Happy birthday to one of Middle-earth News’ finest! Our own Lily Milos celebrates her Birthday today. Previously Assistant Director, then Contributor, Lily is always been a precious member of our Team, both behind the scenes – helping us with technical issues and so on – and on the frontline. Middle-earth News would truly not be the same without her and we are honored to call her one of our own.

So who exactly is Lily Milos? She was able to take a few moments out of her busy schedule to answer the question that’s on everyone’s mind.

How were you introduced to Tolkien? Did anyone in particular influence you to seek it out?

My seventh grade teacher Mrs. Humphries decided to read portions of The Hobbit in her English class at the end of the day on Fridays. I remember the way she read Gollum (totally spooky, but nothing like Andy Serkis) and that I had a hard time keeping track of all of the dwarves. I really enjoyed it, and anytime I heard someone make a reference to Gandalf, I felt happy in the knowledge that I totally knew what they were talking about.

Then, sometime in the summer of 2001, I saw the first trailer for The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. I can’t remember what movie came after the trailer, but I still remember that trailer! Afterward, I told my friends that I needed to see that movie, and someone mentioned that the story came after The Hobbit. I remember thinking, “Wait! There’s more?”

So in December of 2001, I saw FOTR. It was the first movie I went to by myself because I wanted to see it (again!), and they were showing 10 minutes of footage from The Two Towers after the credits. I was not going to miss that action! By then, I had read all of LOTR, joined LOTR forums…and the rest is history.

How did you become involved with Middle-earth News?

It all started back in 2011. My husband walked in on me watching The Hobbit press conference for the third time, and he said, “I think you should write a blog.” At that time, I was just doing my own research about The Hobbit films, but he convinced me that other people might be interested to know what I discovered. I started writing a blog, and promoted it through Twitter. Arwen and I sort of knew each other on Twitter (she started Middle-earth News in early 2011, too), and in the autumn of 2011, she asked me if I wanted to write for Middle-earth News.

I was relieved; I was tired of running my own website! I relished the idea of joining a team of fans who were all working towards the same goal. Collaborating with the Middle-earth News team has been such a rewarding undertaking. I’ve made so many great friends and it has been a huge learning experience!

Lily and the US Team (from left to right: Amanda, Valdis, Oloriel, Britta, Arwen, Rachel and Myla)

If you could hang out with any Middle-earth character (or characters if you can’t choose just one!) for a day, who would it be and why?

This is so hard! I think I would want to hang out with old Bilbo. It would be nice to be contemporaries of Frodo, Sam, Merry, Pippin, Fatty, Rosie…the whole gang! For one, I manage to get in a whole bunch of characters. For another, I would love to be able to visit The Shire. Joining Bilbo for a meal (or two or seven!) would be great, and I’d love to hear him talk about his adventures and deliver his theories on life, love, and adventures.

What are you most looking forward to seeing in The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies?

Ok, guys. Spoiler warning.

Spoilers, spoilers, spoilers, spoilers!

It’s going to sound totally morbid, but I have been looking forward to Thorin’s death for a long time. It’s such an important moment in the book, and ever since I knew that the film(s) were being made, I have been waiting for this moment. I trust Richard Armitage and Martin Freeman to do a great job. I just know I’m going to cry.

I’m also looking forward to more death! Gee, I sound like a real ray of sunshine. But Kili and Fili defend their uncle with shield and body. Shield and body. Who’s bringing the tissues?

When not involved with events related to the realms of Middle-earth, what can we find you doing?

If you were to randomly pick an hour of the day to track me down, I would most likely be sleeping or working. I mean, statistically, that’s just what it works out to. I am a project manager for a technology company by day, and by night…I’m watching geeky television shows and movies or desperately trying to keep up with housework. When I really want to be adventurous, I’ll go out to a movie or a play or maybe even go for a nice hike.

Just another day in Middle-earth…

Now it’s time for a “favorites” round!

Favorite Middle-earth film?

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King is my favorite of the movies. Already, this is a really hard choice, so don’t ask me to justify it!

Favorite Tolkien Book?

This is so hard! I think I’ll say The Hobbit, because it’s one of those stories that I can just sit down and read straight through because I’m so engrossed. Other works by Tolkien I think actually read better with breaks, so that you can take a bit to analyze them. The Hobbit is a fun ride, and while I’m not saying you can’t ruminate on its characters and themes, I’ll pick it up any day of the week for a bit of escapism.

Favorite character from the films versus favorite character from the books?

Sam is my favorite character from the books. I can’t say his name without a little sigh of adoration.

Favorite character in the films is actually a harder choice for me. It depends, really! After some viewings, I come away saying Sam is my favorite (and when pressed, I will probably stick with this answer). Other times, I’ll say Frodo, Aragorn, Eowyn, or even Gollum!

Favorite Middle-earth race/culture?

Hobbits! They get me.

Favorite Middle-earth location?

My obvious choice would be Hobbiton, but maybe I’ll be unpredictable and say Tom Bombadil and Goldberry’s house. It seems like a great place to spend a rainy day.

Favorite piece of Middle-earth memorabilia (books not included)?

My favorite piece of Middle-earth memorabilia is a painting of Samwise Gamgee by artist Joe Gilronan. He knew that Sam was my favorite character, and I could not stop gushing about this painting for months after I received it! It is truly a treasure, especially because it came from a friend.

You can follow Lily on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Google+.

Painting of Samwise Gamgee by artist Joe Gilronan

The Middle-earth News staff each had something to say about our beloved friend in honor of her birthday!

Alice

Lily is awesome. No, really, she is. I can’t even find the words to say how awesome she is. First of all, she asked me to become part of the Team, second she has always been there when I needed help. She’s a true friend, who actually understands me and the things I like; her mind is a mixer always full of ideas. Her contribute for Middle-earth News is incredible and I’m so happy to be able to call her my friend. Somehow she has been the wizard who brought me on an adventure and I’ll never forget it. Happy Birthday, Lily! I hope all your wishes will come true!

Evie

Lily is lovely! She’s kind and generous, thoughtful and funny and I’m happy to call her my friend. One of her great attributes is that she’s a good communicator for, not only does she say things in a nice way, she is also a excellent at listening. She’s able to read between the lines and see what is really on someone’s mind and know how they must be feeling. Such perception and empathy amazes me and I’m full of admiration for her. Here’s wishing her a super day today and many happy returns.

Maria

When I first joined Middle-earth News, it was Lily’s kindness that made me feel welcome. I’ve been thinking for a while what to write about Lily and I‘m still not sure. Lily is one of the kindest, most generous, warm-hearted and over all amazing human being. But it is not her material generosity that impresses you, her selflessness to help you whenever you need someone to listen is what makes her such a special person. I can’t wait for the day when I finally meet her because I plan on giving her the longest hug ever! Happy Birthday Lily!!

Myla

Wow, there are so many things I can say about Lily. I’ve only known her for a little less than three years, but it honestly feels like we’ve been friends for a lifetime. She is one of THE MOST giving and sweet people I have ever met. I don’t know how I could survive without her support, her generosity and her kindness. I know I can always count on her if I need an article to be proofread, if I need someone to vent to or if I just feel the need to endlessly text someone lyrics to show tunes. She’s like the sister I never knew I wanted. Because I knew you, I haaaaave beeeen chaaaaanged for goooooood. HAVE AN ABSOLUTELY AMAZING BIRTHDAY, LILY. YOU DESERVE THE BEST.

Oloriel

Lily is my favorite stationery addict, estimated in her lifetime to have sent tens of thousands of sparkly, witty, or otherwise remarkable pieces of mail – and that’s just to the staff at Middle-earth News. She is kind and often too giving of herself, qualities that esteem her in the knowledge of all who know her. Like all of us, she is funny, but most importantly: she is a fearless giver-outer of business cards. Happy birthday, Lily! I’m so happy to celebrate with you! Much love!

Valdis

Lily is a force of nature. I am mostly convinced that there is more than one of her. How else could she do everything she does, with such style and grace? She is an impossibly hard act to follow as Assistant Director of Middle-earth News. She helped keep Middle-earth News running like a well-oiled machine, while I’m still looking for the oil can. When I first joined the Middle-earth News team at the beginning of this year, Lily had a ready answer for any question I had – sometimes in advance of my asking the question! Hmm, not just clones, but psychic clones to boot. She writes fantastic posts and pitches in with our social media feeds. She seems to always be on hand when someone needs proofreading or help with videos. She sends birthday and holiday cards to all the staff members, and the cards arrive ON TIME! This feat alone convinces me there are clones. Besides Lily’s supernatural powers for the business of Middle-earth News, she is one of the warmest, kindest, most genuinely good souls I have ever known. She is one of the Hobbits on our news staff, and shares with them an abiding affection for home, friends, life, love, and laughter. One day I hope to join my friend Lily for a pint at the Green Dragon, and I’ll toast to her health. Lily, may the hair on your toes never fall out, and may you live to pass the Old Took!

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