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Good evening everyone! - Earlier this week several of us spawned the beginnings of an idea that I think will be a lot of fun. As many of you know, RMDupree bought me a life-size Frodo standee as a present that has now lived with me the past few months. It occured to me that it would be fun as a lark, to take Frodo along with me on trips and errands, and photograph him surprising settings.

The idea grew, and many here in the hole suggested places they would take him if they could, Kittyhawk, The Alamo, historic Boston, New York City. That he could see the whole country would be a fun project indeed! -And ecurbh has offered his Website as a host for his travel diary! See here!: There And Back Again - The Adventures of Flat Frodo

At the end, after he has been mailed to everyone, photographed, and forwarded on, I hope to get him back! - I expect he will be well worn by then from his travels, perhaps with each place he has been and the dates signed on the back.

Got the concept? Good! Definately come forward and volunteer to take him if you will follow through, take him places, either ordinary or exotic: maybe your favorite restaurant, a local street, a scenic spot or a national monument! Photograph him, and forward him on to the next person. Ruthy recommends these additional rules: "He must be shipped as he came packaged. He must be shipped via courier or priority mail. He must be cared for in a better manner than you care for yourself! LOL!!! You know what I mean. Oh yeah, and no kissing the standee and (this to the Dwarves especially) no "compromising" Frodo scenarios, no matter how drunk you are or how funny it may seem at the time!"

So with that, here is the first chapter... the preparations and explanations of the trip! - I may take him into town here over the weekend, and will photographi him in Seattle when I go on Monday! Then I will ship him off. Whither then? - I cannot say!

Special note to ecurbh.... let me know if you would like to use the chapter below 'as is' or have me email the larger original photos to you.... We can play with this, you can format it as you like, or use it like it is now! This can be kindof a test run...

“It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out of your door,
you step into the Road, and if you don’t keep your feet,
there is no knowing where you might be swept off to!

...I can foresee very little of your road; and how your task is to be achieved I do not know... You will meet many foes, some open, and some disguised; and you may find friends upon your way when you least look for it. I will send out messages, such as I can contrive, to those whom I know in the wide world; but... some may well miscarry, or come no quicker than you yourself.

In their shed they found the ponies; sturdy little beasts of the kind loved by hobbits, not speedy, but good for a long day’s work.

I am just going to saddle the ponies, and fetch the one that is to be the baggage-carrier. Wake that sluggard Fatty! At least he must get up and see us off.’

Before we begin our trip there was trouble! The pony chosen for Frodo was not an ill-tempered beast, but nevertheless was not accustomed to the carrying of burdens! The clanky pots and pans and other burdens frightened her. The pony spooked at Frodo, who looked to her like a strange object that must be avoided, especially when Frodo would unexpectedly fall over.

His pony reared and snorted, and he fell off. When he looked back he found that he was alone: the others had not followed him.

'Here are your ponies, now! They've more sense (in some ways) than you wandering hobbits have - more sense in their noses. For they sniff danger ahead which you walk right into; and if they run to save themselves, then they run the right way. You must forgive them all; for though their hearts are faithful, to face fear of [this trip] is not what they were made for. See, here they come again, bringing all their burdens!'

But all the same, Frodo unpacked the pony and decided to go by pickup truck.

And so begins the adventure of Flat Frodo! a cardboard standee that is precious to me, setting out today, April 9, 2003 on a grand mission. To start in Tumwater Washington, tour all of America, and end his journey at our Freeper Entmoot in Florida, January 2004.

Farewell, and may the blessing of Elves and Men and all Free Folk go with you.

The Road goes ever on and on
Down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the Road has gone,
And I must follow, if I can,
Pursuing it with eager feet,
Until it joins some larger way
Where many paths and errands meet.
And whither then? I cannot say.