******* awesome

I presume that you thought that 'grandly' was a bad word and that you inserted the asterisks manually... Nah, I'm just kidding around. Such profanities, including the one that begins with an 'f' are not wholly foreign to me, though Tolkien's world does appear to be completely devoid of them, and though I find this agreeable, I mind not your use here thereof. Moreover I appreciate the compliment, for seldom am I so fortunate to receive even one.

Answer to first question: no, I do not despise my fellow humans for neglecting (or electing not) to perceive quality where I do, but I do appreciate your position, which your words would suggest, be they delivered slightly exaggeratedly for emotive effect, or so I perceive (perhaps incorrectly). Answer to second question: very simply, through my study of him who devised what is considered in the above painting, and all the creative world that surrounds it. I might furthermore add, independent of your questions, but informed by them (and the other words you have delivered unto me, having so been albeit under a different name) that your measure in the arena of words is quite considerable also, for manifestly you are concered with their artistry when you use them. Of the one-million or so words we do possess in this language I use perhaps but eight percent. It would do to learn more, but the use of the ones known is also of substance.

Sorry, I feel compelled to amend something I have uttered in error, for it is not Tolkien himself whom I study primarily, but his works to which I confine the greater part of my considerations.

Most eloquent, as ever FD! Though your vocabulary may have room to grow your conscientious use of grammar is undeniably extraordinary. I will certainly attempt to use less obscure diction in my further responses. Thank you for the kind and gracious permission to supply an entry of my own to the challenge. I am male and though you are far my junior, such does not preclude (that means prevent, essentially) our being friends. I am honored that you should ask for my aid and tutelage (teaching you), and would be most glad to provide it to one such as you, whom I deem most deserving. Though I will seek to help you where I may, I cannot guarantee success, for that must be by your doing. In regards to speech with others, I do not compose my utterances in the manner that I write my thoughts. Therefore in this matter I am at a loss, and at the moment am of no help. But our skill with words we may develop together, and I will teach you what I can. That goes for the visual artistry also. And fret not your use of commas, they are an essential aspect of proper grammar, and it would seem that I also am quite fond of them. :)

Very well, Shawn. And you have not offended me or any part thereof, so fear not. I am not easily offended. Only by direct actions taken in purposeful subversion (negation, or willful opposition) am I ever to be resultantly found in ill humor. Thank you again for your kindest of words, which if misspelled I will do my best to inform you. "See" you around.

Yes! I'm from Panama.

and No, that is not in Panama...

btw your gallery is amazing!

nice btw your dinosaur profile pic? does it feature a t.rex? cos stego didnt exist when t.rex did.

Shawn and OneRing, responses to your posts are in your respective galleries.

My pleasure and thanks to Trevor and usiex. And usiex, I still want to visit Panama, it sounds amazing. But I wish that scene in your painting was somewhere on Earth.

To Shadow: exactly! You are the only person who has indicated that that is wrong. If you look at the title of the original work, the one that is my profile picture, you will see that it is called "ANACHRONISTIC Dinosaur Duel 0" meaning it contains elements not found in reality at the same time, and these are not limited to just the T-Rex and the Stego. Look at what they are duelling on. No known plant grows in that manner except for grasses and grass didn't exist in the Mesozoic, not appearing until the early Cenozoic. There are other elements which don't belong as well. Bravo! Few people realize that T-Rex lived closer in time to us than it did to Stegosaurus. Excellent observation skills! Laterz all!

true and yes ive loved dinosaurs since i was 3, bullied for it from school till end of college, im a big fan of the raptors mostly hense why i made a creature of my own called ''The WereRaptor''

The Silmarillion is fairly challenging to read. I don't think one would want to read it for the story as much as to know about the history of Arda. Have you read Tom Bombadil? If so, is is worth reading?

Thanks! Same to you!

This is very well done! This map is painted extremely perfect. I'll try to schedule you for a weekly shout-out ^-^ You'll possibly be on next week. Because you deserve it

Whoa. cool!

Fantastic!