T-Swift Book Tag!

A few months back I was looking for a Book Tag and found this awesome Taylor Swift one on Another Blog. It's taken me awhile but I've decided to do it!

The Taylor Swift Book Tag!

1. We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together

(Pick a book or series that you were pretty sure you were in love with, but then wanted to break up with)

The Raven Boys was beautifully written and intriguing. The plot was solid, the characters were great, and there were some incredible friendships. I was pretty sure I loved it. 

However, I decided to never read the series again when an awesome character who was Catholic, a boxer, and one of the most aggressive, protective people you'll ever meet, ended up being gay. It was so out of character. Especially because his "significant other" was in love with a girl for the first three books. I was so upset. Ronan wasn't. He wouldn't. It would not have happened. That twist was obviously just the Writer deciding to go with a popular trend. It makes me mad.

2. Red

(pick a book with a RED cover)

War is coming...

The Shadow Throne by Jennifer Neilson. This book is the last of three so I can't say too much about it without giving anything away. Just go read the Ascendants Trilogy! The characters are well done, the plot is good, and there are some great friendships/romances. Remember, it is Middle Grade so it could have been a little more mature/serious, but ya' know. It's still a good series though! 8-)

3. The Best Day

(pick a book that makes you feel nostalgic)

I'm not sure if this means the book itself makes you feel nostalgic, or whether it's a book that makes you feel nostalgic because it means something to you personally. 

If it's the first option then I would go with The Penderwicks In Spring, which made me feel both very nostalgic and very emotional. Wow. Poor Batty. Poor Ben. Poor Jeffrey. Poor Mr. Penderwick. Poor everyone.

All The Sads!

The other option is probably Winnie The Pooh. (The originals, obviously.) Pooh brings back good memories an a warm achy feeling in my chest. I love the stories and the characters. Even if it's a bad day Pooh can make me feel better. 

Winnie the Pooh has a nostalgia all it's own. It leaves you with the same achy feeling you get after watching Pixar's Inside Out. You rediscover your childhood and then you have to let go of it again. It's sad, but not in a bad way. And it makes you remember important things and reconnect with that childlike wonder and excitement.

4. Love Story

(pick a book with forbidden love)

I don't know if Jane Eyre is necessarily forbidden but it's all that came to mind. I don't read too much romance. Usually because it's dull.

Jane is a young governess in the 1800's who tutors a little girl, Adele, in the country. She falls in love with Adele's guardian, Mr. Rochester and he in turn falls for her. This story has a Forbidden Love angle because Jane had no social standing and worth, whereas Rochester had very high social standing and is a well-known and respected. In that time frame such a thing was strongly frowned upon in disapproval. Their relationship and potential marriage goes against custom, code, and tradition. Besides that, there is Rochester's secret...

5. I Knew You Were Trouble

(pick a book with a bad character you couldn’t help but love)

D. Grayman, Katsura Hoshino

Tyki Mikk

"My Black and White selves - the real fun lies in having both."

Uuuungggggggg. My relationship with this character is "Tyki, Why?" and Tyki is like "TYKI EVIL."

Seriously though. Tyki is a horrible person. I should hate him. I do hate him. But I also I like him. I don't know why I like him. He does terrible things and enjoys them. And I'm just over there, "Why aren't you good? You could be good, if you just gave up your dark side."

Maybe he'll have a giant character arc. The series isn't over yet.

6. Innocent

(pick a book that someone ruined the ending for.)

My sister's are really good about not spoiling book endings. 8-) Sometimes they'll spoil TV shows or movies but with books my family is tight-lipped. The end of Oblivion (the last book of the Gatekeeper series) was spoiled through my own fault. I had a bad feeling about that stupid book, especially in regard to some of my favorite characters, so I asked my sister to please tell me what happened. And my feelings were correct. I'm not reading that book for a while. A long while.


7. Everything Has Changed

(pick a character from a book who goes through extensive character development)

Extensive, hm? Extensive.

Xerxes Break from the Pandora Hearts series.*

"No matter how you suffer, you must go on living anyway."

*Yes, it's a manga. A manga I need to review.

Xerxes Break is one of those manga characters that blew me away. He was such an odd, untrustworthy person at the beginning. I didn't like him. But as I continued to read the series, Break's character arc got me good. He turned into one of my favorite characters. His development was intense, emotional, and beautifully done.

I can't finish this question without taking time for Paul Grey too. Paul Grey from The Last Crescendo goes through an incredible arc. He comes from the lowest of the low, sunk in depression and hatred, and slowly comes back to life and... God. It's like, wow Paul. Look at all the good that is in you. You're so, heroically good. I love that about The Last Crescendo. I love that about Paul. His personal growth as a character, and his growth in regard to religion and Catholicism are both beautiful, realistic, and pure. If you're looking for a good "Christian Fiction" book, Owen Francis Dudley writes fantastic ones. They're all about a Catholic Monk named brother Anselm and the different people he meets and helps.

8. You Belong With Me

(pick your most anticipated book release)

Book Five.

I need this book so badly! I own the first four books and have been desperately waiting for a new one to come out for ages. Really. Book four came on in 2010! And here we are seven years later, Finally getting another book!

Don't be that Writer. 😩

I mean, Megan Whalen Turner is great but geeze. That's a long wait.

The Queen's Thief series is my absolute favorite fantasy series ever. I love how Turner handles character development and growth, and I LOVE her third book! Besides the great stories and individual arcs of characters and plots, Eugenides is the most epic little thief you'll ever read about so....

I NEED BOOK FIVE!

I've pre-ordered but I have fears about betrayal. Please don't betray me Megan! Don't do it!

9. Forever and Always

(pick your favorite book couple)

I don't read romances! 8-( Up there at the top is a book couple I can't give names to without revealing a spoiler, but it's from the Attolia series. Besides that one, my favorite couple is probably Ann and Paul from The Last Crescendo,

BONUS QUESTIONS! (Added by Bella)

10. Never Grow Up
(A book you read when you're feeling sad/emotional)

When I am in need of a comfort book I tend to read Howl's Moving Castle, or one of the many Chrestomanci books. There is something very heart-warming about Diana Wynne Jones' books.

11. Begin Again

A book you've read multiple times but always go back to it because it's that good.

The Queen's Thief series and The Lord of the Rings Trilogy.

"Steal me peace."

"All you have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to you."

12. Starlight
(A book you hid in bed with/fell asleep reading)

I've fallen asleep reading plenty of times in my life, but some books that stand out in my mind for this, Half Magic, Edward Eager, The Masterful Monk, Owen Francis Dudley, Harry Potter, JK Rowling, and Mariel of Redwall, Brian Jacques. I don't remember which Harry Potter book. I think it was The Prisoner of Azkaban. Of those books, Half Magic is a big one. I remember waking up and finishing it later that night. The joys of a bookworm. 😊 Things like that happened to me fairly often actually.

13. I Know Places
The number one book you would take on a long trip away from home.

The Queen's Thief, or The Hobbit.

14.) Change

(A book you've never read but want and plan to)

This series. Dragonsong, Dragonsingers, Dragondrums. It sounds good and I'm slightly appalled that I've never read it.

This was fun! I think I'll do one for my TV shows/movies next! 8-D

I tag:

Jack

Christine

Treskie

Kat

Amy

And anyone else who wants to give it a whirl! No worries if you can't do the tag either. Fufufu.

*swings around cape and leaps off stage*

Bella

I get to chat about fictional characters.

Well. Once again it's been over a week since I've blogged. I feel terrible. I'm not even that busy. I had a birthday gift I was working on for my sister Amy and that took up a lot of my time - and it's still late. Which sucks. It should have been done - it would have been done if the stupid freakin colors would work out right.

(On that note you guys, I really hate coloring videos. I can never get mine to look like I want them to and it ticks me off.)

ANYHOOSEL. I was tagged by Ivy Miranda. It seemed like a good tag, and I knew I'd forget if I didn't do it soon, so here it is!

FIVE MALE CHARACTERS TAG

Rules: 

1.) List 5 of you favorite male characters (book or screen)

2.) Tagging other people is optional

3.) If you are tagged link back to the person that tagged you

4.) Link back to Revealed In Time (preferably using the link to this post)

Choose one from each category.

1.) Hero

2.) Villain

3.) Anti-hero

4.) Best book-to-screen adaption

5.) Best character perception 

yes, let's keep that in mind.

I have lots of male characters I like.... this is going to be really hard. I'm going to feel guilty when I do this. I hate picking favorites. 

1.) Hero. 

Holy crap. There are so many heroes that I love! How can I narrow this down?? *grinds teeth.*

Okay. I think one of the most heroic characters ever is Sam Winchester. He always tries to do the right thing, even when it's hard. When he screws up he blames no one but himself and does anything and everything he can to fix the mistake. He lay down his life and surrendered himself horrible torture forever to save the world. He didn't know there was any way out. He didn't think he'd ever be saved. He did it anyway. He will sacrifice everything for his brother. He would die for his brother. He would rip the world apart for his brother. When it comes to family and friends (and almost everyone) Sam Winchester is unceasingly generous, kind, gentle and forgiving. Like he literally forgave his 'friend' for breaking open his mind, causing all sorts of hallucinations that drove him almost to insanity and practically killed him because the nightmares and visions made it so he could barely eat or sleep for weeks. He didn't just forgive him either - he stayed his friend and tried to help him! The guy is incredible!

"... and if you come with me, I can take you to it."

If Sam is selfish, its when he thinks of others - his family, his friends, or even strangers. He hardly ever thinks of himself. Like, the one time he was selfish for himself that sticks out in my mind was when he went to college. But I don't think that was really selfish. He was getting out of a toxic situation and finding some freedom. He just wanted to get a job, get married and be happy. I don't think that should be considered selfish.  Sure, he has his bad days. (And sometimes those are very bad days,) but at his core he is a good, strong man who is incredibly optimistic and always tries to see the best in people and in the world. He is very brave, very kind and very gentle. He protects people. He never gives up and he does what's right.

"I kind of know what I'm dealing with. A lot of people got it worse."

*other heroes that I love are Dean Winchester, Sydney Carton, Steve Rogers, all the Avengers, Michael Scofield, Matt Murdock, Fred and George Weasley, Rory Williams....the list goes on.

2.) Villain. 

Hmmm... Villains. I don't think Loki qualifies as a Villain. He's more like an Anti-hero/Anti-Villain, Sooo... Let me think. *cracks knuckles*

I like the Master from Doctor Who. He is clever and funny and he acts a lot like the Doctor but evil. He's a really good villain and I hate what they did to him in Season Eight. I also really like Saruman from Lord of the Rings, chiefly because I like the parallel Tolkien drew between Lucifer and Saruman and Michael the Archangel and Gandalf. I think it was cool how he showed that Saruman, this incredible, powerful, beautiful wizard with all this potential, got corrupted and fell into darkness; just like the devil did. He wanted too much and he thought himself better than all the other creatures of Middle Earth. He wanted to be a god and was willing to do anything to make that happen. Another villain that I think is really good is Julian Verrers from The Masterful Monk. He is a rabid Atheist who hates God and His Church, and he is super creepy and crazy and I hates him. He has a ton of charisma and this unnerving ability to gain the trust of others. He is like one of those horrible politicians with the hidden agendas, but way, way worse. He is a very good villain. He's the kind of villain you wish you could drop kick down a cliff. 

Okay. I don't think I have a favorite villain. Julian Verrers is horrible and evil so let's go with him.

3.) Anti-Hero. 

I'm guessing the Anti-Hero is the hero who works for good but has serious flaws and isn't completely 'pure' in his intention.

"These darker heroes can be jerks, pathetic, hard, jaded, or mean..." - source.

Severus Snape. Snape is one of the biggest fictional 'heroes' ever. Almost everyone knows about him. Whether you are a Potterhead or not, you will hear about Snape. 

I'm going to be frank here. I didn't care much for Snape in the books. I liked him in the movies. I watched them before I read the books and I thought he was a good character. He was a jerk, but that wasn't all he was. When I read the books though, I didn't connect with him the same way. I felt bad for him but I didn't really like him. Yes, his death was sad. Yes, he had a hard back story. No, I didn't hate him - how could I? But I do think J.K. Rowling wrote him way too dark. Alan Rickman did a good job with the character because he brought out a very sympathetic, human side to him. He's the reason I like Snape.

Too fabulous for you.

Snape is a very complex character. He isn't the type of person you could get close to easily, if at all. He is cold and distant, spiteful and sharp. He isn't very nice to the students at Hogwarts and he picked on most of them, especially the popular ones, like Harry. But Snape was dealt a bad hand in his life. He grew up in an abusive home. He didn't have friends because he was so quiet and odd. Even at Hogwarts he didn't find the safety that it brought most children. He was a Slytherin, so he was instantly hated and bullied. James Potter and his friends made his life miserable. He had one real friend, Lily. She was a girl at school that he eventually fell in love with, but he lost her after an especially bad day when he called her a dirty name. Lily never forgave him and terminated their friendship. Then she married James, the very man who had tormented him his whole childhood.

Snape was with Voldemort for a short time, but turned on him and joined Dumbledore. He tried to protect Lily and her family from the Dark Lord and even asked Dumbledore for help, but he lost her all the same. He then dedicated the rest of his life to protecting Harry (who, by the way, looked just like his dad.) And he didn't stop there either. He played spy for Dumbledore and took the fall for Hogwarts over and over again. He allowed himself to be framed as a traitor to protect the school, the students and Harry. He gave up his reputation, his home, and the few teachers whom he counted as friends, all in the name of love and loyalty. He never defended himself against the lies or the hate. He stayed on the outskirts, watching over the students and teachers from afar, and he defended them against all the attacks he could. And he took care of the children, even when it seemed like he hated them. (I actually think some of the reason he acted like a jerk was because he had to play the role of the traitor, and kids like Draco reported back to Voldemort.) Severus Snape was an angry, bitter man, but he loved and sacrificed himself for love, and ultimately lay down his life to protect others. And that is pretty heroic.

"Look at me."

4.) Best book-to-screen adaptation.

One of the best book-to-screen adaptations I've ever seen is Aragorn, from Lord of the Rings. I think Peter Jackson did a really good job writing his character for the movie. No one else could have been Strider. No one could have done Strider better. He was Strider. He wasn't quite as ridiculous as he was in the book, but who could be? Tolkien was ridiculous, and sometimes that kind of ridiculous can only be read, not acted. (Could we really have Aragorn pulling out his sword every two seconds to say "this is the blade that was broken! Rawr!!") He made him a little more serious, but otherwise he was shockingly accurate to the book. I absolutely LOVE Aragorn in the movies. He was so perfect. From the minute he appeared in the Prancing Pony, he was perfect. He was noble and strong, but hesitant to take his rightful place on the throne. He was brave and kind, with a wry sense of humor and a cranky sort of attitude, but a soft, kind gentle side. And Peter Jackson didn't do anything in the movies to blemish his character.

Because Aragorn is FAbuLous.

5.) Best Character Perception.

I'm not sure... I'm guessing this means a character who has the best (or most accurate) idea of himself? Like, a character who doesn't really change but is simply revealed as who he really is.

Alright. Sydney Carton. (you knew that was coming didn't you?)

"I am at less than my best on a fairly regular basis."

Sydney Carton is one of the best characters that has ever been written. When he is first introduced, (especially if you don't know the story) he comes off as a very careless and rude character. He has a lazy sort of attitude and he seems like the type of man who doesn't bother about anything. He seems to have no respect for anyone, including himself, and he appears to take way too much liberty with pleasure. You wouldn't think Sydney was a good man at first. You might think he was kind of a lowlife. Pathetic, yes, but still a lowlife. This is, in fact, how Carton views himself. He thinks he's pathetic, rude and a failure at everything he does. He's a filthy drunk with no worth and no friends. This attitude and rough idea that he has of himself projects very loudly and it is what the audience sees; A lost man who really needs to sober up and get his act together. But as the story goes on, the audience starts to see more of who Sydney actually is. They see how he is treated. They see how he is abused by his boss and his 'friends.' They see how much he wants to be better but that he thinks change is impossible for a man like him. As the story continues, the audience realizes that their first idea of Carton was wrong, and slowly their view of him starts to change. They see a kind man, a gentle man. They see a man full of courage and love who has so much to give, so much to share. They see a man who cares deeply and viciously and who wishes to be better if only he wasn't a failure, if only he was 'stronger.' They realize he is flawed, but behind his flaws there is a man who would sacrifice anything in the name of love and friendship, a man who is strong and brave, a man who will fight on when everyone else gives up.

Sydney does go through a character ark, but it's more like character fulfillment. We see him make friends with Lucy and her family. We see him drink less and less - and he never drinks when he is at Lucie's home. We see his flaws start to pull away and the man inside become more and more clear. At the end of the story, when he gives his life to save Charles Darnay, it isn't really a shock or a change for his character. You realize that this is who Sydney was all along. He always had the potential to be stronger and better than he was.He always had the goodness in his heart, he always had the courage in his character, it was just hidden behind his anger and self-hate. His sacrifice for Charles, Lucy and their child was just a fulfillment of who he was. You guessed what he was going to do before it even happened; Oh. Sydney Carton is going to die for Charles. Of course he is. He's Sydney. Ack!!!

Yes, Carton does change, but I think all characters do. He tried to be better for Lucy, he tried not to drink so often, he tried to see the world as it could be, not as it was. He never saw the goodness in himself, but the audience saw it very well. He was always a bit of a brat, but when he was sober and himself he was also very kind (and he had an obvious soft spot for children.) And he took care of others. When he went to Paris to help Charles, he spent the last days of his life comforting everyone else, all of Lucie's friends and family that had somehow become his too. He never asked for any comfort himself. He never told anyone about his plans. He never boasted or showed himself as the heroic martyr. He was quiet about his sacrifice. And up until his death, he still thought he was rather worthless and ridiculous, and he actually believed that no one would miss him when he was gone. It wasn't until he was walking up to the Guillotine that he finally saw the good he was doing, and the man he had finally become; the man the audience had seen all along.

perhaps in death I receive something I never had in life
- I hold a sanctuary in the hearts of those I care for."

ALL IS FINISHED!!! I tag;

Kat

Amy

Hannah

Mahri

Treskie

You are under no obligation to do the tag, of course. I know you are all busy. But if you do, I bet it would be lots and lots of fun. And of course, if anyone else wants to do this tag, feel free! You won't regret it. Now I have cookies to make, so I bid you all a very fond farewell. PEACE OUT Y'ALL!

*swings around cape and leaps off stage*

Bella

In which I muse. (Hey. I'm trying.)

I bet you didn't think I would post today.

I almost didn't.

But I am.

Hai!

You may applaud me now.

How have you all been? I've been great! Well except for the getting sick and having a head-cold that keeps me feeling tired all day... yeah great! I am so excited! Summer is finally here and that means bare feet and reading and days by the lake and hikes and sitting in the shade with a notebook writing, writing, WRITING! I had a thought the other day. Kind of a thought that came to me around 3:20 A.M or so. When I was half-asleep and almost dreaming but not quite. My thought was this. What is I wrote a script over the summer?

The sane half of me yelled out in anguish but the actor side of me - the insane side of me - thought how cool would it be to write a musical?

I have been OBSESSED with musicals lately. Sometimes I get on these highs and all I want to do is listen to musicals. I think that is my favorite type of storytelling. I have always wanted to attempt writing a script, but I've never quite gotten up the courage to do so. However I have a sort of plot now and maybe I will try It. What could it hurt? I'll need help with the music writing itself though, and that is the down side.

I just really want to write a musical you guys!!!!!

In light of this idea, I want to try to start reading scripts too. I need to learn how they flow and (especially) how to break down characters. It is something that really excites me - learning about a character. I think I am a little odd though cause I don't do it the normal way. I just tackle the character head on and then start climbing up the learning peak and find out more and more what kind of person it is. I know I should take more time with character study of course - for an actress that is crucial - it just is something I don't do too much. It's a resolution. Hopefully I can live up to it.

But I know what you are thinking. You're wondering what else I have been up to during my (long?) absence. Well, I painted my room, which is nice because it has been the same color for a while now and it's fun to have a change every now and then. Tiny and I picked out this soft light purple and I love how it turned out. It made our whole room look warm and cozy with a touch of Spring to it. It also makes our room look a lot cleaner and I like that. We had to move around all the furniture and stuff so we took advantage of the situation and packaged up some of my sister's nick-knacks and books. I have to say the room looks much less cluttered now. I don't even know how there was that much in the room. It was shocking.

It was a lot of fun painting though. We listened to four musicals in a row one of the days and I was able to sing along with almost all of the songs - (With Phantom I can sing them ALL) That was a total blast! Musicals man. It's like I can't get enough of them right now. All of my younger sisters are starting to get a twitch because I have been listening to musicals not stop for about... two months. But I don't care because now I know almost all of Tale of Two Cities and I'm excited! I want to play in that musical. It is on of my dreams. That and being Christine. *that might actually be a possibility. 

I performed my second solo in singing class and got RAVE reviews. If Pandy will let me maybe I can sing The Climb on her channel. That would be kind of fun. I was happy. See, I had this awful head cold and for most the past few days I've been cracking every time I get too strong. So I was really afraid I'd crack during my performance. But I said a prayer and God was good to me. I did a brilliant job and it was crack free! I was even given compliments on my projection and emotion.

YOU DON'T KNOW HOW FUN IT IS TO BE COMPLIMENTED!

Besides those few things not much is going on. I am reading Brother's in Arms again and it hurts WAY worse this time because it's been picked to death and everything flows better and is tighter and just more full and brilliant and painful. Franz hurts! He hurt before but now he is even worse and I think he has made it to my top five favorite book characters ever! HE ISN'T A MONSTER HE IS A SAD DYSFUNCTIONAL PUPPY! I LOVE HIM.

Oh yeah, I'm also trying to finish up my LOTR review. I feel really bad that I haven't gotten that posted yet, but its a hard subject to approach. Because.... Lord of the Rings! I want to get it done soon though. It is almost finished.

Righto. I have a bed to climb into and music to listen to. PEACE OUT Y'ALL!

*swings around cape and leaps from stage.*

 

 

 

Bella

"I don't think there will be a return journey, Mr. Frodo."

Tolkien

Today, March 25th, is the day that The One Ring was destroyed and Sauron defeated. It also happens to be the day that the Angel Gabriel told Mary that she was to be the Mother of God. Which just goes to show you how amazing Tolkien really is. The evil of the Ring was destroyed on the same date that sin was conquered. HOW COOL IS THAT??? I am cooled out.

Anyhoosel, In honor of the Professor I spent the day reading The Lord of the Rings, and listening to the movie soundtrack and browsing LOTR videos so I could cry over them. Then I got busy and I made lembas bread, yep, actual lembas bread.  It turned out incredibly tasty and I was very pleased with my baking skills. They were better than my brownies 8-D

This is the recipe, translated into English as accurately as possible and highly effective. You know, in case anyone else wants to make it too;

 

 

6 TBSP butter or margarine, slightly softened
2 cups self-rising flour
1 TBSP granulated sugar
½ cup raisins (optional)
1 egg, well beaten
½ cup milk
4 TBSP heavy cream
Mallorn leaves

     With a pastry blender of fork, cut margarine into the flour in a mixing bowl until the mixture resembles cornmeal. Do this rapidly so the butter does not melt. Add the sugar and if desired, ½ cup of raisins. In a small bowl, beat the egg and milk together until mixed. Reserve 1 TBSP of this mixture to brush the tops of the Lembas. Add the cream and egg mixture to the flour and mix just until combined into a stiff, soft dough. Knead three or four times on a lightly floured surface. Roll dough to a ¾" thickness and cut with an oval or leaf shaped cookie cutter. Place on a lightly greased baking sheet, leaving 1" of space between Lembas. Brush the tops of the Lembas with the reserved egg-milk mixture. Bake for 12 -13 minutes in a preheated 400 degree oven.

       For safe keeping, wrap each Lembas individually in a fresh, clean Mallorn leaf. If these leaves are unavailable in your area, store the Lembas in a tightly closed container. Makes about 1 ½ dozen Lembas.

 

This recipe was found at the courtesy of Middle Earth Recipes! It is a fabulous sight with lots of fun Tolkien-ish food on it. So go check it out 8-)

Anyway, I figured today is as good as any to drop by and do a little TOLKEIN RAVING, so I decided to do a tag that I've been saving for a couple of weeks. Because I was tagged!!!!

Le Rules.

 

-Link back to the blogger who nominated you - ( MELODY! )
-Answer questions 

-Tag some of your own fellow Tolkienknights!


1. How were you first introduced to LotR/TH and was it love at first sight/read?

I grew up on Lord of the Rings, so I'm not sure when I was first introduced to it. I first read the Hobbit when I was ten or eleven and I feel in love with Bilbo. I also loved Fili and Kili (Cause Brothers.) but I also really liked Dori and Balin, since both those dwarves seem to be especially concerned with keeping their little Burglar safe. I seem to recall that Dori especially was always pulling Bilbo off some cliff or out of some tunnel.

I liked Dori for that.

2. If you could meet the actors who portray the characters in the movies, would you?

Of course I would like to meet the actors! That would be so much fun! I would prefer to meet the actors from the LOTR trilogy though, especially Sean Bean.


3. What is your favorite credit song from LotR/TH?

Into the West, at the end of the Return of the King. That song breaks me heart and makes me cry and it is beauti-ous

Grey ships pass

4. The Lord of the Rings or The Hobbit - which is your favorite? *evil laugh* (And no, you don't actually have to decide. I'm merciful like that. *magnanimous smile*)

LOTR, hands down. I'm sorry guys. The Hobbit was not as good as I was hoping it would be, and that makes me sad.


5. Who is your favorite all-around character?

I hate choosing a favorite. It is a hard, hard task for me. I feel like I'm betraying the other characters and making them feel unloved when I do that. But .... the character who holds a special place in my heart is Faramir. I love Faramir. (that being said I think they are all brilliant!)

6. What is your opinion on Boromir?

 Ah, Boromir. Yes. I love him. He was noble and strong and brave. He was protective and caring and everything a big brother (and a captain) should be. He was a good man and I will always hate that he died. *I am going to do a post about him soon. stay alert.

7. How many times have you watched the movies/read the books?

*blank look* I don't remember?

I have read the books a few times, I think four or five,  but the LOTR movies I've only seen about three times. We watch them once every couple of years, so I don't have a huge number 8-) Each of the Hobbit movies I've only seen once, and I've yet to see BOFA.

8. What book is your favorite?

For the books, I really love The Two Towers. The Return of the King is beautiful and magnificent there is no denying that, but the Two Towers is my favorite book. However, my favorite movie is The Return of the King.

9. Who is your favorite female character (other than your answer to question #5)?

 I love Eowyn. So much. I like that she was brave and clever but she wasn't annoying, and I admired the fierce love she had for her country. She was cool and sweet and I am glad she found happiness.

10. Who is your favorite male character (other than your answer to question #5)?

Probably Merry. I really love Merry. (I REALLY HATE CHOOSING FAVORITES YOU GUYS! THEY ARE ALL SO EPIC!!!)

11. Which of the movies, in your opinion, has the best ending?

The Return of the King. That ending makes me cry so hard. Good has finally triumphed. The Shire is safe and happy. Middle Earth has been pulled from destruction. Sam gets married, Faramir finds Eowyn, Aragon is made King and gets Arwen for his beautiful Queen, and Frodo is able to find peace (even though he has to travel across the sea to get it. and we all cry cause HOW COULD HE LEAVE???)  It was perfectly done and it will always be my favorite ending.


There! I tag:

Jack

Anna

Natasha



That is all for now. Happy Tolkien Day all you all! I should be back soon with an explanation for my long absence.  For now though, to bed!

PEACE OUT Y'ALL!!!!

 

 

*slides off car*

 

 

 

Bella

LOTR Blog Party Day Five - FREE DAY!!!!!!!!!!

Remember that fabulous stuff I was supposed to publish on Saturday? Well here it is fellows! And I thank you kindly for being so patient with me 8-)

Le Me as Random Rohrrim Maid

Le me Loves her Fabulous Rohirrim Dress

Le me as can be extra sassy in her Fabulous Rohirrim Dress.

 

 it was so much fun hanging out among the trees in le fabulous dress

Le me could twirl and it would spin out epically.

I loved le fabulous dress. .

 

 

Le me getting wet in the snowy lands of Rohan and giggling about it because it is SO Fabulous  

 

 It was very cold.

Really

See Le me's Epic Dress and shirt? see Le epic belt? See how fabulous I am?

Le me as the Fabulous Elf-Lady.

Le me posing against tree and wishing she had a jacket.

Le me thinks the sky is beyond fabulous.

Le me REALLY LOVES epic Eleven sword.

Le me is having SO MUCH FUN with epic, fabulous sword. HACK DOWN ALL THE TREES!!



Le me had to take fabulous sword into the Elven Kingdom.

It required walking down the Public street in epic Elven costume with epic sword

I got lots of odd looks from bewildered, normal people 

It was so much fun.

LE ME IS NOW A HOBBIT!

Le Me loves, loves, loves being an adorable hobbit-child. Look at Le epic, cute braids. Le me looks ten.

 Le me had the grandest time as a hobbit. I got to eat food and wear capes

I also got to look little and not be scolded

Le me got to eat apples.

 Le me had a faaaaaaabulous time.

Le me having a grand old time in fabulous cape. This cape be FABULOUS.

Le me has epic, brilliant Sting. Le me loooooooooooves epic beautiful Sting. Le me must hunt down orcs now. And chop off many head.

 

WELL THAT'S IT! HOPE YOU HAD TONS OF FUN! PEACE OUT Y'ALL!

*slides off car*

 

 

 

Bella

LOTR BLOG PARTY LAST DAY = POSTPONED

Apparently I have terrible luck with Blog Parties. Yesterday I had something really, really fun and fabulous planned out but before I could do my fun and fabulous thing we got a freak wind storm and the electricity in the neighborhood got knocked out. So I had no internetz. And no way to blog.  Which was upsetting.

So today I was going to do the REALLY fun, fabulous thing and then blog about all the fun I had, but unfortunately this type of fun requires going outside and dancing around in fun clothing.... And guess what? It is dumping rain. DUMPING. Like, Dumping, dumping, like Zeus has buckets and buckets of water and is letting lose his fury on our poor little town.



WHAT IS THE ATROCITY

It's windy too. And horribly cold. And horribly wet. So... now I can't do my fabulous post.

I am so upset. I really wanted to do this fabulous post. I was so excited to show how fabulous I was.

I thought about doing the fabulous thing in-doors but it just wouldn't be the same and I want this to be epic. I've put a lot of work into this, I want it done right. So, you know what? I hosted this blog party and made it possible, so I'm going to bend the rules a little bit. I'm going to do my fabulous post on MONDAY

It had to be done

I wont do any posting between now and then, that way I will still have a row of LOTR posts one right after the other and I wont break my pattern.



I shall go now. I thank you for your patience. See you on Monday! Peace out y'all!

TO DEATH AND DESTRUCTION AND THE WORLDS ENDING!

*slides off car*

 

 

 

Bella

LOTR BLOG PARTY DAY FIVE - GUEST POST

This post is late. I know its late. I am really upset that it is late. But I really had no control over it. My stupid electricity was knocked out yesterday so I couldn't get to my interenet.

DEVASTATION!

Anyway, I decided it is better late than never, so I'm just going to do my last Post today. Cause I do what I want. Boom!
Angelique has Guest Posted on End of the Line! Check it out she did something fabulous 8-)

LOTR BLOG PARTY DAY FIVE - GUEST POST 

Stay tuned for news from me! I WILL POST TODAY!

LOTR BLOG PARTY DAY FOUR - GUEST POST

GUEST POSTING ON "TILL THE END OF THE LINE" Go look at it, cause its fabulous!

LOTR Blog Party Day Four - Favorite Character - Guest Post

GO Minions go! and remember you too can guest post if you so desire. just email me!

LOTR Blog Party Day Four - Favourite Character

Today I get to choose my favourite character and tell you about him.

You can pick more than one. I have decided to do the couple different characters I am going to talk about today. two of them are the ones who hold a very special place in my heart.

Faramir, Captain of Gondor.

I loved Faramir from his first introduction in the book, as well as his first introduction in the movie. When I was watching The Two Towers, I had almost finished the book so I saw Faramir and knew exactly what to expect. HE WAS FARAMIR CAPTAIN OF GONDOR AND THERE ARE NO TRAVELERS HERE, JUST SERVANTS OF THE DARK TOWER. I clapped for him as needed and then settled down to eek out over his existence.

“Here was one with an air of high nobility such as Aragorn at times revealed..."

First off, I think Peter Jackson cast Faramir perfectly. I love him in the books but I also love him in the film adaptation, something that most people will hit me with pillows (or rocks) for. *hides behind my epic shield* DON'T KILL ME! Faramir struck me as an incredibly sad and broken character. He is half out of his mind with grief. He has just lost his brother and Osgiliath, the City Boromir had only just recaptured, is under attack and they are losing. He sees Gondor failing and he has no where to turn for comfort so he is forced to lock his feelings deep down inside and he is sick with the weight of it. When he meets the Hobbits and realizes what they are carrying he sees relief. The Ring could be used for good and finally Men would have the advantage over Mordor. Unlike his brother though, Faramir sees in time what the Ring is and that it is unable to accomplish anything but evil and he lets Frodo and Sam go at the risk of his own life.

For those who think Peter Jackson ruined Faramir.

I love So much about Faramir. He is such a sad character. He has a father who seemingly hates him. He has a kingdom that is falling apart with no help from it's Steward. He is sensitive and empathetic and is very aware of the grief and pain at large in the world and it effects him horribly. He tries to help others who are suffering and he is very kind to people, even those he isn't sure about and will give them the benefit of the doubt. I love how kind he is and I love his deep humility. He get's down on one knee to talk to Sam so that they will be on eye level. He praises Pippin for giving his service to Gondor and gives him confidence. He comforts Eowyn when she needs it most. He is there for his people when no one else is and he stands when anyone else would run. He doesn't let the evil of Mordor cloud his heart or his judgment.



Boromir would not have brought the Ring. He would have reached
out his hand to this thing and taking it, he would have fallen.

HE IS AN INCREDIBLY GOOD SON. His father is an awful, terrible person but Faramir never speaks out against him and he never ever talks with disrespect or anger. Instead he tries to please him and do his will. He does his very best and better and still Denethor will not be proud, but he keeps going anyway. He loses his brother and instead of giving up altogether he tries to do the work of two sons. He give his people hope and strength and the will to fight. He struggles to be enough for himself and for Gondor and for his selfish, arrogant father who will not see what a stunning, brave son he has. He isn't corrupted by the ring. He is tempted but he fights the temptation and overcomes it. He is one of the very few people who is able to have that kind of resilience and it stuns me that someone under such an emotional burden anyway was still able to say no to those whispers of power.

  "So this is the answer to all the riddles! The One Ring that was thought to be have perished from the world ... A pretty stroke of Fortune. A chance for Faramir Captain of Gondor to show his Quality! Ha!" He stood up very tall and stern and his grey eyes glistened.

  

..... "Alas for Boromir. It was too sore a trial.'" 

He was a captain that men would follow, that he would follow, even under the shadow of the black wings.”

He is so gentle. He is quieter than Boromir was, and was more in love with stories and song than battles and glory. He loves reading and writing and studying and finds comfort and peace in books and learning, especially when it was ancient lore and stories of elves and enchantments.


     "It once belonged to a young boy of the city. A very foolish one who wasted many hours slaying dragons instead of attending to his studies." - Farimir (The Return of the King)


He is different from the other men in Tolkien's books. He is a little like Aragorn with a quiet sense of duty and what is right. He keeps his own counsel but he isn't afraid to take other people's advice and he will actually listen and consider what you say, which is something that is very rare in people. He has a gentle, sensitive soul and is always trying to ease everyone else's suffering. Even when he is grieving and burdened with the sorrow of Boromir's loss he takes care of everyone. And there is never anyone to take care of him. He always ends up alone. That is why it is so wonderful when he meets Eowyn. He finally has someone he can be happy with and he deserves that.

I love Faramir.  He is my hero. If there was one character from Middle Earth I could meet I would pick him.

I also really love Merry. Merry is cheerful and adorable and sweet and he has such a good heart. He protects and looks after Pippin and he goes along with Frodo and the fellowship even though the Quest for the Ring is dangerous and he could end up dead. He doesn't even hesitate. He hurts me because all he wants to do is help, and he always ends up being left behind. He has to watch everyone he cares about go riding off into danger and he can't do anything to help or make things better. He thinks that he is just a silly hobbit and he can't do much of anything. He couldn't even keep Pippin safe properly and that was the one thing that he was supposed to do. Look after Pip! It hurts me that he doesn't see himself as the hero he is.

MERRY.FACE.

I wanted to talk about Boromir too, but I realized there is too much I want to say about him so I'm going to the wise thing and wait and do a post just for him because it makes me sad how much hate/dislike he gets.

That is my vent. Tomorrow is our last day losers!!!!!

TO DEATH AND DESTRUCTION AND THE WORLDS ENDING!

*slides off car*

Bella

LOTR Blog Party Day Three - GUEST POST!!!

There is Guest Posting on my other blog you guys! Pop over there to see more Tolkien Obsession!!!

LOTR Blog Party Day Three- Favorite Dwelling of Middle Earth - Guest Post

Be gone Minions! Go! And remember you too can guest post if you so desire. just email me!

ISN'T THIS FUN????

LOTR Blog Parth Day Three - Favorite Dwelling of Middle Earth

 

Day Three!!!! You get to choose a favourite dwelling of Middle Earth and explain why you love it or why you think you would be there.



The road goes ever on and on, down from the door where it began

This is the easiest question of the whole party. My favourite dwelling place is The Shire. Why? I can tell you in three short sentences. .

It is simple.

It is beautiful.

It has Hobbit Holes.

I just love the Shire. I love the people. I love the peace. I love how green and warm everything is. I love that is always smells like summer and I love that it has little rivers and streams to jump in and I love that it is weighted with years of history and is so pure even the darkest shadow can't touch it until the very last moment. Also, where Hobbits get to live is brilliant. Hobbits holes are the best. They're cute and clean and warm and there are no stairs you have to climb. It is always full of food and comfort and it has a lovely round door that you can go in through and drop your cloak on a hanger. I would want to live in one. It would be so pleasant.

Not a nasty, dirty, wet hole, filled with the ends of worms and an oozy smell,
nor yet a dry, bare, sandy hole with nothing in it to sit down on or to eat

I think with my personality (as much as I love Rohan)  I would end up being a hobbit. I love food and I can eat almost as much as a normal hobbit on a good day. I love sitting in the quiet doing absolutely nothing. I love visiting with friends but still having my own space. I love peace but I also have a deep sense of adventure hidden away down in my heart. I love to feel relaxed and unstressed and there is no place better for that than the Shire

Because I am a hobbit from a well-known well-respected family I would have a lovely little hobbit hole in which my large, noisy family would often visit and spend all of their time baking, cooking and making music. It would be all warm and round and welcoming and I'd always have chocolate in the pantry and biscuits in the cupboard and tea in the spices box. We would stay up late into the nigh exchanging all sorts of tales (for many of my family would be the Tookish type) and we'd sing songs, even write them. We'd be a queer bunch to be sure. The Sackville-Bagginses would not be pleased of course, but their opinion doesn't matter anyway.  Most of Hobbiton would think we were odd - a bit too Tookish altogether to be honest - but they would keep their thoughts to themselves because our food and our courtesies would be so fine and so polite that all the Hobbits would want to be in good standing with us (except the Sackville Bagginses)

I would be the Hobbit no one would quite expect, nor no what to make of. The type of Hobbit who loves to read as much as the next person but doesn't much like sitting still and who acts respectable for her family, but is just the sort who would run off on an adventure at the drop of a hat. Most others hobbits would whisper about me behind their backs, talk about my queer family and how reckless I was - darn near unnatural for a Hobbit! Everyone would wonder about me but not many would really dislike me, and all would know how much I loved tea and reading and especially writing. "Ink all over the hands, papers stuck to tables and chairs. What a Hobbit. What a Hobbit...."

I have fantasies about my life in the Shire. Don't judge me.

I'm am fire. I am deeeeeeeeath!

That is my statement! Until tomorrow losers!

now you mean that you want to get rid of me, and that it won't be good till I move off.

TO DEATH AND DESTRUCTION AND THE WORLDS ENDING!

 

*slides off car*

 

 

 

Bella