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Old_Tom_Bombadil
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Post RE: Fans over Forty ~ Part II
on: January 17, 2005 02:52
Hey dol! merry dol! ring a dong dillo!

The River-daughter and I just returned home, albeit with a much lighter purse, after attending the One Ring Celebration in Pasadena, California this weekend. We had a very good time meeting lots of other LOTR fans as well as some of the actors from the films.

No, I didn't get my picture with even one of the hobbit lads let alone all four. I did, however, get their autographs on a picture featuring the four of them. They're all very fine fellows, and an entertaining lot. Dom "Merry" Monaghan appeared Friday, Billy "Pippin" Boyd appeared Saturday, as did Elijah "Frodo" Wood and Sean "Sam" Astin (appearing together). John "Gimli" Rhys-Davies (also the voice of Treebeard) appeared Sunday.

A couple of minor characters appeared as well, Bruch "Gamling" Hopkins and Peter "Shagrat" Tait. Three young guys who performed as extras, stand-ins, etc.--Sandro Kopp, and the brothers Jorn and Jarl Benzon--appeared as well. I had nice chats with the Benzon brothers, who seemed like very nice young men.

My wife and I appeared in the Costume Pageant on Saturday afternoon. As there was really no break in the schedule to go back to the hotel to change, we wore our costumes all day long. It's very fun to hear shouts of "Tom!" and to pose for occasional pictures for a day, but I don't think I'd want to do it all of the time.
Neenime
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Post RE: Fans over Forty ~ Part II
on: January 17, 2005 06:13
If I lived in Middle Earth, I would be healing in Rivendell, and spending part of the year studying ancient lore and history among the dusty parchments saved from Osgiliath.
“Some believe it is only great power that can hold evil in check. But that is not what I have found. I have found that it is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay. Small acts of kindness and love. " Gandalf
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Post RE: Fans over Forty ~ Part II
on: January 18, 2005 09:17
I'm glad you had a glorious time, Tom. I hope you mean to post some photos for our enjoyment ! ? One day maybe the eastcoast will get some excitement other than the flooding of the Boston Tunnel.
Celebrian
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Post RE: Fans over Forty ~ Part II
on: January 19, 2005 07:33
If I, as in the person I really am, lived in ME I would most likely be a woman of Rohan since horses are one of the few constants in my family's winding history. Public service being another, I'd probably be the wife and/or mother of a Rider and would spend my time tending children and foals.
HeriTavaril
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Post RE: Fans over Forty ~ Part II
on: January 19, 2005 08:02
Oh, to live in the simpler times of Middle Earth. Just a question to those over 40. What would your job be if you lived in Middle Earth? As for me, I'd probably be a teacher of young Hobbit boys and girls or young Gondorian children. I'm not nearly elegant/wise enough to be an elf, brave enough to be a soldier, or evil enough to be an orc.

Hummmmmmmm


Hi everyone, I just discovered this forum, great idea for those of us who have been long time fans of the books. If I lived in Middle earth I think I'd like to be a hobbit aunty hibbit sitting for young lads and lasses and telling them stories. (I don't think there are any hobbit computer specialists!)
BelleBayard
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Post RE: Fans over Forty ~ Part II
on: January 19, 2005 08:40
Huh... Let's see... Most likely I'd either be a Rohirrim or an Elf healer. The Rohirrim because I have always been horse oriented, though I fear I'd be like Eowyn and want to be out there with the warriors. LOL...

As for the Elf healer, I could see myself in Imladris, working in Elrond's healing halls. I've been working around medicine my entire adult life (from age 18 to the present) and can't imagine doing much else.

And Tom, yes, going to cons is fun, but exhausting. I'm going to SW Celebration 3 in March and know I'll be ready to fall over when I get back. Couldn't afford to go to more than one con this year and since SW is going to be over after this film, I figured it to be the last time I'd get to see my SW friends. *sigh* Glad you had a good time.
Hanasian
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Post RE: Fans over Forty ~ Part II
on: January 20, 2005 12:11
Mae govannen 40+'rz! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and cheers for birthdays and all since I was last here. I've been gone too long, but the Realm of Arnor is unstable at best with the evil of Carn Dûm a constant threat. Been leading the men in some skirlishes in the Weather Hills and the northern watch, but I should be on here more now that I'm back in Annúminas!

If I were a character in the Lord of the Rings, I'd be Ranger # 21 of the 30 who rode south with the Sons of Elrond and met Aragorn.

I read Bored of the Rings a number of years ago and got a good laugh at its parody.

The only con I'll be attending is the Renissance Fair in Washington State in August. Maybe see some of you there?? It runs three weekends so we'd have to coordinate if we are to meet.

Hope all is well with everyone here!
Eighth King of Arthedain - It was in battle that I come into this Kingship, and it will be in Battle when I leave it. There is no peace for the Realm of Arnor. Read the last stand of Arthedain in the Darkest of Days.
Hanasian
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Post RE: Fans over Forty ~ Part II
on: January 28, 2005 12:40
What? Do I stink? *smells underarms*
I show up after a long period and post and then NOBODY posts in a week!
Eighth King of Arthedain - It was in battle that I come into this Kingship, and it will be in Battle when I leave it. There is no peace for the Realm of Arnor. Read the last stand of Arthedain in the Darkest of Days.
Old_Tom_Bombadil
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Post RE: Fans over Forty ~ Part II
on: January 28, 2005 06:31
What? Do I stink? *smells underarms*
I show up after a long period and post and then NOBODY posts in a week!
'You stink, and the master stinks; the whole place stinks!'

'Yes, yes, and Sam stinks!'

Aye, but there's a cure for that!

Sing hey! for the bath at close of day
that washes the weary mud away!
A loon is he that will not sing:
O! Water Hot is a noble thing!

O! Sweet is the sound of falling rain,
and the brook that leaps from hill to plain;
but better than rain or ripplling streams
is Water Hot that smokes and steams.

O! Water cold we may pour at need
down a thirsty throat and be glad indeed;
but better is Beer, if drink we lack,
and Water Hot poured down the back.

O! Water is fair that leaps on high
in a fountain white beneath the sky;
but never did fountain sound so sweet
as splashing Hot Water with my feet!

:cheers:
balrog
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Post RE: Fans over Forty ~ Part II
on: January 30, 2005 07:20
HI :wave:

Just popped in to see what's been going on. Not a whole lot but since I'm here I'll say a few words.

Just got my BORED OF THE RINGS book in the mail a few days ago and have read it. I couldn't wait. Once I got into the book I couldn't help but laugh my head off. Some of the names are great. They changed the story a bit but it keeps up with what Tolkien described in his books. It is such a great book that I think I read it again. :heart:

I especially like the very first page of the book before you get into the book. very :naughty: :naughty:

For those of you LOTR geeks who would like a good laugh I would recommend reading this book. It somehow completes the reading and gives you a sense of completion to the LOTR books. I know that it is a parody but I LOVED IT!:love::love:

I know it's kind of late but did anyone go the Ringers Celebration? I looked at some of the pics on theonering.net and some were really great. I hope you had a good time. It looked like it was great from all the news and pics.

I will say soooo long for now so have a great week. :wave:
scots56
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Post RE: Fans over Forty ~ Part II
on: January 31, 2005 02:29
I hope that this finds you all well and in fine form. It's been pretty quiet in this part of Middle Earth, so as Old Tom so eloquently put it, let's all take a warm bath at the end of day and let everyone know we're still here.

January is almost gone, February is 'round the corner. It seems like the years just fly by the older I get. But on the bright side, spring is starting to make its way back here. For those of you living in the northeast U.S., I'm sure you'll be more than thankful for spring. brrrrrrrrr My sincerest sympathies are extended to you on all the snow.

The spousal unit :love: surprised me the other day. He bought me the 50th anniversary edition of LotR. :disco: It's so beautiful! Of course, it's my early Happy Valentine's Day/Happy Easter/Happy Mother's Day/book allowance until May gift, but it's worth all of those and then some. I've started reading it again...how many times you ask???...can't count that high. It has to be at least 40 times. How's that for obsessed???

Well, the week has begun, so I must toddle off to the Mines. I hope that all of you have a wonderful week. :wave:
brandywine
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Post RE: Fans over Forty ~ Part II
on: February 03, 2005 04:25
Oh...It's been so long since I popped into this place to say hello. Have had so much going on that I only get on the computer to Role Play and then edit the RP and pass it along. I don't even check my e-mail but once a week.
Of course if I could ever put a good book down for a few minutes that might help. I am between books right now though and am slapping hands constantly to keep them from reaching for another book. I have so many to read. However, life must also be lived and things accomplished so I am concentrating on learning new testing procedures to diagnose reading problems in children, writing intelligent lesson plans for the 8 year olds in my charge and keeping up with cub scouts, which I am also involved in.
Had an amusing complaint from my eighteen year old daughter the other day as she is taking a semester off of college to earn some extra money. She said, "Geez I come home from college to be with my family and I discover they have a life..." then she added "unlike me, who has no life at the moment."
Ah! Those transistion years when we hover between growing up and being a grown-up. I wouldn't have them back for all the aches and pains in my body.
Happy to be fourtysomething today with a good husband, warm home, food and a life.
Hope you all have a good one as well. I'll try to pop in more often.
BTW Hello to anyone new to this thread and warm hugs to all my friends.
Brandywine
RiverWoman
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Post RE: Fans over Forty ~ Part II
on: February 03, 2005 04:34
Ah, yes, it is SO good to be middle-aged and happy. I look at my children and know they have so much ahead of them, so many things to explore and experience for the first time...and I'm glad its not me. Just happy to snuggle up with the old man and the current batch of dogs, drink a bvown ale and knit socks while I watch LOTR on DVD and nice supper smells waft from the kitchen....
NenyaGold
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Post RE: Fans over Forty ~ Part II
on: February 03, 2005 08:02
It's not that I haven't been keeping up with all of the wonderful posts here, it's that I haven't had anything to say...

Brandywine, I too would not trade those years for ANYTHING!!! My life is simply wonderful now and I wouldn't have it any other way! There is a lot to be said for getting older...

But then, this quote I wrote the other day comes to mind:

"Anyone who thinks that life will get easier when they get older, hasn't gotten older..."

Not necessarily easier, but certainly better! :love:

*long warm hugs to all of the FoFr's*


"He had a ring, a golden ring, a precious ring." ~ from The Hobbit
Morwinyoniel
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Post RE: Fans over Forty ~ Part II
on: February 04, 2005 02:06
I wouldn't want to be back in my twenties either. I don't miss those years of uncertainty and low self-esteem, trying to mold myself after what others expected from me... And now, watching the young adults of today, they are just the same, and may even be under a heavier pressure than my generation was. Now, I have the courage to be ME.

Goldie, there's quite a lot of truth in that quote.
RiverWoman
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Post RE: Fans over Forty ~ Part II
on: February 04, 2005 02:18
In some ways we had things much easier growing up. For romantic experimentation, we finally had reliable birth control (the pil) but tthey had not discovered AIDS or even herpes (although those were spreading, but no one knew so we didn't worry). Drugs were a temptation but somehow seemed more innocent back then, there was less violence. There was less fear, ourparents let us wander around the neighborhood and explore the local woods and streams, as long as we were back by dark (or a little after) no one worried. We didn't have as many electronic gizmos - I did have Pong hooked up to the black and white tv, as well as a TRS80 I learned BASIC on, but time was spent more reading, or just talking/spinnning eleborate fantasies with my small group of friends, and making music. And there was a lot of great music around.
sindarinelvish
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Post RE: Fans over Forty ~ Part II
on: February 04, 2005 04:56
Are we middle aged??????

I love it when the DH sees an aging movie star on one of those Tv magazine shows and says "Boy, he looks old. I'm glad we don't look that old!"

Other than 'I wish the degree of pain in my knee wasn't reflective of the outside temperature' and 'what happened to the days I could stay up all night and make an 8 AM class' (now I doze at 9 after my 4:30 nap), I wouldn't trade the high drama of my twenties for my life today.

Comfort is a valuable thing...I no longer worry about the high heels and hose, the cars are nice and comfy (but still fast...that would be the silver flash with the ELVISH plates that whizzed by you), and dessert wins out over the before-dinner drinks all the time.

I have decided when I retire, I'm getting rid of all the suits and "career" clothes and buying jeans and sweatshirts with witty sayings.

My fellow teachers and I have a "When I retire" tirade on those really bad days. One of us goes to another's room and starts "When I retire..." The more outlandish completing phrase, the better!

Do you remember the old TV show MASH, when Hawkeye talks to the pyschiatrist about why they constantly joke about such serious things? Teaching is like that also...you have to laugh or you'd truly go insane.

For instance, I am no slouch teacher and I have spent four weeks instructing my 9th graders on the finer points of using verbs (usually this is done much earlier but for some reason, we believe this group may have just been rescued from an island when they put pig heads on spears). By the way they'd never get that Allusion...

I was informed on the raise-your-grade-it-is-so-easy quiz today by several of them that that past tense and past participle of speak is......wait for this....

SPOOK as in
I spook to him yesterday. and
I have SPOOKEN to him many times in the past.

I am so proud! :banghead: :cry:
SindyE Nad dithen carnen an gwend.
balrog
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Post RE: Fans over Forty ~ Part II
on: February 04, 2005 04:57
Hi gang. Thought I would give a thought or two of what is being discussed.

I agree with Nenyagold's:

"Anyone who thinks that life will get easier when they get older, hasn't gotten older..."


says it all. I'm am older and life doesn't get easier. I have to decide how and what I am going to retire on. I have a pension with the union when I'm done but other than our country's pension it's not going to be enough.

When I was younger I had nothing to worry about. I went outside to play and didn't come home til 10 p.m. My parents knew where I was at all time. Living in a small town, everyone knew everyone. When I became a parent at the age of 19, I didn't know what to do. I had to grow up pretty quick. I thought life was going to get better with age but age catches up with you so fast that before you know it, it is time to retire and you don't know where life took you. I've started to put money away for retirement but it might take longer than I thought.

Right now I'm having fun doing to posts in Council of Elrond and doing a Role Playing piece. So all of you who think and are reading this that life gets easy when you get older are barking up the wrong tree.

You have to start thinking about the future when you're in your thirties or when you start that job that you have always wanted. Because as Nenyagold said: "Life does not get any easier when you get older." It gets harder.

Well that's my 2 cents worth. I hope that the younger people out there are taking what we Fans Over Forty have said to heart because life isn't easy.

Hope everyone has a good weekend and I'll talk to you another day.

namarie
mireandune
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Post RE: Fans over Forty ~ Part II
on: February 05, 2005 08:53
***Peeking head in***

Suilad to all...are new FoF invited??

A LotR-related thought that crosses my mind...usually accompanied by a self-depreciating chuckle...I am 44. And so....

Had first encountered the character of Legolas......three years before Mr. Bloom was born.

Had graduated high school the year before the words "Mrs. Wood....it's a boy" were uttered to Elijah's mom.

Remember only too well going to see Ralph Bakshi's interpretation of our favourite story...in it's first run at the theatres.

Can recall my brother recommending I read a new publication from the Tolkien estates in 1977....The Silmarillion.

*Sigh* My oh my....but time flies, doesn't it???

Am delighted to meet you all. Please call me Mirë.
balrog
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Post RE: Fans over Forty ~ Part II
on: February 05, 2005 09:39
Hi everyone.

Would like to say HI to Miré. :wave:

I hope you find everything that you need from us. We are a bunch of great people in this forum. We have all had great times reading and watching LOTR, at least I have.

The Sil is, to my regards, the hardest book I have ever read but I am making my way through it slowly. I find it great reading now that I have gotten half way through it.

I hope you visit quite often. Some of us go to conventions and bring back pics. They are great to look at the costumes. I hope you have a great time with us as I have.

So welcome to the FOF. Glad to hear a new person.

namarie
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Post RE: Fans over Forty ~ Part II
on: February 06, 2005 03:37
Hail everybody !
It is good to be middleaged ! Living is easier... as some have said. But some of the aspects are harder...I've found myself single again, I work two jobs.. over 60 hours a week... just to keep a roof over my head. It is nothing spectacular either. Will I ever be able to save enough to retire ? Who knows ?
But I am glad that I am no longer in my twenties. I am me and love every minute of it ! No pretentions, no fear, no really embarresssing moments (those are just part of life that we must laugh about) and just being able to say... "I don't think so " or" I think NOT" .. feels really good and we can get away with it. And doesn't it feel really good to laugh at ourselves ! And I can watch LOTR as many times as I'd like without fear of rejection ! That's the best plus.
namarie
scots56
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Post RE: Fans over Forty ~ Part II
on: February 06, 2005 06:33
Aiya to all you lovely FoF!!!

:wave: Mirë: Welcome and well met! It bears repeating that you will find the most wonderful group of people here in the whole of Middle Earth!

sindarinelvish: Re: :banghead: :cry:
Oh, my! I can so relate to the your story. Believe you me, it isn't any better at the 6th-8th grade level either! Sometimes I look at them and ask myself, what IS the point?? But then one of them does something incredible and reminds me why I got into this insane profession in the first place. And it's NOT because of the incredibly high pay, weekends/summers off, amazing benefits package, and the 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. only routine.

I *only* have 9.5 years to retirement according to the state's "Rule of 85" statute. I have begun to dream about those times, although, as Balrog states, will it be enough?? Hope springs eternal.

One of my journal topics I enjoy giving to my kids is "What do you look forward to most when you're an adult." The most common response is the *freedom* that they percieve we adults have. It always leads to the discussion of the responsibilities we have as well. The kids still stick to the thought that it's all peaches and cream. Ah, youth.

And I, for one, wouldn't go through my teens *shudder* or 20s again for the world. While I enjoyed my college years a lot, I could do with wiping my memories from oh, about 13-19 years of age thank you very much, I wouldn't want to go back then. I am so much happier at my present stage of life, that going back ~ even if it was an option ~ is not one I would take. Now, if I could go back knowing what I know now, THAT might be a temptation.

Life life to the fullest at whatever stage you are at. That and always have chocolate at hand for the rough spots, and you'll be fine!
Old_Tom_Bombadil
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Post RE: Fans over Forty ~ Part II
on: February 06, 2005 06:44
You are indeed welcome to join our merry company, Mirë! :wave:

You and I are very nearly the same age, and from your post I see that we share many of the same experiences. I, too, recall seeing Bakshi's awful film in the theatre when it was first released, and still own my first US edition printing of The Silmarillion.

Did you also see the Rankin/Bass cartoon versions of The Hobbit and The Return of the King when they were first aired? I definitely did, but don't think I've seen them since. Even so, I don't think 'll ever forget that most memorable song, "Where there's a whip there's a way!"

It's a real joy to see a whole new generation of Tolkien fans added to the flock. Regardless of what one may think of Peter Jackson's films, one cannot deny that many young people have discovered Tolkien's books as a result of the films' popularity.

Speaking of young Master Elijah, I recently saw him in Pasadena, California at the One Ring Celebration. He was remarking about the preponderance of females in the audience, and said how ironic it was that when the films were first being made there was a concern about attracting female viewers! :rolling:
Lothien_Vilya
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Post RE: Fans over Forty ~ Part II
on: February 06, 2005 08:47
Time I join the fray! It has been a long while since I posted here. Life as an adult can certainly be more busy than life was as a 'youth'. Remember how it was to play all day and time drug by so slowly. Now as age progresses time is more valuable and there is so little of it to accomplish all the things one wants to get done as the arthritis, memory loss, bad eyesight and bad hearing take their tolls. Aging is definitely not for the faint of heart!

I have been reading the posts here and taking each of them to heart because they hit so closely to home. Thanks, ALL for sharing!

I am taking an Eng. Lit. class here at the local Junior College. The class is called "A Survey of Tolkien". I thought it would be a fun course for this old lady to take. What I found is a class that looks seriously at the works of Tolkien. I find that the man teaching the class, Professor Mike Foster has been teaching the class since 1978. (Who knew.) I expected to go to this class and find a group of middle aged people like myself interested in Studying Tolkien. Instead, there is myself, one elderly gentleman and another guy in his mid-to-late 30's along with about 25 or so normal collage aged kids. All devoted to the Professor's work. The class is a little more difficult than I had expected, but I am having a wonderful time digging deeply into the works.

Professor Foster started our first class by regaling us with tales of his adventure to the One Ring Celebration in Calif. I was very jealous of Ol' Tom and the Riverwoman and then my own teacher. I am still envious. But thanks for the highlights.

So to you who have turned me green with envy over your attendance at convention or other event for Tolkien fans, I will be able to say I attended a free lecture and discussion with award-winning Tolkien scholars Douglas A. Anderson and Tom Shippey titled "The Lord of the Rings at Fifty" (Anyone in the Central Illinois area who would like more information, PM me and I will provide it.

Blessing of the Valar on my Family of Fans over Forty!

Lothien
Siladan (RP - Returning Home: The Journey)
RiverWoman
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Post RE: Fans over Forty ~ Part II
on: February 07, 2005 03:51
:wave: Welcoem Mire. I am a year older than you, and we share many of the same LOTR experiences. i am ecatually somewhat hearteden by the movie-indiced young fans. About 10 years ago when I firsy started messing around on the internet/usenet type things, I mostly only found that young fans were into doungeons and dragons. No one wanted a philosophical discussion of the nature of a Mai, they just needed to argue about how many hit points it had!

[Edited on 8/2/2005 by RiverWoman]
sindarinelvish
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Post RE: Fans over Forty ~ Part II
on: February 07, 2005 04:36
Mae Govannen, Lothien_Vilya,

Good luck on your Tolkien class, What fun!

I thought you might want to know if you don't already that the LOTR Movies Exhibit (yes, the big one that has been in Boston and Sydney) will be at the Indiana Science Museum starting next fall. Tickets should be available starting mid-summer.
SindyE Nad dithen carnen an gwend.
mireandune
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Post RE: Fans over Forty ~ Part II
on: February 08, 2005 06:48
Maratuldë. ilyë. for such a warm welcome!!!

*Sigh*

Of course, I'm a Tolkien reader first. But I love PJ's movies. And have said, many times, that if for no other reason, I love them for their awesome visuals. And will always say that his depiction of Imladris made me say "Perfect. Just as I imagined it!"

And my most pleasant surprise?? The wonderful performance of Elijah Wood, who I initially dismissed as too young and inexperienced to play this part that was so close to my heart. I am so happy to admit I was wrong.

Old Tom....did you know...that the part of Arwen was initially bolstered in the films because PJ and company felt that she was needed to bring in the female audience?? A dear freind of mine and I, laughing at the public favour that actors such as Orlando Bloom and Viggo Mortensen found, disputed that with much hilarity!! Liv Tyler could have been completely absent, and still the female audience would have shown up!!
Old_Tom_Bombadil
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Post RE: Fans over Forty ~ Part II
on: February 08, 2005 07:42
Old Tom....did you know...that the part of Arwen was initially bolstered in the films because PJ and company felt that she was needed to bring in the female audience??
Yes, I knew that, although I think it was more the Arwen/Aragorn relationship (as portrayed in the Appendices) than just the Arwen character alone. The original screenplay also called for Arwen to fight along side Aragorn at Helm's Deep! Fortunately that idea was eventually scrapped. (The nickname for the movie character was Xen-Arwen, alluding to Xena the Warrior Princess.)

It is a little ironic that the oldest of the four hobbits, Frodo, was played by the youngest actor of the four while the youngest of the hobbits, Pippin, was played by the oldest. Elijah Wood seemed to impress a number of the cast members. He's definitely mature beyond his years.

While Lothien may be envious of my attending ORC, I'm definitely envious of her scholarly pursuits. I recognized Mike Foster's name, but confess that I didn't get to hear him speak very much. It's difficult to attend everything you'd like at those conventions as much of the programming occurs simultaneously. I also recognize Tom Shippey's name, although I'm not familiar with Mr. Anderson.
scots56
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Post RE: Fans over Forty ~ Part II
on: February 12, 2005 03:47
I was so excited! I was having dinner with my niece last night and she told me that they are remaking The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe! Another Kiwi is making it, though it's not PJ. I read those books after I started reading LotR oh so many years ago. They are another favorite of mine along with all the Harry Potter books. Evidently it's in post production and due to be released in early December. :disco: There isn't a whole lot out there in cyberspace that I could find on it so far, but what I've seen looks pretty great to me.

Yay, another film that I can so look forward to seeing in December. I was feeling kind of sad that I didn't have that to look forward to since the EE of RotK came out. Now I do!!
Hanasian
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Post RE: Fans over Forty ~ Part II
on: February 15, 2005 08:19
Well I have to admit this Ranger had just wheeded his way through the Midgewater marshes... So yes,

And I couldn;t think of a better bunch of folk to take a warm bath with!

How is everyone?
Eighth King of Arthedain - It was in battle that I come into this Kingship, and it will be in Battle when I leave it. There is no peace for the Realm of Arnor. Read the last stand of Arthedain in the Darkest of Days.
LadyAdaneth
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Post RE: Fans over Forty ~ Part II
on: February 15, 2005 12:34
Well hello again! I just had to post so Arveleg wouldn't feel he was being picked on, LOL.

Welcome Mire - I think you've already noticed we're pleased to have a new addition to the FoF family.

I enjoyed reading your various reflections on "being middle-aged" whatever that is (!). I certainly feel a lot happier now than I did in my teens. I've been so lucky to live a full and rewarding life, have a lovely family, a home that suits me, and work that I basically enjoy. I've worked hard at it of course. I'm just at the stage of enjoying this phase of life and planning for the next without having to be anxious! I do so agree with that comment about enjoying life as it happens, and keeping chocolate in reserve for the bad bits! That and a copy of LOTR to strengthen my resolve to beat up whatever variety of orc is trying to get to me this week..

On the subject of films, I've seen a trailer for "Kingdom of Heaven" which is about the Crusades and includes young Mr Bloom in armour.... *swoons slightly whilst regretting that Viggo isn't in it* *or Sean Bean* (end of fan-girl moment).

Oh yes. Just checked, and to my great relief my 9-yr-old doesn't think "spook" is the past participle of "To speak". Mind you he didn't know what a past participle was. My 4-yr-old of course invents some very entertaining grammatical constructions sometimes! I enjoy them while they last (she generally works out the more normal forms fairly quickly).

Enjoy your week, whatever you're up to.
brandywine
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Post RE: Fans over Forty ~ Part II
on: February 16, 2005 07:06
Not much happening here in good old Idaho. It's cold at night and cold during the day. We have had a little (thank goodness) precipitation. My educating of the young minds in my charge is going well, my friends are generally well and happy. I have a few friends having a hard time. One of the girls I work with has a sister-in-law with a very bad heart and no hope of a transplant in sight. Please pray for them both. Another friend is getting a divorce from the woman he thought he'd be spending his life with. He's a very dear young (late 30's) fellow with 2 beautiful pre-teens. I'm praying for him too.
I am doing okay. Things are pretty good. We are going to get to farm for another year. (An iffy thing in these times that are perilous for the small farmer) We have three baby calves on the ground of the 50 that will come this season.
Life is busy, good and fulfilling. Hope you all are finding things to make your days bright and happy too.
Hugs:heart:
scots56
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Post RE: Fans over Forty ~ Part II
on: February 17, 2005 02:33
It's calving time in the rural community where I teach also. In fact, there is a farm right across the gravel road from our playground that I call "the nursery." It is so much fun to see those itty bitty babies running and jumping around their mommies. If I think about it, it's not too different from when I was raising my little one, who now isn't little anymore. I have several farm families and love to hear the stories of "oooh, we had 'X' number of calves (or whatever livestock that is expecting at the time) last night.

But unfortunately this way of life, at least school-wise, may be destined to extinction...if the legislature here has anything to say about it at least. There is a serious push to close our small schools because obviously bigger is better; contrary to all research to the opposite. :banghead: Let us not be swayed by the facts and what is best for the education of our youth. Heaven forbid! Oh, well, I guess that change comes...but sure not without a fight!

Spring is coming to the plains of Nebraska too, slowly but surely. I am starting to hear the birds again as I am getting in and out of my car, plus there are just darned beautiful days that I can take my kids outside and do S.S.R. (sustained silent reading) in the schoolyard. The Canadian geese do regular fly-bys right over the school on their way to the nearby ponds. The kids get really excited to watch them fly over. So, once again there are the subtle signs of spring after the long and cold winter. I know that we'll still have cold and snow for awhile yet, but it sure helps to know that kinder weather is on its way.
RiverWoman
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Post RE: Fans over Forty ~ Part II
on: February 17, 2005 01:25
Spring is trying to start up here iin the Wash DC area. We get a few warm days, then it turns cold again! Last week I had a fire going in the woodstove, then it was 60 early this week, now its cold and windy again. We haven't gotten any serious snow this year, but there's still time. I have snowdrops in bloom, and some of the other early bulbs are starting to send up shoots. I remember last year (or was it the year before - 17 years in the same house all start to blend together) I had picked a bunch of daffodils and put them in a vase on my kitchen windowsill and then it started snowing like crazy - it made for an interesting view past the flowers to the snowy woods.

I'm definitely ready for Spring.
sindarinelvish
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Post RE: Fans over Forty ~ Part II
on: February 20, 2005 06:35
Ah, Spring! The grey days in Cincinnati have to end soon. I am eager to go outside and sit on my patio and write. Scots56 and Brandywine, I love the calving stories. Here I also have little black and white harbingers of spring....but that is the family that thinks underneath my front porch is the skunk Holiday Inn. We were greeted by their aroma wafting on the breeze about a week ago so I know spring is officially sprung...or spritzed.

Lady Adaneth, I caught the end of one of those TV magazine shows recently and they had a picture of Viggo in sort of a D'Artagnan-y/Don Juanish costume from Alatriste...it was quite fine...quite fine. In that split second, I regretfully understood why my husband is always suggesting we get the DV-R option for the cable. :cry:

Life is good. I'm sure the hillsides of Imladris are already dotted with spring flowers and it is only 9 days until Aragorn's birthday.

Cuio mae, mellyn nin. (Live well, my friends!)
SindyE Nad dithen carnen an gwend.
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