July 18: Accio Deathly Hallows (no spoilers)

A Poem

"Death is Nothing At All"

Henry Scott Holland

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Death is nothing at all,

I have only slipped away

into the next room.

I am I,

and you are you;

whatever we were to each other,

that, we still are.

Call me by my old familiar name,

speak to me in the easy way

which you always used,

put no difference in your tone,

wear no forced air

of solemnity or sorrow.

Laugh as we always laughed

at the little jokes we shared together.

Let my name ever be

the household word that it always was,

Let it be spoken without effect,

without the trace of a shadow on it.

Life means all

that it ever meant.

It is the same as it ever was.

There is unbroken continuity.

Why should I be out of mind

because I am out of sight?

I am waiting for you,

for an interval,

somewhere very near,

just around the corner.

All is well.

(HP Spoiler Warning)

And then there were seven

So...once again, there are not really words that seem to fit my current state. It was an amazing ride though. I'm just trying to let it all sink in. I'm fairly certain that I love it, but I have to go back and actual read it and figure out the finer details. I'm sure I'll come up with more enlightening comments in future days, but for now all I can do is say wow...

There's no need to call me 'sir' professor

Words cannot fully convey how I feel right now. This is the end of a beautiful, mystical, breath-taking adventure that I fully embraced. I was in 5th grade when I read the first book, a mere 10 years old. Now I am 17, a wholly different person than 7 (interesting coincidence) years ago, but still every bit infatuated with this piece of history in the making. I am elated to be able to say that I am a loyal fan, appreciating everything the series is, and everything it stands for. I cannot wait for the day in many years when I can sit down my children and hand them the first book, and tell them of the magic it conjured. Jo, you have given me such much joy, happiness, and I think most importantly, knowledge. I came of age with these books, learning along with Harry that life is not perfect, to expect the unexpected, and the truly most magical belief that love conquers all. So I thank you Jo, for giving me the boy wizard who you invented so long ago on that train, and I thank you for giving the world a book that shows no age barrier, allowing the entire world to be infatuated. Thank you.

"Snow was swirling against the icy windows once more; Christmas was approaching fast. Hagrid had already single-handedly delivered the usual twelve Christmas trees for the Great Hall; garlands of holly and tinsel had been twisted around the banisters of the stairs; everlasting candles glowed from inside the helmets of suits of armor and great bunches of mistletoe had been hung at intervals along the corridors."

"His hand closed automatically around the fake Horcrux, but in spite of everything, in spite of the dark and twisting path he saw stretching ahead for himself, in spite of the final meeting with Voldemort he knew must come, whether in a month, in a year, or in ten, he felt his heart lift at the thought that there was still one last golden day of peace left to enjoy with Ron and Hermione."

Summer Breeze

It has been perfect out these past two days or so. It is just the right temperature, cool breeze, clear, blue skies. Oh so lovely. I have succeeded, no, excelled, at doing positively nothing today. I have eaten breakfast, watched TV in bed, read some HP, and now am here. It has been lovely. Of recent, I attended the midnight premiere of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, which was bloody brilliant. Of course that is what I think after every film, so I will have to wait and see before I make a real judgement. But I really did like it a lot. Otherwise, I have been busy rereading all six of the HP books in preparation for Deathly Hallows in (gulp!) eight days. I am so pumped for it. But I can't believe it is so soon. I also read both Bridget Jones's Diaries(reviews later) and loved them. But now, for HP quotes:

"Wit beyond measure is man's greatest treasure." -Luna Lovegood

"The Aurors are part of the Rotfang Conspiracy, I thought everyone knew that. They're working from within to bring down the Ministry of Magic using a combination of Dark magic and gum disease." -Luna Lovegood

Happiness is not a state to arrive at, but a manner of
traveling.

I drink from a bubbler

Back from DC! I had a great time there, met lots of awesome people, saw cool (and sad) monuments, and had one uber-awesome speaker (COLIN POWELL!). I love that guy. He is so much more chill than most people probably think. I also like what he has to say.

I also went to Philadelphia while there, seeing National Constitution Center, Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. All very cool places, especially the National Constitution Center. I saw the Vietnam, Korean, Lincoln, and Jefferson memorials. In addition, I went to Arlington and I just have to say that the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier are amazing. Their precision is insane.

Overall, I had a fabulous time (especially explaining to people what the hell a bubbler is). Presidential Classroom, DC and Philly are all awesome.

(Korean Memorial)

Oh, also awesome, the Capitol Steps. They are a political satire singing troupe. Love it.