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The One Ring Forums: Off Topic: TORn Moots & Other Events:
Personal Reviews, recaps, and reports of the RCMH weekend

Magpie
Immortal


Oct 12 2009, 1:07pm

Post #1 of 165 (4429 views)
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Personal Reviews, recaps, and reports of the RCMH weekend Can't Post

It feels to me like we've got people reporting on their weekend experiences all over the boards. I don't know which thread to pick to do my recap so I'm going to create a thread dedicated to this (rather than tagging onto one started for another reason or tagging onto one started to report on one person's situation).

I think I'll actually hit reply and come back to post most of my own report. I want to get a few more pictures up (not that I have anything spectacular to offer in that category). Then we can get personal subthreads going (yes, I am dedicated to threaded mode and over organized).

Be back soon.


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silneldor
Half-elven


Oct 12 2009, 1:52pm

Post #2 of 165 (3735 views)
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First order of business: ATTENTION MR. CERE! [In reply to] Can't Post

There are a fair number of TORnfolk here that want to have a word or two with you (man, are you in troubleLaugh).

....SlyLaughSlySmileLaughLaughSlySmileLaughLaughSlyLaughSmileSlyLaughSlyLaughSlySmileLaughlinkLaughSmileSlyLaughLaughSlySmileLaughLaughSmileSlySlySmileLaughSmileLaughSlySmileLaughSly....

''Sam put his ragged orc-cloak under his master's head, and covered them both with the grey robe of Lorien; and as he did so his thoughts went out to that fair land, and to the Elves, and he hoped that the cloth woven by their hands might have some virtue to keep them hidden beyond all hope in this wilderness of fear...But their luck held, and for the rest of that day they met no living or moving thing; and when night fell they vanished into the darkess of Mordor.'' - - -rotk, chapter III

May the grace of Manwë let us soar with eagle's wings!

In the air, among the clouds in the sky
Here is where the birds of Manwe fly
Looking at the land, and the water that flows
The true beauty of earth shows
With the stars of Varda lighting my way
In all the realms this is where I stay
In the realm of Manwë Súlimo













Garfeimao
Rohan


Oct 12 2009, 6:00pm

Post #3 of 165 (3701 views)
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Bwuahahahahaha [In reply to] Can't Post

I didn't know what the banner said, that's hilarious.


I need to upload my photos and videos tonight, and then I'll try and write something more coherent.


I will add this though, they have already listed when the Two Towers concert will be, Oct. 8 & 9 next year, so those who missed out, start plotting right now.

Peace, Love and Rock & Roll,


Garfeimao
The orange stripey One

Cruise to Middle earth

My page in the Traveling Journal


Magpie
Immortal


Oct 12 2009, 6:59pm

Post #4 of 165 (4246 views)
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Magpie's big adventure [In reply to] Can't Post

What a weekend. I mean, whew... it was wonderful to the point of overwhelming in so many ways.

The City:
I didn't know what to expect but I was surprised at how much I loved it (what little I saw) and how much it exceeded any high expectations I had. Ray and I had time to walk around Times Square on Thursday night and I just loved the open nature of it. It wasn't too busy on Thur. night so it was the right mix of enough people to feel comfortable and with others... but not so many that it was crowded. I just had to sit down on the lovely chairs they give you to linger and just take it all in. On Friday, as I walked back from the Mingle with Radhuin, he shared similar feelings about the city. 7th Avenue was MUCH busier that night. Crowded to the point of having to be assertive to make your way to where you were going.

On Friday, Ray and I went to Central Park. Now, a park is a park, right? And Minneapolis has parks up the whazoo. That is, we have dedicated green space everywhere. So, even in the center of a large urban environment, I can follow most of my daily routine and errand running by driving through green space past creeks and rivers and lots of trees.

But Central Park is more than green space. I really wanted to find a fountain I had seen in a photograph I found while looking for images to match with haiku. The resulting wallpaper I created in that instance is here. I was pretty sure it was in Central Park (I know my label in the wallpaper says that but I didn't go look at that before leaving for NYC). I did find it but I found more than a fountain. Bethesda Terrace is wonderful. And the trees on The Mall in Central Park were so full of character. They don't do stuff like this anymore do they? Build things for beauty rather than out of thrift or for a sense of beauty or esoteric edginess? I saw signs everywhere showing the before and after of the CP renovation and the effort was worth it.

Whether it was Time Square or Central Park or street vendors or shop owners... I just loved it all. I never once felt uncomfortable, ill at ease, or in danger in any way. Those of you from NYC, if you could pass it along to whomever wants to know: Good Job!

The Concert:

Well, this was the whole point of the weekend (pretty much) for me. I don't mean to slight it but I wrote a review on Doug's blog and I've got other things to cover here so I'll just link you to that review: Magpie's thoughts on the concert

I will say that I looked up at the screens to the left and right of the stage (before the concert) that had been showing ads for video games moments before. I saw the name Suvi and it kind of tickled my brain... making it think... think... think... All of a sudden I realized the picture with the name was Ainu Laire's winning drawing for that contest and yelled out "Yay Suvi". (I have no shame sometimes) Then I kept watching and sure enough... I was able to yell out "Yay Earl", too. I hadn't realized that Earl also placed in photography contest as well. I didn't have my camera as I was worried they wouldn't be allowed (I checked the website and it was ambiguous. Sil had emailed me that they'd be okay after he checked it out but I was already out of the house and away from my computer). But Rosie-with-the-Ribbons did take some pictures. She's in NY till Wed although it looks like she is posting some here. I hope she'll post the ones she took.

Mooting:

Well, this was a mixed bag. First, I am - as am wont to say - an introvert. Some people think that means shy but it doesn't. It just means social interaction - no matter how desired or pleasant - is depleting rather than energizing. So, unless I'm in a group of 5 or fewer, my brain starts to whirl and I'm having a good time but I forget social niceties and lose track of thoughts and tend to get rooted in place and not mingle like I should. So, I'll add a lot of thoughts to this section. Some will just be reporting on what happened and some will be commenting so as to inform how future experiences might look.

Friday Night Mingle:
I am not a big group person. I don't hear well. So I wasn't sure what to expect. It was great. I have to say that I hadn't eaten since much earlier in the day (my stomach and eating patterns get all screwed up when I travel). I arrived at the event hungry and my husband grabbed me an ale. But then I got caught up in so many conversations I could never make my way deep enough into the room to get to the food table. So I sipped my beer for an hour getting progressively more hungry (and hypoglycemic) and - between the beer and slight hypoxia from shouting over the bar noise - considerably more light headed. I finally had to get serious about breaking away from conversations to get some food in me.

I couldn't read anyone's badge (didn't have my reading glasses on) so I would just walk up to people and ask, 'Do I know you? I can't read your tag.' lol. I found a lot of people I knew that way: Squire, Milady (lovely young lady!), Silneldor, Ms Silneldor and Master Silneldor, gramma, Deej, Entmaiden, CAHobbit, Sunflower, Greendragon (looking very Mod, I might say. I was delighted when Hobbit Love knew what I meant and said, 'hey baby... Mersey is back), L. Ron, Glaurung, _V_, Ainu Laire ... who else? I had already met Smeagirl/Girllum, her mister and Thorongil and his traveling companion. And of course, Altaira and Big Guy. I met some people I didn't know: Corey Olsen who a site called The Tolkien Professor. I was excited to talk teaching and Tolkien with him. I'm going to try to check his site out some and I hope he checks our boards out. I think he would like it here and I think you all would like him. I also met a woman and her daughter (?) who I think found the Mingle by reading about it on the front page. We talked briefly at the Mingle and they found me after the concert. I think they might be posting here now so if you're that person let me know. I'm so bad at retaining names. Especially when the brain is all whirly with excitement or hunger.

I had buttons I handed out. I was hoping to find more people and give them out personally. In the end, I sent bags with Ordinary Hobbit, Silneldor and Loresilme asking them to throw them into the panel crowd if they had to to make sure they got distributed. The looked like this:

Although... that's a jpg from my design files. The end result came out a bit darker and, although I was mildly disappointed it's all part of the try and learn method of designing for print so I got over the disappointment.


I missed some people completely. Dernwyn. I never found you! I am seriously regretful we didn't meet. I didn't, IMO, get half enough time with people I way more than half admire. Some of this was because I hadn't really found out where people were or what they were doing (see more on this below). But Ray and I did some walking together (as I said earlier) and we needed that time with just the two of. I know this weekend was one big gift to me and I don't think I've ever felt any gift to be as generous as this one. Not only was it massively more expensive than anything we've ever done, that man spent many hours alone in a sea of people he didn't know. He's not a chatty, social guy and he just hung in there and found a spot to stand or sit while I tried to talk to 4 or 5 people at once. But I was also spreading my time between TORnsibs and the followers of Doug's blog. I didn't do any of the Saturday sightseeing with TORnsibs because I was planning on going to a function for Doug later and I didn't want to get too far from the hotel. So, I just, in the end, didn't have enough time to find enough moments to talk with people.

I thought TORnsibs might just stumble across each other. I don't know how this would have happened... especially if I didn't know what people looked like. But I'm either way over planning and angsting or I'm relaxed and ready to go with the flow. For this I was mostly relaxed and ready to go with the flow. But, I didn't just stumble across TORnsibs. In fact, I barely saw them unless I made plans to see them. Even at RCMH, I only saw a few people and - although I was cued in on what was happening after the concert - without those few cues I wouldn't have known. I mean, there wasn't this large group of people with TORn written on their forehead that I thought - HEY, there they are!.

This is all just to say that, if you want to meet people... it's probably best to sign up for organized events and activities or to contact someone you'd like to meet and make it happen. I was thinking about how diverse we are as a group, anyway. Some of us are active on the boards right now. Some were active but aren't much anymore even though they keep in touch with others from their 'era'. Some are more connected with the site management and haven't been active in years (if they ever were in a public forum/chat way). And Some are Barli people. It's great to mingle with us all together but if we have limited time, most of us would probably pick a handful of people to hook up and chat with. So, in the future I'll be more proactive about making stuff happen and not worrying about making or waiting for things to happen on larger scales.

As it happens, gkgyver and Loresilme did contact me and arranged for meet ups.

Rosie with the Ribbons came with gk for breakfast on Saturday morning (as they were traveling together to some extent) and my husband slept in. That was great fun. GK and I were talking soundtrack stuff way before either of us were that active on TORn. So I consider him one of my oldest soundtrack 'buddies' (that I'm still in contact with). It was great to meet him. (Very charming, I will say) and I loved Rosie. She's just a fun person and was glad to get some more time with her after the Sat night concert.

And Loresilme arranged to have breakfast with me on Sunday. It was the perfect ending to my weekend as I had to leave (running madly towards the end) after she left to attend the panels. The big meet up events were great but I am, in my heart, a small group girl who loves a quiet space to get into some good heartfelt discussion.

Other:

I'm not sure how much to talk about this for lots of reasons. I vaguely dreamed I would have some 'moment' with Howard Shore. And I certainly wanted (and expected I could have) a moment with Doug Adams. Whether I got my moment or not, I knew I wanted to give them small gifties. I offered to let people contribute a comment to a book I designed for Howard Shore. And I made something for Doug on my own. I did have an opportunity to meet with them briefly and give them each their gifts. It was a kind of mad, frantic setting so I didn't get more than what I'm sure was a heartfelt thanks and a warm hand clasp from Howard. It was enough, along with a few other simple things I've 'gotten' in the last few weeks. And I got to meet Doug in the flesh which we were both hoping would happen. Mostly, I feel a bit shy or reserved about the experiences for a variety of reasons and won't say much more than that.

When I got to the autograph table on Saturday night, Doug recognized me (from our brief meeting) and autographed using my real name. I didn't want to bother Howard with a name request nor did I expect him to remember me. He signed his name only. Then, after a moment's pause, he went back and signed 'Best Wishes and Thanks." So maybe he did remember me. I will quietly think of it that way.

Photos, etc:
I have uploaded a variety of stuff into Picasa albums. At the moment, all these albums are set to non public which means that they can be accessed when one has the url, but they don't show up on my Public Album page. A more secure setting requires a password which I can't provide to everyone. So, if you see a picture of you that you don't want made public in any manner, let me know specifically which one and I'll remove it. Also, it used to drive me nuts to see pics of moots where people weren't identified. But I don't know how much people want to be identified (and I would definitely use TORn names, not private ones). If you feel comfortable having your name on an image you can PM with that consent or add it yourself in the comment section.


Earl in NYC. This idea started as a joke. When we are started talking about attending this concert, Earl wrote:
I am SO jealous of you guys... missing this feels like a stab in the belly by Grishnakh :|

Oh well, I just hope you all have a good time... and think of me while you do :o) Is it too much to ask someone to stand up during the concert and shout "I wish Earl was here"? ;)
That led to this exchange:
Magpie: lol... no that's not too much to ask. Is your preference for some happy music like during the Long Expected Party? Or maybe during an emotive moment like when Frodo stands at the river. I know... what about when he says to Sam, "I'm glad you're here". We could shout, "We wish Earl was here!" Notice I said 'we'. You don't think I'm going to do this myself, do you. ;^)

I told Sabsi I was going to have one of those paper masks on a stick made of my face so they could hold up it up and include me in all those European concerts the gang was attending.

oooh.. oooh... maybe we could set up a web cam for pre/post concert events?

Doug: [DAD MODE ENGAGE]

No yelling during the concert, kids!

[DAD MODE DISENGAGE]

Magpie: That only works is you sit within swatting distance.
But it gave me the idea of making a mask...or in it's final incarnation, a sign... to hold up so Earl could be there in spirit. Earl gave me a photo to use and said not to angst over it. So, go here to see where Earl showed up.
Laerasea in NYC. Many of you know L couldn't be there even though she was hoping she could make it. So I decided to do the same for her. She chose a picture of her with Menelwyn and I photoshopped them into RCMH. Here are their pictures. L's friend Laura (who was using her ticket) made it to the Mingle and graciously carried around L's picture to get autographs and comments on the back. But she didn't take photos (I'm not sure I explained that adequately). Earl has fewer comments (bad me) but more photos at the mingle.

Friday Night Mingle. My husband took all these. Having a drink in my hand for every picture (and the foolish look on my face in most of them... I take terrible pictures) makes it look like I was drunk. I had that same drink for a few hours and drank one half of the next one. The look on my face is mostly always there but heightened by extreme hunger and introvert overload! I hate pictures of me.

NYC. These are ones we snapped while out and about. It was rainy and cloudy in CP. Not great for taking photos but I thought Laerasea would like the statues of the literary figures and of Beethoven. I don't, as a rule, take lots of pictures. Radhuin took the one of the mister and me.

Howard and Doug Gifts
- I asked that people tell me if I could publish their contributions in a public manner like this. A few said yes. One said no. Most didn't address the issue. I published all but the 'no'. If you want me to remove yours, let me know.

Not proofreading... please forgive typos, spelling. grammar and composition errors.





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Peredhil lover
Valinor

Oct 12 2009, 7:24pm

Post #5 of 165 (3651 views)
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Thank you! [In reply to] Can't Post

That was a wonderful looong report and lovely pictures. It gives me a bit of an idea how it was; I'm a bit sad that I could not be there. But I am glad you had such a great time there! And it was sweet of you to make gifts for Doug and Howard!

I do not suffer from LotR obsession - I enjoy every minute of it.

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Aunt Dora Baggins
Immortal


Oct 12 2009, 7:55pm

Post #6 of 165 (3669 views)
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A thank you from me too! [In reply to] Can't Post

I enjoyed the photos, especially the ones of Earl and Laerasea and Menelwyn :-D

I'd love to see that Bethesda fountain in person, after feeling so familiar with it from Godspell and Angels in America.

And what fun to *finally* see the face of my TORn twin :-) I notice we even part our hair on the same side.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"For DORA BAGGINS in memory of a LONG correspondence, with love from Bilbo; on a large wastebasket. Dora was Drogo's sister, and the eldest surviving female relative of Bilbo and Frodo; she was ninety-nine, and had written reams of good advice for more than half a century."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"A Chance Meeting at Rivendell" and other stories

leleni at hotmail dot com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



Magpie
Immortal


Oct 12 2009, 8:07pm

Post #7 of 165 (3680 views)
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it is a testament of my great affection for you all ... [In reply to] Can't Post

... that I let you see a photo of me. I have this great phobia about pictures and usually can't keep my eyes open so all photos are of me straining to keep them open and looking very strange in the process.

I think you would love Central Park and Bethesda Terrace. I kind of feel magic in places and I felt magic there.

Btw... I saw this article and this one today in our paper and thought of you.


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Rosie-with-the-ribbons
Forum Admin / Moderator


Oct 12 2009, 8:28pm

Post #8 of 165 (3660 views)
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Wonderful report [In reply to] Can't Post

Thanks for sharing your vision.

I did take pictures of the RCMH photos of Earls artwork, but my computer here isn't fast enough to upload pictures. I'll do that when I get home.

Just a quick question, where somewhere is that fountain in Central Park? That way I can get there more easily, for it is a rather large thing I have to say.

It was great meeting you here! And we handed out more of your pins during the panels on Sunday, quite a few people there were wearing them!


Ainu Laire
Tol Eressea


Oct 12 2009, 8:32pm

Post #9 of 165 (3688 views)
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Quick review (photos coming later) [In reply to] Can't Post

I'm writing a long and more personal review in my LJ, but just a quickie for here:

It was wonderful meeting and re-meeting so many of you! Anne-marie, Georg (cannot... pronounce... name...), Entmaiden, Greendragon, _V_, L. Ron, Gramma, Altaira and BG, deej, Magpie, Silendor and your lovely wife, Squire and Milady (did not realize you two were related!, and thank you for your words squire), hobbitlove, more hobbits (you all had hobbit in your name XD), glaurung63, Larry from KK (think his name was Larry...), of course CAHobbit, then Nancy, and I don't even have to mention my awesome roommate Garf... overlithe something, Sunflower, uh... dernwyn of course!... lovely ElanorTX... many friends I know from LJ, and friends I met at the concernt... and I know I missed some TORnsibs, my brain is not functioning still... I'm sorry I missed you Loresilme, hope you enjoyed the concert...

The mixer was wonderful, the concert was worth every single penny, I was floored by how they displayed the art (I was looking for a physical display in some corner of the building... not large screens, and not all three pics I submitted XD), seeing TORn as a partner was the coolest thing ever, and the little event on Sunday was absolutely lovely. Howard Shore, David Salo, Colleen Dorran... so cool! Wonderful talking with all of you, and thank you Colleen for the legal advice and answering my questions!

I did manage to get pictures of the screens for myself and Earl, but unfortunately my camera completely washed out the displays. I'm hoping that maybe one of you was able to get a decent shot of one or two of my pictures, my mom really wants to see them...

Also, thank you for all the congratulatory words, they were all very sweet and I was really humbled. Thank you thank you! And some of you were just... oh, just thank you! My time in NYC would not have been half as awesome without all of the amazing people there, from both people here and off of the boards. This was just... so amazing.

I am honestly not sure if I'll be able to do next year, it depends on many different things, but for those of you who are able to do NYC next year, DO IT! It is worth every penny, it is so amazing. And if you do go, go to Top of the Rock rather than the Empire State, it's cheaper and it much faster, with only about a 30 floor difference :P And the Metropolitian! Heaven! And RCMH is officially the coolest concert hall I've ever seen. That 3 minute standing ovation? Well worth the red hands. They were all brilliant, every single one of those performers. And I think the performers enjoyed themselves, despite it being such a long performance, especially for the little kids...

Link to pictures later tonight or tomorrow, along with a link to my thoughts on the sites later.

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NARF since age 8, when I refused to read the Hobbit because the cover looked boring and icky.


Magpie
Immortal


Oct 12 2009, 8:54pm

Post #10 of 165 (3665 views)
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I couldn't find it on maps in the park .... [In reply to] Can't Post

...because I didn't know what it was called! So, knowing it's The Angel of the Waters Fountain at Bethesda Terrace will help. We came in through the Artisan's Gate at 7th but we came out the Merchant's Gate at the corner of the park near Broadway. There were maps at the Merchant's Gate but I didn't see any at the Artisan's Gate.

Here is the link to a Google Map.

That should probably come up in Satellite view but if not, click to get it. You'll see the label for The Mall and the Fountain is at the end of the mall (the end furthest from the hotel). You can see by the map that, at this point, you're only a quarter of the way into the Park. It's huge.

I was googling for and sending a bunch of image links of this Terrace to Laerasea last night. It is really something. Lots of carvings and mosaic tile work. And The Mall has some really interestingly shaped trees which my husband thought must have been pruned that way. We have lots of elms here and they don't grow in the twisted way they were in the park. Love Horses (a lurker on these boards) said she took some pictures of the trees so if she sees this maybe she'll post some.


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Rosie-with-the-ribbons
Forum Admin / Moderator


Oct 12 2009, 9:13pm

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Thanks, going to look for it tomorrow // [In reply to] Can't Post

 


Magpie
Immortal


Oct 12 2009, 9:25pm

Post #12 of 165 (3680 views)
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A few more pics [In reply to] Can't Post

I'm starting to unpack. Just now. At 4:00. As I find things, I deal with them and I wanted to post a few images of buttons I got over the weekend.

I think this one was from Hobbit Love and family. Is that right?




And I don't know what the origin of this is. It was small and I couldn't even read it (no glasses on) and I think I picked it up off the swap table even though I hadn't put anything on it. (I could have put lots of stuff on it had there been any more room in my luggage to bring it!) I wore it to the function for Doug's blog and someone was looking at them. I said I didn't know what it said since the type was too small without my glasses (I did know the gist of it). Apparently, I had it on upside down!



I'll stick these and more in this Picasa Album. I'll likely be adding things over time as they surface from my luggage.


And I have to tell you a few more random things.

1) I forgot ElanorTX in my list of who I met on Friday night. And I didn't list the Minnesota sibs because I already know them: Radhuin, Hobbit Love, Ordinary Hobbit, and Love Horses. Radhuin and the mister watched some of the Twins vs Yankees game on the TV. When the adjoining bar area started cheering I knew it couldn't be good for the Twins and it wasn't. I have to say, we even took some smack talk about the final game (yet to be played) from our NY based flight attendant last night as we deplaned.

2) I was sleepless in NYC. I couldn't sleep to save my life and so I spent a lot of time listening to the tv really quietly. I don't have cable at home so even if a show isn't worth watching at least it's new to me. There was some show on somewhere that seemed to be called 48 or 48 hours. It was about the first 48 hours after a crime (or specifically murder?) and what happened in terms of law/police investigation. I was surfing past when all of a sudden I see a familiar storefront and sure enough, it's about a murder that took place two blocks from my house. It seemed a bit surreal to see my neighborhood's establishments and locations on the tv in NYC. And a bit ironic since someone took my nervousness about visiting NY to be fear of crime. I said, no... I wasn't afraid of big city crime. Minneapolis' murder rate, at one point, was higher than NYC.

3) I wrote in my earlier post that I would walk up to people and say, "Do I know you? I can't read your tag so you'll have to tell me who you are." Well, I wouldn't have to do that with David Salo even if someone hadn't taken me to meet him. I'd been chatting with him a few minutes when I looked at his tag with blurry eyes and said, "Hey.. you wrote your name in Elvish!" I thought that was funny since I couldn't really read any of the tags but I recognized the shape of the Tengwar letters. A few minutes later, he took the tag off and handed it to me to keep. I thought that was the most sweet, nice gesture ever! I'll post it in my memento album (link above) when I find ti.

4) I got off the train I took from the airport home in South Minneapolis and saw black smoke pluming to the sky. I was a car a few blocks away that apparently had been in an accident fully engulfed in flames. The odd part was, it couldn't have been further than a block from a fire station but there was no indication that they were at the scene. Someone was calling 911 on their cell but during the whole walk home, I never heard sirens.

Then, this morning, we woke up to this:




It snowed hard for awhile. The leaves haven't even turned colors yet.




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Aunt Dora Baggins
Immortal


Oct 12 2009, 9:26pm

Post #13 of 165 (3686 views)
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The strain doesn't show. [In reply to] Can't Post

You look really great in those photos! I think that making the effort to have Earl's photo etc. taken might have taken some of the phobia aspect away; anyway, you look very relaxed and happy.

Thanks for the links. It's surprising to me how many young gay people these days have never heard of Matthew Shepard, or only recently heard about him through the play or Judy Shepard's new book. I bet all their moms remember the story...


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"For DORA BAGGINS in memory of a LONG correspondence, with love from Bilbo; on a large wastebasket. Dora was Drogo's sister, and the eldest surviving female relative of Bilbo and Frodo; she was ninety-nine, and had written reams of good advice for more than half a century."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"A Chance Meeting at Rivendell" and other stories

leleni at hotmail dot com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



dernwyn
Forum Admin / Moderator


Oct 12 2009, 10:02pm

Post #14 of 165 (3658 views)
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{{Magpie}} Wonderful! [In reply to] Can't Post

Oh, thank you, thank you! I have been so looking forward to your report, this is wonderful! I love how you were able to place Earl and Laerasëa in NYC! And as I read your thoughts on the concert I kept thinking: YES! I experienced that, too!

Do you know, we almost met up for breakfast? As soon as Geeky Son and I got off the train, we called silneldor, who told us where to meet up. So we were with his family and hobbitlove and ordinaryhobbit and their daughter, and had hoped you'd be there, but alas, you were already "spoken for". (A popular gal, you are! Cool)

At the concert I travelled down to the orchestra section during intermission, thinking I'd try to find you folks who were down there, but I went down the wrong aisles - I should have been smart, and headed for silneldor's seat, I would have found you then! Unsure

Well, next year, I shall not miss that get-together, and we will meet then! And I'm feeling that a trip out to the Midwest might be a very nice thing to do...my youngest is at school in Chicago, I really should get out that way, right? Smile


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


"I desired dragons with a profound desire"

"It struck me last night that you might write a fearfully good romantic drama, with as much of the 'supernatural' as you cared to introduce. Have you ever thought of it?"
-Geoffrey B. Smith, letter to JRR Tolkien, 1915




ElanorTX
Tol Eressea


Oct 12 2009, 10:09pm

Post #15 of 165 (3699 views)
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perhaps at Marquette? // [In reply to] Can't Post

 

"I shall not wholly fail if anything can still grow fair in days to come."


dernwyn
Forum Admin / Moderator


Oct 12 2009, 10:12pm

Post #16 of 165 (3636 views)
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Yes - that's their button! [In reply to] Can't Post

I was given one of those also, by hobbitlove and ordinaryhobbit - hugs, you two, it was sooo nice to share some time with you! Smile

And hobbitlove showed me something very special about that button. Take a look at the lower bar of music: it actually spells out "Frodo Lives" in the notes and G-clef! That is quite clever, how they managed to do it.

Thank you for posting that pic - and thank you, too, for the "I Heart H S" button, Rosie-with-the-Ribbons made sure I got one (thank you, Rosie!)! Heart


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


"I desired dragons with a profound desire"

"It struck me last night that you might write a fearfully good romantic drama, with as much of the 'supernatural' as you cared to introduce. Have you ever thought of it?"
-Geoffrey B. Smith, letter to JRR Tolkien, 1915




dernwyn
Forum Admin / Moderator


Oct 12 2009, 10:13pm

Post #17 of 165 (3638 views)
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What a splendid idea! // [In reply to] Can't Post

 


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


"I desired dragons with a profound desire"

"It struck me last night that you might write a fearfully good romantic drama, with as much of the 'supernatural' as you cared to introduce. Have you ever thought of it?"
-Geoffrey B. Smith, letter to JRR Tolkien, 1915




entmaiden
Forum Admin / Moderator


Oct 12 2009, 10:16pm

Post #18 of 165 (3656 views)
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The small button [In reply to] Can't Post

is from maegwen.

Each cloak was fastened about the neck with a brooch like a green leaf veined with silver.

`Are these magic cloaks? ' asked Pippin, looking at them with wonder.

`I do not know what you mean by that,' answered the leader of the Elves.



NARF since 1974.
Balin Bows


ElanorTX
Tol Eressea


Oct 12 2009, 10:23pm

Post #19 of 165 (3667 views)
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*blushes* I knew there was something musically wrong in the bass clef [In reply to] Can't Post

but could not read the fiery letters as "Frodo lives"

Very clever indeed!

"I shall not wholly fail if anything can still grow fair in days to come."


Magpie
Immortal


Oct 12 2009, 10:28pm

Post #20 of 165 (3647 views)
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near misses [In reply to] Can't Post

I also found myself in RCMH not having gotten ahold of a friend who lives in NYC. It seems he tried to call us but we had already turned our phone off (we really don't live by our cell phones like some do. We don't think someone may want to get ahold of us). I was also so rushed getting ready for RCMH (can you believe I took a shower, washed and dried my hair, put inner soles in and relaced my gillies and changed into a nice dress in 30 minutes flat?) that I didn't remember he and I were trying to hook up and I didn't bring my number with me nor think to check messages on my phone.

During intermission, I was up at the stage trying to find the anvil. I was the one in the long green dress leaning around trying to see the instruments.

Depending on how you fly, Minneapolis might even be a stop over. It used to be a hub for Northwest Airlines but Delta might be switching that around.

But yeah, Minneapolis at the right time is pretty cool. Winter is cool in not necessarily wonderful ways. It can be brutal in the winter and I don't think you get the best sense of how green this place is. I'd love to meet up with you here if you consider it. We have 4 other sibs here, 5 if you consider that lurker Love Horses! ;^)


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Magpie
Immortal


Oct 12 2009, 10:33pm

Post #21 of 165 (3626 views)
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That woman is too clever for her own good [In reply to] Can't Post

She gave one of these to Howard and Doug and I can't wait to tell Doug what to look for!


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Magpie
Immortal


Oct 12 2009, 10:35pm

Post #22 of 165 (3610 views)
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Thanks, Entmaiden // [In reply to] Can't Post

 


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deej
Tol Eressea


Oct 12 2009, 11:10pm

Post #23 of 165 (3636 views)
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I couldn't have asked for a better weekend. [In reply to] Can't Post

Well, maybe getting to sit in between Viggo and Orlando during the concert, but anyhow....Wink

I wish each and every one of you could have been in NYC to share in the festivities- Beecake, the film and concert, the panels on Sunday with Corey Olson, our own greendragon, David Salo, Doug Adams, and Howard Shore, and the fantastic Friday night TORn Moot. This weekend is definitely in the Top 2 of my All Time Favorite TORn Moots.

My wish is that those of you who couldn't be there this weekend will be able to join us all next October (same time, same place) for 'The Two Towers'.

Link to photos to come...


"...and back again."



batik
Tol Eressea


Oct 13 2009, 12:52am

Post #24 of 165 (3636 views)
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great recap, magpie! [In reply to] Can't Post

your thoughts on the city are very near my own of my visit in '06. Just imagine living in a town where the downtown traffic lights are set to "blink" after 7pm then >>> NYC!!!
Our time in Times Square was *dampened* by rain but we loved Central Park! Not nearly enough time to *really* explore though. I guess maybe a week would do!
Thanks for sharing your experiences and all the photos. Those with L and Earl--made me smile--great idea!


MrCere
Sr. Staff


Oct 13 2009, 4:01am

Post #25 of 165 (3613 views)
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Thanks my friend - you are a scholar, a gentleman and a prankster! {NT} [In reply to] Can't Post

 

I have no choice but to believe in free will.

The cake is a lie
The cake is a lie
The cake is a lie

My blog




Sunflower
Valinor

Oct 13 2009, 9:19am

Post #26 of 165 (1147 views)
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Haha [In reply to] Can't Post

Now, if Viggo HAD showed up...

Like I said, aplogies for delays in writing. I owe several people PM's. And I want to wax at my most poetic about the wknd..but can't at the moment...my brain is exploding at the news that Obama has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize....CrazySly. I've just wasted most of the night reading the massage boards for reaction at my favorite sites...bad, bad me...


Back asap! And thanks for the photos y'all!


Magpie
Immortal


Oct 13 2009, 1:33pm

Post #27 of 165 (1161 views)
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Videos [In reply to] Can't Post

ElanorTX alerted us that there were some videos on YouTube regarding the weekend in another thread. I found the link to one and gave it there but when I got a link to another, I decided to post it in the active thread of weekend recaps.

The first is the scroll of ComicCon's contest winners that was played in the theater (on two side screens) before the concert. Two of our sibs won prizes. Look for Suvi Utermohlen who posts as Ainu Laire and Earl Carvalho who posts as Earl. There are entries in the drawing section from both of them and an entry from Earl in the photography division. If anyone heard someone yell out "Yay Suvi" and "Yay Earl" before the Saturday concert, that was me. :-)

I don't know if this one is the one ElanorTX mentioned or not. At the time, we both worried that it was illicit (since recording devices were not allowed) and I felt that, unless it had been posted by an official person or organization connected with Shore, I would not find and link to it here. But, Doug has just posted a video on his blog. I suspect this is the one ElanorTX found as it does look to be an illegal recording (cell phone?). But if Doug is posting it, it's official enough for me. highlights


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silneldor
Half-elven


Oct 13 2009, 2:10pm

Post #28 of 165 (1138 views)
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You are welcome. You were missed by all.\\ [In reply to] Can't Post

 

''Sam put his ragged orc-cloak under his master's head, and covered them both with the grey robe of Lorien; and as he did so his thoughts went out to that fair land, and to the Elves, and he hoped that the cloth woven by their hands might have some virtue to keep them hidden beyond all hope in this wilderness of fear...But their luck held, and for the rest of that day they met no living or moving thing; and when night fell they vanished into the darkess of Mordor.'' - - -rotk, chapter III

May the grace of Manwë let us soar with eagle's wings!

In the air, among the clouds in the sky
Here is where the birds of Manwe fly
Looking at the land, and the water that flows
The true beauty of earth shows
With the stars of Varda lighting my way
In all the realms this is where I stay
In the realm of Manwë Súlimo













weaver
Half-elven

Oct 13 2009, 2:28pm

Post #29 of 165 (1162 views)
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To whom it may concern.... [In reply to] Can't Post

Hello!
Smile

And...

thank you..thank you...thank you...thank you...thank you...thank you...thank you...thank you...thank you...thank you...thank you..thank you...thank you...thank you...thank you...thank you...thank you...thank you...thank you...thank you...thank you...thank you...thank you...thank you...thank you...thank you...thank you...thank you...thank you...thank you...thank you...thank you...thank you...thank you...

And just in case there were more than 34 of you (I counted)...and knowing my math skills:

thank you...thank you...thank you...thank you...thank you...thank you...

You are all a bunch of wonderful TORN-flakes. Thanks for making my day!

Weaver





deej
Tol Eressea


Oct 13 2009, 3:14pm

Post #30 of 165 (1132 views)
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& how could I forget Colleen Doran's beautiful slideshow on Sunday! // [In reply to] Can't Post

 


"...and back again."



entmaiden
Forum Admin / Moderator


Oct 13 2009, 5:38pm

Post #31 of 165 (1181 views)
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My weekend at the Big Apple [In reply to] Can't Post

I don't have pictures, but here's my report about the recent weekend in NYC.

I arrived Thursday afternoon, and the first big event was the Beecake concert at 11:30 pm. We had a big table for six of us, but while standing in line we saw many familiar faces and old friends. The earlier act was running long, so we had to wait outside for about 45 minutes before we could take our seats. We were seated on the main floor, to the left facing the stage, and very close to the front. Great seats.

Beecake was excellent, and I wished they had played longer. They were a little ragged at the start, but toward the end they began to mesh really well. The last two songs were my favorite, and I look forward to their album. Elijah Wood and Howard Shore attended the concert, and before the show both of them were hanging out with the fans. After the show there was a huge line to meet the band and get a signed CD. I do want a CD, but none of us wanted to wait in the line at 2 am, so we'll have to look for it on iTunes.

Friday was the day for the Mix-n-Mingle for TORNfolk as well as members from Doug Adams' blog. But first, Ainu Laire and I went to the Tolkien archives at Fordham University. I had seen the archives before, but it's always great to see the original papers that Tolkien wrote. The drawings for the Book of Mazarbul are amazing. Ainu had not seen the archives before, so it was fun to go with her. She made a couple sketches since photographs were not allowed. She was particularly fascinated by Tolkien's vision of Orthanc. During the day deej, CAHobbit and I walked around Midtown Manhattan. The weather was perfect - autumn sunshine, occasionally rainy, but warm enough for walking in a light jacket or sweater. We had a great time hanging out in the Times Square area. The TORN party was a fantastic opportunity to meet new TORNfolk. see old friends, and share the excitement of the weekend. It seems like everyone had a good time, and most of us stayed well past the 10 pm end of the party.

Saturday was the big day to tour Ground Zero and maybe do a cruise to see the NYC skyline. But the NY subway system had other plans for us. The city was taking advantage of the long holiday weekend (Columbus Day) and decided to close down a number of the subway stops for maintenance. So we got a late start and had to skip the cruise. Seeing Ground Zero was very emotional for all of us as we shared stories on where we were on that terrible day. Weather was perfect again after a few drops of rain to start. We arrived back at the hotel and grabbed a quick snack of pizza or Chinese (I took Sil's son and dernwyn's son for pizza while the "adults" went for Chinese). Saturday night was the Big Night of the concert for many of us, and we needed time to get glamorous!

The concert was glorious, as many others have posted. I was lucky to see our old friend hobbithearted, and she sat with me during the concert. As many others said, we often forgot that there was a live orchestra and chorus since they seamlessly blended with the movie. I didn't like the female soloist as some of us did - I found her gestures distracting, and her singing was adequate but not great. But the two young men were excellent. The rest of the chorus was wonderful, and the orchestra was amazing. Many of us met outside Radio City and while we were gathering, the Children's Chorus walked through our group to great applause. They loved it.

We did go for a quick bite to eat, but it wasn't as quick as we wanted since the waiter was overwhelmed by 20 people arriving at midnight. But we had a chance to visit and share our impressions of the show and pre-concert discussion with Howard Shore and Doug Adams. I had seen them before, and it's great to watch the interaction between the two men. Some of our group had to say good-bye since they were leaving early on Sunday, and suddenly we all realized that our wonderful weekend was coming to a close.

But fortunately for some of us, we still had the panel discussions on Sunday, and they were a perfect way to end a fabulous weekend. First, something must be said about the amazing location and the Angel Orensanz Foundation, who let us use their incredible space. We met in a rescued church near the Soho neighborhood. http://www.orensanz.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1&Itemid=2. Beautiful building to serve as the setting for discussing Tolkien and the music of Howard Shore.

Our own greendragon teamed up with Corey Olsen (aka The Tolkien Professor http://www.tolkienprofessor.com/) to talk about one of my favorite parts of The Hobbit - where Bilbo hears the dwarves talk about their quest to acquire the gold and treasures stolen from them, and Bilbo briefly understands the hearts of the dwarves. Greendragon sang "Far over the Misty Mountains..." to a very old tune, and Corey gave us context for how Bilbo was transformed, if only for a moment, into one of his Tookish ancestors.

Next up was the briliant David Salo, who worked closely on the LOTR films to make the elvish, dwarvish and Black Speech languages as authentic as possible. He gave us fascinating insight into the care and precision that was apparent throughout all the movies.

After a quick break, we were treated to a documentary by Elizabeth Cotnoir, about the process of creating the music of The Lord of the Rings. Once again, we were reminded that so many of the people involved in creating the movies are fans, just like us, and they poured their heart into making the movies. We saw portions of the recording sessions with Annie Lennox, James Galway and Renee Fleming, as well as watching Howard Shore write the music.

Finally, we listened to Howard Shore and Doug Adams talk about Doug's book and the music of the movies. I've heard Doug talk before about the many, many themes in the music, far more than any other movie score, but this time I learned how Howard was largely unaware how the themes evolved through the movies. Howard explained that in the beginning, he created several themes, but when he went back to them as the story progressed, he relied more on his own memory of that theme instead of going back to his original notes. So the themes evolved because Howard was working from memory, but also because his subsequent work on the score would change his ideas about the theme. It speaks to Howard's brilliance as a composer that the changes made to the themes were consistent with the changes in the story, and made the music that much better. A lesser composer would incorporate a great deal of discontinuity if they followed the same method, but Howard is so talented he was able to maintain the integrity of the themes as the story changed around them. Fascinating stuff.

We didn't want to leave the panels, but finally had to move out into the late afternoon sunshine. Several of the attendees walked the long way back to the hotel, but Rosie-with-the-Ribbons, Prof. Olsen and I took the subway back to the hotel. Those of us still in town had dinner near the hotel, and then it was time to say good-bye. I always hate that part of our Moots - saying good-bye.

Deej and I shared a ride to the airport on Monday morning, and we had a new surprise - we rode in style in a long white limo. And to cap off the weekend for me, I shared the flight home with Julie Andrews! She and her daughter have recently published a book of poems for children so they were flying to Chicago for a couple appearances. What a thrill to see one of the true stars. She was beautiful, as always.

Each cloak was fastened about the neck with a brooch like a green leaf veined with silver.

`Are these magic cloaks? ' asked Pippin, looking at them with wonder.

`I do not know what you mean by that,' answered the leader of the Elves.



NARF since 1974.
Balin Bows


greendragon
Sr. Staff


Oct 13 2009, 5:55pm

Post #32 of 165 (1122 views)
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Great report entmaiden! Don't forget... [In reply to] Can't Post

Colleen Doran also gave a beautiful presentation on Sunday, with her wonderful talk about Tolkien's own art and artists who depict Tolkien's ME. Smile

'There are older and fouler things than orcs in the deep places of my fridge...'

'You never know what will happen next, when once you get mixed up with TORnsibs and their friends.'


entmaiden
Forum Admin / Moderator


Oct 13 2009, 6:00pm

Post #33 of 165 (1154 views)
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I just remembered that I didn't include Colleen's [In reply to] Can't Post

excellent presentation. Thanks, greendragon, for mentioning her. Colleen included several unpublished works, and gave us some new insight into well-known Tolkien artists.

And I forgot to thank CAMI, who sponsored many of the events, and particularly the Sunday panels, and Howard Shore, who was the driving force behind the panels. Howard wanted to give the fans something beside the concerts, and the panels were largely his idea. Thanks to CAMI and Howard Shore! And Josh, Howard's rep from CAMI, who organized the events.

Each cloak was fastened about the neck with a brooch like a green leaf veined with silver.

`Are these magic cloaks? ' asked Pippin, looking at them with wonder.

`I do not know what you mean by that,' answered the leader of the Elves.



NARF since 1974.
Balin Bows


silneldor
Half-elven


Oct 13 2009, 7:42pm

Post #34 of 165 (1173 views)
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Ok, i am ready now. [In reply to] Can't Post

The Radio City happening and weekend was really something and sitting here thinking about it is making me dizzy. It was what cities do to me anyway but it was the flow of doings and options which has to be chosen. And I feel saddened that I could not spend the time I wanted to dwell with more sibs in Central Park as I had originally planned. I had not the time to take in the ferry either in fair company. But there were diamonds along the way. In short, the concert, the panels and our foray in central park Sunday evening along with the lovely time spent with the Hobbitlove, Ordinary Hobbit, and Love Horses family. They are so down to earth, caring and loving souls.

What I wanted to do for you all that weekend was to bring the mood and feeling to you in picture form. I just brought my small camera that I largely use for my ‘rural’ happenings due to space in my backpack and the limitations posed on me in RCMH. I took almost 140 pictures but due to the lighting, movements, and the restriction of the flash I was not able to get the kind of shots I wanted. Actually I am quite disappointed that less than a third of them have any possible worthiness. Many of you I took shots of and they are just not worthy. I wanted to have so much more for you all. But perhaps the ones that I will show you, will give you some of a festive mood that I wanted to share.

The friday night lively energetic happening was wonderful. Here 1st is celebrating two that are dear to us, Our Altaira and B.G..

And here is our own illustrious and fabled L. Ron Halfelven.

Here we have three beautiful sibs Ordinary Hobbit (that name is a little white fib, ordinary my...), Loves Horses and Hobbitlove.

And these very fine and lovely sibs areCAhobbit, deej, entmaiden, greendragon and Rosie-with the Ribbons.

Here we have good friends and fabled entities Mr. Smeagirl. Smeagirl, grammaboodawg and Ainu Laire.

This is my motorcycle friend Mr. Magpie, our renowned Magpie and the lovely Milady.

Lastly we have a group shot of us in a grand spirits with our grins on.


We have the Smile, the concert now. The first picture i will call: the lull before the storm.

Oh, this Radio City Music Hall is just grand indeed!

I captured this happening on the big side screen:) and also this beautiful work of one our very own. I am sorry Earl, i did not know yours were there or i would have tried to grab them alsoUnimpressed.

Then comes out two fantastic legends of our time to talk from the heart to us, Howard Shore and Doug Adams. This was my best shot of them sorry to say, out of ten shots believe it or not.

A captured moment of enchantment.

Here we have the first on stage musician to sit and start warming up.

Now are the shots i dared to take and that came out starting with the green and the gold of the shire.

This one came out the best for some reason, must be the power of the elves:).

And the powers of Istari to give me this and the others: Gandalf in his council and Frodo standingbefore the quest alone

And our dear Sam with his indomitable spirit.

And more Sam.

And still yet Sam again with deep heartfelt intent.

And lastly our two together now embracing their quest and and their friends torn from their sight.

^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*

Here we have the aftermath glow of the concert as we gathered. I think it can be seen here first by the sweet , quiet disposition of our ElenorTX who i had the honor of escorting for the evening.

I am just so delighted to show you finally two very wonderful and devoted souls who could share time together, our dernwyn and our gramma.

Here i was able to bring you the most lovely deej:).

Inside I have this nice shot of four wonderful peopledernwyn, corey, gramma, and entmaiden.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^

Sunday brought the panels and they were a very fine highlight for me. Corey Olsen did a spirited and very informative talk on the hobbit. I failed to get a good shot of him. And then Dave Salo gave a talk on language and speech of M.e. I delighted as he spoke in gusto the various tongues. This is a poor picture, it relays some mood i hope.

Then Howard Shore's wife showed a video of her's, surrounding the creation (subcreation:)) of Howard's 'music epiphany in route' *my words*. I found while watching this video, that i had a hard time keeping it together because i was so moved. Listening to those who sang was so fine. Here i was listening to Renee Fleming singing in their studio and this is one of the boys from the London Oratory School Schola singing.

With the backdrop of the Angel Orensanz Foundation ancient synogogue and this shot of the back (first, and last one left of 500), you can see how it inspires emotion..

Also i have some shots of Howard :

Here.

Here.

Listening to Annie Lennox here.

And here..

The last happening was that Howard and Doug came front and talked again to us, which was just wonderful.

Outside Howard was greeting the fans and signing autographs. I found i just could not go up to him...just could not.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^

Semi-finally I have some Sunday evening shots of Central Park on one of the lakes and this one that goes with it.. And i have one more from a slightly different angle..

Lastly i have this photo of a painting i took when we were coming back up through Central Park where we found this most exquisite tavern. It is called The Tavern on the Green. It all reminds me of Rivendell with the lovely grounds. Please see it if you ever have a chance. Out of curiosity we walked about there and inside on invitation. This painting really struck me that i found in the hallway. It is a work of art by Tom Hildebrandt.

Well, that's it. I hope you enjoyed it:).

''Sam put his ragged orc-cloak under his master's head, and covered them both with the grey robe of Lorien; and as he did so his thoughts went out to that fair land, and to the Elves, and he hoped that the cloth woven by their hands might have some virtue to keep them hidden beyond all hope in this wilderness of fear...But their luck held, and for the rest of that day they met no living or moving thing; and when night fell they vanished into the darkess of Mordor.'' - - -rotk, chapter III

May the grace of Manwë let us soar with eagle's wings!

In the air, among the clouds in the sky
Here is where the birds of Manwe fly
Looking at the land, and the water that flows
The true beauty of earth shows
With the stars of Varda lighting my way
In all the realms this is where I stay
In the realm of Manwë Súlimo













gkgyver
Bree

Oct 13 2009, 8:09pm

Post #35 of 165 (1135 views)
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... and back again! [In reply to] Can't Post

So here are the reports! I was already wondering why nobody posted on the Sticky thread since Thursday ...!

There is nothing to say, except that this was probably the most amazing and fantastic trip I ever made - and believe me, I come around a lot!

As you probably know already from reading Magpie's elaborate report, I met Rosie-with-the-Ribbons at the Duesseldorf airport, to take the flight together. She took a train from Holland. We were standing in front of the Air Berlin counters, and we were having a conversation in English; we picked up our tickets at the counter, when I noticed she was talking German to the Air Berlin lady - and I was like "If you speak German, why are we talking to each other in English?" Sly
It's so hilarious: everyone on all the boards and communities I am part of writes in English, and somehow you transport this over to real life Smile

And really, I was so glad I had someone with me, since I am always incredibly nervous when I fly. Not to mention that getting to know Annemarie was fantastic by itself. It really took the edge off my nervosity.
The flight itself was better than expected - actually, there were no turbulences at all. I don't know how rare that is, but I figured that if you fly across the open sea for seven hours, there had to be some trouble. Apparently not, for which I was veeery grateful ;)

It's funny, when the plane descended, and we flew over New York, I looked out the window, and my first thought was "Hey, it's also green!"
Annemarie met Suvi and Kathy (whose username I still don't know ...^^) right there at the airport, so through her I met them as well, which was really wonderful!
When I met Suvi, I had no idea I had just met such a famous person Tongue The penny dropped when I read her name on the big screens. People think I can draw well, but these drawings are like ... completely out of this world!
We shared a taxi to Manhattan.

Since the official Park Central hotel didn't have a room for me on Thursday, I stayed at the same place as Annemarie. The Pod hotel was really nicer than I expected, except for the exceedingly slow elevators.
But I have to say ... now, really, do all of your toilets in the US have such a wierd design, with the water up so high that it almost touches your ... butt?
Ahem ... okay, just had to get this off my chest Evil

The same evening, Annemarie took me by the hand and showed me around the area a bit, including the Park Central, since she had already been to NYC once. I have to say that it was rather impressive seeing NYC for the first time at dawn/night. And spotting the neon lights of Radio City for the first time for real made my heart skip a beat.
Also, seeing Times Square by night is nothing but spectacular.
Getting something to eat was an experience as well.
You must understand, young Hobbits, for a native Old European, this is a completely different world! Places like coffee shops are really rare where I come from, even Munich doesn't have something comparable. Not to mention the food.
In these three days, I have learned one thing: most of it may be the most unhealthy, absurd, trashiest food of all time, but it's just too damn tasty to reject!

Anyway, I really was torn whether I should go to the Beecake concert or not. I didn't have a ticket, and I was unspeakably tired, since I didn't get sleep on the flight (the humongous burger with fries I had at a coffe shop didn't help either ...). I didn't go, and even though it was the right decision in the sense that I was fresh the next morning, I greatly regretted it when I heard that Howard and Elijah, and many others, were there.

Next morning, I packed my bag for the switch to Park Central. Annemarie and myself picked up some breakfast, and went there. I left my bags at the hotel (check-in was not possible since my room wasn't ready yet) and we went sightseeing. Central Park, the Tolkien manuscripts, where we ran into Altaira - you've just got to love the Hobbit measurements on the back of Oxford's menu card! - Staten Island ... it was just too great to cherish every detail here!
Around 4 o'clock, we went back to our hotels; I geared myself up for the concert. I was absolutely sure there would be a pre-concert talk on Friday as well, so I rushed to get there in time for 6.30.
Turns out there was no lecture!
At that point I decided to go to Saturday's performance as well. I wasn't sure whether tickets were left, but when I saw that the first three rows were completely empty, I had no doubt left,

The concert itself was, well ... I guess everything would be an understatement. I had already heard Ludwig Wicki and his orchestra perform Fellowship in Lucerne last year, but somehow this one had a different flair to it.
The only negative point was the audience. Now, I have nothing against an enthusiastic audience. It may be a question of philosophy, but this is not a movie showing, it's a concert. I want to hear the music. And it's very distracting and distressing when the audience breaks out in cheers every ten minutes.
For instance, the huge cheer for Aragorn's line "Let's hunt some Orc" completely ruined the musical climax of the moment.
I guess "respect" would be the right word for this.

Doug and Howard did enter the stage after the performance, though. I just wonder why they didn't do a talk on Friday. even though they were apparently there.
Oh well ...
On my way back to the hotel, I noticed that a large group of people flocked around the stage entrance, waiting for Howard - I don't think they knew that both Doug and Howard were signing downstairs. Alright, neither did I, but Doug told me on Sunday Laugh


Saturday, I met Magpie for breakfast, and Annemarie too. Which was so good to finally do this. Thank you again for breakfast, and for calling me charming Tongue
Right after that, I went straight to Radio City to pick up a ticket for the concert. I was right, there were tickets left. I just don't get why seats right in front of the orchestra are half as expensive as seats way in the back.
In the time between that and the Blog Party, I took a walk downtown to Macy's and the Empire State Building. I realised I had forgotten my camera, so I scrapped the visit at ESB and looked for shoes for my 8 year old niece. When she heard I was going to NYC, she wanted me to bring her a pair of shoes - a very specific one. And I was amazed, after searching Macy's, two Foot Lockers and another place, that I actually did not find them.

The blog party that afternoon was great, just great. I can't believe Doug, and especially Howard, actually came. The food was good, the cake was sweet, and singing Happy Birthday for Howard was super fun :D
I was so relieved that I had a ticket for the concert - there was no way I could visit the party and then just look at Radio City from the outside!
The lecture before the concert was actually more interesting than the last ones I saw. And my seat happened to be right next to Doug's girlfriend - funny!

The audience that night was more restrained than Friday's - with "restrained" being a relative term.
The signing downstairs was rather military, with the staff keeping everyone firm in line LOL
There was no time to talk to Doug this way, but there was plenty on Sunday.
Sunday morning, I met up with Suvi, Kathy and Nancy (right? Blush), since Suvi and Kathy took a plane at the exact same time as myself.
We picked up our bags and took a cab to the Orensantz building. The building itself was really surreal to look at. Doug was there way before his talk with Howard, during the other lectures, so I finally had enough time to have a talk with him. That was so nice, that alone was worth the whole trip. It's such a strange feeling to have someone you only knew as a screen name for five years hug you for real at the other end of the world.
In a way, that made the trip complete.

The three of us split a cab to JFK, and that was basically it.

I arrived at Duesseldorf on Monday, 6.45 in the morning. I picked up my car that I could leave at Lufthansa's parking lot for staff members (my sister works there), and drove 4 hours to Bamberg, where I rested, and at night I drove finally back to Munich.

And here I am now.

Quite sad actually, for leaving you people behind.

But it was great!


silneldor
Half-elven


Oct 13 2009, 8:10pm

Post #36 of 165 (1159 views)
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There is one other thing i absolutely have to mention [In reply to] Can't Post

is that i had to opportunity to hear greendragon sing in lieu with Cory;s presentation at the panels. I have waited four years for this and i was richly rewarded. My misfortune was that she was out of any real light to capture a photo. I actually i do not think i could have moved anyway..i was so enthralled....:)

''Sam put his ragged orc-cloak under his master's head, and covered them both with the grey robe of Lorien; and as he did so his thoughts went out to that fair land, and to the Elves, and he hoped that the cloth woven by their hands might have some virtue to keep them hidden beyond all hope in this wilderness of fear...But their luck held, and for the rest of that day they met no living or moving thing; and when night fell they vanished into the darkess of Mordor.'' - - -rotk, chapter III

May the grace of Manwë let us soar with eagle's wings!

In the air, among the clouds in the sky
Here is where the birds of Manwe fly
Looking at the land, and the water that flows
The true beauty of earth shows
With the stars of Varda lighting my way
In all the realms this is where I stay
In the realm of Manwë Súlimo













ElanorTX
Tol Eressea


Oct 13 2009, 8:36pm

Post #37 of 165 (1079 views)
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audiences here have been known to applaud the scenery // [In reply to] Can't Post

 

"I shall not wholly fail if anything can still grow fair in days to come."


ElanorTX
Tol Eressea


Oct 13 2009, 8:48pm

Post #38 of 165 (1122 views)
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the YouTube concert video *is* the same one [In reply to] Can't Post

I had mentioned in response to Earl's request. An advantage to looking at it on Adams' blog is checking the buttons underneath. Most of them are older clips of Orlando et al.,interesting in themselves, and one appears to be a few seconds at the end of (Thursday night's?) Beecake concert.

FYI Earl lives in India and has been to the States only once. Hmmm... maybe we can do something about that, my precious ... *thinking about RotK at RCMH, or R2*

"I shall not wholly fail if anything can still grow fair in days to come."


weathertop
Rohan


Oct 13 2009, 9:51pm

Post #39 of 165 (1170 views)
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how does one top Magpie's and Entmaiden's posts? [In reply to] Can't Post

I don't think you can. here's my weekend in a nutshell.

got off the plane on wednesday afternoon, when there were HEAVY winds. gusts up to 45knots. being a self proclaimed pilot (haven't taken all my classes) and rocket scientist did all the more to impress me on the pilot's skill at landing in those crosswinds. when buffeting up, down and sideways up to 20ft at a time, landing as smoothly as he did definitely deserved the 'thank you' i give after every flight.

alone on crowded buses galore and walking through harlem to the train depot were my next thrill rides! 14 people packed into a 3ftx3ft space...yeah i'm glad to be a country boy! hehe stayed at my buddy's house in CT that night.

----

thursday dawned and my buddy and i came into town and parked uptown (181st area) and rode the subway down. came up in Grand Central and walked past Times Square over to 5th where we hit world reknowned cigar shop, Nat Shermans. From there a trip to the Met(ropolitan Museum of Art) where we met up with my buddy's PhD in Art History. That made for some interesting conversations!! we had some drinks, walked her to her hostel and then we grabbed some food up by Columbia University. stayed in CT again that night after leaving NYC about 11pm.

Friday i met my other buddy, my +1 for the concert, who flew in from TX. We went past the Park Central to see if any ringers were around, and alas they weren't. Hit the museum of Natural History and then midtown for some more sightseeing. We were able to hire a bicycle taxi to take us through central park without walking...now that was great! We stopped by PC Hotel again and had no luck. We then went atop the Rock (rockefeller center) and stayed up there until the concert.

----

The concert was pretty well described by those before me. My thoughts in one line: "This is how most movies should be presented!" I had seats directly in front of the sound mixers! For those on Friday night, I was sitting a couple rows behind the guy in the Gandalf outfit ----LOTS of people stopped by for pictures. The soloists were stupendous, absolutely breathtaking. and i found myself wondering why i couldn't get anyone else to burst with applause at the conclusion of some of her stints (granted they were the ones that really almost made you get lost in the movie, Lorien, Moria, etc); yet they'd applause at other things (the arrival of the moth?). It was hard to see the screen for the first half of the movie as i had a 7ft tall guy in front of me, but that just left me more time to admire the music!! Cool

My only complaint about the show itself had to do with the sound effects (well other than the 7ft guy). I don't know if it was a side-effect of stripping the score, but lots of the sound effects were muted, especially in the second half. the dialog was all there and you could hear all the grunting and breathing during the fights, but the swords clanging and the roaring of monsters were completely gone. No cave troll roars, no balrog roaring, no Lurtz screaming as he pulled Aragorn closer (and this part had little score work which enhanced the 'moment').

we had to depart for the hotel room of my +1 as it took a good hour by subway and bus to get back out to the airport where he was staying. if not for the fact we were trying to do the cheap transportation (read: no $50 cab rides for us) i would have made my way back to PC Hotel for my still held hope to find some ringers.

----

Saturday we ran into some confusion as someone mentioned earlier the holiday weekend shut down a few subway lines. But we made our way down to Battery Park to get tickets to Liberty/Ellis island. after purchasing them we found the line to be 1/2 mile long. Literally. so depressed we hit the staten island ferry instead and got some great shots from afar. We met a couple friends of some ringers on the ferry, but they also hadn't been able to hook up at all.

I had to leave NYC early Saturday afternoon to make it to my CT buddy's sister's birthday party. Glad i went though as i haven't seen their family in almost 10 years (we were, and still are quite close. amazing!).

I flew out early Sunday morning so I missed my last shot at meeting ringers at the panel discussions. Oh well, there will be another chance someday.

Here are my pictures, some even turned out pretty well given i had a point and shoot!

Thanks for all those who posted their thoughts on the weekend, its been fun to read!


Ainu Laire
Tol Eressea


Oct 13 2009, 10:47pm

Post #40 of 165 (1102 views)
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Heheh [In reply to] Can't Post

Cathy's username is Garfeimao.

It was wonderful meeting you :)

My LiveJournal ~ My artwork and photography ~ My LOTR fan fiction

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
NARF since age 8, when I refused to read the Hobbit because the cover looked boring and icky.


Magpie
Immortal


Oct 13 2009, 11:36pm

Post #41 of 165 (1122 views)
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sound effects [In reply to] Can't Post

There's someone posting on Doug's blog that I still haven't figured out how he's connected to Doug but he seems to know backstage stuff, etc. and Doug doesn't kick him out so I assume he is legit. He wrote yesterday:
[..]the reason "certain sound elements/fx of the movie were not present or minimized" was precisely to give greater prominence to the music. With a live orchestra playing (and with that presumably being the chief draw of these performances), a special mix was created to cover them up as little as possible.
John Takis

I usually like to give links to the original source but I was posting this at a place where people don't usually care about veracity. (And it was easier to copy from that site than find this again on Doug's site). If anyone wants a link, I'll look it up. If I were a betting woman, I'd bet it was in the general discussion thread.

I forgot you were going to be there. I missed a lot of people but count yourself as one of them.


LOTR soundtrack website
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gkgyver
Bree

Oct 13 2009, 11:50pm

Post #42 of 165 (1124 views)
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:) [In reply to] Can't Post

I know John Takis (not in person, but still), and you are safe to assume that he's genuine.

And he's right, too.
A special sound mix was made for these live projects, I even think it was mentioned in an official announcement.

I don't understand people who complain that the music dwarved the dialogue a few times. It's a concert whose highlight is the music, otherwise it wouldn't be a concert. The music is meant to be in center stage, not the film; that's why a special sound mix was made.
If some people had other expectations, well, sorry then. Don't go a second time.


entmaiden
Forum Admin / Moderator


Oct 14 2009, 12:14am

Post #43 of 165 (1098 views)
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Wonderful report! [In reply to] Can't Post

I'm glad you found Saturday's audience more "restrained", but I wonder if some of the applause was for the soloists. Maybe that's a US custom, but we typically will applaud a soloist during a concert.

I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to meet you! Maybe next time for the Two Towers event.

Each cloak was fastened about the neck with a brooch like a green leaf veined with silver.

`Are these magic cloaks? ' asked Pippin, looking at them with wonder.

`I do not know what you mean by that,' answered the leader of the Elves.



NARF since 1974.
Balin Bows


entmaiden
Forum Admin / Moderator


Oct 14 2009, 1:04am

Post #44 of 165 (1101 views)
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No pre-concert on Friday [In reply to] Can't Post

I heard the reason was due to the need to use that time for rehearsal on Friday. RCMH was rented for a set number of hours, and extra time was quite expensive. So on Friday there was rehearsal time, but that wasn't necessary for Saturday, which allowed for a pre-concert discussion on Saturday. The audiences on Friday got appearances by Billy Boyd and Elijah Wood, and the Saturday audience did not.

Each cloak was fastened about the neck with a brooch like a green leaf veined with silver.

`Are these magic cloaks? ' asked Pippin, looking at them with wonder.

`I do not know what you mean by that,' answered the leader of the Elves.



NARF since 1974.
Balin Bows


Magpie
Immortal


Oct 14 2009, 2:57am

Post #45 of 165 (1115 views)
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hey Greendragon... [In reply to] Can't Post

...I don't suppose there's anyway we could hear you sing that song. Did you have to get special permission from the Tolkien Estate to sing it? I suppose you couldn't just sing it and put it on youtube or anything.

Dang, there's a lot I regret missing from the panels and this is one of them.


LOTR soundtrack website
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weathertop
Rohan


Oct 14 2009, 3:49am

Post #46 of 165 (1096 views)
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i hope you weren't attacking me [In reply to] Can't Post

as I didn't have a problem with the score AT ALL. i didn't care that it at times out did the sound of the movie. why? because i know that was the reason i was there. to hear a live orchestra play while the movie was in the background. i do believe i even mentioned that i wished i had more opportunities to see movies in this format.

however, what I did question, which was subsequently answered in such a way that it made sense and made my comment irrelevant, was certain sound effects being obviously stripped out. my opinion was that by stripping certain effects out only highlighted the fact that they were missing. which in turn brought me out of the moment that the score was trying to create. and i think i mentioned that most of the times where it was noticable was where the score had quieted down so there wasn't much music to highlight.

i think that even tho my expectations were for ONLY the score to be stripped out, it didn't detract from my overall enjoyment of it. In fact, I'd love the opportunity to go back again next year for the continuing saga and experience.


Magpie
Immortal


Oct 14 2009, 4:09am

Post #47 of 165 (1084 views)
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straight forward personality [In reply to] Can't Post

gkgyver has a straightforward way of talking that I think is easy to misinterpret. I met him over the weekend and he's a great guy who isn't an aggressive personality at all. But he does have strong opinions and isn't afraid to express them. :-)

btw, Georg. I listened to Black Beauty tonight and loved it. I'll write a more proper thank you later.


LOTR soundtrack website
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Peredhil lover
Valinor

Oct 14 2009, 5:06am

Post #48 of 165 (1089 views)
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Thank you! [In reply to] Can't Post

That was a wonderful report and so many lovely pictures! It makes me feel a bit like I was there, too. And looking at all the pictures was the perfect way to start my day at work Wink

I do not suffer from LotR obsession - I enjoy every minute of it.

TORn Link Collection


silneldor
Half-elven


Oct 14 2009, 5:10am

Post #49 of 165 (1129 views)
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Correction following [In reply to] Can't Post

Then Howard Shore's wife showed a video of her's, surrounding the creation (subcreation:)) of Howard's 'music epiphany in route' *my words*. I found while watching this video, that i had a hard time keeping it together because i was so moved. Listening to those who sang was so fine. Here i was listening to Renee Fleming singing in their studio and this one is one of the boys from the London Oratory School Schola singing.

''Sam put his ragged orc-cloak under his master's head, and covered them both with the grey robe of Lorien; and as he did so his thoughts went out to that fair land, and to the Elves, and he hoped that the cloth woven by their hands might have some virtue to keep them hidden beyond all hope in this wilderness of fear...But their luck held, and for the rest of that day they met no living or moving thing; and when night fell they vanished into the darkess of Mordor.'' - - -rotk, chapter III

May the grace of Manwë let us soar with eagle's wings!

In the air, among the clouds in the sky
Here is where the birds of Manwe fly
Looking at the land, and the water that flows
The true beauty of earth shows
With the stars of Varda lighting my way
In all the realms this is where I stay
In the realm of Manwë Súlimo













Peredhil lover
Valinor

Oct 14 2009, 5:31am

Post #50 of 165 (1082 views)
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Great report! [In reply to] Can't Post

Glad you had so much fun. That will be a weekend to remember!

And I know what you mean about talking English. Rosie and I keep chatting English, too, though her German is really good Tongue

I do not suffer from LotR obsession - I enjoy every minute of it.

TORn Link Collection


Radhruin
Rohan


Oct 14 2009, 5:53am

Post #51 of 165 (1116 views)
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Give my regards to Broadway [In reply to] Can't Post

My weekend in NYC was so much more than I imagined it would be in so many ways. This was my first trip to the city, and everything I experienced was more vibrant and alive and 'present' than I expected it to be. I suppose it is the pessimist in me that underestimated the city itself. The buildings were taller, the streets more lively, the noise more pervasive, the lights were brighter. I commented to Denise (hobbitlove) on Friday night that the city seemed 'alive', that it had life of its own, regardless of whether we were there or not. It was invigorating.

I arrived late Friday afternoon, twelve hours after I left my house in rural Minnesota, and was already pretty much exhausted (after 4 hours of sleep). My first glimpse of the Empire State Building triggered some butterflies in my stomach. I just couldn't believe I was actually arriving in Manhattan! When I stepped out of the shuttle at the hotel and looked to the right and saw Carnegie Hall and then to my left to see the lights of Times Square I had to just stop and breath. It was so exciting for me.

Magpie called me not long after I arrived to touch base and arrange to meet in the lobby to walk to the moot later. I called ordinaryhobbit and hobbitlove and let them know the plan. Then it was time to wash the grit of travel off my face (and have a cocktail at the hotel bar ;). Oh my, that was an expensive gin and tonic! The Minnesota sibs (Magpie, Mr. Magpie, hobbitlove, ordinaryhobbit, loveshorses and I) met in the lobby and head off to the pub. And I'll admit, my introverted self was a bit nervous about the whole thing.

The Friday night mixer was a hoot. I so enjoyed having faces and voices matched up with nicks. Not being terribly outgoing I didn't meet everyone, but those I met were so gracious. It was particularly a joy to meet Altaira who is such a powerhouse and such a kind lady. Cheers to all the work she has done here. It was also nice to meet entmaiden who was so helpful with my questions on traveling in the city. Meeting gramma was an experience as well. Oh, if I only had a fraction of her energy! Chatting with squire was a real treat, and an unexpected one at that. I had no idea that he would be there.

My Saturday was brilliant. I had breakfast in the morning (the best bagel I've ever had) and walked to St. Patrick's Cathedral where I chanced to witness a funeral for a member of the police force which was very moving. I moved on up to Central Park which was so beautiful. I wish I could have spent the whole day there! The Park was nothing like what I imagined in my head all these years. It's much more than a park, it's a whole world inside the city. So clever. Walked to the Met (wish I could have spent time there. Next time, I promise myself.), and on to the Guggenheim on advice from a friend. Then I took the Subway to 33rd Street to see the Empire State Building and Herald Square. I bought a ticket to go to the 86th floor of the Empire (against advice from friends and relatives who said it would take too much time out of my day) and will admit that I would advise against it only because of the time it takes. But I don't regret the experience and the views. It was breathtaking. The building itself is so attractive inside. Ainu Laire suggests the 'Top of the Rock' and I would back that up...You get to have the Empire State Building in the landscape that way! I had planned to move on to Ground Zero then, but realized I wouldn't have time if I was to get back to the hotel in time to get ready for the concert. Spent the rest of my time wandering around the fashion district/Broadway, did some shopping, people watching and then headed back.

The concert was so amazing that I have trouble putting anything into words. I just read Magpie's review on Doug's blog and she voiced so much of what I felt. I'm still processing the experience. I would like to write a review of the concert itself if I can, and I'll just add it here if and when that happens. I was mesmerized the entire night. It was so much more than I thought it would be (that seems to be a running theme with me!)

I do want to give a big shout out to my Minnesota sibs though! My trip would not have been nearly as enjoyable but for these charming people. Magpie, Mr. Magpie, ordinaryhobbit, hobbitlove, and loveshorses: Thanks for the friendship!

I was sad to leave Sunday afternoon, but in a way I was ready to go home to my quiet house in the country where the only noise is my cat purring. I needed to unwind, but my weekend in NYC is up at the top of my travel memories. So much fun.

"Too many times we've been postally pipped
We've loaded the saddles, the mickeys are slipped
We're swapping the turf for the sand and the surf and the sin
'Cause the fix, the fix is in..."

~Elbow


gkgyver
Bree

Oct 14 2009, 12:36pm

Post #52 of 165 (1069 views)
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A hint ... [In reply to] Can't Post

I immensely enjoyed that video too! I could watch it over and over again.

And you know that most of this video was released six years ago with the Special Edition of the ROTK soundtrack? The version they showed at the Orensantz was a bit extended, though.
And I absolutely adored the variation of the Shire theme on whistle right at the end ... oh, where are MY RARITIES??

Speaking of Rarities, I guess, since Doug and Howard mentioned it, the new release date is set for April 2010?


weathertop
Rohan


Oct 14 2009, 2:07pm

Post #53 of 165 (1057 views)
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i wasn't sure [In reply to] Can't Post

i didn't take it too personally, i usually don't. But i thought i would explain myself a bit more, just in case...and maybe i didn't do a good enough job there either. oh well, no harm done i hope.


greendragon
Sr. Staff


Oct 14 2009, 4:47pm

Post #54 of 165 (1058 views)
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No special permission was needed... [In reply to] Can't Post

A small section of a book like that, being presented without recording or sales, is public domain. Plus the tune I used is old as the hills and not copyright! : ) Corey and I are trying to put together a recording of our presentation - I'll let you know if it transpires! One of these days I'll record some stuff - people keep asking me for it... Maybe I can get CAMI to produce something for me... Wink Tongue

Sorry you missed the panels Magpie! Next year... Smile

'There are older and fouler things than orcs in the deep places of my fridge...'

'You never know what will happen next, when once you get mixed up with TORnsibs and their friends.'


greendragon
Sr. Staff


Oct 14 2009, 5:23pm

Post #55 of 165 (1100 views)
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Friday night roll call... and quiz answers! [In reply to] Can't Post

For anyone who is interested - I tried to make a list of all the 'sibs who were able to be at the party on Friday night (and most of whom are in Sil's lovely group photo). If I missed you off the list, I am very sorry; PLEASE speak up so we can make a complete list of all the TORnsibs who were there. Also let me know if I misspelled any names! Of course there were folks there who don't have TORn nicks - and we were very delighted to have them with us! But this is a list of TORnsibs in attendance... and what a fine company it is!

Garfeimao
Ainu Laire
L.Ron Halfelven
Milady
Squire
Rosie-with-the-Ribbons
Sil - plus Mrs Sil and Master Sil
Glaurung63
Smeagirl - plus Mr Smeagirl
Thor - plus Nim
BG
Altaira
Elanor TX
Maegwen
Cleowyn
Lith
Tamara
HobbitLove
LovesHorses
Ordinary Hobbit
Radhruin
Sunflower
Mitten Earth
Elentari3018
Overlithe64
Lurking Laurie
Sui Degeneris
_V_
Magpie
grammaboodawg
deej
CAhobbit
entmaiden
...and greendragon!

And I should mention:
Laerasea's representative - Laerasea couldn't make it but Laura came along and even filled out a quiz with Laerasea dictating answers over the phone! So she was there in spirit and even won a prize!! Laugh


Quiz answers, for those who asked about them:
1. Name the meal that follows breakfast for a hobbit
Second Breakfast

2. How many different staffs do we see Gandalf carry in the movie trilogy?
Three

3. What does FIGWIT stand for?
Frodo is great, who is that?

4. Which was the first set constructed for filming?
Bag End (We of course accepted Hobbiton or The Shire as answers!)

5. What marsupials did the filmmakers record to make the sounds of Moria orcs?
Opossums

6. How many children did Rosie and Sam have?
13

7. The Elves called Tom Bombadil by a different name. What was it?
Iarwain Ben-adar (We accepted English translations of this name, too...)

8. Who summoned the barrow-wights to dwell in the barrow downs?
The Witch-King of Angmar

9. Which volume of 'The Lord of the Rings' did J R R Tolkien say was the most troublesome to name?
The Two Towers

10. In what year did J R R Tolkien retire from Oxford?
1959

Here's a list of prize winners:

First prize - Board game and gift certificate - _V_

Second prizes:
L.Ron Halfelven - 'Forging Dragons' book
Milady - board game
Laerasea - Film frame collectible

3rd prizes - winners of vintage TORn shirts!:
Ainu Laire
Rosie-with-the-ribbons
Sil's son!
and... David Salo!!


True TORn style - Invisible extra credit for making us laugh!
Barliman's chat room mugs:
  • Thor (who wrote, in answer to 'In what year did JRR Tolkien retire from Oxford?' - 'Who is JRR Tolkien? I wandered over from the other side of the bar...')
  • Mr Smeagirl (who wrote, in answer to 'How many different staffs do we see Gandalf carry in the movie trilogy?' - 'Due to recession, he had to lay them all off.')

Winners of 'Poh-tay-toe' Spuddy Buddies:
  • Elanor TX (who said that FIGWIT stands for 'Fans In Great Wonder In The big apple')
  • BG


And a special prize Spuddy Buddy went to Glaurung63, for getting no answers right!! Tongue

David Salo also made us laugh by writing that FIGWIT stands for 'Fanatically Interested Girls Wish I Talked'! And Thor said it was 'Feanor's Illegitimate Groovy Weathertopian Iconic Troll'. Sly

MANY thanks to Smeagirl for gathering the donations for the majority of the prizes, and for the wonderful goody bags. Also thanks to all the 'sibs who donated other prizes, and treasures for the Swap Table, which was a great success. I don't think anyone went home empty handed! As ever, when TORnsibs and their friends get together, it is a night to remember! Smile

'There are older and fouler things than orcs in the deep places of my fridge...'

'You never know what will happen next, when once you get mixed up with TORnsibs and their friends.'


Magpie
Immortal


Oct 14 2009, 11:30pm

Post #56 of 165 (1085 views)
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not a TORnsib but... [In reply to] Can't Post

you did list a few other plus ones so:

Magpie and the Mister.

He's the quiet one way, way in the back on that group photo.

I never got a moment to do the trivia contest. That's all right. I wouldn't have known the opossum one (and many others, truth be told) and I didn't need more STUFF! lol... the only reason I didn't bring some of my STUFF for the swap table is because I didn't have any room left in my suitcase.


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Altaira
Superuser


Oct 15 2009, 1:30am

Post #57 of 165 (1050 views)
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Well, one thing is for sure [In reply to] Can't Post

Whatever Thor was drinking, *that's* what I want to drink next year. WinkLaugh

Thanks a million for the recap, greendragon, and three cheers for Smeagirl for such a great job getting goodies!


Koru: Maori symbol representing a fern frond as it opens. The koru reaches towards the light, striving for perfection, encouraging new, positive beginnings.



"Life can't be all work and no TORn" -- jflower

"I take a moment to fervently hope that the camaradarie and just plain old fun I found at TORn will never end" -- LOTR_nutcase



TORn Calendar


Radhruin
Rohan


Oct 15 2009, 1:46am

Post #58 of 165 (1049 views)
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A few pics from my weekend [In reply to] Can't Post


Times Square Friday night. Thanks for taking the picture Mr. Magpie!






I love this bridge. I can't wait to go back again and spend more time in Central Park.



"Too many times we've been postally pipped
We've loaded the saddles, the mickeys are slipped
We're swapping the turf for the sand and the surf and the sin
'Cause the fix, the fix is in..."

~Elbow


greendragon
Sr. Staff


Oct 15 2009, 2:16am

Post #59 of 165 (1026 views)
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Great - thanks for the list addition! [In reply to] Can't Post

I didn't get to meet the Mister! Frown But next year... Smile

'There are older and fouler things than orcs in the deep places of my fridge...'

'You never know what will happen next, when once you get mixed up with TORnsibs and their friends.'


Milady
Rivendell


Oct 15 2009, 2:49am

Post #60 of 165 (1064 views)
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A little late, but my impressions [In reply to] Can't Post

Not much to say, really, since I'd been in NYC before and all I did was the Friday night Moot and the actual concert...but what a weekend!

First of all, the party on Friday was wonderful. It was such a strange (but not bad!) experience to meet so many people from The Internet in real life, and I was truly surprised at how well everyone was mingling and that I didn't once find myself standing around wishing I had someone to talk to--thank you, everyone! (And it was lovely to meet you too, Magpie!) (gramma, you rock my world!)

And the concert itself! Well... not much to say that hasn't already been said! It was absolutely stunning, and I've already made tenuous plans to be there for Two Towers next year...and if I end up going to school in New England as is likely, I'll be driving down for Return of the King when that eventually happens, because this was just so awesome! I found myself just watching the movie and forgetting about the orchestra sometimes; it was great to see it on the big screen again. I really noticed the chorus, whenever they stood up because they were just fascinating. Kaitlyn Lusk completely stole the show, in my opinion.

Also, I bumped into Howard Shore during the intermisson. He signed my DVD case. I've never been more excited.


THE ANGELS HAVE THE PHONE BOX

(don't blink)


weathertop
Rohan


Oct 15 2009, 2:51am

Post #61 of 165 (1045 views)
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i think many agree [In reply to] Can't Post

about Kaitlyn!


weathertop
Rohan


Oct 15 2009, 2:53am

Post #62 of 165 (1043 views)
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question for you all [In reply to] Can't Post

assuming i can talk Mrs. 'top into coming out next year, yes i'm thinking ahead already...

can we all plan to go to the saturday night show in order to do another friday night get together? i don't want to miss out again!


Magpie
Immortal


Oct 15 2009, 3:04am

Post #63 of 165 (1020 views)
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He's a shy guy. // [In reply to] Can't Post

 


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Magpie
Immortal


Oct 15 2009, 3:06am

Post #64 of 165 (1049 views)
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Okay, Milady [In reply to] Can't Post

putting together a face with that footer is great.

I'm a big Doctor Who fan and that episode was the best. I wish I'd known that was you. We could have talked Tardis.


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Magpie
Immortal


Oct 15 2009, 3:07am

Post #65 of 165 (1028 views)
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I think I would usually pick Saturday night as my preferred concert night. [In reply to] Can't Post

although I'm not sure why.


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Glaurung63
Lorien

Oct 15 2009, 3:34am

Post #66 of 165 (1048 views)
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hey, I'll take that SpudSympathy vote....quest...thing... [In reply to] Can't Post

You mean I didn't even get "second breakfasts" right?? man, I thought I forgot to even turn in my form!
I think I wrote "elevensies".....what was I thinking?
I know I would have gotten "name the Gamgee's profession", or "who was Ar-Pharazon"....lol....but I got me a spud, whilst hoisting some malt beer and having some great conversation!
A great night all around!


entmaiden
Forum Admin / Moderator


Oct 15 2009, 3:55am

Post #67 of 165 (1021 views)
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Great idea. [In reply to] Can't Post

What's nice about Saturday for the concert is it allows people to arrive on Friday and not have to rush off to the concert. We can still have a mix-n-mingle on Friday, which is easy to do even for the folks traveling that day.

Each cloak was fastened about the neck with a brooch like a green leaf veined with silver.

`Are these magic cloaks? ' asked Pippin, looking at them with wonder.

`I do not know what you mean by that,' answered the leader of the Elves.



NARF since 1974.
Balin Bows

(This post was edited by entmaiden on Oct 15 2009, 3:56am)


Loresilme
Valinor


Oct 15 2009, 1:25pm

Post #68 of 165 (1023 views)
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The notebook is beautiful! [In reply to] Can't Post

Great recap! Felt like being there all over again :-). The notebook is lovely, thanks for posting all the pages, I *really* liked reading everyone's sentiments, and all the quotes that accompanied them. Very moving.

And I didn't know about the "Earl and Laerasea Go to NY" pictures!! LOL... what a great idea. And really thoughtful too. They both were there in spirit.

What a time I will never forget. My brain was "all whirly with excitement" the whole weekend too :-).


Loresilme
Valinor


Oct 15 2009, 1:51pm

Post #69 of 165 (1038 views)
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I don't know which was more fascinating [In reply to] Can't Post

watching Annie Lennox' physicality as she seemed to pull the incredible power of her voice up from the ground and through her whole body as she sang, or watching as Renee Fleming almost nonchalantly opened her mouth and seemingly out of nowhere those fluidy, velvety tones just poured out. Two immensely talented artists, two very different styles and approaches. It was just fascinating.


greendragon
Sr. Staff


Oct 15 2009, 2:40pm

Post #70 of 165 (1020 views)
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We know you knew them ALL really... [In reply to] Can't Post

... you were just having too much fun to concentrate, right? Wink Good times indeed...

'There are older and fouler things than orcs in the deep places of my fridge...'

'You never know what will happen next, when once you get mixed up with TORnsibs and their friends.'


silneldor
Half-elven


Oct 15 2009, 4:19pm

Post #71 of 165 (1011 views)
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2010? Let me get this straight. [In reply to] Can't Post

Howard and Doug are going to release that whole video next year? *Twitch*.

The Special edition....that isn't the Extended version is it?

Thank you gkgyver for the heads up. That was so marvelous i agreeSmile.

''Sam put his ragged orc-cloak under his master's head, and covered them both with the grey robe of Lorien; and as he did so his thoughts went out to that fair land, and to the Elves, and he hoped that the cloth woven by their hands might have some virtue to keep them hidden beyond all hope in this wilderness of fear...But their luck held, and for the rest of that day they met no living or moving thing; and when night fell they vanished into the darkess of Mordor.'' - - -rotk, chapter III

May the grace of Manwë let us soar with eagle's wings!

In the air, among the clouds in the sky
Here is where the birds of Manwe fly
Looking at the land, and the water that flows
The true beauty of earth shows
With the stars of Varda lighting my way
In all the realms this is where I stay
In the realm of Manwë Súlimo













silneldor
Half-elven


Oct 15 2009, 4:26pm

Post #72 of 165 (1018 views)
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Watching the best of the best [In reply to] Can't Post

in that inspiring old synagogue was so awesome wasn't it?Smile.

And i am glad i finally met you:).

''Sam put his ragged orc-cloak under his master's head, and covered them both with the grey robe of Lorien; and as he did so his thoughts went out to that fair land, and to the Elves, and he hoped that the cloth woven by their hands might have some virtue to keep them hidden beyond all hope in this wilderness of fear...But their luck held, and for the rest of that day they met no living or moving thing; and when night fell they vanished into the darkess of Mordor.'' - - -rotk, chapter III

May the grace of Manwë let us soar with eagle's wings!

In the air, among the clouds in the sky
Here is where the birds of Manwe fly
Looking at the land, and the water that flows
The true beauty of earth shows
With the stars of Varda lighting my way
In all the realms this is where I stay
In the realm of Manwë Súlimo













Magpie
Immortal


Oct 15 2009, 5:36pm

Post #73 of 165 (1032 views)
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deconstructing gk's comments [In reply to] Can't Post

gkgyver wrote:
And you know that most of this video was released six years ago with the Special Edition of the ROTK soundtrack?
There were regular OST, jewel case editions of the soundtrack. You could buy them most places: Target, Walmart, Best Buy. They were around $15 US. Then there were Limited Edition Soundtracks. These came in a faux leatherette cover with extended (but not by much) liner notes. They ran more... I want to say between 25 and 30 dollars and not all stores had them. Best Buy here did but Target did not. This is what GK is calling Special Edition. (these terms are a bit interchangeable but, having done an extensive look at the editions of the soundtrack, I can tell you the official term is Limited Edition).

These terms, Limited or Special Edition are not connected with any particular versions of the movie releases. The FOTR LE content (tracks) was the same as the OST. The TTT LE had one extra track on it (not on the TTT OST) which contained some music from extended scenes in FOTR.

The ROTK LE had a CD and a DVD. The CD contained the same tracks as the ROTK OST. The
Bonus DVD was entitled, "Howard Shore: An Introspective and contained:

Lord of the Rings Trilogy Supertrailer: 5-minute Supertrailer encompassing all three movies
"Use Well the Days", a behind the scenes portrait
Photo Gallery: Howard Shore and Orchestral Sessions
Poems, Text and Lyrics from The Return of the King
Bonus Track: "Use Well The Days", performed by Annie Lennox
I think GK is saying that Journey's End is essentially Use Well the Days with.....
The version they showed at the Orensantz was a bit extended, though.
...some more footage.

And I absolutely adored the variation of the Shire theme on whistle right at the end ... oh, where are MY RARITIES??

Speaking of Rarities, I guess, since Doug and Howard mentioned it, the new release date is set for April 2010?
The Rarities is a multimedia disc with music not contained on any other release. It seems it will contain a variety of material such as alternate versions of scenes or music composed but never used or maybe the full suites of music that Howard wrote while developing certain themes. So, GK is not talking about an extended version of the documentary or implying that the video will be released. Depending on how much extra footage was added, the documentary found on the ROTK LE Soundtrack may do you well. I just recently bought a Internet Limited Edition of the TT on ebay for $1.50 plus S&H. Yes, you read that correctly. $1.50. (Thanks for the heads up from Earl on it.) So you can get these on ebay even though I don't know if they're still available on the official soundtrack site for sale.

If you have more questions, ask. I have a whole section on the editions of the soundtrack (with LOTS of info about what they contained and online content and stuff) at my site with cover scans so you can see the difference between them..



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Loresilme
Valinor


Oct 15 2009, 9:23pm

Post #74 of 165 (995 views)
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Meeting the best of the best ;-) [In reply to] Can't Post

of TORn, that is - that was meeting you, Sil :-).


ElanorTX
Tol Eressea


Oct 15 2009, 10:52pm

Post #75 of 165 (1012 views)
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to cope with the Straight Stair and the Winding Stair [In reply to] Can't Post

 I could not have managed the trip in body without so much help. Thanks to you, I was able to attend the Mingle, the Fordham display, the WTC memorial at St. Paul's chapel, the Saturday night concert, and even a late-night pub. And I am still soaring in spirit now.

Silneldor, you PMed me in August, as soon as I posted that I was coming, and offered the services of you and your family in escorting me. I know I inconvenienced you, and the honour was mine. Along the way I also had the unexpected and appreciated help of L. Ron, dernwyn, gramma, Sunflower, Altaira, several minglers, maegwen, and others worthy of remembrance. You are all Faramirs in spirit, friends found upon the way.

If ever you come to the land of the South - San Antonio, Texas - the welcome mat is out, teatime or no!

ElanorTX

"I shall not wholly fail if anything can still grow fair in days to come."


silneldor
Half-elven


Oct 15 2009, 10:53pm

Post #76 of 165 (962 views)
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That is a goodly explaination!:) [In reply to] Can't Post

Thank you very much Magpie.

I see it on Amazon for 13.94new and from 6$ used so i will see what is good in the used section. I never dealt with Ebay before.

So i will go on your site to see what is on the LE TT and also the LE FOTR.

One more 'ting....you sent that snow that you had over there over this way didn't you? It's accumulated here to the extent that everything is dr00ped. How outrageous!Sly Never had such in mid october before. My trees have hardly turned too.

''Sam put his ragged orc-cloak under his master's head, and covered them both with the grey robe of Lorien; and as he did so his thoughts went out to that fair land, and to the Elves, and he hoped that the cloth woven by their hands might have some virtue to keep them hidden beyond all hope in this wilderness of fear...But their luck held, and for the rest of that day they met no living or moving thing; and when night fell they vanished into the darkess of Mordor.'' - - -rotk, chapter III

May the grace of Manwë let us soar with eagle's wings!

In the air, among the clouds in the sky
Here is where the birds of Manwe fly
Looking at the land, and the water that flows
The true beauty of earth shows
With the stars of Varda lighting my way
In all the realms this is where I stay
In the realm of Manwë Súlimo













silneldor
Half-elven


Oct 15 2009, 11:06pm

Post #77 of 165 (980 views)
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I feel honored... [In reply to] Can't Post

and humbled by your complement my dear lady:) *lowers to one knee and kisses hand*.

''Sam put his ragged orc-cloak under his master's head, and covered them both with the grey robe of Lorien; and as he did so his thoughts went out to that fair land, and to the Elves, and he hoped that the cloth woven by their hands might have some virtue to keep them hidden beyond all hope in this wilderness of fear...But their luck held, and for the rest of that day they met no living or moving thing; and when night fell they vanished into the darkess of Mordor.'' - - -rotk, chapter III

May the grace of Manwë let us soar with eagle's wings!

In the air, among the clouds in the sky
Here is where the birds of Manwe fly
Looking at the land, and the water that flows
The true beauty of earth shows
With the stars of Varda lighting my way
In all the realms this is where I stay
In the realm of Manwë Súlimo













hobbitlove
Gondor


Oct 16 2009, 1:15am

Post #78 of 165 (1015 views)
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Our report - finally. [In reply to] Can't Post

Finally getting our New York/ Radio City Music Hall post done and we have some pictures (linked at the end of the post) for you all. BlushApologies for taking so long to get this post ready.

We arrived home late Monday, exhausted and still overwhelmed with this marvelous trip. We're probably still not recoverd. I, Hob, was sort of side-lined for a few days by an ordianary ol' cold (so thankful that it did not at all interfere with our trip), and there were many things that needed attention here, but, mostly, it's just taken us this long to start absorbing all that this New York Moot was about.

This was such a big deal for us. We've been talking about this very special trip to New York for the better part of a year, and planning for months and months. That in itself is part of the joy of these things, well, it can be a little stressful too, but all in all, very much a part of the fun.

Anyway, here is our addition to the many wonderful write-ups and comments from others.

TongueBy the numbers then:

This was our fifth moot and the 5th anniversary - in fact, to the day - of our very first face-to-face meeting with sibs from The One Ring.net.

This was the fourth time we have had the pleasure of hearing Howard Shore's music live. We loved the moving LOTR Symphony each time we've heard it, and would go to hear it again anytime we could, but honestly, this was so much more even than that. It was an amazing, unique and brilliant musical experience!!!

This was the third time we have travelled with our oldest daughter to a moot. Third time being able to hug grammaHeart and EntmaidenHeart for real.

This was the second time the hubby and I have flown together. Second time spending some really special time with Silneldor and his terrific family. You are the best people in the world and we love you.Heart

And sibs, there were lots and lots of firsts!!

Traveling to New York gave us our first view of the Atlantic ocean. This was our first time on the East Coast.
Our first time seeing Professor Tolkien's actual work in his own hand!
The first time hearing a movie to live music.
This was our first time, and we so hope not our last time, of having the privilege of hearing the beautiful GreendragonShocked sing.
This was the first time seeing Billy Boyd and Elijah Wood in person; and Doug Adams.
We spoke for the first time to David Salo, a shy but very very talented man. His Elvish is more mellifluous than even Viggo's is! Honest. I just wanted to hear more!
This was, for us, a first meeting of the inimitable Squire and his lovely daughter, Milady. We met, for the first time (and surely not the last), tORn's delightful Rosie-with-the-Ribbons, and the dearest Dernwyn, along with her "geeky" son, Chris. This moot allowed us to meet, for the first time, so many sibs we have longed to know. Loresilme, Ainu Laire, that dearest of dears, ElanorTX, and the tall V, beautiful Smeagirl, Sunflower, and Garfeimao. We now know, for the first time, some great 'new' sibs from Michigan, who just might start to post (hope so, they were just great). This was the first time we had met Glaurung63, and our favorite admin, Altaira along with her quiet BG. We met (on our last evening) for the first time but don't think the last two terrific Chicago geeks, Nancy and Rob, whom I could easily adopt. There were others, too, whose names we just never heard. I should write everything all down when it happens - but who has time? It's a mile-a-minute talking, and a hundred new experiences, and just so much of everything geeky good!
I have to add that this was our first time in a cab, in a limo, on the subway, in a horse-drawn carriage, and of course, all the amazing firsts that are uniquely there for one to see, do, and enjoy in NEW YORK!

We can honestly say that we enjoyed every single minute - even the hurry, the worry, and a few blisters; all completely worth it! We want to do it again. We know we are the most fortunate of hobbits for being able to have this great, great, great trip.

HeartBlessings to all who journey.

hobbitlove and ordinary hobbit and Loves horses

Here is a link to our Flickr album
and a link to some info about Central Park, not that you all can't Google that if you want, I know, but it is quite a place. We ourselves have only just begun to learn about some of the things we saw there. We also have this link to "The Immigrants" sculpture in Battery Park.

SmileSibs! We still have some New York 2009 buttons left so if anyone wants one just PM us your address and we'll mail one to you.









hob


silneldor
Half-elven


Oct 16 2009, 1:41am

Post #79 of 165 (961 views)
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Dear greendragon [In reply to] Can't Post

Thank you very much for helping me with the gathering of nic's of all our happy faces. I attempted to do such with 2 others but you very well succeededSmile.

May thee have a wonderful day, although thee may have to retrieve ye olde snow bootsLaugh.

''Sam put his ragged orc-cloak under his master's head, and covered them both with the grey robe of Lorien; and as he did so his thoughts went out to that fair land, and to the Elves, and he hoped that the cloth woven by their hands might have some virtue to keep them hidden beyond all hope in this wilderness of fear...But their luck held, and for the rest of that day they met no living or moving thing; and when night fell they vanished into the darkess of Mordor.'' - - -rotk, chapter III

May the grace of Manwë let us soar with eagle's wings!

In the air, among the clouds in the sky
Here is where the birds of Manwe fly
Looking at the land, and the water that flows
The true beauty of earth shows
With the stars of Varda lighting my way
In all the realms this is where I stay
In the realm of Manwë Súlimo













Loresilme
Valinor


Oct 16 2009, 1:51am

Post #80 of 165 (958 views)
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*blushes* [In reply to] Can't Post

And truly meant, good Sir Sil Smile.


entmaiden
Forum Admin / Moderator


Oct 16 2009, 2:11am

Post #81 of 165 (954 views)
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Wonderful, hob! [In reply to] Can't Post

Sorry you were a little under the weather, but your report was worth the wait. It was great to see your pictures and hear about your adventures in NYC. Thanks! It was so wonderful to see all you again.

Each cloak was fastened about the neck with a brooch like a green leaf veined with silver.

`Are these magic cloaks? ' asked Pippin, looking at them with wonder.

`I do not know what you mean by that,' answered the leader of the Elves.



NARF since 1974.
Balin Bows


Loresilme
Valinor


Oct 16 2009, 2:14am

Post #82 of 165 (966 views)
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It was a whirlwind, wasn't it..... [In reply to] Can't Post

Time just moved too fast, but even the briefest encounters remain in one's heart Heart.

Thanks for posting the pictures - you really packed a lot into the weekend. The hotel was in an excellent location for sightseeing. And what a great idea to go to FAO Schwartz!


{{{Hugs}}}
Loresilme


dernwyn
Forum Admin / Moderator


Oct 16 2009, 2:29am

Post #83 of 165 (953 views)
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That does it... [In reply to] Can't Post

...we're making sure you come with us all to next year's Renaissance Faire! Smile


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


"I desired dragons with a profound desire"

"It struck me last night that you might write a fearfully good romantic drama, with as much of the 'supernatural' as you cared to introduce. Have you ever thought of it?"
-Geoffrey B. Smith, letter to JRR Tolkien, 1915




Loresilme
Valinor


Oct 16 2009, 2:32am

Post #84 of 165 (966 views)
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We do seem to be morphing [In reply to] Can't Post

from late Middle Earth to late Middle Ages here, don't we Sly?


Magpie
Immortal


Oct 16 2009, 4:41am

Post #85 of 165 (964 views)
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snow [In reply to] Can't Post

My redtwig dogwood bent right down to the ground with the snow. It still had leaves which mean it accumulated a lot and it's a very soft wood bush (pliable... I have it for making dreamcatchers).

We only had a touch of color in the leaves but now the green leaves that froze on the trees are just dropping en masse. I'm reminded of that scene in one of Harry Potter movies where the Wholloping Willow kind of shudders and shakes off all of its leaves at once.

I don't do ebay either but my husband buys Corvair parts (and Corvairs... he bought his current Corvair on eBay). So I had him bid. I think gramma is a big eBay person. She could bid for you.

I have all three Limited Editions. But the Internet Limited Editions have a different color cover so for that price, I bought it too.

Have you ever heard, Use Well the Days? I love that song. It was the 'original' end of the movie song for ROTK. In fact, I'll go play it right now.


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silneldor
Half-elven


Oct 16 2009, 4:43am

Post #86 of 165 (959 views)
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I concur:).\\ [In reply to] Can't Post

 

''Sam put his ragged orc-cloak under his master's head, and covered them both with the grey robe of Lorien; and as he did so his thoughts went out to that fair land, and to the Elves, and he hoped that the cloth woven by their hands might have some virtue to keep them hidden beyond all hope in this wilderness of fear...But their luck held, and for the rest of that day they met no living or moving thing; and when night fell they vanished into the darkess of Mordor.'' - - -rotk, chapter III

May the grace of Manwë let us soar with eagle's wings!

In the air, among the clouds in the sky
Here is where the birds of Manwe fly
Looking at the land, and the water that flows
The true beauty of earth shows
With the stars of Varda lighting my way
In all the realms this is where I stay
In the realm of Manwë Súlimo













silneldor
Half-elven


Oct 16 2009, 4:47am

Post #87 of 165 (950 views)
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Yes, it seems. [In reply to] Can't Post

The Renaissance Faire truly has it's influences...as you will seeLaugh.

''Sam put his ragged orc-cloak under his master's head, and covered them both with the grey robe of Lorien; and as he did so his thoughts went out to that fair land, and to the Elves, and he hoped that the cloth woven by their hands might have some virtue to keep them hidden beyond all hope in this wilderness of fear...But their luck held, and for the rest of that day they met no living or moving thing; and when night fell they vanished into the darkess of Mordor.'' - - -rotk, chapter III

May the grace of Manwë let us soar with eagle's wings!

In the air, among the clouds in the sky
Here is where the birds of Manwe fly
Looking at the land, and the water that flows
The true beauty of earth shows
With the stars of Varda lighting my way
In all the realms this is where I stay
In the realm of Manwë Súlimo













silneldor
Half-elven


Oct 16 2009, 5:25am

Post #88 of 165 (968 views)
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No my dear lady [In reply to] Can't Post

the honour was mine. And i should be lucky to be so, 'inconvenienced' again:). Your company was wonderful .
Until next year:).

''Sam put his ragged orc-cloak under his master's head, and covered them both with the grey robe of Lorien; and as he did so his thoughts went out to that fair land, and to the Elves, and he hoped that the cloth woven by their hands might have some virtue to keep them hidden beyond all hope in this wilderness of fear...But their luck held, and for the rest of that day they met no living or moving thing; and when night fell they vanished into the darkess of Mordor.'' - - -rotk, chapter III

May the grace of Manwë let us soar with eagle's wings!

In the air, among the clouds in the sky
Here is where the birds of Manwe fly
Looking at the land, and the water that flows
The true beauty of earth shows
With the stars of Varda lighting my way
In all the realms this is where I stay
In the realm of Manwë Súlimo













Sunflower
Valinor

Oct 16 2009, 9:20am

Post #89 of 165 (948 views)
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My thoughts coming [In reply to] Can't Post

I apologize, I am going to be very late writing--but I have one more trip on Saturday, and then I can get down to the task of writing here. This trip has been a blessing to me in so many ways....and I will let everyone know, in great ways and small. You may not all have heard much from me (I'm a very quiet sort), but trust me when I say it meant so much more than you will ever know....

Thanks for the clips..I am (re)-singing "May It Be" already ("Celine Dion" version or not, Deej:)


Rosie-with-the-ribbons
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Oct 16 2009, 12:39pm

Post #90 of 165 (977 views)
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Another report [In reply to] Can't Post

What fun, reading all these reports. I don't have that much more to add to all the others.

It just was so much fun meeting everybody.
Gkgyver already on the airport in Duesseldorf.
Ainu Laire and Garfeimao at JFK. Good that Ainu was wearing a LOTR-shirt, made the recognition a lot easier.
A lot of sibs at the Beecake concert (which was amazing to hear).
And a whole lot more sibs during the moot.

The moot and the concert are at the same height for me concerning fun moments in this weekend. It was so great meeting everybody. I really felt at home (and usually that takes a long time for me). I'm now the proud owner of a TORn-shirt Smile.

Saturday morning breakfast with Magpie and gkgyver. And later that day visiting Ground Zero with a group. It was really special, for me as a foreigner, having a different look at the moment it happened, it was really special sharing this with a group.

The concert was amazing. At moments I totally forgot I was listening to a orchestra, they where so good. The choir gave me goosebumps when they went full. The crossing for the Ford was the first, and many more followed. The soloists, especially the boys were really amazing. I stayed with Magpie to get an autograph of Doug and Howard, so I'm now the proud owner of a signed programme Smile.

Sunday morning finding my way down to the Angel Orensantz Foundation (always exciting to find a new location) but I managed. And I was really glad I went. Everything was amazing. The building was really unique. Hearing everybody talking and singing. Watching Journey's End. And hearing Doug and Howard talking about the music. Another highlight on this weekend.
Later that night a dinner with the sibs that where still in NYC. We had good laughs and a really nice dinner.
After that it was saying goodbye. Always a nasty moment. But we have next year to look forward to.

And I still had two days left in NYC!!

So on Monday some shopping, getting some stuff I can't get in the Netherlands. But in the afternoon I felt all the excitement of the entire weekend, and I just couldn't go on anymore. Time for a nap. In the evening a stroll down to Grand Central Station and marveling at the Chrysler Building. New York really has beautiful buildings, with all the attention to details on everything.

Tuesday a start in Central Park. I still wanted to see the Bethesda Fountain. I love Enchanted and one of my favorite scenes in the movie is there, so I really wanted to see it. And celebrating my unbirthday at the statue of Alice in Wonderland. And since I was close, I visited the Metropolitan Museum. What a huge place that is. I marvelled at a lot of the exhibitions, but later in the afternoon, there was just no more space in my mind to take up any more, and besides that, my feet where killing me. So an early night, and time to see some tv, always nice to do in the US, getting a preview at some of the shows that are running at home, but we still have to wait a year or more before that episode is run here. Oh, and of course packing my bags. Did I buy all that stuff?? And how will it fit. But I managed to get everything in my suitcase (and carry it around).

Wednesday morning, checking out, but I still had some time left. So I decided to go to the Top of the Rock. I had already been there, but now with the fall colours. And it was a really beautiful morning, so I went to the Top. It was of course magnificent to see.

The flight home was good. I had a window seat, and the seat beside me was empty, so nice a lot of room to sit and stuff my belongings. Even could sleep a bit.

And now I'm home. Had a good night sleep in my own bed and got my pictures sorted out. So take a look at my Pictures.

It was great meeting everybody. I'm not going to name anybody special, since I met so many people and can't remember all the names (shame on me).
Hopefully we can get together next year (I have to start saving up, but I hope it will work out).

Thanks everybody!


entmaiden
Forum Admin / Moderator


Oct 16 2009, 1:44pm

Post #91 of 165 (944 views)
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Great report! [In reply to] Can't Post

It was lovely to meet you and spend time together. Glad you arrived home safely, and look forward to seeing you next year!

Each cloak was fastened about the neck with a brooch like a green leaf veined with silver.

`Are these magic cloaks? ' asked Pippin, looking at them with wonder.

`I do not know what you mean by that,' answered the leader of the Elves.



NARF since 1974.
Balin Bows


Magpie
Immortal


Oct 16 2009, 2:16pm

Post #92 of 165 (950 views)
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Loved the report... [In reply to] Can't Post

Did your pics of Ainu Laire's and Earl's drawings/photo turn out? I don't see them in your photo gallery.

I am so taking my camera to RCMH next year. Why do I look at rules and try to follow them? I mean, I guess it wasn't against the rules after all but it looked like it on their page.

I liked your 'locals' pictures. I might have been tempted to take a pic of a black squirrel in CP. They're all over Michigan but all the Minnesota squirrels are brown. Isn't there a comment somewhere about black squirrels being from Mordor?


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(This post was edited by Magpie on Oct 16 2009, 2:17pm)


Rosie-with-the-ribbons
Forum Admin / Moderator


Oct 16 2009, 3:07pm

Post #93 of 165 (944 views)
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I've added [In reply to] Can't Post

the pictures of the artwork from Ainu and Earl.
I totally forgot to add them here Blush. I did mail them to Earl and pm-ed Ainu if she wanted to have them.

I thought the squirrel was really adorable, he was so close to the path and absolutely not scared of humans.
Here we only have the red squirrels, also really cute to look at, so the grey one was actually new to me.


Magpie
Immortal


Oct 16 2009, 3:28pm

Post #94 of 165 (940 views)
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Those red squirrels have little tufts in their ear? [In reply to] Can't Post

They are cute.

The squirrels in my backyard can be fun to watch when they're juveniles (they chase each other all over the neighborhood) but they are pains the butt. They get into the bird food and try to chew into the attic through the roof vents. My husband went on a 4 year campaign to keep them out of the bird feeders since they are quite persistent and agile We finally found the perfect spot where they couldn't leap from any item onto it. But the pigeons have thwarted us. I looked out the back window a few weeks ago and counted 7 on the ground. So... we've stopped feeding. There is no thwarting pigeons.

I'll go check out your updated album. Thanks for adding those pictures.


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Rosie-with-the-ribbons
Forum Admin / Moderator


Oct 16 2009, 3:40pm

Post #95 of 165 (931 views)
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Yes, they have [In reply to] Can't Post

that also makes them so adorable.
Luckily I don't have any troubles with squirrels (or any other animals I have to say, the most exciting thing here was a little hedgehog that walked inside, scared the hell out of me, and let me push him back outside).

That video is really hilarious, especially with the music underneath. But he really knows his way and how to get to the goodies.


Magpie
Immortal


Oct 16 2009, 4:25pm

Post #96 of 165 (967 views)
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Tor.com review of the panels [In reply to] Can't Post

Doug linked to this review in one of his tweets. I was really struck with this comment:
The actual composing process was described as “laying track down in front of an oncoming train,” which is the kind of creative metaphor I can really get behind. He named the destruction of the ring the most daunting cue, but pointed out that after four years of work he was too worn down to worry, and the night before they had to record that scene he sat down and wrote it, because it was due. (Seriously, best creative process ever.)

Now, the reason this fascinates me so is because, if I had to name one epiphanal moment in the entire trilogy, it would be during the destruction of the Ring sequence. There is actually a lot of music used from the time the Ring melts and the final destruction of Barad-dur occurs and I'm not sure if Howard was talking about this entire section or one particular part of it (and there is a theme named 'Destruction of the Ring' that would refer to a specific phrase). But does it matter? I mean, do I need to know precisely (or generally) what music he was referring to? No. My feelings are the same regardless. The piece of music that most profoundly affects me was the result of a intuitive process. One informed, surely, by many, many things (education, experience, research, previous scoring of LOTR music, etc.) but, in the end... he felt it. He let it come without analyzing and examining it.

This reminds me of what I wrote on my website and again in book I gave him:
Howard Shore is most certainly gifted, experienced and well trained in music and film scoring. Having little formal musical training, I am not a good one to discuss those attributes. And actually, I don't believe those fine attributes are what elevates this music beyond 'good', or even 'great', to something indescribable. I honestly think there's something in Howard Shore's spirit which, provided with the fodder of Tolkien's Middle-earth, shone through all the brighter. I wrote this to a friend:
I'm beginning to think that Howard Shore has woven something magical into the score. And part of me would like to believe that for all his talent, for all his gifts, for all his conscious intentions, in the end there's a bit of Tolkien magic that possessed him and elevated the work past that of an ordinary score.
The person who wrote this review wrote more on her LiveJournal page. She linked to a (surely, illegal) video of the movie covering the Destruction of the Ring. For my part, it's the section from 6:00-6:30 that will drive me to RCMH to hear no matter what. I want to be there when that music is played and try hard not to stand up and shout - for the sake of my fellow concert goers.


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weaver
Half-elven

Oct 16 2009, 5:01pm

Post #97 of 165 (962 views)
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I agree with you about that part of the score... [In reply to] Can't Post

...there's something that "goes beyond" in that part of the score, which I get glimmers of at other times, but which is most present and in its fullest form in the music leading up to and during the falling of the tower.

I love the idea that it just came together for Howard Shore in an intuitive way -- in that way, it feels a lot like the books to me, where there are parts where you can tell (and know from Letters) how carefully Tolkien worked to craft them, and other parts that feel very differently, where things just flow in a very natural way. T

The end of the Old Forest chapter, where the hobbits end up on the threshold of Tom Bombadil's home, is the first example to come to mind, for me -- the text just seems to write itself, if I can put it that way, in those final paragraphs. The destruction of the Ring has the same kind of feel to me, like the music wrote itself...or that Howard Shore just let it come through him...amazing stuff.

On a much smaller scale, I know from the grant writing I do, however, that it's only after I've totally internalized a project, and am no longer working "at it" but working "with it", that it all really comes together. So I would guess that Howard Shore's ability to very intuitively create this part is the result of all of the hard work that came before, and that it took that, plus the pressure of a deadline, and being mentally worn down, to create the right conditions for a more intuitively based creativity to naturally emerge as it did.

Weaver





Magpie
Immortal


Oct 16 2009, 5:07pm

Post #98 of 165 (967 views)
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I agree with you [In reply to] Can't Post

That all that comes before makes the intuitive happen. I think some people just don't let themselves get to - or trust - this final part of the process. And, I think, when we dip into the intuitive, we access something more than (or other than) all the stuff that came before. It's like we consciously accumulate A, B, C, D, and E. Then we let it all simmer, dip into the unconscious, and F kind of drifts in. Not only do we let ABCD&E work more effectively by accessing the intuitive... we get F to boot.

I've been struck by some comments Howard has been making. He has talked, since the beginning of these movies, about how he utilizes dreaming in his work. But lately, when asked if he is working on The Hobbit, he replies, "Yes... I am dreaming about it" Not that verbatim but the gist is.. he does consider dreaming about his work to be working. So he really does do his homework but really does trust his intuitive side. I love watching balanced left and right brains.



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weaver
Half-elven

Oct 16 2009, 5:16pm

Post #99 of 165 (941 views)
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Let's hear it for "F"! [In reply to] Can't Post

...and I loved the way you put that...thanks!

Shore strikes me as a lot like Jackson; these guys have a thorough understanding of all of the technical side of things -- all the practical concerns -- as well as the more creative side, for lack of a better word to call it. Howard's "dreaming" sounds a lot like Jackson when he says "what if..." or "wouldn't it be cool if..", on the commentaries, etc. I guess creative people all have their way into that space where "F" lives...

Some feel, I know, that Jackson crosses the line with cascading skulls and such..I don't think such remarks have ever been said about Howard Shore, though. He seems to always hit it "right".

Weaver





entmaiden
Forum Admin / Moderator


Oct 16 2009, 5:20pm

Post #100 of 165 (941 views)
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Then, at the other end of the scale, [In reply to] Can't Post

we have Doug Adams, who has done such a wonderful job deconstructing the score. I love what he has done, but at the same time I wonder how his efforts might impact the creative process. Howard said during the writing of the LOTR score, he had no idea how the themes were evolving. But now he is aware of it, and I hope he continues in the same manner by relying on memory of the earlier themes while writing The Hobbit score. I hope Howard's new awareness due to Doug's efforts do not take him out of the creative process he has used with so much success so far. I'm sure Howard has enough confidence in his own abilities to use the same techniques he has used his entire career, but it must be strange to have someone analyze your work and discover a process that you were completely unaware you were using.

Howard Shore should continue to rely on his instincts and not over-think what he is doing. He said during the panels that he rarely went back to his notes when he was re-visiting an earlier theme, and that's probably why they evolved throughout the movie. If he had gone back to his notes, I suspect the score would have been diminished because his creative process would have been blocked by relying too much on replicating the theme and not letting it evolve naturally.

There was something Howard said that struck me. During the discussion on Sunday, Howard mentioned that Gandalf the Grey has no theme in the LOTR movies, and I wonder how he's going to tackle that during The Hobbit. It works in the LOTR movies that Gandalf the Grey does not have a theme, because it's really Gandalf the White who has a significant impact on the story. However, in The Hobbit, Gandalf the Grey is a major presence, so he should have a theme. I'm curious what Howard will be doing to develop a theme for Gandalf the Grey, and how that will link to the LOTR movies, where there is no theme.

Each cloak was fastened about the neck with a brooch like a green leaf veined with silver.

`Are these magic cloaks? ' asked Pippin, looking at them with wonder.

`I do not know what you mean by that,' answered the leader of the Elves.



NARF since 1974.
Balin Bows


Magpie
Immortal


Oct 16 2009, 5:49pm

Post #101 of 165 (1064 views)
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Your comments about Doug's analysis of Howard's work... [In reply to] Can't Post

...would be interesting to ask of them both. I'd be curious how they handle it since I'd bet anything that they've discussed just that thing in some manner.

Not a lot of characters get major themes in the movie. Gandalf does actually have two themes although I guess both are applied to him while White. But both are placed (in this kind of retroactive analysis) in other categories: one within the Fellowship category (along with the predominate Fellowship Theme) and the other in the Nature category (along with Nature's Reclamation heard in the moth scene and when the Ents attack Isengard). There's also Gandalf's Farewells but I would consider that a 'farewell' theme as much as it is about Gandalf.

Eowyn has three themes although the differences between them appear a bit subtle in some cases (to me). Arwen has two (the glowy Arwen theme heard at Trollshaws and the Arwen/Aragorn theme heard in the 'this is a dream' scene).

I suppose the other 'person' theme is Sauron's Theme, that screechy thing we hear when we see Barad-dur. But that is also called the Mordor Theme under the category of Mordor and... the same music is also called The Evil of the Ring under the One Ring category. And Sauron isn't really a character in the movie as much as a concept.

But, all the other themes are really applied to locations or concepts. So, I don't know if Gandalf the Grey will get a theme in The Hobbit. It will be interesting to see how similar (to LOTR) the structure of the music is for The Hobbit or how different it is.


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Magpie
Immortal


Oct 16 2009, 6:39pm

Post #102 of 165 (1065 views)
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Doug's recap from his blog [In reply to] Can't Post

is here.

I'm going to quote some random stuff that I think might be interesting to the broadest audience here. Keep in mind, he is covering pre concert events from Oct. 1-Oct 11:

I’ve gotten pretty comfortable (conducing interviews as the interviewer)… even back when the composers would call my home and get my mom on the phone. Heck, even when my mom asked Phillip Glass if he was one of my percussion students, or when she asked Quincy Jones to call back later because she wasn’t comfortable speaking with famous people!
That made me chuckle pretty good. I love Phillip Glass.

It turned out that Billy was actually staying in the same hotel, so we walked back after dinner. He pointed at a nearby building as we walked. “Elijah’s in there shooting something for Saturday Night Live right now.” Although we did a little LOTR talk that evening, we certainly didn’t focus on it exclusively. It was interesting to note, then, how often Billy brought up Elijah and Dom without prompting. Their friendship was, and is, genuine, not simply the result of effective marketing.
[..]


Afterwards we (Howard, Elizabeth, Doug, et. al.) did a dinner/business meeting with some of Howard’s staff to discuss book contracts and some potential new collaborators. (I say “staff,” but they’re all friends at this point, so it wasn’t really much like a meeting.) Different Chinese place this time. By total coincidence, the party arriving at the restaurant before us was discussing “these upcoming Hobbit films.” They didn’t seem to be in the business, just fans. If only they’d seen who was standing behind them in line!

[..]


(Signing autographs after Friday's concert) A few confused—and apparently nearsighted—souls thought I was Billy Boyd, and asked for autographs and hugs. They said, “You were my favorite hobbit!” They seemed so excited, I didn’t have the heart to tell them. I mumbled thanks hoping that they didn’t notice my lack of Scottish brogue, then scribbled a really bad signature so that they wouldn’t notice a complete lack of the letter B. Howard asked why my signature was getting “increasingly cryptic,” and I just laughed.

[..]

Before I knew it, it was time for the blog dinner party. I knew going in that this would be one of the weekend’s highlights – and most likely, one of its great frustrations. My time would be limited – we had an engagement not too long after the party’s start – and I wouldn’t be able to really spend quality time with everyone there. There were so many people I wanted to meet. Actually, I didn’t want to just “meet” them, and I wanted to sit and get to know them. I guess that’s the weird tradeoff when any aspect of your life becomes public. You meet a million interesting people, but you’re kept at a distance. This is why I generally try to schedule an event or two on my own, like the book previews we did in London last spring. But there was no time for that on this trip. As we go more and more public, I wonder if those types of things will become impossible.

I was thrilled to speak with Doreen, Taylor, Georg, Tim, Marilynn, Glen, and other whose names I’m either now forgetting, or whose names flew past my ears too quickly. I was absolutely embarrassed by the number of gifts you guys brought – many of which I was simply unable to open until returned home! What beautiful, thoughtful creations!

Well, if I spoke of disappointments, it was because I too was hoping for some time to 'sit and get to know' Doug. And I think I wondered the same thing, " As we go more and more public, I wonder if those types of things will become impossible."

And I will sheepishly admit that my present to him must have caused great vexation. He fussed over not wanting to unwrap it because it was wrapped so nicely. Finally he did, then (without it wafting up to my conscious mind) continued to struggle with it for some minutes. I was so whirly headed I just wasn't able to focus. Finally he said, "I can't get this open. I'll have to do it later." which was fine with me. Later, I realized what he had been struggling with. I had wrapped up two picture frames face to face with a piece of cardboard between them. I was hoping nothing would push in on my luggage and break the glass. But then, I had soft wrapped these two frames in tissue paper and tied them up with thin crochet cotton. This is essentially string with no slipperyness to it (as a plastic string might have) and I had strongly double knotted them. Those knots could not be picked apart and the string was tied around such that you couldn't slip it off the package either. The only way to get it off would have been to cut it with scissors or a knife. If I had any ounce of sense in me, I would have realized what he was trying to do for all those minutes and tell him to give it up. It was hopeless. It is funny to see him wrestling with it in the two pictures I have of that moment.

(regarding visiting the Marquette Exhibit) Unused ideas were hastily scrawled and marked out. New concepts were jotted on the back of student exams and Oxford faculty menus. It reminded me of the knee-high stack of paper currently on my office floor with my own collection of margin doodles, red ink corrections, sloppy rewrites, etc. I’m not comparing myself to Tolkien, of course, but I was thrilled to see that that I’m not the only one who accumulates what I like to call “the detritus of endeavor.”

I think Howard took away something similar. He was happy to see that Tolkien didn’t always know where he was going with his massive creation, that he spent great time and effort to work out details, and let the story lead him when necessary. Howard creates his music in much the same way. He focuses on the moments before he focuses on the big picture. The big picture will always reveal itself, but if you try to attack it too early, it’s almost prohibitively imposing.

[..]

(after Saturday's concert) After the signing we returned to the backstage area to pick up our gifts from the blog party. We took one last look at the stage, which was being struck, then drifted out into the street. The marquee was already coming down. “It went so fast,” Howard noted. “Pretty soon it’ll be like we were never there.” It was one of the few times I disagreed with Howard. Whatever happens next, it will never be like we were never there.





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ElanorTX
Tol Eressea


Oct 16 2009, 6:49pm

Post #103 of 165 (1055 views)
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Thanks for bringing your portfolio to the moot [In reply to] Can't Post

I had seen several pieces of it online, but of course they are even more impressive in reality

"I shall not wholly fail if anything can still grow fair in days to come."


entmaiden
Forum Admin / Moderator


Oct 16 2009, 9:35pm

Post #104 of 165 (1019 views)
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I decided not to ask [In reply to] Can't Post

because while deconstructing the score is very much something Doug will enjoy, I don't think it's something that Howard is keenly conscious of, nor does he want to be that aware of how the themes are created and how they evolve. He seems to rely more on his instincts and innate talent, and over-thinking would probably be more a hindrance than an asset. If Doug does a book tour, he'll probably have a few events in Chicago since he lives here, and I could ask him. If I miss his book signings, I can always send him a message through his blog.

Each cloak was fastened about the neck with a brooch like a green leaf veined with silver.

`Are these magic cloaks? ' asked Pippin, looking at them with wonder.

`I do not know what you mean by that,' answered the leader of the Elves.



NARF since 1974.
Balin Bows


gkgyver
Bree

Oct 16 2009, 11:00pm

Post #105 of 165 (1022 views)
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Dreaming on [In reply to] Can't Post

First of all, thank you for explaining my random comments to everyone, looks like I have my personal online secretary now Tongue

And you know what?
That dreaming/daydreaming is maybe the most important factor in creating something extraordinary and timeless is not just some sort of funny footnote.
The really ingenius people just practice a different, instinctual way of thinking. An "idea" comes to life when an abstract, ghostly, intangible whisper gets in touch with the part of the mind that thinks in a technical way.

There have been studies about this. Such people use maybe 20-25% of their attention on the technical, hands-on factors. The rest of their mind is not firmly rooted in a certain idea or in the "reality in front of their eyes"; their mind is permanently open, permanently ready to go into every direction. They have complete control over the entire thing, the larger picture, without losing themselves in details, because they are ready to change direction every second.

That's what Howard Shore recently described so cunningly as "You just keep the pencil moving".

Until "it hits you".

I think it's well known that Albert Schweitzer (Einstein) was one day sitting in his chair at work, and the inexplicable, unmotivated thought came to him "When a person is falling from a building, he will not feel the weight of his own body."
And that thought, which could have come to anyone, was the little pebble starting an avalanche.

This is very special, and the whole magnitude of this only came to me last Sunday, when Howard said that most of the times, he did not think about reprising most of the themes, he came back to them when he remembered them. Only the really pivotal themes were planned.

This is what I mean, such people have complete control over their doings, they know exactly what they do, without being aware of it.


(This post was edited by gkgyver on Oct 16 2009, 11:06pm)


Lossefalme
Gondor


Oct 17 2009, 1:30am

Post #106 of 165 (1025 views)
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I don't know what to say! [In reply to] Can't Post

Everything looks amazing! I so wish that I could have been there. I thought about you all all throughout the weekend. I didn't even know that Shore and/or Adams would be there, but that would have only made it worse for me knowing that I was missing that. I'm so appreciative of your report and all of your wonderful pictures. It's so lovely to put some faces to nicks! I'm sure this was an experience that you'll all treasure forever. If I weren't so sad right now I might be jealous. I'm so glad that you shared this for those of us who weren't there; it's a gift. Thank you!

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Aragorn threw back his cloak. The elven-sheath glittered as he grasped it, and the bright blade of Andúril shone like a sudden flame as he swept it out. “Elendil!” he cried. “I am Aragorn son of Arathorn, and am called Elessar, the Elfstone, Dúnadan, the heir of Isildur Elendil’s son of Gondor. Here is the Sword that was Broken and is forged again! Will you aid me or thwart me? Choose swiftly!” TTT, Book III, Chapter 2
And Éomer answered: “Since the day when you rose before me out of the green grass of the downs I have loved you, and that love shall not fail.” RotK, Book VI, Chapter 5


silneldor
Half-elven


Oct 17 2009, 4:33am

Post #107 of 165 (1032 views)
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I am glad that i could [In reply to] Can't Post

bring some of it to you and it would have been great to have you along, but i understand. What i do know is, that you have your beautiful family. You are fortunate none the less:). Until we all gather at our next moot:).

''Sam put his ragged orc-cloak under his master's head, and covered them both with the grey robe of Lorien; and as he did so his thoughts went out to that fair land, and to the Elves, and he hoped that the cloth woven by their hands might have some virtue to keep them hidden beyond all hope in this wilderness of fear...But their luck held, and for the rest of that day they met no living or moving thing; and when night fell they vanished into the darkess of Mordor.'' - - -rotk, chapter III

May the grace of Manwë let us soar with eagle's wings!

In the air, among the clouds in the sky
Here is where the birds of Manwe fly
Looking at the land, and the water that flows
The true beauty of earth shows
With the stars of Varda lighting my way
In all the realms this is where I stay
In the realm of Manwë Súlimo













Ainu Laire
Tol Eressea


Oct 17 2009, 9:37am

Post #108 of 165 (1019 views)
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Some photos (finally) [In reply to] Can't Post

I didn't bring my camera to the Friday Moot (d'oh) and then after the Saturday show I was too much on Cloud 9 to be of any use to anyone, so no photos there.

However, I do have a few completely random shots around NYC, including a few from the RCMH and Sunday's programming (haven't put them through photoshop though, and they turned out terrible, gah). But anyways, for those mildly curious: http://www.facebook.com/...571815071&ref=nf I think the stuffed dragon is, at least, somewhat on topic for the weekend...

And I have around 400 photos of architecture/statues/stuff from the Metropolitian. If you *really* want to see those, PM me and I'll PM you back when I have them all up on my stock photography account. They may come up this weekend depending on how much I want to procrastinate on work.

I was hoping to, err, well, steal any photos that have me in them, so you may be getting PMs from me within the coming days. When I get to it.

My LiveJournal ~ My artwork and photography ~ My LOTR fan fiction

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NARF since age 8, when I refused to read the Hobbit because the cover looked boring and icky.


Ainu Laire
Tol Eressea


Oct 17 2009, 9:39am

Post #109 of 165 (1009 views)
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Thank you very much [In reply to] Can't Post

I don't carry the originals around due to their size and not wanting to lose them, but if you are ever in my area and you want to I'd be happy to show you some of the real ones in all of their too-big-to-carry-around glory. Laugh

It was so wonderful to meet you!

My LiveJournal ~ My artwork and photography ~ My LOTR fan fiction

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NARF since age 8, when I refused to read the Hobbit because the cover looked boring and icky.


Doug Adams
Bree

Oct 17 2009, 2:10pm

Post #110 of 165 (1054 views)
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A Question of Instinct [In reply to] Can't Post


In Reply To
because while deconstructing the score is very much something Doug will enjoy, I don't think it's something that Howard is keenly conscious of, nor does he want to be that aware of how the themes are created and how they evolve. He seems to rely more on his instincts and innate talent, and over-thinking would probably be more a hindrance than an asset. If Doug does a book tour, he'll probably have a few events in Chicago since he lives here, and I could ask him. If I miss his book signings, I can always send him a message through his blog.


Well, you could just ask Doug now. ;)

Howard's point was not that he dodged self-analysis or introspection, but that at certain points he would specifically avoid consulting his notebooks regarding thematic development. Whatever he didn't remember from the previous development became the next stage in the development. "Did I use an F# or G last time?" "Well, it's a G now!"

Remember that Howard's instinct is informed by a considerable intellect. His technical acumen is still quite present, it's just that he's internalized the process over the years. He is extremely aware of the detail in his thematic writing, and it is there by design.

I will occasionally make connections between themes that Howard didn't realize he'd created, but only where he acknowledges the existence. We were extremely careful to come to a shared view of the score before putting material in the book. We had dozens of conversations about these things. Disagreeing about this, agreeing about that. Consulting music dictionaries, historical texts, etc. It was a lot of work!

But Howard is not simply a top-of-his-head tunesmith. He is a composer in every sense of the word. The structures, the interwoven networks of thematic notions, are all there for a purpose.

He just doesn't want over-intellectualize large-scale choices -- ensemble colors, instrument choices, etc -- because they must connect on a visceral level in order to engage the audience. For instance, why write LOTR for orchestral forces rather than electronic? Well, it just feels right. We could get into a discussion of Tolkien's concept of the natural versus the industrial, but in the end, an orchestra just feels right, that's all.

Our work together specifically avoids this as well, save for an anecdotal/historical mention here and there. I don't say, "The whistle is effective because it came, historically, from a hollowed out reed, and the natural world connects to Hobbiton because in our collective unconscious we blah, blah, blah." That's not analysis, it's rationalization and has no place in this book.

Also, please note that Howard read the first draft of this book before he was done with The Two Towers, and read each subsequent draft while working on The Return of the King. Creatively, our work on The Hobbit won't be much different at all. It's the business model that's changed this time -- we'll be able to create a practical schedule for OSTs, Complete Recordings, Rarities and a Book (or whatever we all come up with) well before we begin work. We had no model on LOTR, so we've been winging it! Anyway, if my participation colors his work in any way (and I don't think it does), then it's been doing so since 2002/2003. His work from that period came out... you know, pretty good. :)

All best,

-D


entmaiden
Forum Admin / Moderator


Oct 17 2009, 2:33pm

Post #111 of 165 (997 views)
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Yes, what you said [In reply to] Can't Post

and you said it much better than I could. I didn't mean to imply that Howard is winging it when he composes - as you said, he is extraordinarily talented and has internalized the music so that he can build on the themes without having to consult his notes. He is a true professional and knows what he's doing at all times.

So if you get this question in Chicago (where I also live) at a book-signing, you'll know it's me ;).

Each cloak was fastened about the neck with a brooch like a green leaf veined with silver.

`Are these magic cloaks? ' asked Pippin, looking at them with wonder.

`I do not know what you mean by that,' answered the leader of the Elves.



NARF since 1974.
Balin Bows

(This post was edited by entmaiden on Oct 17 2009, 2:38pm)


Altaira
Superuser


Oct 17 2009, 3:02pm

Post #112 of 165 (1001 views)
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Thanks, Doug [In reply to] Can't Post

Nice to see you here. Smile


Quote

Remember that Howard's instinct is informed by a considerable intellect. His technical acumen is still quite present, it's just that he's internalized the process over the years. He is extremely aware of the detail in his thematic writing, and it is there by design.



That reflects what Howard was saying last Sunday about knowing the ins and outs of being a composer in part because he's been doing it for so long. For me, part of the fascination of continuing to learn about the process of composing the score for LOTR is witnessing (in retrospect) the creative process of someone who, as you say, has 'internalized' much of the process of creating a score. This, in turn, frees him to think and dream about other things. It's like the perfect marriage of left and right brain thinking, honed by years of experience. I admire that and love learning more about it.

Now see what you've done. I don't think I can wait until April for your book!


Koru: Maori symbol representing a fern frond as it opens. The koru reaches towards the light, striving for perfection, encouraging new, positive beginnings.



"Life can't be all work and no TORn" -- jflower

"I take a moment to fervently hope that the camaradarie and just plain old fun I found at TORn will never end" -- LOTR_nutcase



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Magpie
Immortal


Oct 17 2009, 3:19pm

Post #113 of 165 (1026 views)
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lol [In reply to] Can't Post

I opened this post in threaded mode by clicking on the title because it was the next 'new' one. Then I read: "Well, you could just ask Doug now. ;)"

I had to think about that for a few seconds trying to puzzle out what that meant exactly till I looked at the poster's name. I was kind of hoping your google alerts would drive you here.

I hope I haven't (and I don't think I have but it bears saying) think that Howard composes off the cuff. I do believe his 'technical acumen' is the foundation for the results he acheives. And that acumen is worthy of great appreciation. I'm just one who marvels at his trust in his instinct.

I will occasionally make connections between themes that Howard didn't realize he'd created

That's interesting to hear. I sometimes think that I see connections as well that have not (at least yet) been discussed. Whether they were subconscious on Howard's part of just a figment of my imagination, they're fun to consider. And your comment tells me he does acknowledge he's not consciously aware of all that he might have made. That's the instinct at work again.

Thanks for dropping by.



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Magpie
Immortal


Oct 17 2009, 3:21pm

Post #114 of 165 (1016 views)
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Facebook people only, apparently [In reply to] Can't Post

I need to log in to view.

Anyone has permission to take any photo from my Picasa albums.


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Ainu Laire
Tol Eressea


Oct 17 2009, 4:26pm

Post #115 of 165 (1023 views)
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Ah, here's the public link [In reply to] Can't Post

http://www.facebook.com/...071&l=b32a7b42f8

My bad :D

My LiveJournal ~ My artwork and photography ~ My LOTR fan fiction

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NARF since age 8, when I refused to read the Hobbit because the cover looked boring and icky.


Magpie
Immortal


Oct 17 2009, 6:39pm

Post #116 of 165 (1065 views)
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a few more photos of goodie bag items : check out the donors and people who helped [In reply to] Can't Post

I didn't get all the items from the TORn goodie bag photographed when I first created my photo album. I've since added the last two items and wanted to highlight one in particular.

Laithaine, who I believe was a member of TORn's older boards (someone clue me in, I never was able to identify everyone in the TORn moot planning committee), has a body products company called Mythology Body. She hand made two bags of soap and drove them into the city... a little late for the Friday moot but Loresilme carried them from the hotel to the Sunday panels. I just wanted to make sure that anyone who got one of those soaps knows where they came from and were aware of the connection to TORn and the efforts of three TORnsibs: Laithaine and Loresilme (in regards to the soap) and Smeagirl/Girllum who did an amazing amount of work to collect all the items offered in the bags.

Mythology Body's website

I grabbed one of these soaps before they left for the panels and I've been enjoying the scent since I returned home from NYC. I think it will sit in my room until the scent fades and then I'll use it for soap. :-)

Also, I just added an image (captured from the web, I will admit, since I'd already put away the camera before remembering) of the DVD, Satanic Rites of Dracula. Anticipating your puzzled looks, the connection is Christopher Lee. :-)

And the connections to LOTR for other puzzling items:
potato pins & potato pamphlets from the Idaho Potato Commission : PO-TA-TOES

Honey : this honey is from NZ. But it's more than mere honey.
The Maori and early European settlers have been using the Manuka and Kanuka trees for centuries for their medicinal properties. The bark, sap, leaves and oil of the trees have been used as teas, poultices, wound dressings and skin products. Today, manuka products including its honey are recognized throughout the world for their powerful antibacterial strength.

Honey bees collect nectar from the Manuka and Kanuka flowers. It is then produced into a dark, rich, distinctive flavoured honey known as Manuka Honey. There are two different types of manuka honey, one is ordinary manuka honey which has a beautiful taste but contains small amounts of antibacterial properties and then there is UMF active manuka honey. UMF manuka honey is a potent antibacterial honey that is recommended for therapeutic use.
It's my understanding these packets were shipped all the way from NZ.

When we ran out of potato pamphlets, Smeagirl/Girllum personally donated a collection of NYC postcards and notecards she had.

So, perhaps a few of you will be inspired to click on some of those links or even shoot a thank you to one of those donors.

Thanks to the TORnsibs who worked to solicit, donate, store, transport and stuff items into bags: Smeagirl/Girllum (the mastermind of it all), S/G's Mister, Thorongil, Thor's traveling companion (whose name escapes me - is this the 'Nim' that greendragon lists?), Laithaine, Silneldor, Ordinary Hobbit, and Loresilme.

Magpie's photo album with pics of the goodie bag items and more mementos from the weekend.



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(This post was edited by Magpie on Oct 17 2009, 6:41pm)


ElanorTX
Tol Eressea


Oct 18 2009, 2:20am

Post #117 of 165 (998 views)
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also thank you (who?) for the authentic WETA keyrings // [In reply to] Can't Post

 

"I shall not wholly fail if anything can still grow fair in days to come."


Magpie
Immortal


Oct 18 2009, 2:39am

Post #118 of 165 (1014 views)
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ah, I forgot those [In reply to] Can't Post

That would be... Weta. :-)


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(This post was edited by Magpie on Oct 18 2009, 2:39am)


Tamara
Rivendell

Oct 18 2009, 8:27pm

Post #119 of 165 (1032 views)
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Tamara's wrap-up [In reply to] Can't Post

Sorry it's taken me so long to post my NYC weekend notes- midterms are upon me right now. :?

Thursday travel started out well- caught my train and got to the airport and through security quickly. Arrived on time and found my friend Kitsa- a local- waiting to guide me through the MTA's transit system. Went to call fellow Ringer Garfeimao...and discovered I could not. Luckily, she had another group she planned to travel with if I failed her, so Kitsa and I took to the trains.

Arrived at the hotel and discovered that I had trouble both sending AND receiving calls and texts on my phone. Spent the time catching up with Kitsa until I called Deej from TORn and she said her dinner reservation was for 8- not 11pm- for the 11:30 concert. I had not printed any info and just had my concert ticket, so I headed out with Kitsa to the club. Meantime, I finally heard from Lith and Over that they were arrived. Panicked them about the dinner, but then arrived at the club to discover, dinner was still at eleven, so I called them back to let them know they had a few more hours to prepare. Kitsa and I killed time window shopping and hanging at Starbucks, where we met Garf and chatted until 11 or so, before we walked over to the club. Met up with Lith, Over and several other TORn folks, where we waited for the club to let us in...and waited...and waited. Of course, at the end we spotted Elijah and had some eye candy while we waited...so not a bad exchange. :D

Beecake was great. Billy opened with a couple of numbers that surprised me- as a tenor, they were much lower than I expected, so it was nice to see him stretching his vocal range. He introduced almost every song with a short story and most or all of their music has a social, ethical commentary: war, materialism,etc. The location was great (I know they were headed to my backyard in Cambridge the next day and cringed to know they would have only half the space and a much smaller stage- glad I saw them in NYC). Drinks were good, if spendy at $14 a pop, but it was all about the music that night. Like Lith said though, seeing Elijah and Howard were nice extras!

Friday morning I went on a hotel visit with Garf to the Ritz Carleton by the park, since she works in travel. It was nice, despite the rain and we got to see rooms I'll never be able to afford without 6 other roommates, but it was nice to see how the upper class live. :) I really wish we had been able to do their special cupcake tea that weekend, because it was under $30 and their high tea is over $60- a bargain and did I mention...CUPCAKES! Headed back to the hotel to change back to jeans and meet up with Lith and Over before we all headed over to see the manuscripts at 1pm. Nice leisurely stroll to the venue and although the exhibit was small- 2 cases- it held some lovely material. Tolkien's script was so tiny, but his ability to organize vast amounts of information was amazing. There were timelines for the books tracking each major group (Merry/Pippin, Frodo/Sam, Sauron, Saruman, Viggo/Legolas/Gimli, etc.) Most of it on cheap, lined paper that looked like modern notebooks....that today no one would keep in the days of the PC. Thank goodness it was all saved. Afterwords, we rambled through Central Park back to the hotel. Relaxed for awhile before heading over to the pub for TORn's Ringer gathering at 7pm. Trains were awesome (wish we'd known we were only going one stop) and we arrived by 6:30 to discover they had moved us from the 3rd to 2nd floor. Still, we weren't the first folks to arrive. A bunch of us beat the organizers! I called Deej to let her know folks were already at the pub and they arrived shortly. I ate lots of cheese c=sticks and nachos while joining my lovely roommates Lith and Over imbibing lovely Cranberry Vodkas (I think. Not sure what it was at that point, but if it's fruity, I'm happy). Played some trivia, at which I failed miserable, and reminded me how long it has been since I read the books and must do so again. Lith and I walked back early and relaxed for awhile before bed.

Saturday was more good fun with my friend Kitsa in the morning. We are old friends from the Witchblade fandom. Garf and I actually met at a Witchblade convention in Toronto many moons ago, so she joined us as we went to the West End Village and had some yummy Mexican food at Tio Pepe's. Nice margaritas too, followed by something tasting of coca-cola in a shot glass. (I'd like to say now that I drank more this weekend that in the past 6 months combined. This is WAY more than I usually have). We visited a tea shop and I picked up some fresh fruit from a street vendor and then we went back to the hotel to get ready for the LOTR concert. Howard and Doug Adams had an interesting presentation before the show around 6:30, which was cool, but then....The concert was magnificent! It was so moving, especially the solos, and I was happy to hear the crowd really embracing the musicians. With Billy in attendance on Friday, we heard that the fangirls got carried away and roared at all of his scenes- acting inappropriately for a cultural event and turning off the regular symphony attendees. Picked up a pizza on the way back and shared dinner back in our room. And, at last, when I turned my phone back on after the concert, all of my voice and text messages from Thursday afternoon finally were available!

Sunday was confusing. Garf and I were going to head over together, but those plans got scratched. Luckily, Lith and Over decided to check out the panels before leaving, so we shared a cab over to the event, only missing 30-40 minutes or so. I was sad to miss greendragon sing, she's in my local line party group, but glad we caught Colleen Doran. I love Colleen. Not only do I have some of her work from the first ORC convention, but I love how generous she is in appreciating other Tolkien artists. Others might have only shown their own work, but she presented a great variety of other worls and brought free Legolas prints too. Lovely woman. David Salo talked about the Tolkien languages, then Howard's wife introduced her short documentary, which was cool (seeing how Howard works to create), and then Doug and Howard doing a presentation, then Q&A. So intimate compared to the concert. Caught another cab back to the hotel with Hobbitlove and some other Ringers with a terrible driver- I am amazed he didn't deafen or kill us during the trip. Kitsa and I then met and went out to Pogo's, a veggie restaurant that was terrific! I ingested more carbs the first three days than I care to think about, so it was good to get some veggies. Yum! We went to Grom's for the best cinnamon gelato I've ever had and then hung out the rest of the evening. She stayed over to guide me back to the airport at 6:30am...what a friend! The trip went smoothly and I headed back to Boston w/o any mishaps.

Of course, I wound up feeling too unwell to return to work Tuesday, but since I frequently catch something while traveling (I'm going to need to start wearing a med mask on the plane, I swear), it was no surprise.

And now, back to the midterm...
---Tamara

Being a Steward of Harvard is almost as good as being Steward of Gondor, but I'm headed for Minas Tirith (New Zealand) in 2011!


Laerasëa
Tol Eressea


Oct 19 2009, 6:58pm

Post #120 of 165 (970 views)
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Thank you, all!! [In reply to] Can't Post

I just got a package in the mail, and it had lots of wonderful, awesome things in it! The package said on the back, "My friends went to NYC and all I got was this louse....well, you'll just have to open it to see, from Magpie and ElanorTX."
I got a booklet from the concert autographed by Howard Shore and Doug Adams, (thank you so much, Elanor, and Magpie and Magpie's Mister) and Magpie's picture of Menelwyn and me with all of yalls signatures on the back!! I called Magpie and was all choked up-- this was so amazing! And I cracked up at V's signature (complete with quotes from V for Vendetta), and yes, overlithe64, I do know you from TORn, and my friend Laura was telling me about how she talked to Ainu Laire and how she saw her artwork at the theater (she even sent me pictures....I can post a few after I write this)-- I love this picture of Menelwyn and me, and I can't wait to show her!! I also got a picture of the Les Mis ads on Broadway (on Broadhurst), and a postcard of a 1932 picture called Civic Insomnia-- I looked for it online, but had some trouble finding it. It's really beautiful, an almost pointillist expression of the NYC skyline at night.

ElanorTX also stopped by last week to drop off the LOTR film strip, from the quiz during the mixer. Laura had called me during that; I was pleased with all of my answers, except I couldn't at all remember which animal was used to make the noise of the Moria orcs (when she asked me, I just vaguely remember hearing at some point that marsupials were used, but only vagely, so we just decided to let her guess something for that one). But I have it up on the top of my bookshelves now! Thank you for bringing that over, Elanor...I really appreciate the thought you put into all of this.

I have also loved reading all of the reviews on this thread-- I really hope to go next year! But I'm so happy right now with all of the thoughts I got from other sibs-- thank you!!

********************************
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"....Here’s what I think. We can’t go around measuring our goodness by what we don’t do – what we deny ourselves, what we resist and who we exclude. I think we’ve got to measure our goodness by what we embrace, what we create, and who we include. " - Chocolat


Laerasëa
Tol Eressea


Oct 19 2009, 7:56pm

Post #121 of 165 (1014 views)
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A few pics [In reply to] Can't Post

Some pictures that Laura took!







Congratulations to Earl and Ainu Laire!!

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Traveling Journal Official Site

"....Here’s what I think. We can’t go around measuring our goodness by what we don’t do – what we deny ourselves, what we resist and who we exclude. I think we’ve got to measure our goodness by what we embrace, what we create, and who we include. " - Chocolat


Glaurung63
Lorien

Oct 20 2009, 12:48am

Post #122 of 165 (973 views)
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and it felt soooo right... [In reply to] Can't Post

at Radio City Saturday night.....wow....I heard little things in the score, and could watch the players....fantastic


Magpie
Immortal


Oct 20 2009, 1:25am

Post #123 of 165 (984 views)
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Doug puts out a call for photos [In reply to] Can't Post

Posted on his blog:
If anyone has any Radio City photos they're particularly proud of, I'd love to assemble a slideshow at some point. Pls email, if you're interested!

access his email using a grey button in the right hand bar of his blog.


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Magpie
Immortal


Oct 20 2009, 1:44am

Post #124 of 165 (977 views)
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Review from suvudu.com - mentions TORn [In reply to] Can't Post

Read it here

According to him, Stephen Colbert was there on Saturday. Anyone spot him?


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Sunflower
Valinor

Oct 21 2009, 5:57pm

Post #125 of 165 (997 views)
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Well... [In reply to] Can't Post

Sil, one time in Albany we had an ice storm on Oct. 2. That was over 20 yrs ago, but we get strange weather hereabouts:)


Tamara
Rivendell

Oct 21 2009, 6:32pm

Post #126 of 165 (1030 views)
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YouTube videos [In reply to] Can't Post

I also tried to upload some videos of Doug and Howard to You Tube, but I'd be the first to admit the quality isn't great- only my second attempt to record using my camera.
http://www.youtube.com/user/TamaraTsang
---Tamara

Being a Steward of Harvard is almost as good as being Steward of Gondor, but I'm headed for Minas Tirith (New Zealand) in 2011!


Sunflower
Valinor

Oct 21 2009, 8:38pm

Post #127 of 165 (1039 views)
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A bit late... [In reply to] Can't Post

but I have been trying to find a way to express how I felt about the Moot, and have been overwhelmed.

As my travel conditions for the weekend were...well, interesting, to say the least TongueSmile..I can't post the kind of detailed accounts that Magpie or Sil have...but in a general way, I just want to say this:

THANK YOU, thank you, THANK YOU to all who allowed me to tag along, put up with me, and otherwise endured me (and I mean, IMHO, endured)that long and wonderful weekend...you know who you are:). And to all the wonderful, wonderful people I met...Elanor, L Ron, Rosie and Magpie, Sil and Hobbitlove and Gramma, Deej and Altaira (and Mr,. Altaira), Magpie and Ainu and so many more....you all mean so much more to me than you could ever hope to fathom.

This year has been one of hardship for me...in many ways. This trip meant a lot to me, on many different levels. It was like a ray of sunlight breaking through years of darkness. It wasn't just the opportunity to meet so many of my fellow Sibbies the very first time, but the atmosphere of family, of one-ness (corny as that sounds) of just the great vibes and love in that little room...at the Mixer...for starters...meant so much to me. I'd not seen much lately to make me believe there could be a feeling like this still left in the world.

This hasn't been easy for me to explain, and I feel, right now, that I still sound like an idiot. Esp as by the end of the weekend, I was just tagging along with people, making my little paltry contributions to the conversation. I'm not as shy as I used to be, but I'll never be the :"life of the party", I'm afraid:).
But when you're ascending up into the mountain from a long sojourn in the deepest darkest valley, and the people around you seemed to have tasted only that pure mountain air, words can be difficult.

Excuse such sentimental blathering. But I hope people will understand...

And now, you've all had enough (I sense),so I'll spare you any more.


weaver
Half-elven

Oct 22 2009, 1:36am

Post #128 of 165 (1021 views)
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what a great read... [In reply to] Can't Post

And we won him over to LOTR...

Thanks for this -- I loved the quote he used from Shore at the end, too.

And hey, maybe next year TORn can invite Stephen Colbert to the partying for TTT...he would fit right in!

Weaver





weaver
Half-elven

Oct 22 2009, 1:43am

Post #129 of 165 (1069 views)
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thank you for this post... [In reply to] Can't Post

...I appreciated the chance to "peak inside" the creative process, and how well you explained everything, in terms a tone-deaf person like me could understand.

It would be fun to listen in on one of your conversations with Howard Shore..even if it went right over my head. You sound like have a great working relationship and friendship, thanks for sharing a bit of it with us.

Weaver





grammaboodawg
Immortal


Nov 5 2009, 1:54am

Post #130 of 165 (1048 views)
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Believe it or not [In reply to] Can't Post

I'm still working on my report. My RL distractions have been,... uh... distracting me. BUT I'm still on my way and as wordy as ever. Actually, I get way too busy on these because it helps me remember everything. So it gets long... sorry about that :)

I'll be back very soon.


sample

"There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly West."
~Hug like a hobbit!~ "In my heaven..."

I really need these new films to take me back to, and not re-introduce me to, that magical world.



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grammaboodawg
Immortal


Nov 6 2009, 8:25pm

Post #131 of 165 (1165 views)
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Finally... here's my report... filled with booboos [In reply to] Can't Post

but I've GOT to get it posted!! :D Here goes:

My NYC FotR Moot Report


(translation: NYC Moot FotR)

I started this trip the way I start every trip. An emotional blend of excitement, intrigue, anticipation and terror. I always have trouble travelling. Usually, there are tears and many episodes of talking myself out of going wherever... but the geek (Took) survives and the gammer (Baggins) gets taken along for the ride ;)

I'd never been to New York City before, so right there was awe-factor #1. Wow! New York City! It was especially unique since I originally didn't plan on going. I'm saving to get to NZ in March, so it seemed logical to skip the NY trip. Then... after several weeks of satisfying myself that skipping this was a good idea, Scout emailed me. "You're not going?" Short, sweet, straight to the heart of this geek. What was I thinking! I've got to go! And so I did. :) And I'm so glad I did.

Actually, my true adventure wasn't the journey to NYC. It was the day before when I took the day (Thursday) and spent it with my Mom doing her favourite thing in the world... playing BINGO at the American Legion Hall. She's gone for years and talks about it all the time, but I'd never been there. I had no idea what I was in for. This is not the BINGO I grew up with. This was SCARY!

I tried to keep track of 6 cards and found myself tested. Mom covered 26 cards all at once! She's a maniac! At 88 years old she was a machine, and I was amazed! And the games were ruthless! The variations of how to win by outrageous placements of those little BINGO chips (or dobbing with a marker) had to be devised by a rocket scientist. The chips had little metal outer RINGS on them that you picked up with a paddle that had a huge magnet on the end. Sucked up those chips like Sméagol on worms. We were there from 9:30am until 3:00pm. I was worn out! My dyslexia was raging off the chart!! After that... handling the streets of NYC was a cake walk.

I found out later that Mom was worried about me coming along because she needed the room at her table to spread out her cards. So Aunt Judy (Mom's 82yo little sister) came along to attend me :) She's a riot, and we had great fun sitting at the table behind Mom and watching her in action. Oh... Aunt Judy won $50 and Mom won $200. I just concentrated on survival!

So, Friday morning I head for the airport leaving my dog with Mom once again. Bless 'em. I parked the car at the Detroit Metro Airport 9-level garage and made a detailed map of where I left it. Lot C, Level 4, Parking space 72A... complete with arrows and points of reference. Check. This is NOT a place you want to linger in... especially a lone female moving target. VICTIM HERE! VICTIM HERE! (btw… I still couldn't find it when I got back)

The flight was great, as well as the ride to the City from LaGuardia. "I" was at LaGuardia Airport! *puffs out chest* How cool is that!? The ride to the hotel had my head whipping from left to right trying to catch that famous skyline. I saw those three tall red and white chimneys they show in Conspiracy Theory. GERONIMO! Then those iconic bridges and skyscrapers started to appear one after another... and I was enraptured. I'm here. Really... finally... wow...

The Park Central Hotel was wonderful! I was on the5th floor in a very nice room. First thing I did was run to the window for a looksee. Ah! Nice wall. I looked down. Yep... all the ventilation was on the roof below where it belonged. Then I looked to the left toward the street and the building on the other side... and my heart skipped a beat as I smiled like a fool. There was the sign of the Hotel Wellington! Perfect!

Not even taking the time to unpack, I bolted out the door, got onto the very fancy elevator and down to the sidewalk of 56th Street; 2 blocks from Broadway and a few more to Time Square... if I turned to the right. To the left and just a few steps on... Central Park. Left or right? The crowd was travelling west, so I went with the flow to the right. First stop, one of the hundreds of souvenir shops to get my NYC kitch... a keychain. I always get a keychain everywhere I go as a memento; and this one suited many purposes. An Icon within an Icon. Perfect :) I also like to get a pebble or small stone from everywhere I visit. But, uh, there's not a lot of gravel or dirt in NYC. Interesting...

Walking a bit further, I came to Broadway. There were the marquees for Wicked, The Lion King, Mama Mia and many more titles of the current plays. I'd heard that Patty Duke (Sean Astin's Mom) was performing in Wicked :D Then I came across one of Nomad's cousin!!

Moving along, I was headed for Time Square. To be honest, I wasn't completely aware of where I was. It started to soak in when I passed a full set of bleachers built on the sidewalk for people who were queuing to get tickets to David Letterman's show (just around the corner), and the Broadway plays. Then... there I was. Standing in the heart of Time Square! Wow! I was in awe! Not in awe of the building with the large ball that drops down every New Year; not of the weird-shaped building at the end of the street; but there was this GIGANTIC, Shiny, 3-story ToysRUs!! *twinkling eyes* I hauled for the front doors and wandered through the jam-packed floors. Right up through all 3 levels was a full-sized, working ferriswheel! And on another floor was an 8-10 foot animatronic T-Rex! Very impressive :D

I was not shocked, but bummed that I couldn't find any LotR action figures. There weren't even any for the movie "9"! Big shiny store like that with such lame stock *sigh* After about 4 5 minutes, I left to return to the hotel and get ready for the moot starting at 7pm. I always allow about a half hour to get lost. Even though I make maps for everything, I'm still geographically challenged.

I got back in plenty of time to get ready and take a breather. By 6:15, I'm ready to go. As I'm walking through the lobby, I see familiar faces. Entmaiden and L.Ron are there waiting for others to join them. *massive hugs* I was so tickled to see them! After a brief recon discussion, I pressed on. "See you there!"

The pub where we're meeting is only about a 15 minute walk from the hotel. I've got a map! I'm ready! I had also signed up to help with various functions during the moot, so I wanted to make sure to be on time. I was already getting used to walking through and with the crowds, but my head was still spinning around and bobbing up and down looking at everything. TOURIST HERE! I was relieved I wasn't suffering from my usual affliction of expecting skyscrapers to fall on me. I can go to the top and look down… no problem. But I usually worry about them tumbling apart and burying me. Too many Godzilla movies in my youth, methinks.

I found Connolley's Restaurant straight away and walked into our designated area. It was warm, cozy and ready for us. And who was already there? Those ladies who always arrange and run these amazing moots. CAHobbit, deej and greendragon, along with Altaira and Entmaiden... gathering after gathering, these ladies are always in the forefront making things happen *bows deeply* Thank you SO MUCH!!

I was happy to bring along Laerasëa Journal for everyone to see and to pass along to the next Journal Guardian. I set it on the table with Gollum for easy access. It's very fragile, and I knew that trying to hand it around would inflict great injury. My attempts at passing word along (both atop a chair and one-on-one) proved quite a challenge. Everyone was having such a great time milling around and gabbing up a storm... Including Me... that it soon became apparent that my plan to have a drawing to find the next Guardian just wasn't going to happen. When greendragon told me she was on the Journal visitation list and that she'd come to NYC by car... and with the encouragement of others who knew of the tender care the Journal needed... it was agreed that greendragon was a good match.

I'm not even going to try and remember everyone who was at the moot.. but I was in heaven! Faces I know, some that I didn't, but names from my screen that suddenly had voices and smiles :D Okay... I've GOT to try; but forgive me if I've left out any names. It was a very crazed night, and my memory is a joke. Lemmie see... *smile spreads recalling everyone* Tamara, V, Glaurung63, Overlithe64, Milady, Rosie with the Ribbons, Laerasea's friend Laura, ElanorTX, BG, Thorongil, Sunflower, Hobbitlove, ordinaryhobbit, Loves Horses, Altaira, L.Ron Halfelven (we wore matching shirts!!), Sunflower, silneldor & Fam, BG, Lurking Laurie, Smeagirl/Girllum & Mr., Ainu Laire, Garfeimao, Lith, Radhruin, elentari 3018, Thorongil ..... Many More Names! Oh... and squire! Finally :D And there's Magpie & Mister. After so many hours of helping me with various challenges, I finally got to meet Magpie :) *waves fondly to everyone* I tried to get around to as many people as possible to scribble in my Signlanguage book; but, unfortunately, not everyone had the chance. So anyone who would like to send me their siggy/note to tuck within the pages are more than welcome to pm me. That way I can carry y'all with me forever!

Here are a few more pics:
Magpie, Gollum, and Glaurung63
Sibbies Everywhere!!
David Salo, Hob & Magpie 1
David Salo, Hob & Magpie 2
Garf, Lith, overlithe and Tamara

Cripes I was hungry and the food was so yummy! Nachos, chicken fingers, pigs in a blanket... hoards of food and drink! The waiters and waitresses were all patient and kind.

No matter how well things are planned and prepared, however, there's always a glitch. We did have to deal with a party crasher. This nice, quiet young man appeared and settled himself at a table. A whispered buzzing spread through the room as heads turned in his direction. That's David Salo!! (here with Hob & Magpie) He does the Elvish translations for the films!

"What a neat guy! He was so generous, funny, and very talkative with whomever wanted to chat. I especially got a kick out of him when it came time to hand out prizes. I followed greendragon to each of the winners of various contests/drawings. While she prepared to announce the winners, I would do a drum roll and she'd herald their names as I'd hand them their prize. Any time we were near David, he'd applaud and whoop it up with the rest of us! I think he was having fun ;)

Then it was his turn. Tahhhdahhh! Nice win there, David! It was such a treat to have him there. Fabulous!! Just Great! There were also goodie bags for one and all!

When the lights in our area were dimmed (about 10:00ish) we got the hint it was time to wind down. So, by about 11:00, we were getting gone. Chalk up one more amazingly successful moot folks! They're always the best! Plus, you finally have faces and voices that go with the names :) Boy, I slept good that night!

By 7:30 the next morning, I was out the door and on my way to the lobby. I wanted to check for directions to a couple of my destinations with the concierge. I was going to meet up with Sunflower, ElanorTX and S (our friend) by 8:00-8:15 for our trip toFordham University and the Tolkien Manuscript Exhibit at 9am. We got there in the nick-o-time and were escorted down the halls to the exhibit room. I was in such a stupor that I didn't even think of taking a pic of the room (not of the articles). Maybe we weren't supposed to though.

There was a table to the right with various Tolkien publications, including the Encyclopedia our TORnsibs contributed to. SOOOOOOO exciting! :) Here's a copy of the flyer we were given about the exhibit. Page 1, page 2, page 3.

Then I approached the 2 glass cases of Tolkien's hand-written work. I had steeled myself for this. I'm not going to get too emotional. Right...Good Plan! I'm so glad they kept he groups down to 10, because we were still respectfully jostling for position to get a clear look at the pages under the glass as Michael Blessing described the history and relevance of each page. His reverence and enthusiasm was so evident. What a wonderful presentation. It was hard to focus on those sheets... not because of the people, but because trying to get my head around what I was looking at was a horrible distraction as I tried to drink in every inch of Tolkien's penmanship, writings, layout, spelling, and overall presence.

I saw his shortcut words or slangs in his drafts, like 'kild orks' which was then written out correctly in a finished copy. He also wrote notes so miniscule that they were missed for years... such as the original name of the pub was Green man which he later changed to Green dragon. This note was found in microscopic print on a much-viewed sheet… overlooked every time.

Another interesting page had 2 menus... hobbity menus. I asked if I could copy them down, and Mr. Blessing said yes... bless 'im :D My hand was shaking as I scribbled down the words on the back of the exhibit flyer.

Menu

Clear asparagus soup

Salmon -- Mayonnaise

Veal cutlets & Bacon

Cauliflower -- New Potatoes

Charlotte Russe & Strawberries

Cheese Straws

Menu

Windsor Soup

Braised Ham

Celery -- New Potatoes

Pompadour Pudding

Custard



There was also a copy of a chart Tolkien sketched out with the timeline of each of the storylines for The Lord of the Rings... so detailed and sprawling that I didn't have a chance to really appreciate it as I wanted. Probably my greatest disappointment of the whole weekend. Not enough quiet time with the Professor.

Sadly, the hour passed too quickly and it was time to leave. I had places I had to be... so I headed out for my next planned stop and my only other "must do" in NY, and that was to visit the museum-transformed from the WWII aircraft carrier, Intrepid.

On the way I had another distraction. There was a grocery store!! Whenever I watch shows of people living in NYC, I note there are no sprawling shopping centers. Where do they get their food? Silly, I know. But I worry about things like that. So I went inside to see what it was like. It was compact, quaint, and short-itty-bitty isles. I found myself walking around with a huge smile on my face the whole time. So, to commemorate the moment, I bought a sandwich and some bread for breakfast the next day. There… that plague on my mind was relieved. Now I can move on.

Several blocks away, I finally came to the River and the docks with the USS Intrepid Museum where I got my keychain straightaway. Intrepid (Nov. 1944) was one of the aircraft carriers my uncle flew from as a war-time pilot. Daughter of Nienna helped me put together a tribute to my Uncle Bob a couple of years ago. I saw the Junior Officers' living quarters; went below deck where the planes and torpedoes were stored; and studied the ready room chairs and flight suits where the pilots were briefed. It was all so surreal. To have the chance to be in one of the last places he lived under conditions of war as a torpedo-plane pilot (this was one like he flew), isolated from his family for almost 2 years but bonded with his fellow pilots, was intense. It didn't take much imagination to feel what it was like to be a part of that world, and it made me think of Tolkien and how incredibly well he put me in the mindset through his stories of that isolation and dealing with constant strains of war. How could anyone really describe how that life would affect someone? But Tolkien does... and I'm so grateful to have had that to draw from as I stood on that flight deck Uncle Bob flew from. Friends of his told my Grandmother that they'd seen Uncle Bob on base in Hawaii, and that she would never have recognized him... or known him... he'd changed so much. It made me think of how well both Tolkien and Jackson addressed that.

I had spoken briefly with the information/welcome desk attendants and told them about my family's history with this ship. They were very compassionate and said they enjoyed meeting people who were personally connected with the ship because the passage of time brought fewer visitors with those stories. They showed me to a few of the presentations/films they played intermittently throughout the day and then left me to wander. I found a plane like the one Uncle Bob flew. As I was getting ready to leave, the attendants saw me and asked if I'd mind speaking to 2 former crew members and another pilot who also had served on the Intrepid. What delightful gentlemen! What was very touching was that they so wanted to know who Uncle Bob was... that he'd be someone they knew. That touched me so much... for them to honour him like that. We only spoke for a few moments before they had to leave to meet their families. As they walked away, one suddenly came back and gave me a commemorative medallion he'd been carrying and wanted to give to me. *tearing* We hugged, and I thanked him for his kindness and his service. The entire trip to NYC was worth that moment.

I'm glad I had about a 45 minute walk back to the hotel. It gave me time to reflect and rest in my thoughts and emotions from what I'd just experienced. I also walked in a direction that would take me past a location where I was going to meet up with others that the concierge couldn't find in his restaurant guide. Wups...

After walking for about 3 hours straight, the arthritis in my hips/feet/knees and still recovering from a pinched sciatic nerve in my back got me starting to hurt. The last ½ mile to the hotel was one of those "just keep putting one foot in front of the other" journeys ;) As I was crossing the last street approaching the hotel, I saw Entmaiden and others waiting for some sibbies so they could leave for a journey to Ground Zero and more points south. She could see I was a bit off colour, so we were chatting for just a second or two (I couldn't wait to have a shower and sit for a bit) when I heard a squeal of recognition and caught one of the most amazing flying-tackle hugs I've ever had! We hugged and hugged and amidst the excitement... I was saying "Hi! Hi! Who are you?" It was dernwyn!!!!! NOW the hugging started! OMG! But our reverie was cut short as she, the silneldors and others were the sibbies that Entmaiden's group had been waiting for. They had to rush if they were going to have time for their tours. "Bye ya'll!"

Ahhhh... relief as I rested up and prepared for a quick get-together before heading off for Radio City Music Hall (RCMH) at 6pm. During the moot the night before, we were told that Howard Shore and Doug Adams were going to have a pre-show visit/talk at 6:30!!! How cool was that!?!?! I'd also heard that they had gone to see the Tolkien Manuscript Exhibit themselves earlier in the day. I'd love to know what they thought of it!

I have to say here that the weather so far had been amazingly perfect! There was a little sprinkle earlier in the day, but just enough to make the walking quaint and fresh... especially if you have an umbrella ;) The temperature was just reaching cool and the wind was merciful. I totally loved it!

Having reached the The Radio City Music Hall early, I went on an adventure. I realized that the other side of the building was Rockefeller Plaza! Dare I hope? I scanned around and suddenly... there it was! THE WINDOW FOR THE TODAY SHOW!! *fist in the air* OMG! I went into the Center and saw where Jay Leno's show films, the NBC souvenir shop and oodles of stores! But it was time to head for the line I knew would be forming for FotR and the Shore/Adams visit. While I was in line, I struck up a conversation with a wonderful couple I'd say were in their mid 30s. Come to find out they're long-time lurkers of TORn and were wearing their Weta red-eye pins they received when they donated to Wellington's Embassy Theatre renovations for RotK's premier! They were brilliant! We chattered and laughed as the time just flew by :)

RCMH 1
RCMH 2
RCMH 3
RCMH 4
RCMH 5 vendors out front

We finally arrived at the moment for all of our travels as the lobby filled with humanity! AH! There's Scout! and Auxerre! OMG!!! And Hobbit-hearted!! WOW! They were so beautiful! *massive hugs* I'm so glad Scout emailed me that day so long ago. But now it was time to find my seat and let the evening take me where it would. We didn't have long to wait before Howard Shore and Doug Adams walked out onto the stage and sat in front of the orchestra risers below the BIG SCREEN! They were so delightful. Their enthusiasm was infectious and their love for LotR radiant. We also saw the images of the art contest winners on the screens mounted on either side of the stage. Our very own Ainu Laire and Earl won and won and WON! *wild applause* I'm so happy and proud of them both! Stunning work!

Now I'm going to fast forward to the film and the music and the awe. The music was uncanny...so accurate to the original scoring of the film that I kept forgetting that is it was live unless one of the purposeful twinges of change occurred. From where I was sitting, I could see the monitor the conductor was using to follow the cues of the film. There were vertical bars of lights that travelled from the right side of the screen to the left along with flashes and circles of light suddenly glowing over the film playing simultaneously on the BIG SCREEN. These light cues kept the music synced to the original score for the film. Stunning! And the choir was unreal. To have the music and voices moving through me while watching my favourite of the 3 films was beyond excellent. I was moved to tears from the beauty and wonder of it all.

Each time the choirs sang or especially when there was a solo performance, the applause rang out. I have trouble expressing how moved I was. Wonderfulness Overload has that affect on me. The youth singers were especially stirring. Not only did their voices resemble the originals, they did the music proud. I realized partway through The Fellowship of the Ring that I wasn't able to dissolve into the film like I usually do. Not only because of the live music, but the film's audio effects were toned down a bit... possibly so it would compete with the live performances. But that is the only thing I can criticize... and that's nothing. What a wonderful journey!

As the film and concert came to a close, the applause was slow to end. We didn't want to break the bond. However, I suddenly realized the headache I was developing came from the gent behind me that clapped like thunder. Now it was blasting into the back of my head and travelling down my spine. It was quickly becoming hard to ignore. But then came the picture on the BIG SCREEN like a shot out of a cannon! The crowd went nuts!!! There will be another moot Next Year!!

As we all spilled out into the lobby area, I found dernwyn and her son again! I'd realized she hadn't signed my book yet, and they would be leaving to return home almost immediately. Thank goodness we had the seating chart so I basically knew where they were sitting :) More hugs ensued!!!

Miraculously, Entmaiden, deej and many sibbies rounded up as many of us as they could find and we arranged to meet out front and walk to a pub near the hotel for one last moot. Ainu Laire and I went out the wrong set of doors and found ourselves on the wrong side of the building. I was fine, but she had on some beautiful shoes that were beginning to eat her feet. OW!! We eventually arrived at the pub and went upstairs where we could all be seated together. But it became apparent to me that I couldn't last any longer. The headache was moving to my stomach and the drinks/food weren't coming soon enough for me to take the aspirin in my hand. Sadly, I had to leave before it moved into a migraine just in time to fly home the next morning. Once I got back to the room and had some crackers, a couple of aspirin and a good night's sleep, I was back to normal :)

Map of where I landed.

By 8am, I was packed and headed for the airport and back to Detroit Metro… and then home. It was hard to leave since I knew so much more was going on that day and I was still bumming that I had to leave early the night before. But things happen for a reason, and I had such a glorious time! I just love meeting up with all of you and sharing these experiences. There really is nothing like it, and I feel so lucky to have so many opportunities to gather these incredible memories :)

Thanks to you all for such a fabulous time. Until we meet again... or for the first time :)

*hug and twitches*



sample

"There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly West."
~Hug like a hobbit!~ "In my heaven..."

I really need these new films to take me back to, and not re-introduce me to, that magical world.



TORn's Observations Lists


Magpie
Immortal


Nov 6 2009, 10:07pm

Post #132 of 165 (1035 views)
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That was fun to read [In reply to] Can't Post

What was up with that picture of me and you? You're so focused on smiling for the camera and I'm looking in some other direction as if I couldn't care less. Well, people have said I didn't look as if my head was whirling but it was. I didn't know where to focus my attention with so much happening so any little noise or movement had my eyes and brain darting around. I'm sorry that's the only picture we have of us. Arg. One of my few regrets is my lack of focus when meeting people. (next year...)

Also, I'm pointing at David Salo's chest in one of those photos because he had written his name on his nametag in Tengwar. I mean, I was laughing silently to myself that my complete inability to focus on anything was interrupted by my complete ability to focus on his name tag. I was so enchanted by that and then by his taking it off to give to me. :D

And I didn't know those bleachers were for the David Letterman show. Hub and I were sitting at the chairs nearby wondering what they were for.

As for looking like a tourist (something I was nervous about), I thought most of the people on the street looked like tourists which kind of delighted me.


LOTR soundtrack website
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dernwyn
Forum Admin / Moderator


Nov 7 2009, 2:09am

Post #133 of 165 (1054 views)
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No, no, filled with great pics! [In reply to] Can't Post

Wonderful report, gramma! (And remind me to never try to play Bingo with your Mom, I do well enough just to manage one card! Crazy)

And what a feeling of "being there" you've put into this! I must admit, that there was one point in reading it when I really did choke up: when that former crew member from the Intrepid gave you his commemorative medallion...maybe it should be set in imperishable crystal...

LOL, that was so funny, you had no idea who this strange sibbie running up to you was - but I wasn't going to let that moment pass! (Besides, in NYC, no one notices if you're hugging and shrieking on the sidewalk, it's all a part of "normal" there! Laugh)

Oh, good, you have the "Hobbit menus"! Silneldor told me you were writing those down, while he was busy writing the "Hobbit measurements"! I wonder if those soups were familiar ones to Tolkien? Y'know, one could fill another volume with all these little bits of Tolkienia (hint, hint, Mr. Blessing! Smile).

*geeky high five* An excellent report is never late...thank you, gramma! Heart


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


"I desired dragons with a profound desire"

"It struck me last night that you might write a fearfully good romantic drama, with as much of the 'supernatural' as you cared to introduce. Have you ever thought of it?"
-Geoffrey B. Smith, letter to JRR Tolkien, 1915




Altaira
Superuser


Nov 7 2009, 6:48pm

Post #134 of 165 (1008 views)
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Awesome report, gramma! [In reply to] Can't Post

I love reading your reports. They're always worth the wait. Wink

I'm sorry I didn't have more time to spend with you (and many others). But, I'm glad you got to visit the Intrepid! You must have had chills walking aroung the decks and planes. BG and I went the day before and loved it.

Thanks for all the piccies too. I'm saving many of them to add to ours.

You rock, dear, and I'm so glad you decided you had to take that trip (with thanks to Scout for giving you a little nudge out the door). LaughHeartSmile


Koru: Maori symbol representing a fern frond as it opens. The koru reaches towards the light, striving for perfection, encouraging new, positive beginnings.



"Life can't be all work and no TORn" -- jflower

"I take a moment to fervently hope that the camaradarie and just plain old fun I found at TORn will never end" -- LOTR_nutcase



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Rosie-with-the-ribbons
Forum Admin / Moderator


Nov 7 2009, 7:43pm

Post #135 of 165 (997 views)
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What a wonderful report [In reply to] Can't Post

It took me all the way back to NYC!
And what a lovely pictures.
It was really great to meet you, and hopefully next year again.


entmaiden
Forum Admin / Moderator


Nov 7 2009, 11:32pm

Post #136 of 165 (990 views)
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Great report, gramma! [In reply to] Can't Post

You really captured the feeling of that entire weekend, even if we spent our time in different places. It was so great to have so many friends in one place. Can't wait until next year!

Each cloak was fastened about the neck with a brooch like a green leaf veined with silver.

`Are these magic cloaks? ' asked Pippin, looking at them with wonder.

`I do not know what you mean by that,' answered the leader of the Elves.



NARF since 1974.
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weaver
Half-elven

Nov 7 2009, 11:39pm

Post #137 of 165 (1042 views)
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bingo, migraines and all that fun in between! [In reply to] Can't Post

Thanks, gramma -- this was worth waiting for. Really appreciate the time you put into this and loved seeing all the photos and hearing your stories!

Weaver





grammaboodawg
Immortal


Nov 8 2009, 2:39pm

Post #138 of 165 (1007 views)
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*wild applause* Excellent, sil :D [In reply to] Can't Post

OMG... your reports and pics are always such a treasure! I LOVE the pics!

Actually... I'd encourage you to post even those images you aren't completely happy with. For me, it's better to have the emotion and memory they hold even if they're not as good as you'd like.

I'm thinking of 1997 when I found an old OLD roll of film in a box of junk. I had no idea when the pics were taken or what they were about OR what condition that film could still be in. The box was from stuff I'd squirreled away a good 15 years earlier (1982)... at least! Well, the prints did come out reddish and stressed... but they had pictures of my 2 girls when they were about 8 and 5 (now in their late 30s) and of my Dad, who passed away in 1977. I almost threw that roll away.

So... perfection isn't as important as memories :) Post Away, if you like. I'd love to see them!


sample

"There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly West."
~Hug like a hobbit!~ "In my heaven..."

I really need these new films to take me back to, and not re-introduce me to, that magical world.



TORn's Observations Lists


grammaboodawg
Immortal


Nov 8 2009, 2:45pm

Post #139 of 165 (990 views)
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Oh my... Do you think [In reply to] Can't Post

that her films could be put onto a dvd or some other format that we could all see? I'm assuming that since it was shown to an audience (as the bloopers for LotR shown at Cannes and now youtube), that they might show up? *twitch*

And you're so right about greendragon's lovely singing. She's beautiful and such a joy. *sigh*


sample

"There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly West."
~Hug like a hobbit!~ "In my heaven..."

I really need these new films to take me back to, and not re-introduce me to, that magical world.



TORn's Observations Lists


grammaboodawg
Immortal


Nov 8 2009, 2:47pm

Post #140 of 165 (982 views)
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Excellent!!!! *massive smile* Lookit that!! [In reply to] Can't Post

I gave up on the quiz when V pointed out that I'd already totally wasn't thinking right with my answers... and I'd only answered a couple of them ;) I think I was a bit distracted!!

Thanks so much greendragon. WOW... YOU ROCK!!!


sample

"There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly West."
~Hug like a hobbit!~ "In my heaven..."

I really need these new films to take me back to, and not re-introduce me to, that magical world.



TORn's Observations Lists


grammaboodawg
Immortal


Nov 8 2009, 3:59pm

Post #141 of 165 (1005 views)
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What an outstand post!! [In reply to] Can't Post

"Whether it was Time Square or Central Park or street vendors or shop owners... I just loved it all. I never once felt uncomfortable, ill at ease, or in danger in any way. Those of you from NYC, if you could pass it along to whomever wants to know: Good Job!"

I completely agree with this and also want to pass along my heartfelt THANKS!! I was more scared the 20 minutes walking in the Detroit Metro parking lot trying to find my car than the hours of walking I did in NYC!

I was so happy to have the opportunity to contribute to Howard Shore's gift :) I forgot to give you a bit of green to help with the cost... so that's coming... along with other tidbits I've been promising to send you for months!!! *checks calendar* yeah... months. Shame on me!

What a delight you got to spend time with Shore and Jones! WOW!!! What a dream come true! If anyone ever deserved to have such a treat, it's you m'dear. Your devotion and expertise of their work has been one of the greatest treasures I've experienced her. I'm always in awe of your talent and ability to share/express Shore's music with us.

One of the highlights of the whole weekend for me was to finally meet you. So many times you've helped me and encouraged me and have been very patient with me ;)... so to finally get to speak with you was such a treat!

It was such a whirlwind weekend! I wasn't able to see or do or visit with as many people as I'd hoped, but I came away feeling so blessed and enriched.

*warm hug* Thanks so much, m'dear!


sample

"There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly West."
~Hug like a hobbit!~ "In my heaven..."

I really need these new films to take me back to, and not re-introduce me to, that magical world.



TORn's Observations Lists


grammaboodawg
Immortal


Nov 8 2009, 4:04pm

Post #142 of 165 (988 views)
Shortcut
Could I join this wish-list? ;) [In reply to] Can't Post

 


sample

"There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly West."
~Hug like a hobbit!~ "In my heaven..."

I really need these new films to take me back to, and not re-introduce me to, that magical world.



TORn's Observations Lists


grammaboodawg
Immortal


Nov 8 2009, 4:07pm

Post #143 of 165 (1007 views)
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It was so great to see you again! [In reply to] Can't Post

I'm also hoping I can afford to go next year. Time and fundage will tell.

I can't wait to see your pics!! And I'm still so thrilled for your success in the competitions. VERY well deserved and VERY cool to see Earl's and your work up on the screen! HOW COOL WAS THAT!!?? *massive hug*


sample

"There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly West."
~Hug like a hobbit!~ "In my heaven..."

I really need these new films to take me back to, and not re-introduce me to, that magical world.



TORn's Observations Lists


grammaboodawg
Immortal


Nov 8 2009, 4:19pm

Post #144 of 165 (1013 views)
Shortcut
You got Pinned by Salo!! AWESOME!! [In reply to] Can't Post

Reminds me of High School when getting a pin from someone was quite a conquest! I"M SO EXCITED FOR YOU!!!! *twitch* He knows a classy lady when he sees one.

I wish I'd had more than a brief conversation with him... and I was bummed he didn't sign my book, but I completely understand he was overwhelmed with the night like the rest of us :)

Isn't is surreal that you'd see more "big city" dangers on tv in your own hometown than what you'd expect to see in NYC? It's like Sam looking into the Mirror of Galadriel and seeing the trees being felled and his gaffer sent packing ;)


sample

"There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly West."
~Hug like a hobbit!~ "In my heaven..."

I really need these new films to take me back to, and not re-introduce me to, that magical world.



TORn's Observations Lists


grammaboodawg
Immortal


Nov 8 2009, 4:23pm

Post #145 of 165 (1153 views)
Shortcut
Well said, deej. :) [In reply to] Can't Post

Even though I missed so much, I'm still so happy to have been there :)


sample

"There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly West."
~Hug like a hobbit!~ "In my heaven..."

I really need these new films to take me back to, and not re-introduce me to, that magical world.



TORn's Observations Lists


grammaboodawg
Immortal


Nov 8 2009, 4:25pm

Post #146 of 165 (991 views)
Shortcut
These are great! Thanks lots! // [In reply to] Can't Post

 


sample

"There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly West."
~Hug like a hobbit!~ "In my heaven..."

I really need these new films to take me back to, and not re-introduce me to, that magical world.



TORn's Observations Lists


grammaboodawg
Immortal


Nov 8 2009, 4:26pm

Post #147 of 165 (971 views)
Shortcut
Thank YOU!!! :D You crack me right up! *snigger* // [In reply to] Can't Post

 


sample

"There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly West."
~Hug like a hobbit!~ "In my heaven..."

I really need these new films to take me back to, and not re-introduce me to, that magical world.



TORn's Observations Lists


grammaboodawg
Immortal


Nov 8 2009, 4:37pm

Post #148 of 165 (974 views)
Shortcut
Wonderful, wonderful :D [In reply to] Can't Post

I loved your description of Shore's work on LotR. Just as the film seemed to grow organically, so did Shore's music. That tells me that the intuition and guidance they seemed to have in developing this adaptation was almost like it came from another source ;) Brilliant!

Julie Andrews!!??? WOW AGAIN!

I wish I could have heard Olsen's discussion on Bilbo. I wonder if that part of Bilbo's encounter with the dwarves will be accented in the film?

This was such a fabulous weekend... and I hope we can all get together again next year. Time will tell ;)


sample

"There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly West."
~Hug like a hobbit!~ "In my heaven..."

I really need these new films to take me back to, and not re-introduce me to, that magical world.



TORn's Observations Lists


grammaboodawg
Immortal


Nov 8 2009, 4:43pm

Post #149 of 165 (1002 views)
Shortcut
Wow! You got to a lot more of the sights [In reply to] Can't Post

than I even HOPED to get to! *high five* Well done and good planning! :D

That air ride sounds frightening! I'm glad I wasn't sitting there!

I agree with the sound of the film. I missed the big effects, too. AND I also had someone tall in front of me... but I wasn't dealing the the soundboard on top of everything else. Bummer...

I'm so glad you had a great time! CHEERS!


sample

"There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly West."
~Hug like a hobbit!~ "In my heaven..."

I really need these new films to take me back to, and not re-introduce me to, that magical world.



TORn's Observations Lists


grammaboodawg
Immortal


Nov 8 2009, 4:53pm

Post #150 of 165 (1012 views)
Shortcut
You were nervous? [In reply to] Can't Post

I was too ;)

But don't the sibs have a way of disarming you straightaway? I was SO tickled to finally meet you!

I had the same reaction to seeing the city for the first time and feeling that energy. It was all so totally unexpected.

I didn't get to visit as many locations as I'd hoped, but some of the pressure was taken off when I figured (and later confirmed) that there might be another moot next year for Two Towers. I hope we can get the same hotel. That was a perfect location... if they can offer the same price again, that is ;)

LOVE the pics! Especially the one of your bird's back :D Cracked me right up!!!

Cheers... and thanks for the great report :D


sample

"There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly West."
~Hug like a hobbit!~ "In my heaven..."

I really need these new films to take me back to, and not re-introduce me to, that magical world.



TORn's Observations Lists


(This post was edited by grammaboodawg on Nov 8 2009, 4:55pm)


grammaboodawg
Immortal


Nov 8 2009, 4:56pm

Post #151 of 165 (1117 views)
Shortcut
You "bumped into Shore"??? *spasm* [In reply to] Can't Post

Talk about a fateful walk! HOW COOL IS THAT!!???

I was delighted to meet you, Milady :) That was such an awesome gathering. Sibbies are the best!


sample

"There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly West."
~Hug like a hobbit!~ "In my heaven..."

I really need these new films to take me back to, and not re-introduce me to, that magical world.



TORn's Observations Lists


grammaboodawg
Immortal


Nov 8 2009, 4:57pm

Post #152 of 165 (1079 views)
Shortcut
Agreed! Saturday show and Friday Moot gets my vote :D // [In reply to] Can't Post

 


sample

"There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly West."
~Hug like a hobbit!~ "In my heaven..."

I really need these new films to take me back to, and not re-introduce me to, that magical world.



TORn's Observations Lists


grammaboodawg
Immortal


Nov 8 2009, 5:02pm

Post #153 of 165 (1079 views)
Shortcut
It was SO great to see you again! [In reply to] Can't Post

Wasn't that the best moot!!?? Of course, I think that about each and every one of them. I love your 1-2-3 approach to the meetings. I'm going to have to go back and count how many I've been to. Wow... I've done more travelling and had more adventures because of TORn than I've had my whole, long life!!! *bows to the wonderfulness of TORn*

*warm hug* Let's hope for next year :D


sample

"There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly West."
~Hug like a hobbit!~ "In my heaven..."

I really need these new films to take me back to, and not re-introduce me to, that magical world.



TORn's Observations Lists


grammaboodawg
Immortal


Nov 8 2009, 5:05pm

Post #154 of 165 (1118 views)
Shortcut
You were smart [In reply to] Can't Post

to stay those extra days. I'd love to just wander around that town and soak in more of that energy! Maybe next year ;)

I was so thrilled to finally meet you!!!! RIBBONS AND ALL!! :D *warm hug*

LOVE THE PICS!!!!!!!!


sample

"There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly West."
~Hug like a hobbit!~ "In my heaven..."

I really need these new films to take me back to, and not re-introduce me to, that magical world.



TORn's Observations Lists


grammaboodawg
Immortal


Nov 8 2009, 5:10pm

Post #155 of 165 (1078 views)
Shortcut
I was surprised [In reply to] Can't Post

that I started tearing when reading the live journal description of Shore's magic. It's really so true.

"...there's something in Howard Shore's spirit which, provided with the fodder of Tolkien's Middle-earth, shone through all the brighter..."

We're so lucky that Shore did this music. It's a very simplistic comment for the massive gratitude I'm feeling... but I'm still a bit staggered from this post, the journal and Doug Adam's comments. I'm just in awe whenever I read or hear about this. Overwhelmed and happy.


And I agree with you about the music surrounding the Barad-dur episode. Especially as the tower falls... I get goosebumps. And as it fades into the quiet music as Frodo and Sam flee from the lava... omg... it's too much.


sample

"There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly West."
~Hug like a hobbit!~ "In my heaven..."

I really need these new films to take me back to, and not re-introduce me to, that magical world.



TORn's Observations Lists


(This post was edited by grammaboodawg on Nov 8 2009, 5:11pm)


grammaboodawg
Immortal


Nov 8 2009, 5:26pm

Post #156 of 165 (1102 views)
Shortcut
Ahhh... there you are:D [In reply to] Can't Post

those shots of Ground Zero were very moving. And you with the Statue of Liberty had me cracking up!!!


sample

"There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly West."
~Hug like a hobbit!~ "In my heaven..."

I really need these new films to take me back to, and not re-introduce me to, that magical world.



TORn's Observations Lists


grammaboodawg
Immortal


Nov 8 2009, 5:29pm

Post #157 of 165 (1084 views)
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Tater, precious! [In reply to] Can't Post

I wore my pin to work and got many compliments ;)

GREAT SHOTS, M'DEAR!!!!


sample

"There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly West."
~Hug like a hobbit!~ "In my heaven..."

I really need these new films to take me back to, and not re-introduce me to, that magical world.



TORn's Observations Lists


grammaboodawg
Immortal


Nov 8 2009, 5:30pm

Post #158 of 165 (1073 views)
Shortcut
I have mine hanging on my purse :) [In reply to] Can't Post

I clank and tink like Sam's pans!


sample

"There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly West."
~Hug like a hobbit!~ "In my heaven..."

I really need these new films to take me back to, and not re-introduce me to, that magical world.



TORn's Observations Lists


grammaboodawg
Immortal


Nov 8 2009, 5:33pm

Post #159 of 165 (1092 views)
Shortcut
Beecake sound like a great hit! [In reply to] Can't Post

I'm so glad y'all got to experience Billy's band. AND I'm tickled to meet you at the moot! Wasn't it a fabulous weekend!!!!?????

*warm hug*


sample

"There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly West."
~Hug like a hobbit!~ "In my heaven..."

I really need these new films to take me back to, and not re-introduce me to, that magical world.



TORn's Observations Lists


grammaboodawg
Immortal


Nov 8 2009, 5:36pm

Post #160 of 165 (1079 views)
Shortcut
You really were there in spirit! [In reply to] Can't Post

Maybe next year we'll all have a chance to meet!

I'm so glad you got that care package. TORnsibbies really are the best!! Those pics are really great, too. NICE AND BIG!!!! :D


sample

"There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly West."
~Hug like a hobbit!~ "In my heaven..."

I really need these new films to take me back to, and not re-introduce me to, that magical world.



TORn's Observations Lists


grammaboodawg
Immortal


Nov 8 2009, 5:38pm

Post #161 of 165 (1094 views)
Shortcut
Colbert!! I didn't see him! [In reply to] Can't Post

I'll bet he's one of those celebs who know how to blend in.

That was a great report. It sounds like we picked the best of the 2 nights for geeks :D

Cheers!


sample

"There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly West."
~Hug like a hobbit!~ "In my heaven..."

I really need these new films to take me back to, and not re-introduce me to, that magical world.



TORn's Observations Lists


grammaboodawg
Immortal


Nov 8 2009, 5:41pm

Post #162 of 165 (1087 views)
Shortcut
I laughed when I saw that shot [In reply to] Can't Post

cuz I remember that just as I hit the button (there's always a delay) someone shouted out at you and you responded by reflex... as you should!!!

I laugh even now because that's the story of your life. You're always in the middle of something, but you drop everything for others :D *warm hug* I enjoy you so much!

And David Salo's PIN! OMG!!! That still just freaks me right out! LOVE IT!!!


sample

"There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly West."
~Hug like a hobbit!~ "In my heaven..."

I really need these new films to take me back to, and not re-introduce me to, that magical world.



TORn's Observations Lists


Magpie
Immortal


Nov 8 2009, 6:58pm

Post #163 of 165 (1120 views)
Shortcut
responding to others [In reply to] Can't Post

It is an intrinsic part of my nature that makes me good for some things but works against me in other ways. When the kids were small, they'd be talking and asking stuff and I always heard them... even when they were being annoying. And I always *had* to respond to them. I just couldn't ignore anyone. My husband never heard them. He's happily in his own world most of the time. It drove me nuts that even letting their chatter go on for awhile never brought him to awareness. In the end, I had to deal with them.

I have worked around kids a lot and most of that exposure had to do with high needs high risk kids (psychiatric hospitals, inner city schools). It was dangerous not to notice things early. And I got to recognize the beginning stages of my younger sons meltdowns so I could remove him from situations way before the meltdown would occur. The changes were almost imperceptible but ignoring them was foolish indeed. I have stories.... :-) I almost have to train myself to relax and let things be sometimes.

But I marvel when I deal with people who are at everyone's beck and call but can focus while ignoring distractions. You know, those general manager type people who must answer every question or okay every decision. People are often standing in line to talk to them. When they talk to me, they do not allow themselves to be distracted by anything - people calling their name, phones ringing, emails beeping until my question or issue is handled adequately. I feel so honored to have their full attention when I know how valuable their attention is. I want to be more like that and less like Dug the Doug from Up.

I was pretty geeked out by David's gesture, too. Just the tengwar geeked me out but his generous act took me by surprise and touched me.


LOTR soundtrack website
Torn Image Posting Guide
magpie avatar gallery


Milady
Rivendell


Nov 8 2009, 11:55pm

Post #164 of 165 (1119 views)
Shortcut
Yes!! [In reply to] Can't Post

Only now I can never touch the DVD case again in case it scratches off!

It was awesome to meet you too, gramma!


THE ANGELS HAVE THE PHONE BOX

(don't blink)


silneldor
Half-elven


Nov 10 2009, 2:29am

Post #165 of 165 (1243 views)
Shortcut
Your mother has bingo. [In reply to] Can't Post

And you followed suit with Moot reports and and a host of other happenings over the yearsLaugh. A chip off the 'ol block i'd say.

This was grand gramma. I would say you zoomed in everything you possibly could. I am very glad that you could make it:).

''Sam put his ragged orc-cloak under his master's head, and covered them both with the grey robe of Lorien; and as he did so his thoughts went out to that fair land, and to the Elves, and he hoped that the cloth woven by their hands might have some virtue to keep them hidden beyond all hope in this wilderness of fear...But their luck held, and for the rest of that day they met no living or moving thing; and when night fell they vanished into the darkess of Mordor.'' - - -rotk, chapter III

May the grace of Manwë let us soar with eagle's wings!

In the air, among the clouds in the sky
Here is where the birds of Manwe fly
Looking at the land, and the water that flows
The true beauty of earth shows
With the stars of Varda lighting my way
In all the realms this is where I stay
In the realm of Manwë Súlimo












 
 

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