Dear Diary by Lily Dragonquill
KathyG · 3 October 2014 · Chapter 16: 9. Solmath 1369
Aww, how sweet! And poor Frodo--those nasty earaches are no fun! =( Where's a healer when you need one, huh? "Buckland Spring" is the story of Dreamflower's in which Merry says his first word. Only, instead of "Fro," he says, "Fwo"! =)
Author's reply
Thanks so much for your comment, KathyG, and also for reminding me of Dreamflower's story. Earaches are no fun, but I think even a healer won't be able to protect you from every kind of illness.
Tari · 23 February 2007 · Chapter 21: 10. Winterfilth 1380
Thank you for completing this diary. I can't tell you what it has meant to me. I never was blessed with children, and that has left a big hole in my heart. You gave me an insite into what being a mother means which I had not experienced before. It was beautifully written. Thanks again. Hugs, Tari
Author's reply
I am honoured to hear my story has touched you. In fact I am no mother either and only imagined how it would be. Thank you very much for reading and letting me know how much you enjoyed this. *hugs*
Queen Galadriel · 11 April 2006 · Chapter 21: 10. Winterfilth 1380
I somehow missed this update entirely. Oh, you've got me crying now. This is what did it: Mother, I wish nothing more than to have you and father back. I am so sorry for causing trouble and for keeping you so busy you did not even find time for your diary anymore. I am sorry for complaining and for being cross with you. I promise, if you return to me, I will always do as you say. Auntie Gilda says you can't come back, and though hearing that frightens me, I begin to believe her. I have to go on alone, don't I? I have to endure this hurt or die from it. I don't want to die. Oh, poor darling! But even while this is absolutely heart-rending, it's a fitting end, and I'm so very glad Frodo will have her diary to hold onto. If only he *could* have become a father himself. You've done a beautiful job with this story, Lily; it really seems as if you'd lived it, every bit of it. If you hadn't said otherwise, I'd think it was written from real life experience. Congratulations on its completion and I can't wait to read it again! God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
As I said in the notes, this has been a real challenge and I'm glad the story is received so well. The ending is bitter indeed, but I couldn't see it any different than Frodo getting this "gift" from his mother. Thank you very much.
Budgielover · 10 April 2006 · Chapter 21: 10. Winterfilth 1380
Oh Lily, this ending chapter was heart-breaking. The writer in me was delighted to see the story 'ended' properly, in a cycle, but the Frodo-lover was devastated. I hear young Frodo's voice so clearly, and the grief in it breaks my heart. As are all your other 'entries,' this was beautifully and movingly written, and the entire work will stand as one of the best in the genre.
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Budgie. This chapter was written a long long time ago when Primula first mentioned the bond between her and her child. I suddenly had this in my mind and though it is painful, it seemed perfect to me that it should end so. Thank you for helping me form this story.
Larner · 5 April 2006 · Chapter 21: 10. Winterfilth 1380
Yes, this is heartrending and heartening at the same time. Losing someone so close and well-beloved is difficult at the best of times. I'm glad Frodo kept the diary, myself. Thanks for this story, Lily.
Author's reply
Thank you for reading! :) The diary seemed like the perfect thing for Frodo to keep. Something to remember his mother by.
Andrea · 5 April 2006 · Chapter 21: 10. Winterfilth 1380
I will try and fight it, mother. You didn't give up, you believed in me during your pregnancy and afterwards, so I won't give up now, I promise. I will try to go on, if only for you and father. Perhaps things will turn out all right some day. Wow! Beautifully written and a perfect ending! Yes, he will have to fight a lot during his life and he will never give up! For he's stubborn, you know ;-) In the end he will not have the strength to fight on, but instead will be rewarded with all the time he needs to find his peace again. And after that he will see his beloved parents again. Of that I'm sure! Thank you for this story, Lily! I very much enjoyed reading it :)
Author's reply
Oh dear, your review made me cry. I always think of the family reunited one day for this seems to me as one of the biggest rewards for Frodo - see those he loved the most. Thank you very much for reading, my dear. *hugs*
demeter d · 5 April 2006 · Chapter 21: 10. Winterfilth 1380
Internet never ceases to amaze me. I gave myself an hour to "waste" reading today. I just reviewed your story about Frodo and Shelob, here I am still reading and you send a reply. We are somehow connected by that wire across the miles. And those of us who love the tales of Middle Earth are connected by that love, also. Well. this last chapter made me cry the whole way. A very appropriate ending. I could not see how you could tell of her death from Primula's own point of view. It would have to be someone's eye-witness account...or, Frodo looking back. I have to endure this and go on...How lovely that in the previous chapter we saw the seeds of the friendship which would someday make him feel as if he belonged again. Beautifully done!
Author's reply
The ending of this story was written long ago. I think it came to my mind when Primula wrote about the bond between mother and child. I suddenly saw Frodo sitting at his desk filling the pages with shaky letters. It seems fitting that the diary's last entry is written in Frodo's hand. Primula filled it with all her love for him and Frodo does the same for her.
SlightlyTookish · 5 April 2006 · Chapter 21: 10. Winterfilth 1380
This one left me in tears. I was surprised at first to hear Frodo's voice instead of Primula's but this is such a fitting, perfect conclusion. I'll miss this story very much!
Author's reply
I cry every time I read this last chapter - four times in the last 10 days alone! Thank you, dear. Knowing that you're a Pippin-person makes me all the happier to see you enjoyed this. *hugs*
shirebound · 5 April 2006 · Chapter 21: 10. Winterfilth 1380
will try and fight it, mother. You didn't give up, you believed in me during your pregnancy and afterwards, so I won't give up now, I promise. I will try to go on, if only for you and father. Oh Lily, how beautiful and heartbreaking. You crafted a lovely story.
Author's reply
Thank you, Janet. I'm very glad you enjoyed the story and its - rather unhappy - ending.
Budgielover · 16 March 2006 · Chapter 20: 22. Halimath 1369
Ah, my heart is complete... As I have said before, each entry in this series is lovely. You have such a gift for real insight into family life we all can relate to, and yet your Primula and Drogo retain their hobbit-charm. And in each entry, each chapter, Frodo shines with specialness. I loved that baby Frodo said "no" before "yes" - how very true of all babies! And the image of Bilbo holding that beautiful, adorable child and babbling to him while Frodo gazes up into his lined face ... you touch an emotional chord that every living soul can share. 'Lovely' doesn't really begin to cover these diary entries...
Author's reply
Thank you so much, dear. This means a lot to me, especially since this chapter was only written because you sent that bunny my way. I just felt that there needed to be something that showed the special bond between Frodo and Bilbo - and the two of them babbling together seemed just about right :) I'm glad you're enjoying Primula's diary.
demeter d · 6 March 2006 · Chapter 20: 22. Halimath 1369
Delightful, my deart! My oldest child-only son's little boy has just turned a year old, and your Frodo behaves just like little Ben does. Running about, babbling in his own little language. One minute playful and friendly, next minute tired and grumpy! So sweet to see the beginning of a deep life long friendship between the two. And as has been said before, I like they way you write Drogo and Primula as a couple. Lovers first, parent only then. I am enjoying this very much.
Author's reply
Thank you so much. I really enjoy writing Drogo and Primula. They must have been parents who left their mark on their child, even if they had one another only for a short while.
Queen Galadriel · 3 March 2006 · Chapter 20: 22. Halimath 1369
LOL! Oh, I can hardly type! To think of Bilbo engaging in "parent-baby conversation" with little Frodo is just too cute for words! LOL! So, the first word is "no," eh? Ah yes, all too familiar. I remember waking up one morning to find that my little brother had learned it, and for the next several days everything was "no no no!" :) Then came "sissy!" which to me grew more exasperating because he suddenly wanted to follow me everywhere and ask a million half-articulate questions. But that's why we adore little children, right? :) Can't wait for the next one! God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
Bilbo and Frodo prattling away surely is not something one sees every day :) Aww.. you're little brother must have been a little rascal :) But, you're right. That's why we love them. The next one will be the last one, I'm afraid.
Andrea · 3 March 2006 · Chapter 20: 22. Halimath 1369
"I don't spoil him," I tell my husband impishly and lean back for a playful kiss. "No!" Frodo exclaims demanding attention. He crawled up to his uncle, his little hand tapping Bilbo's knee. "See," I tell them, as I look fondly at my son, a smug smile on my lips. "Frodo is of the same opinion." LOL! The constant and only use of the word "no" certainly offers a wide range for interpretations ;-) And Primula's interpretation is definitely to her advantage, whereas I think little Frodo demands to hear the dragon story! That was a very nice chapter!
Author's reply
Frodo definitely only wants to be occupied. How dare the adulds find anything more interesting then him :)
Larner · 3 March 2006 · Chapter 20: 22. Halimath 1369
Yes--reaquaintance is a marvelous thing!
Author's reply
Definitely :)
shirebound · 3 March 2006 · Chapter 20: 22. Halimath 1369
Toys had to be introduced to our guest and conversations needed to be held "No!" Frodo exclaims demanding attention. He crawled up to his uncle, his little hand tapping Bilbo's knee. Bilbo wraps his arms around my boy, and pulls him into a hug. Then he covers his face, hands and belly with kisses, earning delighted squeals and giggles. There's no doubt they have stolen each other's hearts. Bilbo might want to visit more often now. Awwww! This is wonderful. I'm so happy these two share a birthday.
Author's reply
I'm glad you enjoy it.
SlightlyTookish · 3 March 2006 · Chapter 20: 22. Halimath 1369
Awwwwww! Baby hobbits are the cutest thing ever. I love Frodo's chattering :)
Author's reply
Oh, me too, my dear. Such a cute lad :)
Queen Galadriel · 6 February 2006 · Chapter 19: 22. Afterlithe 1369
*grin* Awww! Yes, I love imagining Frodo as being a mischievous child! I had to laugh at the firewood incident, reminds me of the things my own brothers used to do when they were babies. And yes, who can resist those eyes? I can't wait till this is finished and I get to read it all the way through without stopping! God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
I never pictured him as anything else but a mischievious child :) He has the kind of character that implies some cheekiness in young years (and perhaps even later).
Andrea · 6 February 2006 · Chapter 19: 22. Afterlithe 1369
How can anyone ever resist him? Well, I can't resist him, never ever :) And I can't resist this diary, it's absolutely wonderful! I'm looking forward to following our little rascal and his mother on many new "adventures"!
Author's reply
I'm afraid there are only two more chapters to come. But there are lots of adventures in other stories :) I promise to go right back to writing Schicksalsjahre eines Hobbits after the exams are over - next week! *wheee*
Larner · 6 February 2006 · Chapter 19: 22. Afterlithe 1369
And in the end few could resist them, and faced the loss of their regard with such grief. Yes, I can see these notes being written into the diary. I remember how it was with my little foster son--and the terrible grief when he was returned to his birth mother.
Author's reply
I remember how it was with my little foster son--and the terrible grief when he was returned to his birth mother. That's very sad. I hope you still are in contact.
Larner · 6 February 2006 · Chapter 18: 24. Astron 1369
And so it is that Frodo doesn't leave her--but in the end she must leave him. The grief is as terrible either way, I think.
Author's reply
It is... and it gives this story a tragic attitude, knowing that it will end so.
SlightlyTookish · 6 February 2006 · Chapter 19: 22. Afterlithe 1369
Eeee, so sweet! I have an immense love for crawling babies. They just look so cute!! This is adorable. I love your little family :)
Author's reply
A love for crawling babies? Mine certainly is the love for smiling, chubby baby faces :)
shirebound · 6 February 2006 · Chapter 19: 22. Afterlithe 1369
Well, *I* can't resist him, that's for sure! :D
Author's reply
Me neither, dear, me neither. *sighs* :D
Starfire_Moonlight · 6 February 2006 · Chapter 19: 22. Afterlithe 1369
I could just imagin what sort of mischief he could get into. Primula has got her hands full for sure, and she'd only got one child to look out for. How could anyone resist? ;)
Author's reply
I sometimes wonder how Rosie could cope with 13 little rugrats.
Queen Galadriel · 3 January 2006 · Chapter 18: 24. Astron 1369
Oh, I love it! You do this so well! You write Primula and Drogo as real people-not too angelic, as I've seen them portrayed in some other stories. And your baby Frodo is sooooo cute! Wow! You've really captured a mother's perspective here. The pride in such phrazes as "my darling child," "our little one," and even "our son" really shines. Excellent! God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
Thank you so much! I try my best to capture a mother's perspective. And as for Drogo and Primula - they are the best of parents, but they are not perfect, simply because no one is.
Andrea · 2 January 2006 · Chapter 18: 24. Astron 1369
"Drogo is my soul, but Frodo is my heart. He is the one who makes me and my little family complete." Just beautiful! Some days ago I visited my friend and her little family (do you remember?) and I could see and feel that the bond between mother and child really is something very special.
Author's reply
Thank you! I tried my best in capturing the bond between mother and child. I hope one day I'll do as well as Primula. Happy New Year, dear!