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Fly you fools, to Fiesta Friday!

Altaira Superuser Nov 30 2012, 5:01pm Views: 789 Fly you fools, to Fiesta Friday! Welcome to this week's Fiesta Friday! Who isn't in a Tolkien-y, Hobbit-y mood today after the premier of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey in Wellington this week? Not only did many of us watch it streaming online, some of us were there, and we've been able to experience a little of the fun vicariously through them and their reports and pictures (check out the Moots board). Thanks, in part to the premier, and in part to Weta linking to TORn in their newsletter yesterday, we had 26 new users sign up in the past 24 hours, almost 250 in the last month and the Hobbit board is moving so fast the Admins might have to give it a speeding ticket! *groan* So, it's a good, exciting time to be on TORN! Besides all the excitement of the premier, I'm celebrating a personal milestone that I've been working towards for almost a year: I'm now no longer an employee of my old company - I own my own consulting business! Not only that, but through a completely above board provision in their contracts, all my clients went with me! So, drinks are on the house today for sure!! *puts quarters on the juke box* customers' choice today! Happy Weekend, everyone!! 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

Magpie Immortal Nov 30 2012, 5:11pm Views: 594 wow. Congrats on the new company! Good for you. :-) Yes, it has been a Hobbit week. I stayed up to watch the premiere (even signed into chat at Barli's!). And have enjoyed hearing the few reports that have come in (with more to come, I know). And stayed busy trying to document TORn's participation in and impact on the event for the TORn History Mathom-house. whew. My big news is, my youngest son told me he's moving out starting this weekend. Now, at the moment, both of my grown sons live with us. The oldest, who 29, went off to college a few hundred miles away for a year and a half but struggled with that and came back home to finish school here. The younger, who is 26 (the one who recently got engaged), has never lived away from home. Now, I know my boys need to grow up and be men and moving out is part of that. I want that for them. I've even pushed for it - somewhat stridently at times. :-) But facing that prospect still brings a bit of sadness to my heart. I like them both. They are good company and offer good tech assistance when I need it. (much of the help I can provide here is because they teach me how to do things) And they keep me young. Once he moves out, our relationship will have shifted and it will not go back to what it was when he was here having dinner with us most nights. And the older son just got a most excellent job and I suppose the prospect of him leaving isn't far behind. I still miss watching Mr Rogers and Thomas the Tank Engine with them. sigh. LOTR soundtrack website ~ magpie avatar gallery TORn History Mathom-house ~ Torn Image Posting Guide

Lily Fairbairn Half-elven Nov 30 2012, 5:12pm Views: 596 Congratulations, Altaira! And take a deep breath or two, since the fun is only starting. I'm taking a deep breath or two myself. Last Friday I was in San Antonio having a wonderful Thanksgiving with family. The Friday before that I was in Colonial Williamsburg having a lovely restful holiday with The Gaffer. The Friday before that I was working like a fiend to get my latest project finished so I could enjoy the Williamsburg and San Antonio trips. Whew. I'll take my usual frappuccino, please (it's warm again here in Texas, sigh.) Here's to TORn and Tolkien. May December be a wonderful ride for us all! *stuffs tip jar with red maple leaves from Virginia and cactus blossoms from San Antonio*

Altaira Superuser Nov 30 2012, 5:15pm Views: 581 Thanks! I'm sure the sadness of the boys leaving is offset by pride in what they're accomplishing. It probably doesn't make it much easier at times, but I hope it helps. Have a great weekend! 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

Eventides Tol Eressea Nov 30 2012, 5:17pm Views: 584 Hey Altaira! Yep-- watched and quite enjoyed the online stream, and am more excited than ever to see the film! :) And congrats on the Weta mention, the new signups, and (again) on your new business! :D A celebratory Winter Usual, please, Altaira-- thanks, and I hope you have a great weekend! :) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Eventides' Website: ListenUpReviews.com - Rockin' Choices In Entertainment! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - "I stepped out of my body to let God slide in; although I'm still dressed in flesh that I spiritually died in. Alive in Christ a new creation started breathin', Life exists and through this came completion. ... I'm not that person anymore (more!)! That's what blood was shed for! No longer a failure, livin' life more abundantly, therefore you'll never see me livin' less than victory." John Reuben. "Desperation, needing You; every last breath I scream for You. Shatter me into a million pieces, make me new. ... Break me, mold me, make me what You want me to be; I am Yours, for You to use, so take and replace me with You." Family Force 5. "Under a light in Bethlehem, I was sifting through the sand; the saline burned my eyes, I was looking for Your hand. I gave up on myself, and left my pride disarmed; I cried out 'I'm alone!' and found myself in Your arms. 'Rest in Me, oh, My love; I have loved you before the world began. Rest in Me, oh, My love; you'll never wander too far to reach My hand.'" Showbread.

Altaira Superuser Nov 30 2012, 5:17pm Views: 583 Frappucino, coming up! Thanks for the congrats, Lily. As much as I've been boning up on anything and everything about running my own business, I still have a lot to learn. Luckily, the day-to-day work is the same. It sounds like you're in one of those: 'I need a vacation because of my vacations' places now, lol. I hope you have a restful and fun weekend. 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

Altaira Superuser Nov 30 2012, 5:19pm Views: 585 Hey back, Evey! I thought the NZ TV crew did an exceptional job with the red carpet (except for a few microphone glitches here and there). It was really fun to watch, wasn't it? *mixes hot chocolate and miruvor* I hope you have a great weekend, whatever your plans! 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

Eventides Tol Eressea Nov 30 2012, 5:22pm Views: 570 Indeed! And thanks! :) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Eventides' Website: ListenUpReviews.com - Rockin' Choices In Entertainment! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - "I stepped out of my body to let God slide in; although I'm still dressed in flesh that I spiritually died in. Alive in Christ a new creation started breathin', Life exists and through this came completion. ... I'm not that person anymore (more!)! That's what blood was shed for! No longer a failure, livin' life more abundantly, therefore you'll never see me livin' less than victory." John Reuben. "Desperation, needing You; every last breath I scream for You. Shatter me into a million pieces, make me new. ... Break me, mold me, make me what You want me to be; I am Yours, for You to use, so take and replace me with You." Family Force 5. "Under a light in Bethlehem, I was sifting through the sand; the saline burned my eyes, I was looking for Your hand. I gave up on myself, and left my pride disarmed; I cried out 'I'm alone!' and found myself in Your arms. 'Rest in Me, oh, My love; I have loved you before the world began. Rest in Me, oh, My love; you'll never wander too far to reach My hand.'" Showbread.

dernwyn Forum Admin / Moderator Nov 30 2012, 5:25pm Views: 576 Congratulations! Wow - you're your own boss now! I hope this will make things easier for you, overall - I know you get incredibly busy at times! LOL - a speeding ticket for the Hobbit board! If it's like this now, imagine what it's going to be like when the movies make their official appearance - we'll have to hold tight to our best detachable party hoods! I'll just take a mocha coffee to-go, please, Altaira. And this weekend I plan to take a long, relaxing read of the Moots reports, and savour the moments! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "I desired dragons with a profound desire"

dernwyn Forum Admin / Moderator Nov 30 2012, 5:27pm Views: 569 Hey, Evey! Have a great weekend! Any snow in your area yet? We've still got a dusting on the ground in places. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "I desired dragons with a profound desire"

DanielLB Immortal Nov 30 2012, 5:27pm Views: 573 Congratulations! That's fantastic news! What a great week it has been for you then. If you don't mind my asking, what consulting do you do? I think we should all by raising are glasses to you. Apart from the premiere, my week has been meh. The PhD had slowed down recently, and work has piled up (mainly because of the upcoming trip). I left early today just because I couldn't face sitting in front of a screen for another four hours. It's strange, because this time last year it slowed down too. Maybe it's just because it's the end of the year? I'm sure it'll get through the pile of work (in between TORn, of course). Have a great weekend. Want Hobbit Movie News? Hobbit Headlines of the Week!

dernwyn Forum Admin / Moderator Nov 30 2012, 5:29pm Views: 575 Sounds like you're happy to be able to stay home and relax for a while! How was Williamsburg? Were you being just tourists - or doing research as well? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "I desired dragons with a profound desire"

Eventides Tol Eressea Nov 30 2012, 5:31pm Views: 557 Hey, dernwyn! Yep, same thing here. :) Thanks, and I hope you have a great weekend, too! :) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Eventides' Website: ListenUpReviews.com - Rockin' Choices In Entertainment! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - "I stepped out of my body to let God slide in; although I'm still dressed in flesh that I spiritually died in. Alive in Christ a new creation started breathin', Life exists and through this came completion. ... I'm not that person anymore (more!)! That's what blood was shed for! No longer a failure, livin' life more abundantly, therefore you'll never see me livin' less than victory." John Reuben. "Desperation, needing You; every last breath I scream for You. Shatter me into a million pieces, make me new. ... Break me, mold me, make me what You want me to be; I am Yours, for You to use, so take and replace me with You." Family Force 5. "Under a light in Bethlehem, I was sifting through the sand; the saline burned my eyes, I was looking for Your hand. I gave up on myself, and left my pride disarmed; I cried out 'I'm alone!' and found myself in Your arms. 'Rest in Me, oh, My love; I have loved you before the world began. Rest in Me, oh, My love; you'll never wander too far to reach My hand.'" Showbread.

dernwyn Forum Admin / Moderator Nov 30 2012, 5:32pm Views: 580 It has to happen at some point... Is he moving very far? Have you put together a "hope chest" (kitchen items, bath items, etc.)? Has he planned what to take with him? This is a Big Thing, moving out and on and upwards! I wish him (and you) well with it! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "I desired dragons with a profound desire"

Hengist Forum Admin / Moderator Nov 30 2012, 5:32pm Views: 571 Congratulations! That must feel good! I'll have a beer to celebrate with you! Cheers! " So let me get this straight. You want to fly on a magic carpet to see the King of the Potato People and plead with him for your freedom, and you're telling me you're completely sane? "

Altaira Superuser Nov 30 2012, 5:36pm Views: 572 Thanks, dernwyn In theory, I should be able to work less and get paid more. However, I already have two other companies interested in working with me (and am lucky enough not to have enough time for them at the moment), so who knows! Sounds like a nice weekend - I'd like to get back to the Moots board myself and read what I've missed. Plus, our compadres should be returning from NZ this weekend and will undoubtedly be providing more reports. Enjoy! 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

imin Valinor Nov 30 2012, 5:38pm Views: 562 wow congratulations :) I wish you the best of luck - sounds like you are doing fantastic, getting all the clients to move - you must be pretty darn good! Living the dream - starting own business, own boss!

Altaira Superuser Nov 30 2012, 5:39pm Views: 574 Thank-you. DanielB I mostly do accounting and auditing-type work that helps my clients prepare for when their 'real' external auditors come by. My clients don't have time to do it themselves, plus the outside auditors rely on it more if it's done by someone independent. One of those 'win, win' situations. Sometime you just *have* to get away from the computer. I can certainly relate. Have a great weekend! 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

Tampa Phil Rivendell Nov 30 2012, 5:41pm Views: 564 Ah, well as long as I don't have to pay for it I'll have a strongbow cider then. TP.

Altaira Superuser Nov 30 2012, 5:43pm Views: 573 Hoists a Hengist-sized glass! Thanks a bunch, Hengist. It feels very good, actually. Every time my clients re-signed with my old company, or new clients asked for me, someone else who never spent any time with my clients got a commission. I tried several times to present incentive plans that would be more fair and retain good employees, but they always fell on deaf ears. So, I feel in the end that they gave me no choice. Definitely my gain (and my clients'), which I'll definitely drink to! Here's to a great weekend! 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

Altaira Superuser Nov 30 2012, 5:45pm Views: 553 Thanks, imin I appreciate it. Yes, the main thing keeping me from leaving was that I loved my clients. When I, and they, figured out they could go with me it was an easy decision to make. I hope you enjoy your weekend! 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

Altaira Superuser Nov 30 2012, 5:46pm Views: 569 Be careful, we may make an exception in your case ...and give you two! Lol. It really is nice to see you here! Try to make it a habit. Happy weekend, TP 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

silneldor Half-elven Nov 30 2012, 5:49pm Views: 567 They flew the coop! To join you? Now isn't that a telling thing. ..It must mean you are just good looking....[[[Hides behind wife's tupperware collection. I am really happy for you Altaira. And yes that E-vent was just a fantabulous thing. What a gas seeing all those TORnfolk having a TIME! Off quick now to help a friend bring in a 120odd boxes of flooring into his new house. It is looking really good over there. We all have our final race tomorrow morning, a 5k in an undetermined inclement event. No matter, it looks speedos are OUT. Wish us 3 luck!

Lily Fairbairn Half-elven Nov 30 2012, 5:50pm Views: 566 I still miss the days when our sons lived with us And they're both in their thirties now, and married with children, so it's been a while. But every now and then, like at Thanksgiving last week, a quiet moment will fall and I'll look around and realized The Gaffer and the boys are seated in a circle, talking and joking like old times, and I grin from ear to ear. You can be very proud of your sons!

Lily Fairbairn Half-elven Nov 30 2012, 5:52pm Views: 562 If we could just harness all the fans' energy ... ... we could launch another explorer to Mars! Have a great weekend, Evey....

Lily Fairbairn Half-elven Nov 30 2012, 5:54pm Views: 279 Hang in there, DLB Look at all the Hobbit fun as a reward for getting through your work! I hope your weekend isn't at all "meh"

Altaira Superuser Nov 30 2012, 5:54pm Views: 277 Good luch, Sil! Yes, it *must* be my good looks, lol. Speaking of good looks, no speedos for the race? Awwww. Stay warm and run fast! 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

Starling Half-elven Nov 30 2012, 5:56pm Views: 286 History is made I made it before self-serve! Only because I woke up at the ridiculous time of 6am on a Saturday morning. What was I thinking? Lots of coffee for me, please. I have a mountain of work to get through this weekend. Gearing up for the end of the school year means extra work just when I feel least interested in doing it. And congratulations, Altaira. That is great news.

Lily Fairbairn Half-elven Nov 30 2012, 5:56pm Views: 278 Williamsburg was just lovely This is our favorite time of year, with the cold weather and the leaves in such beautiful colors. This time around we were just tourists, although I did have a nice chat with the manager of the Visitor Center bookstore, who remembered me. Very nice man, but then, I've never met anyone working for Colonial Williamsburg who isn't pleasant and intelligent. Have a great weekend, dernwyn!

Lily Fairbairn Half-elven Nov 30 2012, 5:59pm Views: 263 Good luck you 3! I hope the weather is invigorating rather than, well, inclement. But I imagine you're more accustomed to chill and wet than we are here in Texas, where it's still warm and way too dry. When we get ready to switch out our carpet for flooring, will you come and help? Have a great weekend, sil!

Eventides Tol Eressea Nov 30 2012, 5:59pm Views: 267 Haha! :) Well, I am still hoping to see a *manned* Mars mission within my lifetime, so by all means let's try it, LOL! :D Thanks, and I hope you have a great weekend, too, Lily! :) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Eventides' Website: ListenUpReviews.com - Rockin' Choices In Entertainment! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - "I stepped out of my body to let God slide in; although I'm still dressed in flesh that I spiritually died in. Alive in Christ a new creation started breathin', Life exists and through this came completion. ... I'm not that person anymore (more!)! That's what blood was shed for! No longer a failure, livin' life more abundantly, therefore you'll never see me livin' less than victory." John Reuben. "Desperation, needing You; every last breath I scream for You. Shatter me into a million pieces, make me new. ... Break me, mold me, make me what You want me to be; I am Yours, for You to use, so take and replace me with You." Family Force 5. "Under a light in Bethlehem, I was sifting through the sand; the saline burned my eyes, I was looking for Your hand. I gave up on myself, and left my pride disarmed; I cried out 'I'm alone!' and found myself in Your arms. 'Rest in Me, oh, My love; I have loved you before the world began. Rest in Me, oh, My love; you'll never wander too far to reach My hand.'" Showbread. (This post was edited by Eventides on Nov 30 2012, 6:00pm)

Auxerre Rivendell Nov 30 2012, 5:59pm Views: 273 A DRC, please....and MAJOR congrats!! Outstanding news, Altaira, particularly since your clients came with. With an established customer base, you are very well-positioned for success, and I wish you heaps of success!! I'd like a DRC, please, and if Annael happens to show up, send a DRC her way, with my compliments. Hope you are doing well! Would love you see you -- who knows, maybe one of these days!!! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Slayer_Of_Orcs The Shire Nov 30 2012, 5:59pm Views: 270 Congrats Altaira ... From an older TORN member but infrequent visitor ... here's to you (you're living my dream now) and here's to the Hobbit premier ... wish I could have been there. A pint of Draught if you please and a blooming onion for those around me. _______________________________________ They are coming ...

Lily Fairbairn Half-elven Nov 30 2012, 6:00pm Views: 267 Coffee, the wonder drug It's amazing how a nice cup of coffee will lift the spirits. And in your part of the world, you can get a flat white, my favorite cup of coffee ever. I hope the rest of the school year goes smoothly for you and soon you'll be able to kick back and enjoy The Hobbit.

T_Meyers Bree Nov 30 2012, 6:01pm Views: 268 I'm off... ...from the day job this weekend but I'll still be working. Gotta get my book in shape for the release next week. Productive weekend ahead! "Welcome to Novogard – Where lands have been shattered from racial division. Where a powerful government has begun its encroachment onto unwilling societies. Where the magical and the technological collide."

Starling Half-elven Nov 30 2012, 6:05pm Views: 261 Cheers Although black and strong is my choice. I think flat whites are yucky! Whatever the preference, caffeine definitely helps to get things going.

Altaira Superuser Nov 30 2012, 6:05pm Views: 290 Too funny, Starling Waking up early on a weekend is a double-edged sword. On one hand, you do tend to get more done. On the other hand, the pillow is calling you back. Lol. May your motivation return and last through the end of the year! 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

Altaira Superuser Nov 30 2012, 6:08pm Views: 266 Well, hello there! How nice to see you here for Fiesta! And, yes, it would be fantastic to see you at one of the various upcoming events. The Oscar Party will be the next trip for BG and I. It would be grand if you could make it. One DRC now and one waiting in the wings for Annael (now, if I could only remember or work out what a DRC is, lol ). *hugs* 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

Altaira Superuser Nov 30 2012, 6:09pm Views: 262 It definitely comes in pints! *slides one down the bar to Slayer_of_Orcs. It's nice to see you here, especially for Fiesta! Thanks for the congrats and enjoy your weekend! 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

Starling Half-elven Nov 30 2012, 6:14pm Views: 266 Well, there are compensations Hanging out here being one of them! I quite often wake up super early on Saturday, because I am still in 'work-mode'. I always tell myself I will have a lovely sleep on the couch in the sun in the afternoon. Although it never happens, the idea of it is comforting somehow. 12 days of school to go...

Altaira Superuser Nov 30 2012, 6:24pm Views: 277 ** Puts out 'self-serve' sign. free drinks all weekend - have a great one! // 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

Ardamírë Valinor Nov 30 2012, 7:34pm Views: 267 Congrats Altaira! That sounds super exciting! Wasn't the live-streaming of the premiere fantastic? It was a great way to be able to enjoy the festivities without the being able to be there. I hope they live-stream the next two! "...and his first memory of Middle-earth was the green stone above her breast as she sang above his cradle while Gondolin was still in flower." -Unfinished Tales

Aunt Dora Baggins Immortal Nov 30 2012, 8:33pm Views: 263 Congratulations on the business! That is very exciting! I'm looking forward to going to see Acoustic Eidolon at the local theater tonight. Other than that, no big plans for the weekend. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ (This post was edited by Aunt Dora Baggins on Nov 30 2012, 8:34pm)

Kimi Forum Admin / Moderator Nov 30 2012, 9:24pm Views: 253 Congratulations, Altaira! That's a great achievement. It's the 1st December here, and a lovely mild day. The grass is getting away on us - the sheep are not keeping up with it! December means The Hobbit opens *this* month! We've just put our Christmas tree up. No broken decorations, and the lights work! Amazing. I had my own small moment of professional delight this week: one of New Zealand's largest-circulation magazines (for locals: it's The Listener) ran a column inviting Kiwi writers and reviewers to talk about their picks of books in 2012. An historian whom I'm a huge fan of recommended mine! To be recognised in my own country is a huge thrill. Time for that next coffee... The Passing of Mistress Rose My historical novels Do we find happiness so often that we should turn it off the box when it happens to sit there? - A Room With a View

Ataahua Forum Admin / Moderator Nov 30 2012, 9:40pm Views: 249 That's fantastic news! Congratulations, Kimi! I'll run out and get a copy of that Listener issue. Celebrimbor: "Pretty rings..." Dwarves: "Pretty rings..." Men: "Pretty rings..." Sauron: "Mine's better." "Ah, how ironic, the addictive qualities of Sauron’s master weapon led to its own destruction. Which just goes to show, kids - if you want two small and noble souls to succeed on a mission of dire importance... send an evil-minded beggar with them too." - Gandalf's Diaries, final par, by Ufthak. Ataahua's stories

Kimi Forum Admin / Moderator Nov 30 2012, 10:22pm Views: 225 *Blinks* In all my years on TORn, I think I've made it before self-serve three times. :) And once was at 3 a.m. when sleep had utterly deserted me. Good luck with getting through the work, Starling! The Passing of Mistress Rose My historical novels Do we find happiness so often that we should turn it off the box when it happens to sit there? - A Room With a View

Starling Half-elven Nov 30 2012, 10:27pm Views: 236 Three times Now that is impressive. I am going to see if I can catch up with you. I will start a training programme immediately.

grammaboodawg Immortal Dec 1 2012, 3:22am Views: 243 Wow--your own business! Wow to the Premier!! Wow to Weta and so many newbies joining us :D WOW! We've waited so many years and gone through so much to get to "this week". The Hobbit finally has happened thanks to Peter Jackson's relentlessness. Even when he convinced himself he didn't want to direct it there for a little while... even that miraculously came around to such a satisfying and happy outcome. Here we are :) Together for Fiesta... celebrating the first of 3 Hobbit films... and I'm so proud that we stuck with Peter through it all. And talk about relentlessness! A massive WOW for your achievement, Altaira. I'll bet you thought about doing this so many times. What guts to just go for it and lay your path for the past year. You've built this new life... and it looks so good on you! No one deserves it more, m'dear. I'm so happy for you! Well Done!! TWO GOLD STARS! I really need these new films to take me back to, and not re-introduce me to, that magical world. TORn's Observations Lists Unused Scenes

Starling Half-elven Dec 1 2012, 3:29am Views: 237 Four wows in your post title and a bonus extra in the post itself. WOW! Gramma, you are a treasure. I love your enthusiasm and bright outlook - you always make my day. X

grammaboodawg Immortal Dec 1 2012, 3:49am Views: 220 *sisterly hug* You are a treasure, Magpie... I know you're happy about you sons' success, and their success has so much to do with you and Mr. Magpie's love. Those boys know they can always count on you. You are their safe place. The change is hard and so clear... inevitable... but a blessing, too. Your relationships will be different, but better in so many ways. That you have such a great time with your boys, and them with you, is so great. I'm happy that you each have that! And how much you must have been scrambling the past couple of weeks would be nearly impossible to calculate! Thank you for all you do for us :) I really need these new films to take me back to, and not re-introduce me to, that magical world. TORn's Observations Lists Unused Scenes

grammaboodawg Immortal Dec 1 2012, 4:24am Views: 220 You're due a quiet weekend :) Even though all of it was good... "It is no bad thing to celebrate a simple life." ;) This is the deep breath before the plunge! Same here! It seems like every weekend has something going on. But we've made it. Less than 2 weeks aways from sitting in the theatre for our first adventure with Bilbo and the Dwarves!! *twitch* OMG! :D Have a fantastic weekend, m'dear! I really need these new films to take me back to, and not re-introduce me to, that magical world. TORn's Observations Lists Unused Scenes

grammaboodawg Immortal Dec 1 2012, 4:27am Views: 220 Cheers, Evey!! I hope you have a fabulous weekend!! *clinks glasses* I really need these new films to take me back to, and not re-introduce me to, that magical world. TORn's Observations Lists Unused Scenes

grammaboodawg Immortal Dec 1 2012, 4:33am Views: 211 Howdy dernwyn! I'm going to do the same thing this weekend. Quietly visit the Moot Board and read through all of the posts. I know we have more coming in while sibs are still on the road AND it takes a little while to write something up and get the pictures in order. *twitch* I hope that means we can look forward to seeing reports surface over the next several days ;) Have a fantastic weekend my friend! I really need these new films to take me back to, and not re-introduce me to, that magical world. TORn's Observations Lists Unused Scenes

grammaboodawg Immortal Dec 1 2012, 4:36am Views: 198 Your trip is coming up very soon! It may not seem like it, but suddenly BOOM, there it is! I'm having trouble focusing on a couple more projects I'm working on... so I can relate to your "slow" time. I really shouldn't slow down right now! But the excitement of this past week is hard to ignore ;) Have a great weekend!! I really need these new films to take me back to, and not re-introduce me to, that magical world. TORn's Observations Lists Unused Scenes

grammaboodawg Immortal Dec 1 2012, 4:38am Views: 196 I hope your weekend is perfect, Hengist :D //   I really need these new films to take me back to, and not re-introduce me to, that magical world. TORn's Observations Lists Unused Scenes

grammaboodawg Immortal Dec 1 2012, 4:41am Views: 198 Have a great weekend, imin :D //   I really need these new films to take me back to, and not re-introduce me to, that magical world. TORn's Observations Lists Unused Scenes

grammaboodawg Immortal Dec 1 2012, 4:42am Views: 204 Freebies are the tastiest! Cheers, TP! //   I really need these new films to take me back to, and not re-introduce me to, that magical world. TORn's Observations Lists Unused Scenes

grammaboodawg Immortal Dec 1 2012, 4:45am Views: 194 Good luck to you 3!! For a very late-in-the-year race! WOW! Cheers, sil :D I really need these new films to take me back to, and not re-introduce me to, that magical world. TORn's Observations Lists Unused Scenes

grammaboodawg Immortal Dec 1 2012, 4:47am Views: 199 Rise and Shine!! 6am comes awfully early, doesn't it? ;) Pace yourself this weekend. Sounds like you've got a long haul in front of you. *warm hug* I really need these new films to take me back to, and not re-introduce me to, that magical world. TORn's Observations Lists Unused Scenes

grammaboodawg Immortal Dec 1 2012, 4:52am Views: 195 *flying tackle hug* :D Hey there!!! You made it to Fiesta!!!! AWESOME! :D I hope all is EXCELLENT with you and your world :) I really need these new films to take me back to, and not re-introduce me to, that magical world. TORn's Observations Lists Unused Scenes

grammaboodawg Immortal Dec 1 2012, 4:53am Views: 200 It's so great to see you!! There's so much excitement going on around here :D CHEERS! I really need these new films to take me back to, and not re-introduce me to, that magical world. TORn's Observations Lists Unused Scenes

grammaboodawg Immortal Dec 1 2012, 4:54am Views: 195 *giggle* I'm not known for my vast vocabulary ;) *huggles* I really need these new films to take me back to, and not re-introduce me to, that magical world. TORn's Observations Lists Unused Scenes

Starling Half-elven Dec 1 2012, 4:56am Views: 197 Please Don't ever change.

grammaboodawg Immortal Dec 1 2012, 4:57am Views: 196 Live streaming is so cool! It really was like being there :D Well... a little bit ;) Cheers Ardamire! I really need these new films to take me back to, and not re-introduce me to, that magical world. TORn's Observations Lists Unused Scenes

grammaboodawg Immortal Dec 1 2012, 4:58am Views: 204 Save up your energy for the BIG WEEK the sequel coming up very soon!! Cheers, Auntie! I really need these new films to take me back to, and not re-introduce me to, that magical world. TORn's Observations Lists Unused Scenes

grammaboodawg Immortal Dec 1 2012, 5:03am Views: 201 Wow Kimi!! Congratulations!!! :D     That's fantastic news!! You SO deserve to be noticed :D Well done, m'dear! This is just so GREAT!!! I really need these new films to take me back to, and not re-introduce me to, that magical world. TORn's Observations Lists Unused Scenes

Ardamírë Valinor Dec 1 2012, 3:26pm Views: 203 It was strange Sitting here at home late at night and thinking that everything I was watching was happening at that exact moment halfway across the world! Absolutely fantastic experience "...and his first memory of Middle-earth was the green stone above her breast as she sang above his cradle while Gondolin was still in flower." -Unfinished Tales

Aunt Dora Baggins Immortal Dec 1 2012, 4:27pm Views: 199 Went out to get the paper this morning and smelled smoke. The Fern Lake fire has blown up again O_o Here's the latest. This fire is thirty miles away from me, but the places it's burning are places I hike all the time. I have never, ever heard of a wildfire burning here in December before. Strong Winds Push Fire to Moraine Meadows, Evacuations in Effect Incident: Fern Lake Fire Wildfire Released: 3 hrs. ago Update on Fern Lake Fire in Rocky Mountain National Park Strong winds have pushed the Fern Lake Fire to Moraine Park in Rocky Mountain National Park. As of 4:00 a.m. this morning, December 1, the fire had not crossed Bear Lake Road. Moraine Park Campground was evacuated at 1:50 a.m. According to the Larimer County Sheriff's Office evacuations have been ordered for: Highway 66 and all adjacent streets including the YMCAHigh Drive and all adjacent streetsMarys Lake Road up to Moraine Ave to Marys Lake on the West side Evacuees should meet at Estes Park High School at 1600 Manford Avenue in Estes Park. Larimer County Sheriff's Office and Estes Park Police Department are facilitating evacuations. The east side of Rocky Mountain National Park is closed until further notice. The park housing area as well as park headquarters and Beaver Meadows Visitor Center is in the evacuation area. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ (This post was edited by Aunt Dora Baggins on Dec 1 2012, 4:28pm)

Altaira Superuser Dec 1 2012, 4:33pm Views: 188 Thanks, Ardmire It's been an exciting week all around! 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

Aunt Dora Baggins Immortal Dec 1 2012, 4:50pm Views: 198 Oh, hurray! So glad your work is being recognized :-) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Altaira Superuser Dec 1 2012, 4:55pm Views: 184 Thanks so much, Aunt Dora I'm very excited about it. How was the concert. Their music sounds lovely. 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

Ardamírë Valinor Dec 1 2012, 4:57pm Views: 181 I'm sure it has!!//   "...and his first memory of Middle-earth was the green stone above her breast as she sang above his cradle while Gondolin was still in flower." -Unfinished Tales

Altaira Superuser Dec 1 2012, 4:58pm Views: 194 How awesome is that, Kimi!? What a feather in your cap and how good it must feel to be recognized like that. (I'm fine just being recognized by my current clients. ) Big congratulations to you! 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

Aunt Dora Baggins Immortal Dec 1 2012, 4:58pm Views: 183 The concert was amazingly amazing as always. And afterwards, in addition to the CDs, that had for sale some apple butter and peach butter that Hannah had made. We bought some peach butter and it was delicious :-) The Rialto concert is always fun because it's like a homecoming for them. They live in Berthoud, but tour all over the world all year. And they come back to the Rialto about this time of year every year, and the audience is generally made up of old friends. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "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 Dec 1 2012, 4:59pm Views: 184 It's the yin and yang of life the joy mingled with pain... Above all I am happy to see them happy with their life and they are. LOTR soundtrack website ~ magpie avatar gallery TORn History Mathom-house ~ Torn Image Posting Guide

Altaira Superuser Dec 1 2012, 5:00pm Views: 230 Awwww, thanks gramma You always say the sweetest things - probably because you're the sweetest person. I bet you're having trouble keeping your feet on the ground with the opening of The Hobbit so close. I didn't realize how excited I was going to be, but I couldn't take my eyes off of the live-streaming in Wellington. Fun times! 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

Ardamírë Valinor Dec 1 2012, 5:04pm Views: 225 One of the best things about the past couple days Has been seeing the mods geeking out like the rest of us! Obviously y'all have to do your mod-thing, but it's more fun when you join in the movie fever. "...and his first memory of Middle-earth was the green stone above her breast as she sang above his cradle while Gondolin was still in flower." -Unfinished Tales

Magpie Immortal Dec 1 2012, 5:09pm Views: 236 not moving too far Just on the other side of town. I think that first move will be harder for him than me. He has two jobs. One is just blocks from our house and the other is downtown and we live blocks from the light rail which runs downtown. Minneapolis is full of lakes so getting from his side of town to ours (for job #1) will require maneuvering around them. And now he'll have to take buses downtown which will surely take longer than light rail which is given precedence over all traffic in the corridor (says she he's had to wait through as many as 4 lights to make it across the intersection it crosses). But when he finds a place with his fiancée, they'll probably look north of town since she works in a northern suburb. It will still be closer than if he moved out of the Twin Cities area or out of state. And her folks live in a northern suburb. All in all... not far. No hope chest. We just on a really tight budget as we plan for the probable bankruptcy of my husband's business. The boys are making more than we are right now. But there are a number of household items I'd gladly let him take if he wants: the blender, the cast iron skillet, etc. Things he uses more than I do. And there's still the upcoming marriage when we have the opportunity to contribute to a household. For my part, I'd rather help him pay off school loans than buy him a place setting of china. He says he plans to take everything even though he's only going to be at this first place a possibly short time. It's a house a high school buddy of his just bought who's offered to store stuff if needed. That's great since we do not have the room to store his stuff long term. This house fits four adults with little wiggle room! :-) LOTR soundtrack website ~ magpie avatar gallery TORn History Mathom-house ~ Torn Image Posting Guide

Magpie Immortal Dec 1 2012, 5:11pm Views: 229 I am proud of them. And I hope we have those moments. I did not much with my mom once I moved out and I can't say I ever had it with my husband's mother. I want to be a place my sons want to visit. Not feel they have to or wish to avoid. Our biggest problem is we don't have a large house and it's hard to host more than 4 or 5 adults at a time. But we'll just need to work on how to make that happen. LOTR soundtrack website ~ magpie avatar gallery TORn History Mathom-house ~ Torn Image Posting Guide

Magpie Immortal Dec 1 2012, 5:15pm Views: 262 thanks, gramma I think, had they moved out during those tenser late teen or early 20's years... we would have been stuck dealing with the emotions that arise as kids try to break from their parents. We went through those times but then we had to get through them. And we did find a way to be comfortable with each other as adults (although I think I will always call them 'the kids' to my husband!). I'm am grateful beyond belief that we had that opportunity. LOTR soundtrack website ~ magpie avatar gallery TORn History Mathom-house ~ Torn Image Posting Guide

dernwyn Forum Admin / Moderator Dec 1 2012, 11:34pm Views: 219 That is a big move from convenience to jobs, to more travel time. But it sounds like he's cool with it, and he's got everything worked out! And you'll still have one at home. It's been good that you've had them with you during these trying times for you! (Best of luck with whatever ends up happening!) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "I desired dragons with a profound desire"

dernwyn Forum Admin / Moderator Dec 1 2012, 11:38pm Views: 213 Fantastic! What a great feeling it is, to have your work recognized! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "I desired dragons with a profound desire"

dernwyn Forum Admin / Moderator Dec 1 2012, 11:39pm Views: 236 That's not good! Had they not been able to fully extinguish the previous fire? Have they been able to contain it at all yet? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "I desired dragons with a profound desire"

silneldor Half-elven Dec 2 2012, 12:12am Views: 217 I concurasize with this remark.\\

Aunt Dora Baggins Immortal Dec 2 2012, 12:27am Views: 266 They had had it 40% contained but it was burning on the sides of a very steep canyon covered with fallen trees, so there was no way firefighters could get in there to fight it. They've been using helicopters for the past seven weeks, but last night the wind blew it into an open meadow on the east side of the park, near houses. One cabin burned down. The good news is that it's a lot easier for the firefighters to get in near the fire when it's in an open meadow. This is the meadow where my great-grandparents' ashes were scattered before I was born. We'd scattered a few of my grandmother's and my mom's there too, so this photo made me cry, even though my head tells me the grass will all grow back next spring. That little charred hill in the background is what we've always called "Grandmother Hill". On of my friends lost her home in an unrelated fire in Estes Park last summer, and her neighborhood is under evacuation orders now. That must be so traumatic. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ (This post was edited by Aunt Dora Baggins on Dec 2 2012, 12:30am)

dernwyn Forum Admin / Moderator Dec 2 2012, 2:09am Views: 200 Almost like the desolation of a dragon - all the smoke, and the charred ground. The sight is grievious! But yes, we know the plant-life there will return, and sometimes it will bring surprises with it. Look around closely, when the Spring has returned and you may walk there again. I can understand the trauma of evacuation, and loss of home: it's what happens in this area, when there are storms coming in from the ocean! Fire and water, so different, yet so alike! I wish the firefighters all the luck! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "I desired dragons with a profound desire"

Annael Immortal Dec 2 2012, 2:40am Views: 298 Congratulations! It's wonderful being self-employed . . . although sometimes my boss makes me work very strange hours. The way we imagine our lives is the way we are going to go on living our lives. - James Hillman, Healing Fiction * * * * * * * * * * NARF and member of Deplorable Cultus since 1967

Xanaseb Tol Eressea Dec 2 2012, 3:20am Views: 208 congrats Altaira :) sounds cool!! // --I'm a victim of Bifurcation-- __________________________________________ Join us over at Barliman's chat all day, any day! __________________________________________

Xanaseb Tol Eressea Dec 2 2012, 3:24am Views: 298 that's pretty awful Aunt Dora, I can't imagine living in such a fire-threatened area :s //   --I'm a victim of Bifurcation-- __________________________________________ Join us over at Barliman's chat all day, any day! __________________________________________