Dreamflower
· 3 July 2007
· Chapter 12: First Effort
“Yes,” Sam jumped in. “I’m not sure we call all of these herbs by the same names, for one thing. Then, there’s all these measurin’ terms. Where’s the dabs, dashes, smidgens, drams, gills, and such?”
Sam paused and his eyes widened. “I just now thought, sirs. Most everything we use back home is smaller than anything men use. Smaller cups, smaller spoons, smaller mortar and pestles. I don’t know as any of your measurements are going to work even if the names for them did match up proper.”
What a stroke of genius to remember this! It's not something most writers take into account with hobbits! I also loved that you showed how accurate Sam was, measuring in his hand. Great cooks can do that! (I remember the cooking show of the late Cajun cook, Justin Wilson. He'd pour some salt or whatever into his hand, and say "that's a teaspoon. Don't believe me?" and then he'd pick up a teaspoon and pour it from his hand into the spoon. It was exact every time!)
Poor Pippin! I just cringe, reading about what he's going through.
Author's reply
Hi Dreamflower :-)
Thank you!
I took a bread baking class a long time ago and the teacher could measure in her hand. She said at first every time she measured anything dry, she would dump it into her palm first to learn what it looked like, then gradually quit using the measuring spoons and cups.
The poor lad is going through a lot, bless him, as are all who care about him.
Lindelea
· 3 July 2007
· Chapter 12: First Effort
Have just caught up in this story.
*sigh* Alas, poor Pip! This has been painful to read.
The differing measures was a masterful stroke of insight.
But now I am called to take a dog for a walk, and it's best to get out of the way early, as we are in the middle of a heat wave and it'll be quite oppressive later on.
Here's hoping for some relief for our favourite hobbit and those who love him.
Author's reply
Hi Lindelea!
Thank you for catching up with us :-) The measures thing was pure serendipity.
Relief for Pippin will come . . . eventually. I hope it comes soon for you too.
Hugs!
shirebound
· 3 July 2007
· Chapter 12: First Effort
"Most everything we use back home is smaller than anything men use. Smaller cups, smaller spoons, smaller mortar and pestles. I don’t know as any of your measurements are going to work even if the names for them did match up proper.”
That's very perceptive; I'm not sure I would have thought of that.
Author's reply
Thank you, shirebound :-)
That was one of the serendipitous things that came to me as I started writing the scene. The whole metric vs. English issue popped into my head, so I thought the nomenclature might not match up. That led to looking up old measuring terms. Then as I was doing that, I thought of the movies and how they had two scales for everything - hobbit sized and man sized - and realized that the vessels themselves would be different sizes. Like the Prancing Pony scene with Pippin's amazement at the size of a pint. Sam then says "You've had a whole half already!" (which sounds funny - whole half) showing they knew of pints, they knew they were used to half pints. But Pippin's reaction made it clear that the full pints weren't used in the Shire. It was clear this would all be a problem when it came to needing to mix medicines.
Garnet Took
· 3 July 2007
· Chapter 12: First Effort
Wow! That pretty much sums it up.:) But, you know I'm going to say more, right?
This was an incredible chapter, both in detale and emotion. I found myself feeling so bad for Pippin when it came out that he could no longer be left alone for even such things as bathing or seeing to nature's call. I can't even begin to imagine how humiliating that must have been.
I also feel his frustration over not being able to do even simple things like fastening a belt or cutting his own food. And, yes, I do believe that it was a little irritating to the others when they had to cut things up every time he asked for more; but it is sad that he was able to read that so clearly in his friends.
The thing that left me speechless was when he simply walked away from his post and started babbling to a statue. How fightening that must have been for Aragorn to witness, and how embarrassing for Pippin to learn that he had done it. I can fully understand why Pippin didn't want to stand guard after that, but I am thankful that Aragorn insisted that he did. In the long run, it will be good that they didn't let him stop doing the things that he should do. He'll have lost less if he does all that he can to live as normally as he can while they search for the best treatment. This way, he'll have less retraining of himself to do when he is released back to as normal a state of living as he'll ever have. There's a term they use in special education called the Least Restrictive Enviroment, that's what Aragorn wants to provide Pippin with. Let him do all that he can for himself, adapt what needs adapting to help him live normally and only help directly when it is obvious that help is needed.
Sorry for the wordy review, but this chapter got me thinking that much.;)
Now, I really want to see the next one soon.
Great job Pearl and Golden.
Author's reply
Wow in return :-) Thank you for such wonderful comments, Garnet!
The descriptions of complex partial seizures that I read sounded a great deal like dementia and Alzheimer's - they can include odd behaviour like stripping, wandering off, muttering, etc. so I thought I'd bring some of that into the story.
The issue of how much can Pippin do will be a recurring theme with both his epilepsy and his damaged arm and hand. They all still have a lot to learn ;-)
Don't apologize for the wordy review, it's wonderful!
I'll do my best to get the next one done asap :-)
Thank you!
Agape4Gondor
· 3 July 2007
· Chapter 12: First Effort
BRAVO! Great idea with the confusion about weighs and measures and names and sizes of tools... never thought of that! Brilliant!
My first thought, after the mess, was to bring in Aragorn and, lo and behold, you bring in Aragorn! And Sam's cooking... great job with his knowing smidgens and such!
But the lack of privacy for poor Pip! That was a cruel blow, but understanble.
I do so love this tale - you just continue to surprise me with the level of ingenuity!
Author's reply
Hi and thank you, Agape!
Does it sound too corny to say I surprise myself? Stuff just pops into my head as I'm writing - and it's often the best stuff I write ;-)
I thought Aragorn would know some things like that, having hung around Bree where there are both Men and Hobbits
Not bathing alone (not so sure with showers), or at least without someone nearby who knows you're in the tub, can still an issue for people with epilepsy - as is swimming. More so with someone who is either not medicated or doesn't have their medication established and their seizures as under control as possible.
I'm glad you are loving our story :-)
Thank you!
Andrea
· 29 June 2007
· Chapter 11: Down a New Path
Dear Pearl,
I'm really intrigued by this story!
I can feel with Pippin who simply doesn't understand why this should happen to him. He even is searching for something he did wrong to explain it, it seems!
Aragorn's apology was great. And Pippin's reaction was wonderful!
I only hope that it will not take too long to find the right medication!
Larner wrote about her mother having been given the wrong medication. My father has experienced something similar. So I can very well imagine what might happen next!
I'm looking forward to reading more!
Author's reply
Hi Andrea and Thank you :-)
I'm glad it is all still feeling right. I'm sorry to hear about your father. We have so many medicines now that it doesn't surprise me that things go wrong at time. I hope he is OK now.
Thank you so much for staying with us :-)
elanor winterflowers
· 26 June 2007
· Chapter 11: Down a New Path
I really appreciate the care that has gone into presenting this story; I feel very comfortable that Pippin's well-being in this situation is in the hands of such careful writer/researchers!
And I find that I respond to the story quite honestly, in the same way I responded to learning my own child had a burden to carry in life. There are days when you just weep for the unfairness of it all, and others when you are uplifted by the courage they show. I follow Pippin's progress, though, with a heavy heart for now; I am not used to thinking of him as permanently afflicted; as in real life, it is hard to get used to the idea! Life has a way of surprising us, though.
Sensitive, gripping and heartrending--very well done!
Author's reply
Thank you so much for such an open response, elanor w. :-)
Responses like this help me to go on even when the story is getting tough. I (more than Golden who works with the disabled) have been having an increasingly hard time with some of what we're putting Pippin through. I will come back to your comments here when I need encouragement.
If people who are "there" feel we're doing a good job, that is a great reward to Golden and I.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Larner
· 26 June 2007
· Chapter 11: Down a New Path
I read this earlier today, but was having difficulty staying online at the time, and my review wouldn't save.
I, too, am glad that Merry and Sam are going to be trained in how to mix the remedies once they are decided on, particularly as Paltrow, of course, isn't going to go back to the Shire with them any more than Aragorn will.
Most of the anti-seizure drugs I've seen have had a sedative effect to one degree or another; my mother was incorrectly diagnosed with a possible seizure disorder (caused, we learned, by another medication our doctor had prescribed for her and that he refused to take her off of when she suffered some serious side effects); the combination of that with Dilantin almost killed her--made her truly intoxicated. The med he kept insisting was perfect for her whose side effects were, he said, all in her head is now no longer available on the market here in the United States. Seems she's not the only one to have serious problems due to it.
Author's reply
Thank you for taking the time to come back and post your response, Larner! I hate when things go wonky and what should be a simple thing ends up frustrating.
From our research I would say the sedative effect is pretty standard, yes. I'm sorry your mom had to go through all of that :-( I have a friend who has MS - the side effects listed for a couple of her meds are the same as the symptoms of MS. She has often wondered why they are giving her stuff that can cause the same problems. I'm just glad I'm not a doctor or a pharmacist!
Thank you so much :-)
Garnet Took
· 25 June 2007
· Chapter 11: Down a New Path
Now the real work begins. Trying to find what works, and in what measure, is going to be a challenge; or that is what I gather from your authors note at the beginning.
I am still loving this story and am anxiously waiting to see what happens next.
This is really a PippinHealers dream come true.
Thanks for doing such a great job.
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Garnet :-)
I hope we have PippinHealers reading it ;-)
The search for the right medicine will take time, though not all of it will get written out in full or we'll be writing this story for ages. But yes, it will be a lengthy task.
I am so glad you are still loving our story!
You're welcome and than you :-)
Dreamflower
· 25 June 2007
· Chapter 11: Down a New Path
Ah, so it begins! I like that Aragorn plans to teach Merry and Sam how to prepare the medicine. And I think it was very reasonable of Frodo and the others to insist on their conditions--it's only natural that they be wary after what occurred at the beginning of it all.
Author's reply
Hi and thank you, Dreamflower :-)
It just seemed right to have it be Merry and Sam.
Yes, they all needed the assurance that things wouldn't fall apart like before. I think they have it taken care of now.
Agape4Gondor
· 25 June 2007
· Chapter 11: Down a New Path
Whoo hooo! Another awesome chapter... I found myself sitting on the edge of my bed, er, chair and listening very intently - such important information. Wow...
Well written. Thanks for the little disclaimer at the beginning of the chapter. It is important to know that things might not be 'quite' right with all the medicines, herbs, doses and such!
Great job - I'm enjoying this thoroughly!!!!
Author's reply
Gosh, thank you, Agape :-)
I felt that I needed to let people know all of that, I don't want people taking it all as 'gospel' so to speak. We've tried to be cautious and Golden does have OT clients who have epilepsy, so she has some familiarity with the condition, but not enough for writing a story with it as a main feature.
I'm no chemist or pharmacist ;-) so I wanted to have folks know that the mixes on the medicines (if I end up describing them) are fabricated.
I'm glad you are still enjoying this, thank you!
Hai Took
· 25 June 2007
· Chapter 11: Down a New Path
Well I guess this will be a long and hard road for all of them but at least they have each other! Aragorn's heartfelt apology and Pippin's quick forgiveness were both very nice and well done. I'm very impressed with as much research you and Golden are doing! That must be difficult at times, but it is appreciated by me as a reader :) Dear Sam, being nervous about mixing medicine differently than mixing food, very much a Sam concern. Looking forward to more, thank you!
Author's reply
Greetings Hai!
I'm so glad you liked Sam! It is a different sort of mixing, but I think he'll be fine :-)
The research has been time consuming and part of why there have been some long times of waiting for all our readers. But it has been very interesting.
Thank you so much, Hai :-)
PIppinfan1988
· 25 June 2007
· Chapter 11: Down a New Path
The passage of Pippin forgiving Aragorn was absolutely beautiful! I think this is indeed a new beginning (of sorts) for our laddie. Excellent chapter! You ladies are doing a fantastic job with this story!
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Pippinfan :-)
I'm glad that worked well, one of those that I wasn't as sure of.
Yes, a new life very different from the one he knew.
shirebound
· 25 June 2007
· Chapter 11: Down a New Path
In a tender reversal of a gesture so often used to comfort him, Pippin ran the good fingers of his right hand through the man’s hair before lowering his hand to rest on Strider’s
This is a lovely chapter. The deep friendship and trust between all of them is so obvious. Pippin is wonderfully written as tween, knight, and the cheeky hobbit he will always be.
Author's reply
Thank you so much, shirebound :-) I'm so glad that you're still enjoying our story and that I've not last dear Pip!
cathleen
· 19 June 2007
· Chapter 7: Found
Pearl, I've only just reached this chapter and found it so touching and heartbreaking. Poor Pip! Talk about fate. Thank goodness that little girl showed up. I love the comparison between the broken doll and the way he was feeling about himself. I'm glad he got up the courage to go on after that interaction.
I know I've already said this but it bears repeating. This is truly the most touching tale of the Quest that I've ever read. You have really struck a chord in your readers' hearts. Thank you!
Cathleen
Author's reply
You are most welcome, Cathleen, and Thank You for such kind and generous words!
He really is a courageous young hobbit with a sunny heart. It is going to help him a lot.
Thank you so much!
Agape4Gondor
· 16 June 2007
· Chapter 10: Comfort
Very powerful chapter. All of it - Pip, Gandalf, their friends... took my breath away - when poor Pip could not breathe - but put it back again when his friends came and accepted him wholeheartedly. But what else could one expect! Except for poor Pip.
Author's reply
Always pleased when a chapter touches you, Agape. Thank you :-)
Having those who care is great medicine.
Andrea
· 16 June 2007
· Chapter 10: Comfort
"But when you have friends and family close to your heart who believe in you, who never forget your worth as a person and help you to not forget it either, it will be bearable."
Good old wizard! I like that scene very much, Pearl!
I'm certainly aware that Aragorn is not able to *cure* the falling sickness, but I deeply hope that his *help* will ease Pippin's pains.
To be shut away from the others - for Pippin that would be the worst thing! I can understand that very well.
I'm looking forward to reading more!
Author's reply
I'm glad you liked this chapter, Andrea :-)
No, I have always seen Pippin as a very social person and having to be shut away would be a horrible fate for him.
More to follow - slowly but surely ;-)
Thank you so much!
Hai Took
· 14 June 2007
· Chapter 10: Comfort
Wow! This story is very...good. But it just makes me so sad to think of all the things they are going through. It is very good and has me hooked. I think the most heart wrenching for me was when Pippin was having his fit and Mery and Frodo were there, not understanding and afraid. I do love that little girl and her doll, certainly the right thing at the right time. Chance or on purpose? Anyway I did love Gandalf looking after Pippin here. I really like the relationship you have portrayed between them, parental, very nice. I'm really enjoying it Golden! And Pearl of course, you guys are doing a fantastic job! Looking forward to more!
Author's reply
Welcome Hai!
Glad we have you hooked :-) I'm glad you enjoyed all those parts of our tale and are looking forward to more. We are both putting a lot of effort into this story.
On purpose ;-)
Thank you so much!
Larner
· 14 June 2007
· Chapter 10: Comfort
Now and then everyone needs some comforting, and I'm so glad Gandalf was there to give it to Pippin. And now that all understand, they are now ready for the next step. Understanding helps a good deal to control the fear and ease the healing.
Author's reply
Hi Larner!
Yes, comfort is as important as any medicine and understanding is better than ignorance.
Thank you :-)
elanor winterflowers
· 13 June 2007
· Chapter 10: Comfort
Ahhh! I came far too soon to the end!
A lovely, comforting chapter; it is nice to see everyone sorting everything out and understanding one another. Much work to be done, though; I am much interested in what Aragorn has to say!
Author's reply
I'm so glad you enjoyed it that much, elanor w. :-)
Some comfort was due, that's for sure. I'm hoping there won't be too much of a delay getting the next chapter written and posted, but I have a lot of research to do :-)
Thank you!
Garnet Took
· 13 June 2007
· Chapter 10: Comfort
This was wonderful.
I love the conversation between Gandalf and Pippin. And the wizard and hobbit falling asleep was priceless. Gandalf's legs falling asleep was great.
The scene the next morning was just so hobbity. Pippin has the best weapon of all to fight this problem with; love and his sense of humor.
Great job, Pearl and Golden.
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Garnet :-)
It was time for everyone to have a breather - us included ;-) I'm glad that scene was good and hobbity!
PIppinfan1988
· 13 June 2007
· Chapter 10: Comfort
Oh, boy -- it's medicine time!
That was lovely; Gandalf "comforting" Pippin in his lap. :-) I like that Pippin is finally getting a grip on the disorder he now has to live with. A nice long chat with his cousins and friend is doing a great amount of good. Finding out what can help him is going to be interesting. :-)
PF
Author's reply
Thank you, dear PippinFan!
I know, it will be interesting . . . if I can figure it out that is :-\
Thank you so much for everything :-)
shirebound
· 13 June 2007
· Chapter 10: Comfort
He smiled again. A loving smile matched with eyes that sparkled with affection.
“I have not for one moment felt I have been sitting here cuddling a child. No, Peregrin Took. I have been giving comfort to a hurting soldier; to a mature hobbit who has just cause for his fears and concerns.”
Awwww. And now Strider has come, and we'll all learn what can (and cannot) be done, along with Pippin.
Author's reply
Hi shirebound!
Yes, which means I have research to do ;-)
Thank you for staying with us!
shirebound
· 12 June 2007
· Chapter 9: Sorting Things Out
The wizard saw in a flash himself and Pippin flying over the ground to the beat of Shadowfax’s hooves. Pippin, all curious questions one moment then shivering with fear the next, pressing tightly against Gandalf’s chest and cuddling into his arms for safety.
“I’ll see to the lad,” he whispered to Merry, Frodo and Sam.
What a lovely idea. Gandalf has such a soft spot for his dear lad.
Author's reply
Hi m'dear shirebound and thank you!
I felt Tolkien showed this in the books. He loved and cared for Bilbo and Frodo, was fond of Sam and Merry, but he seemed to have a special place in his heart for Pippin. Maybe because of Gerontius?
Garnet Took
· 8 June 2007
· Chapter 9: Sorting Things Out
Great chapter, Pearl and Golden.
I had been waiting for this one for a while. I'm sad I wasn't home to read it last night when you posted it.
The story of what Merry and Pippin saw as young children was very sad. Maybe, now that they are going to be learning so much more about the falling sickness, they will be able to help Bandy when they get home.
Oh, now I'm so looking forward to the next chapter. Could we possilbly be going to get a some wonderful Gandalf-Pippin moments.:)
Got to run, or I'd say more.
Author's reply
Hi Garnet!
Thank you, glad you felt it is a great chapter :-)
It is a sad tale. I think they just might do that ;-)
Gandalf and Pippin do interact well together ;-)
Thank you for saying what you can, we love hearing from you!