kylekyle.com

Danger, this is not for those who don’t understand what I’m talking about. You most likely understand it one bit, so if you’re one of those, don’t try

I am a huge fan of fantasy, fantasy movies, fantasy games, fantasy art, and all sorts of random internal whimsies. I played Dungeons and Dragons as a child, I grew up reading weird books with dragons and things. I knew the difference between a gnome and a hobbit. But somehow, I never read Lord of the Rings, or The Hobbit. This is strange. I knew the “Tolkien” world like the back of my hand, but I never read his works. How odd is that? I’m not sure how that happened. The only explanation I have is that I was totally absorbed with Star Wars and Star Trek novels back in the day. Every time I turned around there was another Star Wars novel to read. I have stacks of Star Wars paperbacks sitting around. Then, around 6-7th grade, instead of reading decent littlebooks, I started Heinlein. Then I read Douglas Adams, and then from there I launched into mythology. Greek and Norse mainly. Norse mythology is by far the coolest thing ever. I have read the stories several times, but I’m not even close to memorizing the tales. Those names! Those massive amazing Norse names! I want to name my child like one of those legendary heroes. Oh crap, I’m rambling.

So anyways, about a year and a half ago I read the Silmarillion. It was my first experience with Tolkien, and it almost drove me insane. For those who have read it, the first bit can be very daunting. And Several bits after that are pretty daunting also. But then I was swept away by it, it greatly reminded me of classic mythology, and the bible. The Silmarillion is by far one of my favorite books. If only Tolkien had been Immortal, he could have done what he did with Lord of the Rings for every story in the Silmarillion! Anyways, Then In december I saw the first LoTR movie, without having yet read the book. All I had was the background given in The Silmarillion. And all I can say was, it was beautiful. The greatest fantasy movie I have ever seen. There was so much detail, so many beautiful landscapes, just soooooooooo much. When I saw the movie, I didn’t know they had left anything at all out. And, now that I’ve read the book, I understand why certain things were left out, namely Tom Bombadill. I’m almost glad they took Bombadill out. In my mind, he is probably a completely different character than the one in your mind. He was one of those mysterious chracters, not completely defined, and if the story writers/ directors had tried to make him, they most likely would have blown it. Lots of people I talked to didn’t like the Balrog. Why is that? He was a beautiful representation of Tolkien’s demon creatures. The problem is that he defies the mental picture they have had for several years on what a Balrog is. Anyways thats my spiel. Hopefully that made some sense, if not, I’ll elaborate.

A little while ago In LJ I think I mentioned some sort of really cool gift from a resteraunt regular, well I got it, so I’m gonna talk about it now!

So his name is Ray Hewitt, and he eats at the Dry Creek Kitchen (my place of employment) quite regularly, and hes very nice. One day he had this bag that said Monterey something on it, and It had a painting inside, so I asked if he got it in a gallery in monterey, because I’ve been to most of the monterey galleries. Well he said no, but we started to talk about Monterey, and I told him how I went there after reading several John Steinbeck books, so I could see Cannery Row, and Salinas where Steinbeck grew up, and see the museum and so on. So then we had this really big discussion aobut Steinbeck (and I got in trouble for talking to a guest for way to long).

And the other day on Monday, Ray comes in and gives me this package, and inside is a 1st Edition copy of The Grapes of Wrath (hardcover), printed in 1939. He told me how he bought the book when he was 15, and has kept it for 62 years now, and he told me it was mine, and to take good care of it.

Needless to say, I flipped out with grattitude. It’s so amazing that he would give me such a book. For anyone who knows about such things, that book is worth $ (not that I would everever sell it). How Generous!

If I find my camera, I’ll take some pictures of it. It’s so nice. I’m so tempted to read it again…. 62 years!!!!! Hopefully I can keep it another 62 years!

Who else likes Steinbeck?

I’m getting spammed by these stupid “Someone likes you” e-mails again, if you did this, I despise you :-p

Friday involved acts of “Grand Theft Canoe” and a day of blissful passage down the Russian River. My back is all burnt though. We also played on a few rope swings. It was a beautiful trip, lovely weather, lovely view, lovely water. It was lovely. We then returned the canoes, because borrowing isn’t so bad.

Saturday me and Ben hung out for a bit, then were joined by Joe, and Derek. We went Miniature golfing. It was pretty sweet. We also raced in the go-carts, and played alot of pinball. My go-cart racing skills were l33t, I T-boned Ben and caused him to go from 1st place to last place, I was laughing so hard I could hardly steer.

Today, I’m going to sit around and do nothing most likely.

Hows life for everyone else?