A Shire Sketchbook by Baggins Babe
lovethosehobbits · 8 December 2005 · Chapter 6: While the Sun Shines
It was a delight to read this. I get so tired of fics that show Frodo unhappy and leaving. I always wanted him to be able to stay in the Shire and it was so cool to see him happy and healthy. I also really enjoyed Aragorn being able to take part in some small way. Such fun! Thank you for this upbeat chapter. Tree
Dreamflower · 7 December 2005 · Chapter 7: The Peril Within
Rufus certainly *is* a brave kitty! But I am not as soft hearted as Frodo and Sam--nor as brave as Rose. I am afraid that one glimpse of the snake, and first I would have let out a shriek to rival the one Bilbo made at the Unexpected Party, and then I would probably either have run like the Nine were after me, screaming "Kill it!", or I would have passed out cold. (This is judging by my previous reactions to snakes a lot less dangerous than an adder.) But subject matter aside, I dearly loved this, with its beautiful descriptions! That first paragraph was sheer poetry: Summer was lingering in the Shire, reluctant to leave after being made so welcome. The days were warm and golden, the fruit gardens still groaned under the weight of their bounty, the grapes on the Southfarthing vines grew sweeter and fatter as the starches turned to sugars, roses blossomed and all birds, beasts and insects made the most of the glorious weather to fatten themselves for the winter. Wasps fed on fermenting fruit and buzzed tetchily, reeling drunk and hungover, tumbling in and out of the flowers and gorging themselves until they could barely move. As I've said to you before--good as a vacation in the Shire!!
Author's reply
Oh dear! Perhaps I should have anticipated this reaction - as with Tigger, who also has an aversion. I just felt that the hobbits, living so close to the natural world, would be less alarmed by something like this than we in our modern world. And adders in Britain are relatively harmless in comparison with snakes in some parts of the world - I know someone who was chased by a snake in Australia! Adders in Britain are very shy and retiring and normally only cause problems when they are startled or stepped on. They don't seek confrontations. Whe I was little, my father often took me to the zoo, and the first call was always the reptile house! :-)) Then I became a veterinary nurse and had to be prepared for anything. I'm so glad you enjoyes Rufus' part in the story though, and that you liked the descriptions of the Shire - a holiday in the Shire sounds perfect!
Tigger · 6 December 2005 · Chapter 7: The Peril Within
Okay...This is a mixed emotion review m'dear because you had Rufus saving the little ones from the one thing on this earth that terrifies me more than anything. I can't even talk about them, that's how terrified of them I am. So, forgive me for scanning over the details after Rose realized what Rufus was trying to do. Other than that...This was a lovely story. Arwen's cushion for Rufus though...Oh, that was perfect. I can so see it too. Pampered and loved by all, that's our Rufus. Indeed the Bravest Cat In The Shire!! W/Yule coming up...I'd love a story about Aragorn getting a little furry one of his own and take it from there m'dear. Don't think I've ever read one as a stand alone. Larner's got The Royal Family of Gondor w/cats in her stories, but that's different as they aren't the focal point of the stories. Would love to see Aragorn being given a pet of his own for Yule, from Arwen, w/some help from our beloved hobbits. Just think about it, please? Looking forward to the ongoing adventures of Birthday Surprises. There's a night of drunken singing coming up, isn't there? Hmmm.... ;o)
Author's reply
Well I'm flattered that you read the story if you are that terrified, and you are forgiven for simply scanning the details. I'm lucky - my parents encouraged me to handle all sorts of animals and my mother had no fear of spiders etc. so I grew up without any terrors in the animal kingdom - it's why I became a veterinary nurse! We had to deal with all sorts. :-)) Hmmmmmm. A Yule present for our beloved King? I shall see what I can do with that one. Yes, there will be lots of drunken singing in the next chapter of Sam's birthday story. I'm looking forward to it as much as you are!
Larner · 6 December 2005 · Chapter 7: The Peril Within
Yes, queen and hobbit both will laugh joyfully over this one.
Author's reply
I think Rufus will appreciate his soft cushion cover, especially in the winter. How nice of Arwen - but then it made a change from working on clothes, or banners for her beloved. :-))
frodo16424 · 6 December 2005 · Chapter 7: The Peril Within
Hooray for the bravest cat in the Shire! Rufus is quite the hero - and gets a reward made by the elven Queen herself. Tho he should really watch out for those ribbons - just don't det too wrapped up in them, LOL! Rufus is quite a character in his own right. I certainly do enjoy his adventures.
Author's reply
Not many cats can boast that they sleep on a cushion embroidered by the grand-daughter of Earindil! Still, Rufus deserves it after his hard work. :-))
harrowcat · 6 December 2005 · Chapter 7: The Peril Within
Can we all say a big thank you to Rufus please? And what a lovely present.
Author's reply
I shall pass on your thanks to our favourite feline.
shirebound · 6 December 2005 · Chapter 7: The Peril Within
"Oh Rufus! You've signed your name on Aragorn's letter now" What an adorable idea. I wish I had thought to have Scamp do that! And just as I was settling back to bask in the fluff, Rufus saves the children's lives! Oh yes, bring on that roast beef reward. And omigosh, a royal cushion cover! What a delight, BB. Thank you for giving our happy family such a dear friend and attentive guardian. I love him dearly. *beams with joy*
Author's reply
Thank you for nudging this particular plot bunny in my direction. :-)) The idea has been niggling away at me for some time and I really enjoy writing Rufus stories anyway. Couldn't resist the cushion cover - I thought Arwen would enjoy doing something for our favourite feline. Glad you enjoyed it.
Larner · 27 November 2005 · Chapter 6: While the Sun Shines
Ah, a lovely day indeed, and wonderful to see the Elven grace of Frodo working with the rest. And I see you have Melian and Gilraen--I had Melian and Idril. They know when Ada has been "visiting."
Author's reply
I'm delighted that you enjoyed the peek into the Shire, particularly when the weather in RL is cold and miserable. Melian and Gilraen appear in my first long story 'Reunion in Minas Tirith' and I like to tie my stories together. I was thrilled when I saw that you also had Melian as the name of one of the Royal children - he bloodline does continue in both Aragorn and Arwen so I thought it was appropriate. Yes, I am sure Aragorn would enjoy his visits and the children would be eager to know what he had seen.
Tigger · 27 November 2005 · Chapter 6: While the Sun Shines
Oh Sheesh....I really must learn to proofread before sending these things. I, of course, meant that a family who lost their hay in a barn fire would need to pay for the feed that just went up in flames. Not the livestock. I get Mom's flu and my senses just go *poof*!!
Tigger · 27 November 2005 · Chapter 6: While the Sun Shines
Awww...I love this AU of yours, but you know that. :oD Aragorn peeking into the Shire by using the Palantir of the White Tower....Awwww!!! I believe "visits" to The Shire would help him during those hard days. What a lovely, lovely little story. As someone who was partly raised in the country, you got the details of haymaking down perfectly. Even though my cousins use the modern methods, this was all perfect!! Especially having to make sure the hay was dry, dry, dry. I've seen what can happen when hay isn't dry and it is not only heartbreaking to see all that hard work gone in an instant, but also hard on the family it happens to because of the punch to the bank account. Both to rebuild the barn *and* to buy the feed needed for their livestock that just burst into flame. :o( Just a lovely, fluffy cuddly story. Perfect for the messy night that is gearing up outside. Now...When are we getting an update of Birthday Surprise m'dear. The thought of those Elven Lords peeling veggies...Hee!!! :oD
Author's reply
Yes, I think a 'virtual visit' to the Shire would be very relaxing at the end of a long hard day. I think it must have been a terrible strain for people in times past - if the weather was bad at the time of harvest the hay could all be ruined and their winter feed destroyed. It must have been an anxious time, not just the harvest but the fact that it had to lie in the field for a couple of weeks to dry. No wonder they prayed for good weather. Yes, flu does make all one's senses go 'poof'! Hope the brain is back now. Don't worry - I always find typos after the event! :-)) I updated 'Birthday Surprises a couple of weeks ago - I think you must have missed it - so the Elves (and a King) with veggies appeared in Chapter 7. I did wonder where you had disappeared to as I didn't see a review from you.
harrowcat · 27 November 2005 · Chapter 6: While the Sun Shines
Loved it BB. Just what I needed at the end of a very grey and cold English day. Reading about your healed Frodo also makes a refreshing change. Perhaps you should put some of these into a sub-folder and title it 'peerings through the palantir'!
Author's reply
Glad you enjoyed the visit to a warm and sunny Shire. Nice to just step in there at will, I must say. Glad you like 'healed Frodo' - the poor dear hobbit goes through so much in the book and in other people's stories (much as I love hobbit angst) that I like to give him a little fun. 'Peering through the Palantir'? I'm sure there's a plot bunny somewhere......
shirebound · 27 November 2005 · Chapter 6: While the Sun Shines
There just aren't words to express how much I love your happy stories, BB! And this is always such a delight: "Ahem." The two looked up to find Rose watching them, hands on hips, a tea towel hanging from her apron pocket. When she had their attention she took the tea towel and swung it meaningfully. The pair slunk into their seats and gave their full attention to the food. Plodly is a wonderful new addition to the household! And what a wonderful ending. *happy*
Author's reply
Plodly just appeared, as these characters do. I figured he would be unique in the Shire - trust those mad Bagginses to keep an animal like that! Merry and Pip have enormous respect for that tea towel! I'm so pleased it has made you happy.
Dreamflower · 27 November 2005 · Chapter 6: While the Sun Shines
Ah, another perfectly lovely day in "Reunion-verse". I loved all the detailed descriptions of the haymaking, and especially its aftermath, as all of them are slightly sunburned and sore, but happy! And Aragorn got to watch it all--how wonderful, though a shame he couldn't be there to join in! Thanks so much for a delightful few minutes!
Author's reply
It is a cold and rather grey day in London so I took myself off to Hobbiton for a while. :-)) I would love to be able to spend a day like this, haymaking at Bag End. I imagine they would be sunburned after that, but happy. Shame Aragorn could not be there but he must have enjoyed experiencing some of the hobbity life vicariously. Glad you enjoyed your little visit to the Shire!
Mirkwoodmaiden · 2 November 2005 · Chapter 4: Trust a Brandybuck and a Took!
My dear BB! This is a charming little story!! Sorry it has taken me so long to read it. You capture the sense of mischief and "forbidden" adventure so well in such a short little piece. I love Pippin's reasoning. "they're my pantries I should be able to raid them whenever I please!! LOL!!! I can so perfectly see an oldish Pippin and an oldish pondering their mischief! What a lovely word picture you have painted!! Thanks for that! The penitent PEF
Author's reply
I don't think being the Thain and Took would put a crimp in Pip's occasional need for mischief. I could just picture the two of them scuttling down the passageways, laden with booty!
Mirkwoodmaiden · 21 October 2005 · Chapter 5: The Perfect Place
Hello my dear BB! As I was reading the story little Rio has curled up next, snoozing and purring and dreaming her little cat dreams! Ahhh! I loved the story. I love discussions about why each place is Rufus' favourite place. I could just see Dingle pondering the same things!! I love how Rufus considers himself a Hobbity sort of cat. I think he is! I love the care and attention he lavished upon Frodo when he was so ill. >"Soap suds, water and the indignity of being reduced to a bundle of bedraggled >fluff." I loved this description of a cat after a bath. Conjures quite a picture! The resolution of the story was wonderful with Rufus deciding the best place was where he was at any given time! Lovely, a real homely feel to the story MM
Author's reply
Awwwww! Multiple squidges to little Rio. Yes, Dingle would have thought much the same as Rufus about all those places. Yes, a cat after a bath is a very pathetic sight! :-))
Mirkwoodmaiden · 18 October 2005 · Chapter 2: For Eyes To See..........
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's 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.
Mirkwoodmaiden · 17 October 2005 · Chapter 3: A Silly Moment
BB! What a lovely little vignette! It is so easy to see Frodo in his office being distracted by Sam and the boys doing the gardening and bantering back and forth!!! New curses made up flower words!! LOL!!! sweet! Also the interaction between Frodo and the children is priceless. I love it! A short and sweet slice of life. Mirkwoodmaiden
Endaewen · 8 October 2005 · Chapter 5: The Perfect Place
Beautiful. As a fellow cat-lover I know what it's like to lose a pet. Hopefully, some day when you're ready for it, a neighborhood cat will start to make itself at home at your place.
Author's reply
Thank you for reviewing. Yes, cats always know where to turn up, don't they? Thankfully I still have 7 cats (+ 2 dogs and 2 guinea-pigs) so the house isn't empty! :-)) Doesn't make losing them any easier though.
Larner · 8 October 2005 · Chapter 5: The Perfect Place
Ah, a proper memorial to Dingle indeed. And each of my cats would recognize the proper analysis Rufus has made of the "perfect" place.
Author's reply
Thank you so much. Yes, cats do have the ability to make themselves comfortable anywhere. Dingle sometimes liked to sprawl across the stairs - after the insurance money, no doubt! :-))
frodo16424 · 8 October 2005 · Chapter 5: The Perfect Place
I am so in love with Rufus! I have the feeling that anywhere his humans are, is his favorite place. I remember dressing my cat in my doll's clothes - much to his disgust, LOL! Thanks for a happy reading on a gloomy wet day!
Author's reply
Yes, Rufus just tip-toed in one day and demanded to be put in a story. He's a real character though and I imagine he would tolerate a bit of 'healing' especially if it involved food!
Ami · 8 October 2005 · Chapter 5: The Perfect Place
I dearly love the universe you have created. I hope we see many, many more stories from you. There are so many details I want to know about the lives of your wonderful hobbits, especially Frodo!
Author's reply
So glad you enjoy my universe (Dreamflower has christened it 'Reunion-verse' after the first story I posted). Lots more plot bunnies hopping about so there will be lots more stories. Is there anything in particular you would like to know about the lives of the hobbits?
Ithilrande · 8 October 2005 · Chapter 5: The Perfect Place
Heartfelt condolances for the lose of your furry friend. His spirit will indeed live on in the stories of Rufus. You might be amused to know that before I opened this story, I was thinking that of all the recuring OCs I have run across in fan fiction, Rufus is my favortie :-) Blessings of the Valar Ithilrande of Dol Amroth
Author's reply
Oh goodness! How lovely to think that Rufus has become your favourite OC. I did cat rescue for years and worked as a veterinary nurse, and I've always loved cats. He just walked into one of the stories and hung around, probably inspired by Dingle. Blessings to you too, and thank you for the review and the condolences.
Dreamflower · 8 October 2005 · Chapter 5: The Perfect Place
I do so love Rufus. This is such a lovely warm bit of fluff, and just the lift I needed after a difficult day. Thank you BB!
Author's reply
Glad you enjoyed the fluff and that it gave you a lift. You might need to hoover out the keyboard but it's worth it!
mews1945 · 8 October 2005 · Chapter 5: The Perfect Place
A wonderful AU, and it's lovely to see the family through the eyes of such a discerning viewer.
Author's reply
Thank you for that. Glad you like my AU, which has really taken on a life of its own now.
shirebound · 8 October 2005 · Chapter 5: The Perfect Place
the perfect place was wherever he happened to be at the time Oh BB, what a lovely, peaceful, contented cat and household! Rufus certainly has sized up everyone in "his" house, and knows them even beter than they know him. (Except Frodo, who understands him perfectly.) I'm so sorry to hear about your precious Dingle. *hugs and snuggles you*
Author's reply
Thank you so much for that. Yes, Frodo understands cats, and Rufus understands his family. He is a very wise cat, I think.