“I am glad you are here with me. Here at the end of all things, Sam.”
Frodo Baggins as spoken to Samwise Gamgee, in The Return of the King by J.R.R. Tolkien
Yes, the quote is actually in the movie as well. It’s been fifteen years since The Fellowship of the Ring came out and I’ve tried to watch them at least once every year.
And no, I’m not ending the blog. But as I noted the other day, I’m ending my postings for the year.
Today is Christmas Eve, Eve.
I’m taking some time off from the regular posts to enjoy the family, and the tree, and the egg nog.
Maybe with extra nog.
And yes, I also have plans to watch The Movies over the next few days.
So I wanted to say thank you for being with me here over these weeks and months. Thank you for reading, and sharing this blog.
It’s still a journey. I’ve not yet managed to parlay it into a full-time writing job.
Yet.
I’m not giving up.
Over the next few days in addition to the celebrations, and the worship, and the catching up on tasks, I’ll be mapping out plans for next year.
Writing…acting…directing…art…and assessing just how much longer I have to stay in the day job.
But for now, let me take this chance to wish you and yours the happiest of holidays, however, and whatever you choose to celebrate.
My faith teaches me that there is one reason for the season.
But it also teaches me not to be an arrogant *******. Insert your own term.
May we all find warmth and comfort in the glow of the lights. May we find strength and love in the gathering of family and friends.
And may we approach 2017 with hopes and dreams that things will be better for all of us.
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