The following is a bit of a travelog describing my week at a Lord of the Rings gathering in Harrodsburg, KY called A Long Expected Party (ALEP) - There and Back Again (TABA) that took place Wednesday, September 28th through Sunday, October 1st, 2011.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Day One: You step into the Road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there is no knowing where you might be swept off to…
It’s fortunate for me that the Road to “The Shire” (ie: Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill, KY) is no great distance. It’s an easy, even scenic, drive – and while I was eager to arrive and immerse myself in the land of Middle-earth, I had no wish to rush through the experience. I spent the morning at home finishing up a few small loads of laundry, checking in online with friends and family I might not have regular contact with while I was gone and, of course, packing. Being able to drive I had the luxury of taking as much time as I wanted or needed, and I discovered that these few years of connecting with other lovers of Professor Tolkien’s work I have enough costumes and accessories to warrant their own suitcase! (And my collection is modest in comparison with many others) But eventually I got all my bits and bobs collected and loaded into my “steed,” the sleek Narya (named for the red elven Ring of Fire). Once gassed up, with appropriate snacks for me on the seat nearby, I slowly made my way south. I left somewhat later than planned, but it did work out that I missed the worst of the traffic crossing into Kentucky and the rest was smooth sailing.
I arrived at the Village with a sigh of welcome relief – not because of any harrowing escapades on the Road – but for the sheer joy of returning to a place that holds a truly unique and special place in my heart. That I would be spending five days with friends, old and new – all like-minded comrades – was icing on the cake.
Once settled in -- or at lease familiar with -- my lodging for the week, I hastened to the Meadow View Barn to begin my adventure. I soon met up with Eowyn and Rosie Cotton, friends from a previous visit to the Shire, and then Everon Gamgee, Alasse Calmcacill, Bramblerose and Ames and many more people with whom I’ve become acquainted online. It really is quite amazing how social media can bring together people in positive ways.
This evening had no “theme” per se, but was a sort of meet and greet to ease us from the work-a-day world into the beloved hills and valleys of “our” Shire-home. A few introductory skits, familiar tunes from Marc Gunn and one of his newest musical collaborators, Samantha, delicious food and a few announcements rounded out the evening.
The walk back initially was solitary, though welcome! I’m a person who is both social and loves my “alone-time.” It is very dark in the village at night and the stars, therefore, twinkle much, much brighter. About half-way back I was offered a ride the rest of the way (thanks, Bramblerose & Co.!) and took it gladly, for there were many cars leaving and it just seemed the safest idea.
Back at the East Sisters Shop I took the time to unpack the car and air out all the gowns I would be wearing in the coming days. I also freshened up and changed, then headed over to the Dancing/Prancing Pony for the “after-hours” session. I chatted with a few people, listened to the incredible music that was to punctuate the entire week, had a sip of “apple pie” (YUM – thanks, Michael!) and then wended my way “home” to download the day’s pictures, do a little writing and meditate a bit on the awesome beginning of my sojourn in the Shire.
2 comments:
You are quite welcome. I was honored to give you a ride so glad we were staying so close to each other.
Bramblerose
Oh, hold onto that feeling and those routines, because I HOPE we can figure out a way to live our lives that way!
Post a Comment