One Does Not Simply...

I have quite enjoyed the different memes that have been made of Boromir's "one does not simply" statement in Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.  This is the first I've seen where it is used as almost stated in the movie.  It is too bad they had to use the contraction of does not.  I have no idea who created it.  If I did, I would give them credit.  Obviously in the second picture, Richard is not in character as Thorin, but to find a picture using almost the exact gesture is priceless.

Sean Bean, Richard Armitage, Hugo Weaving

I came across a great review of "The Hobbit" today, Why Did 'The Hobbit' Become the Most (Unjustly?) Ignored Movie of Awards Season? written by Jose Solís Mayén. The following is just part of the review:

"I forgot to look at my watch. Forgot there was a world outside of Jackson’s conception of Middle Earth and when the movie arrived to its conclusion—the first of two cliffhangers—all I knew is I wanted more.

If The Lord of the Rings was the epic, then The Hobbit was always the haunting lullaby and Jackson captures this. There are scenes in the film that feel familiar because they are narrated with the spirit of ancient oral tradition. Where the first intended to thrill us, this one is aiming for our love. It wants us to show it to our children.

From the score, to the cinematography, it seems as if the movie wishes to imagine images we imagined growing up. The whole mood of the film is one where you can see a child asking “and what happened next?” with a glow in his or her eyes. There is an undeniable feeling of familiarity but never one of tedium. Now, more than ever, I wonder why did the movie go by without people showering it with more enthusiasm? Have we truly become so cynical that getting more of something good is something we can look down on? Has joylessness become part of being an adult? I went into this movie as a 26-year-old with a cold who was sure he was in for an awful time, I came out realizing my heart had grown three sizes that day."

Three of my 1000 Gifts, today's Joy Dare:

29.  A gift on paper:  a letter from my father

30.  A gift in a person:  my daughter Katie

31.  A gift in a picture:  my cats, Johnny and Winnie

"There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: 

music and cats."

Albert Schweitzer

Old Things Seen New

I haven't done very well in consistently posting what I'm thankful for, using Ann Voskamp's Joy Dare prompts.  It's not that I am ungrateful!  Sometimes it's difficult to personalize the prompts.  Ann has such a gift of expressing herself in a unique way and it has carried over into these prompts. At times, I just have a hard time wrapping my head around them. But, I have renewed my determination to thank God for three things each day and share that journey here woven in and through other posts.

Today's prompts: three old things seen new (gifts 26, 27, and 28). I just finished a post in my family history blog and that subject matter is definitely something old seen in a new way for which I am extremely grateful. But it sort of seems like cheating to use it.  Then I thought I could reference my parents, because I am so very thankful for them.  But even though they are seniors, I don't really like referring to them as old.  I am also very thankful for having discovered the past projects of Richard Armitage. I am making my way through these shows and am immensely enjoying that journey.  I'm not quite sure he would appreciate them being referred to as old, but they are new to me, and I am thankful for them.

As I mulled the prompt over, I thought back to the music I discovered when I was a teenager. One of my first vinyl LP's I bought was by Tom Howard entitled, "View From the Bridge."  Thanks to a friend from college who I reconnected with on Facebook (ah, yet another old thing new) who sent me mp3's of it, I am able to enjoy it again.  This is my favorite song from that album:

Towards the end in the harmonizing, the unmistakable voice of Randy Stonehill can be heard.  Twenty years after "View From the Bridge" was released, Randy released his 18th album, "Thirst".  I was in the midst of divorce and clung to the truths shared in those songs.  I could not find my favorite song "Hand of God" on YouTube, but I did find a recording of it live with Phil Keaggy (another of my favorites) on guitar and Randy on vocals:

In those dark days this song ministered to my heart over and over again.  The phrase that was burned into my soul is highlighted below in red:

Can you confront these shadows?
Can you face your fears up close?
When you look them in the eye, you'll see they're just a lie, an imaginary ghost,
Can you embrace your sadness, taste the salt of your tears?
Start laughing when you cry, 'cause it means that you're alive; and thank God you're standing here.

Can you confess your darkness?
Gaze in the mirror of your soul, then rise above the shame, for mercy is a
flame and its light will lead you home,
Will you lay down your anger, ah, the wayward sons of Cane?
And fall upon your knees, for truth will set you free and forgiveness kills your pain.

Jesus is standing before every man, shining bright as the sun,
All of creation cries out his name; from the stars in the heavens, the blood in our veins,
Only one glimpse of his face - the whole world has changed.

And there's a road through the mountains high,
There's a boat that can take you across the river wide,
For every heart love has healed, every hope faith makes real - in all these things, oh, I have seen the hand of God, 
In all these things, oh, I have seen the hand of God.

The third "old thing seen new" for which I am extremely thankful is another song by Randy from that same album:

I have struggled so long on this strange pilgrim journey

And the wild wind has cut me as the sands of time blow

But it all will be worth it when I kneel before Jesus

And His face has been carved in the stone of my soul

Care Guide from Ann

About a year ago and a half ago I discovered the incredible book, One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are by Ann Voskamp.  Her writing is like no other that I have ever read before.  I dare you to find this book and read it.

I also read her blog, A Holy Experience as often as she updates it, which is quite regularly.  Not once, I am not exaggerating, not once, have I been able to finish reading it without tears welling up. Her writing deeply and profoundly touches me.

A couple of days ago she posted  Your Care Guide: 25 Point Manifesto for Sanity in 2013 and I knew immediately I wanted to share it here.

If you click on the Care Guide link above you will be taken to her blog where she explains each of the 25 points. Please join me in implementing them. I believe it will change how we live each day.

Birthday Blessings

A birthday is like a cat -- you wake up one morning
and it's right there in your face!

Today is my birthday!  I had decided last week to take a vacation day from work.  I didn't have any plans, I just didn't want to work on my birthday.  So I spent most of the day alone.  I know I said in my post, I'm Going on an Adventure,  that I am lonely, but that loneliness is for a companion to share my life with.  There is such a vast difference between being lonely and being alone.  I have never minded being alone.  I am comfortable with solitude.  Today was a wonderful day of quiet and solitude.

Both of my sisters had birthday wishes for me on Facebook. I so appreciate that even though the three of us are hundreds of miles apart, we can keep in touch daily via social media.

Cheryl (who is only 18 months younger than me but keeps referring to me as her older sister -- okay, okay, I am older than her but it's just mere months!) had posted a baby picture of me (wasn't I just an adorable baby?) and the two of us together (what in the world is up with those hats?)

\

My little sister, Georgi shared this great Sean Bean meme from the Lord of the Rings as homage to my many viewings of "The Hobbit" (she's seen it a few times herself):

Later in the day a package arrived from Georgi which contained three boxes of Hobbit Tea.  I absolutely love what is written on the back of the Bilbo Baggins Breakfast Blend:

Served to Thorin and Company -- love it!

I am so thankful for both of my sisters 

(and love that we all share a passion for Middle-earth).

My parents called and sang happy birthday to me.  I shed a few tears as I miss them so much. We are very, very close.  I asked them to call back and sing it to my voice mail so I could have the recording, but my father thought it rather silly.  What can I say?  I am just a sentimental fool!

My fellow managers at work called and sang, but I am not going to share it as I need to protect the innocent.

One of my staff, Tom, who I've worked with for almost 14 years and who is very dear to me, left this message which had me in stitches:

(This will play in Chrome, because it utilizes html 5. I am not certain about other browsers).

Much to my delight I was able to choose the picture of the day at RichardArmitageNet.  Of course, I chose one from the Vicar of Dibley:

A coworker invited me to dinner and a movie. We braved the 7 degrees below zero weather.  We had a great meal and I tried a new wine.  Both were fantastic!  Much to my chagrin I couldn't talk her into seeing "The Hobbit" (what is wrong with some people?!) We saw "Zero Dark Thirty" which I will review in a later post.

I ended the day by thanking each of my friends on Facebook who took the time to wish me a happy birthday -- friends from grade school, high school, college, to present day.

It has been a great day. 

I am truly blessed!

Moving Monday

“ If you can't fly, run. If you can't run, walk. 

If you can't walk, crawl. 

But by all means, keep moving.”

 Martin Luther King, Jr.

On the drive into work this morning the following song played on the radio:

It has been a favorite of mine since MercyMe released it a couple of years ago.  It just seemed perfect for a Monday (well, it's perfect for anytime).  I arrived at work, opened my email, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. quote above was waiting for me.

I'm not about to give up

Because I heard you say

There's gonna be brighter days

There's gonna be brighter days

I won't stop, I'll keep my head up

No, I'm not here to stay

There's gonna be brighter days

There's gonna be brighter days

I just might bend but I won't break

As long as I can see your face

When life won't play along

And right keeps going wrong

And I can't seem to find my way

I know where I am found

So I won't let it drag me down

Oh, I'll keep dancing anyway

I'm gonna move (move)

I'm gonna move (move)

I'm gonna move

I've got to hold it steady

Keep my head in the game

Everything is about to change

Everything is about to change

This hurt is getting heavy

But I'm not about to cave

Everything's about to change

There's gonna be brighter days

I just might bend but won't break

As long as I can see your face

When life won't play along

And right keeps going wrong

And I can't seem to find my way

I know where I am found

So I won't let it drag me down

Oh, I'll keep dancing anyway

I'm gonna move (move)

I'm gonna move (move)

I'm gonna move

No matter what may come

Gotta move to a different drum

No matter what life brings

Gotta move gotta move to a different beat

I just might bend but won't break

As long as I can see your face

No matter what may come

Gotta move to a different drum

No matter what life brings

Gotta move gotta move to a different beat

Happy Monday

&

Keep Moving!

Saturday Surprises

My grandsons had been begging me to take them to see "The Hobbit" again even though I had already taken them twice. Because I'm a bit of a pushover (ahem) when it comes to them, off we went late yesterday afternoon to see it; they're first viewing in 3D.

What has amazed me each time they are watching it, is how utterly still these very active boys are for almost 3 hours!  I have taken them to many movies and no matter how interested they are, there is always fidgeting, asking me questions, etc., but not so during this movie.  Even in their third viewing, they were totally engrossed, not saying a word, and hardly moving (except to reach for the popcorn).  This is such a testament to the power of Tolkien's story and the magic of Peter Jackson's movie making.

After the movie, a couple who had been sitting behind us commented to me how well behaved my "sons" were during the entire movie.  I thanked them and said they are actually my grandsons.  To my utter delight, they expressed surprise.  (I must admit, this happens quite a bit when I am out and about with them, but it was even sweeter this time because I have that annual birthday thing happening this week).

On the drive home, I asked them who their favorite character is and their favorite scene:

Devon (10):  Thorin  Scene: running down the tree towards Azog
Dylan (9):     Thorin  Scene: cutting off Azog's arm AND Smaug's eye opening
Logyn (6):    Thorin  Scene: hugging Bilbo at the end

And then we sang "Misty Mountains" the rest of the way home.

Even though it was already past their bedtime when we arrived at my apartment, I had promised them that we would at least start watching "The Fellowship of the Ring."  Again, utter quiet and stillness while watching.  We made it all the way to the mines of Moria, at which point I insisted we stop for the night. It would still be another hour before sleep finally came, as they had question after question.  We finished watching it this morning and all three gave it a very enthusiastic thumbs up.

As I dropped them off at home this afternoon, they asked, "When are we going to see "The Hobbit" again?"

My genes are strong in these young lads.

Seared With Scars

“Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls.

The most massive characters are seared with scars.”

Hast thou no scar?

No hidden scar on foot, or side, or hand?

I hear thee sung as mighty in the land;

I hear them hail thy bright, ascendant star.

Hast thou no scar?

Hast thou no wound?

Yet I was wounded by the archers; spent,

Leaned Me against a tree to die; and rent

By ravening beasts that compassed Me, I swooned.

Hast thou no wound?

No wound? No scar?

Yet, as the Master shall the servant be,

And piercèd are the feet that follow Me.

But thine are whole; can he have followed far

Who hast no wound or scar?

                                                                                                         -- Amy Carmichael

Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, 

and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 

looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, 

who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross..." 

 Hebrews 12:1-2

Worn, Given Away, Shared

As I was writing "I'm Going on an Adventure" I had confided in a friend that I was hesitant about sharing such a personal story.  She replied, "Remember you're writing for yourself, first of all. Letting go of your thoughts and having no attachments to them once they're set free, can be healing."   She was absolutely right.

And guess what?  I'm going to share more about "The Hobbit."  Are you surprised?

Today's Joy Dare gratitude prompt:  a gift worn, given away, and shared (gifts 23,24,25).  After I took my 3 grandsons to see "The Hobbit" when we got back to my apartment, Devon, the eldest, asked if I had the book.  I said, "What do you think?" and he grinned.  I pulled off the shelf not only "The Hobbit" but also the "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy. They are yellowed with age and worn from so many readings.  I was thankful that I was able to share them with him but when I told him he could have them, the smile on his face, the excitement in his eyes -- that was a gift from him to me.

Has it only been a month since I first saw this movie?  I have viewed so many videos, read so many interviews, and still I don't tire of learning about how it was made and the actors' impressions.

The following video was new to me today.  It is about 20 minutes long, so get yourself a cup of tea, get comfy, and enjoy.

I also found this video, a modern trailer for "The Hobbit", starring, of course, Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, and Richard Armitage, looking a bit more "normal" than they do in the movie.  I am always amazed at how creative some people are.  I enjoyed it immensely and think you will too.

If you're not tired of watching Hobbit videos, check out the production videos from director, Peter Jackson. They are fascinating!

Saruman believes it is only great power that can hold evil in check, 

but that is not what I have found. 

I found it is the small everyday deeds of 

ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay... 

small acts of kindness and love.

Happiness is...

I'm Going on an Adventure!

If you have been reading this blog, you know that "The Hobbit" has had a great impact on me. I've not really shared what the most important epiphany has been, until now.

I have become very hobbit-like.  I like my cozy apartment with my cats, books, computer, etc. My life has become very routine, most would say mundane. I'm not used to going on adventures, at least not in the past decade and a half.

When Gandalf says to Bilbo at the beginning of the movie:  "Your life is not in your books and maps, it's out there," he might as well have been speaking to me. 

So I have challenged myself to not shy away or be fearful of new things, of changes, of adventures.

The second part of the epiphany is a bit more difficult to share.  Fifteen years ago I went through the devastation of betrayal and the end of my marriage. I naturally withdrew to take time to heal.  But I also closed off that part of me.  I simply had no desire to even think about being in a relationship ever gain.  

That is until I saw "The Hobbit."

I was so taken with Richard Armitage's acting that I went home after seeing the movie and looked up to see what other work he had done on IMDB (Internet Movie Database -- don't know what I ever did before they created that genius of a website, but I digress).  Much to my delight, several of his works were available via Amazon Prime. So, at 11 pm that night I started to watch "The Vicar of Dibley: A Holy Wholly Happy Ending" in which Richard was a guest star as Harry Kennedy.

While I was watching him, my wall crumbled.  He plays such a sweet, wonderful man and he does it so superbly well.  By the end I was sobbing, because for the first time in years, I admitted to myself: I am lonely and want to be loved again.

Thank you Richard, from the bottom of my heart, for playing Harry.

(Maybe my last post where I said I am thankful for him, makes a bit more sense now).

Is there someone like Harry out there for me?  

Only the Lord knows, but at least now, I am open.

Light, Reflection, Shadow

Some might think it rather strange to post photos of Richard Armitage as my response to today's Joy Dare gratitude prompt of light, reflection, and shadow.  

But I truly am thankful for him.  

20. Brilliant light

21. Beautiful reflection

22. Blissful shadow

What and/or whom are you thankful for?

One Thing

As I said in today's earlier post, I planned on seeing "The Hobbit" for the twelfth time.  I did and enjoyed it immensely!  I notice something new each time I see it.  Today's viewing discovery was in the scene where Balin is recounting why Thorin hates orcs (the beheading of his grandfather, the disappearance of his father).  He finishes with a stirring line: "There is one I could call King."  As Thorin turns I noticed the trace of a tear, barely visible, on the right side.  Whether Mr. Armitage intended for it to be there, I do not know, but it makes that scene even more endearing to me.

Richard Armitage as Thorin Oakenshield in "The Hobbit"

Today's Joy Dare

One thing in my bag, my fridge, my heart...

17. In my bag:  my camera.  Yes, I always have my smart phone with me, but sometimes you just need to haul out the "real" thing.  I find I do reach for the phone first to grab that shot instantly and the camera in it does take good pics, but nothing like the real thing.  It's only the point and shoot variety, a Canon something or other.  To most photographers it wouldn't be considered "real", but it is to me.

I realized today looking back through the past months of pictures on this blog, I miss taking a photo a day.  I participated in it for 8 months and the need to capture a moment each day really took hold.  So expect more pictures!

18. In my fridge:  skim milk.  You can't grow up on a farm in Iowa and not love milk.

19. In my heart:  My baby sister and I had a conversation yesterday about God giving us the desires of our heart.

"Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart."   Psalm 37:4

There is something I am asking God for, that one thing in my heart, that if granted, would be truly and wonderfully miraculous.

Reading, Making, Seeing

So I'm already a day behind in counting my 1000 gifts.  I was Manager on Duty at my place of employment until 11 PM last night and was just too tired to write a post.  So, there will be 2 posts today.

Joy Dare prompts:  Something I'm reading, making, and seeing (14, 15, 16).

I usually have 3-4 books that I am reading at one time and it's much easier since I got a Kindle.  The book I have been spending the most time in lately has been (and this should come as no surprise to you if you know me):  The Hobbit (the link is to Kindle version on Amazon).

I am very thankful for all of Tolkien's writings, as referenced to in earlier posts. I'm now reading it with new eyes and it's just so much fun to enter back into a book from my childhood but to also look at it in a totally new way as an adult.  Thank you Professor Tolkien!

Something I'm making...  I am just starting to learn how to work with video and audio files and am in the process of putting something together using the song Judy Garland recorded years ago entitled, "Dear Mr. Gable."  Watch this space!

How can I not be thankful for Sir Peter Jackson's "The Hobbit" movie!  In fact, I am going to go see it again this afternoon, which will make, yes, admitting it to the world -- one dozen times.

My favorite character is Thorin Oakenshield, son of Thrain, son of Thror, last King under the Mountain (played by Richard Armitage).

If you have not seen this movie, 

you really must go while it is in the theater.  

It is meant to be seen on the big screen! 

It is such a visual treat with such timeless truths.

Old, New, and Blue

Today's Joy Dare prompt is a a gift old, new, and  blue (gifts 11, 12, and 13).  My sister Cheryl, who is only 18 months younger than me, knows me very, very well.  She is aware that I've been struggling with a certain issue the past few weeks.

She also knows how much The Lord of the Rings books and movies mean to me and how much I love them.  Today I received the following card from her with my all time favorite LOTR quote in it:

"I see in your eyes the same fear that would take the heart of me. 

A day may come when the courage of men fails, 

when we forsake our friends and break all bonds of fellowship, 

but it is not this day. 

An hour of woes and shattered shields, 

when the age of men comes crashing down! 

But it is not this day! 

This day we fight! 

By all that you hold dear on this good Earth, 

I bid you stand, Men of the West!”

She also included a personal note, which will stay...personal.

The card is new and blue and expresses an age old sentiment.  What a precious gift this is to me.  

Cheryl, nothing you could have sent spoke to me more profoundly than this gift.  I love you sister!

Happy 121st birthday, J.R.R. Tolkien

JRR Tolkien

JRR Tolkien is one of my favorite authors whose words have had a deep impact on my life.  My baby sister just posted some of her favorite Tolkien quotes on her Facebook page, and lo and behold, they are some of my favorites too!  

So in honor of Professor Tolkien's birthday:

"I wish it need not have happened in my time," said Frodo. "So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us."

"I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve."

"Not all those who wander are lost."

"Never laugh at live dragons."

“Deserves it! I daresay he does. Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them? Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgement. For even the very wise cannot see all ends.”

“I will not say, do not weep, for not all tears are an evil.”

“Frodo: I can't do this, Sam.
Sam: I know. It's all wrong. By rights we shouldn't even be here. But we are. It's like in the great stories, Mr. Frodo. The ones that really mattered. Full of darkness and danger, they were. And sometimes you didn't want to know the end. Because how could the end be happy? How could the world go back to the way it was when so much bad had happened? But in the end, it's only a passing thing, this shadow. Even darkness must pass. A new day will come. And when the sun shines it will shine out the clearer. Those were the stories that stayed with you. That meant something, even if you were too small to understand why. But I think, Mr. Frodo, I do understand. I know now. Folk in those stories had lots of chances of turning back, only they didn't. They kept going. Because they were holding on to something.
Frodo: What are we holding onto, Sam?
Sam: That there's some good in this world, Mr. Frodo... and it's worth fighting for.”

“Even the smallest person can change the course of the future.”

“Hold your ground, hold your ground! Sons of Gondor, of Rohan, my brothers! I see in your eyes the same fear that would take the heart of me. A day may come when the courage of men fails, when we forsake our friends and break all bonds of fellowship, but it is not this day. An hour of woes and shattered shields, when the age of men comes crashing down! But it is not this day! This day we fight! By all that you hold dear on this good Earth, I bid you stand, Men of the West!” 

"And why not? Surely you don't disbelieve the prophecies just because you helped them come about. You don't really suppose do you that all your adventures and escapes were managed by mere luck? Just for your sole benefit? You're a very fine person, Mr. Baggins, and I'm quite fond of you. But you are really just a little fellow, in a wide world after all."

Today's Joy Dare: three graces I overheard

8.   Praise for one of my staff from a guest at the hotel
9.   This same staff member giving condolences to one of our colleagues on the loss of her pet
10. This same member of my staff thanking me as I left work this evening.  Okay, so that last one wasn't overheard, but I am thankful for it all the same.

Gifts Outside, Inside, On a Plate

When I was participating in the photo a day challenge last year, my daughter was always reminding me to not take the photo prompts so literally.  She said I needed to think outside the box.  The main reason I joined that challenge was to make myself more aware of my surroundings and hopefully, a bit more creative.

So here I sit tonight with my three gratitude prompts and I'm thinking literally, yet again.

5. Outside -- it's 1 degree.  I'm thankful that I live in a climate that is always changing.

6. Inside -- I'm thankful for my warm apartment!

7. On a plate -- pizza.  I love pizza!

I discovered a new interview with Richard Armitage today.

Richard Armitage in Nylon Guys, January 2013

Honor, loyalty, nobility, corruption.  True when Tolkien wrote the book, and true today, 76 years later.

I found this article interesting:  The Hobbit: an essentially Christian story?
As well as this news from today:  JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis joint work discovered  If only they had finished that book...

Changes for 2013

I have decided to take a new direction with my blog this year.  I will still incorporate photos, but I am no longer participating in the photo a day challenge.

I am participating in Ann Voskamp's Joy Dare -- to thank God for 1000 gifts in 2013.  These expressions of gratitude will be incorporated somewhere within each post.

You may see an emphasis on the actor, Richard Armitage.  He plays Thorin Oakenshield in Peter Jackson's "The Hobbit."  I was totally blown away by his performance which led me to investigate what other things he has done.  I am still on that discovery path and may share what I find from time to time.

Today's Joy Dare is Three Gifts Heard and I am adding a fourth:

1. my grandchildren's laughter
2. the purrs of my cats
3. Howard Shore's gorgeous scores in all three Lord of the Rings movies, and now in "The Hobbit"
4. Richard Armitage's beautiful voice, whether speaking or singing:

I may post a few times a day using this as sort of a collecting place for what I might be researching on a particular day.  Or I may not post at all!  That's the great thing about a blog -- it's yours so you can do as you see fit.

Here's to what lies ahead in the new year!