Reading, writing, running, wine, horses, Lord Byron, and poodles.
First Lord of the Rings reading experience:
I've read Tolkien so many times it's impossible to recall that first reading. Every time I read one of his books it feels like the first time for there's always something new to discover.
Favorite Tolkien character:
I love Thranduil because he's an imperfect specimen of a perfect race. He's ambiguous, mysterious, unpredictable, slightly menacing, and yet still one of the "good people." Of all the elves, he seems the most affected by the horrors he's faced and that makes him almost (somewhat) human.
I love his complexity. I love that despite his character flaws, he sends aid to the people of Laketown. I love his interaction with Bilbo when he asks him to stay with them for his own safety and later after the BO5A when he names Bilbo an elf friend.
I also love Pippin for his character evolution. He's always struck me as the most intriguing of all the hobbits and the one I'd choose to spend a day with if given the opportunity.