A Shire Sketchbook by Baggins Babe
Mum's the Word · 12 February 2006 · Chapter 9: The Musings of a Dwarf
Oh, I love this! You do Gimli's voice and the rhythm of his words just right. Poor, dignified Dwarf -- pipeweed smoke again! Hugs and brownies, Mum
Author's reply
*munches brownies* Thank you! *hugs back* I like Gimli and I wanted to give him a chance to speak his mind. I'm so pleased you enjoyed it.
shirebound · 12 February 2006 · Chapter 10: A Shire Yule
BB, I love your Sketchbook so very much! I always squeal with joy when you update, and settle in for a warm, loving, wonderful visit. Ohhh, the Rivendell cloaks! What a great detail. And this... "I am so very blessed. I have a huge family now, which extends throughout the Shire and all the way to Gondor. After my parents died I felt as though I was alone, but now I have everything I once longed for." *happy sigh*
Author's reply
I always know I've got it right when Shirebound gives a happy sigh. Glad you were able to squeal with joy - I shall probably update again shortly, so be prepared! As for the Rivendell cloaks - I often wondered what happened to those!
Queen Galadriel · 11 February 2006 · Chapter 9: The Musings of a Dwarf
LOL! I love it! The image of Gimli helping Merry and Pippin to carry out such ludicrous pranks...LOL! And the king of Gondor late for important meetings because he's too busy telling hobbit children bedtime stories to be mindful of the time? Oh, that's really wonderful! And why am I not surprised? :) I almost wish I hadn't read all these, because I love your hobbity short stories...especially those in your AU! Will have to read "Birthday Surprises" now that things are finally calming down for me and I have enough of an attention span to keep to one story for a while.
Author's reply
Well I certainly look forward to your reviews for 'Birthday Surprises' soon. I'm working on Chapter 9 at the moment but lost track for a while afer losing my beloved older dog, Toffee in January. Didn't have the heart to do any writing. I think Aragorn would have allowed himself to be delayed and sidetracked quite happily by eager little hobbits wanting tales. Ambassadors and ministers will just have to twiddle their thumbs for a while!
Larner · 11 February 2006 · Chapter 9: The Musings of a Dwarf
Ah, yes--Hobbits are like that. And pipeweed smoke my eye!
Author's reply
Hobbits do creep into the affections, as the dour dwarf has discovered. But of course he isn't emotional - it's that dratted pipe smoke again!
Dreamflower · 11 February 2006 · Chapter 9: The Musings of a Dwarf
Oh my goodness, this is priceless! I love seeing Gimli's POV here--it rather reminds me of Baylor's delightful story "A Word of Caution Regarding Hobbits"--which rather covers the territory from Legolas' POV! And I just love the thought that Legolas and Gimli would have been at the wedding for Faramir and Goldilocks!! Well, of *course* they would--they're family, aren't they?
Author's reply
I remember Baylor's wonderful story. Thought it was time we heard Gimli's opinion on those pesky hobbits. :-)) Yes, Gimli and Legolas are 'family' and must be at the wedding. After all - someone made the wedding rings! Glad you enjoyed it.
shirebound · 11 February 2006 · Chapter 9: The Musings of a Dwarf
the children use me as a climbing wall and Legolas as a horse, and the strangest thing it, we put up with it! More than that, we enjoy it and go back for more. Pestilential hobbits, they creep into your heart and turn the dourest dwarf into a silly sentimental fool, and the most elegant Elf into a mischievous imp playing practical jokes on those around him. When they go to Gondor with all the children, the High King of Gondor and Arnor plays 'I-hide-and-you-seek-me' all over the Citadel and is late for important meetings because he is telling hobbit younglings bedtime stories. They really are extraordinary creatures, and have changed all of us in many ways. Oh BB, how I adore your lovely stories! This is so wonderful and makes me feel happy and full of love.
Author's reply
Ah, how can anyone not love hobbits? Gimli has been as affected as the others and he's a softie really - but don't tell the Elf! :-))
Tigger · 11 February 2006 · Chapter 9: The Musings of a Dwarf
What a delightful little tale from Gimli's perspective. I loved this... **They stitched acorns inside Aragorn's shirt, put thistles in his boots, and in Imladris they short-sheeted his bed at least twice (an apple-pie bed, they call it in the Shire - well everything is named after food of some sort!). They put pepper in his wine, salt in the sugar bowl, ink in his tea and itching powder in his smallclothes. If he can survive all that he deserves to be King of Gondor! Perhaps they should have tried it on the Uruk-hai?** Or even the Nazgul!! :oD Poor Aragorn. They, and we, seem to have so much fun writing stories where the hobbits torment Aragorn either in Rivendell or on The Quest. I'm amazed the poor Ranger King hasn't taken off screaming on us. ;o) Thanks for the wonderful story!!
Author's reply
I think a few months of hobbit harassment was very good training for our lovely Ranger-King. :-)) He doesn't seem to be too traumatised by it. I love Gimli - he's trying to hide his emotions behind a lot of bluff, but he cares deeply.
harrowcat · 11 February 2006 · Chapter 9: The Musings of a Dwarf
Oh this is brilliant BB. All those images to grin at! And all from the POV of our most favourite dwarf!!!
Author's reply
I decided it was time to let Gimli have a say. He tends to be short-changed sometimes, and I wanted to give him a chance. He's a dear old thing really.
Queen Galadriel · 30 December 2005 · Chapter 4: Trust a Brandybuck and a Took!
*giggles uncontrollably and wipes eyes* Oh, dear me! I quote you: "...little boys all their lives, but none the worse for that." Yes, I must have missed this by accident. Oh, I can just see Pippin, the grand Thain, highest in the Shire, rading his own pantries! LOL! What would have happened if one of the maids had caught him? *snicker* God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
Oh I'm so glad you found this! I could just see Pippin leading a raid, just for the fun and excitement, and Merry would naturally go along with it - especially if apple pie was involved! Ruby, the housekeeper, sounds terrifying! I imagine Pip wants to steer clear of her if possible. Glad it gave you a good laugh.
Queen Galadriel · 29 December 2005 · Chapter 8: A Yule Gift for the King
LOL! Perfect names! The image of Aragorn going about with kittens hanging from him is delightful! Oh, I hope you continue to write more of these little short stories-I love them so much! God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
I love writing these short stories, so I shall hopefully continue to do so. I think Aragorn had an Elven attitude to animals and I'm sure he loved cats. I've always pictured him ambling round with a cat on his shoulder. Just waiting for you to start on 'Birthday Surprises' now! :-))
Queen Galadriel · 29 December 2005 · Chapter 7: The Peril Within
*giggles* Good old lad! What a sweet story, BB! Brought a huge smile to my face! :-) God bless, Galadriel
Queen Galadriel · 29 December 2005 · Chapter 6: While the Sun Shines
Oh, this is priceless! What a silly prank for Merry and Pip to play, and just like them! And how Sam does fuss! But I guess I would too. I adore your work, BB! As I was reading this, I thought of a plot bunny for this AU. It seemed so interesting a moment ago, and now it's avoiding me! I can't get enough, so I'm off to read more! God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
I suspect that that sort of jokey exchange would have been second nature to Merry and Pip. They do it without thinking, but of course they love to make Frodo laugh. Sam is a fusspot and he knows it, but he's been worrying over Frodo for so long that he can't get out of the habit. I' glad you enjoyed it.
Linda Hoyland · 29 December 2005 · Chapter 8: A Yule Gift for the King
This was just delightful, a real treat to read !I was just browsing the site after uploading my own Yule story and was so pleased to discover this little gem.I love cats and enjoyed the vision of the KIng and queen playing with the kittens.You write Aragorn and Arwen very well.
Author's reply
I'm delighted to know that you liked the story - and that you think I wrote Aragorn and Arwen convincingly. I don't write Big People so often but I think I'm getting better! :-))
Queen Galadriel · 29 December 2005 · Chapter 5: The Perfect Place
Aww! How sweet! I love reading from a cat's POV, and you do it excellently! I'm very sorry about poor Dingle, though. God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
Thank you for that, QG. I have always loved cats, and used to be a veterinary nurse, and I did cat rescue for years. Dingle was rather special, and I hope he is waiting at Rainbow Bridge. You seem to have missed Chapter 4 - or didn't you like that one? :-)) Thank you for reading and being so kind about the stories.
Kitty · 29 December 2005 · Chapter 8: A Yule Gift for the King
That was cute! It’s so very typical of the hobbits to look at once for a new home for the cat and her kittens. And to find a gift for Aragorn at the same time. I can’t for the life of me imagine Denethor playing with cats – I can’t even imagine he would’ve tolerated them in his audience chamber! They wouldn’t care for protocol and how many steps they have to do before bowing or kneeling – what a disrespect! *eg* The names Aragorn gave them are absolutely appropriate! *lol*
Author's reply
No, you can't imagine Denethor in playful mood, can you? The mind boggles! Cats certainly have no inclination for protocol, and are just as likely to leap on the back of a king as a peasant! Yes, those names are definitely appropriate! :-))
Tigger · 28 December 2005 · Chapter 8: A Yule Gift for the King
You are more than welcome for the nudging of the bunny in your direction. :o) Ah ha!! Now I understand what came together for the Dol Amroth Swimming Cats. I was actually thinking Norwegian Forest Cat when I read about the silver markings and long hair. They look very much like that. Got to admit though, if I ever bought a purebred, it would be a Scottish Fold. They are just too adorable for words and their own good. I used to know someone who had one and they can also be "moggy" or full of it as we used to say about my Puss Puss when we had him. It's been a year and a half since he crossed the Rainbow Bridge and I miss him. Although, like Aragorn, I am delighted w/Merry and Pippin as my Christmas Kittens. :oD Thank you so very much again for the lovely story. :o)
Author's reply
You're more than welcome. I'm glad you're pleased with your Christmas kittens. I love all cats, moggy and pedigree, and have been owned by both. I've had a Cream Long-hair, a Siamese, a Tonkinese, a Havana, 2 Chinchillas and many moggies. I'd love a Birman or a Smoke long-hair. You never know, these kittens may well make another appearance at some point.
SlightlyTookish · 28 December 2005 · Chapter 4: Trust a Brandybuck and a Took!
"You're incorrigible, you know that, don't you?" "Wouldn't be me otherwise. I wonder if Frodo still pinches mushrooms? I hope mushrooms grow in Tol Eressa." Heehee! I love how Merry and Pippin still manage to be fun and mischievous even when they're old. This is so sweet and funny. :)
Author's reply
I don't think Merry and Pippin would ever give up the mischief altogether, even when they're old gaffers. I can imagine all the members of the family rolling their eyes and grinning. :-))
Tigger · 27 December 2005 · Chapter 8: A Yule Gift for the King
*squee*!! Oh, Baggins Babe!! Thank you so very much for the story. It's just too adorable and perfect for Christmas. What else to name two furry bundles of terror than Merry and Pippin. Love it, love it, love it!! Only thing...What did you base the Dol Amroth Swimming Cats on? I know most of the purebred cat breeds, but nothing's clicking. Thank you very much for the story!! ((((hugs))))
Author's reply
I'm so plesed you like the story. I had fun writing it too, so thank you for nudging the plot bunny in my direction. Yes, what else could two such naughty little bundles be called? The colouring of the kittens is unique but partly based on the Chinchilla cat (the silver fur and black-rimmed green eyes) with the white paws from the Birman, but the notion of a swimming cat was taken from the Turkish Van, which is very happy in water. Hope this helps!
Larner · 27 December 2005 · Chapter 8: A Yule Gift for the King
Well, of COURSE they would be named after two rascals in their own right! Lovely gift, and love the fact that, as with my version of Aragorn, he delights in cats and is happy to find one perched on his shoulder!
Author's reply
Oh yes, what else can Aragorn call his two furry imps? I can always see him with cats on his shoulder, strangely enough, which was why that part of your story was a particular delight.
Dreamflower · 27 December 2005 · Chapter 8: A Yule Gift for the King
*ROTFL* I should have seen *that* coming!! Of *course* they are Merry and Pippin. So now we have Merry and Pippin, the originals, and Merry and Pippin Gamgee, and now Merry and Pippin Kittens! Going to make things interesting the *next* time the hobbits come to visit--no one will know who's calling whom! *giggle* I just love the way Pippin comes right up with the perfect solution, and they all just jump on it. Why of *course* the cook will be glad to have the cat, and of *course* Arwen will want the kittens--is there any doubt? Not to our hobbits! What a fun visit!
Author's reply
It will make for interesting confusion, won't it? Although I suspect the kittens may have nicknames by the time the hobbits visit again - or the Royal party journey north. There may be another plot bunny there! Pippin and his good ideas! He just sweeps everyone else along with him in that delightfully 'tweeny' way - despite the fact he's almost forty! Glad you enjoyed it.
shirebound · 27 December 2005 · Chapter 8: A Yule Gift for the King
Just when I think your tales (tails?) can't get any more adorable... Your Ada is waiting Omigosh, I'm just a melted puddle of goo. :D
Author's reply
*hands over some paper towels, to mop up goo* How cute is that, Aragorn as 'Ada' to two little kittens? Couldn't resist it, I'm afraid. :-))
Queen Galadriel · 11 December 2005 · Chapter 3: A Silly Moment
LOL! Well, I've certainly found the place to come when I need a smile! Thank you for that, my dear! Cheers, Galadriel
Queen Galadriel · 11 December 2005 · Chapter 2: For Eyes To See..........
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!
Queen Galadriel · 11 December 2005 · Chapter 1: A Mishap in the Kitchen
*doubles over* I'm laughing so hard I can hardly type! Hahahahahaha! That's delightfully funny, BB! Oh dearie me! LOL! Onions! God bless, QG...since I'm too overcome to write my name!
Author's reply
I'm delighted to have made you laugh so much. Hobbit humour is a wonderful thing and I thought it was time Frodo had some fun. I love the image of you rolling about! :-))
Mirkwoodmaiden · 9 December 2005 · Chapter 7: The Peril Within
My dear BB! Such a sweet little story! Well thought out and a delight to read! Rufus such a brave little cat, momentarily misunderstood! The description of late summer, early fall in the shire was lyrical, my dear. Wonderfully rendered. A hungoverwasp?? Was it drunk on Barleywine perchance? Hmmmm! Where have we heard that one before? Love the description Rufus getting four legs caught in the silver ribbon and "sheepishly looking for rescue" LOL wonderful little story. MM
Author's reply
Hello MM I think the wasp was just hungover on fermenting fruit - not sure if the hobbits make barley wine, but it's a nice thought. Glad you liked the story - poor Rufus, frustrated and misunderstood! Thank you for your kind comments about the descriptions of the Shire - I always imagine Oxfordshire or the Cotswolds. :-))