Hey everyone! I'm just popping in here before my computer runs out of battery and before I have to go to bed. How has everyone's day gone?

I have had a fantastic day. Friday is dance day, which is usually a fun day. Today was our first dance class of the new year! Whoot! It was lots of fun. One of our dance classmates who had to move last spring came and visited us. It was so sweet. And me, the teacher, and one other dance class mate got together early before dance class started to work on some music for the spring recital. My mom is going to play the fiddle, my teacher can play the accordion and the penny whistle, and then me and a couple of the girls can sing and lay the penny whistle as well.

We've got some good ideas for songs too. I just need to work on them.

*waves to Aiden* Long time no see! How have you been doing? I actually have an excuse for not being on. Our main computer, the school computer which I usually use, is out of business. It got another virus and we decided that this time we're just going to get a new computer and not bother trying to clean it all off. So I have to snitch my parents' laptops whenever I want to get on. That is, if neither of my five other siblings are using it. I have seven siblings, but only five are still at home.

*waves back to Benjamin* Hey, hey! It's good to hear from you! Haha, thanks. I personally thought that it was horrible singing.

Anywho, I noticed that you were listening to Phil Wickham's song "Cielo". *eyes go all dreamy*. That is probably my favoritist of his songs! It's so, so beautiful. I wish I knew how to play it on the piano.

Speaking of piano, how are lessons going? I'm starting piano lessons up next week, hopefully. I haven't heard back from my teacher yet.

I'm teaching myself a new Tenth Ave. North song on the piano. I'm teaching myself "You Are". It is a beautiful piece on the piano actually. It's very similar to "Hold My Heart". At least, the music and rhythm is.

*waves to everyone else on the Square* Wish I had more time to catch up, but I really don't! I recently updated my blog, so you can check that out, I guess. I never really post updates though...just random stuff.

Anyways, good night and God bless!

Good Mortereve, everyone.

*waves back* Thanks It's good to be back on it

lol. I wish I could still ride one - I have one from when I was, like, 9 or something, which is wayyy too small.

I always liked Sam a bunch too, and I also DID not like how they changed that from the books (about Frodo). Oh Aragorn is great!

Yeah, Frodo from the book would never have betrayed Sam. Ever. It adds more impact.. I suppose. And I never really understood why Sam climbs all the way down the mountainside before seeing the lembas bread Gollum threw down and goes back up again. Anyway.

Yes I Love his music! How many songs have you heard of his?

I've heard quite a few through just clicking on random ones on Youtube - I can't remember all of them. Along with Cielo I bought Beautiful, Safe, and True Love. Any recommendations?

Heehee, I know we shouldn't like him, but.

I think it's okay..

*waves to everyone else on the Square* Wish I had more time to catch up, but I really don't! I recently updated my blog, so you can check that out, I guess. I never really post updates though...just random stuff.

*counts that as herself and waves back*
Don't worry about catching up.. I start school on Monday, and I know how it's going to be until mid-February. I just went and looked at your blog, and your post about "Oh My Dear" was really.. relatable. So thanks for writing that.

*is still tired..* I'll almost be glad to get back to school, because it's better than this unproductivity where I sit at the computer all afternoon and get next to nothing done.

*Lucy of Narnia flies into the square on a magnificant eagle, whose feathers are a beautiful dusky blue and whose eyes are the color of the sunset. As the eagle, Phosphorus, lands by the Ditto Fountain, Lu slips off, offers her humble thanks to her pet (who has a rather odd name), and watches as he flies off. As she is wondering why in the world she named him after flaming lava or something she wanders over to the chocolate tree, and daintily picks off several pieces. Then, she looks around, ready to speak to somebody.

"Oh, did I tell you?" she asks anybody who will listen. "I moved into my new house the other day. It is a glorious hobbit-hole cut into the center of a grassy hill. I am living there with Phosphorus, a kitten named May (who is pure white with delicate blue eyes, but not deaf), a very tiny bird called Keets and my hobbit-husband. We have two daughters, Lily and Autumn, and we just recently welcomed our first son, Frolo, named after a family relative. We are enjoying the new little garden that we planted out back, the small tree in the back of the house, and all of the wonderful, fresh-blooming flowers. It is never Winter in Hobbiton!

Furthermore, I should like to welcome everyone to my feast! We have tea, toast, cakes, eggs, biscuits, and every other hobbity delight one can imagine. Everyone is welcome of course, but I especially would like to invite Riella. Oh, by the way...*whispers* there are plenty of mushrooms, even by hobbit standards. I hop eto see you all there!"

Lu picks up Autumn and carries her inside, followed closely by the adorable maiden Lily, whose grace far surpasses her mother's.*

Good mortereve, all!

Hm. I notice that there has been some conversation about journals? I used to keep one, but burned it after my parents read it. I regret that somewhat, as a diary is something I was hoping to keep to look back on in later years. But then again, it was too personal for other eyes. Anyway.

*waves to Lia* I'm going to steal that nickname for you. I don't believe we've met, have we? You can call me Rose, Rosa, or Miss R... whichever strikes your fancy.

Aragorn or Eomer? Meh. Aragorn, definitely.

*waves back to Winter* Good to see you!

And look at this, it's Ruby! It's lovely to see you as well. Are you still on Christmas break? And, you have a blog? How did I not know that? I'd love to have the link, if you don't mind sharing.

*waves to Nick* I really should think of a more original way to acknowledge you. Oh well. Hi.

Well, Ben, there were the typical alligators. I remember the birds most of all, however. Pelicans, grebes, herons, egrets, cranes, ibises, anhingas, and comorants. There were so many unique species, and they weren't afraid of us at all. We could have touched them if we had wanted to.

No, there weren't too many accidents on the trip. I just hit my head on the fire pit that one time. Talk about vivid memories.

Are your parents missionaries to Japan as well, AC, or is that where you are from? That's too bad about having to move to the UK. I've never moved, but I can imagine how hard it would be.

*Lu notices the slow behavior at the Square as of late with slight distress*

"Where is Riella? The mushroom soup and cakes are getting chilly!"

*decided to begin a new discussion based on LotR*

So- who else is thrilled that

PLease give him a big part- it might wreck the story, but still- please give hm a big part! Frodo is the absolute coolest hobbit EVER!

*decided to hush for now*

Lu

Hello all! *Waves*

It seems I'm in the same category as Winty here.

Really?! I wonder why..

Heya, Aiden!

*waves back to Winter* Good to see you!

Good to see ya, too! How've you been?

Well, see y'all!

Hello, all! I know I dropped off the planet for a bit there. I have been journaling an awful lot, and working on short stories a fair bit as well, so that may go some way towards explaining my prolonged absence. Anyway, I thought I'd better come in and post before I'm beyond all hope of catching up. (Of course, I do realize that eventually, if I stay away long enough, people will stop talking about me. But as that knowledge tends to deflate my ego, I try to block it out. )

I'm not sure iff'n it'll keep me interested or not.

"Iff'n"? My, we are cultured.

My dad's side of the family is Texan as far back as we have traced it -- it's only through the surname that we know we were originally Scottish. But related to the guy who played Curly? Okay, I confess. You have me beat.

I've practically lived at Turner Classic Movies ever since.

Oh, me too! TCM is the only movie channel on TV I watch -- well, and maybe Fox Movie Channel, occasionally. It's no coincidence that those two are the only 100% commercial-free movie channels that we don't have to pay for. Still, I'm very proud of TCM for keeping their programming consistent, not caving in and starting to show more contemporary films. AMC and TV Land failed me on that account. But TCM has stayed strong.

Speaking of the '38 Robin Hood, my most memorable viewing of it (although not my first) was in an actual movie theater! When it was digitally remastered for DVD in 2003, it was also given a limited release in art house theaters around the country, and I was able to go see it with my brother and grandparents. It was wonderful seeing it on the big screen, with crisp colors and sounds, after watching it several times on the library's old VHS. That had to be the most diverse crowd I've ever seen in a theater, too ... all the way from elderly folks who looked as though they might have seen it back in 1938, to young children. And we all applauded when it was over. Shows exactly what people mean by the phrase, "They don't make 'em like they used to."

*coming back* Were you the person who said your state had the best pork barbecue? 'Cause that comment just came back to me. The best pulled pork I ever had was in Tennessee. Is that where you're from?

Which of McKillip's stories are your favorites? I know she's written quite a few.

Yes, I've read about ... 14 of her novels, and I still have several more to go. Of those, there were honestly only a couple I didn't like. But my favorites are definitely (in order) the Riddle-Master trilogy, then The Bell at Sealey Head, then Winter Rose. Bell would definitely be my top recommendation for someone new to her work, though: most people seem to warm to it easily, which is somewhat unusual for one's first McKillip. And Winter Rose really should not be read until you are thoroughly acquainted with her style, as it's one of her most confusing and obscure. But it's also haunting and gorgeous. And Riddle-Master is simply one of the best epic fantasies ever written. (And it certainly has one of the best closing lines I've ever come across.)

*waves back to Valia*

I remain unchanged in my opinion of Toy Story and Toy Story 2.

Does this mean you like them, or don't? I am not familiar with your opinion, I'm afraid.

First thing I have to say......I have been waiting for a day and a half to day this. *takes a deep breath*.....*clears throat*

Ladies and Gentlemen, it has been brought to my attention that our very own Lyzinger is very.....ok whatever no more thinking about what I'm going to say, and how I'm going to word it.

I think the words you were looking for were "is a man of incredible taste when it comes to cinematic entertainments." Or, maybe, "is awesome and flawless when it comes to making recommendations. Or simply, "is Epic."

Seriously, I'm very glad you enjoyed The King's Speech! I'm always rather shocked when someone in here follows up on one of recommendations and actually enjoys the movie (or book, or whatever it is), as I fancy that I have somewhat odd tastes.

I thought he bore a striking resemblance to Johnny Lee Miller and was assuming it was an Emma avatar...

I can see it. But Romola does look much younger and more put-together in Daniel Deronda (and, thus, that avatar). Seriously, why did the filmmakers decide that Emma Woodhouse should have permanent bedhead? And slouch, too? But I'll stop before I go into one of my Emma 2009 rants. If you notice, I'm using a DD avatar again, but this time with only principal characters in it. I was thumbing through my avvies when I chose it out, and was surprised that I'd never used it before, as it's one of my favorites.

I think the Robin Hood you are thinking of is the live action Disney film, The Story of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men (don't you just love ye olde spelling?). I watched it years ago, but can't remember much of it either. I'm not sure Alan Hale is in it, though: he's the actor who played Little John in both the Fairbanks and Flynn versions.

Lemme know what you think of the '95 Persuasion!

Huh, not familiar with that group so I can't say whether you would like the new Clash score or not. It's just generic Hans Zimmer-ish action music.

Yeah, I just listened to it recently, and that was my basic reaction as well. The first track was a bit Muse-ish, as were a couple of others, but overall I couldn't see the connection. The whole atmosphere was interesting, and it had definite potential, but it was clear the composer ran out of ideas fairly early on. After the first few tracks, it was all just more of the same. Eventually it gave me a headache. Oof. I'll grab the original if ever I see it in a secondhand shop.

I'd rant and rave to you about my two new soundtracks for a while ( ), but I'll wait until one of us reopens the thread.

*starts skimming*

Well, that was a nice little break. Now back to my short story.

*Lu notices the slow behavior at the Square as of late with slight distress* "Where is Riella? The mushroom soup and cakes are getting chilly!"

I'm very sorry for not RSVPing. I would love to come. And yes, it has been quiet in here, hasn't it?

So- who else is thrilled that

Spoiler

ELIJAH WOOD IS COMING BACK AS FRODO IN THE HOBBIT!!!

I AM THRILLED!
PLease give him a big part- it might wreck the story, but still- please give hm a big part! Frodo is the absolute coolest hobbit EVER!

Yes, that is very exciting. And if you go to TORN (theonering.net) it says what Frodo's part is. (It's not too large, but it is at least more than just a shot of him in the background). I'm hoping he wont be the only cameo, and that we can see Pippin in it too.

~Riella

Mortereve all!

*waves to Ben, Kathy and Aunty Jo*

*waves to Aiden* Long time no see! How have you been doing? I actually have an excuse for not being on. Our main computer, the school computer which I usually use, is out of business. It got another virus and we decided that this time we're just going to get a new computer and not bother trying to clean it all off. So I have to snitch my parents' laptops whenever I want to get on. That is, if neither of my five other siblings are using it. I have seven siblings, but only five are still at home.

Haha, my only excuse is being busy! Ooh, sorry to hear about the computer! Make sure to run anti-virus software next time. Wow, it must be tough trying to get computer time in with five siblings. I'm kinda spoiled; we have *counts* six running computers, any of which I could use for NarniaWeb, and I don't even have any siblings!

*waves to Nick* I really should think of a more original way to acknowledge you. Oh well. Hi.

Heh, that's ok. *waves back* How have you been?

Heya, Aiden!

Hey, Winty, good to see you. How are you?

So, who all will be watching the BSC Championship tonight?

Mortereve all!

Hello all!
Surprisingly enough (I guess) - despite the many posts, there are few with catchup for me, so this will be fairly short.
My siblings and I went skiing on Friday, and my sister banged into a tree and broke her collarbone. It's not too bad, but she is experiencing pain, and we would appreciate your prayers. It's kinda fun being her nurse.
And I'm having fun watching Football - GO PACKERS!! I'm so glad they won the game last night, it was so scary! That's one playoffs game . .

*waves to Radagast* I don't think I've met you - but it's a pleasure. Glad you joined us.
*waves to Lia* I haven't talked with you in forever! how are you doing? *hugs*

Sure, sounds good!
Well, of all those books you've mentioned, I've only read LotR, and of LotR, I've only read the first book, so I guess we don't have much reading in common! I enjoyed it a lot, but haven't gotten around to reading the rest, which I fully intend to do. I enjoy mystery, so Sherlock Holmes is a favorite of mine. Besides that, and Narnia, I doubt there's anything else I enjoy that you would have heard of.

Haha - aw, that's too bad. But I only mentioned my very favorite books, so maybe we have more in common than you think! You really should read LoTR - have you watched the movies?
I really like mysteries too, which I have just discovered. I love love Agatha Christie, or the little I've read of her's, and I love Sherlock Holmes, and Father Brown, and everything else too! Oh come - tell me some of your favorite books or styles.
And then we can move to movies.

I am doing good How about yourself?

I'm doing very good, thanks, though lately I've been really tired, which is weird. But it's getting better.

That looks like all - have a great day, to all! *hugs*

(BTW, who else likes poor Smeagol??)

I do, at least to an extent. I feel sorry for him at least.

My Christmas went all right, QS. It wasn't the best year I've had, due to some family issues and stuff, but I managed. What about yours? I hope it was white!

Hm, I can't really remember if it was white or not. If so, just barely by an inch or two! Our Christmas was all right as well; same as you basically. Though more "friend issues" for me. And there was just about the biggest argument my brothers have had in months over a card game. Oh man; at least we can kind of laugh about it now. And feel bad because it was stupid. Thankfully, that only lasted about 10 minutes. We were all sick and short on sleep.
So all in all, not the best Christmas, but... it was okay. The card game argument makes me laugh somewhat now. And I'm so thankful that our big arguments are... smaller then they could be. I'm really thankful for my family, and I'm glad God has blessed us by sanctifying us so we don't fight more often and a lot worse.
/kind-of-ramble

Hey Ben. Doing well. And you? Read or seen any good books or movies recently?

*waves to Queen Susan* I love love love your avvie!!!!!

Thank you! Yours is lovely as well! How've you been? Oh, and just making sure- you're Destined's sister R----------------, right? Or wrong? *laugh* (I did too many dashes on purpose.
Oh yeah, and I'm praying for Destined! Man, that's gotta hurt. Hope she heals soon!

*waves to AC* Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand, how've you been?

*Lu notices the slow behavior at the Square as of late with slight distress* "Where is Riella? The mushroom soup and cakes are getting chilly!"

I'm very sorry for not RSVPing. I would love to come. And yes, it has been quiet in here, hasn't it?

*hands Riella everything mushroom*

Glad to have you, fellow has-a-favorite-hobbit-that's-not-Sam person!

So- who else is thrilled that

Spoiler

ELIJAH WOOD IS COMING BACK AS FRODO IN THE HOBBIT!!!

I AM THRILLED!
PLease give him a big part- it might wreck the story, but still- please give hm a big part! Frodo is the absolute coolest hobbit EVER!

Yes, that is very exciting. And if you go to TORN (theonering.net) it says what Frodo's part is. (It's not too large, but it is at least more than just a shot of him in the background). I'm hoping he wont be the only cameo, and that we can see Pippin in it too.

~Riella

Haha, hadn't even thought about Pip. I sometimes wonder who's better, Pip or Frodo, but I guess I answered my own question now.

I can't wait! Now I'm excited to see it! Go Frodo!!

Crazy Lu

*Lady Amalthea takes a quick break from being on holiday to visit the Square*

Morterever y’all! The Royal family is doing well in Archenland. Anvard is nice and toasty, thanks to Vern’s capable.... um, breath. All of the fireplaces are well lit and keeping us all warm.

Thanks, Mel, I knew I could count on you. Secret passages need to remain, well, secret.

@Miss Rosario: Ah, horsie. I had forgotten about him. I will have to ask the dear King Lune. You see, we’ve been rather pre-occupied around here with the impending snow and my thoughts have been more on edibles than on livestock. Vern generously flew in some provisions for us so all is well in the kitchen, I’m sure. I suppose I should check with Cook, though. She seems to be serving a lot of root beer.... root beer soup.... root beer bread... root beer battered onion rings....

Don’t worry, Aslan’s Country, a lot of us like Smeagol/Gollum. He is a sympathetic character that (for me) provides unexpected comedic relief. Sometimes I have been heard to say “pocketses” due to his influence.

LYSANDER! So good to see the Epic One in the Square again - even if only for a fleeting moment. *curtsies*

*waves to Johobbit who is bound to be here sometime or another*

Well, I must hurry home. All that snow around the castle is so very lovely, but all the fireplaces going at once does make one thirsty. I think I need another mug of root beer. Sometimes I surprise even me - usually I drink lots and lots of sweet tea. Oh well, it’s nice for a change.

*Lady Amalthea makes her usual exit by way of the chocolate tree, which she generously relieves of its bountiful fruit*

*King Lune, ruler of Archenland, friend of Narnia, and frequent guest at the Bulgy Bears Cracker Barrel, takes a moment from his busy schedule to visit the Square*

Greetings, Onion Squares, or whatever it is...

Yes, That Dragon of Cor's was sent to procure provisions for the recent snowfall which has fallen recently upon Archenland, but unfortunatorily© returned bearing exactly several kegs of root beer and not much else, save a small woodland creature or two (and some fire retardant spray for the tapestries).

@Miss RosOreo: Hmmm...is that a Lower Catalonian name? I seem to recall having relatives there on my mother's side, twice removed. Removed from what, I do not seem to recall... Now, where was I?

Ah! Re: Horsey, We (the Royal We, of course) are happy to retort that after an invitation to tour a nearby glue factory, the Noble Steed has apparently had a change of heart and has mended his ways. He was unable to appear this evening, as he is recuperating from having his mane and tail washed and curled by That Dragon of Cor's.

Well, I must be off! Cheerio and Weetabix to all!

*King Lune exits the Square*

*With a sudden gust of wind, Cor and Vern enter the Square with the Prince riding his trusted friend.*

Mortereve all! Well, Archenland has gotten a semi-late winter storm that has caused the Royal Family to be snowed-in for today and most likely tomorrow. Hence why I came in riding Vern.

*I just thought it was because of your latest addiction to watching that "How to train a dragon" film.*

Shhh! You said you wouldn't mention that!

*Mention what? That you've it about a dozen and a half times?? *

Yes. But.... oh well. Everyone knows now.

*At least it's a good film. I don't mind watching it as well, though it does get taxing when That Father of Yours keeps quoting it.... *

I know.....

*Cor and Vern take their spots at the fountain, noticing that the chocolate tree is looking rather bear*

*Your Mom?*

My Mom. Who else takes 3/4 of the chocolate tree branches with her....

O.K, catch-up time!!!
--------------------------------

@ Ithilwen. Aww. You really should track down a copy and give it a listen. They're great!

@ Rose. Yes, I meant thunderstorms. Yesterday we got a snow/sleet storm which has turned our area into a snow covered..... area. At least the castle is nice and warm and the snow has caused school to be canceled for two days.

Hehe, yep that sounds right for me. This usually happens with me and soundtracks, but HTTYD has become a film I can't get enough of. Definitely my favorite film I have seen from 2010.

Thanks, though no. I did not start school last week. I would have started today, but with the snow, it got canceled. Can't say I'm sad for it though....

*waves to miss Silver*

@ Dryad. You're quite welcomed, miss. I believe I'll use "Dryad" from now on. It sounds prettier and more.... interesting than RTD.

*I'm afraid very few have.... I thank you very muchly for the kind compliment. Vern bows his head (a dragons version of a bow)*

If I may ask, what is this movie Brave you mentioned? I'm not familiar with it.

*skims*

@ Lys. Yeah, there's only 2 maybe 3 good tracks on the album and that's it. Fortunately the music works in the film and is mostly unnoticeable under the sound effects. There's an old CD of the 1981 Titans floating around as well as a new, complete release. I would recommend the new release, but it costs about $35.00 when you include shipping...

Speaking of the soundtrack thread, I reopened it last week. I think it's gotten bumped to the second page now, but it's up and running again.

*waves to the familiar faces and new arrivals*
---------------------------------------

Alright, we better get back to the castle. KingLune would probably like us to bring those Alaskan Cod back now....

*Munch,munch,gulp. Umm, what cod? *

Oh dear....

*Cor and Vern exit the Square and head back to the Royal Abode.... making a quick stop at a Narnian fish market on their way home*