It is 60 years since he left the lonely mountain. Gandalf has wished him well as he sets off from the shire on his final adventure … but he still has the ring.

A good friend reminds him of this, and Bilbo lets the ring fall from his fingers and departs.

It’s sad to end a chapter of your life and give up familiar things. At the same time, it’s exhilarating to look forward to new adventures. Giving up a place you’re used to can be tough. I have a reason to move on—several in fact. Home has been my place of safety, family, friends, love, and happiness. Times have changed around here, and it’s no longer the same.

I have changed, and that motivates me to move on.

Blue Lake, Nevada County, California