The Bible
The writings of JRR Tolkien
Music (I play guitar and piano in a church band)
Photography
Trying to get through life in one piece ;-)
First Lord of the Rings reading experience:
While in high school (around 1969 or 1970), a trumpet player from the band I was in first talked me into reading "The Hobbit." I was hooked immediately. I read LOTR soon after, and have read it approximately 19 times over the years, so far.
Favorite Tolkien character:
Frodo, because he took on a horrendous task, and kept at it, even after he realized that it would take an enormous toll on him.
Although he couldn't complete the Quest in the end, the destruction of the One Ring would not have been possible if he had not remained faithful through dire circumstances, up to the point where Gollum finished things.
I have to love Gandalf, as well, for his selfless striving to remain faithful to his own mission.
