Winter Storm Juno: Perfect for a Winter Photoshoot!

Winter storm Juno graced us with plenty of snow beginning late Monday night. Having some time off and beautiful scenery as a result, it seemed like a perfect opportunity to go out and have some fun in my Blood Red Dress. Yesterday the conditions were still too blizzard-like to go out, but today the snow has stopped and the wind has finally died down. Unfortunately, by the time I made it outside, the sun was also starting to go down; but I hear there's more snow on the way as we head into the weekend, so I have a feeling I'll be doing a better (more professional-looking) shoot soon.

"Stop touching your nose; you're making it red!"

"I didn't touch my nose! It's really cold outside!"

2015 Cosplay Goals

It's been awhile since I've posted anything of real sustenance on this blog, and for that I apologise. As I've said, I hope to get back into serious Tolkien blogging this year. Additionally, I am hoping to dive more deeply into Tolkien cosplay, sso I thought I would talk a bit about that today.

For the longest time, my focus has primarily been on Arwen, as I find I identify with her character most (at least in terms of appearance; I don't know if I could pull of blond well enough to attempt Galadriel or Éowyn). But I've always been a huge fan of Rohan and its people, so I would love to have a go at being a shield-maiden. One of the dresses I've had my heart set on making is Éowyn's Green Dress:

Source: Pixgood

I'd also like to make another of Arwen's dresses from the films – either her Requiem Gown or Mourning Dress; but aside from these, I'd love to start working on my own interpretations of characters, such as Queen Berúthiel, Lúthien Tinúviel, or even something more generic, like a random Elf, Dwarf, Black Númenórean, or even Beorning (I think a Beorning costume would be so much fun to make).

And then I'd also like to try my hand at some LOTRO-inspired costumes, based either on my own characters or some NPCs in the game.

I'm going to start drawing up some designs and looking at fabrics/etc. so I can hopefully have one or two of these outfits done in time for this year's conventions. If you have any suggestions, tips, or any other kind of feedback, please don't hesitate to let me know! I always appreciate input from others.

Today in Middle-earth: January 26

Lothlórien concept art by Paul Lasaine

On this day in the year 3019 of the Third Age, the Fellowship rests in Lothlórien. Their wounds and fatigue are healed, but the loss of Gandalf becomes more apparent. The Elves of Lothlórien sing songs of lamentation for the fallen wizard; Legolas does not interpret these laments for the rest of the Company, saying he has neither the skill nor the heart to do so.

Today in Middle-earth: January 23-25

Gandalf and the Balrog by John Howe

On this day in the year 3019 of the Third Age, Gandalf fights the Balrog atop Zirakzigil in what is known as the Battle of the Peak. The two remain engaged in battle for two days before Gandalf finally throws down his enemy (January 25), which breaks the side of the mountain as it falls; Durin's Tower and the Endless Stair are destroyed in the process. Darkness takes Gandalf, and he passes away.

Today in Middle-earth: January 17

Lothlórien by the Brothers Hildebrandt 

On this day in the year 3019 of the Third Age, the Fellowship are led, blindfolded, to Caras Galadhon by Haldir. Frodo and his companions are introduced to the Lord and Lady, Celeborn and Galadriel, and Aragorn recounts their adventures to their hosts.