Snowflake challenge day 1

[gnutmeg]

Day 1

In your own space, talk about your Happy Place—the things that give you joy, calms you or keeps you sane.


I would have to say,for me, my fandom safe space is going back to the source - my first love in most of my fandoms - the book. Of course, there are certain books that will always speak louder than others so I'll address two of my very favourite; Tolkien's Leaf by Niggle and Lovecraft's Mountains of Madness.

These are clearly very different books from the titles alone but both bring me a sense of comfort and calm.

Leaf by Niggle is a lesser known work of Tolkien that has nothing to do with the fantasy he's known for. Its themes could be seen as religious as it explores the meaning in and between things. It talks about perception and what truly matters. It sees beauty in the small things.

On the other hand, Mountains of Madness is a journey into the utter futility of existence. How we can completely destroy ourselves with one poor choice. It looks at things left behind and things better left forgotten. Despite the bleak horror tone, it leaves me with a wonder for what is and an appreciation for right now. Because the future might be decadent.

Comments

[littlelostcat]

Oh, I completely agree about going back to the source! Whether that is the book, the movie, or the TV show -- sometimes returning home resets me emotionally in a way that I can't get elsewhere. I'm rereading LotR, which is one of my favorite books but takes a long commitment (for me, at least). But it has been such a treat to revisit Middle Earth.

I've never heard of Leaf by Niggle -- and I took a Tolkien class!! Haha, I'll have to give it a look sometime. :)

[gnutmeg]

It's like coming home, isn't it?

You can find Leaf by Niggle in the Tree and Leaf collection. It also includes his essay on myths and fairy tales which is fantastic.

[littlelostcat]

It absolutely is! Even reading LotR which is a commitment, LOL, it's still a content sigh. And I'll keep an eye out for it! Hopefully my local library has it :)

[sperrywink]

Great insight into people and spaces and what makes you happy! Source is often times forgotten.

[gnutmeg]

Thank you. I've been working on being more insightful with my therapist, and I think this is a great exercise to practice it!

[my2browneyes]

I'll have to check out Leaf by Niggle. I've never heard of it. But I totally understand about Mountains of Madness. There is wonder even in the horror of things and a strange comfort in knowing there is more out than just us. I do love crawling into a book and living there for a bit.

[gnutmeg]

It's in the Tree and Leaf collection.

There was once a little man called Niggle, who had a long journey to make. He did not want to go, indeed the whole idea was distasteful to him; but he could not get out of it. He knew he would have ti start some time, but he did not hurry with his preparations.

[my2browneyes]

I have to say the thing I like about Tolkein is the reluctant adventurer. I identify with that so much.

[gnutmeg]

The story is sort of an allegory for life and death, but it's totally beautiful.