Today is a special day, so- (happy holidays, etc)

[mary_j_59]

First, the good news.

I got a very interesting form letter in my email today, from a nun who works for CNEWA. It was all about choice, and how and why people choose to say "yes". She pointed out that today is the feast of the Annunciation. It's also, in Tolkien's world, the day the ring went into the fire, and the beginning of the New Year. I also got a lovely e-card from an Iranian-American family I know, and Passover is this weekend, when Holy Week also begins. And already, here in Southern NY, the crocuses are blooming, and the daffodils are in bud. So-

A happy spring to everyone, and a happy holiday to all who are celebrating. And peace.

Now the bad news.

Yesterday, my twin sister, deirdrej, left her desk for a minute to get lunch. Some jerk stole the macbook she'd been working on. This was the library's computer, and had hundreds, if not thousands, of hours of work on it - at least four author interviews that she was sound-editing, and who knows how much more? It's heartbreaking to think of all the work she lost. The last interview on that computer was the conversation we'd had with Rebecca Stead, this year's Newbery award winner, that very morning. There was also a hilarious and lively conversation with Sarah Rees Brennan. I'm sure all those authors will be willing to talk to Deirdre again if the computer isn't recovered, but it takes such a lot of time to put out a podcast. Right now we're praying for a miracle - that the police will manage to recover the computer with the information intact. But it's not awfully likely. Can you imagine, though? Being mean enough to rob a library? And a CHILDREN"S ROOM?

Comments

[sylvanawood.livejournal.com]

Oh no, that sucks big time. Your poor sister.
I hope the computer can be found.

Happy Holidays. I love Easter and all the rituals.

[mary-j-59.livejournal.com]

Thank you. I love Easter, too, though not some of the Old Testament readings! As to the computer, since we didn't have any tracking software installed on it, I'm afraid it might take a miracle to find it. But I appreciate your good wishes, and I'm sure my sister will, too.

[anne-arthur.livejournal.com]

That's awful! What a terrible thing to happen! I do hope Deirdre recovers her computer - but I agree with you that it isn't likely.

But it is interesting that this is Tolkien's New Year - very medieval! Did all the civilizations of Middle Earth begin their year on the same day? And when you say that it is the day that the ring went into the fire, is this the day when it was forged, or the day it was destroyed? If the day it was forged, that is a very bizarre symbolism!

And Happy Easter! I'm going up to Edinburgh to my family next Wednesday, and I'm looking forward to it.

[mary-j-59.livejournal.com]

As to Tolkien's New Year - no, I don't think all the civilizations began their year on the same day. King Elessar proclaimed it the New Year after Frodo, Sam and Gollum destroyed the one ring. It is commemorated as the day people were freed from the power of the ring.

I hope you'll have a wonderful Easter - and is there more to come on your story?

[anne-arthur.livejournal.com]

Yes, there will be more to come - after Easter! I've added a reply to your and Ellen's comments on the first bit, which I hope answers some of your queries.

At the moment March is 'going out like a lion', and there have been several inches of snow in Scotland in the last few days. The east coast rail line is closed due to landslides - fortunately, I think my train is going up the west coast, but I'm not expecting an uneventful journey!

Have a great Easter!

[puckling.livejournal.com]

Yay, crocuses!

Oh noes! D: I'm so sorry to hear that about the computer.