Gandalf the Gay

[vaneramos]

What a grueling trip. Pouring rain and two traffic jams dragged the usual two-and-a-half hour drive to Lindsay into four-and-a-half. I picked the girls up at a quarter to six and we went for dinner at McDonald's.

The 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.

Comments

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

((hugs)) The girls are in bed and I can't stop looking at these photos; they make me so happy.

[emjaybaxter.livejournal.com]

You look great together. Hugs to you all.

[blue-by-you.livejournal.com]

These photos make me happy, too. all the smiles, the relaxed playfullness and touch -- you must be an awesome dad.

[art-thirst.livejournal.com]

It is awfully generous of you to share your girls with us. {{{hugs}}}

[zombietruckstop.livejournal.com]

You may be wondering why I added you to my Friends List...

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 :)

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Big hugs back.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

I have awesome kids. They're teaching me to relax and enjoy being silly.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

It's too much joy to keep to myself.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Wow, thank you! I'm so glad my writing affect you that way.

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. ;-)

[quirkstreet.livejournal.com]

Swoon. Those are just beautiful pictures of the three of you. The report on the silly conversations is even better. Gollum as matchmaker. Madonna ancient like Beethoven. What a gas!!

[mylastsigh.livejournal.com]

how wonderfyl is all this!!! thanks for sharing your life. your girls.

[(Anonymous)]

I've just popped over from Miss Prune's journal, had a quick look around, and -- guess what! -- we're practically neighbours.

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

[(Anonymous)]

I see a couple of letters are missing from my name...

Best to you,
Helena

[lotuspoet.livejournal.com]

Your girls seem very intellegent for thier age! And its clear from the pictures and conversation bewteen you all that there is a great mutual respect and love that you share with them. Thank you for sharing your wonderful writing and adorable family!

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Thanks. It's pretty hilarious the things they come out with.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

I didn't comment on the pictures of your son, but I was inspired by your sharing and by your pride. Thank you.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

I'm pleased to meet you! We are neighbours indeed. I was originally a Windsor boy.

I have attended Toronto Pride every year since 1996 and plan to go this year.

I look forward to hearing more from you.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

I think treating them with respect is important. I do my best.

Their intelligence has always startled me.

[grandiva1968.livejournal.com]

You are very much in danger of becoming my dream date.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

What kind of danger?

[grandiva1968.livejournal.com]

Let's not get too specific; I like to leave some things to the imagination…

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

OOOoooohh. The imagination is one of my erogenous zones. **sharp intake of breath**

[grandiva1968.livejournal.com]

*GRIN*