Once Upon a Meadow by Grey Wonderer
GamgeeFest · 27 March 2010 · Chapter 1: Once Upon a Meadow
Bert and Ernie? *giggles* And Pippin defending the sheep’s honor? *cackles* Oh, dear, this was a joy to read!
Author's reply
Thank you and it was a very nice surprise to find a new review for this one in my email. Glad you enjoyed it. The sheep are glad too.
PIppinfan1988 · 18 January 2010 · Chapter 1: Once Upon a Meadow
I can't tell you how much you made me laugh while reading this wonderfully wooly story. Heaven knows I needed it! As soon as Dumpling entered the tale I knew Merry was going to be his hilarious self, lol. And the sight of Fredegar and Bert going round and round had me in stitches! Your Pippin, of course, was as sweet and adorable as ever. :-) I always enjoy your comic stories, and this one was most brilliant. Very well done, my friend! Thanks for sharing. :-)
Author's reply
Oh, excellent! I'm so glad you enjoyed it and got a few laughs out of it. I do like it when you're happy. I couldn't resist letting Merry recognize Dumpling even though he claims that all sheep look alike to him. Somehow, I think he would have very strong memories of Dumpling. As you know, I do enjoy slap-stick. I'm glad you could 'see Bert and Freddy' as they ran wild among the sheep. (Pippin claims not to have seen any of it so it's good to have a witness. Paladin may be looking for you so you can explain it all to him.) Hope you have a great week! Thanks for reading and reviewing this one.
PIppinfan1988 · 18 January 2010 · Chapter 0: Just so you know
Dear Mr. Laaambert Woolrich, I am so glad that you have warned us readers about the hobbits. It was very thoughtful of you. Who knew that hobbits would end up in this story? I suppose it was inevitable. My goodness, what will they be doing next -- going on adventures? Oh, but they are darling, aren't they? :-) Perhaps a young Tookling or Brandybuck won't go amiss. Please give my reagards to Cloud!
Author's reply
Dear Pippinfan1988, I am very glad to see that you understand just how very sneaky hobbits are. I do wish they would go somewhere, even if it is an adventure of some kind, though I suppose if they do that, then someone will get the idea to write a book about them! We sheep just cannot win. I shall tell 'Cloud' hello for you as soon as I determine exactly which of the Clouds you mean. That farmer's lass named about twenty of our flock Cloud. It is most confusing. Sometimes I believe that hobbits can't tell us apart. May your meadow be filled with sweet clover, Mr. Lambert Woolrich XVIII PS I do like the way in which you wrote my name. It is very musical that way. Oh, and I see that whoever named you isn't very original either. I am number XVIII but you are number 1988! You must come from a very large flock.
Baggins Babe · 17 January 2010 · Chapter 1: Once Upon a Meadow
Another of those present snorted. ‘I’ve known the farmer’s lad for many of his shearing seasons and I don’t think I’d trust him to keep anyone out of trouble. He’s a good-hearted sort, as good as their kind can be, but he’s not one to keep others out of the brambles and safely in the meadow. Not that one!’ Sheep are definitely intelligent! This one has really summed up the walking bundle of trouble known as Peregrin Took! Please tell Mr Woolrich that he need not have been concerned - it is obvious that the sheep are the stars - and the most intelligent. All that embarrassing doggy behaviour too. My cats sometimes look at the dog in amazement when she's being particularly eager to please. This was such a brilliant story, GW. I just loved Paladin's glee as he contemplates telling the lads that they will be watching the flock for a while! I suppose parenthood has to have some compensations!
Author's reply
After years on the farm, I suspect the sheep know more about Pippin than he knows about them. : ) Mr. Woolrich will be very happy to hear that. The dogs were a bit overly enthusiastic. LOL Dogs always amuse me that way. They are just so excited about everything. I have cats also and right now, most of them are bored with everything going on here. Sometimes I do think that Paladin just must have enjoyed setting a punishment or two. After all, it was the only time he ever got even and I suspect the poor hobbit had his hands full with three daughters and Pippin! hehehe Thank you for reading and for the lovely review.
Baggins Babe · 17 January 2010 · Chapter 0: Just so you know
Dear Mr Woolrich, I'm afraid you have discovered what many fan-fiction writers have learned to their cost. Hobbits will sneak in wherever they can, even into stories which should be solely about sheep. Thank you for the warning, but I'm sure nothing will pull this reader's attention away from the true stars of the story. I have always found sheep to be intelligent and helpful creatures who tolerate the rudeness (and sometimes harsh treatment) of humans with more kindness than we deserve. I remain yours respectfully, Baggins Babe Shire Chronicler & Historian
Author's reply
Dear Baggins Babe, I am very glad to know that you, at least, will be reading this story with the sheep in mind. I am certain that you will find it more interesting if you just ignore the hobbits completely while reading. Thank you for your kind words about sheep. May you always have plenty of grass to eat, Lambert Woolrich XVIII
Mum's the Word · 16 January 2010 · Chapter 1: Once Upon a Meadow
Wool Gathering! Ruff & Reddy! And Fetchit! Bert & Ernie! I loved the tale told from both the sheep's and the intruders' viewpoints. Lots of fun, and very well done!
Author's reply
Oh, I'm so glad you enjoyed it. : ) I had lots of fun naming the dogs this time around and with the Shepherds, Bert and Ernie let me play on Sesame Street and reference "It's a Wonderful Life" all in one go. Hobbit names can be such fun for the male hobbits. The females are more limited since Tolkien says they named them for flowers and jewels but with the lads, you have room to enjoy the naming process. Thank you for the lovely review and for reading this.
Mum's the Word · 16 January 2010 · Chapter 0: Just so you know
Dear Master Woolrich, Thank you for your eloquent warning. We readers know that you and your flock would never try to pull the wool over our eyes. I go now, fully forewarned and thereby forearmed, to read this tale. Gratefully yours, Mum
Author's reply
Dear Mum, Your use of the phrase, 'pull the wool over our eyes' amused me greatly. : ) I thank you for understanding and for stopping by to read. May your meadow be safe and filled with lovely grasses, Lambert Woolrich XVIII
Celeritas · 14 January 2010 · Chapter 1: Once Upon a Meadow
Dear Mr. Woolrich, Having now read the bulk of this tale I must say that I am quite refreshed by its perspective--the common sense of these sheep is a refreshing antidote to the typical Took antics I see published under this name. I am usually out of my depth with sheepish matters, so alas, I have no idea of the state of the sheep fandom. However, if there is such a thing as a Sheep Fan Fiction Awards, gladly will I join the community simply to nominate this fine specimen. As for my previous letter to you, I thought that as a sheep of common sense you would understand that Infernal Busybodies have no sense of humor and especially frown upon any sort of disclaimer that reeks of creativity. (Translation: I deemed a simple "this disclaimer is hilarious" response to be unworthy of the effort you spent upon it and so decided to deal with it in kind--like Aragorn to Merry at the Houses of Healing, I thought, but in a text-only format it is easy to miss one's mark.) Finally: I am unaware of your relationship, if there is any, to the sheep in this tale (are they your acquaintace? Your ancestors? Your creation?); however, if you are at all able to communicate with them, please do let them know that one Meriadoc in the tale (the one in the "yellow wool") was entertaining some rather slanderous thoughts concerning the honorable sheep's proclivities. As I am sure he has not seen the last of them, I would very much like to see him punished for his terrible prejudices, perhaps by a sound kick to the buttocks. This would be difficult for a sheep to achieve on one of my race, but hobbits are I believe of the proper height for this to be attainable. I remain your humble servant, Miss C. Sagitta Shire Historian, 4th Age Infernal Busybody
Author's reply
Dear Infernal Busybody, It is very heartening to hear sheep given credit for their intellectual skills, especially by a human. (I am assuming that you are human though you've not said as much.) There is so much talk about how we sheep are easily led and seem to have no independent thought. No one ever considers the possibility that we are simply being agreeable, or that perhaps, we intended to go in the direction in which we are being led anyway. We are rarely given our due, which is exactly why I was so interested in locating a sheep-based fan fiction site for future postings. I am sorry to hear that you do not know of such a site but I intend to keep searching. Accolades for the sheep portrayed within this story would be most welcome when and if sheep awards are ever located. Until that time, we shall attempt to gain recognition for our species as best we can. I, unfortunately, know little of busybodies and their doings so I was unaware of their lack of a sense of humour. I did not notice this deficiency in your post and so I assumed that you had a sense of humour. This correspondence has been such a valuable learning experience for me. The sheep in this story are actual sheep of my acquaintance but their names have been withheld to protect their privacy. Any names mentioned in connection with the sheep, are the names bestowed upon them by the hobbits and therefore not their true names. I shall be only too happy to pass along your recommendations re the hobbit in the yellow wool. He has troubled us before so they will not be surprised to learn of his slander. He and ‘Dumpling’(not her real name) have been at opposite ends of the battlefield before. I wish you and yours many healthy shearing seasons and thank you for reading, Lambert Woolrich XVIII
Larner · 13 January 2010 · Chapter 1: Once Upon a Meadow
Ah, yes--let's pretend we're even more drunk than we are so we don't have to explain things in the morning! Heh! And Paladin is all too happy planning on their punishment. Heh! Bert and Ernie, eh? Been watching a bit of Sesame Street lately, then? Ah, dear!
Author's reply
Yes, Pippin was really thinking ahead there. It didn't help Freddy or Bert much and I don't think it is going to help him or Merry but it was a good effort for someone who was drunk. hehehe I have to let Paladin have some fun. I do think he will enjoy having Pippin and Merry fill in for the injured shepherd. I have always loved Bert and Ernie from Sesame Street and I think this was also a bit of left-over holiday cheer. (Bert and Ernie from "It's a Wonderful Life".) I like to do a bit of surprise naming now and again. Thank you for reading!
Larner · 13 January 2010 · Chapter 0: Just so you know
ONLY you can get me laughing as much at the introduction and disclaimers as at the story! I WAS drinking Dr. Pepper as I began reading, and had to grab a paper towel rather quickly, while my nose is still burning!
Author's reply
Sorry about the Dr. Pepper. I am glad this gave you a laugh though. Thanks for reviewing. Lambert will be pleased. : )
Pip4 · 13 January 2010 · Chapter 1: Once Upon a Meadow
I loved the way this was written, first from the sheep's point of view and then Merry and Pippin describing things to each other, it was fun to read. Also, when Bert first was mentioned the first thing I thought of was the guy from Seseame street but I never would have guessed you were actually going to make Bert and Ernie references. That was priceless.
Author's reply
Thank you. I am very glad you enjoyed the POV. I've written more than a view sheep-related stories but this is the first time I've tried to include their thoughts. It's good to know that it worked. Bert and Ernie are old friends from when my son used to watch Sesame Street. It was fun sticking them into the story and waiting to see who might catch it. I'm glad you liked it. Thank you for this lovely review!
Andrea · 13 January 2010 · Chapter 1: Once Upon a Meadow
“Just exactly what *is* going on?” Pippin asked sitting up. ROTFL!!! That was great, GW! It was very funny to look at the events on the meadow from different perspectives. I especially liked the different interpretations of "stinking" ;-) I hope that poor Freddy and Bert will be alright in no time, though! Merry and Pippin could have helped them earlier (if they had been less drunk). One last word to Mr. Woolrich: See? The sheep were the main characters. Among drunken hobbits, lazy dogs and crazy shepherds *they* remained sensible! Bravo!
Author's reply
Oh, I am very glad to hear that the bit about 'smells' worked well. I do think that animals must have a very different view on that issue considering all of the places that they chose to put their noses into. LOL Merry and Pippin were really no help at all in this one. They just sat back and watched the carnage. Freddy may have something to say about that once he is feeling better. LOL Mr. Woolrich is very pleased that you saw the value of the sheep in the story. He finds your review to be very sensible and well written. : )
Andrea · 13 January 2010 · Chapter 0: Just so you know
Dear Mr. Woolrich, Thank you very much for the advice, but I can assure you it is not necessary for as a matter of fact I don't mind if one or two hobbits appear in my sheep story. Those little guys can be quite funny at times, you know. After all, I know that the important characters in this story are the sheep! BTW, I have a colleague who was named after you, Lambert, by his parents. Yours faithfully, Fan Fiction Reader
Author's reply
Dear Andrea, I am glad that the hobbits are not a problem for you and I am very pleased that you know the value of sheep. That is always good to hear. So many people miss our importance. Your colleague is very lucky to have been named after a sheep. Not many folks can claim that honour. All the best, Lambert Woolrich XVIII PS Thank you for reading this very important prologue.
poppymuddyfoot · 13 January 2010 · Chapter 1: Once Upon a Meadow
Well, I must say I can't understand what Lambert Woolrich XVIII was complaining about. Those hobbits didn't steal the story from the sheep. As much as I love Merry and Pippin, I have to say the sheep are the stars of this tale. Part of me is laughing and part of me is cringing right now. You see, I was once faced with a herd of sheep and I'm afraid I acted much like Merry. The cousin who owned the sheep was vastly amused by my fear. (Hey, I'm a city girl. I'm not supposed to like farm animals!) So your story strikes just a little too close to home for me. (Although Merry is braver than I am- he didn't run screaming from the pan like I did. Maybe I would have done better if I'd been drunk at the time.) Wonderful story as always. Thank you for the laughter.
Author's reply
Mr. Woolrich is thrilled that you enjoyed the sheep in this story. It is exactly the response that he was hoping to get. Sorry this was so close to RL for you. I am also a city girl but for some reason I adore sheep and made a complete idiot of myself on two visits to the UK by pointing out the sheep every single time we passed some. It sounds like you have sheep memories much like my husband's memories of chickens. He is not at all fond of them for similar reasons. Thank you for reading and I'm very glad that this made you laugh in spite of your experiences with sheep.
Saoirse · 13 January 2010 · Chapter 1: Once Upon a Meadow
Dearest Grey, Could it possibly be you, my old friend? If it is, indeed, I should just like to say that today I stumbled down the hobbit hole after many a-year wandering past the plains of Rohan, past Gondor, even past Far Harad to new and marvelous worlds. And returning again here to Arda, and through the thicket and over the Brandywine into the Shire for a much-welcome visit, I felt my heart warm to see your name at the forefront of this page. This story was absolutely quintessentially hobbity-riffic. Merry and Pippin should be sportscasters! I loved the long, meandering way of their conversation and the slow, unhurried fashion in which their carried their hungover discussion, observing poor Freddy. The characterization of the animals was adorable (Ruff, Ready and Fetchit!) and I was laughing outloud at more than one point from Merry and Pippin's back-and-forth banter. What wonderful writing. I loved the sheep. I will endeavor now to search on for your stories, May Continued Luck and Well-Wishes be yours, my friend, Saoirse
Author's reply
Oh, it is so very good to hear from you again, Saoirse! I have missed you and your writing so much. I still re-read your hobbit tales from time to time and I did wonder where you'd gone. I'm glad to know that your journey has been a pleasant one and that you are still out there reading and possibly writing in another part of this fandom or in another fandom. You have such a talent for writing that I hope you are still doing it. I am very glad to hear that you enjoyed this story of sheep and drunken hobbits and shepherds and dogs. I love it when one of my stories gives someone a laugh or two. Keep in touch. I have missed you, my friend. Whenever you have time, drop me an email and let me know what you're writing now. I'd love to read it. Grey_wonderer at yahoo dot com Take care and all of the very best, GW
poppymuddyfoot · 13 January 2010 · Chapter 0: Just so you know
LOL! I haven't even got to the story yet and I'm laughing so hard my boss is getting worried. (Don't worry, I'm on my lunch hour, so I'm allowed to read fanfiction.) Just getting to read your introductions is a joy, and your stories are just icing on the cake. I will review the story after I've read it, but I just wanted to let you know the creativity you use in your disclaimers in appreciated, too.
Author's reply
Thank you so much. Some time back I got bored with my disclaimers and since then I have tried to make them interesting and if not interesting, at least different. LOL I am glad that this one won't be getting you fired. Thank you so much for reading and for this lovely review. It's always so nice to read that someone is enjoying these.
Celeritas · 13 January 2010 · Chapter 0: Just so you know
Dear Mr. Woolrich, Might I respectfully request that this letter is unnecessary on this website? I understand your concern; however, the fact that you are posting this tale on a Lord of the Rings fan fiction archive implies the preponderance of some non-ovine entity in this tale. I rather suspect that most people clicked on the story expecting to read something of Hobbits, or at least Men or Elves, or possibly even Dwarves (though what Dwarves would be doing on a meadow is anyone's guess!). Perhaps you initially posted this tale at a sheep-fiction archive, and only posted here as an afterthought, merely copying and pasting the disclaimer from that site, as this disclaimer is most fitting for any audience expecting to read a tale about naught but sheep. However, in the future (should this unfortunate circumstance happen to arise again), maybe you should tailor each disclaimer to the intended audience of the site. This is not intended to be offensive but merely a bit of constructed criticism. I remain your humble servant, Miss C. Sagitta Shire Historian, 4th Age Infernal Busybody
Author's reply
Dear Infernal Busybody, A Sheep-fiction Archive sounds like a great idea to me. If you happen to start one or if you know of one already in existence, please send me the link to it. It would be a shear joy to find some well-written sheep tales! I did *try* to tailor this disclaimer to 'the intended audience of the site'. I was going for a bit of humour on this one and so I tried to set that sort of tone with it. If it missed its mark, then I am very sorry. Sheep don't always understand what humans find amusing. Those who go about on two legs are often a mystery to me. Thank you for your non-offensive constructive criticism. I shall file it away for future consideration. Thank you for reading, Lambert Woolrich XVIII PS May you never be caught wool-gathering in unfriendly meadows and may your flock increase.
eiluj · 13 January 2010 · Chapter 0: Just so you know
"this story contains hobbits" -- Oh my! Thanks for the warning.... I'll be brave and persevere.
Author's reply
You are most welcome. : ) Thanks for reading in spite of the hobbits. Lambert Woolrich XVIII
shirebound · 13 January 2010 · Chapter 1: Once Upon a Meadow
“I don’t think we saw any of it, Merry. We were both passed out over here and we didn’t see a thing.” I'm glad *I* saw the whole thing! Whatever it was. This is the darlingest story, and I hated to see it end. :D
Author's reply
I'm so glad you enjoying being witness to this carnage. LOL Thank you for reading it. Your reviews are always appreciated. : )
AspenJules · 13 January 2010 · Chapter 1: Once Upon a Meadow
Lovely Sheep story, GW. I especially enjoyed the mutual discussion of how they smell. I thought the suggestion of rolling them in the grass to fix the hobbits bad smell was very wise, though the comment that they would just go wash it off was quite astute. Thanks for the giggles.
Author's reply
Thank you! I was glad to know the bit about 'smells' worked. I don't write much from the sheep's POV and so I'm glad to know it worked this time. Thank you for reading, reviewing, and giggling!
Dreamflower · 13 January 2010 · Chapter 1: Once Upon a Meadow
Oh! Oh mercy! *wipes eyes*gigglesnort*takes deep breath* Good heavens, GW, where DO you get these brilliant ideas? I love the personalities and opinions of all the sheep! Who knew that's what the sheep thought about the hobbits? This was just too funny! I loved Bert taking off after "poacher Freddy"-- but I must say, I think he deserved to have Freddy fall on him! He didn't even give Freddy a chance to explain! (THough I'm not sure how well he *could* have explained if he was in the same state as his cousins.) Pippin paused and after a minute or two he said, “I don’t think we saw any of it, Merry. We were both passed out over here and we didn’t see a thing.” “Good idea,” Merry agreed. “We can’t explain what we didn’t see.” “And, we can’t explain what we *did* see either,” Pippin said. Both of them lay back down and closed their eyes. I've always thought Pippin was far more intelligent than some people give him credit for, and this proves it! And Ernie? When I saw the name of the second shepherd-- well, you know, you really should include beverage warnings in those clever disclaimers of yours! *mops OJ off monitor* Good old Paladin-- he'll sort it all out, and enjoy doing so...
Author's reply
I love the sound effects in your reviews. It's kind of like I get to listen to you read the story. Makes it much more fun. I thought it was about time I wrote something from the sheep's POV. They have, after all, been grazing their way through my stories for some time now. I felt they deserved their say in at least one of them. Bert did over-react for a so-called gentle shepherd who wouldn't hurt a fly, didn't he? I think poor Freddy got the worst of this one but at some point, I'll give him his revenge on Merry and Pippin at least. I may leave Bert alone. He's really rather high-stung isn't he? Yes, Pippin is very clever indeed. In my stories often it is only Merry that can see it, but it is true. I like the idea of naming my hobbits for other things from time to time. And so Bert and Ernie Sesame Street and Bert and Ernie from It's a Wonderful Life got the nod this time. Sorry about the beverage spew but I am very glad you enjoyed it all. Thanks so much for reading!
Dreamflower · 13 January 2010 · Chapter 0: Just so you know
Dear Lambert: (And may I say, you have a fine name! Very appropriate for a sheep!) I don't think you need to worry about the hobbits having wandered into your tale-- they simply lend a bit of flavor to such a wonderful sheep story! After all, it is by the contrast with the hobbits that the sheep are shown to be such intelligent and witty creatures, most especially those particular hobbits in that particular state make sheep seem positively brilliant by comparison!
Author's reply
Dear Dreamflower, Thank you for your words of praise for my name. It has been in the family for many shearing seasons as you can tell by the number which follows it. I can tell that you are a reader with an appreciation for sheep. It is very delightful to read your words regarding sheep. You are the very type of reader that I had hoped would find this story. You seem very intelligent for a human and I hope that some of your future stories will contain sheep. You seem to understand us quite well. All of the best, Lambert Woolrich XVIII