It is well...

Today is my birthday.

There are so many beautiful images in Middle Earth. Today, I wanted to share two memorable tranquil moments and part of a poem with you. 

When I first saw the peacefulness of the Great River, south of Lorien, it reminded me of a poem, "It is Well", by Horatio Spafford written in 1873.

“When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,

The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.”

This second shot is from the Pristine Glade in Dunland. The picture doesn't do it justice; the rolling heather and serenity of the glade is worth a visit.

Wherever you are, I wish you peace on this Good Friday.

Tuesdays and Fridays

I recently started polling people about how often I should write, and decided…

• More than 2 updates per week is probably too many and I will lose your attention (can’t eat cheesecake every day right? Or can you…?),
• Less than 1 update per week is too few and I will lose your attention until you wonder if I fell of the face of Middle Earth and eventually stop caring,
• Consistency is best.

My intention is to write more for Tuesday and less for Friday. A couple of suggestions were to have “Photo (or Foto)  Friday” or “Postcards from lil danas” on Friday. Regardless, it will be something.

So, to recap, I am targeting definitely Tuesday and mebbe sometimes Friday Updates.

With that said, I have sooo many things I want to write about and so little time to do it. Just off the top of my head… next Monday is a major update in the lives of Runekeepers. I already started dissecting it and the “RK behind the numbers” will be fun to break down. I already had several things in the works for RK traits, RK skills, RK legacies, RK gear, Moors questing, and Treasure hunting to name a few. Next Tuesday will be about skirmishing speed and marks  per minute.

I wanted to leave you with a few pictures today. I have so many!

Speaking of RK Update… When RoI was released, there were a few new skills en route to level 75. Here I am practicing “Improved Essay of Fire”. Before RoI update, that skill was not an option for an RK to start a fight (has a high attunement requirement). It is one of the skills being nerfed in Update 6 (can still start with Improved Essay but its bonus after-effects have been sharply reduced). I am predominantly a Lightning RK so I won’t feel the change as much as some.

As I traveled across the wonderland, I saw this lovely tower. I salute you tower-among-the-hills.

Now, that is one big cow! Am I in Dunland or Farm country? One good thing about big cows is that they give big steaks. Also, cows are usually good at giving up more than one Large hide, sometimes 2 or 3.

Horse, why are you sniffing me? Do I smell like sugar and apples? Mebbe Hay? People do say, “Hay Dana!”, mebbe I DO smell like hay…

Woohoo! You let me ride you? Jolly that! My other 50 horses might get jealous. That is a very orange sky.

So long for now! Always a pleasure.

Journey toward Dunland

(archived from October 19, 2011)


Exciting times in Middle Earth! A few weeks ago, the free people were on a dash to 75 while helping the “Men of Dunland” and “Theodred's Riders”. Some people were really helpful to those factions, reaching level 75 in lightning speed. Me? Not so much. I plug along at my pace, skipping absolutely nothing, and probably taking at least twice as long to actually accomplish anything, while taking thousands of pictures. However, with persistence, I made it to 75 after about 18 days. My friend Lynrial? She wears rocket-shoes. I believe she hit the cap by the 4th day.

Here is a picture of 75 Lynrial greeting people to Galtrev the first week.

In typical mosey-fashion, I started off toward Dunland by saying goodbye to friends. Here is the story of my start toward Dunland.


The Letter…
Winds have been whispering of the push into the Dunland for some time now. Recently, that moment arrived.

The evening started like any other; and not surprisingly for a Monday, I received a letter from Elrond. Why he sends mail every Monday... well that is not part of this story (what happens in Rivendell between two elves is none of your business ).

But this Monday was different. He wanted me to go to Dunland. The new journey had begun.

Hambrennil...
It may be a while before I venture north again, likely not til fall festival...

So, I need to stop in to see some friends.

My first love as a tailor means that I could not leave without visiting Hambrennil, the tailor's guild leader. We reminisced of an earlier time, back in lorien, studying under the guidance of Galadriel. I took the teachings to heart and learned Galadriel's art; Hambrennil became the leading tailor in this land. To each, her own path be true.

After our meeting and her encouragement, I leave for Dunland as a Master of the Guild; I will represent well that which I have learned. I carry her stamp of approval, which bodes well in dealing in rohirrim lands.

Toby...
Those who serve under Hambrennil had a few parting words as well.

Toby Eatwell, Bob Rosethorn, and the dwarf Jamarr taught me a few new things they had learned recently in the craft of sewing to protect the Free People.

Though they remain behind, I carry their knowledge forward. May it be used to fight Sauron with whatever means we can devise. The enemy will be formidable; we must be better.

Garchadron...
A few more stops before my journey south...

Many bards are in the land, but it has been long since I visited with Garchadron.

"Hast thee any words for me, sage one?"

After meditating with me,
Garchadron says, "As you journey forth, keep your spirit of Idealism, your Zeal for adventure, have Confidence, be Wise in your dealings, and be Loyal to who you are. After you get settled, meet with the bard in Dunland to refocus."

Good words dear bard. Good words.

Danaish…
Of the lil danas, where I go, you cannot follow.

Those of you who can, craft relics. I will need your talent in the weeks and months ahead.

Those who can't, keep spirits high by continuing to greet people to Thorin's Hall. I will send mail once I arrive in the south.

Farethewell lil danas. We shall meet again at festival.

Some Dude...
Interestingly enough, once I got to Dunland, down in Galtrev, there is another Tailor Guld Leader in the craft hall.


Authorized by Hambrennil, you say? Fair enough. You don't even really need a name do you. I feel sad for you, people just call you "some dude!" Well you have a point; most people who come to Galtrev don't even realize you are down here in the basement of the crafting hall. It is a nice place to be, although it could use some better lighting. I would hate to poke myself with a sewing needle. Touche, I did just get my leg chewed on by a warg... but that doesn't mean I want to stab myself with a needle also. See you soon Some Dude.

This one originally had comments also. :) (final-comments)