Not All Who Wander Are Lost

Believe it or not, it was July when I started this post. As usual, life has gotten in the way and I got sidetracked.  A bit.  So, here it is the end of November already and I'm just getting back into the swing of things.  In the space of time since I began this particular post in July, we have lost a family pet, my husband was hospitalized for a serious blood disorder and I have injured my left arm to the point of excruciating pain.  But, as they say, life goes on.

What I was going to write about back in July was a wedding I officiated at that had a Lord of the Rings theme to it. Again I was in unfamiliar territory as I knew very little about the trilogy.  Sure, I had seen all of the movies and the Hobbit movies as well, but I didn't know it in depth.  So, off I go researching quotes, themes, storylines, etc.  All to work into a short, meaningful ceremony.  It was fun - and challenging.  But I managed to put together a sweet memorable ceremony that everyone liked.  Here is a brief part of the ceremony at the ring exchange.  It's lovely.

It is now time to exchange rings.  Wedding rings are a symbol of the journeys taken together, a completion of one story and the start of another.  Forged by the fires of compassion, compromise and love, not to be easily destroyed. To borrow (and alter) from Tolkien: Two rings to rule them all, Two rings will find them, Two rings to bring them all and in this marriage, bind them. 

All that is gold does not glitter,

Not all those who wander are lost;

The old that is strong does not wither,

Deep roots are not reached by the frost.

I was lucky enough to be able to officiate at my daughter's wedding in September. She and her husband wanted something simple, but meaningful to them.  So, I put together a very personal ceremony that included moments of their lives over the past 8 years.  It was wonderful if I do say so myself. And, of course, it was a labour of love.

So, now I'm on to new ceremonies, new themes, new adventures.  I will try and keep up to date, but I can't promise anything.  Just that I'll try. Stay tuned.