Crossing the Misty Mountains or There and Back Again, a Hobbit's Tale

I went to DC/Northern Virginia a couple of weeks ago, and just recently got (most of) the photos. So here is the story in word and picture.

After work on Friday, I drove to DC. Some might think it slightly crazy to drive through the mountains in the middle of the night, but I wouldn't trade that drive for anything. The sky was deep black and star encrusted. Orion guarded the citizens of the sky with his sharp and shining sword and his bow drawn taut. As I neared Virginia, the silhouette of the mountains swallowed all light, and the darkness of the sky seemed to melt away against the ancient roots of the hills. After many hours, I finally reached Gabi at the Last Homely House. We spent many hours talking until dawn was nearer than dusk.

Saturday, we rediscovered our sadistic sense of humor when Rudolf the Red nosed Reindeer got splattered in blood. (Hopefully there will be photographic evidence forthcoming). We then trekked across Virginia out to Leesburg, first stopping at Trader Joe's--the second best grocery store (First place going to Eastern Market), then on to Teavanna, the haven for all tea enthusiasts (snobs). After sniffing and tasting tea, we rode Gabi's chariot to vineyards of great renown to judge the product of the land, taking in first the colorless liquid and then the rosier stuff. Having received a last-minute invitation, we tromped over to a costume party. But in the meanwhile, "And the moon is a sliver of silver Like a shaving that fell on the floor of a Carpenter's shop". Venus rose near her lord, as queen of the sky, commanding the stars to follow her and climb into the night. The pure blue canvas refused to be copied allowing only gazers in awe.

Now to the party:
Villains and villainesses gathered from all over history, literature and movies, convening at Tiffany, Leah, and Kirsten's.













Here, the Ladies of Lyonesse gathered at the feet of their esteemed RA.














I hadn't told Sarah that I was coming for a visit, and so she actually screamed when she saw me at the party.















Camilla was let out for good behavior that evening. . . hehehe. We don't need costumes to dress up as villains. We are our own villain.














Camilla mutinies!

We later recovered sanity, after a little bit of sleep. Sunday, Gabi and I went to Capitol Hill Baptist. Michael Lawrence preached on Matthew 25-the parable of the Ten Virgins, the parable of the Talents, and the parable of the sheep and goats. I will not try to summarize the sermon, only say that you can ask me about or go listen to it online at capitolhillbaptist.org. Beyond the service itself, it was good and refreshing to see so many people that I know, converse with some, greet others, and just wave at the rest. How can you describe the power of hearing and singing with six hundred brothers and sisters of the glories of our God? It is a good reminder that, although every church has its own problems and weaknesses, Jesus Christ is truly recreating worshippers. We went to the college lunch afterward, where I discovered that some of my friends will be moving to Louisville this summer!

I don't have any pictures from Sunday afternoon yet. but Gabi and I walked all over Capitol Hill, visiting my bookstore, Riverby Books, strolled by Eastern Market, warmed ourselves at Starbucks (THE Starbucks) and played in the snow. Oh the beautiful snow, falling and cloaking the ground as with millions of gems. Yes, we danced and caught snowflakes on our tongues (photographic evidence forthcoming).

Monday, Gabi and I again headed out, this time to Old Town Alexandria, where we ambled over the cobblestone streets.






















































Later that afternoon, I drove out to Patrick Henry and visited with a number of people. It was strange to see so many unfamiliar faces taking over the cafeteria. But, on a positive note, people still wear hats! And not just winter hats, either. This makes me happy. Sarah and I watched Terminator 2 (the prior night, Gabi and I watched Minority Report). hhmmm.

After I got back to DC, I strolled around the Mall, taking pictures while I waited for Gabi to get off work.











































































After a. . . Nevermind, you don't need to know that. Tuesday, I drove across the Misty Mountains through Virginia and West Virginia, following the westward path of the sun. And here I sit, back in Louisville, having left part of my heart in DC. But they tell me that the human body has a tremendous ability of plasticity. Funny that we should be able to be wounded and healed at the same time and by the same means.