I've been putting off making this post, because I am heartbroken, and because sharing the news will make it seem very, very real. But it is real. We have lost our dearest friend and beloved girl, Virginia.


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Every year, my parents send their granddog, the fabulous Virginia, a Halloween costume for her to wear (as well as treats to bribe her to model for pictures).

This year, my brilliant parents outdid themselves, creating and accessorizing a most remarkable costume. I invite you to behold Virginia as H.P. Lovecraft's Cthulhu, first introduced in the ( Read more... )

Today is the birthday of J.R.R. Tolkien, creator of Hobbits and Dwarves and Elves and all of Middle-earth, who was born this day in 1892. You're invited to participate in The Tolkien Society's International Birthday Toast for 2015!

Happy thirteenth birthday to The Shire's Virginia Lórien, a.k.a. Virginia, the world's most beautiful Boston terrier ( Read more... )

May you and yours enjoy the blessings of the season. Thank you for the gift of your friendship, my friends!


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Happy birthday to doctorwho42, barbedwriting, and savageseraph, and happy early birthday to metal_aria! May all of you enjoy many happy returns of the day!

And THANK YOU to all of you, my friends, who have wished me a happy birthday today! :D You're the best, and I'm grateful for each of you.

I'll leave you with Virginia on her walk.


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Every year, my parents send their granddog, the fabulous Virginia, a Halloween costume for her to wear (as well as treats to bribe her to model for pictures).

This year, my brilliant parents outdid themselves, sewing and accessorizing a most remarkable costume. I invite you to behold Virginia as one of our favorite contemporary characters, Sheriff ( Read more... )

Our dear Virginia is most patient with me.
(Never fear, she got treats out of the deal!)

There's the lounging glamor shot...


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Today is the birthday of J.R.R. Tolkien, creator of Hobbits and Dwarves and Elves and all of Middle-earth, who was born this day in 1892. I hope everyone will participate in The Tolkien Society's International Birthday Toast for 2014!

Happy twelfth birthday to The Shire's Virginia Lórien, a.k.a. Virginia, the world's most beautiful Boston terrier ( Read more... )

The Potterwatch 2013 conference was fantastic! My week hit with a mighty but not unwelcome vengeance once I returned. I'm hard at work on my Mysterious Project of Mystery at the moment.

Registration is now open for my Summer 2013 course on The Dystopian Tradition with Mythgard Institute and my Fall 2013 course ("American Exceptionalism and the ( Read more... )

... well, behind this geek girl, at any rate.

A while ago I fell in love with two of the Sherlock Holmes-inspired fabrics at Spoonflower, so I asked my mother if she might be willing to "do something" if I sent her some. No one "does something" with fabric or yarn quite like my mother.

Well, I just received a most fantastic box from her. From ( Read more... )