediocre Tolkien film adaptations.
Here's to another year of Barrow Downing! :)

[Galadriel55]

Legate, if I'd seen that face before the end of the WW game, I would definitely had voted you on the grounds of your face. :D:p

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

Legate, if I'd seen that face before the end of the WW game, I would definitely had voted you on the grounds of your face. :D:p

This is quite all right, I'd say. You haven't seen the faces I was making at Hookbill when we had a short skype call after he'd left the moot...

Speaking of that, I am sure more about the 'Desolation moot would be posted here soon...

[Aganzir]

Except Jonathan is not Mystery Man but Thanleon these days. ;)

[skip spence]

Ah you all look beautiful (except Rune ;))! I'm very sorry I missed this.,

And if I didn't know better I'd say that Agan was Lommy's sister, not Greenie.

[Aganzir]

And if I didn't know better I'd say that Agan was Lommy's sister, not Greenie.
Yeah, we share the same unflattering pose of jutting our chin up in pictures - although in my case it was merely in order to snuggle up to Kath as efficiently as possible. ;)

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

Ah you all look beautiful (except Rune ;))!
Thanks ;)

And if I didn't know better I'd say that Agan was Lommy's sister, not Greenie.
Perhaps it's the lipstick.

[Hookbill the Goomba]

Well, I'll give my report if nobody else will.

I flew out to Finland on the 28th. It was fairly uneventful, though I felt a little queasy mid flight and didn't eat any of the food. But I landed in good time and was greeted by A Little Green who was very nice and happily led me back to the flat of Mooting. There I found Lommy, Legate, Aganzir, Oddwen, Kath, pomegranate, Thanleon and Encaitare!
We played many games and generally had a lot of fun.
We went to the Christmas market in Helsinki centre and also to a museum of something or other. There was a 'MATCH THE MOUSTACHE' game where you had to match moustaches of famous people to their faces. I want this game on my home computer.
We also took a ferry across the water and went to Tallinn. It's a very pretty place and has lots of colourful buildings. We went to a medieval style restaurant thing where the people were dressed in tunics and cloaks and all that jazz. DREAM. I had mushroom soup. It was nice. Kath and Aganzir spent a lot of time as Dwarves. As seen HERE (https://scontent-b-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/1545061_10151903511918932_106454362_n.jpg)and HERE (https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/1510594_10151903512133932_1498270745_n.jpg).
Always a sign that fun is about to happen! BEARDS.

Anyway, Tallinn is very beautiful, and there's a vantage point from which you can see a tremendous example of its mix of architecture. It goes from spires of pearly white, red rooftops and pale brickwork, all the way to tower blocks and office buildings. There were also Reindeer hanging around. They were cute. We also went to a random little museum while in Tallinn and there was a huge model of a ship which I quite liked.

We spent the next day or so lazing around and being silly, which is always nice. Then one evening the others sprung a surprise on me. Apparently, for the past year, they'd all been working on making a book for me. Do you guys remember the William Worm video I made in 2012?? THIS (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151042612898932&set=vb.508873931&type=3)one, if you're unfamiliar. Well, the people made a custom version of this book for me and sweet Eru's bum, it's ridiculous! I won't post pictures here because, um, this is a family friendly forum!
They even made a little finger puppet of William Worm, ala the original book. It has googly eyes, because what else would it have?
Well, I was left pretty speechless and shocked. You are all wonderful people and I wish I could hug you all again!!

On New Year's Eve we had a little fancy pants party thing. I dressed as Doctor Who and nobody realised! Muhahahah! >:) We saw fireworks, some professional, some amatere. Most were dangerous. Here, have some photos...

WOW (https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/1526593_10151903507813932_479586139_n.jpg)
MUCH EXPLOSION (https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1/1383760_10151903508273932_464137895_n.jpg)

Here is myself and A Little Green (https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/t1/1520601_10151903516133932_1381429181_n.jpg) looking a little blurry.

We had much fun and games. There was dancing and singing and general silliness. We waited up all night because Thanleon and Encaitare were leaving on a ridiculously early flight and it made more sense than going to bed for about three hours before getting up again. Though I kept falling asleep in my chair anyway. I am success.
The following day was spent mostly snoozing and then watching Sherlock. XD
We did some touristy things around Helsinki, visited the cathedrals and the dockside. They were pretty neat. There were also christmas trees on top of cranes. Because why the hell not?

HERE'S A RANDOM PICTURE OF ODDWEN, AGANZIR, KATH AND ME (https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/1507883_10151903522508932_971764365_n.jpg).

And here is an adorable picture of Aganzir and Kath. The lovely couple.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/1150209_10151903524508932_776759184_n.jpg

On my last day we visited the island fortress thing that I quite like. Didn't spend long there as it was getting cold and dark very quickly. But we had some fun messing around on the rocks. We are grown up adults.

PICTURE OF A LITTLE GREEN AND LOMMY (https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/1480533_10151903509688932_64367826_n.jpg)

AGANZIR LOOKS OUT TO SEA (https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/1503990_10151903510563932_1292265275_n.jpg)

We watched the extended edition of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. We laughed and cried and got angry in equal measures.
Then I had to go home in the morning. Sad times. But all the people came with me to the bus stop and we all said goodbye and I made rash promises to return some time in the year, though Eru knows how I'll afford it!!

The flight home was pretty bumpy. But I did get to see a very impressive and prologued sunrise. All the colours were quite intense and blended like ink in water as the sun dipped back and forth on the horizon.
I was also treated to the in flight meal for the first time. Everyone else was getting massive barmcakes with loads of fillings, but because I'd ordered the vegetarian option I got this tiny bun the size of a watch face with a bit of cheese slapped in it. Not impressed, Finn Air. Not impressed.
As soon as I landed I got the train back to Parbold where I immediately went back to work. Busy busy!

I miss you all and we need another moot soon!!

[Pervinca Took]

That's a brilliant report of great fun and fellowship, and Helsinki and Tailinn sound like lovely places. :)

Does it state anywhere in The Silmarillion that Eru Iluvatar had a bottom, though? (Or is it in one of the HOME footnotes?)

[Hookbill the Goomba]

Does it state anywhere in The Silmarillion that Eru Iluvatar had a bottom, though? (Or is it in one of the HOME footnotes?)

He certainly had hands and a face and was able to sit. Unless he sat on his hands I hope he had a bottom! :p

[skip spence]

Yeah, we share the same unflattering pose of jutting our chin up in pictures - although in my case it was merely in order to snuggle up to Kath as efficiently as possible. ;)
You always take every chance to snuggle with Kath don't you? But seriously, even your facial features look very much alike in this picture, which is kind of weird because you don't normally look like each other.

[Lotrelf]

Forget Downer, there's no Tolkien fan here. Though I really, really want to meet people here. That's possible only if someone visits India. ;)

[Galadriel55]

Forget Downer, there's no Tolkien fan here. Though I really, really want to meet people here. That's possible only if someone visits India. ;)

There certainly aren't as many downers in India as in the States, and they certainly aren't as close together as some in Finland, but there are a couple who live in India...

[Lotrelf]

There certainly aren't as many downers in India as in the States, and they certainly aren't as close together as some in Finland, but there are a couple who live in India...

Yep! In that sense I'm as worried about my friends(and people of my country) as Frodo was about the Shire.

[Aganzir]

It was on 11-14 September at Lady Margaret Hall, and it was great fun!

The picture here features Squatter of Amon Rûdh, Poison Ivy, Kath, yours truly, Hookbill, Estelyn and Faramir Jones. Absent are Pervinca Took and Bungo, who also attended Oxonmoot.
https://scontent-b-fra.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10522666_10203555279695702_1184571582528888754_n.j pg?oh=3a118ccbb5e5deb24a267b526343eae2&oe=54C7A4F0

Team Bingo Baggins (the bravest little hobbit of them all) - Esty, Kath, me and three other girls (who will hopefully join the Downs in the future) - came third in the Thursday night pub quiz. It was incredibly difficult and there were so many wonderfully knowledgeable Tolkien Society people that I'm quite frankly amazed!
Squatter and Faramir's team (which didn't score) was called Even Dimmer, which I think was great.

Friday, mostly spent with Esty and Hook (because responsible adult Kath was at work), was full of very interesting lectures, creative things and a lovely afternoon tea party (https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/t31.0-8/p370x247/10582869_10152662051649303_3269262684457180412_o.j pg). In the evening we had the reception and the banquet. We misbehaved (https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/p180x540/10649546_10152784321519203_6173660519719323848_n.j pg?oh=ae321a54826895ff3dfa11d6d63f37e5&oe=54BA431F&__gda__=1421855200_e5a5ebc6dc2637e4b90402a662360fe a). I finally managed to claim the Chairman's badge and carried it very proudly for hours before Kath stole it from me.

On Saturday after a short rest, we - Kath as Mr Dwalin and me as Fili Son of Dís - prepared for the Masquerade (https://scontent-a-fra.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/t31.0-8/p180x540/10688396_10152387802828932_1007307038913351862_o.j pg) with Bungo's amazing daughters (Idril and Gimli). We had a brilliant hair dressing moment (https://scontent-b-fra.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/t31.0-8/q84/p526x395/10608574_865183972588_5348354998291942091_o.jpg) with Thranduil, and it's my favourite picture from the entire weekend. Gimli threw an apple at me, which wasn't nice at all because as you know, Fili hates apples, but we punished him by carrying him off the stage (after Idril had very kindly tripped him). However, we left a banana skin for Hookbill, who was the Fall of Arthur (https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/t31.0-8/p526x395/10540709_10152375571201334_8410927112561244469_o.j pg). Esty won the awards for the best costume and best performance with her hobbit lady (https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/t31.0-8/p526x296/10631204_10152772684158408_960307542357862707_o.jp g), which wasn't very surprising. Esty is amazing.
We also had the privilege to see the fantastic Aratalindalë costumes (http://www.tolkiensociety.org/2014/08/tolkien-society-members-triumph-at-worldcon-masquerade/) that won the WorldCon masquerade!

After the Masquerade there was chilling out, pizza, Ceilidh, Telerin Circle, and a tea party. Sadly Kath and I had to move our room party elsewhere because the college had messed up the room plan, but it was fun to poison people with my self-made Finnish salty liquorice vodka anyway.

On Sunday, after even less sleep, we got up for the Enyalië at the grave. The TS chairman (who had got his badge back by now) read the Song of Eärendil which is one of my favourite poems in LOTR. Then us Downers headed to the Bird and Baby for lunch (https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/t31.0-8/10636855_10152662085594303_3266121735267182995_o.j pg), and eventually, too soon, it was time for goodbyes.

I had a really good (if quite intoxicated) time, and it was especially lovely to see Esty again after two years.

Until next September! ♥
(or hopefully sooner)

[Kath]

Our third place in the quiz was only revealed to me when I got back on the Friday night for the banquet. I think I can safely say it was the most surprising thing about the entire event!

[Galadriel55]

Squatter and Faramir's team (which didn't score) was called Even Dimmer, which I think was great.

That's the best!!! :D

We misbehaved (https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/p180x540/10649546_10152784321519203_6173660519719323848_n.j pg?oh=ae321a54826895ff3dfa11d6d63f37e5&oe=54BA431F&__gda__=1421855200_e5a5ebc6dc2637e4b90402a662360fe a).

That word carries a slightly... unusual connotation in my mind after watching Sherlock. Though I'm not sure you'd mind. :p

We had a brilliant hair dressing moment (https://scontent-b-fra.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/t31.0-8/q84/p526x395/10608574_865183972588_5348354998291942091_o.jpg) with Thranduil, and it's my favourite picture from the entire weekend.

Oh my goodness! This is priceless!

However, we left a banana skin for Hookbill, who was the Fall of Arthur (https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/t31.0-8/p526x395/10540709_10152375571201334_8410927112561244469_o.j pg).

And so bananas make their way into moots again. I'm so proud of you. :D

[Pervinca Took]

I was part of the Even Dimmer team. The name came about because I was sitting next to a TS friend who is part of the Lake Evendim smial and we were talking about quizzes or something - and I think I played on the smial name by mentioning the idea of entering the quiz even though we're dim. ;) We came fourth, I think.

[Aganzir]

I was part of the Even Dimmer team. The name came about because I was sitting next to a TS friend who is part of the Lake Evendim smial and we were talking about quizzes or something - and I think I played on the smial name by mentioning the idea of entering the quiz even though we're dim. ;) We came fourth, I think.
Ah I didn't know that, congrats! All I heard was that you got a special mention for your name. :D

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Thanks for posting and sharing photos, Aganzir! I had so much to do upon getting home from Oxonmoot that there was little time for reminiscing, aside from trying to keep up with the flood of post-event photos on FB.

I very much enjoyed being with the BDers again - it's so much fun to spend time together in real life! Bungo's daughters are absolutely charming - one of them drew a delightful picture of Mr. and Mrs. Barad-dûr in my scrapbook.

The costume show would be only half as interesting without Downer contributions, that's for sure! Poison Ivy, Hookbill and other(s) played a funny skit in that context.

I think the best costume of the weekend was Gandalf (Jens from the German Society) - he looked so real!

By now I know a lot of Oxonmoot attendees from the Tolkien Society and its German equivalent (of which I am a member), yet the Downers are my tribe when I'm there. I love you all!

[Aganzir]

Heyya all!

Are you in southern England (namely Faversham, Kent, although we'll probably do a fair bit of moving around) around New Year? Well, so am I.

And Kath, A Little Green, Hookbill, Encaitare, Thanleon, Rune, skip spence, Squatter and perhaps others.

So if you're around and would like to meet for a cuppa, celebrate New Year, or join us for toasting the Professor on the 3rd, let me know! Also let me know if you're nearby but can't make it to Kent, and we'll see what we can do. :)

(Greenie and I will be there from 27 Dec to 6 Jan.)

[Aganzir]

And in the future, they would ask, "Where were you when the Downs shut down?"

Let me tell you where I was.

In England with a beautiful group of fellow Barrow-Downers. Together, we wondered what was going on and commiserated when we thought the forum was gone for good.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y62/Aganzir/downs1_zpsqwqxqmps.jpg
Top row: Kath, skip spence, Encaitare, Hookbill the Goomba, A Little Green
Bottom row: Aganzir, Thanleon, Rune Son of Bjarne, Squatter of Amon Rûdh
(This is New Year's Eve and the faces are just too funny. Greenie is known for creepy new year's eyes anyway.)

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y62/Aganzir/downs2_zpsup1obesq.jpg
left to right: Rune, Kath, Hookbill, Greenie, Aganzir, skip, (Squatter), Encaitare, Thanleon, and featuring in the amazing pink shirt, the guy who be short!

So thank you, Barrow-Downs, for these brilliant friendships and an amazing new year. ♥

And I probably ought to mention that I'll be in Washington/the Seattle area the first two weeks of July with The Ka, TGEW, Encai and Thanleon, and hopefully also Oddwen and Gil-Galad. If anybody is in the area and would like to meet up, let me know! :)

edit: Oh yes Oddwen and Hookbill are coming to Finland tomorrow for a week or two! Downer times ahead!

[Rune Son of Bjarne]

I like my hair better in the first picture.... I might consider it for a permanent look.

And in the future, they would ask, "Where were you when the Downs shut down?"

Let me tell you where I was.

In England with a beautiful group of fellow Barrow-Downers. Together, we wondered what was going on and commiserated when we thought the forum was gone for good.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y62/Aganzir/downs1_zpsqwqxqmps.jpg
Top row: Kath, skip spence, Encaitare, Hookbill the Goomba, A Little Green
Bottom row: Aganzir, Thanleon, Rune Son of Bjarne, Squatter of Amon Rûdh
(This is New Year's Eve and the faces are just too funny. Greenie is known for creepy new year's eyes anyway.)

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y62/Aganzir/downs2_zpsup1obesq.jpg
left to right: Rune, Kath, Hookbill, Greenie, Aganzir, skip, (Squatter), Encaitare, Thanleon, and featuring in the amazing pink shirt, the guy who be short!

So thank you, Barrow-Downs, for these brilliant friendships and an amazing new year. ♥

And I probably ought to mention that I'll be in Washington/the Seattle area the first two weeks of July with The Ka, TGEW, Encai and Thanleon, and hopefully also Oddwen and Gil-Galad. If anybody is in the area and would like to meet up, let me know! :)

edit: Oh yes Oddwen and Hookbill are coming to Finland tomorrow for a week or two! Downer times ahead!

[Faramir Jones]

Nice to see you and so many of the others, Aganzir and Rune!:D:cool:

[Aganzir]

Nice to see you too, FJ!

Yeah Rune I'd definitely keep that hair.

[Formendacil]

Independence Moot, if I may call it that, is actually still ongoing, but the Formendacil and Nienna portion has run its course, and I will get my thoughts out now, while they are still fresh, even as the remnants of our party are literally awaiting NYC's Fourth of July fireworks.

This thread has been fallow for a while, and it has been even longer since I was part of a real moot--four years, since my wedding. I think the meeting of people who met on the Barrow-downs is an ongoing thing, but most discussion of it has moved to the up-to-the-minute stream of Facebook. There is nothing wrong with that, but I still think it's a good thing to post here. This is still the "Paper of Record," you might say, and there are excellent Downers who are not quite part of the "friends on Facebook" crowd that might, nonetheless, be inspired to meet other Downers someday.

Anyway, Nienna and I drove down from our home in the greater Boston area on Friday afternoon, expecting the worst of the holiday weekend traffic, to New York City, where dwell Encaitare and Thanleon. Boromir88, Aganzir, and Rune son of Bjarne were already there and upon our arrival the seven of us formed quorum for a Moot and headed out to Long Island, where Encaitare's parents very graciously hosted us for the weekend. Giddy with company, busy with cake-making, and full of downpour driven adrenaline, we were up until the wee-est of hours.

Unlike some of the more international moots--or the more international parts of this moot (Boro and Agan were around for quite a while before we got there)--this was not a particularly touristy moot, which suited me fine: I was there for the people and got a lot of them. Saturday was devoted to a day-long barbecue celebrating Encai's birthday: gorgeous weather and good company outdoors from morning until long past dark. Sunday was a visit to the beach and the Atlantic Ocean, after which we lost Boro to the airport. The Moot reconvened, a member fewer, for Thai food supper, another late night, and finally a morning of breakfast food, a lazy afternoon, and then the departure of the Massachusetts Chapter of the Barrow-downs Mutual Appreciation Society.

Simple enough details to recount--do people really cross oceans for this, you ask? Yes, I must answer. A moot isn't really about WHAT is done, but WHOM it is done with, and in the grand tradition of old posts on this thread, let me put out some thoughts for the stalking-but-oddly-not-using-Facebook-minded among us:

Encaitare: This was her party and her moot, so she shall have the honour of going first. I have met Encai thrice now, so it does not feel quite right to call these "first impressions"--maybe refresher impressions. This was her home turf, though, and she was both the hostess and mediatrix with her parents, as well as the mastermind (mistressmind?) of the operation. As it happens, she is both an efficient and gracious hostess: everything needed was present and then some, and she never seems to tire of making sure people are fed and watered and happy (a trait she demonstrably has inherited from her parents).

Rune son of Bjarne: I have actually only ever met Rune at moots at which Encai has been present (the reverse is also true), though I think the total amount of time I have seen him has probably been greater. His hair length has varied over the years, but his personality has not changed. Rune continues to be indefatigable in his desire to talk to everybody about everything. As usual, I come away from a moot both well-entertained and somehow more knowledgeable about Danish politics.

Thanleon: This is the second time I have met Encai's Significant Sea-bear, but for some reason I was very busy at my wedding, so there was plenty of unexplored getting-to-know-Thanleon territory to cover. He is an excellent complement to Encai: laid-back, helpful, and willing to accommodate the incessant need of the European Downers to catch trains. Without his skills, nary a bottle of beer would have been opened, I fear.

Boromir88: was my roommmate for a year and a groomsman at my wedding, so I'm not sure there was a whole lot of surprise to be found--but I haven't seen him since he moved back to his native state and it was great to catch back up.

Aganzir: My only "new" Downer (I think this brings my total to... *counts on his fingers*... 21? I think? Let me get back to you...). Agan didn't feel like a new Downer. Whether that's because we've met on Skype, been on the Downs and Facebook together for years, or because she looks vaguely familiar to me for subconsciously unknown reasons, I couldn't tell you. It probably helps, though, that she's outgoing and direct--so exactly the same as her online persona. She was a true ambassador of Mooting spirit, bringing tales of other Downers and probing for Downer memories and making certain we partook of group activities.

Nienna: well, I took her home with me. I don't know if I learned a lot about her this weekend, but it seems likely enough she learned more about me. ;)



In summation, Independence Moot was thoroughly enjoyable and I regret completely that Nienna and I had to go back to being functional adults with jobs this week. It had a different spirit than what I remember of past moots: it didn't have that elixir of "wow, I'm meeting new people!" so much as a reunion. But not a bad reunion, like a television high school reunion. As someone who both likes his family and now lives far abroad from them, it reminded me of nothing so much as a family reunion. Here's hoping it doesn't take four years for my next one!

[Encaitare]

A moot isn't really about WHAT is done, but WHOM it is done with

Hear, hear! You are too kind. I'm not great at these recap things, that's more Aganzir's talent, so hopefully we can expect a further write-up from her on the goings-on after you and Nienna left. But it was so wonderful to see you both again!

[Faramir Jones]

Thanks for your account of what you and Nienna got up to at Independence Moot 2016, Formendacil! :D

[Rune Son of Bjarne]

Rune son of Bjarne: I have actually only ever met Rune at moots at which Encai has been present (the reverse is also true), though I think the total amount of time I have seen him has probably been greater. His hair length has varied over the years, but his personality has not changed. Rune continues to be indefatigable in his desire to talk to everybody about everything. As usual, I come away from a moot both well-entertained and somehow more knowledgeable about Danish politics.


I will have you know that I actually attempted to sit quietly and read Die Leiden des jungen Werthers in the garden, but people kept coming over asking me about details of Danish parliamentary proceedings... :smokin:

Anyways, thanks for writing this recap of our adventures, I might go do something similar if I feel inspired.

[Faramir Jones]

Nice to see you knocking around, Rune!:D

If you feel inspired to write your own account, I can say in advance that I'd read it...;)

[Galadriel55]

Yesterday I met Eonwe and Pomegranate, in so doing doubling the number of Downers I have met face to face. We went to the cafe where JK Rowling wrote Harry Potter (the bathroom is all covered in fan thank you notes and character tributes), and then they showed me around town. Thanks to yesterday's tour, I managed to find the grocery store without a map today, and even find a post box ;). You guys are awesome!

[Faramir Jones]

Glad to read about your meeting with Eonwe and Pomegranate, Galadriel, and that they were able to help you get your bearings! :)

[Galadriel55]

Well, this was supposed to go up earlier, but I accidentally fell asleep for half a day.

This week I went on a little trip to England and met Mithalwen and Hookbill.

I met Mith first. We made the pilgrimage to the Bird and Baby, and she showed me around Oxford. She is in real life very much like on the Downs - very nice and supportive and claiming to be less than she is. :)

Hook has a great sense of humour and is fun to hang out with. He took me to a really nerdy bar, which was filled with memorabilia from all sorts of fantasy/scifi fandoms and made my geek heart melt a little. We had a mini adventure with my umbrella, from which random parts have fallen off and which is wibbly-wobbly enough to make the Doctor proud, but somehow still serves the purpose of keeping rainwater off your upper body and refuses to just die already.

I have to keep it brief here, because falling asleep in the middle of the day means I still have to at least do the prep for tomorrow's lectures. I just want to thank both Mith and Hook for making the effort and going out of their way to meet up with me. Seriously, you guys are awesome! Thanks for the mini-moots!

[Mithalwen]

It was my pleasure. I am sure I must have seemed a bit demented uttering such inanities as "and you are real!" in a delighted fashion and dragging you on a somewhat disappointing bus tour (open top in February)..in which the places of actual interest flashed by in nanoseconds - "look NOW and you will see Christ Church quad" while we got to view the many traffic lights of the city at our leisure and listen to an awful lot of Bach.

It wouldn't be a Downer meeting for me without some mixup (never my fault of course) and this occurred when we were trying to find each other after I had gone to retrieve my car - but lack of clarity over station (bus or train) was nothing compared to those which marked previous Downer meetings (which I regaled G with when we were reunited in the Lamb and Flag - the lucky girl). I had lulled myself into a false sense of security having had a clear run down to Oxford from my temporary smial in Warwickshire and the sense to use the park and ride which meant that I was in the right place at more or less the right time initially but it was, perhaps inevitable that something would go awry. I can't believe that Galadriel came all that way for such a short time and I hope to catch up with her again before she returns. I may even venture to the far Northern wastes.

[Faramir Jones]

Galadriel, it was lovely to read that your recent meeting with Mithalwen and Hookbill went so well. :D

[Galadriel55]

A short while ago I had the pleasure of meeting Faramir Jones. He is a real gentleman and a great pleasure to talk to. He was very kind to show me around his home city, and shared some really cool information about it that I wouldn't have otherwise known. Thank you very much for the pleasant and educational experience!

[Faramir Jones]

Thank you for your kind words, Galadriel! :D I'm glad that you enjoyed me showing you around parts of Dublin, which it was a pleasure to do. It was lovely to meet another Downer in the flesh, and to talk with her about other things, as well as about Tolkien. Good luck with your exams! :)

[Snowdog]

Galadriel55, you are quite the Barrow Downs world Ambassador!
I love reading about your world travels and meets!

[Galadriel55]

Galadriel55, you are quite the Barrow Downs world Ambassador!
I love reading about your world travels and meets!

My time has come. Muahahaha! :D