Inklings ~ November

 Happy November Inklings!

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

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

November Prompt

A scene with family breaking bread together in book or film

 

Inklings ~ October

 

 

 

October Inklings has arrived!

 

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

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

 

October Prompt

 

A scene by a lake in a book or film 

 

Currently: Summer 2024

Well Hello : )

I know it's been a long while (like almost 2 years) since I've done a post like this. I'm lucky if I can post anything anymore, with how busy (and how real) life has gotten since I met Christian (my husband). However, I love writing and I never want to stray too far from it.

Wedding Photos - Pt. 5 Reception

 

 

Wedding Photos - Pt. 4 Dances

 

 

Wedding Photos - Pt. 3 Families

 

Wedding Photos - Pt. 2 Ceremony

 

 

Wedding Photos - Pt. 1 Preparation

 

 

Thorin: Courage, Loyalty, a Willing Heart

 

The enemies cannot destroy the king who has at his service the respect and friendship of the wise men who can find fault, disagree, and correct him.
- Thiruvalluvar

 

Thorin Oakenshield is many things in the lore of Middle Earth. The uncrowned king of Erabor, the fearless leader of the Company of Dwaves, the strict (but loving) uncle to Fili and Kili, a hope for his lost people, a frequent pain to his growing list of enemies and an undying legend to generations of dwarves that followed after him. And like most Middle-Earth royalty, Thorin comes with his own complicated family history.  

His grandfather's greed and love of gold led to the destruction of Erabor as well as igniting animosity with the elves of Mirkwood. After losing both his father and grandfather in one battle, Thorin is seen as the new King of Erabor. However, there is no Erabor and no crown. Just Thorin and his wandering people whose numbers are getting fewer and fewer as the years pass. 60 years after the destruction from Smaug the dragon, Thorin finally gets an opportunity to return to Erabor to reclaim him home and his crown.

With the help of Gandalf the Grey, 12 loyal companions (including his nephews, Fili and Kili) and one annoying Hobbit, Thorin and his Company trek through Middle Earth to reclaim Erabor and bring their people home. They just have to get rid of giant sleeping dragon in the gold chamber. And....well anyone who is reading this knows the rest of story. And if you don't then go find out.

  

As far as bookverse Thorin is compared to movieverse Thorin, they are different in several ways. Book Thorin looks like an elderly dwarf. He has a warm demeanor and a wicked sense of humor. Movie Thorin is young and handsome, has a prickly personality and has no humor about him at all. And yet both versions work so well. Thorin in and of himself is a 4 foot something of stubbornness, loyalty, arrogance and courage. He is quick and to the point and wastes no time in voicing his opinion. He despises laziness and ill treatment of others and sees betrayal in any form as an unforgivable sin. Thorin bows to no one no matter how powerful they may be.

Having lost his home, most of his family, guide a wandering people as well as act as a father figure to his nephews it's no wonder he commands such a formidable presence. And he knows it all to well. The only person outside of his people he learns to have a modicum of respect for is Gandalf. In truth he loves his nephews very much but must be stern (to the point of harshness at times) to mold them into the next leaders for their people. The kindness and hospitality of Lord Elrond may have had him thankful if only for a short period of time . Yet, it is the companionship of Bilbo Baggins that brings about the biggest change in Thorin.

To witness such courage in the face of adversity in one so small and insignificant humbles Thorin;  his once cold heart that despised the outside world begins to warm. To publicly admit that he was wrong and allow himself to be vulnerable and open may have seemed so foreign and out of place.

 

 

 

Yet old habits die hard. Elves and men continue to enrage Thorin to such a point that he is willing to abandon his wounded nephew to gain power and glory. And once power is gained, it consumes Thorin to the point of madness. Were it not for the council of his closest friends, Thorin himself would have been lost forever, his people slaughtered and the dwarves of Erabor lost in history. 

And that is the true goodness in Thorin. While he may be hesitant to ask for advice, he is willing to stop and listen. He respects the council of Balin and Dwalin. He heeds the sad truth from his nephew whose discovers compassion for others outside his own race. In spite of Bilbo's betrayal (and Bilbo did betray him), Thorin finally understands that there is a whole world beyond the Dwarves and aren't their lives just as valuable? Even more than all the gold in the mountain? A gold crown and gilded chair bring great beauty but they are worthless in an empty throne room.

There is no ill intent to Thorin's desire to seize back Erabor. He wants to go back home. It's possible that he may have delayed marriage and children until that long awaited moment. Yet Thorin sacrificed that moment and those possible dreams to fight for-not only his people-but for all the peoples of Middle Earth. Courage, loyalty, a willing heart; one can ask for no more than that in a leader, a king and a legend.

 

 

 

Tolkien Party 2024 - Kick-off Tag + Giveaway prizes

The Tolkien Blog Party 2024 has arrived!

Inklings ~ September

Welcome to September Inklings!  

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

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

 September prompt

A scene in a kitchen in book or film

The Sunshine Blogger Award

Olivia at Meanwhile in Rivendell tagged me for The Sunshine Blogger Award!

Thank you! It's always fun to get these!

2024 Tolkien Blog Party

 

Rachel's annual September Tolkien Blog Party has been announced! 

This is my 5th year attending the party and it's always the highlight of my blogging year.

 

 Here are my contributions from the previous blog parties

 

 

 

2020 - The Fellowship of the Ring (movie review)

The Two Towers (movie review)

The Return of the King (movie review)

2021 - Father & Son - Thranduil & Legolas

 

2022 - No Ship to Bear Me Hence - Tolkien's Widowed Fathers

 

2023 - A Fool For Good - A Study on Peregrin "Pippin" Took

 

  This year I'm going to do a post about King Thorin

 

The good, bad and everything in between.

As well as comparing the book character to the movie character.

 

Inklings Link-Up ~ August

I love the new graphic!

 

August Inklings is here! I've been super busy these last few months with getting married, moving to our apartment, easing into my job, continuing with book club as well as summer events with Christian and my family. So thank goodness for Inklings to remind me to keep writing.

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

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

August Prompt

A scene by the ocean in book or film 

Currently: New Bride

 

Anita Fay Photography

Inklings Link-Up ~ June

Welcome back to the June Inklings Link-up!

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

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

June Prompt

An archery scene in book or film

Inklings Link-Up ~ May

Welcome back for Inklings Link-Up : ) Here are my other Inklings Posts

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

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

May Prompt

A scene with a pearl necklace in book or film

Bridal Shower

Finally getting around to posting my bridal shower photos! 

My bridal shower was on April 13th and the theme was classic tea party. Up to this point it's been the most beautiful event I've ever attended. There's a plethora of photos of which you can view all of them here.

Inklings Link-Up ~ April 2024

 

 Welcome back for Inklings Link-Up : ) Here are my other Inklings Posts

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

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

 April Prompt

A scene with a cake in book or film

Currently: 2023/2024

 

Hello everyone!

It's been 1 year (March 18th to be exact) since my seemingly ordinary and well planned life took a very unexpected turn. It's been 3 months (December 27th) since the unexpected turn turned is now becoming a walk down the aisle. 3 months since I've gotten engaged! It's been so incredible! Some people say this is a new chapter in my life, but for me this is a whole new book. A book that's been on the wait list for far too long.

Website: Ivy Loves Christian

Since getting engaged the whole month of January was wedding planning mayhem. I already knew what I wanted my colors to be, yellow and white, and the theme is roses. We're getting married at a renovated Victorian home that has become a beautiful party venue. My dress was ordered after looking for 5 minutes on Ebay. Oh, and did I mention that I'm getting married in June!? I seriously can't believe I'm going to be a June bride! My little 7 year old self would never have believed this 🌹

 

 

By the end of January, about 85% of the planning was done. To be honest planning the wedding has been relatively stress free because I knew for so long what I wanted, plus my mom and sisters all have wedding planning talent. 

 

The most important thing Christian and I had to do was look for a home. Now that was stress at its finest. It was not enjoyable at all and we were even scammed out of $600 at one point. However a week after that we managed to find an apartment and in little over 2 weeks were given the keys. I love our new home! It's perfect for us and I'm already looking forward to decorating it, especially since my bridal shower is in a couple of weeks.

 

Last month Christian and I did an engagement photo session in the place where we had our first date! It was so much fun! Here's a few that we received.

So with all this happiness going on you would think that everything is perfect?

Yeah right.

To make a long story short, I was let go from my job. The same job that Christian and I met at. With all of this newness of getting engaged and starting a new life, I really needed a job especially with monthly rent that has to be paid. The last several weeks at my job were very stressful and anxiety ridden. Actually it's been like this since December. There had been so problems at work, some having to do with my relationship with Christian and others were more personal. For 3 months I tried to make it work. However, my time at my old job was done and in spite of my best efforts, I was let go. To be honest I was relieved. Things at my job were causing severe anxiety.

On a happy note I found a new job the next day! Something totally different, but certainly I'm willing to work hard at. At this point I need a paycheck to help pay for the rent. My career is no longer a priority. My new life with Christian is my sole focus and I know that it's going to be so much more rewarding and fulfilling. Whatever work I do to pay the bills, I know that it's worth it. So if it means having to get up early, learn to drive to new places and put in long hours and physically exhausting labor, I can't complain at all. 

So there's a brief update on my life : ) Unfortunately I've had little time to read or do anything besides work. Hopefully after the wedding and I'm settled into my new home, I'll have more time.

 

BTW: Heidi over at Along the Brandywine has started up her monthly Inklings posts. These are so much fun to do!

Hello April

 

"April is a reminder that life is a beautiful, ever-renewing cycle."

~ E.E. Cummings

Hello March

 

 

"Now when the primrose makes a splendid show,

And lilies face the March-winds in full blow,

And humbler growths as moved with one desire;

Put on, to welcome spring, their best attire."

 

~Williams Wordsworth

 

We Love Siblings Stories Week - Kick Off Tag + Giveaway

Rachel's annual February blog party has arrived with the theme of siblings relating to fiction! 

Hello February

 

 

 

February is the border between winter and spring

 

~ Terri Guillemets