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Pearl's Pearls - A New String  by Pearl Took 8 Review(s)
cathleenReviewed Chapter: 8 on 7/2/2008
Oh! This is very striking, Pearl! I love the strong emotion you express in this little tale - both cousins are perfectly in voice, and you've cpatured Pippin as his pure self. I can absolutely picture the irrepressible lad doing all of this, and responding to Merry in his bright tone and optimistic way! I recall the song, too, and it really is perfect for Pip. What a wonderful present for Dreamflower's birthday, and lovely to wake up to for me - thanks for sharing it!!!

Author Reply: aw *blushing* Thank you so much, cathleen :-) I got "Moonshadow" off iTunes awhile ago and have it on my iPod. Every time I heard it I could see Pippin. I just knew it would have to become a wee story.

Grey WondererReviewed Chapter: 8 on 7/1/2008
I do believe that you have a song-within a song. You've heard of marching to a different drummer? Well, I seem to have been humming a different tune while reading this.

(“No!” the lad replied hastily. “No, not at all. It’s more a . . . um . . . way to see the bright side of life.”
“The bright side of life? Wouldn’t that work better in the light of the midday sun?” )

"Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" by Eric Idle
Some things in life are bad,
They can really make you mad.
Other things just make you swear and curse.
When you're chewing on life's gristle,
Don't grumble, give a whistle,
And this'll help things turn out for the best, and...

Lovely story! I couldn't help but hear Eric Idle even though I know "Moonshadow" well. May Cat Stevens forgive me!

'Bright Side of Life' does mention 'whistle'.

Author Reply: I can see why! :-) I looked up Eric Idle's "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" on YouTube and it sure does fit this as well. I'm glad you enjoyed the story and that, with whichever song, it brightened your day :-)

(I wouldn't be surprised if Cat Stevens likes Eric's song as well and would totally understand)

Thank you, GW :-)

shireboundReviewed Chapter: 8 on 7/1/2008
Oh Pearl, I never ever gave those lyrics a second thought! Thank you for opening my eyes to this.

you have to have a good clear moonshadow, and it has to be following you, so you have to be facing the moon. Then you dance about on the feet of your moonshadow., and as you are dancing your moonshadow is dancing and you can see happier ways of looking at life.

What a beautiful, hopeful, magical story.

Author Reply: Thank you so much, shireboud, and you are welcome :-) I'm glad you enjoyed it and found it magical, I was hoping it would have that feel to it.

Garnet TookReviewed Chapter: 8 on 7/1/2008
I remember that song.:) As soon as I saw the title of your story I figured it was based in some way on "Moonshadow".

Pippin really would be the person to see the positive in even the most horrible situation. I'm glad he convinced Merry that life, even at it's darkest, can be bright and beautiful.

Very nice story.

Author Reply: Thank you, Garnet! I figured a lot of us would remember the song (hehehe). Pippin is an optimist indeed!

DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 8 on 7/1/2008
Oh Pearl! That's our bright Tookish optimist, isn't it? How delightful--you know how I love Pippin playing music!

Thank you for such a lovely little story! (((((((massive hugs))))))))

Author Reply: You are most welcome! I'm so glad you liked it, Dreamflower :-) The "vision" of Pippin dancing with his moonshadow has been in my head for a while and it chose your birthday to become a story.

(((((massive hugs back))))))

LindeleaReviewed Chapter: 8 on 7/1/2008
“I’ll be fine as long as you go with me, Merry.”

“Yes, Pippin,” Merry said, finally giving himself over to the music in their heads. “We’ll go together.”

Oh, lovely!

(Today is DF's birthday??? I must get on the stick and finish the story I started a birthday or three ago...)

Author Reply: Thank you, Lin! Glad you liked it :-)

GoldenReviewed Chapter: 8 on 7/1/2008
I enjoyed reading the story very much Pearl. Wonderful story! :)

Happy Birthday Dreamflower! I hope you have a great day! *lots of hugs*

Golden

Author Reply: Thank you, Golden :) I'm glad you enjoyed it!

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 8 on 7/1/2008
I found "Moonshadow" running through my mind once I'd read the title, and recognized the themes. Ah, trust our beloved Took and Brandybuck to find a means of communicating and finding joy in all in spite of any barriers thrown in their way!

Author Reply: Thank you, Larner :-) It is something I need to get better at myself :)

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