A Shire Sketchbook by Baggins Babe
Kitty · 25 June 2006 · Chapter 22: Rufus Considers
Wise and insightful cat, our Rufus. He sees the men as they truly are, though I laughed aloud about his opinion of Radagast’s birds. And he is right about Bilbo’s old verse fitting for Sam, too. These occasional insights in Rufus’ opinion of others are rather amusing and intriguing.
Author's reply
Well why is that wizard spending so much time talking to birds when there's an intelligent cat around? No wonder Rufus is miffed. :-))
Kitty · 25 June 2006 · Chapter 21: Always Room for Another
Cute ficlet! I love kittens, and obviously I’m not the only one. And with the ever growing family Rufus can’t keep an eye on everyone, so they need a second cat ;-) The end is a sweet image with the cats snuggling up with Frodo in bed, purring him to sleep.
Author's reply
I think Rufus needs an assistant now with all those little Gamgees to watch over. Hopefully he'll train Sooty well. Nothing like snoozy purring cats to send anyone off to sleep - best cure for insomnia.
Kitty · 25 June 2006 · Chapter 20: Treasures Received
It’s so wonderful to have Frodo there and able to see the children of his cousins and friend growing up! *sighs contentedly* Had to giggle about Sara and his old pouch and jacket, because I know the feeling. If I love something, I’m loath to part with it, too ;-) It’s good to know Frodo can enjoy all these lasses wearing his mother’s jewellery instead of seeing it as a sad reminder of her death.
Author's reply
Like most husbands, Sara is reluctant to part with his favourite jacket and old tobacco pouch - and like wives everywhere Esme tries to sneak the tatty old things out when he isn't looking! I'm sure Frodo can now look at the jewellery and be pleased to see it decorating a new generation of lasses. The pain of his loss is tempered now by the joy of their memory and the knowledge that he will see them again.
Dreamflower · 20 June 2006 · Chapter 23: A Chip Off the Old Block
LOL! A pre-Quest fic, and a delightful one, too! Frodo's and Reggie's reminiscing was--er, instructive--to say the least! Reggie chuckled. "I'll say! Didn't you replace the sand in Old Rory's sand shaker with sugar and turn all his letters to a sticky mess?" I actually had a couple of friends who did the opposite: they put sand in the sugar bowl (the sandy beaches where we lived really did look like sugar) and their dad put it in his coffee. He was *not* amused. The doorknob trick was hilarious! I could easily imagine Frodo thinking up a prank like that. And then the last sentence. Down to earth with a thud. Very well done. Now, did I miss anything else of yours when I was "gone"?
Author's reply
My father used to play the door knocker trick - a variation on the game of 'knocking down ginger' as it's known in England - knocking on doors and running away. I'm sure Frodo was rascal enough to do such things. Sand in the sugar bowl - blech! I've known people put salt in the sugar bowl and both sound revolting - but effective! Oh yes, that last sentence pulls one down a bit. Somewhere deep in Frodo's waistcoat pocket lies a sall and seemingly innocent piece of plain gold jewellery......... *shiver* No, you're all caught up now - great to have you back.
Dreamflower · 20 June 2006 · Chapter 22: Rufus Considers
I'm so glad you reminded me that I had not *quite* caught up with all the updates yet--people keep posting more, and I keep losing track, LOL! Rufus is a very wise, very Jellicle Cat--I think he must be a good deal like Ol' Deuteronomy, so that everyone loves him!
Author's reply
I always picture Ol'Deuteronomy when I'm writing about Rufus - or rather I remember the late lamented Dingle, who was definitely in Deuteronomy mould. Glad you enjoyed it - missed hearing from you.
Mirkwoodmaiden · 19 June 2006 · Chapter 18: A Special Day in the Shire
My dear BB!! Again you astound me with your ability to depict Hobbits in their natural environs, Home and hearth and lots of good food and ale on hand to drink!! wonderfully homely! I especially loved the description of Elanor's dress. I could see the dress in my minds eye!! And I could see how Elanor was going to look in it!! I love your description of Rufus' birthday mathom from Elanor! > She unwrapped a paper bag and took out a knitted mouse with a long piece of >wool for the tail. Rufus darted up and began to tap his new toy, then carried >it into the kitchen and placed it on his cushion, where he sat guarding it, >lest others decide to play with it. Rufus reminds me of Toffee!! LOL!!! I can just see Rufus standing sentinel over his possession! I really like the last bit talking about how they don't celebrate the Ring's end in the Shire. It was a well done description and well thought through. Very Hobbity. I like what Frodo says "But this is why we did it - so that children could play and grow, free of the Shadow. A New Age, a new order, a new generation, free from fear and dominance." Well put and very like Frodo!! Love it, dear MM
Author's reply
MM! Thank you for all those kind comments - glad you enjoyed your visit to the Shire! I think Elanor would look gorgeous in that dress - which fitted perfectly of course. Naturally Rufus wants to guard his new toy - someone else might run off with it. You never know what Pippin might do when the mood takes him! :-))
shirebound · 13 June 2006 · Chapter 23: A Chip Off the Old Block
Ah, a very clever way to get young Frodo into the Old Forest! What a loveable rascal.
Author's reply
Thank you! Merry does say somewhere in the book that the Brandybucks go in there, and Frodo was part-Brandybuck and living at the Hall so I'm sure he went in there occasionally. Yes, he is a very loveable rascal, isn't he? :-))
Tigger · 13 June 2006 · Chapter 23: A Chip Off the Old Block
Now this was delightful. If a bit tempting in that readers could actually try some of these things. Not that I would. ;o) Pip's braver than me. I also know the difference between the two different cattle, but I would never venture into a field a bull is in. Nor when there's cows nursing their calfs. That's just begging for trouble to happen. Nice touch Reggie wondering why Frodo still has the energy and looks of a tween and if that's a Baggins trait as well. In a way it is. Very nice and fluffy story. :oD
Author's reply
Ooops! I suppose it is a bit of a manual for would be scamps and rascals, but I couldn't resist! *looks as innocent as possible* I am quite sure that Frodo's youthful looks and behaviour, as well as his eccentricities, caused a great deal of speculation in the Shire. Good thing no-one knows about the jewellery though!
Andrea · 13 June 2006 · Chapter 23: A Chip Off the Old Block
"Where were you?" asked Pip. "In the Old Forest," replied Frodo with another shrug. "You went in there?!" Pip breathed. "Not far in - but it seemed safer than facing Uncle Rory." LOL!!! Wonderful! No wonder Merry and Pippin made all those pranks, they just wanted to impress their cousin Frodo ;-)
Author's reply
I think Frodo taught Merry everything he later taught Pip! He set the standard they had to reach, so no wonder they tried so hard.
Armariel · 13 June 2006 · Chapter 23: A Chip Off the Old Block
ahhhhhhh cute!! Frodo isn't such a goody two shoes is he? heheh
Author's reply
Well we know Frodo went on many mushroom-raiding expeditions and I doubt that was the extent of his mischief. He seems to have been quite the scamp. :-))
harrowcat · 13 June 2006 · Chapter 23: A Chip Off the Old Block
Oh this is priceless BB. There are so many gems in it that I couldn't even begin to quote them all but the idea that the old forest is safer than facing just retribution is wonderful. And then you slip in a note of disquiet right at the end.... You really are skillful at changing the mood of a piece!
Author's reply
That last line wrote itself, I swear! I certainly hadn't planned that at all. Glad you liked it though - I suspect the Old Forest did seem preferrable to an angry Master Rory :-))
Mirkwoodmaiden · 13 June 2006 · Chapter 19: I Could If I Wanted To!
Ah! My Dear BB!! How you have captured the essence of catness in this little story. I love seeing stories from Rufus' point of view!:-)) Everything he has said has been quite reasonable and understandable! LOL!!!! in his little cat brain!! I'm sure Rio and little Toffee have also dreamed dreams such as these!! Truly a lovely piece writing! I can just see Rufus lying in a patch of sun, whiskers twitching and dreaming they are the great feline hunter! :-) MM
Author's reply
Rufus almost writes himself these days - glad you enjoyed!
grumpy · 10 June 2006 · Chapter 22: Rufus Considers
I do like the reflections of the cat, on what he thinks of the fellowship. And that Aragorn can count on Gimli to tell him the truth.
Author's reply
Rufus likes to make his opinions known - he features heavily in several chapters in this collection. I think someone like Gimli would be good to have around - kings are surrounded by 'yes-men' and toadies, so an outspoken Dwarf would be a refreshing change.
Pearl Took · 10 June 2006 · Chapter 22: Rufus Considers
Very different, and very beautiful. I like rufus being able to see the lights of people's spirits, most interesting, and yet I've often felt the same thing about cats myself.
Author's reply
I've always thought that cats can see into a person's soul, and I'm sure Rufus can see the Lights of Being. Rufus has quite a lot to say for himself and features in several chaper in this series - I enjoy writing him. Thank you for the feedback.
frodo16424 · 9 June 2006 · Chapter 22: Rufus Considers
How delightful to hear from Rufus! Love the fact that the poem Bilbo wrote about Aragorn fits Sam as well. That is one I never would have thought of. Thanks so much for such a wonderful story.
Author's reply
You can't keep a good cat down! Naturally he has his own opinions of the party. I've always loved that poem and it does fit Sam too. Dear Sam, even the cat recognises his qualities.
harrowcat · 9 June 2006 · Chapter 22: Rufus Considers
That is one very astute cat! I am glad that he gets to do more than just look at the King. A lovely read BB just what I needed after being at my parents for 24 hours. Good guess on the location BTW. But I am now working for a Catholic Parish as a Catechist about 6 miles further south also beginning with H. I was very shy and naive about such things as user names when I signed on with SOA. And I think it is a bit late to change now unless anyone has an appropriate suggestion!!! *ggg*
Author's reply
Rufus is very astute, you're right! Glad you enjoyed his thoughts on the visitors and the hobbits. Ah, but I think your user name is great. I was absolutely clueless about such things - I'd never used a pc until about four years ago - yet another thing I have to thank the book and films for!
SurgicalSteel · 9 June 2006 · Chapter 22: Rufus Considers
This was absolutely lovely! Quite a different perspsective on these events.
Author's reply
Thank you! I'm so pleased you enjoyed it. Rufus is quite a character and great fun to write. It is interesting to see our beloved characters from his point of view.
demeter d · 9 June 2006 · Chapter 22: Rufus Considers
Well, done! Thank you, thank you, thank you! Not only the King and Steward, but Rufus's view of many other friends. A King, a captain, elves, a dwarf, AND,the wizard remaining in Middle Earth. That was one very special party, indeed. I chuckled at his looks at Merry and Pippin. Lovely little image of Rose swatting him with the spoon! Your descriptions of their "Lights of Being" are beautiful. And, I never would have thought of applying Bilbo's poem for Aragorn to Sam, but it fits perfectly. Very, very well done! Now I guess I had better go read "Birthday Surprizes".
Author's reply
Cats always seem to be observing, just sitting there quietly. They may look half-asleep but I'm sure they're not. I can picture Rose swatting Pippin with the spoon, especially if he's lifting up the lids of all the saucepans and tasting things! :-)) So glad you enjoyed our favourite cat's thoughts on the most special of birthdays. Hope you enjoy 'Birthday Surprises' when you get there! The first story I wrote set in this AU is 'Reunion in Minas Tirith' and it has taken on a life of its own.
shirebound · 9 June 2006 · Chapter 22: Rufus Considers
What a lovely treat to wake up to! And I'm so glad you posted this now, since I'll be gone on a trip until next Tueday. The Wizard is clearly one of the Wise, although why he spends so much time talking to those silly feathered things I don't know! *giggles* How puzzling that must be, for a cat! :D
Author's reply
*giggles* Yes, Rufus cannot understand why one of the Wise wastes his time talking to birds! Although even Rufus does not try and knock the Robin off Radagast's hat! :-)) Have a great trip, Shirebound. I'll be busy helping Gilly at Bag End until you get back.
Tigger · 9 June 2006 · Chapter 22: Rufus Considers
Gasp!! Oh, thank you Baggins Babe and it did not disappoint. Rufus is such a hobbity cat. Full of common sense and wisdom. Just like his Master. :o) Could not but laugh at Rufus' thoughts on Radagast and the birds. He would think them silly creatures not worthy of the time of one of the Wise. Such a typical cat...LOL!! I adore the image of Aragorn, sitting under the Mallorn, w/a lap full of sleeping hobbit babies. So fluffy and adorable. A perfect way to end the night. Thank you so very much for writing this for all of us Woo-Woo fans. (((HUGS)))
Author's reply
So pleased not to have disappointed all the Woo-woo fans! Glad to enjoyed eavesdropping on the thoughts of our favourite cat. As for Aragorn covered in baby hobbits........ that is an adorable image! Who could possibly resist?
Queen Galadriel · 6 June 2006 · Chapter 21: Always Room for Another
Oh! Happy birthday! I'm so sorry-I knew you'd said something about your birthday comijng up, but on the day I'd read this story I'd just come home from a friend's sweet sixteen party, in which we all stayed up literally all night long watching the Fellowship, so I felt rahter...deadened, to say the least. Oh dear, I wonder if I'll remember what you said about Gandalf showing up and telling you to take a trip to Mordor when I reach that birthday. :) My, word gets around very fast, doesn't it? Thank you for your good wishes. This summer trip will certainly be an adventure, that's for sure. :) God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
Thank you for the birthday greetings - the celebrations are still going on and seem to be set for the entire month! Still, it is a rather special birthday and one has to celebrate reaching such an advanced state of decrepitude! :-)) I'm told I don't look or act my age, but as Nanny Ogg from Terry Pratchett's 'Discworld' novels says, 'It's acting half your age that's the tricky bit!' I do it all the time! Yes, your trip will be an adventure, so enjoy it and embrace every second of it.
Pearl Took · 5 June 2006 · Chapter 21: Always Room for Another
Aw! Kitties :) I love kitties! "Rufus curled his tail round his toes and remained perfectly still as the kitten made repeated rushes round him. He resembled a very large star being circled by a small and erratic planet in a very eccentric orbit." Wonderful imagery!! Well done, BB :)
Author's reply
Thank you - I'm glad you enjoyed it, and as for kitties - what's not to love? I have had cats who reacted like Rufus when cross little kittens tried to attack them. It always looks very funny.
Dreamflower · 4 June 2006 · Chapter 21: Always Room for Another
*Very. Big. Grin!!* So *this* is what you meant in your cryptic review! Frodo's just been inundated with kitties lately, hasn't he? The behavior of the little kitten was so realistic--it's just how they are at that age, isn't it? And I'm glad that Rufus was well accepting of his new little "nephew". It's not every tom would be so accommodating of sharing--but then Rufus belongs to Frodo, so his master's set him a good example. So very delightful! Frodo *must* have cats!
Author's reply
Yes, Frodo has been inundated with little kitties, but what could be nicer? I once had a little feral kitten who came to me aged 10 days (catnapped by next-door's tom cat) and had to be hand reared. She would sit and watch our old mum cat, then copy they way she washed. It was hilarious! Not every tom would be accepting but Rufus, like some I've had, is placid and good-natured and Frodo has indeed set him a good example. Glad it made you grin. Had to do a hobbity mathom for everyone to mark a very significant birthday - eeeek!
demeter d · 4 June 2006 · Chapter 21: Always Room for Another
Once again, "awwwww"! Just the kind of loving scene that could have been in Bag end, if life had more happy endings. Very sweet. On, yes. I would also be interested to see Master Rufus's take on the King and the Steward.
Author's reply
I think I really must do a story in which we find out what our favourite feline thinks of the King and Steward. Glad you enjoyed it. Tiny kitties hissing at a great big cat or a dog always makes me laugh.
Tigger · 3 June 2006 · Chapter 21: Always Room for Another
Oh...How delighfully fluffy an end to a day this is. Love the image of little Sooty watching Woo-Woo to see how a cat washes itself. Too adorable!! There was a year about five or six years ago when it seemed like every single kitten was showing up on our doorsteps. Not sure why, but it happened. We made sure they all went to good homes, but my Puss Puss was not a happy camper at the time. BTW, I was re-reading the stories here the other night and after reading Rufus' account of how he saw the Light of Being of Bag End's occupants and what he thought of those he took care of...Well...In Birthday Surprises, he *has* met King Elessar and Faramir too. So...Well...Pretty *please* oh most talented writer and lover of cats, could we please hear how our favourite Bag End elder cat (now that there's a kitten on the scene) feels about our favourite King and his Steward? CouldweCouldweCouldwe!?! HuhHuhHuhHuh!?! It's just a thought. 0:o) What...You don't think I'm that innocent? I'm as angelic as the pure driven snow. And if you believe that, I have some lovely permafrost property on Baffin Island if you're interested. ;o) Once again, a wonderful visit to the Reunion universe. Always a wonderful way to spent a part of a weekend. :o)
Author's reply
*packs winter woollies for trip to Baffin Island* :-)) Hmmmmm. I think I must feed that plot bunny because I'd like to know what Rufus thinks of the King and the other visitors. When I was a veterinary nurse and heavily involved in cat rescue I sometimes couldn't move for kittens. I once bottel-fed five litters, one after another, from April to October, surviving on less than 2 hours sleep at a time and taking them to work with me! I never dared allow my home address to be known, or they would have been dumped there as well.