The feeling, however, is the same: the anticipation, the cozy setting and, above all, the mystery surrounding Gandalf. From the very beginning it became a magnet and has remained my favourite character. I pictured him so easily in my mind that, even though now I have so many images of him, I can still recollect my original Gandalf. But I'm not there yet. I have just been listening to all the gossip surrounding Bilbo's and Frodo's background and I'm looking forward to the party. But I have to stop at "That very month was September, and as fine as you could ask."
Princesse, Blusqui. This entry is dedicated to you both.
SIX YEARS LATER.
ReplyDeleteInstead of editing the already existing entries, I thought I would add the thoughts on this new journey in the comments, so as not to tamper with the past. I am starting the road with hobbits one week later than intended, but last week was pretty intense. I was hosting the 9th Biennial EASLCE Conference and it was a lot of hard work and also a lot of excitement, finally getting to meet old colleagues and friends after two years. The "Long-Expected Conference" was supposed to take place in November 2020 but, for reasons we all know, it had to be postponed. Still, good things come to those who wait.
Forgive me if I cannot write a lot today. I am writing with a heavy heart, broken again by two losses, even if they were not directly mine. Mr Gaillard, Bolo, "the ships have come to carry you home". I love the description of the other side Gandalf gives to Pippin in the film adaptation:
"End? No, the journey doesn't end here. Death is just another path, one that we all must take. The grey rain-curtain of this world rolls back and all turns to silver glass. And then you see it. White shores, and beyond, a far green country under a swift sunrise". Indeed, as Pippin says, it doesn't sound so bad.
Till the reunion.