A Sojourn in the Shire - My Adventures in Middle-earth, Part II

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Day Two: His house was perfect, whether you liked food, or sleep, or work, or story-telling, or singing, or just sitting and thinking best, or a pleasant mixture of them all. Evil things did not come into that valley…

This day was devoted to all things Elven.

I am not exactly an early riser, though once up I’m set for the day. Knowing myself well, I signed up for one of the late breakfast times and was able to rise and prepare for the day in a leisurely, peaceful fashion that I can only hope to attain at home. I breakfasted with two delightful ladies, one from Louisiana and the other from a closer distance (KY? OH? I wish I could remember…). The Village offers a morning buffet, but as I’m not fond of eggs I opted this morning for dry cereal and OJ, though the wee pumpkin muffins with butter are addictive and always a big draw!

My first order of business was to visit the “Trading Post” to check-in officially and pick up my registration bag. I also took a brief turn around the room to look at the various wares for sale and made a mental note to return on payday (thank you direct deposit!) to do a bit of shopping. I chatted with a few people along my way, and then sat down to consult the schedule – there were plenty of activities from which to choose – but as part of my intent for this time away was to rediscover my “center,” I decided to let the Spirit move me as the days unfolded. I pulled out my journal (a red one like Bilbo’s famous Red Book of Westmarch) and sat outside on a bench to begin my own tale of a journey.

I had not yet decided what I planned for the morning… maybe walk the Village, take some pictures, etc. But as I sat there, one of our panelists – Constance Wagner – saw me writing and asked, “You are coming to my writing workshop in ten minutes, aren’t you?” And, of course, I said, “Yes, I’ll be there!”

Now, it was not in my mind to do that at all. I’ve not had much success in workshops or writers’ groups. Fantasy-writing seems always to be looked down upon by “serious” writers – and Young Adult Fantasy-writing even more so (Harry Potter & Twilight notwithstanding… though they, of course, have their detractors as well, I suppose). But as I said, I was letting circumstances as they came up lead me, and I’d be less than perceptive, indeed, if I didn’t follow both Constance’s and the Spirit’s invitation. So, I gathered up my belongings and headed over to the workshop.

In her presentation, Constance led us through some guided visualizations designed to allow our creative minds to wander along the paths of her meditative words that drew inspiration from Professor Tolkien’s works. There were four exercises: some individuals wrote distinct and separate paragraphs – sometimes even actual mini-stories -- on the topics, such as the Istari or Galadriel’s Mirror, and some of us were a bit less specific to the LOTR world. For myself, I took Constance’s suggestion to tie each of the visualizations to each other, focusing on that place I go to when I need to regroup. My “happy place,” some people are wont to call it. I think, though, that most of us responded to the last exercise most readily – the one inspired by the Rohirrim. Perhaps it is because the words were more tangible and active? This is what I wrote:

But the heart of the hearth, where the fire of welcome burns brightest, that is where the stories coalesce into history. A place at the table, era upon era, the tales are spoken, then written, then imprinted on the hearts of all who listen.

All in all, an hour well-spent with an encouraging room of fellow writers – as I said, not my usual experience with such a group – but then with this group of people I should’ve had more faith in them. Perhaps it will give me more encouragement to seek out another local writers’ group…

By this time, lunch was being distributed down in the Dancing/Prancing Pony, so I went to get mine and started back to I-don’t-know-where… perhaps my room at that point. The riverboat cruise was scheduled for after lunch and I wanted to drop some extra items off, eat and then head to the boat landing.

But again, circumstances intervened… along the way, I met with the delightful Phyllis and Ritchey on my way back and spent some quality time under the shade of a lovely tree chatting with them and catching up. So as the time approached to make for the boat before it set sail (does a riverboat set sail?) I gave up stopping at my room and detoured to my car instead. This was only one of two times I drove during my stay – the boat landing, while quite near the Village, would be quite a hike (and some DID hike down there – maybe next time for me…).

It was a beautiful, sunny afternoon – warm for late September, but a perfect day to be out on the water. This would be my third trip down the Kentucky River – or the Anduin, as it was called during our stay; and though I’d heard about and seen the River before, what mattered most to me was just being on the boat – I never pass up an opportunity to climb aboard! So, I reveled in the cruise, giving half an ear to our captain’s banter, but dividing the larger share of my attention between my lunch, the sights along the river and observing the interesting fellowship aboard. Again, another hour well-spent!

Late afternoon I made my way back over to the west side of the Village for Elven Choir practice. Thanks to Galadriel and Legolas we rehearsed three Elven chorales: two from Howard Shore’s score of the films and one from the musical. We only had an hour to go through them and we all seemed to settle into The Passing of the Grey Elves the best, so it was decided the choir would just sing that piece (Galadriel & Legolas sang Saruman from the musical as a duet). I thought I would have plenty of time to go back to my room and dress for the evening in Elven garb, but it was decided to meet back an hour later to go through the music again – so it was a bit of a rush job, but I made it back in plenty of time, and even managed not to be out of breath!

Upon walking into the Meadow View Barn again, the transformation from the night before was magical! The interesting rafters and sunset through the slatted walls were the same, but added to it were majestic columns and gauzy fabric billowing in the slight evening breeze. Harp music wafted gently as we ate another delicious meal among the beautiful and ageless Eldar and their guests.

This is the night where those who want to show off their skills for creating their LOTR garb are displayed to greatest effect. The costume pageant is always a much-anticipated part of the evening, and those who participated did not disappoint. To be clear, sewing is not necessarily a requisite of great costuming… there are also leather-workers, metal-workers, jewelers, make-up artists and even those who just have an innate knack for finding and putting together “off-the-rack” clothing and accessories in amazingly authentic-looking garb. Well done to one and all! I, myself, did not participate as my gown was one I’ve used for some time. Perhaps at the next one (Oh, crap!) I’ll have the means to create a new one worthy of modeling for the Court of Imladris!

As I mentioned earlier, the Elven Choir also performed for Lord Elrond and Lady Celebrian and the other worthies in the chamber this evening as part of The Hall of Fire. I’ve been singing with my parish choir for many years, so it’s always a great challenge to sing with other people one hasn’t grown accustomed to performing with on a regular basis. There are so many gifted individuals at this gathering – it really keeps an elfmaid on her toes!

Not only did we have more singing and music from a host of talented musicians (including Marc, Samantha & now Jamie), but there was also Constance's poetry, re-enactments of Galadriel’s Prologue and Mirror speeches from FOTR, as well as a spoof of the Council of Elrond. I was particularly taken with artist Jef Murray’s chanting of Tolkien’s literary song, “Oh Elbereth!” and poem “Earendil the Mariner.” I love that Tolkien’s words married with Gregorian chant so well. It’s well-known that the Professor was a devout Catholic, so this combination seems eminently appropriate. It also resonates with this Catholic girl pretty well too.

So, with those images echoing in my mind I wended back toward the eastern corner of the Shire to write, to sleep to, dream…

A Sojourn in the Shire: My Adventures in Middle-earth - Part I

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.

Review: Black Swan

Film award season is upon us, and all the Oscar-worthy movies are vying for our attention.  For myself, I only spend the money on a movie if I really want to see it.  The lure of it being a potential award-winner isn't strong enough to tempt me into the theatre.  Story, subject matter, sometimes a particular actor are what drive me to buy a ticket.  The King's Speech, for example, seemed to be made just for me!  (see review on an earlier post)

That said, I'd been intrigued by the psychological thriller Black Swan, but on the fence about going because I'd heard it billed as a "horror" film, which is not at all my cup of tea.  However, a friend and co-worker, who is himself a dancer, asked me to join him and I was excited at the prospect of seeing a film about the dancing world with someone who knows it from the inside out!

My first reaction at the end of the movie was a huge exhale and a wow... okay, I may've cried a bit too.  But it was intense!  And I was startled by a lot of the action.  I would not call it a horror film at all, though there is a surprising amount of blood.  It certainly is a psychological thriller, no doubt.  The downward spiral of ballerina Nina's sanity as she prepares for the role of a lifetime still has me wondering what, if anything, was real.  Yet, the best way to describe this film, I think, is a tragedy in the nature of Euripides or even Shakespeare.

Nina (played by an absolutely stellar Natalie Portman) is a dancer in a NYC Balanchine-esque company.  She is technically perfect in her movements, but her lack of connection in the moment has thus far kept her from stepping out in one of the principal ballet roles.  Artistic director Thomas (Vincent Cassel) has a new vision for the ballet Swan Lake and needs a prima ballerina to dance both the delicate, trembling White Swan and the lustier, seductive Black Swan.  He has no doubts about Nina's ability to play the pristine embodiment of perfection, but of her darker mirror-image he frankly tells her he is not as certain.

Nina wants the role badly enough to convince Thomas that there is a spark of sensuality in her and when the cast list goes up, she gets the plum roles.  One would think that is where all the stress begins, but the screenplay cleverly gives hints of her precarious mental state from the very beginning.  Glimpses of the new girl in the company (Mila Kunis) just out of sight... a smothering mother (Barbara Hershey) living her own forestalled dance career through her daughter... an entire world played out in girlish shades of pink and white... scratches and hangnails from compulsive itching and picking... at first it seems rather normal.  We all have our own bad habits and day-to-day stresses, but little by little we are given snatches of darker impulses.

• She steals a lipstick out of the dressing room of the prima ballerina she supplanted (Winona Ryder).
• A suggestion from Thomas to get in touch (literally!) with her sexual side leads to risky sexual encounters.
• Her itching and picking become visions of ripping off her own skin and pulling out quills from her own body.
• She turns on her clingy mother in a rage.
• Every waking moment becomes a paranoia-filled dream that leads to murder.

Or does it?

We find out later in the film that the lipstick isn't the only thing she's stolen from Beth (Ryder).  That living in the insular world of dance with her mother she lives a repressed and stunted existence.  That being a perfectionist opens herself to jealousy and suspicion, which sets the stage for her descent into madness.  By the end of the film neither Nina nor the audience knows what's real and what's not.  Honestly, I'm still not convinced in my own mind that the ending is all it seems to be.  (I'm resisting the urge to tell too much of the ending - it really should be experienced without knowing too much in advance!)

The Golden Globe Awards were handed out this past weekend, and Natalie Portman was named Best Actress in a Drama, and I think the award well-deserved.  She was in every scene and brought the audience with her along for this tragic roller-coaster ride.  I couldn't wait for the movie to be over to ask my friend how convincing she was as a ballerina.  He agreed to me that she did a credible job of it.  Granted, much of her dancing was shot from the waist up, but there is still a posture that requires the bottom half to work as hard as the top half even if you don't see it.  I imagine a probable Oscar nomination, and a very possible win for her.

Milas Kunis was the enigmatic and alluring Lily, a free-spirit that plays like a bad-girl of dance.  Her natural sensuality both makes Nina paranoid and intrigued by her.

Barbara Hershey was the erstwhile dancer in the corps de ballet who gave up her career to have Nina.  She gave up her own future as a dancer to live every moment for her daughter and her dance career.  Even as old as Nina is (mid-20s, I imagine), we see Mom clipping her daughter's nails, taking out her earrings and practically tucking her in to bed each night as she winds the music box that plays the theme from Swan Lake, as if listening to it as she goes to bed each night will ensure Nina one day dances the role of the Swan Queen.

Vincent Cassel plays Thomas, the artistic director with the daring vision of the White Swan and the Black Swan as two sides of the same coin.  I've seen it written that the role is "Balanchine-lite," an imitation of what has been reported as the management style of the great choreographer who would pit dancers against each other and replace older dancers with younger ones.

Winona Ryder's role as Beth the displaced prima ballerina is small, but pivotal.  While Ms. Ryder doesn't actually dance in the film, the audience is given to believe that in Beth's heyday she was the Maria Callas of ballet, a dancer who felt each role to its utmost and danced in the moment.  Her example is what Nina is striving to achieve, but has not yet been able to understand.

One other interesting acting note is that the gentleman who plays David, the Prince in Swan Lake, ultimately fell in love with Natalie Portman, even though his character isn't interested in her in the movie.  His name, Benjamin Millepied, is apropos... a thousand feet!

This is the first film I've watched directed by Darren Aronofsky, so I have nothing with which to compare his work, but I would interested to see another of his films.

A couple of caveats: this film is rated R for strong sexual content, disturbing violent images, language and some drug use.  I remember hearing that the movie was rated R, but honestly didn't pay attention to it until I was confronted with said sexual and disturbing images (the language and drug use frankly pale in comparison).  I'm not really a prude, but I wasn't prepared for for such visceral sex scenes, and some of the bloody scenes (not necessarily violent though) made me wince and look away.  They're appropriate to the film, but depending on who you're with it might feel a bit on the awkward side.  Just go into it being prepared!

All in all, this is a really good film.  It's weird to say that I "like" it, as it's difficult to find anyone or anything to like in it; but I certainly didn't "dislike" Black Swan at all.  It's never boring and keeps the audience on the edge of their seats the entire 108 minutes of screen time.  Even at that, though, I'm not ready to see it again anytime -- but I have a feeling it will stay with me a long time!

Above picture: Natalie Portman as Nina in Black Swan, a film by Fox Searchlight Pictures, Protozoa Pictures, Phoenix Pictures, in association with Cross Creek Pictures.  Distributed by 20th Century Fox

Cultivating Kindness - Part II

So I lamented LAST year that people seem to be losing their sense of civility and kindness.  What can I do THIS year to combat this?  What can anyone do?

Obviously, I can't speak for anyone else.  So... I must work to civilize my own corner of the world.  It's a big job even in the few square miles I inhabit... not, of course, including the millions of megabytes out there in cyberspace!  It may take me awhile, so I hope to revisit this topic every once in awhile, reporting on the one (or more) ideas I have to add a little grace and kindness to life.

My first task is to write more thank-you notes.  Not emails.  Not just a phone call (though it may start here).  An honest-to-goodness, handwritten on nice stationery or card, mailed with a stamp note.  This was something I used to do on a regular basis, but like everyone else I've let it fall by the wayside letting an email (if that!) do the job.

Gosh, who doesn't love to get a letter in the mail?  Our boxes are filled up with bills and ads and all kinds of junk mail... when a special envelope with our name written on the front surprises us doesn't our heart beat a little faster?  Aren't we curious to see who sent us this personal missive?  Isn't it wonderful to read that our gift or kindness has been returned in this intimate way?

I was reminded of this, strangely enough, when reading my newsfeed on Facebook.  NPR posted a link to this story on its website: Perfect Thank You Notes: Heartfelt and Handwritten.  It was definitely a wake-up call!  So like John Kralik I'm going to strive to write one thank-you note a day.  I went out a bought a box of pretty cards and I'll stop at the post office on Monday to get stamps - all I need is my pen and my writing cap, and I'm set!

I have a lot for which to be grateful, especially after the holiday season - time to get writing!