J.R.R. Tolkien, author of Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit and the lesser known The Silmarillion and Tree and Leaf among many, many others, had a way of writing about fantasy worlds and fantastic people that puts a spell on me. I open a book and begin to read, and before I know it hours have gone by and I find myself snapped back into the real world of common things and common people.
If you’ve never read Tolkien, today was made with you in mind! March 25th is “Tolkien Reading Day.” A day meant to encourage everyone to read Tolkien! In honor of the holiday, I’m going to take you into the Shire and let you in on a few things you’re missing out on if you haven’t been there before!
The Shire, a place in Middle Earth, is a peaceful little agrarian place inhabited by the Hobbits. There’s no mechanized farming. The Hobbits farm the old fashioned way and keep their gardens meticulously. Hobbits almost never wear shoes and usually don’t go too far from home.
Hobbits live in Hobbit Holes. Little houses, built into hill sides, with round doors, cozy fireplaces and pantries full of food and ale. They love to eat. They eat breakfast, second breakfast, elevenses, luncheon, afternoon tea, dinner and supper. I’ve been meaning to cut back on my snacking, and an eating schedule like that would eliminate my need for snacks!
Hobbits love parties and gatherings and they’re prone to laughter. But wouldn’t anyone who was lucky enough to live in the Shire?!?
The item for the prize package for this post is The Wisdom of the Shire - A Short Guide to a Long and Happy Life. A must have book, by Noble Smith, for anyone who longs to live the life of a Hobbit in the beautiful and peaceful Shire.
