Gandalf the Gay
May. 16th, 2003 11:07 pmThe trip home went much better, though the last few miles were in fog. By the time we got home I had consumed two-thirds of a roll of Rolaids.
But we had some interesting conversations in the car.
It started with Marian, who is 11, relating some silliness from The Council of Elrond, a website devoted to lampooning The Lord of the Rings movies.
"There was a rumour going around that Gollum was being a matchmaker," she said. "He was trying to hook up the Balrog and Gandalf. But it ended in a fight in the Mines of Moria and they both died."
"Can you imagine being married to the Balrog?" I asked reflectively. "For that matter, can you imagine being married to Gandalf?"
"Did you know Ian McKellan is gay?"
Ummm, yes. First time in a long time she has initiated a discussion about that.
"Yes," I said.
"There's another rumour that [director] Peter Jackson is going to kill off Elrond for being so mean."
"That would cause a fan uprising. He wouldn't do that. He wouldn't kill a major character."
"He killed off Haldir."
"Haldir isn't a major character," I said.
"Yeah, but he's hot."
Somewhere in the ensuing preteen babble, Marian used the word homophobic. The context was too incomprehensible and complicated to reproduce here. But these girls attend a Baptist private school, so I'm glad to hear homophobia is part of Marian's vocabulary.
Then she asked if we could listen to her Avril Lavigne CD on the player. No problem.
"But I reserve the right to take it out after two songs," I said.
I didn't. We listened to the whole thing. It wasn't bad at all. If Madonna is good enough for Marian, then Avril Lavigne is good enough for me.
After that was over, I put in Ray of Light.
"Madonna!" said Marian.
Brenna, who is 9, said, "I thought Madonna was an ancient singer like Beethoven."
| Upon our arrival at my apartment. |
no subject
Date: 2003-05-16 08:27 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-05-16 10:01 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-05-17 04:11 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-05-16 10:03 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-05-17 04:13 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-05-16 10:05 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-05-17 04:14 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-05-16 11:02 pm (UTC)I came across your journal thru friends of friends, just surfing around. I recognized the name from some pictures I came across. So I took a look.
Your posts are so calming, so grounding, I had to add you. The stuff about your walks, and nature, and your girls. I read them and I just relax. Sometimes I wish I could live life more like that, but I'm driven to make movies, so it's LA for me...
Your reflection is so infectious, it's a bright spot in my day.
Take care :)
no subject
Date: 2003-05-17 04:22 am (UTC)I long to make a living at what I love doing, wish I were more driven. So the admiration is mutual.
If I could publish a book of some of these writings, it would be a start.
You're welcome to email me about those pictures. ;-)
no subject
Date: 2003-05-17 05:24 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-05-17 08:05 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-05-17 06:14 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-05-17 08:08 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-05-17 07:00 am (UTC)I live in a suburb of Sarnia, which is about two hours west of Guelph by car. I volunteered at the Home for AIDS in Sarnia until it closed. I've also celebrated Pride Week in Toronto and likely will again. My eldest daughter is hoping to move to Toronto in the Fall to begin her university studies. She's also applied to McMaster and Guelph!
Anyway, your girls are gorgeous! It's such a treat looking at the photos. I look forward to reading more of your journal.
Good to meet you, Van!
Hele
no subject
Date: 2003-05-17 07:03 am (UTC)Best to you,
Helena
no subject
Date: 2003-05-17 08:17 pm (UTC)I have attended Toronto Pride every year since 1996 and plan to go this year.
I look forward to hearing more from you.
no subject
Date: 2003-05-17 09:33 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-05-17 08:20 pm (UTC)Their intelligence has always startled me.
no subject
Date: 2003-05-18 06:16 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-05-18 07:58 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-05-27 05:57 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-05-27 06:13 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-06-01 03:26 pm (UTC)