Greetings to you all., The Welcome thread.

Welcome, welcome everyone! I am glad you have found us (or we found you, whichever the case may be). This forum will be our community until the party and will lay the foundation of many-a-relationship so when we finally gather at the Village we have a notion of whom we all are.
Many of you I have met already at various other conventions, and those are very good memories to me. It will be interesting to see what comes of this ~ a gathering in a shire-like setting with few modern distractions. We will see.

:G rune:

:letter: It's not even noon yet and we have another .... (103) Welcome Yvette / Belluthien

:bb:

So does walking and recording mileage on the Eowyn's Challenge website make one an official Shieldmaiden? I'm over halfway to Rivendell so far...

I think I may have the attitude - just ask Maura/Debbie/Primmy!

Roh, who rides horses and likes to play w/ swords!
:rider:

Oh, and BTW, Welcome to all the new members!

Looking forward to meeting you in person - just 8 months away!

Roh
:rider:

HARK AND WELL MET Aubri ... my soul sister!

Good to see you here, now...let's get a pint ! :beer:

yeah! Belluthien regged, too. cool. You know (if you're reading this) since Jean is also coming, maybe you guys could work something out on travelling.

-Dora Took :hobbit lass: :sewing:

I couldn't agree more, Gliowien! Let's do! :tankard:

Rohtireth, sounds like you're a shieldmaiden to me! If you'd like to meet more of us, feel free to join us over on the WW Message boards - we meet there every day!

http://tinyurl.com/25qhyx
:sword:

Oh yeah, I can confirm that! Our Rohtireth is a major contender, a true Rohirrim and (I believe) a true Eowyn's Challenge Shield-maiden, and it wouldn't surprise me one bit to see her hit a bull's-eye with an arrow while at full gallop!
Go Roh!
-Debbie/primmy
:fireplace:

Welcome to all of our new members. Belleluthien! So good to see you here as well. I am so glad your coming.

I've been missing my internet friends for months now and am so behind in keeping up with everyone. My internet died months ago and I'm not sure when I'll get it fixed. Its funny how that is so isolating in todays times. But am sneaking in a few mintutes from the workplace to say hello.

Cool! Lots of sheildmaidens here as well. I've been a part of the Eowyn Challenge forever but keep forgetting to record my miles. Then I'll keep up with it for a bit and then forget again. I've been keeping up again and for some reason can't log into the place were we used to record our sheilds. :-( Me and technical difficulty.....the story of my life. lol..


Anyhoo miss you guys and hope to pop in again soon. Maybe that internet will be fixed before our gathering I hope.
Hugs, :faramireowyn:
Neume

Neume, I had wondered what happened to you! It's good to see you posting again, and I hope your internet is fixed soon.


~ Arwen.
:aakiss:

Arwen, thank you for wondering. Its so odd having to be so out of touch. I keep worrying I'm going to miss something important besides me just missing the companionship of those that are close to my heart by far away as the crow flies. lol..

But just think just nine months till we all get to gather together! YAY! I'm thinking I'd better stop procrastinating on that costume now. lol..

Hugs,
Neume

Neume! Yea! I'm so happy to see you on here! I miss you on LJ, where I spend most of my time these days.

I hope you get Internet back SOON. Do you not have a functioning computer at home right now? Mine died this past fall, and I had to buy a new tower.

These days, I look at the computer as a necessity because of the Internet. Without it, I feel isolated in this small city I live in.

Greetings everyone.
I'm not too good with this forum thing... Just so you know.
Thank you for the welcome Bilbo, Dora Took and Neume! I am very glad to be coming to this, and getting very excited.

I am hoping desperately that I will have time to start/finish my Elrond...
;)

Welcome Belluthien! Ooo, Elrond has a very good costume, I love the colors and the cut of Elven robes, but it looks like a lot of layers and detail = a lot of work! If you want, please feel free to share pics of it in progress at our Costume thread!
-Debbie/primmy
(aka
Maura Labingi)

Hello Everyone!

I'm doing an okay job of lurking here abouts, but not so good at posting I'm afraid. D'oh! But bear with me, I'm at the tail end of moving from my Chicago hobbit hole to my new Louisville'ish hobbit hole, and once I've settled in, unpacked a few boxes, and BREATHED a little, I think I'll get the hang of this and be more neighborly. You really do seem like a very nice bunch of hobbity folk. :rolleyes:

Cheers for now, and enjoy what's left of your week!

Jeffbo Baggins

:bag end:

Jeffbo, good luck with the move! It's always a bit unsettling - kind of like an adventure (nasty things: make you late for supper!), but once you're settled in to the new place, hopefully you'll love it. See you on the boards when you have more time!

-Dora Took :hobbit lass: :sewing:

'ello, Dora! Nice to see you here!

Aubri, Gliowien, I've found you!!!

I saw someone mentioning a need for an 'obbit bar maid, and I'm your girl! Pansy Makehay from 'arbottle, professional bar wench! And dancer, and artist, and costumer. What else do I do, Aibrean? Well, anyway!

I need to check out the information about the costuming and the art show...
But mostly I need to hit the hay, as it were. I've had the local ague for the last couple of days! Bleh!
Pansy ;)

Hi Pansy! good to see you here. heck, we can always use more bar-wenches, poor Rosie will get overworked, otherwise :lol:

Hope you get over that ague soon - no fun. Too much walking to do!

-Dora Took :hobbit lass: :sewing:

More Shire settlers arriving, delightful! Welcome both JeffBo and Pansy, good to have you here! Its all wet and cold outside, so come closer to the fire and toast the chill from your bones. When you've had a chance to settle in, please feel free to tell us a little about yourselves, and join in at the various threads.
The more the merrier!
-ML
aka
-Debbie/primmy
:fireplace:

Hello! I'm Gwynnyd.

I'm much too tall to be a Hobbit, but I do travel with one. We'll have to see what the closet contains when it comes time to pack.

I am really looking forward to this! Thanks to the organizers for making it possible.

Hi Gwynnyd!
Is that pronounced "Gwen-eth"? In any case, you and your hobbit companion are most welcome!
Pull up a couple of comfy chairs, have a hot toddy and a hot chocolate, and get settled in.
Its hard to believe that its already 2008, and for me September will be here in the blink of an
eye!
I'd best get to business now!
best wishes,
-ML
aka
-Debbie/primmy
:fireplace:

Hi, and thanks for for the warm welcome.

No, I'm gwin -nid (short i sounds) Blame my youthful folly in not realizing the proper pronunciation until it was far too late, and my stubborn bull-headedness in being resistant to change when I discovered that inconvenient fact about eight or nine years later. Besides, I'm the only "Gwynnyd" and it can be nice to be unique.

Patti Baggins, my short and Hobbity companion in folly, has also registered and will log in eventually. Her husband is resisting, even at this late stage, an internet connection, so she has to come over to my house to surf and play.

I've been playing in various fandoms since 1970. Does that make me a MAC?

Well met! And you're right, having a unique handle is a very good thing! We'll look forward to greeting your friend Patti later, then. Meanwhile have a look around, make yourselves comfortable and ask the Palantir if you have any questions.
best wishes,
-ML
aka
-Debbie/primmy
:fireplace:

Hi, Gwynnyd.

You spelled your name correctly if you were going for the "Gwinnid". You get the "th" sound if you spell it with a "dd", Maura. Like the town of Cardydd in Wales. :)

Thank you, Maura, and I'll take you up on the warm cozy scenario. It's snowing here at the Firth, and I could use some warmth. Not to mention a nice toddy! :)

In reality, I'm Betty Bigelow. Artist, costumer, dancer, amongst other stuff. My husband Master David and I live in Seattle, in an area right on Puget Sound called Ballard, which used to be it's own little Scandinavian town, so speaking a smattering of Norsk and Swensk is helpful. My walking group, Eowyn's challenge, has names for the areas we all live in, so I always refer to this area as the Firth of Ballard. When you start breaking up the Pacific NW into comparable areas in Middle Earth, that's the closest I could come up with. I guess that makes Vancouver BC Arnor. :lol:

Ah! I wasn't sure about the pronunciation and it never hurts to ask, sez I! Nice to meet you, Pansy; you'll find a bunch of other Eowyn's Challenge friends here as well. Please feel free to post your LOTR art and costume pics too, and join in the various -topics and games. Its fun when lots of folks are participating!
-ML
aka
-Debbie/primmy
:fireplace:

I am Daniel son of Michael, ranger of the Appalachian Mountains. I hail from the shores of the Monongahela River. I plan to attend ALEP in full ranger garb, though I will need to know the policy regarding swords and bows.
I am at your humble service.

Welcome and well met, Ranger Daniel!

It will be nice to have another Ranger in our midst.

Pull up a chair by the warm, crackling fire :fireplace: and let it soothe your cares.

Wonderful, another fine Ranger! The Shire will be safe indeed, and we welcome you and all good folk of Middle Earth to this celebration! (Well, OK, you evil guys are welcome too! My friend Kristi is joining us and one of her costumes is "Saruman's Daughter", aka "Sarumanella")
-ML
aka
-Debbie/primmy
:fireplace:

Mae govannen, Daniel son of Michael!


~ Arwen.
:aakiss:

El sil or lu evonnad vin, Michael. (May a moon shine on the hour of our begetting! ) Snerk!

Yeah, that's a good question about the weapons policy, as I have a ranger costume...Um, on the other hand, I'm not like to try and put my swords and snickersnees through customs on the way here by eagle, either. So....
Never mind! :blink: :gimli:

Maura, I need to figure out where to put up pictures of art and such. Any suggestions? Heh, I need an Avatar, as well! :D

Pansy: He is Daniel, 'son of Michael' :) Not being picky, just noting for you.

And if you're talking about a place to upload them to share them, PHotobucket and FLICKR are both good places

LOL. Can you tell my brain is being eaten by cold meds? :lol:
Sorry Daniel. My bad.

I've been TRYING to load through photobucket for my avatar, Eowyn, but I keep getting an error message. It says I can't load that type of file, even though it's just a jpeg. Any suggestions? :blink:

I was thinking there was a gallery or some such set up here in the forum, actually... Not sure what that would be called. :) :)

I am not the image master, I am afraid.

But if you click on the Palantir part of the forum, Ashlyn has helped to fix Bonnie's avatar issue. She may be willing to do the same for you :)

I'll take any help I can get....
maybe tomorrow when there's a chance she'd be awake. One of my other boards just changed and I've spent the last two hours trying to figure out everything over there as well. I'm at the hair pulling stage... :goblin armor:

Thanks for suggesting that, though.

I may be able to help you with the avatar, Pansy. Send me a PM?

~ Arwen.
:aakiss:

Woot!!!! I figured it out, Undomiel! I may need to play with the size and all, but I managed to downsize it enough and find the correct code! Yay!

Drinks for everyone! :rosie:

I'm glad to hear it, Pansy! :)

~ Arwen.
:aakiss:

Um, you may have noticed.....
I've got a crush on your dad! LOL!

Hi Pansy,
You can share your LOTR/Tolkien-inspired artwork at the "Fan Art, Poetry & Prose" topic, in "The Ivy Bush" section, of heading "Hobbiton" at this Forum. We look forward to seeing it!
-ML
aka
-Debbie/primmy
:fireplace:

Hokey dokey...I put up 3 various pieces over at the Ivy Bush. :)
Nice work, Maura! I'm quite impressed! :)

Hey, MizP! Glad to see you found your way over here - they are uncommonly nice folk around these parts... :)

Welcome to Daniel too!

Thank you! I like your pieces too, especially the elf sketch! And I think it was in that thread that Frodo/Daniel spoke about the room at the Village where they will have places to hang artwork from "Shaker pegs" in the wall (I'm not familiar with what those are exactly) and space to display costumes and have tables set up for the speakers/authors to have book-signings, and perhaps display crafts and other items members bring to display.
-ML
aka
-Debbie/primmy
:fireplace:

if you're talking about a peg you hang things on... a 'Shaker peg' is a pretty basic wooden peg. like on those expandable peg racks, or simply a wooden backer with pegs for hanging coats or cloaks and party hoods....

(Posted Image)


-Dora Took :hobbit lass: :sewing:

Thanks, Dora, that's good to know. The peg in the picture you attached looks sturdy. What I was wondering is the size of the pegs, and are "Shaker pegs" only a certain number of pegs fixed permanently into the wall.
If they are fixed, then only a certain number of framed pieces with hangers can be displayed on the walls.
If the pegs are not fixed but are re-position-able in multiple locations (like a pegboard) then you can either hang a framed piece from one peg, or you can position two pegs closer together and prop a piece of matted art on top so it leans against the wall (using the pegs-and-wall much like an easel.)
Just curious, because if I bring any pieces to display they would only be matted and not framed.
Thanks!
-ML
aka
-Debbie/primmy
(And if the admins want to move this discussion over to the "Fan Art..." thread or some other thread that would be OK with me so we can leave this thread for greetings!)

Hello, Aubri!!! So glad to see you here, a face I know! :D

I hadn't thought to bring any art, Maura, although Maybe we can talk Laura Quindt into bringing some of her very spiffy Rohan banners to the event. She got best 3D at Orc for hers, rewarded from the hands of Daniel Falconer himself...because she'd gotten food poisoning and hadn't been able to be at the awards ceremony. Bummer. <_<

Funny how much like the "prolog Elf" action figures he looks, as he was the model for same. :lol:

Hello, one and all! I'm looking forward to seeing everyone at the Party, and making lots of new friends.

Back in August, Gilestel commented that 3 days was too long to dress as a hobbit for someone who is "only" 5'3". You may be right; that's much too tall to be a hobbit! But at just barely 4'10, it's perfectly natural for me. I will be dressing as Mrs. Underhill for the event, but in reality I'm her translator. If you love food and cooking, as most hobbits do, please talk to me about our new cookbook, which I hope to be able to show folks by the fall. :teacup: :pen & paper:

Nice to have you here, Patti! Yay, more hobbits!
Feel free to chime in at the various threads or topics, share your thoughts and ideas,
your creations, etc. Its a growing community of Tolkien-appreciators we have here
and more are always welcome!
Pull up a chair and warm yer toes, cousin!
-ML
aka
-Debbie/primmy
:fireplace:

Thanks for the welcome, Debbie/primmy!

I don't have daily access to email, so my replies may be a little slow in coming, but it's always nice to hear from folks.

I'm Gwynnyd's hobbit travel-partner, by the way, and we do make an unlikely pairing to look at, since she's tall and slim and I'm ... not. But we've been friends for a long time, and a better traveling companion, no hobbit could ask for.

Peace,

Patti

Thought I'd stop by a moment to say hello to the new folks. This is certainly a pleasant place. Very nice folks in these parts.

Our numbers seem to be growing very nicely. September seems so far away, and yet, not long at all...

:hobbit lass: :tree:
Forestchild

Greetings from another Ohio hobbit! And Rohirrim. And Gondorian. OK, so I have several costumes of Middle Earth. :lol:

My name is Jo Lynne in Real Life. I have lurked on several LOTR lists, mostly under the username Yocepha, but decided to let the name generator at barrowdowns give me a genuine Hobbit name for ALEP. And it's a good fit: Melilot=clover, Fields=where the clover grows here on the farm I live on, Deephallow=located on the river, which I am, too. Well, it's a creek, but still! ;)

Looking forward to meeting fellow enthusiasts of Middle Earth!

Jo Lynne
I love your name! It is quite appropriate to your area :) Glad to see you on the board! :rosiesam: ~Kate

Melilot:

How strange a coincidence.

My name is Jo Lynn. With no 'e' :lol:

Welcome to the boards, I hope you will like it here, and i look forward to seeing you at the Party.

(( BTW, in my whole life, I've only ever known of one other person named Jo Lynn. And she's a cop in Denver -- saw her on the COPS TV show once ))

Welcome Melilot/Jo Lynne! Yay, more hobbits!
Look around the Forum and join in when you get a chance; we're playing games and sharing stories and pictures and giving our opinions on this and that. So make yourself at home!
-Maura Labingi
aka
-Debbie/primmy
:fireplace:

Hi, Kate! I finally made it over here!

Hi, Jo Lynn! (had to delete the extra "e" just now :lol: ) I'm looking forward to meeting you!

Hi, primmy! I always enjoy your posts over on middle_earth_decor.

Hi, everyone else! Many of you I recognize from LOTR_Costume and LOTR_Gather. I rarely post, but lurk with enthusiasm. B)

And, my -- ALEP members are sure a chatty bunch! It will take me many long evenings huddled over my computer before I can catch up with the party palns.

This is gonna be fun!!!! : ALEP :

:map: Melilot Fields from Deephallow, eh? I must consult my maps and see where Deephallow is. Welcome all!

:G rune:

Hello All!

I've been lurking here for awhile and probably should introduce myself. I am Bonnie from Pennsylvania. I am bringing my 9 year old wee hobbit lassie. Is anyone else out there bringing children? :hobbit lass:

~Bonnie

Hey, I just scrolled up and saw my Sisters Aibrean, Gliowien and Pansy Makehay!!! Smooches ladies, can't wait to see you in April!

Welcome, Bonnielass! I think you and your wee hobbit lassie will have a great time at ALEP! And I hope more of our newbies will stop by here and say hello so that we may welcome them, and will feel free to join in on our ongoing threads & topics and start new threads. Its fun to "meet" people online, and then meet them in person at events!
best wishes,
-ML
aka
-Debbie/primmy
:fireplace:
PS: Its finally starting to feel like Spring here, and not so bone-chlllingly cold at night! Yay!

:lotr_gandalf: Yes, welcome to our new members! Like Maura said, feel free to join in or add to any topics on the forum. Thanks to the net, it allows us to establish relationships before we meet at the village. I have met many already, and now I simply can’t wait to meet them face-to-face.

:pen & paper: In ancient times, we had things called pen-pals, to the same effect.

:G rune:

Greetings, all.

I'm nautika and I am so excited to find something like this in Kentucky! Of course, I didnt hear it locally, I heard it from NiRi, who will be flying in for the event!

I started having issues with my computer and internet just a day or two after I made my reservation, or you might have seen more of me by now!

nautika

Hi Nautika,

Glad your computer got fixed and you can get on the forum. Welcome! Look forward to hearing more from you.

-Dora Took :hobbit lass: :sewing:

Welcome Nautika! Glad to have you aboard!
And welcome to all our other newcomers whom we hope will stop by and say "Hello!"also!
Please feel free to explore the Website, roam around the Forum and make comments, join in the games, share some news, or tell us a little about yourself. Ask a question and one of us will try to answer it for you as soon as possible although we are currently without our Gandalf the Grey, who does a great deal of question-answering (we hobbits do tend to ask him a lot of questions) but we hope to have him back as soon as his palantir is repaired.
ALEP will be here before we know it!
-Debbie/primmy
:fireplace:

Ok, so now you have my curiosity up...

Why are we without Gandalf the Grey? :(

:G rune: :pipe:
:whitegandalf:

Hi Gandalf the White!
Well, thank goodness its nothing really horrible, but Gandalf the Grey's computer had a major melt-down and needs a particular part to arrive before it can be repaired. So, we will have to try and make do without your earlier incarnation for a while yet, it seems.
Hopefully it won't be too much longer!
So, please continue to enjoy the Forum and the Website: join in, share some interesting tidbits or
opinions, news or games with the rest of us, whenever you can!
-Debbie/primmy
:fireplace:

Le suilannon!

I finally made it here to introduce myself. I go by Nieriel Raina in the LOTR fanfiction community but most call me NiRi for short. (pronounced Near ree). I've never attended an event like this so I'm still not sure just who I will be attending as though most probably as an elf maiden. I may also galivant about as a woman of Bree or a Hobbit lass as well. My main love are elves (I'm a Glorfindel girl ;) ), dwarves (#1 Gimli fangirl! :gimli: ) and the Valar (Waves Námo fangirl button :wub: ).

Not sure where I first heard about ALEP. Several people I know mentioned it and when I visited the site, I knew I just HAD to go! I just purchased my plane tickets and I'm looking forward to ALEP!

Nice to meet you all!

NiRi

Welcome Niri!

It is wonderful to have you here.

I look forward to meeting you, and all the other Tolkien fans that I hope will join us at the Party.

Eowyn :eowyn:

Hail and well-met, Niri!
Glad to have you join us! Elves, Hobbits, Dwarves, Wizards, Istari, Gondorians, Rangers and Rohirrim, and even the occasional Haradrim, goblin or necromancer are all welcome! ALEP will be a full and merry little slice of Middle Earth, I'm thinking!
best wishes,
-Debbie/primmy
:fireplace:

(Posted Image)

Welcome One and All to our party! I'm looking forward to meeting so many new Friends!!

Welcome Lady Aibreán, JeffBo, Pansy Makehay (hooray for bar-wenches!! ;) ) , Gwynnyd, Appalachian Ranger87, Patti Baggins, Melilot Fields from Deephallow, BonnieLass (where in PA? I'm from Northern NJ), Nautika, Nieriel Raina!!.


I've been gone from the Board for some time due to health issues, but I hope to be able to spend more time here now. Although I do have a heart "procedure" coming up on Thursday April 24, the doctor assures me that I will be able to return to work by that next Monday. (um, gee, thanks doc???) :lol: Looking forward to being here more and getting to know you all. :)

See you all in September!!

:bilbo smoke: :fireplace: :rosie: : ALEP :

Yes, welcome to the new folk who have found thier way here. Tell us of yourselves and any good songs or stories you may have. Also, it is good to have you back Rosie! :rosie:

:G rune:

Greetings and welcome to all newcomers and Rosie I am glad you are back and I hope everything goes ok with the heart procedure. : ALEP :

We'll be thinking healthy thoughts your way, Rose; I'm sure everything will go well.

Peace,

Patti

Yes, welcome back Rosie!! I've been thinking about you and hoping everything goes well for you; sounds like your doctor is giving everything RE the upcoming procedure the "thumbs up" and you'll be just fine!
Welcome new ALEPers, pull up a chair, have a cuppa tea and tell us about yourselves when you get a chance!
-ML
aka
-Debbie/primmy
:fireplace: :teacup:

Greetings!

My name is Kezia, and I will be traveling to the Party with Eleanor Proudfoot. I am on the Walk to Rivendell list, and am really looking forward to walking in the Shire.

Kezia

Welcome Kezia, glad to have you join us! You'll find several "Walk to Rivendell" members here, and others who enjoy walking too. Its going to be fun exploring the Village and the area around it, great for hobbit walking parties.
-Debbie/primmy
:walking hobbit: :walking hobbit: :walking hobbit:

Welcome Kezia!

If you have not yet had a chance, you can get an idea of what the Village looks like from the pictures that both Gandalf the Grey and I have taken on our trips to the Village.

Mine is called "Shaker Village Winter Visit" and that thread is located under the Hobbiton Gazette.

For Gandalf's pictures, here is a link to his FLICKR account:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gandalf_the_g...57603224919126/

(Posted Image) KEZIA!!

Sit and have a pint while you browse about our little home. : ALEP :



:rosie: :tankard:

Hi. I am Springlering, from Atlanta.

My costumes will be loosey goosey at best, I haven't memorized any drinking songs, I don't have a nifty flashing avatar or signature, and I don't do boards, so I don't know many of you.

I think I see some names & faces here I recognize from ELF, the ROTK premiere party, TORN parties, and a couple of other places, and I do have a friend coming as a presenter, but other than that, I fear I will be a shy little hobbit. Few social graces, so think of me as Backwater, rather than Bywater.

If you've ever visited the Springlering Virtual Museum site, well, that's me. It's very much under construction, new pages get added when the whim hits me. I suppose it makes me more Dwarf (or dragon! or Gollum!!!) than Hobbit, but I do love my little treasures, and spend (too) much of my time in pursuit of more.

If there's a little sidebar under the avatar marked "mercenary", that'd be me.

:lotr_gandalf: Greetings Springlering, from Atlanta.

My! That is quite a museum you have there! Did you do all that yourself? Most impressive. I will return when I have more time and walk its halls more thoroughly.

Welcome to boards.

:G rune:

Yes, many fine mathoms there for the browsing! I can see where part of my Sunday afternoon will be going? :)

Yep.

I'd describe it all as a moment of insanity, but it's been more six years of it. But, it's been fun, have made friends all over the world with other collectors.

It is astonishing the number of different licensed products that were made, from underdrawers to frozen pizza. I'm still finding more, some right under my nose. I just traded for a US Burger King fry carton last week. Had never seen one before.

How many people can wax lyrical about a greasy, used fry carton? I ask you!

Welcome Springlering!
I love your site, its very educational!
Somewhere I've got a few of the special LOTR soda cans, and the LOTR TV Guides.
(Finding them is another matter, though!)
It delights me that there were so many licensed products and premiums made (I particularly like reading about and seeing pics of the very limited-edition items made just for the premieres and such) and that new LOTR merchandise is still being made!
I bet you'll have to add a new "wing" to your museum for "The Hobbit" merchandise when it arrives!
Glad to have you aboard!
-Debbie/primmy

:tankard: Hullo all! I was told about this a bit ago but just now got around to looking and WOW I so want to be a part of this. My friends know me as Gimli but he was not there till after the party so call me Loton Beerbeard so named for the dark drops of Guinness found there. I'm in to most things like this I go to many Renfaires and I'm part of a Irish clan The clan M'Crack. I got named The original Helm's Deep Angel after riding my Harley to a Renfair in my armor. Ok so thats me. Hope to see you soon I need to read about rooms. :tankard:

:lotr_gandalf: Welcome Loton Beerbeard! Ale seems to come up often here for one reason or another. We are currently having an ale-naming contest you may wish to vote on.

:G rune:

Greetings! I ran across a dear old wizard friend of mine several moons ago, who told me of this incredible party, and I am so thrilled to have become a part of it! I currently know very few of you, but I do look forward to that changing as we fellowship together!

-Arwen (Kate Brown)

Welcome to the Shire, Arwen/Kate! Always glad to have an Elf join the festivities!
Yes, our Gandalf does get around, the Grey Wanderer he is!
-Debbie/primmy

:walking hobbit:

Greetings Arwen. I'm so very glad you could make it here. I look forward to hearing your fair voice once again. Do make yourself at home.

:G rune:

Hello Kate!

Glad to see you here.

I cannot wait to hear you sing, I have heard many praises of your voice.

Greetings and welcome Arwen/Kate and Springlering and beer beard. : ALEP : . It will be great to get acquainted with you all. See you at ALEP.

Hello Kezia , I forget to add you to my last post. This is so exciting. I hope I spelled your name correctly. If I have missed any other newcomers I am sorry but welcome we are glad to have you here.

Head warily peeking out from the boulder field that I've been hiding under for the last few months...

And yes, Dora, I FINALLY managed to get set up here! Happy now?

However, I forget my manners! Permit me to introduce myself. I am Eleanor Proudfoot (of the Eastfarthing ProudFEET). And like Dora, I'm into clothing/costuming/etc. I must say that I am truly looking forward to this weekend to meet so many kindred spirits.

I've been a fan of the Red Book since the tender age of 14... although that WAS just a couple years ago... Quit laughing, Dora! I can hear you all the way back here!!! Let's just say I'm a gentle-Hobbit of a certain age...


Now to go delving into all the various messages & topics to see what is going on in the real world. Ahhh for a few moments' peace from the rest of my family!!!!

Le suilon, Eleanor Proudfoot! Merin sa haryalaye alasse!
(Greetings, Eleanor Proudfoot! I wish that you shall possess joy!)
Any friend of Dora's is most welcome here; pull up a chair and warm your toes by the fire. I'll go get us some tea, its chilly today! I'll be mostly away for the next three days, but do make yourself at home and join in the fun!
-Debbie/primmy
:teacup: :fireplace:

'bout time! :rolleyes: You Proudfoots always were a tardy lot <ducking>, but ya got here! :P

<snrk!> :lol: :lol: :lol: :rolleyes: sorry, just couldn't help m'self :rolleyes: :P


Glad to see you, Eleanor!

-Dora Took :hobbit lass: :sewing:

:lotr_gandalf: Welcome all! Make yourselves right at home. :fireplace:

:G rune:

Greetings to all. I don't think I know anyone here. Hopefully that will change, but as I've been reading other posts, I've started to feel a little out of place.

Besides not noticing anyone else who's from the plains... I've never dressed up as a character or used a Tolkien-related log-in name (that wasn't as common when I first dropped onto the internet, and now if anyone knows me it's as tg so I hate to change). I'm not artistic, or a seamstress, or a collector. I've never been to a con, and I'm not quite sure I even know what "filk" means.

I've just been reading, discussing, and writing (not published, except on my own website) about Tolkien's work - especially LotR - for 39 years, having fallen in love with Frodo the first time I saw him drain his glass to Bilbo's health and slip out of the pavilion. I started following The Movies as soon as they were announced - first out of fear for what they might do to The Book - and have come to love them, although like everyone I have my quibbles.

I've always felt immediately at home with other Tolkienites, especially Hobbitcentric ones, which is what drew me to this gathering in the first place, so I'm sure it'll all turn out okay... even if I have no idea who to dress up as in order to get into the Party. (I happen to have a RL name that actually means "spear maiden" - but I'm not sure I'd want to bring that costume on the plane! :blink: ) I've already registered, bought my plane tickets, and requested the time off work, so there's no turning back now!

The only Tolkien-related photo of myself that I can offer is one taken at the Professor's and Edith's grave when I was at a meeting in Oxford a couple of years ago, so I've put that in as my avatar. You can see my JRRT-related interests by following the "www" link at the bottom of the post. Also EJW-related, since the site was originally started in his defense during the "kill me now" days after he was cast as Frodo.

Welcome, tgshaw!

No matter your costume (( or lack of )) you are MORE than welcome here, and at the party.

And you do not have to do anything elaborate, costume-wise.. Simple clothing for a basic hobbit-lass is very easy to find.

If you do not know of it already, Dora Took is part of a very wonderful site known as AlleyCatScratch. They have lots of tips/pointers there for making or acquiring a costume, no matter your budget or needs.

I cannot wait to meet you and discuss all things Tolkien with you. I hope you will find a great many friends, as that is the main point of this Party in the first place - Fellowship.

Hi Tg, welcome to ALEP! Yeah, it can feel when you think you're the odd one out. But hopefully spending time on the forum will help you get to know some of us that you'll meet at the event. We're a pretty friendly lot, I think :lol:

You said you're from the plains... that's a big area, and there are folk from the middle of the country - dunno if they're you're area or not. I can think off-hand of St Louis and Omaha.

that's very cool that you were able to get to Tolkien's grave! I'd love to go to England someday. (heck, anywhere in the UK would be great :rolleyes: ) I know what you mean about going to the movies out of fear for what they did to the book... I wouldn't see the first one until I got a review from a friend! I couldn't face it if they butchered it. His review was a)it was good but B) it was Jackson's LotR not Tolkien's LotR so expect a bit of a different take on things. That advice helped me a lot )although somehow it didn't last for the next two movies that still make me cringe in spots).

BTW, 'filk' is just a type of fannish songs that uses a recognizable tune and changes the words. If you're old enough to remember Allen Sherman (Camp Granada?) those would classify as filk, and probably Wierd Al Yankovich would also. The term came from a typo in a convention program - it was supposed to say 'folk' and the term just stuck.

As to costuming, no worries! I'm sure there will be plenty of people who won't be in costume all the time, so you won't be alone. The only time we're really wanting everyone in costume is for the Saturday Night party. And that can be very simple if you want. If you have any Renaissance Festival garb, that's fine for a hobbit. I don't know if you sew at all (or know someone who does), some people are buying an outfit from catalogs like GaelSong or Pyramid Collection, or on ebay, or you can rumage through your closet or a thrift store and see if you can find stuff to put together. We have some ideas for simple costumes at ACS Closet Quick Costumes Hobbit clothes are pretty much a tea-length skirt or two (if two, slightly different lengths), an apron, a peasant blouse and a bodice helps. For an elf, any 'medievalish' type dress would be fine. An attempt is really what we're looking for, you don't have to be fancy if you don't want to. If you have any costume questions, I'd be happy to help any way I can!

As to who to dress up like, well: what race do you most identify with? Many folks have costumes for multiple races (hobbit one day, elf another, Gondorian another - some of us are clothes-horse :lol: ) So it's not like you're limited in any way. You don't even have to pick a name or anything, some of us tend to 'cosplay' a bit and just find it fun to create names and backstories.

anyway, hope this helps a bit, feel free to jump on in on any of the threads - or start new ones! See you there!!

-Dora Took :hobbit lass: :sewing:

Welcome, tg! You'll fit in just fine, never fear! From what you said to introduce yourself, you have a lot in common with most of us already. I've been a fan since the paperback editions first came out back in the sixties, myself, and was, like you and Dora and pretty much everyone else, terribly nervous about the movies until I saw them. I do have qualms about them, certainly, but it helps to see them as very expensive fan fiction, of a high caliber. That way I can forgive (most of) the things Jackson changed, and enjoy them in their own right.

About costuming, Dora and Eowyn are right; there are lots of fairly easy and inexpensive options, and not just for hobbit clothes. A simple tunic over dark pants or jeans can work for most of the Big Folk (but should be of finer fabrics and more graceful lines for an Elf). My cousins, who are not given to costuming, recently wore a shirt with a sweater vest over cropped trousers with little foot-wigs and sandals at a Hobbit tea party we threw at a convention. They didn't want to be bothered with the skirts-and-bodice look, since they dislike wearing skirts at the best of time. They looked quite cute, too; very hobbit-tomboyish!

Whatever you settle on, I'm sure it will be just fine. Have fun scouting AlleyCatScratch and the other costume sites. :outfit:

Patti

Welcome, tg! Pull up a chair here by the fireplace and warm your toes.
Yay, another hobbit-centric member! I am of that ilk myself, so, welcome aboard, "cousin!"
(Note: your "www - " link didn't make it through; could you re-post it? Would like to visit your site!) Glad to have you joining us, and look forward to meeting you and all the other ALEPers I've been getting to know at this Forum. That's so cool that you got to go to England and visit the Professor's and Edith's graves, btw!)
Look around some more, join in on the threads that interest you, or start a new one!
Enjoy yourself!
-Debbie/primmy
:fireplace:

Hello tg,
I am from Missouri and I don't sew,well I can sew on a button and do a hem but other than that and I am hopeless. I have never been to a Tolkien gathering or a con and I did not know what filk is but unlike you I was not brave enough to ask. Dora has been so great to help me with my costume. I am going as a Hobbit and I am trying to get some ren faire costume for that and if there were weight challeged Elves I would be a elf too but alas I guess I will just be a lady of Gondor or Rohan. Welcome and I hope you feel quite at home here soon. I am looking forward to meeting you at ALEP.

Hey Bramblerose: did you ever read the 'intro' in Bored of the Rings? There must be some Hobbit-Elf mixes - at least that's my excuse :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:


-Dora Took (ka-ching!) :hobbit lass: :sewing:

lol Dora. :lol:

Naughty Dora! (RE: "Bored of the Rings") However, I read that parody again from time to time and still consider it one of the best riffs on our beloved tome. Even though its references are growing dated (it was written back in the late '60's or early '70's, I believe) I still think its hilarious. The character names alone are a scream (aside from the unfortunately pornographic choices for the Baggins' names) and the plot follows along with the original... well, close enough. I think my favorite character name parody is "Goodgulf Grayteeth", who is prone to wearing a t-shirt that glows magically with the inscription "Wilt thou kiss me in the dark, baby?"
My second favorite is "Stomper", also known as "Arrowroot, son of Arrowshirt." (((snerk!)))
It even includes an appearance by Tom Bombadil (as "Tim Benzedrine") and Old Man Willow as some kind of kissing plant!
Anyway...
All you newbies who have yet to introduce yourselves, please feel free to do so! We enjoy greeting old friends and meeting new ones, so please feel at home and say "Hi!" when you get a chance.
-Debbie/primmy

Hey Bramblerose: did you ever read the 'intro' in Bored of the Rings? There must be some Hobbit-Elf mixes - at least that's my excuse :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:


-Dora Took (ka-ching!) :hobbit lass: :sewing:

Hobbit-Elf mixes? Of course! Where else would those Tooks have come from (cf. first chapter of The Hobbit)? Evidently Bilbo skipped over the juicy stuff about his own ancestors when he was translating records at Rivendell - or Elrond hid those volumes from him. ;)

Dora and Bramblerose - I live in Omaha.

Maura, I'll post the URL again, but it's possible you just tried at a bad time. I'll be changing hosts within the next month (before my contract's up) because the access has gotten so spotty for both of the sites I have with that host - and people who know the web better than I do say it's mostly because of the way the host runs its servers. The site is at http://www.frodolivesin.us/ . I've also recently found out that a .us site is more likely to have access problems than a .com, because .com's get priority - which hardly seems fair <_< . I'm not giving up my .us, though, because I like the name of the site too much. If all goes as planned, I'll be moving to a host that's also a .us, which should help matters.

Thanks to everyone for the encouragement on the costume. I looked at some of the hobbit suggestions that were linked to, and they're kind of scary: boned bodices? ren faire clothes (I think I can guess what that means)? :o Could an "old lady" hobbit get away with a shawl instead of a bodice?

Hello there tgshaw! I remember you from the Children of Hurin site (www.tolkien.co.uk). Take heart. I don't sew but have made some "adaptations" with a glue gun and fabric glue. As Gandalf has said before, I believe that it's the "inner costume" that's really important. I'm sure you've already got what you need there.
Be sure to look me up at ALEP. I plan to have a most wonderful time. I hope that Bramblerose won't mind being seen with me, but I forgive her is she keeps her distance to stay out of "mischief."

:tree:

A shawl would work just fine instead of a bodice, tg. And truth be told, my bodices are not boned. It's my firm belief that the food and comfort loving hobbits (especially those of us who aren't still of courting age) would like their bodices to have a little breathing room in them. Of course, boning does give a lass a fine, trim figure, even if it's just an illusion. :P

Patti

Hello everyone! I been posting around the fourm here a couple of days and I thought I shold properly introduce myself.

My name is Megan and I live in West Virginia. I've been a tolkien fan for about 4 or 5 years now (which looks very short compared to the rest of you but I am only 19, so hey). It was the Return of the King movie that made me Lord of the Rings obsessed which turned into a love for all things Tolkien.

I'm a sophmore at Marshall University and I am a Family and Consumer Science major (very hobbit like i should think). My dream is to teach a home economics class. I love sewing and crafting.

I attend anime conventions and I do A LOT of cosplaying. I have been obsessed with costumes ever since I was very little. The only Tolkien costume i have made is a Pippin costume I made when I was in 10th grade. For ALEP I hope to make Rosie's party dress, a general 'woman of Rohan' dress, and Rosie's Wedding dress. I have not worked on a LotR costume in a LONG time so this should be a lot of fun!

I look forward to meeting you all this fall :)

Gee, we're almost twins, except that I'm 39 years older. :P I first read LotR (which was all there was at the time, except for The Hobbit) when I was 14/15.

And I'm always glad to run into someone who got interested in Tolkien's writing because of the movies. Some of the people adamantly opposed to the movies still won't admit that they had that effect.

____________

Hi, melianndoriath - I haven't been to the HarperCollins site for awhile. They moved the forum once, but I did find it again. Don't know what it's doing now. It was a good place for book discussion, but I just haven't had time to keep up with it.

Gee, we're almost twins, except that I'm 39 years older. :P I first read LotR (which was all there was at the time, except for The Hobbit) when I was 14/15.

And I'm always glad to run into someone who got interested in Tolkien's writing because of the movies. Some of the people adamantly opposed to the movies still won't admit that they had that effect.

____________

Hi, melianndoriath - I haven't been to the HarperCollins site for awhile. They moved the forum once, but I did find it again. Don't know what it's doing now. It was a good place for book discussion, but I just haven't had time to keep up with it.

Amen!
It the movies never existed, I would have never read the books. I really don't even like reading, but the lord of the rings movies and my desire to know more of the story made me read them and then i was hooked!

Bonnie, sorry I missed you all those weeks ago! Can't wait to see you in September now! ;)

Welcome to all the other new folk here!

Welcome to all the new folk! It is so very exciting to hear how you’re all preparing for the party. It makes me want to prepare all the more ~ and I am, believe me.
:village:
I am so looking forward to meeting you all in September. We will make quite the little village of denizens of middle-earth. It should be something to see.

:G rune:

Yes, we will be an interesting sight to see, I am sure. Amidst the view of various Middle earth "folk", I anticipate a feeling of fellowship, based on our love of Middle earth. I am looking forward to meeting some old friends for the first time, seeing some dear friends again and making some new friends that I can't even imagine now.

:compass:

Oh I am so excited I could burst. It is going to be so wonderful to see so many new friends and the ones that I consider old friends for the first time. Meli is an old friend. Make new friends but keep the old one is silver and the other gold. Things from my past . I was a Brownie girl scout leader and yes I can make a camp fire. That was one of the songs we sang at our Brownie meetings. :campsite: :calendar:

Me too: well, I wasn't a leader but I was a Brownie Scout and Girl Scout and remember that sweet old song! And I very much look forward to meeting you all at ALEP!
-Debbie/primmy

Aggie Wrenthistle, delighted to have been included in this party.

My fairy godmother mentioned this event back in January; after some convincing, my husband and I made our reservations... We live close enough to make it our summer road trip. Now to tackle costumes! We've done some renaissance fairs and living history events, so I hope for some creative adaptation. Also excited about all the costume information from Dora Took.

Always been interested in good fantasy fiction. My parents read The Hobbit to me as a child. I've finally gotten my husband started on my sci-fi/fantasy suggested reading list and once we signed on for this adventure, he bought the LOTR box set. I never did finish the Two Towers, but he's almost done with it. Guess I'll try again in the next few months. Loved the movies, but understand there is debate about differences in styles and stories. Something to discuss over bonfires and walks in the Shire?

Looking forward to making new friends, here and in September.
Thanks again for the warm greetings and hospitality.

~Aggie Wrenthistle

Nice to have you with us. Make yourself comfortable. If you have questions, ask away. There are many delightful folks here.

-Forestchild-
:tree: :hobbit lass:

Hello meganhibner and Wrenthistle. Wrenthistle I love your name it sounds very Hobbity. Welcome to you both and I look forward to meeting you all at ALEP. Debbie that song always use to choke me up and I am glad it brought back a good memory. :grouphug:

Hi Wrenthistle!

Goody: more hobbits! :lol: Welcome to ALEP. RenWear is pretty hobbity, so you should be fine. If you want to do some specific tweaking, feel free to ask! We have a costume thread in the Ivy Bush, I'll do my best to help. :lol: :lol:

Did you make your room reservation? Rooms are starting to get tight, so best do it soon if you haven't.
-Dora Took :hobbit lass: :sewing:

I haven't properly greeted Megan yet: Welcome to the Shire, Megan! And welcome to new member Wrenthistle as well, glad you both can join us!
And whether you choose to attend as a Hobbit, Elf, Shield Maiden, Gondorian, Ranger (or other denizen of Middle-earth) our resident costume guru "Dora" has lots of cool info about putting a costume together that will suit any kind of budget. (She and Cat Deveraux created "alleycatscratch" the LOTR costuming site!)
Look around, make yourselves at home, and put up your feet while I make us some tea! (Or maybe a drop of the "Old Winyards"?)
-Debbie/primmy
:teacup:
:wine:

:lotr_gandalf: I'm looking forward to meeting you all. Be it dancing around a fire or chatting while taking an evening stroll across the countryside, I too look forward to the fellowship and what the guests have to offer.

Now I must be away! There is much to do today.
:cart:

:G rune:

(Posted Image)

Welcome to our newest family members: Beerbeard
(gotta love that name!) :tankard: , Springlering, Arwen1890, TGShaw, Eleanor Proudfoot, Megan Hibner, Lady Aibrean, and Aggie Wrenthistle!!

:grouphug: : ALEP : :tankard:

Greetings Everyone,

I am happy write and introduce myself.
Nimbelwill Partridgeberry is my hobbit name and like many who love the stories of Middle Earth I have other names Kukla among them. I discovered The Hobbit in the late 60’s early 70’s.
I longed to know more about the Shire, and so I started reading all things
fanciful.

Aggie is my fairey child, so I must write now she is present.
Gandalf may remember me as the maker of a hat made like his, at GenCon Indy “05.
A friend and I felted a seamless hat and I still have it my husband even wears it on
special occasions.
I can not sew but I can draw so I've created a design for ALEP.
Amy the young women who is making it for me had me come over to her home the other day for a first fitting, I was very impressed. She loves the design too. If you know the movie Camelot there is a scene in which Guinevere follows Arthur down an outdoor staircase, she is wearing a lovely brown suede, with patches near the bottom, sort of a wellworn riding outfit? It is hard to describe ~ but I have loved the costume since High School some forty years ago. I will do some surface decoration on it after the final fitting. I'm very happy with it.

So at ALEP I will dress as part human part elf and later hobbit.

I’m wondering if any other old friends are lurky? Ferny are you about?
As you can tell I am very excited and looking forward to making new and
gentle friends.

I am so happy to be part of this lovely dream come true.

Nimbelwill ~

Welcome, Nimbelwill/ Kukula. I hope you will find some old friends, as well as some new friends, among those attending ALEP. Glad to see new pwoplw posting.

-Forestchild-
:tree: :hobbit lass:

THANK YOU FORESTCHILD
I looking forword to this event.
Nimblewill~

Glad to have you aboard, Kukla/Nimblewill! Welcome to the Shire, pull up a chair and be welcome!
As I read your post, I see that we have something in common: you like to draw and design costumes but can't or don't know how to sew, and I'm the same! I look forward to seeing your Camelot-based costume, it sounds lovely!
best wishes
-Debbie/primmy

Thanks Debbie/primmy I can sew Very simple things like pouches etc. I will try to post the costume on the costume page. As soon as I have a bit of time.
Nimbelwill

Greetings to all, and thank you for your kind hospitality.


Well so then I see Wrenthistle and Niblewill have made an appearance here.

I too must follow suit, I reckon. though I have already posted to the board with some drink questions a few weeks past.

Aggie and I are quite excited to attend the affair this fall, and none of it would have come about were it not for Niblewill and her kind hintings toward the gathering. Many thanks indeed!

Aggie and I have never attended a shindig the likes of this and are both terrified and giddy at once.

I have been counting the weeks as they tick by on the calendar both fearful of all the work yet to be done, and excited to finally see the Shire and all its trappings.

...now to get chipping away on the two towers -

javascript:emoticon(':)')
smilie

Welcome: Kukla and Thistlehyde! :lol: :lol: I love your names :lol:

Kukla, that's cool that you make felt hats! do you start from a hat blank, or do you make the felt as well? I want to try steaming a hat over a block - just haven't had the time. :rolleyes:

-Dora Took :hobbit lass: :sewing:

Thank you Thistlehyde you are so kind, don't worry we'll get those costume made in time.
I’m a little scared too, being somewhat shy, but I think we’ll be glad we came.

And Hello Dora Took Thanks for the welcome.
Making Felt is quite simple; you just need wool, water and agitation from your hands.
It is very easy to learn. But is does take elbow grease.
I felt from stretch I don’t knit first (I don’t know how).
I have been feltmaking for six years and still love it.
I sell in shops and Ren Faires. I wish I could make my living just making felt pieces.

Opps I meant from scratch dah!

:lol: that's ok, Kukla! I know what you meant. Yes, I've made felt a few times - mostly felt slippers and felt insoles for my viking boots. I've never made felt for a hat, though. I want a nice tight/smooth look for a Victorian ladies hat (sorta like a derby, but more petit). I'm going to try starting with made felt and see what happens. :rolleyes:

-Dora Took :hobbit lass: :sewing:

:lotr_gandalf: Greetings to you all,

Do not be shy here. You are among friends and we welcome you and I am glad you have come.

I am afraid I remember you Nimbelwill, if you are who I think you are. I believe you once asked me to model a hat for you (and it was a grand hat too! I hope to see it again), but unlike the real Gandalf, my mind gets filled with too many things at times and some get buried. If that was you, I deeply apologize for not returning as it was a very busy weekend, but we may yet have a chance to take this photo, and in a place as picturesque as the shire itself, that I may redeem myself. Welcome!

:G rune:

Oh, Thank You So Very Much Gandalf for the Welcome. I do feel among friends and I was the person you remember. I must say I didn't remember you not coming back ~ because I was just so happy that you liked the hat. I will bring it and perhaps, if there is time I can take a picture. That would be fine fun.

Nimblewill

Hi Dora,

Let me know if you need any advice on making the felt. I think I know the type of small hat you are going to make. You can try creating a flat piece of handmade felt and using a pattern, cutting it out, then sewing it together. I have created hats much like the one you are trying for with a flat piece rather than doing it 3-D.

Nimblewill ~

Thanks, Nimblewill... let's continue this over in the Green Dragon, since it is sorta OT for a greeting thread :rolleyes: I've got a pic for you!

-Dora Took :hobbit lass: :sewing:

I do not know how this wondrous invitation ended up in my in-box, but - Oh Wow - there are tears in my eyes as I am reading who and what is here.....real life gets so in the way, that you forget how much you love the good professor and the world he created.

I was able to talk my husband into letting me go off to Toronto for three days of Middle Earth madness - maybe he will let to come to Kentucky for the same, five years later. I went to the costume ball as Legolas, but I think I am much better suited as a Hobbit matron - perhaps the one who scowls so when her husband laughs at the children chasing the fireworks Gandalf lets off at their behest. Mrs. Proudfoot, she would be, no??

Anyway - hello. I am going to have to navigate my way through this website and see what there is to see and come to some conclusions.

Thank you for inviting me. :tree:

Welcome to the Forum, Starleaf! I hope you and perhaps your husband too will decide to attend "A Long-Expected Party" after you have a chance to check out the website and the Forum and see what its all about!
I'm looking forward to seeing old friends there and meeting new ones, as I'm betting a lot of us are!
So, look around, make yourself comfortable, pull up a chair and warm your toes.
-Debbie/primmy
:fireplace: :tankard:

Hi Starleaf, welcome! And yes, it is Mrs Proudfoot who scowls so amazingly at Gandalf. Actually I've repro'd her outfit if you're interesting in any ideas.

-Dora Took :hobbit lass: :sewing:

Welcome Starleaf,

My! You do come up with wonderful names for yourselves. It will be good to have another Proudfoot (Proudfeet!) at the party. I have been working with Odo and he says we will be at the party at least (and some of the meals too).
Look around. There is quite a bit of reading now in the forums and the website. Feel free to ask any questions and sooner or later a hobbit, elf or wizard will come in answer.

Welcome!

:G rune:

Thank you all. Yes, Dora - I would be interested in the Mrs. Proudfoot costume - I do sew (quilting is my hobby, but I can certainly sew clothing). It would save me from having to watch that segment 50 times to get the details!! Although I'm sure the whole costume is available at CatScratchAlley - they are wondrous for ME costumes.

My husband loves the movies and has seen them almost as many times as I have and he would make quite a passable Proudfoot - but he is not in the least into role playing and he is quite socially shy - he would not be the least bit happy amidst 100 - 200 strangers. But dear man that he is, he will let me go off and be completely silly, even at my advanced age.

:lembas:


Question: How do I go back to the intro page from here? I can't figure it out - no matter where I click, I just come back here. HELP.

Greetings, Starleaf. I hope you found your way back to the home pasge. Have fun exploring the site. And if you have questions, just ask.

-Forestchild- :tree: :hobbit lass:

"Although I'm sure the whole costume is available at CatScratchAlley - they are wondrous for ME costumes."

Just so you know, "Alleycatscratch", the LOTR Costuming Website, is all about research and sharing information so fans can make their own LOTR costumes; buying and selling costumes isn't allowed!

Here's their link:
http://www.alleycatscratch.com/lotr/

"Question: How do I go back to the intro page from here? I can't figure it out - no matter where I click, I just come back here. HELP."

Now that you mention it I don't think there is a return link back to the ALEP website from the Forum... so here's a link back to the website "front page":

http://www.alongexpectedparty.org/desktop%20page.htm

-Debbie/primmy

Yah - I got AlleyCatScratch all turned around - sorry. And I know they don't sell costumes - I meant they are a wealth of information on how to make your own. Not expressing myself well today at all!! :rolleyes:
When I went as Legolas in Toronto, it was their website that helped me build that costume. And their template for the White Tree of Gondor is perfect. But I had to look elsewhere for the Rohan horse insignias. I made a pillow out of that and had Bruce Hopkins sign it for me.

Actually I don't think it is - I never really wrote it up :rolleyes:

Let's discuss it over in the Ivy Bush in the Costume Thread. :) :)

Did you send in the drawings you made? I know Cat isn't able to get a lot up for a very long time, but we do hold on to everything. And some day we'll get someone good at writing html code that can make us a hack between our graphic program and our database software - and then we can move things where it's easy to update!

-Dora Took :hobbit lass: :sewing:

:lotr_gandalf: Welcome Herossong! I like that name. Roam about the forum and web site ~ there is a lot to see, read and get caught up on.

Till our paths cross,

:G rune:

HeroSong, welcome to the boards. There is a lot of fun threads here, and great folks too. If you have any questions, ask away. Someone will know hoe to assist you.

-Forestchild-
:tree: :hobbit lass:

:G rune:
Hi All...I'm planning on registering tomorrow, after making certain there's still a room available.

I don't know anyone here from Adam, except perhaps I think I recognize Frodo from the LOTR Exhibition at the Boston Museum of Science midnight opening. (Remember Pam & François? I'm not François.) :)

I can't sew to save my life, but will make every attempt to be an unremarkable Daisy Baggins (i.e. hobbit cousin to Frodo, who was supposed to be 51 at the Bilbo's birthday party...and as I'm 51, it seemed the most fitting.) But I'm afraid even of the attempt, truth be told. (It does help that Daisy hasn't got a role in the movie, that I'm aware of, so no one quite knows what she looks like. ;) )

I live in Rhode Island and basically had to look up Lexington, KY on the map. In my, um, much younger days I travelled quite a lot. Marriage, work, house, kids, etc. put a stop to that and I haven't been anywhere on my own in more years than I can count. So this is to be a major step for the new-old me.

DaisyBaggins/Pam

Welcome Dasiy/Pam!

Yes, you do indeed recognize that Frodo from the Boston exhibit. It was the first thing he ever went to in that Frodo costume.

Little did he know it would lead him down the road it has. :)


We're glad you're here.

Welcome Daisy Baggins! That's another Baggins at the 'Baggins' table at the party.
This adventure will do you good. Remember, you do not quit playing because you have gotten old ~ You get old because you quit playing.

:G rune:

Thank you whiteladyeowyn & gandalf for your welcomes!

Gandalf, nice sentiment! But to clarify...I didn't mean I was old, just that I used to be much younger. Big distinction. LOL :lol:

Welcome, Daisy, to the boards. There's a lot to explore. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. Chances are, someone will know the answer or know where to find it.

-Forestchild-
:tree: :hobbit lass:

Thank you Forestchild! And as it happens I do have a question... I'm trying to register but when I get to the Payment area, the webpage dies w/ "<DIV style=" without any SUBMIT button. What to do? (I looked at the source and that's what I'm seeing at the bottom of the page there as well.)

That is a good question. I am going to copy your question and paste it over in the Registration Questions and Information Thread, and the bottom of the message board. It may get answered quicker there.

If I see an answer, I'll post it back here for you.

-Forestchild-
:tree: :hobbit lass:

Many thanks, forestchild! That's very kind! I didn't realize there was such a forum. :)

Gandalf must have worked his magic...all is well now! :)

Welcome, Daisy! Yay, more hobbits!
Looking forward to meeting you and all our other ALEPers soon!
-Debbie/primmy

Good Day Daisy,

White Lady Eowyn advised me of the problem but when I checked the web site it was running fine. I still re-uploaded that page for safety's sake. I did get your registration on your 2nd attempt.

:frodo:

Hi Daisy,

Welcome to ALEP! I can understand your fears about costuming, but let me assure you: not every can sew or is even interested in sewing. There are many ways to deal with this.

First, a costume is only a requirement for the Sat evening party - you can be in civvies if you want (the site will still be open to the public and they will certainly be in civvies). Some people who don't sew choose to buy a costume: things may be found on ebay or through a variety of websites that sell medievaloid garb - like any place that sells costumes for RenFair. Some people even find things at thrift stores! You might check out Closet Quickies - ACS for some ideas. Even if you find a vest at a thrift store that might work for a bodice, you can cut it off just below your waist level, fold the cut edges to the inside and use some 'stitch witchery' and iron it shut (that's a brand of non-woven, iron-on stuff on a roll mostly for turning up hems without having to sew).

Actually most of a women's hobbit outfit is pretty simple. If you'd like any help, suggestions or ideas, feel free to post over in the Costume Thread in the Ivy Bush. :lol: just remember, you're not alone in this.

-Dora Took :hobbit lass: :sewing:

Thanks again for your welcomes. :)

I'll post my costuming questions in the Ivy Bush. Thanks!

Greetings good people of Middle Earth from another Ranger of the North.

Although this is the first time that I have spoken to you, it does not mean that I've not been keeping watch on comings and goings. My responsibilities in the West are now concluded, (yet duties in the North are forever ongoing) so hopefully I will have some time to visit, now and then.

As the date fast approaches for the Party, I'm assured that the preparations are in quite capable hands.

So, until the next time.


TolmanJr

Mae govannen, TolmanJr, ALEP member and fellow member of the FoME!
You will find at least a few friends from "The Fellowship of Middle-earth" here, so, welcome aboard!
Check out the various threads, read about your fellow-attendees, and add comments of your own!
Looking forward to meeting friends I've only "met" online, very much!
-ML
aka
-Debbie/primmy

Welcome TolmanJr! Always good to see a familiar face. :)

Greetings TolmanJr. It is good to see another Ranger join our ranks. We will speak at the party.

:G rune:

Welcome GilGalad and Tolman!!

:rosie:

Hi GilGalad! Welcome aboard!
I hope you will roam around the Forum, see what's going on, and introduce yourself here.
Its fun to read about your fellow attendees and get to know them a little before we all
meet at ALEP!
Which is right around the corner, now!!
-Debbie/primmy
:fireplace:

Thank you!!! I look forward to meeting all of you, it is great to have such a gathering of Tolkien fans to look forward to!!!

~Gil Galad

(Posted Image)
DovoSandybanks!!

:rosie:

Mae Govannen, HeroSong!! So glad to see you here! Can't wait to see your smiling face! We MAC's might need to practice up our singing voices for Thursday night. Thank goodness that you have that lovely voice of yours to help us others along!
Welcome GilGalad and Daisy. So very nice to meet you. And I am counting the days until I can be surrounded by rangers, Tolman! :ranger:

Meli

Hello! I have been quite remiss in not posting here yet. :map:

I'm Rhyselle, an author on Stories of Arda and FFN.

I will be attending with Agape4Gondor and her family, as well as my twin sister, Meriel Greyvale, who writes as dancingkatz on FFN. We will be in the Tanyard Building.

I am bringing several costumes :sewing: (fantasy/historical costume design is my other passion next to writing), including Miss Dora Baggins for the birthday party itself (assuming no one else is playing her!) :hobbit lass: , my interpretation of an elleth from Mirkwood, a Noldor elleth from Aman (inspired by Fiondil's fics), a Maia from Aman, a Gondorian lady, and time permitting, a Rohirric lady.

I am so very grateful to Agape4Gondor for telling me about ALEP and I've been looking forward to it ever since last January when I registered.

BTW, I'll be bringing along my sewing machine, fabric and notions if anyone needs last minute assistance/repair on their garb... :pack horse:

Vorondavë ar linalmië,
Rhyselle

Welcome Rhyselle! I look forward to seeing your many outfits (I only have one ~ and old grey one). Look around and enjoy! We shall all meet soon.

:G rune:

]wel met friends im christina good to meet you all
i wil not be atending the partey i liv in the uk im frum the usa im frum chattanooga tn usa i love lotr i hope all your partey gos wel i have a birthdefect
caled williamssyndromewilliams
i liv with my famley in england
i have all wayes loved lord of the rings
my favret carickter is gollum

Well hello littlgriz! Been a long time since I have heard from you. I hope you and the family are enjoying England.

And ok... so I post on the welcome topic AFTER the party :P So... might be a little redundant, but then I may have missed actually meeting some people despite my intentions to the contrary. I had a WONDERFUL time at the party and thank you to each and every one of you out there for making this the highlight of the year!!! :cake:

I had a great time to and does anyone know any information about the horse and black rider ? Bramblerose aka Awelyn :wraith:

it is a pleshure to see you a gin my dear friend howe are you wer doing wel thank you its bin aloong time i hope your famley is wel and doing good
wev bin in the uk nowe 3 years im so glad to be on this forum

Jp felt badly that he forgot to make an announcement about that - but at the time I'd have been surprised if he could remember his own name(s)!

The horse had a few abrasions on it's hoof (I think) - but nothing serious. The rider had a small concussion but nothing she felt was serious as she said she's had that before (likely from other falls -it happens).

So, they are fine - relatively speaking.

-Dora Took :hobbit lass: :sewing:

From all I have heard, most long time riders have taken a few falls. But even so, its rarely on pavement. I am very glad both her and the horse are doing ok and will recover, hopefully soon.

Thank you for the update, Dora -- very glad both are doing all right!

I am so glad and relieved both horse and rider are both just fine. :wraith:

Thank goodness she is okay.

:pippin:

(Posted Image)
to A Long-Expected Party, Vladazhael !!

Very pretty Welcome sign. Maybe you'll bring it to our next ALEP. Did you make it? Is it leaded glass or cloth or painted or did I miss something?

Thanks, but I simply snagged it off the Internet. I would have been able to create something similar before I stopped tinkering with stained glass. I'll just have to see how rusty I am - once I clean off that work table!

Oh - I did miss something.
I've always admired folks who made stained glass pictures. I hope you'll do it. I'll be your ardent admirer.

I love stained glass too! I about had DH talked into learning stained glass so we could make some fancy windows for our new house (in 4 years)... but then I looked at the costs of the classes... :blink: we're supposed to be saving money and that doesn't qualify! Maybe I'll try someone else's technique of painting on plastic and hanging it in the window. :rolleyes:

-Dora Took :hobbit lass: :sewing:

Something like this? Glass Sensations - Artistic Overlays

I think this guy is the son of a friend of mine (who passed away earlier this year). :( But maybe this can give you some ideas, although I doubt this is inexpensive too!

Oh those are lovely! I'd probably try for something simple, at least to start off with. but painting or magic markers anyway. Stained glass would be really cool, but....

-Dora Took :hobbit lass: :sewing:

My father taught himself how to make stained glass. I mean, it helps that he already was comfortable using a soldering iron and such. But anyway, it's not that difficult, and you don't have to be very artistic! You just need to learn which shapes are easy and which will result in broken glass, and then make your pictures out of them. Cutting the glass and wrapping the pieces in copper foil is (relatively) easy, but tedious work.

But I will say this - you need a light table to work on. The glass looks completely different with light shining through it, and something that looks good laying on a table won't look so great in the window. So, if you are going to invest in the hobby...make sure you buy yourself a light table!

I would like to extend a welcome to the many people who have joined our forum after the event, lol.
Check in often, as things may be revealed here in the future that may interest you.

:G rune:

Oh, now that's intriguing.

dora that is wonderful it looks buteful

thank you gandalf

Why, thank you, Rosie! B) Glad to have finally signed up.

Greetings Alatariel Ancalime!!

Welcome to A Long-Expected Party!!

(Posted Image)

I'm not sure where the best place to post this is, so I picked here...

HAPPY THANKSGIVING everybody!

I hope every one has a safe and enjoyable holiday...

Please accept my sincere hello-- I'm Daughter of Chaucer (or Chaucer).

I'm very new to the LOTR fellowship that is online... to be honest, in the past, I was too intimidated to try and join a LOTR forum. There's such a huge online base of appreciation for Professor Tolkien and his works... I never knew where to start. :)

My greetings to all,
chaucer

Chaucer, welcome and we are glad to have you. You might also check out councilofelrond.com It is not a big site but very friendly I am awelyn418 on there. The people here are just great and they make you feel so at home. :christmas lad: :christmas lass: :christmas wizard:

Greetings Daughter of Chaucer,

You join us late in the game, as this was a forum so folk could get better acquainted with one another before our event, A Long-Expected Party, last September. It was my guess that the forum would quickly fall silent after the event as so many do, but it seems I was mistaken and it still keeps active. A nice surprise.

Keep checking in; there may be news in the near future you might find interesting. After all, it was this event that lead me to your wonderful pictures and gave me many ideas.

Welcome!

:lotr_gandalf: :G rune:

Thank you, Bramblerose, for the suggestion of councilofelrond.com, I will definitely visit the site. :)

Gandalf the Grey, my thanks for commenting on my photostream-- it was the manner in which I found out about ALEP, albeit after the fact.

Welcome, Daughter of Chaucer!

Another site you might want to check out is www.lotrfanmb.com. We started out as the official fanclub boards, but moved when Decipher started neglecting them. I also go by Ashlyn there.

Much thanks for the url, Ashlyn... another one that I look forward to visiting. :)

:hobbit computer:

That remains to be seen.

:G rune:

(Posted Image)

Rosie_Cotton, that is a beautiful welcome!
(right click, save!)

Mae govannen, Daughter of Chaucer!

What? New ideas? We are missing the wonderful friendships and fellowships that we enjoyed at ALEP, Gandalf. Please keep us informed of anything in the works to bring hobbits, wizards, elves, dwarves and men (especially rangers) together again.


Meli

:letter:

Just saying hello to everyone here-- it's been a few months since I've posted. I think many folks are on facebook, but I'm a silly holdout :) Hope you are all doing well.

I need to find the recipe threads and catch up on any new posts. :lembas: :christmas lass: :cookie plate:

Hello and yes I am on facebook but I still come here too.

I agree with Meliann! I would love to know if and when something like this is happening again.

Leofa
:bill:

Me, too, Leofa! I am so looking forward to our next get-together, wherever it may be. And, Doc, if you want to talk recipes, I'm your Hobbit!

Patti

Thanks, Patti! Now that summer is here, I've been thinking about grilling 24/7 probably because I *don't* have a grill. I wonder what Strider would be cooking up over an open fire, hahahaha :)

I expect Strider would be happy to grill a few rabbits, quail, or waterfowl like geese or ducks, but then I remember that movie scene from Fellowship where he's carrying the deer over his shoulder. Mmm, spit-grilled venison.... Slip a pan under the meat to catch the juices for gravy, tuck some wild roots into the coals, and toast a few mushrooms on a stick, and it sounds like Ranger's Delight! :mushroom:

We don't have a proper grill, either, Doc, but a cast iron grill pan on the stovetop works (almost) as well. You just don't get the wonderful charcoal smell and taste. I don't like the bottled smoke that some people use, so when we want that real grilled taste, we go out to eat! :P

Patti