The First Annual Seattle Barrow-downs Festival

[Marileangorifurnimaluim]

Well, it was just Raefindel and I, but that's a good start.

Obloquoy, you're on the east-side if I recall. Think you can make the Second Annual Festival? smilies/wink.gif

Our apologies to the Barrow-wight: we had my digital camera with us, but were so caught up in the Lord of the Rings, Random Event Generators, real world families, topic and subtopics, we completely forgot to take any photos! Next year's event will be better documented, I promise. smilies/biggrin.gif

-Maril

[Alkanoonion]

Why not have a monthly meeting? then you could get together and take more pictures.
smilies/biggrin.gif smilies/biggrin.gif smilies/smile.gif smilies/biggrin.gif smilies/biggrin.gif

[Miz Lobelia]

smilies/eek.gif Oh phooey, looks like I joined just a little too late!

[Raefindel]

Welcome to the Downs, Miz Lobelia!

Don't worry about it, we'll plan another real soon! Annual indeed!

Maril, You are more wonderful in person than you are on the Downs. You'll have to tell me more about Germany next time, if I don't talk your ear off. Have some baked goods handy just in case! If you can't bring yourself to throw them at me you could hope I'll shove them in my mouth and shut up!

smilies/wink.gif

[lindil]

Ahh, you lucky folks in the American equivalent of Lindon! [ at least west of the cascades] A cool green country, indeed.

I will try and make it up to one of the meetings oneday as I still have close friends there, a tai-Chi and Tui-na teacher there and an ever present desire to go to Orcas Island [closest place to M-E I have ever been].

please some-one PM me for the next one, incase I don't see the thread here.

[Elenna]

It's too bad we all live so far apart - let's all move to Rivendell, Oklahoma and have a party every week!

Kidding. But it would be cool.

[Raefindel]

Yes, a party next time would be fun! I could bake homemade herb bread (with herbs from my garden, of course!) And my homemade chicken soup.

Maril and Lobelia, what are you bringing?

[Marileangorifurnimaluim]

'Annual' was just to make it sound official. We can have the next 'annual' festival any time, Miz Lobelia.

Rae, as you are hazardous with the baked goods (lol smilies/biggrin.gif ) I'd better make it something worthy of a Laurel and Hardy pie fight. I do make a mean cheesecake. smilies/wink.gif

That would be Great if we can get our No. CA brethren up here!

Folks, Rae's a sweetie. She's so patient, she could probably carry the weight of the world without noticing - until the chiropractor visit: "Gee, lately I've had this slight shoulder ache, can't imagine why..."

-Maril

[Raefindel]

Maril,My husband was afraid I was going to meet a pierced, spiked and probablly purple-haired lady. He asked me what would I do then?

I told him I would have a nice dinner with a pierced, spiked and purple-haired lady; but that Barrow-Downers are too honest to deceive.

Lindil, I have never been to Orcas Island. that's on my agenda of places to go for future anniversaries. Let us know when you've made plans to come and as many of us as can will meet you.

[ October 02, 2002: Message edited by: Raefindel ]

[lindil]

That is extremely kind of you Raefendil and
I will most certainly post any northward plans.

Perhaps a NW [ N. CA./Oregon and WA]
meeting in Oregon could be planned in the future once our more local chapters become solid.

[Miz Lobelia]

Glad to hear I am not too late after all!

Raefindel, I am famous for molasses-ginger cookies, so I could bring those, or prehaps buttermilk scones. I grow herbs as well - we will have to compare notes.

[Raefindel]

We'll have to have another before I get a job and Can't come anymore. I think we should meet at the Center House... thoughts?

[Eol]

That would be interesting to poke my head in if there would be an Oregon gathering, near Corvallis, maybe?

[Brinniel]

A N/W convention would be nice. Especially if you included Idaho. :D

[Marileangorifurnimaluim]

Well, that depends on which part of Idaho.. just kidding. I'm willing to include Alaska to the Phillipines, if anyone from there wants to come! smilies/biggrin.gif

-Maril

[Raefindel]

OK, Maril, Miz Lobelia and any others, would you like to meet anytime soon, an where? And what shall we do?

How about the Center House. That's easy for me to reach, though I'm certainly open to other Ideas.

[Marileangorifurnimaluim]

Do please excuse my obtuseness. The Center House is..?

-Maril

[Raefindel]

At the Seattle Center; Where the food circus is.

[Miz Lobelia]

The Center House is fine by me. I do have to work during the day, though.

[Raefindel]

It looks like there are the 3 of us interested. What would you ladies like to do?

[Raefindel]

Anyone interested in seeing The Two Towers together? And perhaps dinner at Elephant Castle before or after?

[Marileangorifurnimaluim]

What a wonderful idea! Let's do it!

-Maril

[Miz Lobelia]

Sounds like a good idea to me!

[Raefindel]

December is going to be busy. I'm adding to the extra fun by having a surgery , so what do you think of seeing the movie together in early January?

[MLD-Grounds-Keeper-Willie]

Yeah....I'm kind of new here (although I feel I've been here for a couple of years because I've been spending all my free time so far on this site) and I was very curious on what you were talking about. An Anual Barrow-Downs Festival? One of you said it wasn't official, so I doubt there is one in SF, altough it would be nice to start one.

*Heres the part where I drill you with questions. Don't answer any if you don't want to.*

So,you've already had one? Was it fun? What did you do? How many people came? 2? Can anybody come? What's the reason if there is one?

You all live in Seattle, you meaning the people that started this festival. If anybody can come, I'd like to possibly go, although I highly doubt I will go. I always wanted to go to seattle because of the rock legends from there: Alice In Chains, Pearl Jam, Nirvana, and Silver Chair, I think. AIC is my favorite band, and I'd like to visit Seattle because of them, and maybe visit Layne Staley's grave, R.I.P.

Anyways, could you tell me about your festival? I'm just curious. Oh yeah, one more. You called this a barrow downs festival? Does that mean that it's about the barrow downs or just named that because of this site? I originally found this site while I was looking for somewhere dedicated to my favorite part of the books- the barrow downs of course so that's why I'm so interested if its about the barrow downs.

[Raefindel]

Hi Willie,

It was just Me and Maril. We've only met the once. We basically just talked and ate lunch (at the Spaghetti Factory). We talked about everything from family to the BarrowDowns site and fellow Barrow-Downers.

We've been trying to meet again since Miz Lobelia showed interest. We have talked about going to see TTT together and maybe going to dinner (possibly at

Elephant & Castle (http://www.elephantcastle.com/restaurants_ec_description.html)).

Unfortunately, we have been having trouble getting together, especially since the holidays are drawing near. I don't live in Seattle. I have to come over by Ferry when I'm able to arrange for a sitter. We are always happy to meet other members, but If a man became involved, My husband would most certainly insist on coming with me, And I'm sure the other ladies would probably say the same.

Seattle is a fun city with lots to do.You planning to go to the Experience Music Project (http://www.seattlecenter.com/events/location/detail.asp?VE_VenueNum=600)? Jimi Hendrix is buried here, too.

Jimi Hendrix (http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=471)

[ December 06, 2002: Message edited by: Raefindel ]

[MLD-Grounds-Keeper-Willie]

Thanks Raefindel. Your quote

but If a man became involved, My husband would most certainly insist on coming with me, And I'm sure the other ladies would probably say the same.


I don't think that your husbands have anything to woory about if I came. I'm only 18, so I don't plan on messing up anybodies lives or anything at all like that. I don't think that I will be able to come at all, but if I did, I wouldn't mind your husbands' presence at all. Actually, I think that it would be good to have a male besides myself. If I (or any other male) decided to come, I think that it would be great, to have at least one of the same sex.

I think that I would like to talk a lot about the barrow downs and the site maybe too. But thanks for the reply. And, I didn't even know that Jimi Hendrix was buried there either. I like Hendrix a lot, and that makes me even want to go there more now. Thanks for the info. Also, I think that you should see SF. Its a great city but people think that its mostley gay people. I'm not sure if you think that it is a gay city, but if anyone thinks it is, then there at least three times as many straights in SF. There are a lot of places to visit in SF, and I'm sure the same goes for Seattle, that's one of the reasons that I want to visit it.

[Raefindel]

Oh, I lived in California for 13 years and have been to San Francisco at least twice. We took the kids last time. We had a good time.

And I didn't mean to imply that you would try anything with any of us. It's just that it's always been just ladies so far and we girls tend to talk like girls. We'd need a guy to keep some male interest in the comversation. To a guy, I'm about as interesting as a bus schedule. If you decide to come to Seattle, let us know.


My husband is rarely on the Barrow-Downs. His screen name is Greycloak. He works for a television station in Seattle that everyone seems to want to tour, and he loves to give tours. His station is across the street from the Seattle Center where the Experience Music Project (EMP) is located and often meets friends visiting (usually from California, for some reason) to show them the station.


I looked for Curt Corbain's grave, but I can't find it online. I assumed he was burried in Seattle, but I'm probably wrong.

[Raefindel]

BTW, If you are interested in seeing them, Maril and I have both posted our pictures on this thread.Show us your true self (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=14&t=000777)

[Marileangorifurnimaluim]

Hey there, January's starting to sound good. My boyfriend is taking me to The Two Towers at the Cinerama opening night. He hasn't read the books still, but he's hooked on the battle scenes from the previews. "That's going to be kick-***!" quote/unquote.

smilies/smile.gif Maril

[Kalimac]

Sigh. I'd like to see both of you, Rae and Maril, as well as anyone else who might come, but I don't see myself getting out to the Seattle area anytime soon (never been west of Des Moines, if it comes to that). Well, one of these days...(though I'm sure my husband would like to come - not for shielding purposes but because he's rather a Tolkienphile himself).

Maril, I've got a friend who's like that. He hasn't read the books and insists that he doesn't have time to - which may be code for "I don't want to" however he loved the movie (largely for the swordfighting) and is going to be first in line to see TTT. He's been insisting that neither of us tell him ANYTHING, as he wants to be surprised. In a way I'm slightly jealous of him because so much of the story will be absolutely fresh. Imagine not knowing what an Ent is!

[Raefindel]

Gee Kalimac, If I had a house I'd even put you up while you stayed, but don't let that stop you! We'd love to meet you! Wouldn't we, Maril! I'm still harboring hopes that Samwise and Joy will come visit me someday. I met Samwise when I went through Petaluma on vacation.

[Gorwingel]

I would probably not want to get involved with anything like this, because I think I am just a little too young (I am only 16). But I just kind of stumbled on to this thread, and I just wanted to say Hi, because I saw that you were all from Washington, and it is nice to see fellow fans which are from places so close to you (I am from Olympia). So hello smilies/biggrin.gif

[Raefindel]

Yes,Gorwingel, We are a dangerous lot! And boring, too! So far we seem to have all ladies interested. Maril is a huge and scary woman... Well maybe to a hobbit anyway, she's an enourmous 90 lbs!

I'm from Port Orchard so we are neighbors. We'd be happy to have you join us if we ever seem to find a date that will work again. I'm still kinda in favor of going to Elephant & Castle , or should we call it "Oliphant & Fortress"

[ December 31, 2002: Message edited by: Raefindel ]

[Gorwingel]

This is cool! smilies/biggrin.gif

Did not know I would get a response so quickly. smilies/biggrin.gif
Would love to do something with fellow fans, (though I think my parents would get worried and think that I am meeting weird people on the internet, not that you are weird or anything) nice to know that you live so close. I am not new to the Barrow Downs, but I only have been posting a couple of days (I am on winter vacation, so I have had plenty of free time smilies/cool.gif ) Just today I saw TTT at the Cinerama in Seattle, it was great, so I get to Seattle often.

I am glad I stumbled on to this thread smilies/wink.gif

[Raefindel]

Your parents fears are understandable. I wouldn't let my kids meet strangers they "met on the internet", either. I have, thus far met only women from the Downs and my husband was very concerned about even that, but everyone has been very nice. If your family wants to join you if ever we meet that is certainly acceptable.

I also saw TTT at the Cinerama. That is an awsome theater! We had a good night for it, considering we had to stand outside for 45 minutes; It didn't rain on us.

[Greycloak]

Did you guys give up?

[Gorwingel]

I hope they have not, but this thread has been a little quiet recently.

[Marileangorifurnimaluim]

I think people have personal things going on. And to be perfectly honest, I'm not one of the ones who were impressed by the changes PJ made in The Two Towers.

-Maril

[ January 17, 2003: Message edited by: Marileangorifurnimaluim ]

[lindil]

Well, it looks as if Lindil and family are headed up to Seattle for a couple of days at a minimum, maybe a few.

I would love to get together for a bit with any of you that can.

I will be up at least Feb28-Mar 2, hopefully a day or 3 more.

[Gorwingel]

I don't think I could meet you. but I wish on this thread we would hear from Rae, because she seems to be in charge of all of this. If you could meet anyone, you could probably meet her and Maril. Raefindel, where are you? you haven't been around here in awhile.

[Raefindel]

Goodness! I didn't realize I was in charge!
I start a new job tomorrow (in Tacoma) and will no longer be fancy free. I will never see my husband again (well rarely, anyway) but I will try to fit you guys in somehow. Maybe I can farm the kids out on a Saturday and we could all meet on the Seattle waterfront ? How would Mar 1 be? Lindil will be here then.

[ January 24, 2003: Message edited by: Raefindel ]

[Gorwingel]

No, maybe you are not really in charge, but you have always been a very welcoming person on the site, and you always kind of organized stuff smilies/wink.gif

[Raefindel]

Oh, Thank You Gorwingel! I really enjoy talking to other Tolkien-friends as much as talking about Tolkien.

[Raefindel]

OK, wellLindil, I'll meet you Mar 1 if that works for you. I If many other Downers join us I will need to know so I can make reservations.

Lindil, Have you been to Seattle before? I put some links on this thread of a few of the things to see here. Are you staying with family or in a hotel?

Here's another favorite Seattle attraction;Pike Place Market (http://www.pikeplacemarket.org/) It has withinn it the very first ever Starbucks coffee among other things. If you wish I can PM you with some other favorite things to see and do.

[Merri]

Gorwingel, I feel your pain. I'm 16, too. My parents are convinced that anyone I might meet on the internet is immediately a freak who intends to murder me. Of course, they haven't been on the barrowdowns yet. So . . . yeah. Life is hard smilies/smile.gif

I wish I could meet all of you though, I do hope you have fun whenever you get together!!

[Raefindel]

Gorwingel, have your parents come with you. If Mar 1 works for everyone we can meet in some safe, public place. I may even bring one of my kids with me.

[Gorwingel]

I was considering coming, I just wanted to wait and see if anyone else responded. I would love to come though, I was thinking of coming with a friend or something (I do know how to drive, but I don't drive on the freeway very much) smilies/cool.gif
Well, I do have a month to drive some more on I-5 to get some practice. And I really know the city, we visit often, if you choose someplace in downtown, I will be able to get there fine.

[ January 26, 2003: Message edited by: Gorwingel ]

[Raefindel]

Well, You're braver than me, Sweetie! I'm taking the Ferry!

[Raefindel]

Hey, Did any of you know about this?

Middle-earth Gig Harbor gathering (http://www.ringcon.com/)

Sound fun?

[Gorwingel]

I can't take the ferry, I would if I could, it would be so much easier than driving on that mess called I-5, or maybe I could take the bus.

That Gig Harbor thing looks cool, maybe I will go to that, I have been wondering if there is any Tolkien gatherings to go to in Washington, additionally another autograph to add to my LOTR actors collection
smilies/smile.gif
Just went on the website for the Gig Harbor gathering, that looks great.
They are going to have vendors, I am trying to make a Eowyn dress, and they are going to be selling supplies that I could really use.
Raefindel, do you think you will go?
My parents would be much more comfortable if I went to something like that and then met some Barrow Downs people there.

[ January 26, 2003: Message edited by: Gorwingel ]

[Raefindel]

There is a vague possibility I could make it on the Friday. My kids would still be in school and both my husband and I would have the day off.

[Gorwingel]

I would probably go on the weekend
Probably Saturday most likely, I told my mom and she got very excited about it, and said she would love to go to it. But I could maybe make it on Friday.

[ January 27, 2003: Message edited by: Gorwingel ]

[lindil]

Raefindel, march one might be tough [although i really don't have a schedule yet] Sun PM or if I am able later in the week, if my wife heads back before me.

I will be there as part of my Diocese's family conference running from fripm to sun aft.

Sat pm after say 10pm could be possible [ actually that was the only free time now that I recall the last one of htese in LA]

I met an old friend at the Border's there right before midnight!

As for Seattle, I lived there on and off for a couple of years [ and on Orcas Is. for most of seven ]and then Port Townsend for 3 or so years before coming down to Northern CA. We hope to move back to Orcas someday actually.

Anyway I know my way around well enough, and will be staying at a friends - thank you for your gracious enquiry though.

Sounds like your weekdays may be tied up with your new job and weeknights with family?

I may be there for a few days after the conference ends if I can get Sarah back with out me and the girls [probable]. So that would leave me with a lot more flexibility from Mon on.

Enjoy the Ringcon folks that looks great!

Someone congratulate Brad for that tear for me!
One of the best moments in TTT I thought.

[ January 27, 2003: Message edited by: lindil ]

[Raefindel]

Lindil, We lived in Ca. 13 years before moving back to Washington. I used to surf the web and look at things and places I missed. One of my favorite web sites was the bakery in Poulsbo with the "doughnut men" in the window.

Sunday would work for me, I could go to work with my hubby and be in Seattle around 2:30. (He works at KOMO) Any thoughts about where you would like to meet?

Gorwingel, Now that I get to looking at it, The convention doesn't open Friday till 4pm. There is a possibility I could bring the the whole family, but one of my elflings is Autistic and there is no telling how she will react to such a situation. We could end up paying $50 to get in the gate and have to leave in 10 minutes. I'll talk it over with Master Greycloak and see what he thinks. Maybe he can get "Press Passes" then if it doesn't work out we aren't loosing as much.

[Gorwingel]

All that information looks great smilies/biggrin.gif
Anything that happens on the weekend works great for me. smilies/biggrin.gif

[Raefindel]

Is anyone going to meet Lindil but me? I'm certain Lindil is the nicest of gentlemen, but My husband would have a definite problem with me going out to meet a man with no one else with me.

[ January 29, 2003: Message edited by: Raefindel ]

[Gorwingel]

I'll come, where are you going to meet? It would be an interesting group of people (me being only 17 and all) but it is a great display of the wide array of people we have on this site.

[Raefindel]

WooHoo! Thank You, Sweetie! We have 3! Lindil, will you have family coming? Any preferences as to where to meet? Seattle Center Food Court? Elephant & Castle? Or another place?

[lindil]

Actually when I said Sun PM, I should have said Sun night. Our lectures and such do not end till after 5pm I think so I would say 7pm might be the earliest I could meet up. And most likely I will have my 2 girls [4 and 6] wih me. helen [6 yr old] will be delighted to meet other fans if she can, as she is reading them now herself [we read them once together].

Raefindel, are you in Seattle proper or the outskirts? Because if Downtown is a problem [it's not for me] then further out is OK.
Anywhere handy is fine for me.

I will prob be driving from Northgate or greenlake area's.

Look forward to seeing everyone.

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

[Raefindel]

I don't live in Seattle at all. I'll ride in with my husband who works downtown. 7pm would be fine. I was thinking Elephant & Castle because it is old-world English style, but Your children might not enjoy that kind of food. Maybe the Spaghetti Factory would be better. I'm open to whatever you like or would work best for you.You choose, since you are the guest of honor, anything would be fine for me. I will see if maybe one of my kids would like to come too, then yours will have some company.

[Gorwingel]

Both of those places sound good, I can't wait
smilies/smile.gif

[Raefindel]

Well, Lindil's bringing his children and since Elephant & Castle is a Pub, that wouldn't work well. What do you all say to Spaghetti Factory?

[Gorwingel]

I have been to the Spaghetti Factory in Spokane and I have heard that the Seattle one is good too. Raefindel, should you and I get there a little early and then wait for lindil? Because I would probably have to head home at 8:30 or so, cause it will take me an hour or so to get back home. My mother is still a little suspicious about it, but I think she will warm up to it by March 2. But I am going to come, I think you are all great people on this site, who would be very enjoyable to meet in person. She just dosen't understand why you would want to meet me, me being so young and all (that is truely what she said) but I said that when everyone posts on the site you really can't tell what age anyone is, and that we all post on a very equal level. I hope that she will come, I think she will have a good time.

[ February 01, 2003: Message edited by: Gorwingel ]

[Marileangorifurnimaluim]

Sure. Sounds fine to me. I personally have no idea what I'll be doing that far in advance. LOL

Maril

[Raefindel]

You'll know me by my costume, I'll dress as a Balrog! smilies/wink.gif

[Gorwingel]

Yeah! smilies/biggrin.gif Another person, this is going to be great smilies/cool.gif

[Raefindel]

Oh Fiddlesticks! My Balrog costume has a hole in the wing, Guess I'll have to go as something else. smilies/eek.gif

[lindil]

Spaghetti factory sounds good [ it is all still semi-tentative to me].

Hope you can make it maril!

I just found out my favorite Bishop [ sounds crazy doesn't it? but the fellow is like a saint] will be doing a Q and A session starting at 5pm so i will do my best to be there at 7pm.

Now where is it? and is parking a hassle ?
I could bus doen from Northgate mall if it is.

Thanks for the kid[s] bring along Raefindel that will prob make it more enjoyable for all. And sooth the spousal concerns too.

Does anyone have a digital camera?

It would be nice to share it with the rest of the board.
You choose, since you are the guest of honor, anything would be fine for me.

much thanks to all of you for the hospitality.

Shall I bring a bit of the revised Fall of Gondolin to read?

[ February 03, 2003: Message edited by: lindil ]

[Gorwingel]

I have a digital camera, I will make sure to bring it, to document every part of our gathering smilies/cool.gif

[ February 03, 2003: Message edited by: Gorwingel ]

[Raefindel]

Here is a Spaghetti Factory Location (http://www.osf.com/locations/washington.html)
Page with phone # and address. but simply said, it is on the waterfront.

My husband informs me it is tentative on my end as well, as we may have a gymnastic competition that day. (We will get the March callendar soon).

[Raefindel]

I checked the callendars and Mar 2 still looks good. And I'm OK if it's later than7 Lindil. If I go to work with my husband I have to go home with him too, which means I'll be in Seattle till his shift ends at 11pm anyway.

[ February 04, 2003: Message edited by: Raefindel ]

[Gorwingel]

That's great Raefindel, I was worried for a moment that you would not be able to make it.
(breathes a sigh of relief smilies/redface.gif )

[ February 05, 2003: Message edited by: Gorwingel ]

[elsye]

hey everybody, I never knew that there was a Washingtonian gathering on the BD!!!! yay! thank you for pointing this out, Gorwingel! smilies/biggrin.gif

[Gorwingel]

Hello, elsye, glad you made it down here! smilies/cool.gif

[Raefindel]

Hi elsye,

Will you be able to join us on Mar 2nd? We'd be thrilled to meet you.

[elsye]

Wish I could. I'm going to a youth leaders conference during that time. Go Jeane Mayo!!!! but hey, I get to stay in Leavenworth. hehe, clogs.

[Raefindel]

Oooh! You lucky dog!

I was there a few months ago on our anniversary and had a wonderful time. Hope you do too.

[Rochelle]

Hello fellow Washingtonians smilies/smile.gif I think it's great you all are meeting however I will be unable to join you on March 2nd. I will be at Washington State University that weekend. Perhaps next year if I'm home from college when you plan it!

Good luck and I hope we are not all as crazy as we seem... smilies/wink.gif

[Raefindel]

Yes, do try to make it next time! smilies/smile.gif No knowing when it will be, but we didn't wait a year in between the first two.

[Mithadan]

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

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

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

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

[lindil]

I noticed on MM's 'xenite' sites, that he specifically tells those under 18 not to post any personal information at all. this may seem exrteme and it is certainly unfortunate but one can easily see the wisdom both legally and in terms of safety.

On another unfortunate note, my Seattle plans have been dashed upon the hard rocks of reality for the time being smilies/frown.gif , and I will not be able to come up for the forseeable future, though I do hope to make a more leisurly trip up in the late spring or summer. Sorry for the now-false alarm.

[Gorwingel]

Totally completely understandable, we really don't want anyone to have something terrible happen to them, because the internet can be a great place to share ideas and all, but it can also be extremely dangerious.

[Raefindel]

We are sorry ,Lindil, that we can't meet you but will look forward to doing so in the future.

[lindil]

Thank you for the kind words Raefindel. It was a real disappointment to me, but it was turning more and more into too big of a stretch.

Hopefully in the sping or summer [when I can visit Orcas Island too...]

[Marileangorifurnimaluim]

On the bright side, summer really is the time to visit Seattle anyway. It's lovely here, crystal blue skies, no bugs, majestic mountains on all sides. Rainier alone looks like something out of Fantasia, but you can't see it for the clouds in winter. The sun sets at 10pm, and rises at 5am.

This is Camelot in the summer.

~Maril

[Marileangorifurnimaluim]

On the 'wet blanket' notification -- not at all. It's easy for some of us adults to assume people will understand and take these precautions.

For the record, the previous 'Seattle Barrow-Downs Festival' was really just a late lunch and a lot of Tolkien chat with Rae.

We PM'd back and forth for a while, so had something of a sense of each other's personalities.

We met in a public place (and had a little trouble finding each other as a result - heh). We also remained in public areas, taking a fine walk and checking out some shopping. Rae is Scottish, which is something I never knew. Our lunch was at a restaurant.

Although we've met and like each other, neither of us have carelessly exchanged addresses, or - heavens smilies/eek.gif - financial information. And we don't feel that should be relevant (especially the latter). What does it have to do with Tolkien?

So, do think, folks. It's not paranoia, it's simple awareness of reality. You know very little about people you've met online. For all that you know quite a bit about their knowledge and take on Tolkien. smilies/wink.gif

- Maril

[Snowdog]

I think the 'wet blanket' was just a CYA for the site admin. Care should be taken when arranging to meet folk known only on the internet as care should be taken when meeting any stranger. Usually the people are honest enough on the net so when meetings do occur, they are fun events.

Anyway, is there a gathering at the Spagetti Factory on the 2nd? This wild Ranger resides in the high mountains of the West, aka Ered Luin, aka the Cascades, and descend to the sea at times.

[Gorwingel]

I don't know if we are still going to meet on the second of March without Lindil, if there was still enough people who wanted to meet I would still be up for it. Hopefully I could still make it, and if we still met on the second, is there any possiblity that we could meet a little bit earlier, like in the afternoon.

[Raefindel]

The second is out for me, now. I made other plans when Lindil cancelled. I'm still game for another time.

[Gorwingel]

Well Rae, I was wondering, if you want to think really far in advance (well not that far)
but I was just thinking, do you go to the Folklife festival during memorial day weekend? I went last year for the first time, and I am going to be going this year. If you go I could really meet you there, because my parents have no problem with meeting someone in such a public place like that. I know it is really far in advance, but it is something to consider. smilies/cool.gif

[Raefindel]

Hmmm... do you happen to have any links to that? Holidays don't usually tend to work because of my husband's chosen field of employment. He doesn't get holidays off. But I can run it by him and see.

[Gorwingel]

It's not really an event which is Tolkien related but it is really cool. Though it kind of fits in to the spirt (of especially the hobbits) in a way because it is about music, food, being outside and having a good time, it is a celebration of Northwest culture and everything (Last year they had people who were applying fake tattoos, and I was joking to my sister that she should get one like the actors in the movie smilies/biggrin.gif). Oh and it is really near where your husband works, it is at Seattle Center, and as you know that is located across the street from almost all of the Seattle broadcasters.
This is the link to their page Northwest Folklife (http://www.nwfolklife.org/P_F/Festival.html)
I am surprised you have never heard about it, because I had heard about it for years, but had never gone.

[ February 27, 2003: Message edited by: Gorwingel ]

[Marileangorifurnimaluim]

I used to live near the Seattle Center, lower Queen Anne. One couldn't possibly miss the Folklife Festival: that was the day you couldn't park for love or money.

Good idea in theory. But I've had rotten luck meeting up with people in crowds!

- Maril

[Gorwingel]

Yeah, that is the one major problem, actually finding eachother. Because that place is so crowded, and the festival is so popular smilies/rolleyes.gif . Unless you decide to meet someplace else and then make it down to Seattle Center.

[Gorwingel]

I am considering going to a charity screening of TTT in Portland with a special appearance by Sean Astin (very exciting), all the information is right here
Project Elanor (http://elanor.bitofearth.net/news.html)
I just decided to post here about it, because the people who are planning it are very worried about not getting enough people to fill the theater. I know that probably Portland is way out of the way for most of you (and the large amount of time it would take to get down there) but if anyone is interested, I think it would be very fun. It is going to be on Saturday, April 5 at 7 p.m. smilies/cool.gif

[Gorwingel]

I also found out about another local event, but it is very far in advance. I was so happy about this news, I got very excited. On July 17, 2004 Howard Shore is coming to the Seattle Symphony, he is going to be doing two concerts, one at 2 p.m. and the other at 8 p.m. I am of course going to attend this event too (I will be graduated from High School by this time smilies/biggrin.gif) I of course wanted everyone to know about this because it sounds very exciting. The infomation is right here
Seattle Symphony (http://www.seattlesymphony.org/season/series/series_detail.asp?seriesid=99)
It would make for a very wonderful evening smilies/cool.gif

[Raefindel]

Cool! Thanks Gorwingel.

[Marileangorifurnimaluim]

Way cool, Gorwingel. Thank you.

- Maril

[Snowdog]

So what about a Seattle Cinerama line gathering of Barrow Downers for the Return of the King? Just a thought.

[Gorwingel]

Whoa, this thread has not been posted on for a long while.

I don't know what to tell you Snowdog because many of the people who posted here have not been seen haunting the downs for a very long while. I know Raefindel is on vacation right now in Yellowstone and I have not seen Maril for a very, very long time. I personally know that I would not be able to go up to Seattle for the first showing of ROTK on December 19 because I have school the next day, so I will be staying in Olympia and going to my local theater.

If the Washingtonians on the Barrow-Downs aren't able to make it for a Line gathering. You can always check out the Line party on www.theonering.net (http://www.theonering.net) , because I know the one at the Cinerama will be doing something for that night.

Nice to see you here, Welcome to our small coummunity of Washington Barrow-Downers smilies/biggrin.gif

[Snowdog]

Yeah, I know of the TORN party from the last two years runnning. There was always this TORC/TORN animosity it seemed. Well, if I'm the only one, I will try to be first in line with my Barrow Downs t-shirt on! smilies/wink.gif I get on well with many at TORN though I could never really get into posting at that site. My relations have soured with some in the TORC gang since my banning. Oh well.. I love Tolkien, and as much as I rate the PJ movies well below the fine writings of J.R.R., I still like to see them. I did only see Two Towers a couplt times at the theatre as opposed to about 8 times for Fellowship. I look forward to the extended DVD....

Anyway, life goes on and it is the way of the messageboard that some will come as others go, often without word. I lift my glass to you all!

[Gorwingel]

Yeah, I love TORN very much (visit there every day), but the way that their forum is layed out is terrible. That is why I am here, because I have been on other forums with this layout, and I enjoy it much more.

Well stand well, and stand proud while in line smilies/cool.gif Just check back though, we still have a while till December, and we may get new members who are interested in going too. Things may change smilies/wink.gif

[Snowdog]

I will do so as I plan on taking some time off and staking my claim in line on December 15th.

If anyone else will be at the Cinerama on 4th/5th & Lenora in Seattle for the first showing of the Return of the King then PM me or post here as I have activated my email notification for this thread. I may get an extra t-shirt to use as a Barrow Downs Flag! smilies/wink.gif smilies/smile.gif
Cheers! http://forum.barrowdowns.com/ubb/icons/icon13.gif

[Gorwingel]

I just wanted to tell all the Washingtonians that I just purchased my tickets for the Howard Shore concert smilies/biggrin.gif They just started allowing non-subsribers to purchase them today. I am going to be attending the evening performance and I can't wait smilies/cool.gif

[Gorwingel]

Oh another event note to all Washingtonian Barrow-Dowers...

Ringcon is back!

But it is in a different location and on different dates...

It is going to be...
October 24,25,26, 2003
Sheraton Tacoma Hotel
1320 Broadway Plaza, Tacoma, Washington

I am going to be attending, it would be wonderful if anyone else could come smilies/biggrin.gif

Here is the website: www.ringcon.com (http://www.ringcon.com)

[The Barrow-Wight]

Closing this topic. It's not going anywhere, particularly anywhere close to Seattle.