I'm getting 50 next Monday!

[wiseheart]

It's outrageous! Schocking! Depressing! Unbelievable!

So, cheer me up! I want, just this one time in my pretty unspectacular life, to have posted a LJ entry that gets so many comments that after a while they only appear as subtitles on the comments page.

So, give me this gift. Send people my way in cyberspace. Talk to me about everything and nothing - as long as it raises the count. lhun_dweller might remember about that dream of leaving a supermarket with a full shopping cart - just once.

Yes, it's silly, I know. But honestly, it costs you not "a weary cent", as the Germans say, and I'd like to have this so badly, just this one time. And since it's highly unlikely that I'd manage to reach my goal by posting astounding fanfic or simply interesting topics, I have to use more drastic methods.

The audience room is open till October 9, which is my 50th birthday. Come in, have a good time and talk to me!

Edit: And if you want to know what are we going to eat on the RL party on Sunday, check out my next entry. *g*

Comments

[nerwen-calaelen.livejournal.com]

*waves*

I can't really thing of anything to say, as I'm mostly asleep at the moment - due to having been very stupid this morning and not eaten proper breakfast before spending the day walking around... until I finally realised that I needed to eat as the world was goign far away and vague...

Not a very interesting comment I know - I'll make you a better one later, but it is a random one to start off your thing for lots of comments. :) I think the length of comments helps as well... I think there is a maximum page length or something...

Anyway, I'll stop writing randomly here for now. ;)

Hope you didn't expect this comment to be actually interesting or anything.

[larian.livejournal.com]

I wondered about that, whether the length makes a difference, but never could really tell...the number does make a difference though, I'm pretty sure.

Anyway, just adding one more to the count. :D

[larian.livejournal.com]

Does this mean you're finally coming of age? *hee* You're almost at your majority! Woot!

[wiseheart.livejournal.com]

On paper, perhaps. According to my Mum, it'll never happen mentally. ;))

[larian.livejournal.com]

Hmmm...my second one didn't post.

I just mentioned that I have some new Kavanaugh/Lorne entries in my memories. One author took that pairing for fanfic 100 challenge and has been writing them again.

[wiseheart.livejournal.com]

I think it did, actually. So, now we can make lovely, looooooooooong treads - like the chains from the stems of that meadow flower, whatsitsname in English? I only know in Hungarian and German.

Thanks for the fic rec. I think I saw it at kavtolanon, but honestly, I find in these days that I can't read any more 'shipper fics. Not for a while, at least. When I go to Wraithbait at all - which is rare enough as it is - I usually just look up the General section.

[brinian.livejournal.com]

Well, Happy Birthday in advance. By the time Monday rolls around, this will have completely escaped my short term memory, which (at the ripe old age of 43) is waning rapidly....beware, it'll happen to you too!

Glad fodelsedag!

I don't think I need to wait too long...

[wiseheart.livejournal.com]

Oh, it happened to me at a much younger age, believe me.
Thanks for the birthday wish. What language is it in? It sounds a bit like "happy false dog", but I'm sure it means something else. *g*

[the-wild-iris.livejournal.com]

Tell me about your birthday dream date with the fictional character of your choice.

[wiseheart.livejournal.com]

Well, my first fandom love was definitely Karl May's Winnetou, the noble and heroic Apache chieftain. I've conceived Mary Sues in context with that character before I even knew that such things as fanfic and Mary Sues existed in the first place.

Mary Sue #1, complete with a tragic past, was the adopted daughter of Mexican president Benito Juarez, whose supporter Winnetou was supposed to be.

Mary Sue #2 was a Mayan princess, of whom nobody knew that she was an actual princess.

There was a Mary Sue #3, but I've forgotten her specifications. *g*

I was about the age of 9 or 10 at that time. I started reading ungodly long books at a very tender age and had a devoted fondness for Native American characters. If I think about it, I still have. That's why I'm in undying love with Voyager's Commander Chakotay.

Are you interested in my Mary Sues in other fandoms as well?

[skyfiery.livejournal.com]

I feel like I've gone mentally retarded and senile. I-am-supposed-to-remember-your-birthday, dammit! >.< Beh.

I know you put up your wishlist for the Star Trek books. You know...you should really create an account and a wishlist on Amazon.com, so I can get one for you! =D

[wiseheart.livejournal.com]

I'd love to. The problem is, Amazon doesn't accept our national currency.

[cirdan-havens.livejournal.com]

Hm, I don't think it's an entirely silly request. There is a certain amount of envy in the youthful cliques and their ephemeral but insistent friendships. I still can't help but to sometimes wish that someone would have this and that interest in common with me, but there's no reason that any one friend should have to like everything that I do. Variety's the spice of life. Unfortunately, I then turn into a recluse and can't seem to talk at all to anyone about anything. Whatever does come to mind seems like "whining." Hungarian riots. Parental health problems. I have my downs, and I'm still in one of them, but I can't say that my problems are important. If I were to repeat them to myself as an entirely different person, I might even say, "What's wrong with this person? C'est la vie. That's life. Deal with it." So then I go on in my little world, sometimes communicating with others, sometimes not. I used to think that it was stupid that my mom thought that thinking too much was what led to my depressions. Well, to some degree that's true. Amazing how a movie can sometimes improve my mood. I need to remember that more. I need to allow myself to be immersed in a fandom. Now if only I could find a new fandom... Sorry they don't seem to cross paths with yours.

Actually, you know what does cross? Our desire to write personal narratives. Not full memoirs all the time but just sharing thoughts, and if we were more talented than just simple bloggers or maybe more popular or luckier, then we'd be making money as nonfiction writers. Think of it this way: you are my primary news on Hungary. What you say makes a big difference in how I perceive the country. It's like being a reporter but less scummy and not doing it for money or to further a political agenda. It's just your own honest opinions. I was just reading about creative nonfiction and the person said that it was one of the unspoken promises in the genre. The dialogue may not be word for word what happened at that time, but there is an attempt to create the truth and reflect on it. So tell me a story of your childhood in Hungary. Here I am emailing you and taking it for granted that you know English, almost forgetting that the internet was new for all of us just a few years ago and that the WWW wasn't really released until 1994, only a dozen years ago!! Before that, email correspondences were in text only and we even made little text pictures that got forwarded. But that was only the realm of primarily college students who had access to email and computer facilities. I heard someone read his work-in-progress, and he was talking about dot matrix printers and text-based computer games. Ah yes! All that, so long ago and yet not at all. The kids of today will never remember a time without CDs and DVDs, when tapes were all we had if even that. I remember our little PC junior computer, state of the art at the time and a very expensive investment, but our father wanted us to have the best education possible because that's the only way to get ahead. I'm sure there are other ways, maybe marrying rich and then divorcing to get half, but we were pushed to get the education that wasn't previously possible in our family so that we could get decent jobs. I feel a little guilty that I'm not entirely doing that right now, that I'm not making as much money as I could be, but I have in the past and helped to support the family so I'll count that as paying my dues in part.

[cirdan-havens.livejournal.com]

(The comment was too long and had to be cut. So here's more rambling to reply to and add to the building replies.)

So how was it like in Hungary when you were younger? I've been rewatching old Hong Kong martial arts films that I'd seen when I was younger. I wish there were more to be found, but I can't afford to go out and buy these right now. It's interesting because I realize just what I missed when I was younger. There were even attempts to reference history, and one was about a Chinese doctor at the turn of the century fighting Westernization even as he knew that China had to assimilate to some degree to participate in the modern world. In the movie, it's like a distant history, but then I realize that this person died in 1924 and that my father was born less than a decade later in 1932. There was no running water. Could I ever imagine a life like that? It's probably the same with these horribly rich Republicans who are ruining our country and sending people off to war. It's the same as people who have never experienced discrimination and so they can't entirely imagine it or perceive it when it happens. If we ever met, it'd be a happy occasion, but maybe it'd be a surprise too. I don't know how many Asians there are in Hungary. I'm sure there are some because Hungary's in Eastern Europe, and Budapest really is a big enough city to have tourists from all over the world. But at the same time, it's different _knowing_ someone. Suddenly things become more real. Something that is a page in the history books if it's even included becomes real. No, I'm no better than these other people. How would I know about the troubles in Hungary unless you mentioned them? Even if I wanted to, I wouldn't easily have the resources. But what makes it interesting is that I know you and am interested in your life and what happens in your country. After all, I could similarly be interested in the happenings of China, whatever those are at the moment, but I don't know anyone there. I don't correspond with anyone via email. And even with Hong Kong, I knew two young girls from Hong Kong, but they were so young that there was no sense of the place. Like you say about the youths in Hungary, there's a more normalized capitalistic culture. They're watching LotR movies and worrying about their exams and how tall they are. There's no sense of place for me. I could be emailing with Romulan teenagers and the main difference would be in the pictures they send or post online. One of the books I remember you mentioning was Spock's World. Yeah, books like that help paint a picture of a place. Beleriand, Middle-earth, and Vulcan all seem more "real" to me than Hong Kong or China. I've never been there. But through reading, I can experience something so I experience a little bit of Hungary when I read your posts and your frustrations. I can imagine 3rd century China better than I can modern China because I've read literature (in translation) referencing that time period. Can you imagine that when I first joined the LotR and Silmarillion world I didn't imagine meeting so many people from so many different parts of the world? Finch sent me a calendar with pictures of Netherlands once. Suddenly, it mattered and it was interesting to me. It's the same with Hungary. When I see pictures of Budapest, I think of you. My world has grown as a result of knowing you.

[ithilwen.livejournal.com]

You're turning 50 on Monday? Happy Birthday! (I figure I'd better say it now, as knowing my luck, I won't be able to log on from my parents' creaky machine on the actual day.)

So what other virtual gifts would you like this year (besides the collapsing comments)? Virtual chanpagne? Drabbles? Interesting conversation? Come on, be bold. Make some demands of your friends! You only turn 50 once!

[wiseheart.livejournal.com]

Interesting conversation is definitely a go-go. But I accept drabbles, too. I'm not choosy. *g*

Birthday Wishes from Maeglin

[sharp-glance.livejournal.com]

Normally I don't deign to notice mortals, but on this occasion I am grudgingly making an exception and am acknowledging your miserable existance. Don't bother to grovel; your gratitude means nothing to me in any case, and I certainly don't want to have to help you back onto your feet in the event your sickly mortal back should give out.

[turukano.livejournal.com]

Mind your tongue, sister-son! A prince of Gondolin should have better manners than that.

*turns to Soledad* Apologies, mortal maid. My nephew had a difficult childhood, and he seems intent on revenging it by ensuring that everyone around him will have an equally unpleasant day. Pay him no mind, and eat your cake.

[feanorian-smith.livejournal.com]

I understand it is your people's custom to receive gifts on your day of borth. Care for a ring or three?

[wiseheart.livejournal.com]

It depends. Are they evil? Because, as a school teacher, I could definitely use an Evil Ring (tm). Imagine bending the will of my students to mine. Mmmmm... power...

[elvses.livejournal.com]

Merin Nostalë!

[wiseheart.livejournal.com]

Thank you. It's been a long time since we last met in cyberspace. Was it on the Second Age Elves list or somewhere else?

[maggiehoneybite.livejournal.com]

Happy begetting day. :)

[wiseheart.livejournal.com]

Thank you.:)
Welcome to my place.

[sinneahtes.livejournal.com]

Happy Birthday! (I followed ithilwen's link here) :))

So, what to say... do you think Gil-galad's really shouting "FREE BEER IN MOUNT DOOM!" in this picture (http://pics.livejournal.com/delphinoidea/pic/000096fp/g4)? ;)

[cirdan-havens.livejournal.com]

Nice pic. :p But that's prob because I like Gil-galad and wish they'd release more footage of his shoot.

[deborah-judge.livejournal.com]

Happy birthday!

[wiseheart.livejournal.com]

Thanks. It's a sobering enough thought, but I intend to see another 50, just to make the State angry that they have to pay back all the money I've paid them for my retirement. *g*

[lord-glorfindel.livejournal.com]

Ah. In that case, happy birthday. I hope you meet your goal.

[wiseheart.livejournal.com]

Thanks. When I hit 100, we'll repeat this performance. *g*

[greensword.livejournal.com]

Hello there! I'm a friend of Ithilwen's. I just wanted to wish you a happy 50th birthday. :)

[wiseheart.livejournal.com]

Thank you! Welcome to the mild insanity that is my cyberlife. :))

[archet.livejournal.com]

*wail!* Why do I *always* think your birthday is in November? For whatever reason, I do. I'm going to use my McKay icon on you because I think he's so cute. ;P Wish I had something witty and clever to say, but I'm too sleepy and not particularly clever or witty normally, *g*.

By the way, I've not forgotten about the coat of arms design! It's been a weird week. I have almost finished up a couple of the color schemes that you wanted. And I was able to find a larger clearer pic of a dragon, very close to the one you favored and I think it looks really good. Will send you copies soon!

Have a great Friday! *hugs*

[wiseheart.livejournal.com]

Worry not, ye of little faith! We are still well within time! Your McKay icon is Teh Cutie (tm). One day, I'll steal it, I swear!

As for the coat-of-arms, I haven't even started the story, so take your time. :)

[archet.livejournal.com]

Oh! Happy (early) Birthday! :D

[wiseheart.livejournal.com]

Thank you!

[nienna-weeper.livejournal.com]

I turned 50 already, so no worries---it's weird, but not so bad!

Happy Birthday!

[wiseheart.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I know it's not so bad. Actually, the years between the big marks never bother me. But these round ones keep reminding me how much I still want to do and that the time left for doing it is getting less and less with every passing year - and that is discouraging, somehow.

[galadhir.livejournal.com]

Happy pre-birthday! *g* I think I've stopped counting how old I am now, I tell people 40 because it's a good round number. Do things get better from 40 on, I must admit to being a bit worried because I never thought I'd be this age and now I don't know what to think about it :)

Sorry! What a downer of a message, but I can't think of anything more positive to say (except that I adore your icon!)

[wiseheart.livejournal.com]

Thanks. Lord Gildor is a hottie, and Nemis made a nice icon of him, I think. Personally, I've no web skills whatsoever.

As for the age, I'm permanently 16 in my heart. The problem is, when I try to tell my bones and joints this, they don't take me seriously. :(

[tehta.livejournal.com]

Hey there. I think the key to lots of comments is 1) bribing a small group of friends to help one make a few really long and frivolous threads and 2) posting about topics that interest many people, and then at the end asking several open-ended questions. I think the most comment-generating 2) would probably be some sort of crazy gossip/accusation aimed at a famous fandom figure, with the names of several others dropped in.

Also, happy birthday.

[wiseheart.livejournal.com]

Thanks. :))
I knew the problem was that I keep making entries about things that are of some interest to me, which definitely excludes the personal lives of any celebrities. *g*

[rcfinch.livejournal.com]

Getting fifty ought to be prohibited, but Happy Birthday all the same!

Thanks!

[wiseheart.livejournal.com]

It should be prohibited, shouldn't it? I wonder which deity would be the right one to contact for it to happen.

[altariel.livejournal.com]

Happy (early) birthday!

[wiseheart.livejournal.com]

Thank you. I wish you were here - we could have so much evil fun! Plus, I could treat you with some special Hungarian and Transylvanian food - I think you'd enjoy them.

[communicator.livejournal.com]

Happy Birthday and have a fantastic time. I just read that Annie Proulx published her first novel when she was 56. Don't know if writing's your thing, but whatever your thing is, hope you succeed at it

[wiseheart.livejournal.com]

Thank you. Yes, writing is my thing - in fact, it has been my thing for almost 40 years by now (what can I say? I started early...) My greatest fear is that I won't live long enough to write all those stories my head is full with.

[makamu]

Happy Birthday from me and Gildor! I might just have the fic ready for your birthday :) Rock on :)

[wiseheart.livejournal.com]

Awww, thank you!