I visited your website and I greatly enjoyed your rant about the oscars
and your essay on Gandalf. If you were preaching at a nearby church I
might almost be persuaded to become a church go-er. (I, who have done many very
stupid things in my life, but have always avoided the sect trap.)
There is much in your G-essay that I can relate to. Having only brothers I also
grew up with a male mind set and I was occassionaly crushed by life's
harsh realities. ('No, you can't become a marathon runner, there is no marathon
for women'.)
On the other hand I was always encouraged to develop my artistic and
intellectual talents, both by my parents and teachers, so no complaints there.
However, I turned from the straight path of academia as I became fascinated by
the 'black art'(or oldest science in the world): astrology, a discipline that
requires constant hard intellectual study and self-examination but that is
treated by most with suspicion, (often justified, alas), contempt or a naive
expectation of 'magic' and 'fireworks'. My second footer (don't take me for a
conjuror...)is therefore a heartfelt cry.
Anyway, thank you for articulating your thoughts and feelings about Gandalf so
brilliantly. I'm looking forward to reading more of your
contributions.
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But all worthy things that are in peril as the world now stands, those are my care. And for my part, I shall not wholly fail of my task, though Gondor should perish, if anything passes through this night that can still grow fair or bear fruit and flower again in days to come. For I am also a steward.
Do not take me for some conjurer of cheap tricks!

I fancy Wizards.
He almost dies in Moria, but you know how wizards are; they refuse to die.
Which culture from Middle-Earth do you fancy?
By Hannah and Dani