[Wormtongue]

Well now, hroom hroom, where shall I begin...?
When I had first read "The Hobbit" I was in 7th grade and I had NO IDEA what I was in store for. The results of reading this material shaped my life in a grand way. I identified with something for the first time and was able to adopt a personality akin to the positve and noble characteristics of the wonderous beings in the books. I gained knowledge, courage, and great stamina from my life altering reading experience. All of life's trivialities became easily dealt with, quickley surmounted, and cast aside. I was constantly picked on in school, but after gleaning from the courage of the small folk, I finally stood up and fought back. I kicked the offender's *** royally, and all was well. I was kind of an outcast, being one of those "heavy metal, long-haired wierdos" in High School (1982-1986) and finally found some like-minded individuals that I could relate to. Yes, they had all read "Hobbit/LotR's" and yes, it was an emotional ground-breaking like no other.
I've not changed, my physical characteristics at age 33 aren't much different from 20 years ago (I look like Andrew W.K., the singer), but for some reason, with the advancement of the years, my stereotypes have been discarded for the nobility and chivalry are now ASSOCIATED with the long hair (Aragorn does NOT sport a buzz-cut). Instead of looking at the hair, thinking "scumbag loser", I'm allowed to be myself. After a short conversation, the hair actually adds to the air of medieval nobility and chivalry and the originality of it all lends one to shine. Shine I will, thanks to the Magic of Tolkien. If I read something from John Grisham or Steven King, it's just a story. When I read Tolkien, Silverberg, Howard or Jordan, my vitality soars and my codes are strengthened. My will is steel, and all is well. [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]