January 15, 2017
Tolkien Birthday Celebration
I made my annual pilgrimage to the Kennedy School for the J.R.R. Tolkien Birthday Bash on Saturday. The recent inclement weather is the likely culprit for this year’s rather sparse attendance. (Seriously, I saw a couple guys on cross-country skis crossing the street when I left.) So I suppose there isn’t much to report. I brought the family with me, thinking the Heir Apparent would be old enough to enjoy some of the activities, maybe enjoy the costumes. But I only saw one person in costume. Due to naptime considerations (no, not mine, wiseass) and the condition of the roads we left before any of the planned events began (except for the commencement of the trilogy showing in the theater, but I’d just as soon sit at home for a re-watch.)
We did stay for lunch and enjoyed the One Ring Onion Ring. Oddly, we were brought more than one onion ring so I was left unsure which one contained the power of Sauron.
There were a couple people setting up a miniatures game.
I admire the dedication and passion involved in preparing and playing such games. The painting of the miniatures alone must require a hundred hours. And it is that sort of commitment, that desire to be involved, even peripherally, with the Lord of the Rings that suggest what a truly staggering achievement the Professor’s creation truly was.
At the same time, as I experience the celebration of Tolkien’s life and work with my family and as I get older, I begin to realize I should focus more on my own life and work and less on the lives and accomplishments of others. So, thank you for another insight, J.R.R. And happy birthday.
