LOTR Read-Along: The Fellowship of the Ring: Fog on the Barrow-Downs

All good things come to an end. Frodo and his companions have regained their strength while under the hospitality of Tom Bombadil and Goldberry. Now, they venture into the Barrow-Downs. A rather dodgy and murky countryside that borders into the supernatural. As always, Tolkien stretches out this chapter would unrelenting narration of nature, trees, ground and green. However, the tour comes to an abrupt halt when Frodo gets caught in--guess what?--fog.

LOTR Read-Along: The Fellowship of the Ring: In the House of Tom Bombadil

So, I've finally been introduced to the famous Tom Bombadil. I, of course, had heard of Tom Bombadil and what a well loved character he and his significant other, Goldberry are. People were initially disappointed that they weren't in the film (because up to this point the Peter Jackson and crew decided to cut out anything remotely happy or hopeful), yet somehow it would have been hard to fit them in, with timing constraints and story flow to consider. Yet, now reading the chapter, I find them both to be endearing characters and they represent one of the most important virtues that is seen frequently throughout British literature. 

Unbroken

After reading this remarkable book, I knew I had to watch the film. The life of Louis Zamprini--the son of Italian immigrants, who went on to become an Olympic runner, WWII bombardier, POW in several Japanese camps, war hero and eventual survivor of alcoholism and PTSD and would spend the rest of his life serving God and the world--is a life that can never be forgotten. Through prejudice, war, fear, despair and ultimate hope found in redemption, Louis Zamprini remained a champion his whole life.

The Narrative of an Early Bloomer

WARNING

:::I'm going to be discussing very personal, private and even controversial subjects:::

:::This post is about my personal struggles as an early bloomer and the many issues I faced oftentimes on my own and that I still face today:::

:::I know that those who follow my blog are all mature enough to not be offended by what I have to say:::

LOTR Read-Along: The Fellowship of the Ring: The Old Forest

Abd once a again we have another nature centric chapter. Tolkien's narrative of a...well, very old forest. Dark, grisly, covered with flies and trudging through mud. The forest soon starts to come alive and the the hobbits are having a hard time distinguishing fantasy from reality. It's now understandable why the hobbit race in general fear the forest because it is in a sense alive. Hobbits fear the unknown and nothing can be such a representation of darkness and mystery like that of a forest. 

Goodreads Reviews: The Monuments Men

The Monuments Men: Allied Heroes, Nazi Thieves, and the Greatest Treasure Hunt in History by Robert M. Edsel

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Based on the remarkable lives of the men and women who traveled throughout Europe rescuing and preserving priceless works of art and landmarks during World War II. Hitler was obsessed with culture and any piece of art that had the slightest hint of Aryan influence, he was determined to have. While he alone may have been the only Nazi to have a modicum of actual art appreciation, he sent out his henchmen to track down and steal all the best art in the Nazi conquered countries.

Enter the military created MFAA (Monuments, Fine Arts and Archive section) or simply the Monuments Men. Names such as Major Ronald Balfour, Private Harry Ettlinger, Captain Walker Hancock, Captain Walter "Hutch" Huchtausenm, Jacques Jaujard, Private First Class Lincoln Kirstein, Captain Robert Posey, Second Lieutenant James Rorimer, Lieutenant George Stout and Rose Valland may not seem of any importance to history and their work alone has become nothing more than a footnote in books. However, these fearless soldiers, museum directors and volunteers are responsible for the preservation of some of history's most treasured works of art.

The book jumps back and forth between the lives and duties of the lead characters. From Germany to North Africa, the MFAA will stop at nothing to track down the Nazi Army and the artifacts stolen from the occupied countries. Not all of these were paintings, either. There were alters, tapestries and statues, and some of our characters have a particular bond with a certain artifact that they are determined to save.

These artifacts were hidden by both Nazis and countrymen in churches, basements and salt mines. The Monuments Men put their lives on the line over and over again. Some were even spies and informants working side by side with their enemy, always fearing that any moment could be their last. Some did die in the effort to end Hitler's destruction of European culture.

Despite its length I enjoyed the Monuments Men and getting to know these people. All of them so passionate in their love of art and history. As a history and art lover I appreciate these courageous men and women and what they did. Culture is defined by one's art. German art is different from Scandinavian art and Russian art is different from Spanish art. All art tells a story and sometimes it can tell history better than any book. What the Monuments Men (and women) fought and died for cannot be overlooked or underappreciated.

LOTR Read-Along: The Fellowship of the Ring: A Conspiracy Unmasked

After the monotony of the last several chapters, we finally get a little excitement from Frodo's unconventional cousin Merry. After narrowly escaping another Black Rider, the four hobbits crash at Frodo's 'new home.' However, as the title would indicate, a conspiracy has certainly been unmasked and Frodo comes to the realization that he's not as sneaky and clever as he thinks. 

LOTR Read-Along: The Fellowship of the Ring: A Short Cut to Mushrooms

When one has seen the movies prior to reading the book, it's becoming rather aggravating at how much time is taken up for Frodo to leave the Shire. I understand it's his home and all, but really can we please make some headway on this journey?! A Short Cut to Mushrooms tells of our three travelers as they...well take a short cut through a farmer's land. This farmer has a bad reputation with Frodo who is genuinely afraid of him. However, most of the story is spent with description, after description, after description of landscape, trees, hills, flowers and anything in the natural realm of the Shire.

Aesthetics//The Reagan Family

Frank Reagan

//Atlas - the god who carries the world

//Autumn

//Offices

//Potatoes

//Fishing Docks

//Business suits 

//Integrity

//Ravenclaw

//1 Police Plaza

//"No man is above the law and no man is below it; nor do we as any man's permission when we ask him to obey it." ~Theodore Roosevelt

Danny Reagan

//Odysseus - the war hero who returned home

//Summer

//Desks

//Pizza

//Marines

//Sarcasm

//Recklessness

//Gryffindor

//9/11 Memorial

//"Be strong, saith my heart; I am a soldier; I have seen worse sights than this." ~Homer; The Odyssey

Erin Reagan

//Themis - goddess of order and law

//Winter

//Courtrooms

//Coffee

//Restaurants

//Arguments

//Determination

//Slytherin

//The Statue of Liberty

//We are bound by the law so that we may be free." ~Marcus Tullius Cicero

Jamie Reagan 

//Theseus - friend and protector of gods and mortals

//Spring

//Classic cars

//Hot dogs

//Jackets

//Questions

//Compassion

//Hufflepuff

//Central Park

//"For a friend with an understanding heart is worth no less than a brother." ~Homer; The Odyssey

Inklings Link-up~October 2020

 

I had so much fun with the September Inklings link-up! I can't believe it's taken me this long to join in the fun and creativity.

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.

October Prompt

A scene that shouts 'autumn' to you in book or film

In Defense of Anakin Skywalker (and Hayden Christensen)

My contribution to The Everything Star Wars Blogathon is a post I have been putting off writing for a very, very long time. I grew up with Star Wars, my whole family loves Star Wars. I was 8 when I saw Episode I and afterwards, I was completely immersed in the Star Wars universe. Ewan McGregor's Obi-Wan Kenobi was probably my first fictional boyfriend and I'm unashamedly still in love with him too. Episode II: The Attack of the Clones came out when I was 11 and so naturally I was excited to see the continuation of the Star Wars prequel universe. However, nothing could have prepared me for the absolute utter gorgeousness of Canadian actor, Hayden Christensen who was cast to play the adolescent Anakin Skywalker. 

LOTR Read-Along: The Fellowship of the Ring: Three is Company

Chapter III is almost a fill in type chapter for Tolkien to better expound on the character of Frodo. Unlike the film where Frodo leaves in the middle of night, in the original text he prolongs the journey for three weeks and most of the story is about his preparation for leaving his only home. A great deal of time and detail is spent focusing on the mental attitude of Frodo as he begins to understand the full weight that he has taken on. He sells his home to his detestable cousins and sends out a story that he has decided to move to Buckland to live with his Brandybuck cousins. 

LOTR Read-Along: The Fellowship of the Ring: The Shadow of the Past

A great deal is unloaded and reveled in Chapter II. After Bilbo's unexpected departure, Frodo takes over Bag End and carries on in a normal hobbit-like lifestyle. However, as the years go by Gandalf is becoming disturbed at the Ring remaining at Bag End. Through a course of almost 10 years, Gandalf researches and studies almost 3,000 years of Middle-Earth history and begins to piece together the origins of the Ring, its list of masters and how it finally ended up first in Bilbo and then Frodo's possession. 

le Roi Soleil

After hearing an exceptionally beautiful song from this French musical, I tracked it down and managed to find the entire filmed production with added subtitles! le Roi Soleil (The Sun King) tells the story of the early reign of Louis IVX and the people in his life that molded him into the legend he has become in history. The musical-comedy premiered in 2005 and was an absolute success. The entire performance is a streamlined history that is infused with modern day music and dance. The genius artistry of Cirque de Soleil is an obvious influence that would be fitting for the over the top lifestyle of the 17th century French nobles in Versailles. 

LOTR Read-Along: The Fellowship of the Ring: A Long-Expected Party

Chapter I of The Fellowship of the Ring takes us straight to the heart of Hobbiton and the home of a most beloved hobbit, Bilbo Baggins. After returning from his adventure in the mountains with Gandalf and the dwarves, Bilbo became an oddity to the world-shy hobbits. Adding to this oddity is the fact he came home with so much gold and money and refused to tell anyone where or how he got it. Yet, Bilbo enjoys keeping people in suspense. Especially his dreary cousins, the Sackville-Bagginses. And their is one piece of treasured gold that Bilbo has kept safe with him. Safe from everyone, except for his nephew and heir, Frodo.

Goodreads Review: Biggest Brother: The Life of Major Dick Winters, The Man Who Led the Band of Brothers

 

Biggest Brother: The Life of Major Dick Winters, The Man Who Lead the Band of Brothers by Larry Alexander

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Decorated WWII veteran and former paratrooper from the 101st Airborne, Major Richard "Dick" Winters was brought from his quiet life in Pennsylvania to absolute stardom with the creation of HBO's mini-series, Band of Brothers. 10 years before the release of the film, Dick had recounted his life in the military for Stephen Ambrose's book that the mini-series was based on. However, the show brought Dick to the front stage making him an absolute icon and legend.

Biggest Brother, while considered an autobiography, was a collaboration between Dick Winters and Larry Alexander. Dick didn't like writing in 1st person and preferred the narrative form instead. Yet, his words are entirely his. Biggest Brother starts with the history of the Winter's family and their settling in Pennsylvania, Dick's upbringing in the strict reformed Mennonite lifestyle from his mother and living through the Great Depression.

When the war started Dick was really unsure of where he wanted to be, but he certainly did not want to be fighting. Joining the paratroopers changed that. Dick worked his way up the ranks, starting as the beloved platoon leader to Easy Company in Taccoa, Georgia, Lieutenant and then Captain to the same company that he would lead from D-Day to the end of the war, where he was finally given the rank as Major.

Biggest Brother also recounts Dick's life in from the conception of the book, Band of Brothers, which led to the mini-series. And while he was satisfied with the series (even though he couldn't understand at first why they cast a red headed, English actor to play him), he certainly had his own opinions about what he did and did not like about the content that was used.

This book was very enjoyable. As an avid biography reader, I loved delving deeper in the life of Dick Winters, a humble man who simply did his job and did it well. I hold a great deal of admiration for Dick Winters and his life before, during and after the war. A life that can never be forgotten.

LOTR Read-Along: The Fellowship of the Ring: Foreword and Prologue

Last week I started The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, beginning with the foreword, the beautiful maps of Middle-Earth and then the prologue. The foreword is a personal message from Tolkien himself after a needed new edition. He writes warmly and candidly (rather similar to Bilbo) of the Genesis of The Lord of the Rings, its popularity and the time it took to create the whole series.

After the foreword is the prologue which is written in four small sections.

Aesthetics//Musicals

Oklahoma!

// Horses

//Cowboy hats

//Hair ribbons

//Haystacks

//Fruit pies

//Picnic baskets

//Cornfields

//Farmhouses

//Peddler's cart

//Glass bottles

Lord of the Dance/Feet of Flames

//Silver flutes

//Cathedral bells

//Starry skies

//Curly hair

//Rainbows

//Dark magic

//Monk's habits

//Torches

//White smoke

//Violins  

le Roi Soleil 

//Gilded crowns

//Red silk

//Fans

//Paintings

//Flags

//Pink satin

//Stairwells

//Mirrors

//Feathered quills

//Armor

//Elaborate wigs

Bride and Prejudice 

//Gold jewelry

//Saris

//Books

//Beaches

//Fireworks

//Market places

//Henna dye

//Water fountains

//Canyons

//Hotels 

Mamma Mia!

//Journals

//Overalls

//Oceans

//Wedding dresses

//Drawings

//Guitars

//Boats

//Music boxes

//Docks

//Stone houses

Thank you to Olivia for the great idea!