LOTR Read-Along: The Fellowship of the Ring: Farwell to Lorien

 

After everything the Fellowship has been through, I would find it hard to leave a site such as Lothlorien. It's safe, it's beautiful, peaceful and not without its mystery. Celeborn and Galadriel must feel the same way as they all give the Fellowship a chance to leave the journey and remain in Lorien. However, the ever faithful Fellowship of eight are determined to finish what they started. 

Aesthetics//The Fellowship of the Ring

Frodo

//Old books//Wounds//Country roads//Compassion//Trees//Curiosity//Parties//Friendship//Blue eyes//Autumn leaves

Gandalf

//Pipes//Fireworks//Stone//Storms//Robes//Pointed hats//Staffs//Dusty libraries//White beards//Wisdom

Aragorn

//Muddy clothes//Emeralds//Silver shards//Plants//Horses//Mystery//Dark skies//Leather//Loner//Wildlands

Sam

//Gardens//Suspenders//Bags//Ponies//Potatoes//Rope//Seasonings//Wooden boxes//Politeness//Spring days

Merry

//Yellow//Riddles//Cheekiness//Cornfields//Blonde curls//Ferry boats//Apples//Rivers//Pints//Organized

Pippin

//Blue coats//Eating//Scarves//Mischief//Singing//Torches//Mushrooms//Marble halls//Watchtowers//Sunrises

Legolas

//Silver swirls//Arrows//Leaves//Braids//Sight//Waterfalls//Alertness//Traditional//Green//Starry nights

Gimli

//Metal//Geometric lines//Red//Mines//History//Stubborn//Axes//Opinionated//Bushy beards//Mead

Boromir 

//War//Scarlet shirts//Drinking goblets//Speeches//Temptation//Ruins//Boldness//Brothers//Flags//Horn

We Love Pirates Week

Rachel at Hamelette's Soliloquy is hosting We 💓 Pirate's Week!  

Originally I wasn't going to join because I'm not a big pirates fan, but then I remember one of my favorite childhood movies is Muppet's Treasure Island of which would be perfect for this theme. And I never want to miss out on a good blog party!

The Fantastic and Felicitous Fictional Character Blog Tag

Sometimes when I get bored I go through the post archives or follow the labels of other bloggers, looking for inspiration or just fun reading material. I was on Olivia's blog (following the Lord of the Rings label) and I came across this tag that she had tagged me for back in June of 2019. I had no idea! 

Thank you Olivia!

Rules:

Answer every question honestly.

Use as many gifs and images as possible.

Incorporate at least one YouTube video with a favorite scene of a character.

NO VAGUE ANSWERS ALLOWED. Explain why you chose that favorite character to fit that description. I love details, my friends.

If you can’t choose just one, that’s okay – give us a few answers and geek out if that’s what it takes.

Tag at least 3 people.

Use fictional characters from any fictional story.

If you get nominated and/or decide to participate in this tag, please put a link back to this post in your post and credit yours truly (Emily at The Altogether Unexpected) as the creator.

Have fun and obsess over fictional characters!

MCU Blogathon

The Winchester North Star and Miss Woodhouse are having a MCU Blogathan all throughout the month of January. I'm going to write about Bucky Barnes and Sam Wilson and how their similarities and differences make them such a good team. Normally I don't cry through movies, but the end of Endgame where Cap gave Sam his shield always gets to me. A lot of people were upset that Bucky didn't get the shield, but if you think about his character and what he's gone through, then it's understandable too. It's also a good lead up into the anticipated The Falcon and The Winter Soldier show on Disney + that I've been waiting ages to see!

Merry Christmas!

LOTR Read-Along: The Fellowship of the Ring: The Mirror of Galadriel

After the great buildup into the journey to Lothlorien, the Fellowship are led into its great city, Caras Galadhon, the City of Trees. There the Fellowship are introduced to the Lady Galadriel, the Lady of Lothlorien and her husband, Lord Celeborn (also known as Elrond's in-laws). While Lothlorien is Galadriel's domain, her husband seems to run everything (not a bad marriage deal, either). As the Fellowship tell their story, they soon realize that there is an extraordinary power and magic to the Lady Galadriel. Amid Celeborn's snark and shady comments, Galadriel is able to work her way into their minds, release their deepest emotions and leave them frightened and empty.

The Narnia Tag

Scale of Fanaticism

1. Nostalgic Fanatic: You read the book and/or watched the movies as a child and the word Narnia gives you a warm feeling.

2. Serious Fanatic: You rediscovered the wonder of Narnia after you were older and have read the books and watched the movies.

3. Maniacal Fanatic: You have lived Narnia from childhood, hid in closets on more occasions than is healthy, have read and watched all the movies including the BBC version.

- I am definitely a maniacal fanatic! I was introduced to Narnia when my family watched the BBC mini-series. My parents recorded them on tape and my siblings and I watched them repeatedly. Then my parents bought the series for us for Christmas and we wore those out too. Another favorite is the 1979 animated film of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. It's a wonderful film and a good way to introduce little children (between ages 4-6) to Narnia. 

The books have been repeatedly read over the years and we even did a homeschool study on the series. I've also listened to the Narnia audiobook series from Focus on the Family, which are excellent!

When the Disney films were made, we were all a little skeptical, but fell in love with them! The downside with the remakes is that people tended to trash the BBC series, which is wrong on all fronts. The BBC mini-series were 100% faithful to the original story and didn't veer off in anyway to appease certain audiences. They weren't made to show off special effects, but rather to just tell the story.

Questions

1. Who’s your favorite Pevensie sibling?

- An obvious favorite among fans, but I do love Edmund so much. Once redeemed by Aslan's sacrifice, Edmund became a character of such moral conviction and honor. True he faltered and stumbled, but he was always the voice of reason, a calm confidante and sound advisor. 

This is especially apparent after Eustace's own redemption in The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. Edmund, in a sense, gave Eustace his own testimony, painfully admitting for the first time to his cousin, that he was not always just and upright. And I like to believe that by telling Eustace about his own redemption, that this made Eustace seek Aslan more and by doing so was able to redeem Prince Rillian, his friend's son, years later. 

2. What is the most underrated Narnia book?

- It pretty much comes down to The Silver Chair or The Horse and His Boy.

The Silver Chair has always been considered the darkest of the Narnia series. It deals with the warfare of the spirit and the heart. The ideology of believing by faith and not by sight, and the price that one is willing to pay for standing by those beliefs. 

The Horse and His Boy was very different in the fact that none of the story takes place in Narnia (technically neither does The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, but they were still Narnians) and that we're dealing with a pagan society that is completely countercultural to Narnia. Unfortunately the story is also rampant with racist undertones, which I don't believe reflects on Lewis' own personal beliefs, but nowadays the book is considered controversial. 

3. Who is your favorite Narnian king?

“Everything I told you, everything I didn't, it was only because I believe in you. You have a chance to become the most noble contradiction in history - the Telmarine who saved Narnia.” 

Per Dr. Cornelius' words, Caspian was a Telemarine, the enemy of the Narnians' who became their unlikely savior. Similar to King Cyrus from the Old Testament who freed the Hebrews from Babylonian captivity, Caspian became the definitive hero king whose whole life was devoted to his people and above all to Aslan. 

His justice is so strong that he's willing to travel to uncharted and dangerous territories to bring back the men who were wronged by his uncle. Her fought for and married the woman that he loved and raised a wonderful son. And Caspian's teachings of Narnia must have been concrete in Rillian's life, seeing that after 10 years of captivity and brainwashing's, Rillian was still able to remember Aslan. 

4. Who is your favorite Narnian queen?

- Sweet Nancy, the London laundress, who was called by Aslan to become Narnia's first queen and changed her name to Helen. It's clear that Nancy and her husband, Joe, are simple people with strong faith. Nancy is willing to leave her life with no argument of all, possibly believing in a power that is stronger than what she can find on Earth. 

5. Which non-human Narnian do you like best?

- Mr. and Mrs. Beaver are the some of the most faithful of Aslan's followers. Although they're are small and maybe a little unremarkable, the Beavers show immense courage by standing against the White Witch's commands and bringing the Pevensie children to Aslan. The Beavers' always reminded me of the Apostles who spread the Good News and risked their lives to let the world know the truth. Even if it meant imprisonment or death.

6. Which book deserves a movie?

- There's only three books that haven't been made into films, but the one film I want to see is The Magician's Nephew! Everything about this book was crazy and fun! I love origin stories, discovering where the story began and answering the questions that never seemed to make sense. Seeing Charn would be awesome and scary, but nothing can compare to seeing the creation of Narnia. 

7. What is the one thing you did as a Narnia fan that you do not regret?

- Well, I've done and am continuing to do more likely are my fan-fictions. My first story, The Beloved and The Just, needless to say, had a good plot, but when I reread it, my writing was terrible! I've since edited most of it, making it more concise, adding a little more maturity and better understanding of the original stories. My second story, A Love Unknown and a Grace Unseen is better, but that too needs some work as well. Actually I think my best Narnia fanfiction is probably my poems.

How do you feel about The Chronicles of Narnia?

Goodreads Reviews: Amazing Grace: William Wilberforce and the Heroic Campaign to End Slavery

Amazing Grace: William Wilberforce and the Heroic Campaign to End Slavery by Eric Metaxas

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Like most people, I had never heard of William Wilberforce until the 2006 biopic. A fact that the author brought up as well. However, Wilberforce's life, his historical impact on society as well as the world, can never be forgotten. As a man of wealth and means, who had a promising career in politics and was a hero among the elite in England, William was willing to walk away from all the world had to offer and follow God's unexpected plan for his life.

Born into well to do family in England, William Wilberforce did not actually grow up in a Christian household. Actually, his mother despised the spread of Christianity that was coming in the reformed ideals of the Methodist Church led by the Wesley Brothers and the powerful sermons of Jonathan Whitefield.

Wilbur's mother succeeded in pulling him away from the religious nonsense and at 14, he was enrolled at Cambridge College. From there, Wilbur was on the fast track to a successful future career in Parliament alongside his friend, William Pitt the Younger (the future prime minister). Yet, William's heart was never too far from God, even when he thought that religion was no longer important.

In time, William's eyes would be open to the suffering of the world around him. Slavery, poverty, abuse, prostitution, prison conditions, lack of effective leadership, hollow Christianity and society turning a blind eye to the misery and squalor of others. With the support of an extraordinary group of friends, known as the Clapham Circle and other acquaintances, Wilberforce would set England and the world on fire with his passion for abolition, social reform and the 18th Century Christian Awakening.

This is more than a biography. This book is a true in-depth study of an incredible man and the people in his life. While most of the book is about the abolition of the slave trade (and the subsequent ending of slavery in Europe), many of Wilberforce's other projects are also talked about such as the forming of Proclamation Societies and his work in India. Some of this content is not easy to get through. William dealt with some gritty, dark and evil forces in the world. He saw the worse in the man, while trying to bring out the best in him as well.

I never knew that one man could do so much in his lifetime only to be virtually forgotten less than 300 years later. The world owes so much to William Wilberforce and the people of the Clapham Circle. In spite of ill health, desertion of friends and at times, questioning God, William never faltered or wavered in his duty to his country, his family and his faith. 

A Romantic Blog Party Announcement

 The year isn't even over yet and we're already planning blog parties!

Heidi is hosting the Valentine's Day Period Drama Blog Party!

Details

• For the purposes of this party, I’m specifically narrowing it down to period dramas set in the 17th-20th centuries (let’s say 1600-WWII -- not sure if there are many set in the 1600’s, but it’d be fun if you know of any xD). 
• The only other specification is that all entries must be family friendly (i.e. not rated R). 

I'm going to do a post about the love story evolution of Juliet Ashton and Dawsey Adams from The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. They were such a sweet couple and had such a quiet romance. And seeing as this year has been completely devoted to WWII history, it would be fitting that I choose WWII as my time period. 

Book Review

Movie Review

LOTR Read-Along: The Fellowship of the Ring: Lothlorien

Just when I thought that Tolkien's endless descriptions couldn't get any worse...well, they got worse. After reading chapter after chapter of the constant greenery of the Shire, up to four pages describing a door on the side of the mountain and paragraphs of of the dimly lit ruins of Moria, I was not prepared for Lothlorien. And it seems like the Fellowship wasn't either. However, we do get to meet my favorite secondary character and find that he was infinitely more fleshed out in the book than in the film (you failed Peter Jackson).

Inklings Link-Up~December 2020

 

Inklings, Christmas edition is here! Here's my November Inklings post, which was so much fun to do!

1. At any time during the month, on your own blog post a scene from a book or film that matches the prompt, including a link back here in your post.

2. Link-back to Heidi's blog in the comments section with a link to you Inklings prompt.

December Prompt

A Christmas scene in a book or a film that makes you happy

The Nativity Story

Anyone who celebrates Christmas has some understanding of the Nativity story. It's read every year in churches and Catholic/Evangelical homes. It's one of the most recognized stories in the Bible as well as the most loved. This story in its simplicity is more than just the birth of Christ. It's a story of obedience, love, courage and absolute faith. It's the story that is not too different from out times. While this is a story of Christmas, this is more than anything a story that is the quintessential pro-life message.

An unmarried teenage girl finds herself pregnant. This situation could cause her to be killed.

Her fiancé must choose what is right in the eyes of society and what is right in the eyes of God. 

An unexpected baby who was almost put to death, comes to Earth to ransom those that wanted him killed. 

LOTR Read-Along: The Fellowship of the Ring: The Bridge of Khazad-Dum

The Fellowship's endless walk through the dark halls of Moria comes to an unexpected halt when they come across the tomb of Balin, Gimli's cousin and former lord of Moria. Gandalf finds a written account of  Moria's history. As Gandalf pages through the record book he comes across several passages referring to 'drums in the deep...we cannot get out...they are coming.' It's not long before the Fellowship hear the drums in the dark. And the 'they' never actually left. They have been waiting in the dark for a long time.

12 Delights of Christmas Tag

Thank you Heidi for tagging me!

1) A favorite Christmas tradition?

- Watching Christmas movies

2) Say it snowed at your domicile, would you prefer to go out or stay curled up inside?

- Stay curled up inside!

3) Tea or hot chocolate?

- Hot chocolate

4) Favorite Christmas colors (i.e. white, blue, silver, red and green etc)?

- Gold and red

5) Favorite kind of Christmas cookie?

- I prefer Christmas truffles over cookies

6) How soon before Christmas do you decorate (more specifically, when does your tree go up)?

- Shortly after Thanksgiving, but my parents actually decorated early this year.

7) Three favorite traditional Christmas carols?

- Bring a Torch Jeanette, Isabella, O Holy Night, The Wexford Carol

8) A favorite Christmas song (i.e. something you might hear on the radio)?

- Do You Hear What I Hear?

9) A favorite Christmas movie?

- The Nativity Story

10) Have you ever gone caroling?

- Yes! It was a lot of fun!

11) Ice skating, sledding, skiing, or snow boarding?

- Ice skating

12) Favorite Christmas feast dish?

- Oyster stew

I tag:

Livia Rose

Skye

McKayla

Catherine

1) A favorite Christmas tradition?

2) Say it snowed at your domicile, would you prefer to go out or stay curled up inside?

3) Tea or hot chocolate?

4) Favorite Christmas colors (i.e. white, blue, silver, red and green etc)?

5) Favorite kind of Christmas cookie?

6) How soon before Christmas do you decorate (more specifically, when does your tree go up)?

7) Three favorite traditional Christmas carols?

8) A favorite Christmas song (i.e. something you might hear on the radio)?

9) A favorite Christmas movie?

10) Have you ever gone caroling?

11) Ice skating, sledding, skiing, or snow boarding?

12) Favorite Christmas feast dish?

Not a Great Man, but a Good Man

Can there really be a connection between a wizard/werewolf, a Jedi Knight, and a NYPD officer? 

Yes, actually there is. 

LOTR Read-Along: The Fellowship of the Ring: A Journey in the Dark

After the disaster of the Caradhras Mountains, the Fellowship must choose another route that will keep them out of Saruman's sight. Eventually, their options are narrowed down to one less than desirable path. The Mines of Moria. A once powerful and glorious country built entirely underground within a mountain. However, Moria has become a desolate hell hole of only which Gandalf and Aragorn have been through and neither wish to go back. However, they have no other alternative and must brave the mines. First they have to get through the door.

LOTR Read-Along: The Fellowship of the Ring: The Ring Goes South

So now that Frodo has volunteered to take the Ring the rest of the way to Mordor, guess what we get to do?

I hate guessing games, but this one is merited. 

Just one guess.

On little teeny, tiny, guess.

Oh, yes! We get to...

The Sunshine Blogger Award

 McKayla tagged me for the Sunshine Blogger Award!

Thank you!

What genre was the last movie you watched? 

- Knives Out-Comedy/Mystery

What are your three favorite movies in said genre? 

- Clue, Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, Sherlock Holmes (2009)

If you were to attend Hogwarts, which subject do you think you'd be best at? 

- Charms

Would you play Quidditch? If so, what position?

- I would probably prefer to watch Quidditch than play it, but if I did find myself playing it, then my preferred position would probably be a beater.

Favorite fantasy subgenre?

- High fantasy 

What is a book that you think should have a movie adaptation?

- Not a Swan

What is a book that you think shouldn't have had a movie adaptation?

- The Monuments Men

What is your favorite type of donut [man, now these are just getting weird]?

- Chocolate with peanuts

Does Aaron Samuels' hair look sexy pushed back (or are you with me in the Aaron is Overrated group)?

- Who?

If you had to spend 24 hours locked in an elevator with three fictional characters to keep you company, which three characters would they be?

- Jamie Reagan, Newt Scamander and Tik-Tok (from The Wizard of Oz series, not the stupid app)

If you could rule the world for enough time to make one law that everyone had to follow, what would that law be?

- Be honest

What is your love language?

- Acts of Service

(Bonus Question for my fellow Buffy the Vampire Slayer fans) Do you think you'd make a better Slayer or Watcher?

LOTR Read-Along: The Fellowship of the Ring: The Council of Elrond

So, the title is pretty self explanatory. An elite grouping of representatives of the primary races of Middle-Earth--men, elves, dwarves, Gandalf for the Istari and of course, Frodo--gather together to discuss the fate of the Ring. Throughout the chapter, the council goes through a 'pass the parcel' discussion of each races connection to the Ring in some form.