tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-250130132024-03-07T03:47:14.422-05:00Welcome to WellinghallThe Toronto Tolkien Society welcomes all in the GTA Area. Hoom, hom ... Welcome to our home.Wellinghall Smialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04161288247051730668noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25013013.post-50862365639411685742012-02-18T22:20:00.022-05:002012-05-19T11:06:29.715-04:00February Flash Moot - recap<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It wasn't so much snowing as it seemed that the clouds were releasing pieces of meringue for the sugar-deprived populace below. It seemed a perfect day to just stay inside and under as many layers of fleece as possible, but I had a moot to get to!<br />
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Earlier in the week, I had told my fellow Ents that I would bake cookies and share them with anyone who wanted them. So the morning of the moot, I groggily made the cookies under Frodo doll's watchful eye. Here he is inspecting the finished cookies:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtaFkBIW1NMLeGXVoW9q9vyD2_k6dWt1RVXAKcE1ZJ4QkMr-c_kO9c4o3oYYWcrAocPnciOPnsGLR5fpRyusLH3D0F2L_C2Ppru6dHKP5iLSkybNNy2ovoqiBk6qDEMEwd6kGr/s144/IMG_2752.JPG"><img alt="Frodo's inspection of the cookies" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710686621830821986" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtaFkBIW1NMLeGXVoW9q9vyD2_k6dWt1RVXAKcE1ZJ4QkMr-c_kO9c4o3oYYWcrAocPnciOPnsGLR5fpRyusLH3D0F2L_C2Ppru6dHKP5iLSkybNNy2ovoqiBk6qDEMEwd6kGr/s144/IMG_2752.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px;" /></a><br />
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<center><i>Hmm. I believe this one does not feature an equal distribution of the chocolate chunks.</i></center><br />
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After packing up the cookies (even the ones which did not pass Frodo doll's inspection) with the rest of my things, I headed out the door. Thick, swirling flakes of snow bombarded my senses as soon as I stepped outside and it made travelling a place where cars drove a bit hazardous.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8eJJzBwfiulJBQMZaOy1HGOdWeCQb0vMBEQsA4d1puSGOHYY1ieuH5Lvu5lc_3j4c6LvRDmCQ9euy1iMPy0Y6Bx5TvFm5iAJTe3Y6ZkVul-z1KRpSqgTVcDUlvsxvFlzorkpa/s1600/IMG_2755.JPG"><img alt="Frodo and tree topped with snow" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710690083008388370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8eJJzBwfiulJBQMZaOy1HGOdWeCQb0vMBEQsA4d1puSGOHYY1ieuH5Lvu5lc_3j4c6LvRDmCQ9euy1iMPy0Y6Bx5TvFm5iAJTe3Y6ZkVul-z1KRpSqgTVcDUlvsxvFlzorkpa/s320/IMG_2755.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
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When we finally made it to the pub, I found that fellow smial members had gotten a table near the door--prime shot to grab other members as they entered the pub. Frodo quickly shook the snow out of his hair and order a glass of wine.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu2ftlb2Iee-uiklFq6UDgdcU2WghJ4-DFb8fxFo47_SfbIOA4Lm38XsTrJ0A_vxBr59HlFabKcLhP1VitsgSWIjyFV6wbDGI7lqcXi3wFohHwTh1Mj51CK2YkO3jHnloyB1Xb/s1600/IMG_2758.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710691023331412146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu2ftlb2Iee-uiklFq6UDgdcU2WghJ4-DFb8fxFo47_SfbIOA4Lm38XsTrJ0A_vxBr59HlFabKcLhP1VitsgSWIjyFV6wbDGI7lqcXi3wFohHwTh1Mj51CK2YkO3jHnloyB1Xb/s320/IMG_2758.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px;" /></a><br />
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It did not last long.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_N_1DFXLy3peFoBZ1y7hCIkltNLVjQHUQp06hUhUQx4vtqkufJ6Se0_XucBLwIPLYIBVu6_kl3FxBzgh8wnEVjWROMd2Wy5Npu41f5fWbRyD7eInQuRqaFGWoolkzA-ELJrq/s1600/IMG_2763.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710691388995076322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_N_1DFXLy3peFoBZ1y7hCIkltNLVjQHUQp06hUhUQx4vtqkufJ6Se0_XucBLwIPLYIBVu6_kl3FxBzgh8wnEVjWROMd2Wy5Npu41f5fWbRyD7eInQuRqaFGWoolkzA-ELJrq/s320/IMG_2763.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><b>Me:</b> Are you ok Frodo doll?<br />
<b>Frodo doll:</b> <i>Oh yesh ... yes. Jus' need to rest on thiss lovely bed-like ... place for a mome ... nt.</i><br />
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As Frodo doll recovered, I talked about everything and nothing with the other smial members at the table. Yes of course we talked about the Professor and his works and the New Line Cinema films, and things that have been going on in the Tolkien community, but we also talked about everything from connections the film <i>War Horse</i> had to Tolkien life to how to deal with children who are picky eaters. It was lovely to spend a snowy Saturday afternoon in such good company. With this group of people, it's fun even arguing getting completely schooled in Tolkien lore.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYf1UXFyIlLU2CUHQU2Qh8LQcEsRP-T5E-Zqg5E75dNZsG-N-VQezwbsfz1B4UlLnt1Is0I-KpI523KoVS9V_37iTfrt9gWS_FH4YGtNqGrnrS_qxxsuvoktVAQ_Mgp00HbSYm/s1600/IMG_2760.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710919518047853362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYf1UXFyIlLU2CUHQU2Qh8LQcEsRP-T5E-Zqg5E75dNZsG-N-VQezwbsfz1B4UlLnt1Is0I-KpI523KoVS9V_37iTfrt9gWS_FH4YGtNqGrnrS_qxxsuvoktVAQ_Mgp00HbSYm/s320/IMG_2760.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a></td><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsFdqGnhFs9k_fLRZ5feIrdGzCVemt97t_sCKituqTm2UHa8cHnq0JcyTzRBqtVADrzBNSphxaMG0sXnr9_DhJSu_ese3TcgQRMxkyZOZITZnL9MZd_WCJ9Hoc90AmVoNbz5fv/s1600/IMG_2764.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710920903231273618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsFdqGnhFs9k_fLRZ5feIrdGzCVemt97t_sCKituqTm2UHa8cHnq0JcyTzRBqtVADrzBNSphxaMG0sXnr9_DhJSu_ese3TcgQRMxkyZOZITZnL9MZd_WCJ9Hoc90AmVoNbz5fv/s320/IMG_2764.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 240px;" /></a></td></tr>
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</div>Wellinghall Smialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04161288247051730668noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25013013.post-12218725932774578332012-01-13T22:12:00.002-05:002012-01-13T22:20:14.521-05:00Wellinghall's Tolkien Toast Celebration<b>Date:</b> Sunday, January 15<br /><b>Time:</b> 1:00pm <br /><b>Location:</b> Elephant & Castle Pub, 212 King Street West <br /><br />Join Wellinghall Smial as we celebrate the Tolkien Toast and the Professor's 120th birthday.<br /><br />Check out our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/events/234349303306106/">facebook event page</a> to rsvp, or let us know in the comments section below.<br /><br />Hope to see you there!Wellinghall Smialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04161288247051730668noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25013013.post-12667747615187419252011-12-01T23:07:00.002-05:002011-12-01T23:11:42.307-05:00December Flash Moot<b>Date:</b> Saturday, December 10<br /><b>Time:</b> 1:00pm <br /><b>Location:</b> Elephant & Castle Pub, 212 King Street West <br /><br /><br />Wellinghall's next flash moot will take place on December 10th at our usual pub, the Elephant & Castle (King Street location). <br /><br />As with every moot, please feel free to bring family, friends and anyone or anything else you fancy. Hope to see you there!Wellinghall Smialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04161288247051730668noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25013013.post-35251890497466471242011-08-25T23:48:00.003-04:002011-08-26T00:01:29.275-04:00Autumn Moot (Bilbo & Frodo Birthday Celebration)Time Sunday, October 9 · 1:00pm - 4:00pm
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<br />Location Elephant & Castle Pub, 212 King Street West
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<br />"When Mr Bilbo Baggins of Bag End announced that he would shortly be celebrating his eleventy-first birthday with a party of special magnificence there was much talk and excitement in Hobbiton."
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<br />Come celebrate the birthdays of two very special Hobbits with Wellinghall Smial, the Toronto Tolkien Society —a couple of weeks later than the traditional date of September 22nd! As always, there will be friendly company, good food, plenty of discussions and laughter, and lots of cake. All Tolkien fans (and friends of Tolkien fans) are welcome to join us for this special afternoon at our favourite local meeting-place!
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<br />Visit our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=142413912517225#!/event.php?eid=142413912517225">Facebook event page</a> or RSVP in the comments below.
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<br />Hope to see you there!Wellinghall Smialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04161288247051730668noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25013013.post-9734425249232919382011-07-08T00:44:00.004-04:002011-07-08T00:54:04.760-04:00Wellinghall Smial and the Deathly HallowsJoin the Toronto Tolkien Society for a screening of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 at the Scotiabank Theatre, followed by a late lunch at 2:30 p.m. at the Elephant & Castle (212 King St. West). Feel free to come to just one or the other, if you prefer... and invite your friends, too!<br /><br />Remember to buy your tickets as soon as possible (http://cineplex.com/Theatres/TheatreDetails/Scotiabank-Theatre-Toronto.aspx). We'll be seeing the 2D screening at noon, and will meet below the elevators around 11:30 a.m. <br /><br />More info about this event can be found on our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=199930966725799">Facebook page</a>.Wellinghall Smialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04161288247051730668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25013013.post-29552943218626523472011-04-28T22:16:00.003-04:002011-12-01T23:12:37.394-05:00Smial lunchWe will be holding a semi-impromptu lunch this Satuday, April 30, at the Elephant and Castle (212 King Street West), at 1:00pm. <br /><br />Until then...Wellinghall Smialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04161288247051730668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25013013.post-72733025544446061082011-03-05T18:20:00.006-05:002011-12-01T23:12:18.967-05:002011 Tolkien Reading DayHroom hroom! <br /><br />Details for Wellinghall's 2011 Tolkien Reading Day are below:<br /><br /><b>Date:</b> Saturday, March 26, 2011 <br /><b>Time:</b> 1:00pm<br /><b>Location:</b> Elephant & Castle Pub & Restaurant, 212 King Street West<br /><b>Reservation under:</b> Laura<br /><br />Need help picking a passage? Here are some suggestions from the <a href="http://tolkiensociety.org/ed/tolkienreadingday.html">Tolkien Society</a>:<br /><i>Tolkien Reading Day was set up to encourage people to get together and explore some of Tolkien’s stories at school, university, in reading groups, or as a family; the theme for 2011 is “Tolkien’s Trees”.<br /><br />This year's theme, "Tolkien's Trees", is allied with the "International Year of Forests" and encourages families and library reading groups to enjoy exploring the dark confines of Tolkien's many forests as well as focussing on individual trees.<br /><br />Readers might venture into Mirkwood in</i> The Hobbit <i>and</i> The Lord of the Rings<i>; into the Old Forest on the borders of the Shire, and the Golden Wood of Lothlorien, or meet the Ents of Fangorn. Or why not read about and discuss the importance of trees and their meanings in “Leaf By Niggle”, or the 'Two Trees' beloved of the Elves in</i> The Silmarillion<i>, where there are more great forests and woods to discover.<br /><br />If reading time is short, then the malice of Old Man Willow, or the symbolism of White Tree of Gondor offer plenty to think about and discuss.</i><br /><br />We have already begun saying, "Good Morning," so we should be ready to start reading some of our favourite passages (tree-related or not) by the 26th! Hope to see you there!Wellinghall Smialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04161288247051730668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25013013.post-82207176923548839392011-02-23T20:25:00.006-05:002011-02-23T21:00:50.243-05:00TWTF Last Alliance Action Alert: Earthquake in Christchurch, NZAs you're all aware, the city of Christchurch, New Zealand has suffered a terrible earthquake. The number of people who lost their lives is currently 75, but it is expected to go up and there may be hundreds more still in the rubble of collapsed buildings. In the aftermath, we have gathered some information and a few ways that you can help.<ul><li>If you are trying to find someone or if you have information about someone</li><ul><li>(In New Zealand) Emergency Helpline: 0800 77 9997</li> <li>Red Cross: 0800 733 276</li><li>Google Person Finder: <a href="http://christchurch-2011.person-finder.appspot.com/">http://christchurch-2011.person-finder.appspot.com/</a></li><li>EQNZ Contact Wiki: <a href="http://tuhura.fmhs.auckland.ac.nz/mediawiki/index.php/EqnzContact">http://tuhura.fmhs.auckland.ac.nz/mediawiki/index.php/EqnzContact</a></li><li>Hotline number for people overseas calling about loved ones: +64 7 850 2199</li><li>Canadians seeking information can call the Canadian Dept of Foreign Affairs: 1-800-387-3124</li><li>Google map shows damaged bldgs, closures and restricted areas, triage and welfare centres, water supply areas and other services, operational ATMs and petrol stations: <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=205972314722231895961.00049cd3bc095df8c4355">http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=205972314722231895961.00049cd3bc095df8c4355</a></li></ul><br /><li>If you would like to make donations</li><ul><li>Red Cross New Zealand: <a href="http://www.redcross.org.nz/makeadonation">http://www.redcross.org.nz/makeadonation</a> (They request that any offers of goods and services should be forwarded to the National Crisis Management Centre (NCMC) in Wellington: <a href="mailto:operations@ncmc.govt.nz">operations@ncmc.govt.nz</a>.)</li><li>OXFAM are accepting donations on behalf of the Red Cross because lines are overloaded - they will pass 100% of the donations to the Red Cross. Phoning in NZ: 0800 400 666. Donating online: <a href="https://www.oxfam.org.nz/_payment/donations.asp?code=26CC6D204F884D75">https://www.oxfam.org.nz/_payment/donations.asp?code=26CC6D204F884D75</a></li> <li>Salvation Army: <a href="http://www.salvationarmy.org.nz/research-media/media-centre/local-news/salvation-army-appeals-for-funds-for-renewed-earthquake-response">http://www.salvationarmy.org.nz/research-media/media-centre/local-news/salvation-army-appeals-for-funds-for-renewed-earthquake-response</a> (you may have to scroll down the page to find the donation section)</li><li>To donate to the Auckland University Students' Association please call: 09 309 0789</li><li>CARITAS, an NGO, supports the St Vincent de Paul Society and other Church agencies and is working with people in the greatest need. Caritas has already pledged $25,000 towards relief and recovery: <a href="https://secure.flo2cash.co.nz/donations/caritas/donate.aspx">https://secure.flo2cash.co.nz/donations/caritas/donate.aspx</a> <li>For more information: <a href="http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/christchurch-quake-appeals-launched-4038581">http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/christchurch-quake-appeals-launched-4038581</a></li></ul><br /><li>For news and updates</li><ul><li>TVNZ - Live updates: <a href="http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/live-updates-christchurch-quake-4038727">http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/live-updates-christchurch-quake-4038727</a></li><li>NZ Herald: <a href="http://www.nzherald.co.nz/">http://www.nzherald.co.nz/</a></li><li>Stuff.co.nz: <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/">http://www.stuff.co.nz/</a></li><li>Radio New Zealand: <a href="http://www.radionz.co.nz/">http://www.radionz.co.nz/</a></li><li>Supporting Christchurch Earthquake 22-02-2011 (offers of food and shelter): <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/Support.Christchurch.Earthquake">http://www.facebook.com/#!/Support.Christchurch.Earthquake</a></li><li>Air New Zealand Christchurch Quake Support: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Air-New-Zealand-Christchurch-Quake-Support">http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Air-New-Zealand-Christchurch-Quake-Support</a></li><li>To find information on Twitter search for hashtag #EQNZ: <a href="http://twitter.com">http://twitter.com</a> and <a href="http://eqnz.co.nz/">http://eqnz.co.nz/</a></li></ul></ul><br />If you have any more information, news or organizations accepting donations, please send us the information (on the effort, contact or donation info, etc.) and we will help spread the word via our site: <a href="www.whitetreefund.org">www.whitetreefund.org</a>, our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-White-Tree-Fund/5981173874">Facebook page</a> and our Twitter account: <a href="http://twitter.com/whitetreefund">http://twitter.com/whitetreefund</a>.<br /> <br />Thank you so much<br /> <br /><b>~The White Tree Fund team</b><br /><font size="-1"><i>Doing what we can with time that is given to us.</i></font>Wellinghall Smialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04161288247051730668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25013013.post-46919366258898999542011-01-28T14:19:00.004-05:002012-01-13T22:50:37.596-05:00LotR Marathon - reportBy: Laura<br /><br />Within a few minutes of meeting me, it's easy to discern three things: I talk <i>really</i> fast, never come between me and fries, and I love movie marathons. So when one of the smial members emailed about a LotR movie marathon at the <a href="http://www.cineplex.com/Theatres/TheatreDetails/Scotiabank-Theatre-Toronto.aspx">Scotiabank Theatre</a> in downtown Toronto. I barely finished reading her email before responding with lots of capitalizd letters and exclamation marks. The next dew days mere spent in a mood of restless anticipation and barely concealed excitment. <br /><br />A number of us had attended a movie marathon a few years before and realized that not even the strongest of stomachs can consume theatre snacks all day without feeling ill. I woke a bit early to prepare a batch of lembas. As you can see, Frodo tried to help but somehow was only there after all the work was done.<br /><br /><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 75%; height: 75%;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_j6XtEbKmHyQ1wLAghPFk5d0FNSJefV3bXA7KCU_AWEYKbbBWP7lEgVoTTmEa2iemTNa38PLwcfn3mHfHc6gakHbTc8pQLtCJxKZwBiFwbtxq2co7C6uorZGDqem5Wq3mKqjq/s512/IMG_1455.jpg" border="0" alt="Frodo doll and the lembas" /><center>I can haz lembas?</center><br /><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 75%; height: 75%;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijCWg1VCJgp-Q7WffkjavJRakHG6uhQmC3TnSFXvjtPv71V9lzAPv0d1wRz01_jkTcOU2bYC4SpcUucrgDdOgtZLAlFdUY0SAidLPA54bnAdTH-NE0isiSbwPMh2CeqgINb0DW/s512/IMG_1459.jpg" border="0" alt="Frodo and my bag o' needed junk" /><br /><br />After packing up the lembas (I was all out of mallorn leaves so I had to use a resealable plastic bag, the magical properties of the bag are, as of yet, unknown), Frodo and I were on our way.<br /><br /><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 75%; height: 75%;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPb8XPVtMnaevigoxS66rIjtwBB58CMehBKVip-D5c0HSKX6j5Bs9fil5fPt60nstFJ33zqx9JpLRVXsHNpNhXzAOlYpBifPrygQ190ISIR1iKUyAySoqfi75hLf84CwncqHfg/s640/IMG_1466.jpg" border="0" alt="Magical Narnia snow" /><br /><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 75%; height: 75%;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7U1ZiXWWpB4N_eqf2dzE2IWFwbiZ38QzgM4ol23ZDHSbCkcLGUB3m9XhgDQJW5LSeyjBvjT8aY8bNtekBUzzrNKqwPxM0Lrm-l_qYGnGxUg8W0mpeWAE92FDGK-IMB9Do1fm6/s640/IMG_1467.jpg" border="0" alt="Magical Narnia snow" /><br /><br />It was snowing as I walked to the bus stop; Frodo was tucked away safely in my bag ... likely nibbling at the lembas. I mention the snow because it wasn't just any snow, it was what one our members calls "Narnia snow". By the time I reached the movie theatre, the same snow now seemed to be mundance, urban, regular snow, but I knew those feelings wouldn't last for long. A long line had already formed when I got there, half an hour before the first airing. Fortunately the smial members were able to find each other quite quickly, with the help of modern cellular technology and some old fashioned hand-waving (though I'm sure they've invented an app for this by now).<br /><br /><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 75%; height: 75%;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirMUStuXaAR1et1NFQDZwNDjf0jdKIRCfPiGIAF7SGZgPRh5NRhuRDYn3mtqiLL6K0Ll4dwPDYtJ0TGjSNrsELSF0IILUZvl1W-nicCB21mMJfVUj88xib0DoeIUlqGhzUFtWR/s640/IMG_1462.jpg" border="0" alt="Arrival at the theatre!" /><<br /><br />When the theatre eventually opened its doors, the group outside had no problem filling its ticket queues, concession lines, and the theatre seats. We weren't able to find enough seats together but our party only had to split into two groups. I still am very surprised at how many people were there and at finding out, after a quick poll from our host, how many had read the books.<br /><br />As is usual for Tolkien, the audience was composed of a wide variety of fans, some who weren't even born when the first Jackson movie was released, and some who could have seen the release of the Bakshi film. And while I didn't necessarily feel the communal/familial/cozy sense I normally would at a Tolkien convention, I had my smial Ent-buddies and they provide familial-ness in bushelfuls. I only wish the event had shown the extended editions!<br /><br /><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 75%; height: 75%;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjelDGPgMy3cSk4uCx659TgY4yoWWledSHLOUVta56EvWixVVgMQe4KR7NeAem84SGSyxK1usFYkVf4D2Ct1ijVCsYCw4tKvoxR7_lLQdInbHXSWQopp4Ow7dhMiqp2EV18Sge8/s512/IMG_1465.jpg" border="0" alt="Frodo comfy in this marathon chair" /><br /><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 75%; height: 75%;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwNyCFnH2etiku9sXyn1659DaDThEqqx0PaCYDIr9LYo6T2-Dxh7TjF5dmKul-140Tw6lGWtxs5E84l1_Z9yt-LY65ppazVg2-Z2L7dcIiHZZ-IeKNnGpLDc5oA_XWOU-eEfWe/s512/IMG_1463.jpg" border="0" alt="Frodo and the credits" /><center>Is it over already??</center>Wellinghall Smialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04161288247051730668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25013013.post-83023838098363858432011-01-27T19:53:00.004-05:002011-02-02T23:02:44.707-05:00LotR Marathon - Saturday February 5Cineplex's Scotiabank Theatre is featuring a LotR marathon (are there any two sweeter words in the English language?) next Saturday.<br /><br />Details can be found below:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.frontrowcentre.com/cinema/ontario/toronto/scotiabank-theatre-toronto/">Event website</a> (LotR is found about 2/3 down the page)<br /><b>Date:</b> Saturday, February 5<br /><b>Time:</b> FotR - 12pm; TTT - 3:30pm; RotK - 7pm<br /><b>Place:</b> Scotiabank Theatre, 259 Richmond Street West<br /><b>Price:</b> $5 per film (General Film Fest pricing), plus $1 service fee if purchasing tickets online<br /><br />If you plan on attending, please purchase your own ticket(s) (it'd be wonderful even if you can only make it for a single film!). We will meet at the top of the stairs, in the area just past the ticket collector, around 11pm so we can grab seats. If you cannot make it for this time, please meet us in the theatre.<br /><br />As always, friends, entings, and significant others welcome.Wellinghall Smialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04161288247051730668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25013013.post-87304127671047456042011-01-06T01:32:00.006-05:002011-01-06T01:41:34.706-05:00Tell us your favourite Tolkien quote and win!Hope you were all able to raise a toast to the Professor yesterday! In the spirit of continuing the celebration, we are giving away a little bundle of goodies. Tell us your favourite Tolkien quotes here in the comments section or <i>Silver Leaves</i>' <a href="http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=153527864698987&id=114978995206813">facebook page</a> and we'll enter your name in a draw for a copy of the upcoming Dragon issue of SL and a Hobbit journal! If your quote is a...bout dragons or has a dragon in it, we'll throw in a gorgeous 2011 Dragon calendar!<br /><br /><center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKYC-i_hZwMODH8KxrEtycRr25as3yhkngg-3NgZbLkQVQ4Wo3R4pU5iTz4NJ4VolS37XTUwbYoEFPBbr85gQoagVT6eGkNr8D-gzS4G-I0ji7V_wcDIg1s7koN0zQipLX67Zn/s1600/tolkiendragon.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 256px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKYC-i_hZwMODH8KxrEtycRr25as3yhkngg-3NgZbLkQVQ4Wo3R4pU5iTz4NJ4VolS37XTUwbYoEFPBbr85gQoagVT6eGkNr8D-gzS4G-I0ji7V_wcDIg1s7koN0zQipLX67Zn/s400/tolkiendragon.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558958334058728882" /></a><font size="1">© The JRR Tolkien Estate</font></center>Wellinghall Smialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04161288247051730668noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25013013.post-73493433557545458732010-10-01T17:19:00.000-04:002010-08-19T21:37:10.547-04:00How has Tolkien Inspired You?The White Tree Fund's journal <i>Silver Leaves</i> is looking for your help!<br /><br /><b>Tolkien’s work has inspired people to do many things such write, paint, sculpt, help the environment, help others, and even help themselves. Have you been inspired by Tolkien’s work, or by his life? Tell us how!</b><br /><br />Share your answer (maximum 50 words) by replying to this post or emailing silver.leaves.journal@gmail.com.Wellinghall Smialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04161288247051730668noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25013013.post-32400512619821361182010-06-19T15:30:00.003-04:002010-06-19T15:52:36.189-04:00Tolkien Reading Day 2010 - report<i>This report by Jessica M. can also be found in the <a href="http://whitetreefund.org/">third issue of </i>Silver Leaves</a>.<br /><br />When we heard that the pub formerly known as The Bow and Arrow pub had been renovated, and then opened this year as The Twisted Kilt, we decided that that’s where we’d be holding this year’s Tolkien Reading Day. Last year, we were unable to make the journey to the cozy pub located near Yonge and Davisville as we had thought that the place was closed for good (or at least that’s what I thought). And to our surprise — and joy — the pub was open, under a new name and new management. <br /><br />Even though it is nestled neatly between other buildings, you can’t miss this pub while driving down the street — like it was directly imported from Scotland and placed in the middle of all the other ordinary non-descript-looking buildings. Dan and I had no problem finding the pub, ourselves. As for looking for parking near the pub, well, that was another matter. <br /><br />Alexandra and Laura were the first ones to arrive at around 1:30pm, followed by Dan and myself. Gerda, Vicki, Jen, and Stephanie arrived soon after, and last but not least to arrive were Lara and Richard. Sadly, we missed the company of Jo-Anna, Kimberly, Kerri-Anne and her husband (and possibly others who were planning to come but couldn’t make it after all). Luckily, we had the back room for ourselves — a nice cozy set-up almost separate from the rest of the pub, ideal for reading our chosen passages. I had to admit, even with all the cool ‘80’s music in the background via the stereo, I thought it was going to be a little distracting for us when trying to read aloud, but we had the pub turn it off for us when it came time for the readings. Plus, there was the soccer game on the flat screen TV in the main room, which — if there had been more people in the pub that day — could have contributed to a boisterous atmosphere. However, as it was, I thought the afternoon went smoothly and the atmosphere a little more relaxing than we could have hoped for.<br /><br />To start off, we all ordered drinks — I had a light, refreshing beer — and once all of us had arrived, we ordered our food. There wasn’t a lot to choose from on the menu, but I think we all got a lot of food for what we did order. Some people got bowls of poutine, others had salad, or delicious wraps or sandwiches, while Richard and I each got probably the largest dish of nachos that I’ve ever seen in a pub. Even with help from Dan, I couldn’t finish my plateful, and though Richard also couldn’t finish all of his, he was still hungry for fries later on. We spent a great part of the afternoon eating, conversing, catching up on news and events in each other’s lives, as well as sharing a few rounds of jokes (“Lord of the Pants,” anyone?). It was quite a while before we got to our readings.<br /><br />There was one major disappointment that must be noted – no dessert, coffee, tea, or chocolate!! Why they didn’t have anything on their lunch menu for dessert other than rice pudding was beyond me. Not that I have anything against their singular selection of dessert — it’s just that we had no choices, here! And, I’ve never heard of an establishment that does not serve coffee or tea at particular times of the day…but, I guess that can make for future topics of conversation (or jokes).<br /><br />Anyhow, as far as the readings went, as always, they couldn’t have been better. We all listened to the poem that Gerda read aloud, but soon after, she along with Jen, Vicki, Stephanie and Alexandra had to leave early — which left Laura, Lara, Richard, Dan and myself to continue the readings (and we had a good laugh when Dan read the Tom Bombadil passages ). The five of us stayed a little longer, but then by 5:00 pm or so, we too had to leave. Dan and I ended up being the last people to leave the pub and we made the long trek back to where we parked the car.<br /><br />In spite of the lack of dessert, we had a lot to eat. And if there had been more time, we all would have been there to hear each other’s chosen readings, but each of us enjoyed immensely what we read and what we listened to. Next year, we will have to out-do ourselves — hopefully with a little dessert on the side!Wellinghall Smialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04161288247051730668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25013013.post-63370529133996538442010-05-13T09:40:00.004-04:002010-05-13T10:04:01.203-04:00Silver Leaves Issue 3 available now!<a href="http://whitetreefund.org/"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 184px; height: 230px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZcisvwKdztqqzVh42Pm1wemos-p3mJzikKRKVokK0L5QwfANKn9cS-81wo0EmbuKpvnq61dOcx_ZrhLsVzkA-S3KeRbmuNCOaPGIaw7QYi76fFFhUCd5mm5lt-e81gyp5Xdpt/s200/silverleaves-issue3-cover.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470750947993162802" /></a><br />The theme for this issue is “Tolkien / Fantasy Art and Artists” and we are very grateful for the generosity of artists like <a href="http://www.kirkdesigninc.com/w3_frameset_10.html">Tim Kirk</a>, <a href="http://www.tednasmith.com/">Ted Nasmith</a>, <a href="http://colleendoran.com/">Colleen Doran</a>, <a href="http://userwww.service.emory.edu/~jmurra2/jefmurraystudios/">Jef Murray</a>, <a href="http://www.hyattmoore.com/">Hyatt Moore</a>, <a href="http://anke.edoras-art.de/">Anke Eissmann</a>, <a href="http://www.david.wyatt.btinternet.co.uk/">David Wyatt</a>, <a href="http://www.virginialee.co.uk/">Virginia Lee</a>, <a href="http://jdickensonart.com/">John Dickenson</a> and many others. This special issue is quite a bit larger than normal (with as many goodies as we can tuck in) and will be specially bound with featured artwork gloriously presented in full-colour.<br /><br />See the <a href="http://whitetreefund.org/">journal website</a> to order your copy!Wellinghall Smialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04161288247051730668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25013013.post-45329262750288466412009-02-27T12:46:00.004-05:002009-03-13T13:40:43.127-04:00Tolkien Reading DayHi, all!<br /><br />Come out on Saturday March 14th at 1pm, to the Duke of Richmond Pub<br /><br /><a href="http://www.thedukepubsrichmond.ca/">http://www.thedukepubsrichmond.ca/</a><br /><br />for food and great quotes! Pick out your favorite passage(s!)and prepare to read it aloud to the rest of the fans and friends. Have fun with it, and don't be shy. Come on down! The reservation is under the name "Jo-Anna". <br /><br />The pub is located minutes away from the Queen subway station, on Yonge Street. It has great atmosphere and food, so you have nothing to lose. See you there!Wellinghall Smialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04161288247051730668noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25013013.post-53319547525196990102009-01-11T14:13:00.003-05:002009-01-11T14:19:02.833-05:00Silver Leaves, Issue 2: The InklingsGreetings everyone!<br /><br />Issue 2 of <i>Silver Leaves</i> journal is now available to order. The issue features a write up of our Tolkien Reading Day and our summer feast along with lots of other goodies. <br /><br />Please go to <a href="http://whitetreefund.org/">http://whitetreefund.org/</a> to order your copy. And please help us spread the word of the journal! :)<br /><br />We're always accepting "<a href="http://wellinghallsmial.blogspot.com/2008/10/how-has-tolkien-inspired-you.html#links">Many Branches</a>" submissions, and it's not too late to get in your contribution for Issue 3.Wellinghall Smialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04161288247051730668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25013013.post-91881657799248214372008-07-06T09:31:00.002-04:002008-07-06T09:45:30.965-04:00The Old Spaghetti Factory LunchHi, everybody!<br /><br />On Saturday July the 26th, we have reservations for lunch at the Old Spaghetti Factory!!<br /><br />Here's the link to their website. Hope to see everyone there!<br /><br />http://www.oldspaghettifactory.net/home.htmlWellinghall Smialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04161288247051730668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25013013.post-38170585581392642942008-04-18T11:51:00.002-04:002008-04-18T12:05:15.197-04:00Prince Caspian and the Corsage Project?Hi, everyone,<br /><br />With the new Narnia movie (Prince Caspian) coming out on May 16th, we were wondering if anyone would like to see it together, and what day would be best.<br /><br />Also, we'd like to know who would be interested in participating in the Corsage Project, which is basically making formal gowns and accessories for girls in the Toronto area who are unable to purchase them for prom<br /><br />Here's the link for that:<br />http://www.corsageproject.ca/<br /><br />We were looking at the dates April 26, May 3rd or May 10th for that one, and was wondering who would be interested.<br /><br />We'd love it if you could come to these events, and email the dates that are the best for you. Have a great spring!Wellinghall Smialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04161288247051730668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25013013.post-17598080002945124932008-01-16T15:13:00.001-05:002008-03-07T22:07:00.363-05:00Upcoming EventsHello Ents and Entings!<br />Wellinghall, the Toronto Tolkien Society smial, will once again be celebrating the Toast to the Professor (albeit a tad late to give everyone a chance to recover from holiday festivities) and Tolkien Reading Day. The events will be held at cozy and atmospheric Toronto pubs - perfect for toasts, discussions and general mooting. We would love it if you could join us. <br /><br /><u>Toast to the Professor</u><br />On the 3rd January 1892 JRR Tolkien was born in Bloemfontein, South Africa. To celebrate this event, on this day each year Tolkien fans around the world are invited to raise a glass and toast the birthday of this much loved author. <br />The toast is "The Professor".<br /><b>Date:</b> Saturday, January 19th<br /><b>Place:</b> Duke of Richmond, 20 Queen Street West <a href="http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&time=&date=&ttype=&q=20+Queen+Street+West&sll=43.700024,-79.39682&sspn=0.006981,0.014291&ie=UTF8&ll=43.653047,-79.379997&spn=0.006986,0.014291&z=16&om=0">Google Maps</a><br /><b>Time:</b> 3:00 pm<br /><br /><u>Tolkien Reading Day</u><br />It provides a chance for grownups and children to read together and share their thoughts about the stories by Tolkien that they may have already read, and encourages them to discover new ones.<br /><b>Date:</b> Saturday, March 15th<br /><b>Place:</b> Bow & Arrow, 1954 Yonge Street (at Davisville) <a href="http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&time=&date=&ttype=&q=1954+Yonge+Street&sll=43.653047,-79.379997&sspn=0.006986,0.014291&ie=UTF8&ll=43.700024,-79.39682&spn=0.006981,0.014291&z=16&om=0">Google Maps</a><br /><b>Time:</b> 12:30 pm<br />The reservation is under the name "Lara".<br /> <br /><a href="http://www.whitetreefund.proboards53.com/index.cgi?board=welcomesmial">Wellinghall Forum Discussion</a>Wellinghall Smialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04161288247051730668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25013013.post-9964517622163118572007-12-06T14:38:00.000-05:002007-12-06T14:48:39.141-05:00Inaugural issue of Silver LeavesWe're very happy to announce that Silver Leaves, The White Tree Fund's<br />journal, will be released on November 24, 2007. There is a lot of great<br />content in this inaugural issue including art by Jef Murray and Coralie<br />Allan, and articles by some amazing folks including Tom Shippey,<br />Michael Drout, Dimitra Fimi and Janet Brennan Croft. The cost of the journal<br />is $15.00 CDN (plus shipping and handling for printed copies), and<br />we'll get your copy out to you ASAP. For further information, please visit<br />our website at <a href="http://www.whitetreefund.org/">http://www.whitetreefund.org/</a>.<br /><br />We're already thinking ahead to the next issue, so if you have ideas,<br />comments or suggestions, or you'd like to make a submission, please let<br />us know by sending an email to silverleaves@whitetreefund.org.<br /><br />Thanks so much.<br /><br />The White Tree Fund journal teamWellinghall Smialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04161288247051730668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25013013.post-78789135862060110762007-11-19T19:10:00.000-05:002007-11-19T19:16:22.346-05:00Lecture PhotosHere's a link to photos taken at TWTF's lecture series:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery.fcgi?p=999&gid=18296241 ">http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery.fcgi?p=999&gid=18296241</a>Wellinghall Smialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04161288247051730668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25013013.post-73445268413947241192007-07-20T12:59:00.000-04:002007-09-11T11:38:15.142-04:00The White Tree Fund presents White Tree Lectures, a Tolkien lecture series<p><strong>Place:</strong> South Dining Room in Hart House at U of T<br /><strong>Time:</strong> 7-9 p.m.<br /><strong>Admission</strong><em>:</em> $10 for TWTF/Wellinghall smial members<br /> $15 for non-members</p><p><br> <br /><strong>Thursday, September 27:</strong><br />Dr. John Browne from U of T will be speaking on "Tolkien as Wordsmith: One Reader's Journey Through <em>The Lord of the Rings</em>"<br /><br /><strong>Thursday, October 25:</strong><br />A panel discussion on<i> The Children of Húrin</i></p><br /><p>Please <a href="http://www.whitetreefund.org/index.htm">click here</a> to purchase tickets. We hope to see you there!</p>Wellinghall Smialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04161288247051730668noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25013013.post-76395597101914539332007-05-01T22:04:00.000-04:002007-05-01T22:06:06.963-04:00Tolkien Reading Day ReportThere were some new faces, some old faces there in the Pickle Barrel Grand. But what was important was that there was a smile on every face as we commandeered a corner of the restaurant. They say that thirteen should never dine together, but no one took heed, but ate and celebrated Tolkien and his works with ferocious appetites. Hobbits, elves, nazgûls or humans, everyone enjoyed the food and the delightful atmosphere.<br /><br /> As I sat at the table, I heard a great many “So. When did you start reading Tolkien?” Responses were varied. Some couldn’t remember when they started, but grew up reading the Lord of the Rings series. Some started later in life and fell in love then. Some couldn’t get through the books! Whatever their stories, it was a magical day.<br /><br /> That statement in some eyes can be seen as whimsical and terribly presumptuous, but had you been sitting where I was, listening to the various conversations around me, I believe that you too would believe this gathering magical.<br /><br /> Jo and Lara started off the table, which unfortunately was long and did not see to our needs very well. Having requested a round table, everyone did the best they could, either shouting down the ranks or shushing to hear. At the other end of the table, two newcomers to the gathering sat; new to the table but old hands at Tolkien, Don and Bob. They have each written for the Tolkien encyclopedia, and were happy to share the day and their love for the professor.<br /><br /> Talk did turn to the Professor himself, tales of how someone’s university professor was a student of a student of Tolkien, or even how someone had a professor who had been to Oxford and would see him walk his dog across campus. Envious sighs all over the table, of course.<br /><br /> In the middle, Oliver and Kari sat, both also new to the table, having seen the message posted on Meet-Up and wandered happily into the midst of Tolkien talk.<br /><br /> Unfortunately, Oliver did not stay very long but before he left, as a reading, he recited the One Ring passage in black speech, and there are people who swear that the lights flickered after he was finished.<br /><br /> Kari was an amazing fount of information about all things, Tolkien, Lord of the Rings and fantasy. An avid fantasy reader, she also enlightened us about C.S. Lewis and his works in amazing detail.<br /><br /> Kim, Jo’s daughter, sat beside me, chatting with everyone about all things Tolkien. She had thought to read a passage from The Hobbit, the funny table about the dwarves meeting Beorn two by two, but unfortunately there was no time for that. There were some amazing passages read out that day. Whether long or short, all held the magic of the works that brought us together. It seemed that no matter what passages everyone chose, they all complemented each other. Lara and Don chose to read passages from the Unfinished Tales that were close together, with vivid descriptions of Tolkien’s world. Laura, or fondly known as Frodo, chose three passages, one commemorating the Wellinghall Smial’s birthday with a description of Wellinghall. She also chose a poem with many names, read aloud by Mike and another read by Vicki.<br /><br /> The day was made twice as special for Kim and I. We had celebrated our birthdays the weekend before – our birthdays were a day apart – and everyone surprised us by bringing cake and cards and gifts. It was truly wonderful and extraordinary, and I would like to thank everyone for making it so.<br /><br /> The afternoon ended a little abruptly when the waiters at Pickle Barrel announced that they had to set up the table for the next party. By then, the group’s numbers had dwindled down, so we left to chat for a while more in the mall, but as wonderful as the day was, everyone had to go home, and reluctantly we did, though the love, laughter and words will remain until the next meeting.<br /><br />Report by: Charity Y. (tenth_nazgul)Wellinghall Smialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04161288247051730668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25013013.post-1171057469893646732007-02-09T16:43:00.000-05:002007-02-09T16:44:29.933-05:00Tolkien Reading Day, 2007The Wellinghall Smial invites you to our Tolkien Reading Day on Saturday, March 24 at 1 p.m. All Ents and Entings are welcome. We will gather in a cozy, informal setting at the Pickle Barrel at Yorkdale Mall in Toronto to share some of our favourite Tolkien passages. We look forward to an afternoon of good conversation, lots of laughter, delicious food, and reading/listening to some of the most special writings ever penned. Yorkdale Mall is at the corner of Dufferin and Hwy. 401. The phone # is 416-785-8881. Reservations will be under the name 'Johobbit'. Please leave a comment on this post if you are planning to attend. Until then, Namárië.Wellinghall Smialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04161288247051730668noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25013013.post-1171163018825414192007-02-04T16:54:00.000-05:002007-02-10T22:07:31.143-05:00February 3rd Report<i>Hello! My name is Laura and I'm a member of the Wellinghall smial. I was lucky enough to be able to attend our lunch on the 3rd and thought I'd give those who weren't able to go, a glimpse of the afternoon's festivities. Enjoy!</i><br /><br />Wonderful things can happen at a gathering of Ents (and Entings). Wellinghall's February 3rd get-together was, like all other moots, featured great friends, yummy food, and big laughs.<br />Unfortunately, the day was bitterly cold and stepping outdoors required putting on at least 3 layers of clothing. But it was going to take a lot more than chattering teeth and a threat of frostbite to prevent me making this moot!<br /><br />In normal Laura fashion, I decided to be hasty little hobbit and meandered on the way to the Old Spaghetti Factory. Needless to say, I got lost. With much backtracking and mental mapping, I, thankfully, eventually make it to the restaurant, only slightly perspiring and out of breath. As always, I was greeted warmly by the rest of the Ents, all of whom where already seated and settled. It was like a Middle-Earthen bar where everybody knows your name heehee.<br /><br />I hope our waitress wasn't too frustrated with us! She tried to take our orders but it was difficult to get everyone's attention at the same time or maintain an Ent's attention for long. It took some effort but she did managed to get everyone's order, and did it with a smile. I like to think our atmosphere was so infectious!<br />There were quite a number of Ents and Entings at this moot, and trying to have a conversation with those at the other end of the table was a challenge. But, always up for a challenge, we realized this set up was perfect for more intimate interactions. We had mini-moots and had no trouble moving from mini-moot to mini-moot. The Enting's moot consisted of games, both card and video, and other activites to which us older ents weren't privy.<br /><br />We had some great discussions about Tolkien's works, including its many adaptations. I even found another fan of the Ralph Bashki film! Through our discussions, we decided that we had to invent the Flaming Denethor drink/dessert and the perfect time to try it out would be during a movie marathon. I'll leave out the details of the proposed drinking game to protect the dignity of my beloved Frodo Baggins.<br /><br />After dessert was served, some members of the group began to leave but there were still a good number of Ents left. When the restaurant dimmed the lights and told us they need to start setting up for dinner, the remaining Ents decided to head, somewhat reluctantly, to our respective homes.<br /><br />I smiled and chuckled all the way home. I mentally replayed the special moments of the lunch as I watched the darkening Toronto skyline pass by. I'm eagerly awaiting our next get-together, be it Tolkien Reading Day or a flaming movie marathon!Wellinghall Smialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04161288247051730668noreply@blogger.com0