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Extreme Makeovers: Bag End Edition  by Elemmírë 40 Review(s)
Queen GaladrielReviewed Chapter: Epilogue on 12/1/2006
Ah! I thought I'd read this, but I looked back and found I hadn't. See, I'm still catching up! :) Amazing what one misses in two months away.

And in this case I missed a gem--a little wealth of them. Your Bilbo is absolutely perfectly in character. The part about trapping himself in the bedroom and then going out the window made me laugh out loud. That's something I would do--well, I'd be likely to trap myself, but probably not brave enough to attempt climbing out the window into a prickly bush. :)

I also loved the moment with Saradoc. "Just make him happy, Bilbo." So poignant.

The trials and joys of redoing this room are so real-life, and I feel Bilbo's satisfaction now that it's done.

And best of all is the end, when Frodo (he truly doesn't ask or expect anything, does he, the dear boy?) sits cuddled close to his new guardian and favourite relative, in silent thanks for more than just the lovely room--the love and care behind it. The end made me feel warm and cosy, Frodo waking up in the 'big bed' :) and knowing he's really home now. Perfect!

I think I see another little plot bunny peeping around the corner at me now. :)
God bless,
Galadriel

Author Reply: I thought you missed this one as I posted it soon after you had left. I'm glad to see you're catching up though.

LOL!!! I LOVE writing Bilbo!! His little foray into the thorny rose bush is one of my favorite parts as well. Bilbo's misfortunes stemmed from my own mishaps as I was remodeling the very old apartment I'm going to be moving into. I like to think I'm pretty handy, or at least willing to try, but many of my own mistakes stemmed from either not reading the directions completely or daydreaming about hobbits while I was working.

I thankfully didn't trap myself in a room like Bilbo, but I've done some pretty stupid things in the process of remodeling, like step back against the freshly painted closet wall and get paint all over my back and hair. (I had white paint in my hair for 2 weeks after that despite numerous showers). I also screwed on the doors of my new cd cabinet on the opposite side of the framework from where they were supposed to be. So, writing Bilbo's remodeling project was a jest at my own experiences and an outlet for some frustration too at other things. I loved writing this tale from beginning to end! Bilbo's satisfaction mirrors my own when I finish a project at my place.

I like to think that even though Saradoc knew that Frodo no longer belonged at Brandy Hall, that he would miss him tremendously and worry about Frodo being taken care of. Sara knew that Bilbo would provide for the lad, but I think he still needed to see it for himself in order to be able to let go.

Ohh! A plot bunny!!!! Yeah!!! *nudges you to write it*

~Elemmírë~

p.s. Out lovely and wonderful Antane has requested for me to write a sequel to this tale. I've told her that I will, but I may not be able to write it soon until I first finish a few other things. If there's anything in particular that you would like to see further explored, etc. please email me and let me know. I'll add anything you may have to my list of potential ideas for the sequel. And I really hope you write your bunny that's peeking out of the corner!

Namarie and God Bless!

Baggins BabeReviewed Chapter: Epilogue on 7/11/2006
I've loved reading this story. Bilbo has taken such trouble over the decorating, and Frodo is thrilled with the result. They will be good for each other - and little Sam will be happy to have his Frodo there.

A wonderful visit to Bag End - I can see that room so clearly.

Author Reply: Just as any parent, Bilbo wanted eveything to be just so for his lad. And Frodo couldn't be more pleased, for he finally has a home that can feel like a real home to him once again. I bet little Sam can't wait to hear his Frodo's opinion of the new flowers planted under his window.

I'm really glad you enjoyed reading this, Baggins Babe (that is such a COOL user name) and thank you also for taking the time to leave a review.

:D

AntaneReviewed Chapter: Epilogue on 7/10/2006
Glad to see him here at last and how loved he is. Now the 'Big Bed' is all his! :) I hope you do a sequel to this!

Namarie, God bless, Antane :)

Author Reply: That's right, Antane, the 'Big Bed' is all HIS.

To tell you the truth, I hadn't planned on a sequel ... but now you have me thinking of one. I do have a few other stories I'd like to finish first, but I will see what I can do. Is there anything in particular you would like to see or have explored? Email me, if you have any ideas or suggestions.

May God's Light shine upon you.

~Julie~

Lynn HReviewed Chapter: Epilogue on 7/10/2006
"Welcome home, Frodo Baggins!" I hear Elrond echoing in my head! Very good indeed!

Author Reply: LOL! Thank you Lynn! I'm glad you liked it.

LaureleafReviewed Chapter: Epilogue on 7/10/2006
I've gotten a bit behind on my reading, so I’ll cheat and give you my whole review all at once. The name caught my attention (and curiosity) so I ended up reading the whole thing at once. I loved the extent that Bilbo went to in order to give Frodo a place of his own. Giving him so much of his parent’s things was truly considerate and showed the depths of Bilbo’s love and concern for Frodo. And the part of Bilbo going out the window, then slamming the door in the S-B’s faces was priceless! Can’t wait for more from you.

Author Reply: Hi Laureleaf!

I don't mind reviews all at once (I've been known to do that as well).

I had a lot of fun writing this tale and I love to explore Bilbo's and Frodo's relationship. Bilbo loved Frodo enough to not only take him into his home and finish raising him, but also adopt him. They have one of the best relationships between characters in Tolkien's masterpiece ... one in which more is said by a simple gesture or thought, than outright words at times.

Bilbo going out the window was my favorite part to write, it was just one of those parts that really wrote itself. Whenever I reread that chapter, I find myself _always_ laughing when the door slams in the S-B's faces.

I hope you read the rest of what I've posted so far ... and if you do, I hope you enjoy it just as much.

Oh, and thank you for reading and leaving such a wonderful review!! *grins from ear to ear*


DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: Epilogue on 7/10/2006
A delightful ending to a very sweet and thoughtful tale! Frodo's going to enjoy his new room so very much!

I've really had a good time reading this gentle story, and I just love the way you showed Bilbo putting so much love and care into preparing for his ward. Very well done, dear!

Author Reply: Frodo most certainly will enjoy his new room very much ... especially since Bilbo went to such effort just for him.

Thank you so very much, Dreamflower! And thank you also for all of your reviews and all of your kind words. I'm very happy you enjoyed this tale so much and had such a good time reading it. I've enjoyed 'discussing' Bilbo with you and Aunt Dora, Shire legalities, etc. I hope we continue to do so in the future.

Namarie,

~Julie~

shireboundReviewed Chapter: Epilogue on 7/10/2006
Frodo inhaled deeply and relaxed. Bilbo sat down beside him and gathered him close.

Uncle Bilbo had taken the time and gone to great lengths to make him feel special, loved, and welcomed into his new home. His uncle had even remembered his favorite colors. Bag End was his home now ... and this was HIS room!!

When he awoke the next morning, it was not to the odd feeling of waking in a strange place. Instead, he saw his parents' faces smiling down upon him and also a beautiful array of mixed flowers blooming right outside his bedroom window. Frodo stretched out in his large bed and sniffed the scent of sizzling bacon coming from the kitchen.

He was Home.


Awwwww! *happy dance* Thank you for this lovely, happy story!


Author Reply: You're welcome! I had a lot of fun writing this one and I'm thrilled you enjoyed this story so much, Shirebound! Thank you also for reviewing every chapter, I believe, and listing this on your LJ. :D

*does my own happy dance at such a positive response to my first Shirebunny*

~Julie~

harrowcatReviewed Chapter: 6 on 7/10/2006
Oh dear, Elemmire! RL gets so busy and, while I kept up with reading this gem, the reviews got left behind. I blink and find that you have reached the last chapter already! So I promise a bumper crop of reviews when I get home tonight. You are now on my alert list so I won't have to keep looking for when you post.

Author Reply: I was wondering where you went to, Harrowcat. It's nice to hear from you again. I know what you mean about RL--it's like it gets in the way sometimes, depending on what's going on.

Take your time reading ... the tale isn't going anywhere. :D

~Julie~

AntaneReviewed Chapter: 9 on 7/9/2006
I'm getting excited about him coming and seeing his new home - he'll be so pleased! Looking forward to that upcoming story too! Glad Sam has a hand in making it special too. They'll be so excited to be together. :)

Namarie, God bless, Antane :)


Author Reply: Just keep reading, Antane!

I'm not sure exactly when I am going to begin posting 'Sewn With Love." It's complete, but part of the story takes place during Yule, so it's not exactly the season at the moment. I haven't decided either way yet.

I couldn't put the Gaffer in without Sam. He just wrote himself in there, the little bugger. Wee Sam is too cute and irresistible. Having Sam around will make Frodo very happy, especially in the abscence of little Merry.

Namarie

AntaneReviewed Chapter: 4 on 7/9/2006
What love is going into making everything just perfect. I can see myself as Bilbo, in the clumsiness and the love.

Namarie, God bless, Antane :)

Author Reply: Thank you, Antane. I'm do happy you're enjoying this. It's his love for Frodo that is motivating Bilbo to do everything himself.

LOL! I can see myself in Bilbo too ... especially the clumsiness. I didn't have to jump out of a window during the makeover of my apartment, but some of Bilbo's mishaps--especially the painting ones--came straight from my own experience.

Namarie

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