A Shire Sketchbook by Baggins Babe
Andrea · 24 December 2007 · Chapter 31: A Yule Surprise
Twins, that's a Yule surprise indeed! As Rose said, it runs in the family. Thank you very much for this little story! Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Author's reply
Yes, twins do tend to turn up in the same family so it wasn't too unlikely. A huge surprise for the Gamgee children. Merry Christmas!
harrowcat · 24 December 2007 · Chapter 31: A Yule Surprise
A lovely pair of Yule surprises BB. And they don't even have to share a birthday! But I expect they might anyway. Happy Christmas one and all!
Author's reply
I suspect they will have a double celebration on both days! I had to get round the birth years in some way and once this bunny came along it gnawed at my ankle until I wrote the story. Merry Christmas!
Kitty · 24 December 2007 · Chapter 31: A Yule Surprise
Oh, Rosie had twins? What a great Yule gift (and surprise for the children)! Luckily they have *three* adults in the house to take care of them. And it was a wonderful Christmas gift for the readers, too. Merry Christmas to you, my dear, and a Happy New Year!
Author's reply
Once this plotbunny grabbed my ankle I couldn't ignore it. Yes, it is a good thing that there's plenty in the house to look after them. A nice surprise for the family indeed. Merry Christmas!
Larner · 23 December 2007 · Chapter 31: A Yule Surprise
Twins, is it? Lovely Yule gift for the whole family!
Author's reply
I wanted to get round the birth years and was thinking they must have been born fairly close together, and then this idea came to me.
shirebound · 23 December 2007 · Chapter 31: A Yule Surprise
Very lovely (and loved) Yule presents, indeed! What a delight; I have a huge smile on my face. *happy hobbity holiday hugs*
Author's reply
I guessed you'd be the first to review! I a, delighted to have put a huge smile on your face, and I hope you have a wonderful Christmas. *hugs returned*
Faramiriel · 19 December 2007 · Chapter 4: Trust a Brandybuck and a Took!
hehe nice. I loved the part about the "bloody Pippin" :D
Author's reply
Glad you enjoyed it. I just had a vivid mental picture of Merry and Pippin still raiding pantries in their old age!
Kitty · 7 December 2007 · Chapter 30: Yule Morning
Perfect Yule fluff! *happy sigh* It is so good to see Frodo so happy and carefree, conspiring with the children. No wonder they adore their Uncle Frodo so much! And Sam and Rose may grumble about having to go up so soon, but they are obviously happy to know how much Frodo has changed since his illness. It's wonderful to see this large, happy family together.
Author's reply
Yes, I should have issued a fluff warning! I just love visiting the Bag End family and I hope others do too.
Dreamflower · 5 December 2007 · Chapter 30: Yule Morning
Adorable! I love Frodo acting just like the kids--I bet sometimes Sam and Rose think he is one! Sooo--is the "bump" little Goldilocks?
Author's reply
Ah, Yule is one of those times when you just have to find your 'inner faunt' I suspect! - or at least the 'inner tween.' :-) Isn't it lovely to see Frodo acting like this? Yes, the 'bump' is Goldilocks.
Larner · 5 December 2007 · Chapter 30: Yule Morning
Quick on the uptake, he is! And it is good to see him again rejoicing in life, surrounded by the love of his second family.
Author's reply
I had such fun imagining Frodo enjoying himself on First Yule.
Andrea · 5 December 2007 · Chapter 30: Yule Morning
Aw! That's what Frodo always wanted, Bag End filled with happy children. And he's in the middle of it all! I think he would even look good if he put on an old sack ;-)
Author's reply
Yes, Frodo has his family now. He is also having a second bite at childhood in seeing it through their eyes. I'm sure Frodo could wear anything with panache and look good.
harrowcat · 5 December 2007 · Chapter 30: Yule Morning
Groan! *Snuggles back under duvet and wields fluf-buster at BB and lap-top* Lovely BB but it is too early to remind me I've got to go to work!
Author's reply
*dodges fluff-buster* Glad you enjoyed it!
shirebound · 4 December 2007 · Chapter 30: Yule Morning
Ohh, what a joyful morning! I can't imagine a happier, more thankful, loving family than this one. Rufus and Sooty and Frodo enjoying their antics! I can never get enough of that, with or without a kettle. :D
Author's reply
You win first prize yet again - one of Rose Gamgee's famous fruit cakes and a bottle of Old Winyards are yours! I do so enjoy giving Frodo the happy, loving family life he was denied. Nothing like watching cats being silly! I am always laughing at mine.
Anonymous · 30 October 2007 · Chapter 29: Fright Night Tales
And I'd like a few words with that Denethor. The way he treated poor Faramir was dreadful! He should be ashamed of himself, treating his own son so harshly." "Ooops! Denethor should look out. He's going to be on the receiving end of the tea towel!" cried Pip. "What would you say to Denethor, Fro?" Frodo puffed on his pipe and pursed his lips. "Hmmm. How about 'Hello. I'm the witless halfling who took the Ring to Mount Doom!'" Merry sprayed mead in all directions and laughed. Even the Elves were amused. "I told you he wouldn't be happy about 'witless', Pip!" "Of course I realise I was not likely to win the Hobbiton and Bywater Sanest Citizen Award by the time I reached the mountain, but witless?! Really!" "Ah yes, but don't forget that when he said that, Denethor was only acquainted with one hobbbit - and that was Pip," Merry pointed out helpfully. "True. I'd forgotten that. A very good point, Merry-mine." "Hey! Sam, I'm being insulted here." Sam grinned. "I didn't hear any insults. Just heard Merry stating a fact, that's all." LOL! I'd like to meet Frodo and everyone else, and I will, in Heaven, provided I make it there myself. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Glad you enjoyed it - had to write a scary tale for Samhain.
Neilia · 30 October 2007 · Chapter 29: Fright Night Tales
Hello; This is one of the best 'ghost stories' in ROTC fanfic I have read. The Sketchbook is now on my hard drive with your other contributions to this lovely world of fandom we have on SOA. Neilia
Author's reply
How nice to find a new review, and I'm delighted that you enjoyed the story. I hope you enjoy your trip into my AU and thank you for your lovely comments.
Andrea · 30 October 2007 · Chapter 29: Fright Night Tales
"Ah yes, but don't forget that when he said that, Denethor was only acquainted with one hobbbit - and that was Pip," Merry pointed out helpfully. "True. I'd forgotten that. A very good point, Merry-mine." ROTFL!!! "Witless" - I can very well understand why Frodo felt insulted. But Merry's comment was priceless! I loved the gentle ending after all those ghost stories, especially the one about the hobbitess and the poisoned mushrooms. That one was really haunting! (Even the tea-towel made an appearance in this little story. Just great!)
Author's reply
Had to get the tea towel in! :-) Yes, that story even spooked me, and I was writing it. I've always been annoyed by the 'witless halfling' comment and I don't think Frodo would have been pleased about it.
Kitty · 30 October 2007 · Chapter 29: Fright Night Tales
Some very nice ghost stories. Only a pity this Phantom Rider did not turn up among the troops from Isengard at Helms Deep! And as for the hobbit woman who poisoned herself, I think that was the most scary one. To imagine her digging up her dead children and putting them in their beds ... *shudders* Hmmm ... I think I agree with Rose – I’d like to have some words with Denethor myself ;-) And how very like Frodo to creep back into the hall to see the ghost of Lady Elfhild! Love her kissing him!
Author's reply
I think we'd all like a few words with Denethor! I've never seen any stories about Elfhild so I decided it was time to give her a mention. I think she would have honoured Frodo in her own gentle way. Yes, I don't quite know where that scary tale came from but it spooked me too.
Tigger · 29 October 2007 · Chapter 29: Fright Night Tales
Sigh...Nothing like ghost stories at this time of the year. :o) Poor Frodo more than likely would not be happy w/the "witless" comment by Denethor. However, it is a shame that Rosie didn't get a chance to tell him a thing or two. The tea towel would have been put to good use in that instance. :o) Loved the ending. Gave a cozy and warm snuggy feeling inside. Wonderful as always m'dear. Now...There's the matter of a certain birthday party I think we've all been invited to? ;oD
Author's reply
No, I don't think Frodo would have been impressed by the 'witless' comment. I always feel very indignant on his behalf when I read that line. I am sure that Rose will have a go at Denethor when she does finally meet him, and I'm sure she'll have a tea towel with her when she does. :-) Ah yes, the birthday party. RL has been very distracting lately but the chapter is coming together.
Larner · 29 October 2007 · Chapter 29: Fright Night Tales
Yes, our Frodo would welcome such a presence, I think; and be recognized and honored by it. Very lovely tale.
Author's reply
Glad you enjoyed. I think Frodo would have welcomed Elfhild's presence - I always felt sorry for her, dying in childbirth at a young age. I don't think I've ever seen her in a fan fic so I thought she deserved a mention.
Dreamflower · 29 October 2007 · Chapter 29: Fright Night Tales
Aww...what a sweet ending to this! I loved the banter--especially Frodo's jibe about "witless halfling". Somehow, I don't think Denethor, had he survived, would have been able to withstand Frodo's scrutiny!
Author's reply
I always find myself becoming very indignant on Frodo's behalf when I read that 'witless halfling' comment, and I'm sure Frodo would not have been impressed. Hah! No, I doubt Denethor could have withstood 'The Look'!
Larner · 29 October 2007 · Chapter 28: A Song for Gandalf
(And here I am reviewing this for a THIRD time! Heh! Reread it once more and laughed again as much as the first time through it!)
Author's reply
I'm delighted to know the tale is still making you laugh. My friend's daughter used to recite this rhyme when she was about 6 - I like to remind her of that now she's in her mid-twenties!
Larner · 29 October 2007 · Chapter 28: A Song for Gandalf
A marvelous thing to teach the poor Wizard! And now he'd teach the future King of Arnor and Gondor, and the expected future Steward of Gondor, too? Trust a Took to find ways to make things interesting! Love they were overheard by Elf and Dwarf.
Theresa Greenfalcon · 29 October 2007 · Chapter 8: A Yule Gift for the King
I am curious to know - what breed of cat are you basing your pair of mischief-making fur kids on? And - I *love* your cat depictions - I'm owned by two myself! :) Thanks! T
Author's reply
The Dol Amroth Swimming Cats are not based on any one breed but I took elements from several - the silver fur and black-rimmed eyes are from the Chinchilla, the snow white paws from the Birman and the swimming ability from the Turkish Van. I've had cats for years - used to be heavily involved in cat rescue as well as being a veterinary nurse - and they can certainly make mischief! :-)
shirebound · 29 October 2007 · Chapter 29: Fright Night Tales
What a wonderful Halloween tale! A perfect blend of humor and horror. "Ah yes, but don't forget that when he said that, Denethor was only acquainted with one hobbbit - and that was Pip," Merry pointed out helpfully. *giggles*
Author's reply
You win the prize for first review again - a night out at the 'Pony' with our favourite hobbits and one of Rose's meat pies. :-)
Antane · 8 July 2007 · Chapter 26: The Baggins Birthday
What a wonderful birthday to be surrounded by his family! Sam's gift was indeed a labor of love. And that Frodo could share the day with Bilbo too - icing on the cake! :) Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Antane · 7 July 2007 · Chapter 22: Rufus Considers
My Master's Light of Being blazes like a star as he looks with joy at Sam and his friends. The King's Light flares in response, and I suddenly see that they are two of a kind. How strange, and yet how fitting, that the great King Elessar and a hobbit of the Shire should be brothers of the spirit. The Valar must have planned it, for the Dark One would never have suspected such a thing. It is good to have such Men and Elves in the Shire and to see everyone united in love. They were both blessed by the grace of Iluvatar to be so. This is so like Larner's writing. It's good to see it in another place. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
I do enjoy writing from Rufus' point of view - he is a very wise cat, as those beautiful creatures tend to be. I've always suspected that they see into a person's soul and the Ancient Egyptians certainly thought so.