|
|
|
| |
|
Vol.
I No. 8 Middle Earth Exists in Old Town What's the Buzz? In this so-called modern world, art and entertainment come in various
forms. All these forms seem to be emerging and blending together, via
film, television and music. Life imitates art and art certainly
It’s billed as an emporium but is more like the costume and prop department of a major film studio. Ever ogle over artifacts, costumes and decor, you see in major films? Well come take a close look at this bill of fare, like Lord of the Rings meets Harry Potter and Beyond, and that’s just to start. So much so that I could swear I saw Frodo spying on me, from a Giant tree, that dominates the air space. I spent a few hours checking the place out over the months, and each time I went, it was completely different. Well now it’s time for Sue to make her entrance in this drama-like episode! Sue is the mastermind of Rivendell. She is also obviously inspired by other periods of time and has spent much time and travel securing the wares displayed here . Sue and her fill-in counterpart Ann Marie could themselves easily be cast in a film as elfen princesses. The bill of fare includes among countess other items, clothing, masks, jewelry and useful novelties, all quality constructed.
I guess by now you realize -- this is not your usual fantasy-type store. No indeed , this is the real deal. Those of you who have already discovered this magical place know exactly what I mean. There are actually so many items in the store, finding them is like an Easter egg hunt, with always a treasure to find at the end.. I’ve decided to keep going back to Rivendell in the future to check out the new look every month by Sue and company with their loving care. I’ll keep you up to date on her progress, if you’re in the neighborhood, do stop in and experience it for yourself. Anyone would cherish a gift purchased here, as they reek of quality and workmanship. The best way, is to stop in on the way to ,or from the Chronicles of Narnia or the new Harry Potter film. By the way, it turns out Sue and Rivendell have won the Christmas window design award in Old Town. I’m not surprised, as her windows remind me of Macy’s or Gimbell’s design windows in NYC at this time of the year. People would line up for their unveiling every year. San Francisco paid homage to the glorious windows of Gump’s every year. Many of the Old Town designs were very high quality, but Rivendell’s, like their merchandise are in a class by themselves! I think I’ll do a follow up next month and try to interview the
talented Sue as to more of the direction of this unique establishment
. I had a great time there and noticed the figure of Gandalf smile at
me as I left! Well, it seemed as if he did… |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Copyright © 2005-06, Humboldt Sentinel. All rights reserved. |
So
my next search for art and entertainment now travels a different road.
Even though I’m still on the same yellow (red) brick road, it now
makes a stop in Middle Earth. On first entering Rivendell in the quaint
heart of Old Town, one assumes to find a gallery or tourist-type merchandise.
To your delight, anyone with a vivid imagination or sense of taste will
realize what they have stumbled across.
My
favorite find was the fountains that bubbled and boiled like dry ice effects
in films. The have a version of a pump for you to design your own fountain
around at a reasonable price of about $40. It would cost you almost that
much to run a dry ice machine for an evening. There are also a large doll
and Hobbit type creatures lurking where you’d least expect them.
I had fun locating them all, as they hid under every shelf, nook and cranny.
I wonder what goes on in here after hours? I’ve seen so many films,
where after hours when all are gone, the dolls take on a life of their
own. Maybe that’s the case at Rivendell?