Winter: Lorien, Anduin, Emyn Muil... [Archive] - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

The Squatter of Amon Rûdh

01-07-2003, 10:54 AM

All is quite literally cool here in Reading (we had snow today and expect more tomorrow). My current choice of reading is actually The Holy Thief by Ellis Peters, so I suppose I'm at the Abbey of Shrewsbury in 1144, waiting to see where Robert Beaumont, Earl of Leicester, is going with his playful claim on the reliquary of St. Winifred.

Since most of my thoughts outside of my current reading material are tending towards conclusions and beginnings, one might say that I am at the point of leaving Bag End, which would seem an appropriate place for us all to be, it being the beginning of a new year. Of course, it would be quite shockingly pretentious of me to say any such thing, so feel free to append any such comments below.

mark12_30

01-07-2003, 11:11 AM

Leaving Bag-End... interesting; that feels like an Autumnal thing to me, or April; but January feels like leaving Lorien. We often have January thaw here in RI.

And Lent is coming. Now, for an evangelical/ borderline pentecostal like me, that's a VERY odd statement ("heresy, anyone?"; I can hear my pastor wailing in despair) Despite pastor's anguish, Tolkien has brought me meandering back across the Liturgical border, and Lent confronts me. To me Lent is like the final stage of a ring-quest, and somehow that's how I think Tolkien intended it, calendar-wise. They leave Rivendell Dec. 25, and the Ring is destroyed March 25... Christmas to Easter?

I find myself wondering what burden or curse disguised as a "treasure" I must lose, when I leave Lothlorien (on Ash Wednesday?) and let a river sweep me southward towards "the one place I don't want to get any closer to."

And another part of me persistantly keeps reviewing Bag End, with the fire lit and the teakettle just beginning to sing.

An odd thought: Boating all day on a river in January? They must have frozen.

Diamond18

01-07-2003, 11:15 AM

I'm trying to work up the courage (and finaces...) to leave Bag-end and the Shire behind and venture into the unknown. It's a dangerous business, stepping out of your door. You never know where the road might take you. So you could say I'm standing in the doorway, peering out with trepedation, trying to see if there are any Ringwraiths or Orcs nearby.

I really want to get to Rivendell, where I can concentrate on finishing my book.

mark12_30

01-07-2003, 11:24 AM

What is your book that you need to finish? Good luck getting out the door of Bag End. What will your Rivendell look like?

Like you, I need to "Finish My Book!" You reminded me... I do have another anniversary coming up! I started writing Bolco a year ago February-- and it's still not done! (Hangs head sheepishly) Thanks for the reminder.

[ January 07, 2003: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

Gandalf_theGrey

01-07-2003, 12:26 PM

Thank you, mark12_30:

* humble bow * I had been secretly hoping you'd start a winter topic to match the wonderous autumn topic with which you graced us.

As for me, I am living "The Long Winter" on three different levels at the same time ... the reality of the past, the reality of the present, and fictionally, in an RPG of the same name in the Shire.

The swirling snow with strong wind-driven flakes yesterday enchanted me such that having some time, I felt pulled into it. Thus, I walked several turns around a small lake.

The day was a perfect match of when I was but five years old, Hobbit-sized, just gotten off the school bus from kindergarten, standing alone in the middle of the road. I lived then in West Seneca, one of those suburbs of Buffalo famous for being in the heart of a snow belt. Thick-falling snow accumulated in drifts by the roadside easily higher than knee-deep. Alone, I suddenly found myself encircled and confronted by a ring of wandering wild dogs.

Something told me to make no move, but to only watch them ... the dog directly in front, the one diagonally to my left, the one diagonally to my right. There was hunger in their eyes, yet they waited on me. I wondered for what, since I had no weapon, no shield like the kind my character Giles Harfoot now carries, no knife of Westernesse discovered in a barrow, no logical chance to survive against the teeth of all those enclosing dogs.

Strangely, I was not afraid, but calmly looked beyond the ring of dogs towards survival. Apart from the dogs, everything was coated in the most beautiful, peaceful whiteness, and a hush. The dogs then were bound up in that whiteness, which seemed to muzzle any thought they might have had about growling. I did not know how I would live, but trusted that I would.

Suddenly, an image flashed in my mind. The Lassie tv show ... and then I remembered the neighbor's collie Laddie who lived just two doors down. And so very gently I called Laddie's name. Laddie trotted peacefully next to me and stood.

One by one, the dogs in the ring drifted away. The keen gleam of impending attack in their eyes faded to disappointment, as they each turned without a sound. Laddie then escorted me to my door.

Now the year is 2003, and it is again The Long Winter. The snow flies, settles, returns, and I wonder some days how long the provisions will last. For on December 25th, I prayed for a Christmas miracle seemingly impossible given Time. "I know it's Christmas Day and all businesses are closed, but I want a job for Christmas."

Then last night, a new wave of hope unlooked for washed over me as I happened to read this, posted by lindil:

by the way Greetings on the Old Calendar feast of the Nativity of Christ -tonight/tomorrow morning is when the feast of Nativity is celebrated in among other places] Bethlehem and all of Russia and in addition to a few households in America.

Christmas Day, today? And I have a preliminary job interview this day.

Gandalf the Grey

[ January 07, 2003: Message edited by: Gandalf_theGrey ]

Mithadan

01-07-2003, 01:03 PM

At the risk of raising the ire of my friends here, on Christmas Day I spent much of my time about a mile from my house -- on a beach in 80 degree weather. So I suppose that this winter is perhaps Dol Amroth or Ithilien for me...

Child of the 7th Age

01-07-2003, 02:28 PM

Helen,

Thanks for the topic.

I fear I am in Isengard during an unusually warm winter. I am attempting to stay out of harm's way with mixed success.

The natural world is fine. The weather is warm, up into the 60s during the afternoons, and quite sunny. No sign of rain or snow in sight, but the sandy beaches, I am afraid, are miles away. I don't see any nice green landscape, only lots of commerce and industry and the smokestacks of the refineries. Plus, my cracked ribs ache so much that this has got to be someplace with lots of Shadow. I swear I saw Sauron's agents lurking in darkness around the next corner just the other day.

I admit this is not my favorite time of year. I always identify with poor old Frodo on his return to the Shire as he counted the days, dreading March 13 and October 6. Many years ago, in January, we lost a baby to SIDS. We have two great kids who keep us scrambling, but that day still tugs at the heart.

The good news is that Spring comes very early here, and while the rest of you poor, freezing folk will still be struggling along the Redhorn Pass, we hope to begin seeing flower bulbs poking through in our gardens. I definitely have visions of daffodils in my head, and once these ribs manage to mend, I hope, like Samwise, to do something to achieve that goal.

Gandalf -- good luck with that interview!

sharon

[ January 07, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

Maikadilwen

01-07-2003, 02:51 PM

Mithadan.... We really didn't want to hear that! smilies/mad.gif Do you have a spare room? smilies/wink.gif

Where am I...? With the weather we have right now (8 inches of snow in one night), I would say, crossing the Helcaraxë, with all the struggles and losses that come with that.

For me, stepping into the new year has meant the beginning of a new journey, a new life, since brutal reality decided to deal me a blow and harshly rip me out of a sweet and pleasant dream.
Struggling through ice and snow I am now leaving behind what I know and warily stepping into the unknown, with the hope that I may find my true place in the big puzzle.

[ January 07, 2003: Message edited by: Maikadilwen ]

Kuruharan

01-07-2003, 05:55 PM

My current choice of reading is actually The Holy Thief by Ellis Peters, so I suppose I'm at the Abbey of Shrewsbury in 1144, waiting to see where Robert Beaumont, Earl of Leicester, is going with his playful claim on the reliquary of St. Winifred.

[hops up and down excitedly]

Ohmygosh! A fellow Cadfael reader! So nice to find them out there! smilies/wink.gif

Anyway, back to Tolkien.

Since I am about to start school again, after a slightly distressing Christmas break, I feel like I'm staring at the Black Gate after coming through the Dead Marshes. (Not good. smilies/frown.gif )

As a side note, the weather here will be in the mid-70's tomorrow, then a heavy frost the next day, followed by snow the day after that. Bizarre! smilies/eek.gif

Raefindel

01-07-2003, 08:01 PM

Thanks for the Topic, Helen. Nice choice. smilies/smile.gif

Gandalf, I wish you well in your job-search.

I believe I must be in the Dead Marshes right now. The steps are trecherous and a simple slip or distraction will plunge me into the mire to face the battles already fought and won or lost, and the faces still hanging around to haunt me. I must remember that love keeps no record of wrongs, only then will the faces disappear.

The lights are flickering,as well; leading me astray, keeping me from achieving my goal, though my goal is not the black gate, but home and hearth.

In addition to my own family of 5, I'm caregiver to my grandparents and my Mother-in-law. My Mother-in-law is a TRIAL! And it is difficult to put our old battles to rest.I keep baking lembas to cheer my sad little heart, and I'm looking forward to spring!

[ January 07, 2003: Message edited by: Raefindel ]

Gandalf_theGrey

01-08-2003, 01:40 AM

Mithadan:

Actually, in the wintertime, I prefer a rousing snowstorm to an 80-degree sunny day at the beach.

sharon:

Isengard! May the springtime bring a brighter transformation in Shire-hues of green and yellow. You're in my thoughts and prayers, both for the healing of your ribs and in remembrance of the loss of your child to SIDS. * bows * Thanks for your well-wishes on the job interview, we'll see if it leads to another.

Raefindel:

Thanks for your well-wishes regarding my employment endeavors. The Dead Marshes ... may your steps be sure, your path true, and the light that is in you remain living.

~~ Gandalf the Grey

Diamond18

01-09-2003, 10:15 PM

What is your book that you need to finish? Good luck getting out the door of Bag End. What will your Rivendell look like?

My book is a fantasy novel, which is somewhat inspired by Tolkien, but still my own style which is quite different. As I think about it the plot stretches out before me quite vaguely, and I know it will take many pages to to develop and resolve. I hope it will be "worth" its length. And sometimes I really get bogged down by my large number of characters (all of whom I love too much to kill off!).

I don't know what my own personal Rivendell will look like for me...that's vague too. It's like I won't know what it is until I see it, and I haven't seen it yet.

Thanks for the encouragment. smilies/smile.gif

Like you, I need to "Finish My Book!" You reminded me... I do have another anniversary coming up! I started writing Bolco a year ago February-- and it's still not done! (Hangs head sheepishly) Thanks for the reminder.

Ah, keep on working! And remember, it took about 13 years for Tolkien to write LotR. I have read your "The Fairy Wife" and I thought it was wonderful. smilies/smile.gif

piosenniel

01-10-2003, 04:31 AM

Unfortunately, this winter finds me often in Minas Anor, sixth level, the Houses of Healing. Many of my patients with cancer have gone out of remission, and much of my time is spent working with them to get through chemotherapy, or working with them to make their last days as comfortable as possible.

There have been many trips this season through Fen Hollen, and down Rath Dínen, to the Hallows . . .

mark12_30

01-16-2003, 12:41 PM

Gandalf_theGrey, how goes the jobhunt?
Sharon, are you okay?
Pio, where are you in Minas Anor?
Rae, are you still slogging thru the marshes?
Maikadilwen, how is the ice treating you?
Diamond_18, how goes the writing?
Kuruharan, are you back in school now?
Mith and Squatter, how are you?

Diamond18

01-16-2003, 12:46 PM

I wrote half a page the other day. So...er...that's better than nothing!

On the other hand, the Entish Bow RPG is coming along smashingly. Which explains why I only wrote half a page the other day. smilies/biggrin.gif

piosenniel

01-16-2003, 12:49 PM

Helen -

The sixth level of Minas Anor holds The Houses of Healing. My metaphor for the hospital where I work. It has been very busy this season - many of my cancer patients are in relapse and not doing well.

Many of them have died. So, my reference to the trips through Fen Hollin, the closed door that leads from the sixth level to Rath Dínen, the Silent Street that leads to the tombs.

Sorry to be so morose, but it has been a heavy Winter - I am looking forward to the renewal of Spring . . .

[ January 16, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Lush

01-16-2003, 12:52 PM

Yeah, how is everyone? Freezing your buns off just like me? Searching from a pool of rich college boys for your next human radiator? smilies/biggrin.gif Re-reading The Lorien Chapters and wondering what kind of bleach Galadriel used on her robes? Idly braiding your hair a lá Legolas? Praying for another snow-day? That's all the news fit to print from this little collegiate den of vice, for now.

...pio, your posts will never cease to remind me what a charmed, wasteful life I lead in comparison. Good luck, friend.

[ January 16, 2003: Message edited by: Lush ]

piosenniel

01-16-2003, 12:58 PM

I must admit I do love the way Leggy had his hair braided in the recent film. Do you suppose he'd share the name of his hairdresser if I asked nicely? smilies/wink.gif

Raefindel

01-16-2003, 05:17 PM

As a matter of fact, Helen, thisng have taken a drastic change! I may have found a job, un-looked for! That will change my whole situation! Wow! Praise God!

Maikadilwen

01-16-2003, 05:28 PM

Well Helen, since you asked... smilies/smile.gif

The ice seems to have closed around me ever since I fell into a nasty pit.
But I did find a tube of super-glue, which I now hope works on both broken minds and hearts....

[ January 16, 2003: Message edited by: Maikadilwen ]

doug*platypus

01-17-2003, 05:42 AM

Sam I Am

Having recently returned from adventures with friends in another country, I find myself left behind while others go to the Havens (or India, if you will), with a female type person, a cosy hobbit-hole and a first baby on the way.

After an excellent interview today, I also look likely to move into local government, like the much vaunted Master Gamgee, although not at the political level.

Well, I'm back.

mark12_30

01-17-2003, 07:05 AM

Pio, friend, I did understand your analogies, but was just trying to ask gently how you were doing... Death is hard, and there's not much that makes it any easier, is there? Spring would be good.

Legolas's hairdresser-- I don't know. But that herringbone braid in teh back sure is cool. And yes, many a morning I've spent taking it out and trying *again* to get it presetable (forget the herringbone, plain old french-braid...) if only my hair wasn't so frizzy and weak and brittle and so dratted THIN...

My main consolation would be that Cate Blanchett wore a wig. However, daily I am reminded that my boss has thick, luxuriant, cascading, wavy, shiny glossy shimmering hair, that would braid like a dream.

Okay, so I'm not SUPPOSED to be jealous (covetous?) of someone else's hair. How terribly unspiritual... Welcome to my pettiness.

Doug-- way cool about the baby! And I hope the position materializes...

[ January 17, 2003: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

Kuruharan

01-17-2003, 08:20 AM

Kuruharan, are you back in school now?

Yes. Appalling, isn't it?!

red

01-17-2003, 11:05 AM

When this topic was started, I was away in Lorien (aka St. Lucia, West Indies - Southern Caribbean). I reluctantly left that refuge and will resume my brown wizard training (aka Vet Tech school) soon. smilies/smile.gif

piosenniel

01-17-2003, 03:14 PM

Helen -

I appreciate your concern.

You know, though, for the most part the Gift of Men is used well by the clients with whom I work. Not hard, really - graceful, and beautiful often to behold. It's only that there has been so much of it of late . . .

Diamond18

01-17-2003, 03:15 PM

However, daily I am reminded that my boss has thick, luxuriant, cascading, wavy, shiny glossy shimmering hair, that would braid like a dream.

Hmmm...sure about that? It's been my experience that thick, wavy, etc. etc. hair refuses to do a thing, and is fine if you want the cascading look, but nothing else. People keep gifting me with hair accessories, without realizing that if I could use those things, I would have them already. Grrrr.

This message is devoid of any shred of Tolkien references. Well, except that I would never ever be able to wear my hair like Legolas or Galadriel, etc. Lame tag on, I know... But this in the Barrow Downs forum... It's about us. smilies/biggrin.gif

mark12_30

01-17-2003, 08:45 PM

When winter first begins to bite,
and stones crack in the frosty night,
When pools are black and trees are bare,
'tis evil in the Wild to fare.

(But going for a snowy, moonlit walk isn't half bad, even when you come back with a bone-deep chill. Time for cocoa...)

mark12_30

01-20-2003, 10:47 AM

Actually, this is turning out to be a surprisingly elvish winter (for a hobbit.) Today I have off, and my husband with me; this morning we head for the archery club. And this afternoon is Lembas-baking. (I wonder how I'll spend the evening?)

And speaking of archery, is this
Mirkwood bow (http://www.stickstone.com/mirkwood_bow.htm) gorgeous or what? Too bad they start at a forty-pound draw weight, I'm not there yet... maybe someday.

[ January 20, 2003: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

Raefindel

01-20-2003, 03:26 PM

Helen, I'm jealous! I always wanted to try my hand at archery, but alas, it would aggravate an old shoulder injury.

Gandalf, How goes the job search? My prayers and best wishes in your search.

Doug, congratulations on the expected baby. May your wife have as easy a labor as I did. Then again, that might scare you... 38 minutes is not a lot of time to get to the hospital. smilies/wink.gif

Pio, Hope your holding up under the strain. It's tough to always be the strong one.

mark12_30

01-23-2003, 01:41 PM

I wonder if it ever got this cold in the Shire? This morning it was zzz... zzzze... zzzeeee.... uh... z-z-z-zero degrees at our house. That doesn't normally happen. Now I know how Frodo felt on Caradhras. "This will be the death of the hobbits."

And from Bilbo: "I wish I was back at Bag End with the kettle just beginning to sing." I'd have the kettle on the woodstove, I think.

If it's that cold again tonight I think I'll bake more lembas. Wish I knew Bilbo's recipe for seed-cake.

Lush

01-23-2003, 02:32 PM

Caradhras? Heh. Try getting stuck in the middle of the night, in the middle of a snow storm, on THE WRONG CAMPUS, wearing stilettos while experiencing a major hangover. Try that, Frodo.

mark12_30

01-23-2003, 02:59 PM

...and people call ME crazy for wearing birkenstocks in the snow. Stilettos... Lush, m'dear!

Though fair, fair and cold, a maiden of the Rohirrim wears something more practical around horses. Can't I talk you into something besides stilettos?

Wrong campus... hmmmm.

Lush

01-23-2003, 03:03 PM

Duke has three main residential campuses. I live on East, but found myself on West at 3 in the morning last night. The "safe ride vans"? Oh, they had shut down their routes!!! At least Frodo had someone to carry him. Thank God for random upperclassmen, right?

As for stilettos, I am sure that Eowyn tried them at least at some point in her lifetime. They make good weapons, you know.

Raefindel

01-23-2003, 11:54 PM

Alas, I bought the kids snowboards for Christmas, and IT HAS NEVER SNOWED! It's 55 and raining.

If it's that cold again tonight I think I'll bake more lembas. Wish I knew Bilbo's recipe for seed-cake.

Ya know, I have that recipe, too, Helen! smilies/cool.gif

mark12_30

01-24-2003, 06:18 AM

Ok, Rae...?

Raefindel

01-24-2003, 12:18 PM

Do you want it in a PM or should I post it in the "Arda Recipe Book"? It would appear right after my "Orc chops" recipe.

mark12_30

01-24-2003, 12:22 PM

Oh, post it. Share the wealth. But do send me the link smilies/smile.gif

Gorwingel

01-24-2003, 07:44 PM

Right now I feel like Frodo on a long journey (also known as high school), but not with a ring that is trying to take control of me. Finals just finished at my school so things are on the upswing, but the winters in Washington State are not good (well maybe for some of you they would be wonderful) we are the only people in the U.S. who are not having a cold winter. It is about 15 degrees warmer than it usually is. We have not had any snow, and it is rainy and grey. I would love to have a white winter (I always wish for snow) but alas it never comes.

Raefindel

01-25-2003, 10:45 AM

Yeah, even one show would be nice, wouldn't it? smilies/frown.gif

mark12_30

01-28-2003, 02:12 PM

Come east. We had a dusting of snow last night. But it was too cold to snow much: in the fourteen years I have lived here, I could count the number of times I've seen ice on the bay on one hand. This morning was one of them.

Welcome to the Helcaraxe???

Raefindel

01-28-2003, 03:16 PM

I have NEVER been east.

mark12_30

01-30-2003, 09:20 AM

There is barely enough snow outside to cover a hobbit's toes. But we did get a fresh dusting last night.

Lush

01-30-2003, 03:42 PM

I have NEVER been east.

Really? No New York? No Washington D.C.? No (surely not) trips to the hallowed halls of Duke University?

Heh. The western-most I've ever been is Knoxville, Tenn., so I really shouldn't be talking.

Duke, in the meantime, is turning out a bit too much like Bree to my taste. You know, plenty of shady characters, nothing overly exciting happening.

Raefindel

01-30-2003, 03:45 PM

I have been to Florida, so I suppose that's East, but no, none of the places you mentioned.

mark12_30

02-05-2003, 09:30 AM

Okay, we're into February.

This may sound extremely bizarre to some of you, but last winter I read that Tolkien specifically dated the Ring quest to go from Christmas (Dec 25 the fellowship leaves Rivendell) to Easter (March 25, Ring finally ends up in the Cracks of Doom.) I know there are calendar issues, but I'm not a Shire-calendar major, nor an elvish calendar expert, so I tend to cheat and just pretend it's all the same (Tolkien put it all into english calendar for us, so I feel somewhat justified in doing so; so shoot me.)

Now, I'm an evangelical, but this is another aspect of Tolkien's catholicism that intrigues me greatly, and the obvious parallel between Frodo's final journey and the catholic season of Lent, which is oriented towards Wandering in the Wilderness: can be compared to Jesus' 40 day fast, or Moses' (or even the Israelites' 40 years wandering in the desert; bit of a stretch, but the analogy is permissable to many, especially considering the parallels between Maundy Thursday and Passover, although that's kind of backwards too since the Isrealites had Passover first and then wandered afterwards... where was I?)

Anyway-- since I made that association between the destruction of the Ring and Easter, late winter has become a significant time for me regarding letting things go. I relate it to the Ring quest, quite a bit; what are the things that I should be letting Iluvatar have, instead of holding onto them?

Sometimes I finally arrive at the mountain, claim the thing for my own, and find that somebody bites it out of my posession, and so learn that being bitten is not always such a bad thing, so to speak. Especially if there's a Sam nearby to drag one to safety.

The church-calendar Lent starts on Ash Wednesday which changes depending on when Easter falls-- Ash Wednesday falls on March 5 this year. But relating it to the Ring-quest instead-- just for kicks-- counting backwards from March 25 (which this year happens to be a Tuesday), forty days, then a ring-quest-oriented "lent" would start on Friday Feb 14 or so.

Interesting that the company of the Ring set out from Lorien on 16th Feb.

So... 14th, or perhaps the 16th Feb to March 25... I wonder whether I'll do anything to "celebrate" that. ('Celebrating' lent... who came up with that phrase?) Connecting the Mythos this way seems very appropriate to me. Anyway, I wondered whether anybody else was intrigued by the parallels, or perhaps celebrated/ observed them, or connected them somehow with their other observances.

From the Encyclopedia of Arda:

16 February The Company of the Ring depart from Lórien.
25 February Death of Théodred at the First Battle of the Fords of Isen.
26 February Boromir is slain by Orcs; the Fellowship of the Ring is broken.
29 February Uglúk's Orc-band is destroyed by the Rohirrim. Merry and Pippin escape into Fangorn Forest.
2 March The Second Battle of the Fords of Isen.
3 March Destruction of Isengard by the Ents.
10 March An army out of the Morannon captures Cair Andros and invades Anórien.
13 March Aragorn captures the fleet of the Corsairs at Pelargir.
14 March A dispute breaks out in the Tower of Cirith Ungol, leading to open battle between the Orcs in the Tower.
15 March Death of King Théoden in the Battle of the Pelennor. He is succeeded by his nephew Éomer.
15 March The Battle of the Pelennor Fields.
15 March The pyre of Denethor.
...
25 March Destruction of the One Ring and final downfall of Sauron and his Nazgûl.

[ February 05, 2003: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

Eärendil

02-06-2003, 10:57 AM

Where I am..

Well,
I am on my way home with my own Fellowship (which consists of many many people), the quest is over, and no one was lost (except the old me).
Though, it has been a long and hard journey to Mordor...

The way to Rivendell almost cost me my life, but I made it there. And the journey turned out to be much longer than I first thought..
We had to go all the way: The cold Caradhras, the deep and dark Moria, the peaceful and beautiful Lothlórien (the stay there was much too short), Anduin, Emyn Muil, the Dead Marshes, the Wasteland, Ithilien (again, too short a stay), and the whole long and terrible way to Mount Doom.
I was taken captive too, which would have been the end for me, hadn´t my forever faithful ones saved me.
The last bit to Mount Doom is the hardest thing I have ever been through, and I despaired, it definately seemed like we would never make it. At last I able to cast my burden into the Fire, with a lot of help and support from my Fellowship. (No need of a Gollum, fortunately.)
We had made it, but we were changed, never to be the same again.

I am not feeling as bad as Frodo did, and I certainly hope I will never have to go to Valinor for healing. I have won (although the price I had to pay might have been just a little too high), though, the remnants of my burden are showing from time to time, and that tells me that everything is not over yet, which things seldom are in this world.
Well well, he who lives will see...

What I am talking about:
In May 1999 I lost my mother, she committed suicide. I was almost 14 years old. A terrible shock, of course, and half a year later I got a depression, which is what I call my burden.
The journey has been long and hard, I have often despaired and been close to dying myself, but I am still alive, still hoping, still fighting...

Eärendil

[ February 06, 2003: Message edited by: Eärendil ]

mark12_30

02-06-2003, 12:45 PM

Earendil,

Thanks for posting your journey. There are few things more difficult than losing a loved one to suicide, I think. I lost a friend to suicide and that was horrible (still is.) How much harder it must be when one's mother does this. I am sorry for what you have gone through, and glad that you persevered and have come through it. You'll be in my prayers.

grace and peace, --mark12_30

Gandalf_theGrey

02-06-2003, 04:55 PM

Eärendil:

You are in my prayers as well.

* bows a greeting simple in action, deep in intent *

Gandalf the Grey

The Saucepan Man

02-06-2003, 10:24 PM

Eärendil, my thoughts are with you too. My own experience has been similar, and so my heart goes out to you.

Keep fighting and keep hoping.

Gorwingel

02-06-2003, 10:51 PM

Oh, I am so sorry about that Eärendil

I wish you all the best smilies/smile.gif

mark12_30

02-10-2003, 06:01 AM

Though here at journey's end I lie
in darkness buried deep
beyond all towers strong and high,
beyond all mountains steep,
above all shadows rides the Sun
and stars forever dwell
I will not say the day is done
nor bid the stars farewell

Vardamar

02-10-2003, 06:10 AM

I am now battling it out in the Pellenor. Wish me luck. Once I am finished, I will ride a great winged beast (airplane) to the great cracks of doom in Arizona(Grand Canyon, and the fortress of Baradur(Los Angles). I will also see the bridge of Kahzad Dum(golden gate bridge)

Raefindel

02-10-2003, 10:47 AM

Hang on everyone, spring is on the way!

Liriodendron

02-10-2003, 01:21 PM

Snow....Ewh! (has that look on her face that movie Gandalf had right after the balrog fell) I am so "over it"! smilies/rolleyes.gif

Gorwingel

02-10-2003, 02:20 PM

You won't appricate the snow until it's gone smilies/wink.gif or when you've never had it.

Gilthalion

02-10-2003, 03:10 PM

I'm sure I could never catch up with everything, but let me hit a few points:

I began my reading of Tolkien back in 1977-78. There was a fellow in our Algebra class who was reading FOTR. I was surprised to see him actually READING A BOOK, first of all, and so I wondered what it was. He told me. I looked into matters and saw that TH came first, so I checked it out that afternoon at the local library. Soon I had read TH and LOTR.

Since then, I've read them both, and then the SIL when it came out in paperback, almost every year. Last year, I read TH and LOTR aloud to my wife (see link in sig for RealAudio samples). So I've read LOTR on the order of 20 times, though I've lost an exact count. My late 70's paperbacks, the ones with the Tolkien watercolors, are falling to pieces. I have newer editions of TH, LOTR, and the SIL. Like Red (Hi!) I've also read LOST TALES and am working my way through the HOME as leisure permits.

I have a little leisure at the moment. As long time Barrow-wights are aware, I have been away for a while. This brings me to the second main theme of this thread, where am I in the journey?

(BTW, check out the little map to the side of this post...)

I suppose I am leaving Rivendell, in a way. Last September and December I had surgery, and the Mrs also had surgery in December, and we're really just getting back to speed. (Thanks to the healing virtues of the elves at Springhill Memorial and Mobile Infirmary!)

My laboratory technician job ran dry this past Friday, so I've been putting in applications this morning for new work. Moria may lie ahead. Caradhras is not far (finding a job in Mobile, AL in the 4th year of a local recession may not be easy).

I introduced Choctaw County to D&D shortly after reading Tolkien, perhaps before the second reading. AD&D followed. I've played both sides of the table, and enjoyed it immensely.

I noticed that several of you oldsters are writing your own works! I invite you to check my signature for a link to THE HOBBITS, an LOTR sequel buried here on the Downs. (I'll be looking in on Bolco as time permits!) It's had some good reviews. The old Barrow-Wight himself informs me that 40-something people were reading it last week alone.

I'm presently working on a post-apocalyptic fantasy (according to Tolkien's notion of a Fairy Tale) based on certain Jewish/Christian notions of the Millennial Kingdom. ETA: Christmas 2003. Publish Date: ??? Financial Remuneration: (Probably diddly-squat! Hey, Mithadan! Do you represent would-be authors? You could probably pick up some business on this thread!)

Lush

02-10-2003, 03:18 PM

Hey, Mithadan! Do you represent would-be authors? You could probably pick up some business on this thread!

But Mith's a lawyer, right? Don't you need an agent in order to get published? Sorry for the boring tought, anyhoo.

I am with those who are sick of winter. It's not the snow that bothers me (we've only had it twice here in Durham), it's the lack of it. Winter in North Carolina is mostly ugly, grey, and windy, and I despise it from atop of my high aesthetic standards, and anyway, I want to bust out the mini-skirt again.

Liriodendron

02-10-2003, 06:16 PM

Yeah...Everything is the color of cardboard in winter. smilies/frown.gif I am so sick of wearing turtle necks, but would freeze if I didn't.

mark12_30

02-10-2003, 07:12 PM

After having bobsledded my way home through the hills white-knuckled through every intersection and sweating on every slippery slope, and then having to go out again (over different hills but no less treacherous) because I was out of dogfood, I am finally home.

I am now gazing soulfully out at the delicate white tracery outlining every oak limb and twig to utter perfection, and listening to the perfect stillness (only occasionally disturbed by the grinding of a steel plow blade and diesel engine) and watching old puppy-footprints soften and fade under the soft rounding of the new snow.

Perfect. It's perfect. It's like a jewel, like a snowflake in supersize. Every curve of the ground is graceful and elegant, every branch is a glistening treasure.

I know the elves prefer greenery, with no winter. And I'll be glad to greet the golden crocuses--Elanor!-- and snowdrops--Niphredil!--, late though they are this year! But I love the bare branches, and when they are wrapped with snow, they are lovelier still.

For the glory of this moment, I can ignore the ice-dam in the garage rear-gutter.

mark12_30

02-10-2003, 07:57 PM

Amazing-- it's still snowing, very softly, and there is no wind-- but I can see two stars. Well, one of them might be jupiter.

(edit) Make that plenty of stars plus the moon; still gently snowing.

[ February 10, 2003: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

Gorwingel

02-10-2003, 09:48 PM

Mark that sounds so beautiful, I wish I was there , it sounds so wonderful. As long as you don't have to drive though it. smilies/wink.gif

mark12_30

02-12-2003, 11:10 PM

Hey, anybody seen Tom Bombadil around lately?

Liriodendron

02-12-2003, 11:32 PM

I saw him last night, running through the blizzard, laughing! The snow flakes didn't stick to him! smilies/smile.gif

Gilthalion

02-13-2003, 09:11 AM

I don't know much about it, but I assume the best literary agents ARE lawyers!

Gandalf_theGrey

02-16-2003, 04:33 PM

* a familiar grey figure crunches into view over the rise of ice-encrusted snowdrifts in sturdy boots, hat pulled down to his bushy brows, cloak close about his neck, a hint of icicles about his beard, pipesmoke streaming thin along currents of flurrying wind *

mark12_30:

As a matter of fact yes, I visited Tom and Goldberry this past January 19th, at the House of Bombadil! smilies/smile.gif

You see, the Historical Interpreter for the park system where I volunteer is the spitting image of Old Tom, right on down to the merry banter, singing, and fiddle-playing! And he hosted a potluck dinner for the volunteers of the voyageur canoe program.

Wind chimes of azure blue and silver rolled out rich tones on my arrival. Door was open, and I let myself in, for all the rest were just sitting down to supper. A hearty meal it was, of ham and spiced green beans with mushrooms, of sausage and stuffed peppers, of white rolls with butter, of pie and cake, beer and coffee.

We spoke of the ways of chipmunks, and of boating on the river. There came a sad tale, for Tom had gone walking and come across a dead fox that someone had hunted and simply left behind.

There was a table for children set with candles, and the tiny flames seemed to cast a spell to make them well-behaved and keep a decorous quiet ... for we grown-ups had no candles at our table, and it was we elders who were full of boisterous laughter!

We then went and sat before the hearth where a strong fire blazed ... and would you believe, Tom invoked the very topic of this thread ... With eyes and smile as warm as the afternoon summer sun, he asked us each to tell what we were doing to enjoy the winter! The magic of it was such that winter itself seemed to thaw into a golden blending of time, so that I ended by forgetting what day it was. And any who were cold were laughingly encouraged to sit in "the hot seat" closest to the fire ... People took turns, shivering as they came, but not shivering, nor sitting there, for long! smilies/smile.gif

But there was a more touching magic, the magic of an unspoken wish come true. For last year, someone as a surprise had brought a cake decorated with a drawing of Old Tom, his boat, and each one of us volunteers who together form a fellowship. We were each served the slice of cake bearing our image on the frosting, and laughingly devoured it all too soon. So this year, I hoped for the same sort of surprise ... only one more tangible, lasting. When lo and behold! Tom brought out a parcel of shirts bound up with string, and began passing them around to each of us ... and there adorning each shirt was the very same drawing of our fellowhip that had graced the cake a year ago!

At last the time came for visitors to depart. Tom, Goldberry and I kept our spirits up at our farewell, though all three of us keenly felt at that time the uncertainty of where my road would lead. Thus, we did not wish to say good-bye, preferring the promise of, "I'll see you again in the spring!" The road of course, goes ever on, and leads to ever more adventure ... but may the road never lead me so far as to keep me from returning to this house and these friends!

Gandalf the Grey

Birdland

02-16-2003, 05:17 PM

Except on the high moors of the North Farthing, a heavy fall was rare in the Shire, and was regarded as a pleasant event and a chance for fun. - The Fellowship of the Ring, "The Ring Goes South"
So how are all the North-Eastern Downers enjoying our "event"? I went to work Friday evening expecting an icestorm that would strand me at school overnight, and walked out into a glowing, quiet world of snow instead.

All winter we have suffered through, small, nasty snowstorms, leaving little snow but much bitter cold and cloud covered skies. This one though, reminds me of the snows of my childhood, when dad could build us a snow fort as high as our house, and you could walk through the fields and orchards following the tracks of foxes, rabbits and deer. The air was calm, the cold not deadly but invigorating, and coats and scarves actually offer some protection.

Of course, I can write this knowing I have a warm house to return to after I've had my fun. "There and back again", as it were.

[ February 16, 2003: Message edited by: Birdland ]

Raefindel

02-18-2003, 03:24 PM

Helen is in Washington with me and she is missing this storm. smilies/tongue.gif

Lush

02-18-2003, 04:03 PM

The higher powers cancelled class yesterday due to the ice and snow (which is about seventy five percent slush by now), so I spent the entire day in my a bathrobe, reading, writing and drinking (tea), feeling like some sort of feminized and Russified Bilbo Baggins figure (THAT'll be the day!).

Estelyn Telcontar

02-25-2003, 07:49 AM

I experienced one of my favourite times of transition this morning, walking outdoors before sunrise. When I stepped out of the door (a dangerous business! smilies/wink.gif ) the stars shone brightly, the waning moon cast pale shadows and Venus sent greetings from the dark blue heavens. As I walked, the eastern horizon lightened and reddened, the blue of the sky grew paler, the first bird sang a lonely, cheerful song. The stars faded, the moon itself became but a shadow in the lightening sky, night turned into morning.

Many thoughts accompanied me on my solitary walk; experiencing those changes actively, instead of just standing or sitting to watch the sunrise, gave me the feeling of making a journey. Moving from night to day (“Day shall come again!” ) as a symbol for new hope, moving from the cold, clear winter of the night to the warmth of a sunny, spring-like morning as a symbol of new life and growth.

For the first time, I was aware of another analogy – the fading of the stars as the Fading of the Elves, who loved them and honoured Varda, and the dawning of the Age of Men…

Alphaelin

02-28-2003, 02:44 AM

What a great thread! As my form of Christianity does celebrate Lent, I am pondering how I can best honor the suffering of Christ. So I am preparing to be taken into the Tower of Cirith Ungol. There I will lose my mithril coat, my Elvish sword, cloak and brooch; and will start on the journey to Mount Doom without the protection I thought they offered, depending instead on friendship, love, hope and duty. If there is a dark night of despair as the journey nears its end, hopefully I will see how even things dear and useful can burden us and slow us down. I hope I will be able to cast them away so I can come to my journey's end and revel in the victory of love over evil and death.

mark12_30

03-06-2003, 12:27 PM

Just this morning I was sniffing the air and enjoying the thawing smell, and thinking that Ithilien was on its way... and -- wham! Back to Caradhras!

They've closed 95 southbound due to several many--car accidents, and there are accidents on other roads (3, 24) as well.

And despite my husband's wise warnings, of course I still wore my birkenstock sandals today. What was that line about the snow being barely deep enough to cover a hobbits' toes? I am afraid it will get a little deeper than that....

[ March 07, 2003: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

amyrlis

03-07-2003, 11:21 AM

I thought the rain which issued in March last weekend signified a change on the horizon...but, four or so more inches of snow later, and temperatures barely making it into the teens (F) today, I realize it will still be a long while before I see the days of lazy evenings and fireflies. Having come to {Helcaraxe} on January 1, I have yet to see the green (or brown maybe?) of the fields, or the leaves that will hopefully grow on the tree outside my door. At least another month, maybe two, will pass before I see a sign of color in the flower bed.

But when snow drifts melt away, I know I will be sad in a way to see them go. In my mind, there is nothing more serene or peaceful than a quiet snow falling on a grove already blanketed with white in the late afternoon light of a hazy sun. The ice covered branches and bushes appear like a crystaline kingdom scene and I'm transported to the eternal winter-night of Narnia. With my faithful Huan by my side I tread along the drifts while the snowflakes gently land on the boughs of the pine trees.

Luckily the wardrobe door is not far off and I can slip back inside to warm the fingers and toes. Sadly, no one is there to great us, as my loved one is away on his own adventure with the Rangers of the North. So I cozy up with a mug of hot tea and my hardback copy of Lost Tales, Huan breathing soundly at my feet, both of us awaiting warmer days and my Ranger's return.

mark12_30

03-15-2003, 03:05 AM

Hopefully it will be spring soon, but while crawling across Gorgoroth, with dwindling Lembas supplies, it's hard to imagine spring coming at all, let alone being in Ithilien to enjoy it... how is everybody? Hanging in there?

Maikadilwen

03-15-2003, 10:26 AM

Trying to get by and enjoy the early Spring and the sun while it's here, as I am preparing to leave this place (at least for a while) to travel over the great sea and into the West to the one who is waiting for me there. smilies/smile.gif

Lush

03-15-2003, 01:39 PM

Ooh, Maika, so very cryptic. smilies/wink.gif

As for me, I'm singing in the rain, looking forward to wearing the mini again. Have I made it? So far.

Child of the 7th Age

03-15-2003, 06:31 PM

It is definitely spring here in Houston, Texas. Loads of flowers and 80 degrees. The AC in my car is broken, and I've decided I best get it fixed soon.

sharon

Liriodendron

03-15-2003, 09:37 PM

The first spring days have arrived in Indiana! I love the trilling of the red winged blackbirds. Robins are running around everywhere, looking comical, and agitated. I'm starting to think about all my garden decor and goodies. I almost got some of the wind chimes out, but I know there will be a "last blast"!

Gorwingel

03-15-2003, 10:27 PM

Oh yes, Spring, such a wonderful and hopeful season. The little flowers have already bloomed on many of the trees, and the daffodils have come and gone. Though I could really use some of Galadriel's dust to help my garden grow (because I so don't have a green thumb). And unlike Bilbo and Frodo, who seem to get the urge to travel in the Autumn, I am getting the very strong urge to travel from my homeland right now. The Spring's and Summer's are lovely here. But I just want to go and find new places, and have adventures of my own smilies/cool.gif

Alphaelin

03-16-2003, 11:33 PM

I'm still staggering across Gorgoroth, despite having a small rest in the form of a balmy 60-70 degree weekend. However the dark clouds aren't gone yet, and are expected to dump more snow by week's end.

The emotional landscape has been quite grim since last week, with no liklihood of relief anytime soon. However, I continue - hoping even the smallest actions may still have beneficial results.

I'd give a great deal to see the geese returning - never mind robins (or Eagles?), geese migrating north are the true harbringers of spring in my part of the Midwest.

Liriodendron

03-17-2003, 07:13 AM

I saw the geese! Last week! Oh happy day! smilies/biggrin.gif

mark12_30

03-25-2003, 10:22 AM

Geese, robins; crocus, emerging daffodils, and.... ticks.

Yep, spring is here. I wonder whether there were ticks in Ithilien. Probably the orcs brought them there.

Somehow it seems I should close this thread, since it's now spring. But instead: please go to "When Spring Unfolds The Beechen Leaf." Grace and peace, --Helen

[ March 28, 2003: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

mark12_30

12-14-2008, 04:41 PM

When Winter first begins to bite
When stones crack in the frosty night
When pools are black and trees are bare
'tis evil in the wild to fare.

Where does your Tolkienish journey take you as winter descends?

Raefindel

12-16-2008, 04:12 PM

I'm hoping mine won't take me anywhere!

We're supposed to have temps in the single digits tonight and 6 inches of snow tomorrow.

I'm SO hoping school will be cancelled tomorrow!

Ibrîniðilpathânezel

12-16-2008, 05:08 PM

I often read LotR during the fall or winter months, since we have many skanky days during that time of year. Though I can be moved to read Tolkien just about any time of year.

I'm hoping mine won't take me anywhere!

We're supposed to have temps in the single digits tonight and 6 inches of snow tomorrow.

I'm SO hoping school will be cancelled tomorrow!

Ah, to be young again, and be able to look forward to lots of snow as a break from school. :) We've had over 17" of snow since the first of December, lost most of it on Sunday when it got unseasonably warm and rained, then went into the deep freeze in the wee hours of Monday morning. It didn't get above about 9 yesterday, went subzero last night, climbed up into the teens today, and is snowing now. We're supposed to get 3" to 5" tonight (not enough to even slow down local school buses), and possibly another 6" to 12" Thursday into Friday. I enjoy watching it snow, and I like the way it looks after the streets are cleaned up, but I really hate having to dig out my car when we get walloped (we only have a single car garage, and my husband gets to keep his car there, 'cause he has to leave for work well before the crack of dawn). Happily, though, he's on vacation until the end of the year, so if we get smacked on Friday, he gets to dig out the car.

It's life in Wisconsin. I'm used to it. :)

Raefindel

12-16-2008, 05:43 PM

Well, actually I'm 43. I work at an elementary school and I'm tired of yelling at kids for playing on the ice. It'd just be easier if school was closed.

You're winter sounds like a nightmare to me! I can't imagine school staying open after 3 inches of snow, let alone busses still able to run! Roads are just too hilly and winding here, people would drive off cliffs, or into lakes.

Ibrîniðilpathânezel

12-16-2008, 06:03 PM

I can see that would be a nice break. I'm 55 and self-employed, so whatever the weather, if work has to be done, it has to be done. :p

I'm sure your hills are bigger than ours, but we get our share of idiots during bad weather, especially when it's early in the season. You'd think that people who have lived here all their lives would remember how to drive in snow, but every year, way too many have to learn all over again -- and that with only an inch or two of snow. Once we've had a few falls under our belts (or tires), they learn. Some years, we hardly have any snow at all, last year we broke all records, this year, we're on a pace to beat last year -- and at that, I'm glad we don't live on the other shore of Lake Michigan. They get the horrendous lake effect snows, which we only get if the wind is out of the east or northeast. Thank goodness for prevailing westerly winds! :)