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A Shire Sketchbook  by Baggins Babe 13 Review(s)
shireboundReviewed Chapter: 2 on 6/29/2013
I needed some sweet hobbity gentleness this evening, and sought out Rufus and his Bag End family. I love your stories so much.

Author Reply: hello Shirebound, Glad I can help by providing the sweet hobbity gentleness so necessary. I still seek out your stories when in need of the same.

Can't access my yahoo e-mail at present and can't seem to report the problem without going round in circles! *sigh* I'm a non-person as far as they're concerned since I started using the new computer. May have to open a whole new account!

AntaneReviewed Chapter: 2 on 7/5/2007
Rufus sees clearly, doesn't he? Indeed Frodo shines with the grace of Iluvatar as does his brother.

Namarie, God bless, Antane :)

Author Reply: Rufus sees very clearly. I always wonder what cats are thinking and I'm sure they know a lot more than they let on.

demeter dReviewed Chapter: 2 on 2/22/2006
This is delightful! Wonderful discussion of auras. I very much enjoyed this little look at the whole Quest through the eyes of the resident Bag End cat.
Your alternate universe view of a Frodo who was able to stay and still find healing is just the happily ever after that many of us wish Tolkien might have written. Of course, life is full of sadness and partings, so that is what he wrote, but isn't it fun to travel the paths of possibilities in Middle Earth!
I am sending this piece to my sister. She writes, too, and the last I knew she had 8 cats, (or is it 9? ) She will love this too! Best Wishes.

Author Reply: Yes, my head knows that the Professor wrote the right ending but my heart wishes it could have been otherwise. I like given Frodo the happily ever after that he did not receive in the book.

I hope your sister enjoys the story. I have always loved cats - all animals really - and used to be a veterinary nurse and I also did a lot of cat rescue, so I've always had lots of felines. Rufus is based on Dingle, a cat who died last September. I like to think he lives on in these tales.

Queen GaladrielReviewed Chapter: 2 on 12/11/2005
Awww! I love this! How very touching and somehow poetic. Blessings and cheer,
Galadriel

P.S. Have I buried you in a deluge of reviews yet? LOL!

MirkwoodmaidenReviewed Chapter: 2 on 10/18/2005
My dear BB!

I just finished this and thought it was wonderful!! I love the voice you have given Rufus! I like the fact that Rufus chooses Frodo to be his master! A fine choice! the Discussion of the different auras and their descriptions is well-thought out and I think they fit each type of persons very well.

"I lay on the bed, trying to warm his cold body and bring him some comfort, and it seemed that he was less agitated when I was there." Awwwww! I can just see little Rufus lying peaceably next to Frodo, purrrrrrrrrrring!

A thoughtful, inciteful and wonderful story. I love the sense that Rufus is watching over the family of Bag End. simply wonderful!

MM

Author Reply: Hello there MM!

Glad you like the voice of Rufus - you knew the wonderful Dingle so you can see him very clearly I imagine.

With Rufus watching over Bag End they have a very fine guardian.

DaynawaynaReviewed Chapter: 2 on 8/1/2005
WOW. You ARE a cat, aren't you? LOL Where did you get such insight into these beautiful animals? And can you work your magic on my two brat cats? LOL I love this story! It's wonderful! I'm obviously a cat person and this just makes cats so 'elvish'! LOL THANK YOU!!!

Author Reply: Last time I checked I hadn't grown a tail, but you never know! I was a veterinary nurse for nearly 20 years and I did cat rescue for even longer, so I've been surrounded by them for a long time. I never tire of watching them and each one is different and unique.

I agree that cats are very elvish. They're so graceful and mysterious, old and young at the same time. I really enjoyed exploring what Rufus might think of his family.

lovethosehobbitsReviewed Chapter: 2 on 7/20/2005
What a great story and wonderful take on what cats really see. I was worried, at first, that you would have Fro' die, which is something I can't stand and relieved that he was seen as I have always felt he would be...full of beautiful light. Lovely my dear, just lovely

tree

Author Reply: Oh goodness me no - can't kill off Frodo. That bit was Rufus' take on the flashback events in 'Reunion in Minas Tirith' when Frodo was very ill.
Frodo is a very special and beautiful spirit and Rufus would be aware of that.

I think cats see far more than we do, and they are psychic creatures, full of mystery.

Thank you so much for your comments. Hope you keep reading.

TiggerReviewed Chapter: 2 on 7/19/2005
I. Loved. This. Wonderful, wonderful story. Cats really do seem to know who is a good person and who to stay away from, don't they. I'm a cat lover too and loved this POV from Rufus' side of things.

Oh and you've got to figure out a way for him to meet Aragorn and Arwen. Have him sneak into the wagon as the family heads for the Bridge to greet the King and Queen on their first visit North. You've got to do it. Don't make me take my replica of Hadafang off my chest of drawers now. ;o)

This was just adorable. Thanks for sharing it w/us!! :o)

Author Reply: Well, I suspect that we may see a meeting between Rufus and Aragorn sooner than that. It may be that a certain Ranger will find his way to the Shire in my current longer tale 'Birthday Surprises.' We shall see..........

Cats know who to avoid, I think. They have an uncanny knack of reading these things. I also like the way they make for people who are genuinely afraid of them! :-))

frodo16424Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 7/18/2005
This has to be my favorite story! Loved the idea of Rufus being able to see the auras of the hobiits and the lack of same of the ruffians. Am so in love with Rufus, LOL! Thank you so much for the story. Now everytime I see a cat, I'll wonder if they can see our auras. I certainly hope so. I also hope King Elessar gets to meet our favorite feline!

Author Reply: Wow! Flattered to think you liked this story that much, as you inspired it. I'm sure cats can see auras.

As for King Elessar - we may see that meeting soon.......... Now that would be intriguing, Rufus' opinions of our favourite monarch.

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 2 on 7/18/2005
A lovely look at the inhabitants of Bag End through Rufus's eyes. Thank you. And love how the lights and their colorings are seen as similar by so many of us.

Author Reply: I often wonder how my cats see me, and it would be lovely to find their musings scribbled down somewhere.

Nice to know you enjoyed hearing what Rufus thinks of the Bag End residents.

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