This past Sunday I was joking with a friend about how great a Lord of the Rings (extended edition) marathon would be just hours before students arrived to start the new year.  And while I was totally joking, I did think about that great line from Gandalf found in this clip:

“The deep breath before the plunge,” he says.  And while school is no war, it’s also no small thing.  And then I found myself clicking on what is one of my favorite scenes in the whole trilogy:

I’ve always liked the match of Gandalf and Pippin, especially as both have been through so much before reuniting in Minas Tirith.  This scene, with so little dialogue, is a great juxtaposition to the first clip.  Dark night, deep breath, the kindling of hope.

The first week back with students has been good.  It’s always nice to revisit the basics and try to see things with fresh eyes.  And a story like The Lord of the Rings, as old a tale as it is, really help the process.