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Oromë Newsletter – The Philosopher

The Philosopher

“The rain is a dreary thing,” Althemus spoke aloud. His pen rubbed the rough paper. He paused, and walked towards the window. Sunlight flew through the windows, splashing the small room with a radiance of glorious white. “Strange. The sun shines and I write of dreary rain. A philosopher grows stupid in his old age, and writes of things he knows naught of. Even Socrates spoke, saying, “My advice to you is to get married.” What did he know? Though he was very right, Socrates could not have been one to judge; he had no wife.” Althemus quickly returned to his table and scribbled the words,

An old man speaks naught from what he knows,
Yet he will press his false suit on the seed of his body.

Yes, that was right. It was true, and Althemus had drawn it from his own knowledge. It was indeed a true philosophy.
Althemus was readying his third collection of philosophies for publishing, and he had needed just five more to make it complete. Now he needed four. The first volume collected the philosophies of childhood, and spoke of the ease of each passing day. The second volume encompassed all his philosophies of adulthood, and the trials of life as man struggled to earn his bread. Then this, the third and final volume, would seal it all and speak of old age, and the passing of another grey head.
Then, entering through the door, the man servant came with another pot of tea for him. “Your tea, sir.”
“Thank you, Martin. Tell me, what is it that keeps you in my service?”
“I am not sure. Evidently there’s something, else I should not be here. My wage, I suppose, keeps me here. You provide both food and shelter for me, in addition to my monetary wage.”
“Thank you Martin, that is all.” Althemus returned to his desk and wrote:

An old man is willing to give the lesser much of his money,
For he knows that in the winter of his life, his financial gains
Will do more for a poorer soul than it will afford him in his final days.

And also:

Food and home are a better wage for the man
Than much money.

Althemus sighed. Another inspiration must come if he was to finish today. Throwing his pen on the desk, he took his tea, and mused over the sunlight still coming in. But his meditation was interrupted by the entrance of Martin.
“Excuse me sir, a visitor to see you, sir.”
“Who is it Martin? Come now, show him in.”
“A Dr. Benedict, sir.”
“Ah, Althemus,” in strode Valerian Benedict, a professor at the institute, “what has you in this solitude, and so chained to your desk? I say, it is a wonderful day. Leave your pen, come, and let us walk.”
“Not this time, Valerian. No, I am quite undone. I have yet two scholarly things I must say, yet nothing to write. You should know that scholarly pursuits are of far greater importance than a beautiful day.”
“A beautiful day is rare, and your study affords no air to breathe. I say, you shall suffocate if you do not quit this lonely hermitage. All things, even scholarly things, must find their place. None should trespass on another.”
“This hermitage, as you call it, is not so lonely and dreary as you would have it. It rather comforts me,” Althemus replied.
“It is a sorry comfort that is ruled by a drafty cell.”
“And a sorrier one that is ruled by ill desires of a poorly manifested spirit.”
“I will not bicker with you philosopher, or waste my time with your banter, only know that I would have you leave this place and hie for a greener place. Good day to you.”
“And good day to you.” Valerian left. “I would not have you waste your precious time with me.” Althemus wrote again, and, satisfied, read it aloud to himself:

False hopes and fears will lead a man
Where he wishes not to go.
Let wisdom’s suit and knowledge
Lend a hand to lead him aright.

Althemus drank deep from the tea. “Martin,” he called, “I would have some of my brandy brought to me.” He turned, and looked at the water clock. The day grew late.
Martin entered with the brandy, and, mixing it with the tea, offered it to Althemus, who drank deep of the draught. “Martin, man does not love philosophy or philosophers as he ought. Modern man has become wise in his own folly, and now begins to forget what wiser men have said. In the philosophers stead comes such unworthy gossip as is unfit to crowd the columns of a journal.”
“There are indeed, sir,” responded Martin, “Few people who understand philosophy as I. I take it, as you say, that man has traded the wisdom of men for the folly of women. Gossip is a terrible thing.”
“Aye. And it is we who must bear the burden of another’s folly.”
Martin took his leave. But silence did not last long. In came Eldemore Hewitt, the deacon of the abbey.
“Althemus, I am told by Dr. Benedict that you refuse to quit your room. Is it so? Really I thought it not of you, trading the joy and wonder of God’s creation for your pen. Are you so wanting for reason that you cannot go a full hour without writing such foolish neologisms as you do?
“I write that what small amount of true wisdom that I have might be passed on that another may by my word become wiser than I. It would then be my earnest hope that he too, like me, would record this wisdom for yet another. Through this, man would be enlightened. Here writ is just such writings as I see fit to complete this task.”
“And what fool,” retorted Eldemore, “would trade his worthwhile enjoyment of true pleasure derived from God for a cell such as this? Who would quit a good life to write what another man hath already said?”
“The object of philosophy is not to reiterate some words already imagined by another, but to remake them, and to better them, so that another might learn a more valuable lesson than first was taught by the original writer. Also a philosopher would hope that he might come up with such a word as will be remembered and remade; that he might start the process of achieving the object of which I spoke.”
“You can’t seriously believe that hogwash. Philosophy is the work for old men who have given up on life. Unless you also have forsaken your life as others have, then you can’t seriously meditate your motive of staying inside today. Come, at least take a turn in your garden.”
“No, Eldemore! Unless you quit this infernal speech, I shall have no choice but to remove you from my cell, if a cell it be. Perhaps you are right; perhaps I have given up on life. Perhaps by my mistake another might learn and correct his self, am I right? Now, go therefore, one last word is all I need before I quit this place.”
“Goodbye, Althemus. Perhaps God will have pity on you and see fit to remove you from the earth to a place where philosophy is yet a good thing.”
Althemus sank into his chair. If he had the strength, he would weep, but as he did not possess in his frame the shred of might he required, he scratched the last word:

The world hates a man it cannot understand,
As it hates all the words it cannot comprehend,
Even though words wield a power which is wholly beyond them.

Philosophy is dead.

Oromë Newsletter – Operation Spring & Indoor Plants

Beginner’s 10 Easy Steps Strategy:

1. Reconnaissance – gathering information. First, I’d suggest you find out which your plants’ names actually are, if you don’t know them already. Internet and Google can help you a lot with this. It depends on the plant what kind of care it needs, and it may vary a lot between different plants. When you know the names, you will find information and instructions how take care of each plant.

2. Eliminating possible threats. Wash the leaves of plants and check for pests and diseases. If you think there is a problem, try to find out what it is and what would help. I’d first try simple search on the Net again, but shops are helpful in this – they will recommend and sell you the products you need.

3. Estimate the situation. Check if your plants need transplanting/repotting. If the plant is young and growing actively, it may need repotting – the larger and older the plant is, the bigger the chances are that it doesn’t need a new pot. Repotting is needed when the roots of the plant are starting to fill the pot and the plant needs more space for its roots and the soil around them. If you can see roots on the surface or there is not much soil in the pot, it definitely is time for repotting.

Use the information you found about your plants – plants that grow fast may need repotting annually, but slow-growing plants may require repotting every two or three years. Some plants like to stay at the same pot. However, if the plant is ailing or dormant, or beginning to flower, do not repot it. Repotting causes “stress” to the plant and might kill it.

4. Planning. Here you need the specific knowledge of each of your plants, because it depends on the plant which kind of soil and pot it needs. Usually, the all-purpose potting soil suits for the plants, but some plants like better special blends. Fleshy-rooted plants, such as Yucca, use a coarse-textured soil with fairly large particles of drainage material, and fine-rooted plants as begonias or many other smaller houseplants like fine-textured soilless mixes.

For the plants which you are going to repot, the new pot should be only 1-2 inches (2,5 – 5 cm) larger in diameter and depth than the pot in which it’s now. If the pot is too large, the soil may not dry down at a sufficient rate and then the roots will rot. For plants which need little water, such as cactus, a clay pot would be a good idea – for other plants you could pick a plastic pot. Drainage holes in the bottom of the pot are recommended, and then you’ll probably want to place a container (a plate will do) under the pot for excessive water, or you can hide the not-so-nice-looking plastic pot (or clay pot, too) in a little larger decorative cachepot. Plan which kind of decorative pots you’ll buy, so that you won’t be facing the need to change the whole decoration of the room to match the pot. Though, a little change there might be refreshing, too.

5. Gathering supplies. Get what you planned and check the sizes of the beautiful pots before buying so that they’ll fit for your plants. Buy also at least one extra little clay pot to use in the bottom of the pots (more about this later). You could also buy now some liquid all-around fertilizer (or other food depending on your plants’ needs), which you will give them during their growing time (spring – autumn, exact months depend on the plant, again).

6. Preparation. Wash the pots in warm water, with some disinfecting washing agent. Put new clay pots in water for twenty-four hours and old clay pots for a couple of hours before planting. Dry clay pot would absorb all moisture from soil and leave the plant thirsty. Water well the plants you are going to repot – you can put the plants in their pots in a basin filled with room-temperature water for a couple of hours. Break the extra clay pot into small pieces (not too small).

7. H-Hour. Pick a place which you cover well or can easily clean out afterwards – it is going to be messy. Get the pots, soils, plants and other tools which you think you’ll need, and cover yourself. For the plants which don’t need repotting you can do topdressing – remove carefully the top 2 or 3 inches (5 or 7,5 cm) of soil and replace with fresh mix. Do this every other year or so. For the plants which need repotting: Turn the plant upside down and remove the plant from the pot, by holding the plant between your fingers and knocking the lip of the pot against some solid object so that the rootball will come out, if possible. If not, you can try to push with a stick through a drainage hole in the bottom of the pot to get the rootball out. Disturb the root system so that roots are not in a tight rootball – this will help to speed growth and branching of new roots. You can cut away any large coils of roots that may have grown around the bottom of the pot or score the rootball vertically with a sharp knife in several places, cutting into the rootball about an inch as you slice from top to bottom. Now the old pot may fit again, but wash it carefully before replanting.

8. In action. Now you need the small pieces of a clay pot. Place one piece over the drainage hole in the bottom of the new pot to prevent soil from washing out. Do not add a layer of clay pieces or rocks because this slows water movement through the pot. Pour fresh potting mix into the bottom of the pot and plant the plant until the soil is even with the top of the plant’s rootball and about 1/2 – 1 inch (1,5 – 2,5 cm) below the rim of the pot. The roots need oxygen so don’t pack the soil to firm or settle it, just gently press the soil with your fingers.

9. Aftermath. Water the plant well so that excess water drains out of the pot. Place the plant in a warm place in good, filtered light out of any direct sunlight for the first couple of weeks. You can remove leafs and small branches or depending on the plant cut it short. After repotting, the soil must not dry completely but you must not water the plant too much either. One watering may be sufficient for several weeks. Don’t give them fertilizer right after replanting – read about fertilizing from the cover of the fertilizer packet and the instructions for each plant. Stand back and watch the plant grow!

10. For the future. It is good to let the soil dry down a little between watering, because the roots need oxygen. Make sure with your finger that the surface of the soil is dry before watering. In winter water plants once in one to three weeks, it depends on the plant how often it needs water. Empty any drainage water from the outside container after each watering – only very few plants can stand excess wetness. Never let a plant stand in water for more than a few hours or it will die (basically, drown). Spraying water on the leaves decreases evaporating – you can wipe down the leaves with a moist towel or cloth to remove dust.

Happy times with your plants!

Sources:
http://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheets/HGIC1458.htm
http://www.plant-care.com/repotting-house-plants.html
http://www.portlandnursery.com/tips/tips_february.shtml
https://www.mainio.net/print.asp?path=1;1132;1133;5563;5563;9712

Oromë Newsletter – Member of the Month

4. How and when did you find CoE?
Through desperation to feed my Tolkien habit I came across CoE. I have actually registered twice but, had to re-register when I got a new computer. It has been at least a couple of years now.

5. What is best about, and your favourite place on CoE?
I do love the realms section chatting with like minded people about the woods, music and animals. Also the Sindarin language section.

6. How often do you visit CoE?
Almost daily!

7. How did you get to know about the Realms of CoE?
I discovered the Realms via the forums, already knowing about the valar I guessed which realm would suit me best.

8. When did you join Oromë?
Shortly after joining CoE.

9. When you hear the word “Oromë”, what comes to your mind first?
If I had to be honest it is the picture by Mikel Janin, but mainly it is woodland. I feel at home amongst the trees.

10. Generally, what are your favourite places to go outdoors?
Dodnash wood is a hundred acre woodland that my dog Bertie I love to go walkies in. There is a stream with lots of birches, beech, chestnuts and huge old oak trees.

11. What are your favourite outdoors activities?
Riding my horse, walking Bertie in Dodnash. I have gone hunting with the Essex & Suffolk fox hounds years ago.

12. Do you have any pets?
I have a Horse Jitterbug, a donkey Hamish, Bertie the fox terrier and two new chihuahua puppies called Kemmy and Holly, and a cat called Jake.

13. Do you play any musical instrument?
I play violin in the Hadleigh Orchestra and sometimes guitar and mandolin.

14. Who are your favourite authors and favourite books, apart from Tolkien and his works?
JK Rowling, Dostoyevsky, Tolstoy, Poe and Longfellow.

15. Is there something you would like to say to your fellow members of CoE?
Thanks for making this place great fun to come to every day.

Oromë Newsletter – Mod of the Month

4. How and when did you find CoE?
I found CoE searching for lessons in Elvish, which sadly I never had the time for. It was quite a few years ago, but I think it was summertime, after the first movie came out.

5. What is best about, and your favourite place on CoE?
I like the forums, and chat (when I have the time to drop by). Both I’ve seen have slowed down a lot in the past few years, but I enjoy the people I do talk with. I’ve made some really great friends over the years here.

6. How did you become a Collectibles Mod?
I took over when the previous one stepped down as Collectibles. I started out as the Game Room mod, then palantir and added collectibles.

7. What items do you have in your LotR collection?
Other then the books, I don’t really have anything. I do have a few costumes I’ve made myself. I have a few board games as well, but until I graduate from college (soon!), I can’t really buy anything, hehe.

8. When did you join Oromë?
A long time ago. I was the original head, which meant that before we released I had to get everything set up and ready. So…a month or so before we released realms? I honestly can’t remember.

9. When you hear the word “Oromë”, what comes to your mind first?
Oreo? But, that could be because I’m hungry right now. 😉 Orome also brings nature scenes to mind.

10. Generally, what are your favourite places to go outdoors?
I love the mountains. I live pretty close to the mountains now, and I try to go camping, hiking and skiing whenever I can.

11. What are your favourite outdoors activities?
Camping, hiking and skiing. We’ve got some very nice hiking trails around here. I ski when I get the time, but ski season is also school time, so it’s a bit difficult. I normally try to go for a multi-day camping/hiking trip a couples times a year, it’s fun!

12. Do you have any pets? Do you like horses or hounds?
I do. I have a cat, her name is chester (she’s even in the pet gallery!). I used to like horses, but now I like them from a safe distance, I’m too jumpy on them to ride them anymore. The story behind that reasoning involves a summer at girl scout camp (again, a long time ago), a new and crabby horse, bucking and a joking suggestion from the camp counselor that I’d be good at the rodeo. It’s not nearly as interesting a story as it sounds. 🙂

And if by hounds you mean dogs, I like them too. My parents have a dog who likes to follow me around whenever I visit.

13. Do you play any musical instrument?
Yes, I play the flute and piano. I’ve played the piano since 1st or 2nd grade, and the flute since 5th. I’ve also done some percussion work, but not as much as with the flute and piano.

14. Who are your favourite authors and favourite books, apart from Tolkien and his works?
I’ve always loved the book The Ancient One, by T.A. Barron. I’ve loved that book since 3rd grade or so, when I first read it. My copy is pretty old now, and falling apart, I guess it’s time to get a new one!!

Other books I rather like are the Harry Potter books and original science fiction. I don’t have much time to read for pleasure these days, but I get some good time in when I can. 🙂

15. Is there something you would like to say to your fellow members of CoE?
We all rock, keep up the good work!

Treachery and Deceit

Decipher has announced a new expansion for their LotR Trading Card Game. The expansion will be called “Treachery and Deceit” and will focus on Grima and Gollum characters. The release date hasn’t been announced yet as the new cards are still being play tested. You can find more information here.

Happy Birthday, Brad Dourif

Today, March 18th, is Brad Dourif’s birthday. He was born in West Virginia, USA in 1950 and is 57 years old today. You can read his cast bio here. In the CoE gallery there are pictures of Brad here and of Brad in the role of Grima here.

Happy Birthday Brad!

Lord of the Rings trilogy screening

Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff, UK, is showing all three LotR movies on Saturday 7th April. You can find further details about this event here.

First illustration by Alan Lee from The Children of Húrin released

TolkienLibrary.com has released the first illustration by Alan Lee from The Children of Húrin. It is of Beleg Cúthalion leaving Menegroth. You can view the image here.

The History of the Hobbit

Author John D. Rateliff will be publishing a two-volume set of The History of The Hobbit in May and June 2007. The volumes will be similar to Christopher Tolkien’s History of Middle-earth series. The first, published in May, will be titled ‘Mr. Baggins‘ and will contain the first part of the draft work with commentary. The second, ‘Return to Bag-End‘, is published in June and will contain the second part of the draft. You can find more information about it at Tolkien Library.

Ted Nasmith exhibition

An exhibition of Ted Nasmith’s work will be held on 21st to 24th April at Redesale Hall, Moreton-in-Marsh, UK. The exhibition will feature his latest LotR sketches and originals. Alan Lee will be attending the exhibition on the 21st April. You can find further information at Ted Nasmith’s official website.