Queen Galadriel
· 3 June 2006
· Chapter 21: Always Room for Another
*beaming* Aawww! This is just sooooo cute! I can't tell you how I love it. Sooty is so adorable! I look forward to seeing him again in future stories. My, all these darling cats! Larner's, yours, Elanor Silmarion's, Dreamflowers, my Mir and Marilla, who next? :)
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
There's only one thing better than one cat and that's several cats! I'm sure Frodo is happy to share the warmth and love in Bag End with another orphan.
I enjoyed giving everyone a birthday mathom, having reached a very significant birthday. These hobbity customs are so much fun!
Glad you liked the story, and good luck with your summer adventure. I hope it goes well.
shirebound
· 3 June 2006
· Chapter 21: Always Room for Another
When Rufus washed his back paws, stretching out one leg and licking between his toes, so did little Sooty, glancing up now and then to check he was doing it properly. He rolled over a couple of times, but righted himself and determinedly continued.
"You seem determined to follow your Uncle Rufus everywhere, but you couldn't have a better teacher, my little lad." He rested a hand on the two warm bodoes and drifted off, lulled to sleep by the sound of drowsy purring.
*flump* That was me, keeling over in sheer joy and fluffage. Eeeee, two cats now! I'm not sure I can bear to be this happy and grinning so widely.
*loves*
Author's reply
Oh dear, I hope you've managed to come round after keeling over under all the joy and 'fluffage'! And thanks for inadvertantly pointing out the typo, which I have now corrected.
Hit a very significant birthday last Thursday, so I'm hoping Gandalf doesn't turn up and tell me I need to make a trip to Mordor any time soon! You never know.......
harrowcat
· 3 June 2006
· Chapter 21: Always Room for Another
Oh poor Sooty. Glad he has found a good home and mentor!
Author's reply
There you are! I was wondering where you'd gone, as you seem to have missed Chapter 11 of 'Birthday Surprises' Glad you're still reading and reviewing, and glad you like the addition to the Bag End family.
PIppinfan1988
· 21 April 2006
· Chapter 13: A Rainy Day
I'm in here searching for your outrageous Nobottle song...but I stopped here to read a bit. I rather like your AU universe! :-) I have always thought about "what if" Frodo stayed behind...? Loved the bit about the cat--and rain. Gotta love rain! We're having a lovely thunderstorm outside as I write this. :-D
I'll find that story...its here somewhere.... :-)
Pippinfan
Author's reply
Welcome anyway - glad you've found me! The outrageous 'Nobottle song' first appeared in Chapter 7 of 'Reunion in Minas Tirith' but has been expanded upon in various chapters of 'Birthday Surprises.' Not that I want to stop you visiting various other stories.
I enjoy writing 'what if.........' tales and I'm glad you like what you've seen so far.
Mirkwoodmaiden
· 21 April 2006
· Chapter 17: Treasured Memories
My dear!!
What a delightful story!! your attention to detail in this story is what really makes it work! With each description of the jewelry I felt as if I was sitting next to Frodo as watching as he was pondering each piece and who should receive it. I really enjoyed the piece. I loved what he said at the end of the piece about each piece of jewelry would remind their new owners of Primula. Nice touch, I loved it!
MM
Author's reply
Hello MM!
Glad you managed to review. How nice to read one of your thoughtful reviews this morning. There's a sequel too!
Mirkwoodmaiden
· 21 April 2006
· Chapter 16: Spring at Brandy Hall
Now that was so cute!! You depicted a young Frodo so wonderfully well. I love his curiosity and the discussion about how it comes from the Took side of things and not the Bagginses! LOL!!
Even though it was a light little story for the most part I love the way you handled the foreshadowing. Prim's doubts and fears while providing a shift in mood did not seem out of place and struck just the right note for the vignette! I loved it!
MM
Author's reply
Ah, thank you so much, my dear! I imagine little Frodo must have been adorable, and I suspect the Took side of the family was where the adventurous streak came from. In 'The Hobbit' the Bagginses are described as very respectable. :-)) Bilbo's mother was a Took............!
I think Frodo must have inherited his prescient dreams and thoughts from someone and Prim was the most obvious source.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Julie
· 8 April 2006
· Chapter 20: Treasures Received
I know I'm late to review, as one of those who'd requested this of you. I loved this companion piece from begining to end.
"In allowing himself to finally let go, he felt closer to his parents than before. These cherished pieces would live on, and with them the memory of those who had been so cruelly torn from life."
Those lines are so poignant & so very true & meaningful--they are my favorites of this piece. This is such a lovely tale & I'm so glad to see that you wrote it! Thank you!
Author's reply
It was your bunny which helped to bring this sequel about and I'm really glad you enjoyed it. Thank you!
Queen Galadriel
· 7 April 2006
· Chapter 6: While the Sun Shines
"I wouldn't swap 'daft old Sam' for all the treasures of Arda, dearest, you know that. I've never been better cared for and you have given me back
everything I thought I'd lost. I have a home, a family and I'm surrounded by so much love I can't express what it means to me." He linked his arm through
Sam's and they walked into the kitchen together.
This is my favourite of your short stories. I've read it twice before (my computer kicked me offline the first time before I could review), and I still love it. I must tell you, my two younger brothers recently acquired pet turtles, a painted turtle and a yellow-bellied slider I believe (they caught them in my grandmother's pond--leave it to them and got everything needed to care for them). The elder of the two boys and I were discussing names for his yesterday, and I suggested Plodly. "Plodly?" he repeated, like he thought I'd come from another plannet or something! What's the matter with him? :) I think that name is absolutely perfect for a turtle, especially one of that one's temprament, very quiet but not unfriendly. As it is I wonder if the poor thing will ever have a name. Oh well, I tried. :)
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
This was one of the stories I most enjoyed writing - the picture of the countryside in high summer, haymaking and fun.
Plodly just came into the story, but I should point out that he is a tortoise, not a turtle. Not sure if you have them in the U.S. but they are found in Southern Europe and were imported into this country, which is why they hibernate in winter. Importation is no longer allowed - so many of the poor things died in transit - and they are now very expensive in this country. When I worked as a veterinary nurse we had one which was brought into the country by the current owner's great-grandfather in 1883. They can often live for over a hundred years. I think turtles are more inclined to bite, and of course turtles live in ponds while tortoises are land dwellers. Our local RSCPA inspector (who should have known better!) made that mistake - collected a tortoise which was found in the street, put it into a bucket of water and drowned the poor thing!
I hope your brothers find names for the turtles soon, but at least you tried.
Queen Galadriel
· 6 April 2006
· Chapter 20: Treasures Received
Lovely! You really capture the "big family" atmosphere here. And I love the part about the old pouch and jacket! LOL!
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
I'm pleased I managed to convey the right atmosphere. And I think Saradoc is like most men - hangs on to a motheaten old jacket despite Esme's efforts to get rid of it!
Thank you for reviewing - still awaiting your opinion of 'Birthday Surprises'!
Kitty
· 1 April 2006
· Chapter 19: I Could If I Wanted To!
Rufus has a very high opinion of himself, hasn’t he? Of course he could catch everything and does it not only because of Frodo! *grin* Well, I’ll not argue about that, it would be cruel to shatter his illusions ;-)
Author's reply
I think cats always believe they can do anything they choose. They have supreme confidence in themselves - it's part of their fascinating character.
No, we won't shatter his illusions. :-))
Kitty
· 1 April 2006
· Chapter 18: A Special Day in the Shire
A great day for Ellie, to have all these presents and a wonderful party! How exciting for her to get this beautiful dress embroidered from the Queen herself!
Can you imagine what Sam would’ve said if someone had told him before the Quest his children would be getting birthday presents from the King and Queen? *grin*
Btw, I love your little references to the Sandymans. It is so good to know they don’t have to suffer under Ted any longer!
Author's reply
Yes, Ellie certainly had a dream birthday - and Sam would never have believed that his family would be receiving gifts from the King and Queen. He probably still has to pinch himself!
Ah well I have plans for the Sandyman family! The story which follows 'Birthday Surprises' will reveal all!
harrowcat
· 1 April 2006
· Chapter 20: Treasures Received
Ah a deep and very satisfied sigh comes from reading this BB. Lovely.
Author's reply
That's what I like to read! Thank you.
demeter d
· 1 April 2006
· Chapter 20: Treasures Received
Such a warm, loving little chapter. The kind of loving picture we all would have liked to see if our good professor could have written a hapy ending.
Author's reply
Nothing like good old hobbit fluff for making us feel warm and fuzzy! It would have been nice if this was how it could have happened.
Larner
· 31 March 2006
· Chapter 20: Treasures Received
Yes, the letting go is right, which in part is why I have Frodo leaving most of his mother's jewelry to Narcissa, knowing in her turn she'll give it to Forsythia and whatever daughters Narcissa and Brendi might have.
Author's reply
Letting go is often the most difficult thing to do, but the most rewarding. A part of the healing process.
Pearl Took
· 31 March 2006
· Chapter 20: Treasures Received
How beautiful, B.B. :) Yes, beautiful things should be worn and used, not hiden away. Thank yor for a sweet story.
Author's reply
Thank you. I think Frodo was such a generous soul he would have been delighted to see the jewellery being worn and enjoyed.
Dreamflower
· 31 March 2006
· Chapter 20: Treasures Received
Absolutely delightful, BB, just like all the "Reunion-verse"! This one in particular hits just the right note--not at all silly or funny, but simply very full of fond affection and hobbity ways! It always gives me a little lump in the throat to think of Frodo settled and happy living out his days among his dear ones, and able to appreciate the love and honor that are due to him! Thank you so much for sharing that Frodo with us!
Author's reply
What a lovely thing to say! Yes, I wish it could have been this way, and I love this opportunity to be able to share it with you all!
I think there would have been this natural banter between the cousins - gentle teasing which masks the deep affection they feel for each other.
shirebound
· 31 March 2006
· Chapter 20: Treasures Received
What a lovely event. I can just imagine the hobbit lasses dancing, all wearing their sparkling new jewelry. Such love!
And I adore this idea: "...the new combined Shirriff, Bounder and Ranger Post..." Marvelous.
Author's reply
I like to think there would have been a lot of co-operation between the various Free Peoples. I like to think of the Rangers and hobbits sharing facilities - esp. the kitchens - and eating together.
I too could see all those lasses with their jewellery.
Dreamflower
· 31 March 2006
· Chapter 19: I Could If I Wanted To!
Ah, Rufus! What an obedient cat--such a marvel, an obedient cat! But I daresay he is only obedient because he wants to--why, he could be quite independent and disobedient if he chose to!
Author's reply
You know cats - obedient when they want to be! Perhaps I'll have to write a story in which Rufus is disobedient!
Tigger
· 30 March 2006
· Chapter 19: I Could If I Wanted To!
Awww...What a great POV!! Just what Rufus thinks of his various prey and why and why not he's allowed to go after them. Fantastic little piece on the logical thinking of a cat. Especially this cat.
BTW...I wuv Woo-Woo too!!
;o)
We need shirts w/that on it me thinks!! ;oD
Thanks for sharing!!
Author's reply
Hmmmm. T-shirts with that slogan - what a great merchandising idea! Glad you love him too.
It's so nice that everyone loves Woo-woo!
Larner
· 29 March 2006
· Chapter 19: I Could If I Wanted To!
Yes, a very Rufus chapter here!
Author's reply
I like that - a very Rufus chapter! Yes, he does insist on it sometimes.
harrowcat
· 29 March 2006
· Chapter 19: I Could If I Wanted To!
Ah! Now there is a good and obedient feline! Very unusual in my experience! Of course you can catch any creature youi put your mind to. We all believe you!!! *g*
p.s. Happy birthday Shirebound.
Author's reply
Well, Rufus has to convince himself that he could catch anything if he put his mind to it. I'm sure we all believe him.
demeter d
· 28 March 2006
· Chapter 19: I Could If I Wanted To!
Hmm, obviously no one has told Rufus the tale of Gollum's brace of conies in the soft green woods of Ithilien! but of course, then, they really needed the food. Of course Frodo would not approve of hurting any creature without need. You know what? Master Rufus has become my favorite Original Character, too. Darling, delightful piece. And so very, very, catlike.
Author's reply
I expect the conies in Ithilien were such a necessity that Frodo ignored how they were obtained. He was asleep after all.
Glad you like Rufus - he does seem to be a favourite with many readers. I've kept cats for years - used to do cat rescue - so my observations of these fascinating creatures tend to come out in these stories.
Queen Galadriel
· 28 March 2006
· Chapter 19: I Could If I Wanted To!
:) :) Aw, how sweet, BB! I know Ellie looked simply splendid in that dress, and the presents for her and her gifts for all were loving and thoughtful. And the end was so cute! Well done!
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
Thank you! I could see Ellie in that lovely dress. I'm also sure she is a thoughtful child and would take pains with her gifts.
What else should Merry do on a birthday - eat cake of course!
shirebound
· 28 March 2006
· Chapter 19: I Could If I Wanted To!
*gasp* Thank you!!! And you're right -- Rufus is my favorite OC. Omigosh, the "impudent" squirrels.
I could go and find some now, I daresay, but it is warm and comfortable here on my cushion. The kitchen is warm and I have been fed. I shall doze for a while, and catch mice in my dreams instead.
Yes, Rufus could do all those things if he wanted to. But he loves Master Frodo and will curb his natural instincts... just enough.
Oh BB, I love this. You sweetie.
*wishes Rufus -- and you -- sweeeet dreams*
Author's reply
Awwwww! Thank you! I hope you had a lovely birthday - I see you received some other plot bunnys - or should that be plot puppies?
Dear Rufus, he wants to please his master. He could catch all these things if he cared to but he will please his master, like the good cat he is.
Queen Galadriel
· 28 March 2006
· Chapter 19: I Could If I Wanted To!
LOL how cute! Just like the disposition of so many cats I've had the honour to know. "I could do that, you know, but I'm comfortable right now. And why bother anyway? That's no fun, and my master hates it." LOL! Sweet!
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
Well, a snooze on a comfy cushion after a good meal is such hard work! :-))
Rufus is very obedient, but then he knows what upsets his master.