Who would you be in Middle Earth? What would your Hobbit name be?

The culture we live in very much discourages adults from playing, but the more I find out of the world the more I think that adults are supposed to play. And that not doing so is damaging to our health.

it was so nice to meet you and Rowan at Brandywine! I'm so glad you had a good time - your recap is so great -- it's been so difficult to put the experience into words, and you've done a fantastic job of it. It really was transformative, healing, and joyful. <3 <3

Mrs Noakes here, we met at the feast. Thank you for the lovely bunting!  What you say here rings true for me too- I find after being home it’s become physically painful being separated from my creative self. I long for color and for stories- I just put out a notice to local theater troupes to see who needs a stagehand. It’s where my heart thrives best.

I have to believe that what we water will grow, and that we will bloom again in our time.

Thank you for this video. I was ones of the volunteers that worked on this being this event to life I helped clear trails set up tents haul away trash, I played the role of one of the Ruffians also a Hobbit named Melvin Oliver Fallohide and I was also the Pyrotechnics expert that lit off the fireworks

Your words really moved me. I was at Brandywine too, and it felt like a life-changing experience to me as well! I’m in my 50’s and live in Southern California where I wish I could go out in my hobbit costume every day, amid all of the yoga moms and health nuts, haha!
I was there as Auntie Meadowsweet, an unmarried hobbit from the East Farthing who took everyone in as their nibling.
I neglected to purchase a mug and now I regret it. So if you choose me, it would be sweet, but if not, I’m sure that it will go to a wonderful home!
Stay whimsical my friend!
❤❤❤❤

Seeing everyone’s experiences at Brandywine has made me so sad we missed out this year, but it’s cemented for me to go next year! I’ve been in the same spot as you- thinking myself too weird, too childish, too whimsical… but I’ve also been healing my “inner 22 year old”. Last year, I went to Ren Faire for the very first time at 32 and instantly fell in love- this year, we went 5 out of 6 weekends and made so many new friends! And for the first time in many years, I didn’t care that people thought I was odd for going so often, for playing dress up, for immersing myself in whimsy!! I wish everyone knew the healing power of being “weird” and owning it.

Hello it's Devant Dimpleton me and my wife Dahlia met you at Brandywine I feel exactly the same way you did my soul was rekindled with my artwork and my woodworking and me and my wife Dalia met you and I loved everything about it and I can't wait to see you guys again next year I feel like it was a family❤

A child-like heart ... That is beautiful! I have hidden my inner self for decades, always assuming the role of authority, of maturity, of leadership ... And yet, not fully comfortable in that role. Now I understand why!

We were at the Festival. We didn't get to participate in any quests, games, or other events, but we just loved being there and enjoying the friendliness, camaraderie and generosity of all our fellow hobbits!

I cried with you! I can't tell you how much alike we are in the locked away creative weirdo that just wants to play and dress up. This has inspired me to maybe look into starting a group in my community that can get together on weekends and do some hobbity play!  I haven't given much thought to my hobbit name yet, but my nickname is Snookerfritz!  And I love it , so let's say I am Snookerfritz Tallfoot  ;)  Well-met 🥰

I cried through this video right along with you- my husband and I are hoping to go next year because this sounds like the exact sort of magic, healing, and play I badly need in my life as well- thank you so much for sharing your experience 💚

It opens my hearts and helps heal something in me I didn't know needed healing. Thank you for also being here. I love you and rowen so freaking much (and the rest of the family too). Also the name change is amazing!!!

I feel you, sister!   I found myself at Brandywine, too!  A little late, but better than never!

everything you said spoke to me so hard. i wish we met at the festival. my husband and i went (petal & hap) & loved the community so much that we’re going next year. needed the escapism so bad. hope we can meet next time. ❤️❤❤

I’d give this video a thousand thumbs up if I could. I felt exactly as you so wonderfully articulated about Brandywine

Your speech really explains a lot for me too. I’ve done all this repression of my creative playful side too. Thank you.

I am so glad you got to go to Brandywine and set free your inner self!  I am a hobbit in all but size, and though I am no longer young enough to LARP (I used to SCA in my younger years, but I am now caregiver for my husband) I would love to have gone.  I am not the Bookish, adventures kind of hobbit, but a more Bagginsy stay at home kind, a Rosie Cotton kind,  I love good tilled earth and gentle hills and the comforts of my home and hearth... though my youth was spent adventuring indeed!  A full life I have lived and loved.  I am too late for the drawing, but not too late for the life!

When you said that you wished you’d known that you could do things like going to hobbit festival instead going clubbing in 20s, I could relate.😭 I’m glad you got to have this experience!  🫶

(first name TBD) Houndherd, a dog caretaker and trainer for the shire. Companions, protectors, assistance I've got a friend for you. A bit shy and soft spoken, as they are used to spending time with dogs not people, but passionate about their work and their community. Loves good food (especially if it's portable) and come from an area with many ginko trees

When you described how you felt too much and not enough at the same time, too weird and whimsical for this world - that really hit close to home for me. I'm still sorting that out for myself.
Hearing about your experiences at Brandywine Festival was so wonderful and I absolutely adore your amazing outfit!