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Sewn with Love  by Elemmírë 24 Review(s)
AntaneReviewed Chapter: 3 on 12/9/2006
That would indeed be a hard holiday to get through when you had the memories of fun times - those were my favorite parts, those little glimpses - jumping up and down on the bed in excitement over the idea of getting a sled and running about happily during a previous Yule. Glad that Bilbo knows his heart so well. And the poor dear, keeping all his pain instead because he doesn't want others to be sad...we will see crop again many years later...I guess he never learned that just increases the pain and who did he think he was fooling anyway? Oh my dear Elemmire, it's just so sad!

Namarie, God bless, Antane

Author Reply: I'm glad you enjoyed Frodo's memories of a much happier time, when he didn't yet know what true sadness was. He will always remember that last Yule spent with his parents and be possibly haunted by it for not knowing it would be the last.

Sara and Esme mean well with the poor lad and they are both trying so very hard to make Yule a bearable time, but they simply don't know what to do with Frodo anymore. They know and understand that this first Yule without his parents will not be a pleasant one for him and are expecting his tears and tantrums, but they no longer know what it is that will comfort such a grieving child. So, they keep loving him and do the best they can, hoping with all hope that one day the child will open up to them.

Bilbo, on the other hand, just lets Frodo be. He's there as a silent, steadfast support for his nephew, knowing he cannot force himself past Frodo's stubborness and make the lad talk, for this could make things worse. Also, being a much elder hobbit, he may have a better grasp on how to deal with those in grief than the younger couple. Bilbo understands that it's simply too soon for Frodo to get past his sadness, that there is still much grieving ahead until the Sun will shine for the spirited child once more and he will once again find delight in Life.

In regards to adult Frodo ... well, some people (or hobbits) just don't like to burden others like that(I know I certainly don't). There are those in this world that are more private and protective of their feelings and of others. Also, Frodo may even feel that if he were to let out all that emotion he just might never stop crying. He's quite a lost little fellow at this point.

Don't worry, Antane, for I promise you a more happier ending ... in a couple more chapters.

~Elemmire~

harrowcatReviewed Chapter: 3 on 12/8/2006
Oh dear.... definitely the wrong time to read this... *sniff...sniff...*

Author Reply: *hands you a pocket-handkerchief courtesy of Bilbo's neverending supply*

I do hope you will continue to read, Harrowcat, for there will be a happy ending very soon. :)
~Elemmire~

DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 3 on 12/8/2006
Aww...poor baby! You've captured his grief and confusion so perfectly, dear.

Author Reply: Thank you, Dreamflower! Frodo's quite a lost little fellow at this point, isn't he.

~Elemmire~

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 3 on 12/8/2006
Remaining silent was probably a good strategy--up to a point, at least. Too bad he didn't feel more up to taking part in the day.

Author Reply: A very difficult day indeed for our young hobbit, wasn't it? Everything in Frodo's life has changed in some way, shape, or form now and he doesn't quite know what to make of things yet as hobbits are resistant to change, after all. At this point, Frodo's too deep in his grief and melancholy to want to take part in anything celebratory, most especially after what happened at his birthday gathering back in September.

I think the next Yule holiday will be a mite easier for the little hobbit ... as will every day get easier for Frodo to bear eventually .... especially once Merry is born.

Thanks for reading/reviewing, Larner!

~Elemmire~

AntaneReviewed Chapter: 2 on 12/2/2006
Poor Frodo - can't we all just get there and hold him? Well, we could with our hearts - he sounds like at this stage he wouldn't want anyone around him. So begins the saga of one of the worst terrors of Buckland, it would seem. This is painful, but you did warn us.

Namarie, God bless, Antane

Author Reply: I agree ... at this stage in his grief, I think Frodo would be a little too overwhelmed by a group hug from all his faithful supporters. It's such a lovely sentiment though. (we'd probably all end up squishing the little lad in our fervor) :D

Don't worry, Antane--it will get better. 'For not all tears are an Evil' as Gandalf would say.

~Elemmírë~

AntaneReviewed Chapter: 1 on 12/2/2006
Love the shy smiles for Bilbo - I just see them. :) I would have a few words to say to those mean teens and tweens, demanding a present and leaving Frodo in tears - how dare they! I love that he made a present for his parents and a 'No' went up from my heart when it was lost. I like also him sleeping among his parents' clothes and his little blankie and bear. He will find his spirit again...maybe that little Gamgee baby will help?

Namarie, God bless, Antane :)

Author Reply: I know, can't you just picture those shy, sweet smiles coming forth when Bilbo's around?

LOL! I think we would ALL have a few choice words to say to those rude tweens and tweens ... although the tweenagers did try to mediate on poor Frodo's behalf. They obviously didn't try hard enough or were outnumbered by the teens.

I'd like to think that Frodo's picture was not truly lost ... that somehow Ulmo (lord of the waters) was able to see little Frodo's picture safe and to where it needed to go perhaps. :D

Yes, Frodo will find his spirit again ... it will just take some time.

Thanks, Antane!

~Elemmírë~

p.s. I hope your fasting is going well. I found that to be a very interesting practice when you had described it to me. It sounds a lot like Lent, but during Advent instead. God Bless!

Queen GaladrielReviewed Chapter: 2 on 12/1/2006
Oh dear, oh dear. This is so unlike Frodo. It's an understandable stage of grief, though, not uncommon. I've noticed (more from vicarious experience than personal as yet) that this is one way a lot of people seem to deal with their pain...or I should say, don't deal with it: pretend to ignore it, lock it away in some place in their heart where they think it can't escape from and can't hurt. What will they do now?

Again, I love seeing all this through Esme's eyes.
God bless,
Galadriel

Author Reply: Unfortunately, the whole experience of his parents' deaths, his suffering and grief, and being and orphan will always be a part of Frodo, but in time he will learn to handle it better. Everything he's going through now will help him to be stronger in the long run. He will eventually realize that he is not alone and is still loved.

I'm glad you like reading from Esme's POV, as I really enjoy writing her a lot (especially when Frodo's involved).

As for what will they do now? ..... Keep reading! LOL!

Thank you, Queen Galadriel!

~Elemmírë~

DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 2 on 12/1/2006
Poor Frodo has moved into the anger stage of his grief, of course. Let us hope that Bilbo and his other relatives will be able to help him through it without too much more upheaval.

I love the image of Bilbo as a seamster, showing off his skill with a needle--but of course, hobbits are practical, and he *would* have learned to sew!

Author Reply: Ah, you've caught me out, Dreamflower. Yes, Frodo has entered another of the 12 stages of grief. I'm in the midst of planning/writing another tale that focuses specifically on each stage of grief involving Frodo and his extended family. It's no where near to being done anytime soon, however.

The 'expectable' Baggins fooled them again, didn't he. I somehow think BIlbo would take pride in his sewing skills. I picture his mother as a very formidable seamstress and I think Bilbo would appreciate being able to sew his own button on, even though he can certainly afford a tailor anytime he wishes.

Thank you, Dreamflower!

~Elemmírë~

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 2 on 12/1/2006
Ah, the image of Bilbo joining a quilting bee on a regular basis has me giggling. I can certainly imagine him spluttering at the suggestion.

I hate to think of Frodo growing so depressed and isolated.

Author Reply: LOL! Everyone seems to like the concept of Bilbo attending quilting bees! Yes, he would be very taken aback ... but then maybe entertain the suggestion more seriously. He will do anything for Frodo, after all. Couldn't you just picture Bilbo anonymously entering a piece of work at the Free Fair? And then taking the Grand Prize! LOL! Now that would send all the hobbitesses gossiping for sure!

Don't worry, Frodo will eventually come to realize that he is not truly alone ... that there are those who still love him and only wish the best for him.

Thank you, Larner!

~Elemmírë~

harrowcatReviewed Chapter: 2 on 12/1/2006
Oh poor Frodo! And Bilbo at a sewing bee! What a picture. Got to dash - sorry!

Author Reply: That's ok, Harrowcat. I often don't have the time to leave as many reviews as much as I would like to. So, 'tis better to receive a quick review than none at all. I'm glad you enjoyed, however. :)

~Elemmírë~

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