Postcards From the Shire by SlightlyTookish
Dreamflower · 26 September 2006 · Chapter 69: Blackberries
Aww...this is just adorable! I love the way Mac is so matter-of-fact about the whole thing. And Pippin--that charmer! He just wraps everyone around his little finger, doesn't he? and without even trying!
Author's reply
Thank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed this. It was fun to write a few different characters and to show Mac interact with Pippin at the end. You're right, he is a real charmer! :)
Andrea · 10 September 2006 · Chapter 68: The Baby and the Bathwater
"One thing is for certain – you're frightfully dangerous. I pity your sisters. I suppose I'll have to keep a close watch on you from now on." "Pppfft," Pippin said, clearly undaunted. "Hmmph," Frodo agreed, standing. LOL!!! Well, I think Frodo might have an idea of what will await him the next years ;-) But he's happy to have a baby cousin to care for again, and that makes me happy too. "Bath, Fro-oh?" That little scallawag!
Author's reply
Thanks, Andrea! I'm very glad you enjoyed this! I like it when Frodo has a little cousin to look after :)
Antane · 9 September 2006 · Chapter 68: The Baby and the Bathwater
Sweet! Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Thank you! :)
Baggins Babe · 9 September 2006 · Chapter 68: The Baby and the Bathwater
I've often thought that Pip's unruly bathing habits (as described in the book) probably began in babyhood, so this was a delightful story to read. I love Pippin's seeming innocence when he asks 'Bath?' Little horror! Made my morning!
Author's reply
I've always thought that Pippin began splashing as a baby, too! I'm so happy this corresponded to your own thoughts on the matter. Thanks very much, BB! :)
harrowcat · 9 September 2006 · Chapter 68: The Baby and the Bathwater
AWwwwwwwww! Fluffy towels, sunshine and happy Pip. What could be better!
Author's reply
Happy hobbits make me happy :) I'm so glad you enjoyed. Thanks very much! :D
Grey Wonderer · 8 September 2006 · Chapter 68: The Baby and the Bathwater
Adorable as always.
Author's reply
Thanks very much! :)
Tigger · 8 September 2006 · Chapter 68: The Baby and the Bathwater
What a delightful, fluffy, too adorable way to end the day. SlightlyTookish, I could so easily see this in my mind's eye. Poor Frodo. Didn't even know what he was getting into, but Pippin charmed him. Every single cousin has been roped into helping to bathe a little cousin at one point. At least in my family that is. I cheerfully told my cousin Sarah that not that long ago when she was complaining how her little one year Mackenna liked to drench her in the bath. Sigh...It does come honestly in some cases. ;oD Great story SlightyTookish!! You write tweenish Frodo so very well. :o)
Author's reply
Thanks so much for your feedback, Tigger. I don't write Frodo very often so I'm thrilled that you enjoyed my portrayal of him here :) I've also bathed younger cousins (one was very squirmy, and I made the other cry by accidentally getting soap in her eyes) and it is an incredible amount of work! Frodo clearly didn't know what he was getting into! :)
Pearl Took · 8 September 2006 · Chapter 67: Questions and Answers
"Something told him he ought to keep an eye on Bilbo Baggins... " Indeed, he had better! Well done! I like your Gandalf :-)
Author's reply
I'm so glad you like my Gandalf! I always enjoy writing him. Thanks for reading, Pearl :)
Pearl Took · 8 September 2006 · Chapter 68: The Baby and the Bathwater
"As Frodo rinsed Pippin's hair the baby grew silent and peered up at his older cousin, smiling placidly. "Bath, Fro-oh?"" Hehehehe wee devil!!! Very cute, fun, happy and much needed :-) Thank you, ST!!
Author's reply
But, he *asked* Frodo! It wasn't *really* Pippin's fault! LOL! Thanks for reading, Pearl. I'm very glad you enjoyed :)
Elemmírë · 6 September 2006 · Chapter 67: Questions and Answers
What a wonderful wee Bilbo story!!!! The scene with both of them over looking the party reminded me of the film when an adult Bilbo and Gandalf are sitting on the bench at Bag End overlooking the Party Field below, smoking their pipes. For Gandalf the passage of Time would not have changed much, but for Bilbo ... well, I wonder if he ever recalled that first encounter decades later. It must be both heartening and yet also sad for Gandalf to have watched so many of his young hobbit friends grow and lose their 'boldness' along with seeing them pass on eventually. “Certainly!” Gandalf replied. In fact, he had not planned on setting off more of those particular fireworks, but he had a soft spot for children and if snapdragons and lilies would make young Bilbo smile, then Gandalf would see to it that there were more of those before the night ended. Aww! :D
Author's reply
I was re-reading The Hobbit and was struck that Bilbo didn't remember Gandalf at first! I would think that this huge stranger who sets of fireworks would be memorable! No wonder Gandalf was so insulted, lol. So I don't think Bilbo would have remmebered this first encounter...but I'm sure Gandalf did! Thanks for reading! :D
Larner · 5 September 2006 · Chapter 67: Questions and Answers
Ah, yes, indeed this particular Hobbit will deserve some looking to. And nice to see mother and son are far closer in temprament than Bilbo will later believe, until he has a chance to have more of his questions presented to and some actually answered by Gandalf.
Author's reply
Re-reading the beginning of The Hobbit made me want to write a bit about Bilbo and Belladonna. She sounds like such an interesting character. Thanks for reading, Larner! :)
harrowcat · 5 September 2006 · Chapter 67: Questions and Answers
Wow a hobbit that is more distracted by Gandalf's fireworks than the idea of food! A hobbit worth watching indeed! I have a few questions of my own - if Gandalf has true home in M.E just where does he make his fireworks and how does he find time? - What does he do with that long white beard when he is eating soup? - And above all how do you tame eyebrows that stick out beyond the brim of that wide hat? *grin* (FOTR Chapter one)
Author's reply
LOL those are wonderful questions!! A young hobbit must ask them at some point. Now I desperately want to know the answers. :) Thanks for reading, harrowcat!
Lily · 5 September 2006 · Chapter 57: At the River
I still love this so much. The only Merimac and Frodo story ever written for me. *hearts*
Author's reply
Thanks dear, I'm glad you still enjoy it. Someday I will have to write you another Frodo and Merimac story :)
Daynawayna · 5 September 2006 · Chapter 67: Questions and Answers
OOooooohhh, we never get to see young Bilbo in stories... I liked it a lot! How fun that he knew Gandalf for so long... and what wonderfully hobbity questions this child asks! I can just see Frodo fighting asking those same questions when he gets to know Gandalf better... of course you know he would! Lovely Fluff, ST. :)
Author's reply
It's so fun to write young Bilbo, I find him very precocious! I'm so glad you enjoyed his curious questions. I figured he and Gandalf must have had some contact when Bilbo was young because Gandalf is so annoyed in The Hobbit when Bilbo doesn't remember him! Thanks for reading :)
Bodkin · 8 August 2006 · Chapter 66: A Gift from the Sea
That's sweet. Reassuring to the hobbits - and a comfort.
Author's reply
Thanks Bodkin! The hobbits definitely needed some reassurance and comfort at this point.
Elemmírë · 7 August 2006 · Chapter 65: A Little Encouragement
A tense Fellowship is certainly not a happy Fellowship. And goodness knows, Frodo does not need to deal with the Big Folk's crankiness on top of carrying the burden of the One Ring. I liked how the hobbits conspired, made their plans, and enacted them on the various members of the Fellowship. And each Big Person was "assigned" very appropriately to each corresponding hobbit. Gandalf said it best and couldn't have put it any better: "Thank heavens for hobbits! They do make the heart glad, and put a spring in one's step." :D
Author's reply
Thanks! I love it when Big Folk learn from hobbits. And the hobbits are so giving and compassionate I know they would want to keep the peace within the Fellowship :)
Elemmírë · 7 August 2006 · Chapter 66: A Gift from the Sea
They would hear the Sea from the Shire. That is such an awesome idea you came up with! Not to mention a very well-thought gift from Círdan. On the days they miss Frodo the most or are perhaps longing for the Sea themselves (if only because of Frodo) Sam, Merry, and Pippin need only to listen to their seashells to feel all the closer to their beloved cousin and ease their own longings. This gift must have been especially important to Sam, who was torn in two.
Author's reply
Thanks, I'm glad you liked the idea! It came to mind rather suddenly, I'm not sure how or why but I just HAD to write it! I like to think that the shells would have helped the hobbits and eased their grief - and while Tolkien says Sam was torn in two, I'm certain that Merry and Pippin were as well, having just lost their cousin and, as Tolkien also says, they were Frodo's best friends. :)
Pearl Took · 6 August 2006 · Chapter 66: A Gift from the Sea
This is compelling, ST, though I'm not quite sure why. I will give it thought. An interesting wee tale.
Author's reply
Thank you! If you figure out why it's compelling, let me know!
Pearl Took · 6 August 2006 · Chapter 65: A Little Encouragement
"Thank heavens for hobbits! They do make the heart glad, and put a spring in one's step." I couldn't say it any better my self :) :) Well Done!
Author's reply
Thank you, Pearl!
Antane · 6 August 2006 · Chapter 66: A Gift from the Sea
A sweet, loving gift. I imagine the sea was listened to often, mixing with the tears. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Thanks! I'm certain that they were glad they were able to listen to the Sea even from the Shire.
Pearl Took · 24 July 2006 · Chapter 64: All in Good Time
Wonderful!! I like the way you never quite say what is happening, yet you make it very clear. Extremely well done :) :)
Author's reply
I love the idea of the cousins being able to communicate in some small way despite distance and time. I'm so glad you enjoyed, Pearl! Thank you! :)
Pearl Took · 24 July 2006 · Chapter 63: Lunchtime
That's the best secret ingredient in the world :) I hope afters were good to make up for things a bit ;)
Author's reply
Thanks, Pearl! Yes I hope that afters made up for it...and tea and dinner and supper as well! Well, the lads did their best... :D
Elemmírë · 23 July 2006 · Chapter 64: All in Good Time
Very interesting! A watch as stubborn as Frodo and Bilbo themselves, that also shows what they might be doing in the West. Now just how did Pippin come to aquire such a treasure anyway?
Author's reply
That's a good point, the watch is as stubborn as a Baggins! Frodo gave the watch to Pippin, and in my first draft of the story it was a Yule gift some years before, and I still believe that it was :)
Elemmírë · 23 July 2006 · Chapter 63: Lunchtime
Frodo's absolutely right. The best meals often are the ones cooked with love ... no matter how they turn out in the end. LOL!
Author's reply
Thanks for reading, Elemmírë! :)
harrowcat · 23 July 2006 · Chapter 64: All in Good Time
What a wonderful way to keep an eye on distant cousins!
Author's reply
Thanks, harrowcat! I'm so glad you enjoyed. I love the idea of the cousins keeping that strong connection between them even over distance and time :)