What do you "assign" to the Shire?

[Rune Son of Bjarne]

Those impressions that take you back in time, and let you vividly remember days of pure joy.

It can be a whiff of fresh air with a hint of rosy smell, that reminds me of how my mother used to smell when I hugged her as she picked my up from kindergarten. It can be a song from a children movie that reminds me of how I used play with my friend Lise.

You know, those small things, that bring about an incredibly specific memory, perhaps one you had forgotten.

[Galadriel55]

I found this thread thinking to assign surprise +18C weather in November. And then I read through the last few pages of this thread, and I want to assign the good memories and shared joys and familiar faces. To quote Pitch from 4 years and only a few posts ago, it would make my day to see more of you guys "back in black".

[Rune Son of Bjarne]

Originally Posted by Galadriel55

I found this thread thinking to assign surprise +18C weather in November. And then I read through the last few pages of this thread, and I want to assign the good memories and shared joys and familiar faces. To quote Pitch from 4 years and only a few posts ago, it would make my day to see more of you guys "back in black".

It is odd how things change.
Even though I miss the downs and the interaction we used to have on this site, and it is something i do every single day, I am reluctant to sign in. I think it is because I seldom have energy to read through the entire thread these days and feel guilty if i do not participate, so I end up only signing in every other week, and primarily lurk in some dark corner.

[Inziladun]

Originally Posted by Rune Son of Bjarne

It is odd how things change.
Even though I miss the downs and the interaction we used to have on this site, and it is something i do every single day, I am reluctant to sign in. I think it is because I seldom have energy to read through the entire thread these days and feel guilty if i do not participate, so I end up only signing in every other week, and primarily lurk in some dark corner.

I am a good deal older now than when I joined the Downs, and I have changed spiritually more than physically over time.

Amid the general world chaos, I've had family deaths, retirement from my current (25 year!) career is imminent, and I begin a new job in a bit more than two weeks.

I find now that I don't often have the time for lengthy debates or discussions, and, indeed, my desire to 'pick apart' the books has lessened over the years. I've become wary of the 'magic' wearing thin, even though reason and my heart assure me that could not happen with Tolkien.

Still, I sign in every day, as a habit. Knowing this place is still here after so many years has often been a comfort to me, as things, especially the past few years, have changed so much in RL.

[Rune Son of Bjarne]

Originally Posted by Inziladun

Amid the general world chaos, I've had family deaths, retirement from my current (25 year!) career is imminent, and I begin a new job in a bit more than two weeks.

Are you excited to start a new career, or is this change something that belongs to Mordor?

[Inziladun]

Originally Posted by Rune Son of Bjarne

Are you excited to start a new career, or is this change something that belongs to Mordor?

It's the Shire. I look on it as a new chapter, not a slamming door.