greenelectrictrain · 3 February 2023 · Chapter 4: Seeing Stars
I had to leave a review upon discovering this story. This was a delightful collection that had me laughing out loud. I'm so happy to have found it.
Peregrins and Pendulums by Budgielover
Reviews (29)
Queen Galadriel · 12 August 2006 · Chapter 4: Seeing Stars
LOL! Well, there's still a little hope for Frodo and Merry, though I think they're being perfectly ridiculous about "meeting lasses." Pippin is so cute! Who can resist a marriage proposal from an eleven-year-old? LOL! And those sausage stars sound scrumptious. One of these days I'm going to get all these recipes together and try them. God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
You are probably familiar with the LiveJournal community Shire_kitchen, your majesty? I urge you to check it out if you are not - the moderates issue challenges which result in stories like this one, so you have the benefit of enjoying the story AND the recipe. Thank you for your review!
PIppinfan1988 · 11 May 2006 · Chapter 4: Seeing Stars
You know...I just ate dinner...or so I thought until I read "steak and mushrooms" and read sausage stars recipe. :-P Mmmmmm! I think I shall cut & paste the recipe, that is, if you don't mind. :-) This whole tale was a "precious little bit"! Pippin is soooo adorable...lol, and your Merry so conniving...I really enjoyed him! Frodo was no less a complete delight. Thank you for a sharing such a wonderful tale! Pippinfan
Author's reply
Please do 'cut & paste' the recipe - it is so easy and just delicious. Thank you for your kind comments - this theme is developing a life of its own. I just can't see Merry taking this lying down. His pride has been hurt. I think another installment will have to be in the works.
nobody · 7 April 2006 · Chapter 4: Seeing Stars
That recipie was GREAT! I tried it.
Author's reply
Hullo, Nobody! You're the first who has told me you made the sausage stars, and I'm delighted to hear you like them. My niece entered them in a cooking contest, and she won first prize! Check out the other recipes in the LiveJournal (www.livejournal.com) Shire-Kitchen 2006 Recipe Challenge - they are some of the best I've seen. (And have been added to my own recipe box.)
Andrea · 6 April 2006 · Chapter 4: Seeing Stars
Oh my! How could I forget the last chapter? But this one was even better! He took her large hand in both of his small ones and knelt carefully on one knee. “I think you’re awfully pretty,” he told the lady sincerely. “And you cook so very well. Would you marry me, when I’m older?” LOL! Little Pippin is just wonderful! Where his two older cousins are still discussing what to do, he simply acts. I'm still grinning when I think of Pippin kneeling in front of that hobbit lady and proposing marriage to her :) Well, at least Merry and Frodo will get a few of those sausage stars. That *is* an improvement!
Author's reply
Hi, Andrea! I loved that mental image of Pippin down on one knee, too. Who could look into that sweet, innocent face and not give him your heart, along with everything else? I fear that Merry is starting to notice how effortlessly Pippin steals all the attention away from himself and Frodo, and that quick mind is starting to churn...
Pearl Took · 30 March 2006 · Chapter 4: Seeing Stars
Nothing like a cute child to flirt with ;) All the fun of flirting and none of the risks! LOL I love Pip proposing. “Your pardon, masters!” she said, hurrying forward. “I didn’t know you were here.” She caught sight of Pippin, wedged between Frodo and Merry. “It’s the dear little lad! Hullo, Pippin sweetling!” “She remembered his name,” Merry grumbled to Frodo as they enjoyed watching the lass sway back through the kitchen door. Of course, he is the cute one ;) Wonderful as always!! Stories that bring a smile to the face and warm the heart!! Thank you, Budgie!
Author's reply
What a lovely, generous thing to say, Pearl. I treasure your remark, especially the part about 'stories that bring a smile to the face and warm the heart!' So many of my stories ... er ... aren't written like this one that I feel a bit guilty. (And of course, once I get the warm fuzzy feelings out of my system, I can go back to torturing our poor Ring-bearer.)
Larner · 30 March 2006 · Chapter 4: Seeing Stars
Poor Frodo and Merry--but I DO keep saying that, don't I? No, this time wasn't a great deal better than last time, except they did get some sausage stars to take home, at least! Oh, how hilarious!
Author's reply
*giggle* Notice the incremental advancement ... Merry and Frodo get ignored, then they largely get ignored but at least get some food ... maybe in the next segment, they won't get ignored?
Larner · 30 March 2006 · Chapter 3: Steak and Mushrooms
It's enough to drive a gentlehobbit to drink, having to compete with an eleven-year-old and his furry bear! Poor Frodo and Merry. How humiliating! Love it!
Author's reply
I swear, Larner, you have a positive gift for sparking plot bunnies! (Not surprising, really, considering how original and creative your own writing is.) I'm so glad you enjoyed this silly little snippet!
Larner · 30 March 2006 · Chapter 2: A Perilous Path
Having been through my own encounter with a squirrel at the tender age of three or four and having bled heavily as a result, I can certainly appreciate what poor Frodo has just been through. And after the havoc wrought more by Pippin than the squirrel and Frodo, even, I can appreciate the desire to hide out and allow the relatives to go home. Poor Frodo! He deserves the Undying Lands just for putting up with his cousins!
Author's reply
See, I'm catching up! *grins* I'm sorry to hear you had an unfortunate encounter, yourself! This actually happened to a friend of mine, who like poor Frodo, was just trying to help. That was an interesting comment on Frodo's deserving the Undying Land for his cousins! Puts a whole new, very intriguing slant on things! Hummm...
Larner · 30 March 2006 · Chapter 1: An Unexpected Visit
Oh, dear, small Tooks for visits are always interesting, and possibly dangerous at the same time. Loved Paladin's hasty retreat there. Wise Hobbit, Paladin Took, retreating while the retreating is good. Bless both Frodo and Merry, for they have taken on a great sacrifice here, perhaps greater than they know. But it's well worth it to see Pippin enjoying the swing.
Author's reply
Hi, Larner! I love your choice of word ... small Tooks being 'interesting.' I rather imagine Paladin fleeing at top speed. I always enjoy watching adults fall all over themselves to amuse a child. I suppose when that child is Pippin, I can well understand it. I guess we would, too...
Queen Galadriel · 11 November 2005 · Chapter 3: Steak and Mushrooms
*laughs hysterically* Oh...oh my goodness, this is just too hilarious! Ha ha ha! Poor Frodo and Merry, and the way those girls went on...oh! You're so good with Merry and Pippin. And the recipe sounds delicious! God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
Hello again, Queen Galadriel! I'm so glad you enjoyed this story. I love the idea of Pippin walking away with the spoils without even trying, while his grown-up cousins are ignored. Do give the recipe a try sometime - it's so easy and it's really excellent. My favorite kind of cooking!
Pearl Took · 27 March 2005 · Chapter 3: Steak and Mushrooms
Wonderfull, Budgie, just wonderful!!! Yep, cute little ones are the *real* "babe magnets" ;) And most cool to include the recipe :) :) Great fun and Well Done!!!
Author's reply
Hullo, Pearl! How many times have we watched some wide-eyed child practically commit murder and every adult in the area just coos over him? You should enjoy the next story in the series (unless it gets bumped, which happens quite a lot, unfortunately), in which Merry decides to make use of little Pippin's ability to charm the lasses.
Lindelea · 24 March 2005 · Chapter 3: Steak and Mushrooms
chortle. "odd and unpleasant things" -- remind me to tell you sometime about the Great Salt Cake.
Author's reply
Ohhhh - is this a recipe you would not want to enter in the LJ Shire_Kitchen recipe challenge? *grins* I am CERTAIN you could write a wonderful LotRs story around it!
Anso the Hobbit · 24 March 2005 · Chapter 3: Steak and Mushrooms
I think I reviewd this at the Shire Kitchen site, and I absolutely loved it! Trust Pippin to "steal" what Merry and Frodo went to such pains to get, lol. :D
Author's reply
Hi, Anso! Isn't it the truth that while Merry and Frodo talk, Pippin acts? And gets much farther than either of them. Thank you for the double review!
Elendiari22 · 23 July 2004 · Chapter 2: A Perilous Path
Oh, my gosh! For some reason, I pictured that wretched squirrel as Scrat from Ice Age. Pippin's little ambush had me in hysterics, especially the part where he pulled the bookcase over. :) I loved Frodo's last lines, too. Utterly brilliant. Thanks!
Author's reply
Hi, Elen! Can you believe I'm FINALLY catching up on my replies? Don't faint from the shock! I'm so glad you enjoyed this story. This actually happened to a friend of mine, exactly as described (except for poor Merry's accident). She had to have stitches. And now that you mention it, I could just see Scrat in that evil little beast...
Hai Took · 12 July 2004 · Chapter 2: A Perilous Path
That was too funny! Poor Frodo! All that to get his home presentable and then a squirrel gets in and makes havoc of their hard work! I was laughing so hard with all of that excitement! Frodo deciding to hide rather then face his Aunt and Uncle was brilliant! Thank you for such fun!
PIppinfan1988 · 6 July 2004 · Chapter 2: A Perilous Path
Good grief...can't win for losing! LOL...poor Frodo! He almost became "Nine Fingers" *before* the Quest! And Merry! Will he ever have any children? Little Pippin...will his cousins survive his visit??? All qustions that will hopefully be answered in A Perilous Path... See you there! :-) Pippinfan
PIppinfan1988 · 5 July 2004 · Chapter 1: An Unexpected Visit
yeay--I found it! Yes, after I pm'd you, I realized what an idiot I sounded and decided to go look it up. :-O What a novelty! Oh my gosh...this was too funny! Paladin was just a bit too happy to drop the lad off, wasn't he? And the little "missile"! Biscuit all over his smiling little face? Too cute! "...the star-washed sky..." I wish I could be so eloquent! Wonderful story, beautifully written. I must conduct a few errands, but I'll be back in a bit to finish. :-) Pippinfan
Pearl Took · 4 July 2004 · Chapter 2: A Perilous Path
What a rush!! I'm breathless. I can hardly imagine writing such a scene as the squirel in the parlor. Totally marvelous! And this: "To Frodo’s bewilderment, meals seemed to be going the same way as Pippin’s proper bedtime. Somehow his nutritious breakfasts, carefully planned for a growing hobbit-lad, had given way to sweetcakes every morning, piled high with berries and dripping with honey. Or pie. Or strawberry shortcake. Frodo salvaged his conscience by telling himself the berries were fruit, and whipped cream was almost milk, and shortcake was just another sort of bread, wasn’t it?" That is my husband's exact reasoning when he desides to eat ridiculus things like apple pie with ice cream (fruit and cream) for breakfast :-) And I love the description of Pip's wee toy bear, and him giving it a tour of his furniture and blanket smial. I built many a dwelling of that sort myself when I was growing up. WONDERFUL!!!
girlofring · 4 July 2004 · Chapter 2: A Perilous Path
one brave hobbit to hide from Merry's mum and da. great funny story. Roasted squirrel.
Jeodo Brandybuck · 11 February 2004 · Chapter 1: An Unexpected Visit
The only response I ever have when I read stories like this is, "Why didn't I write that?" It was absolutely delightful. You will be adding more chapters to it, won't you? Jeodo
Author's reply
Hi, Jeodo! Don't fall over in shock - I'm actually catching up on my replies. I just wanted to tell you I know exactly what you mean when you say, "Why didn't I write that?" I say that at least four times a week. (Then hug the new story to be breast and quickly copy it to my hard disk.) I can't imagine life without the joy fanfic and the fandom brings us!
pebbles · 6 January 2004 · Chapter 1: An Unexpected Visit
Very nice little story, Budgie. I think that probably Frodo would have made his own fresh bread, porridge, and crumpets, but other than that I think it's great! I love everything you write. It's nice to have a sweet, cheerful story about the cousins, before everything gets so dark and complicated in FOTR.
Author's reply
Hi Pebbles! Thank you for your review, and for your kind words. Cooking!Frodo is one of my favorite things to write - maybe he and Merry should give Pippin a cooking lesson. Oh no - another plot bunny... If this ever does get written, I'll be sure to credit you for the idea.
Lindelea · 5 January 2004 · Chapter 1: An Unexpected Visit
Sweet, though I got interrupted and couldn't finish (hopefully tomorrow) One nitpick... did you know that Paladin became Thain quite a few years later, when Pippin was twenty-five or so? Don't know what he was doing up to that time, except that Pippin tells Bergil or Beregond in ROTK that his father farmed near Whitwell, I think. Of course, if you don't care about that detail, it's still a charming story. I chuckled aloud a couple of times before getting interrupted. Will hope to write a better review later.
Author's reply
Hi Lindelea! I'm glad you enjoyed the story. Another person brought up the same point on when Pip's da became Thain, so I checked with the infalliable Marigold just to be sure. Here's her reply: Ferumbras III was the previous Thain and died in 1415, when Pippin was 25 years old. It is commonly thought though, through hints by Tolkien, that for some reason Ferumbras III became incapacitated and unable or unwilling to carry out his duties for quite some years before he died...he may even have simply abdicated upon the death of his loathsome and tyranical mother (killed by Pearl in a freak accident, and she was later rewarded with a beautiful string of pearls I believe!) who was The Took and so head of the family, and may as well have taken the title of Thain for all that she let poor Ferumbras do anything : ) That is why you will read different fics that have completely different takes on whether or not Paladin is Thain while Pip is growing up...it's one of those points that is up to individual interpretation, and those that have background on Tolkien's thought processes have no problem removing Ferumbras from the scene early because of Tolkien's hints... I just know there's a wonderful fic in there someplace!
Jeodo Brandybuck · 5 January 2004 · Chapter 1: An Unexpected Visit
What a wonderful story! Good for you -- I had such fun reading it, and hope you will continue it in another chapter!
Author's reply
Hi Jeodo. Thank you for your review. You will be happy to hear that it seems highly possible that this little ficlet will be expanded. Actually (spoiler alert!), you will hear more of this period of time in an upcoming chapter of my "Out of All Knowledge," if you are following that story.
Hai · 5 January 2004 · Chapter 1: An Unexpected Visit
That was too wonderful! Thank you so much for such a sweet story! I liked the way you started out in a different part of a story and then went back to fill in what had happened then proceeded! Wonderful! I liked how Merry felt that he should take care of Frodo, very sweet and shows his character beautifully! I liked the very end too, very sweet! I do wonder though what happened last time in Brandy Hall that damages needed to be paid for! Thank you very much it was great!
Author's reply
Hi Hai! It's good to hear from you. Thank you for the review. I've been writing so much angst and pain and sorrow lately ("Out of All Knowledge" and my new "Riding the Nightmare") that it was a real effort to switch gears for a sweet, happy story. I'm grateful to my mathom exchange recipient for requesting it. And I think you are right - what Pippin did at Brandy Hall (that time) does need to be told...