Reviews (188)

Kaylee Arafinwiel · 20 August 2016 · Chapter 14: Chapter Fourteen: When Mistakes Are Made

My Dear Miss Dora, and Dreamflower, I come at Last to the Final (Current) Chapter of your Book (which the Index informs me Ought to be Second-Last...I would Hate to think your Estimable Scribe had Misplaced It!) Here I will Admit having given my Own Father the most Severe Cut Direct. I have Shunned him Entirely, Refusing his Presence and Forbidding him Contact of Any Sort. Our Local Authorities have Decreed It, and for nearly the Past Year, we have not Seen or Spoken to one Another. However, October (At that Point, it would be Blotmath in the Shire) Draws ever Nearer, and I must Face him to Renew this Order. I am afraid, Miss Dora. Afraid of what he'll look like. Afraid of what he'll say. Afraid of what the Courts will do. He was Shunned so Thoroughly that even Indirect Contact was not permitted - and he Broke that Rule four times. I had to call our Shirriffs (Police, as we call them) each time, but I do not Know what Happened. I Tremble to think what he will Do. If the Specter of him still Overshadows me, how can I Face him Again? Was it a Mistake for me to Shun him? And if the Court decides in His Favour, will he Hurt me Again? I wish I did not Worry so Much, but I do not know How to Stop. Your very worried friend and reader, Kaylee

Kaylee Arafinwiel · 20 August 2016 · Chapter 13: Chapter Thirteen: On the Writing of Letters

Dear Miss Dora (and Dreamflower,) I do think that this information on the Writing of Letters shall prove valuable, whether by the Shire Quick Post or the newfangled even-quicker-Post (such as these letters!) I am very grateful for how neatly it has all been laid out. Would it be Usual, if one needs Immediate Help with a Family Problem, to write a short note asking for a face to face Meeting as soon as Possible, and then to disclose the Particulars of the Matter in Person? I have a Feeling this might be So, but I wish to be Certain. With deepest gratitude, Your friend and reader, Kaylee

Kaylee Arafinwiel · 20 August 2016 · Chapter 12: Chapter Twelve: On Funerals

My dear Miss Dora (and Dreamflower), This writing on Funerals comes to my attention in a Timely Manner, as my Healer has pressed me to Consider what may Happen to me after my Mother's Passing. I Hope it is not for a Long Time yet, but should she Depart Suddenly, or Fall Ill and be Taken from me, it is Best to Know what to Do. I hope with all my Heart this Advice will not be Needed for Some Time, but I thank you for it. Your Reader and friend, Kaylee (Dear Dreamflower, My counselor and I have begun talking about what's likely to happen to me if/when my mother passes. We've put serious discussion on hold until after my father's restraining order hearing, at least, but we have had to begin talking about it. As I have Asperger's, CP and epilepsy, but none on their own are debilitating enough for me to get services other than Social Security disability, and very little of that, it's very much in question. Mom and I have to talk about how she's planned to provide for me, at least. It's a very uncomfortable discussion, to put it mildly. :( )

Kaylee Arafinwiel · 20 August 2016 · Chapter 11: Chapter Eleven: On Weddings

Dear Miss Dora, and Dreamflower, This is a Beautiful Chapter. Though I have no Reason to Aspire to a Wedding Yet, not having a Prospective Partner, it is to be Hoped that my Sister may Wed before Long. She and Robert have not announced their Betrothal, but they have grown so Close that our Mothers are Certainly Hoping for It, and Grandchildren to Follow. (Robert's Father is certainly wishing for Grandchildren at Least, but his Hints are more Subtle. As for our Father...his Wishes are Irrelevant. I have no more to say on That Subject.) If Heather and Robert do Indeed Take that Final Step, I would be Proud Indeed to Pen their Announcement, in such Form as you have Shown Here. Your faithful Reader and Friend, Kaylee

Kaylee Arafinwiel · 20 August 2016 · Chapter 10: Chapter Ten: On Birthdays

My dear Miss Dora, and Dreamflower, Thank you for this excellent chapter on Birthdays. I know I rambled on a bit about my Mother's Birthday in particular, so I have one question now: As I said a few chapters ago, I feel I am 'stuck' in my Tweenage Years of development. Would it be Reasonable, do you suppose, for me to Hope that my Masters and Mistresses might Settle me, while teaching me their Crafts, and that in somewhat less than Two Years, upon my own Thirty-Third Birthday, I might hope to feel I have Come of Age? Should I then host a Coming of Age Party to share with my closest friends? I do certainly aspire toward *feeling* I am an Adult, and hope One Day I might be Treated as One. But I also Fear losing my Playful Side. I look forward to what Advice you both might Give. Your friend and Reader, Kaylee

Kaylee Arafinwiel · 20 August 2016 · Chapter 9: Chapter Nine: On the Giving of Gifts

My Dear Miss Dora, The Giving of Gifts is an Important Thing, to be Sure. For instance, my Mother's Birthday is approaching. As you Know, it is the Custom among Big Folk to only give gifts to the byrding, rather than the other way around. Hobbits seem Far more Sensible about this. It is also Usual to Buy New Presents, except in the case of Young Children's Gifts to their Parents. Mother might have accepted Flowers or a Drawing from me when I was Young, but now she would Certainly Expect me to Buy Something. (Except that she knows I can't, so I'm going to have to give her something late.) Luckily, my Mother Understands my Financial Situation, and Shan't be Upset. But I will give her a Birthday Card at least, and I will make it myself. I hope she will appreciate it. In any case, as I learn more Crafts, perhaps I will be able to make handmade Gifts that will cause my Family to rethink their Stance on only Buying Gifts. (And perhaps, if they must buy things for me, it will be Cards with Certain Monetary Values that may be Traded for Goods to aid me in Buying Crafting Supplies. Those would be Most Helpful.) Please forgive me for Rambling On, my dear Miss Dora (and Dreamflower.) It Grows Late, but I cannot Sleep without Finishing my Reread of this most Excellent Book. (I hope someday, your Estimable Scribe will permit you to Complete It!) Your devoted Reader and friend, Kaylee

Kaylee Arafinwiel · 20 August 2016 · Chapter 8: Chapter Eight: On Being A Guest

My Dear Miss Dora (And Dreamflower! Sorry I've been leaving you out of this!!) This Chapter on Being a Guest is something I must study Far more Intently. In the SCA, I shall Often be a Guest, if not for more than a Few Hours. Currently, I am Studying various Trades under certain Masters. I have not found one I wish to Pursue Exclusively, but perhaps Soon I Shall. Or I may just Learn Many Crafts. Whyever Not. In Any Case, knowing how to Behave while at my Masters' and Mistresses' Homes is Extremely Important. Thank you for this Informative Chapter. As ever, Your friend and Reader, kaylee

Kaylee Arafinwiel · 20 August 2016 · Chapter 7: Chapter Seven: On the Receiving of Guests

My Dear Miss Dora, This Chapter on the Receiving of Guests is most Interesting! I do not often have occasion to Receive Guests, but perhaps as I progress within the SCA I shall. Therefore, this is Important Information for me to know, even if I cannot Use it Yet. Your friend and Reader, Kaylee

Kaylee Arafinwiel · 20 August 2016 · Chapter 6: Chapter Six: Mealtimes and Manners, Part Two, Festivals, Feasts and Celebrations

My Dear Miss Dora, The Reminder of Proper Manners at Special Events is quite Timely. I have recently joined an Organization known as the SCA (Your Estimable Scribe can explain it better than I can, I am sure). They have many Celebrations, including particular Gatherings to Establish the Leaders of their Regions (They are...elected, after a fashion, I Suppose.) Some of the divisions of these Regions, more Local Groups are, indeed, known as Shires! Mine, however, is called a Province. At any Rate, Knowing How to Behave at these Festivals is of the Utmost Importance. I would not like to Bring Dishonour on my Family or Friends! Your devoted Friend and Reader, Kaylee

Kaylee Arafinwiel · 20 August 2016 · Chapter 5: Chapter Five: Mealtimes and Manners--Part One, Basic Manners and Everyday Meals

My dear Miss Dora, I begin to think I should Copy Out the contents of this Particular Chapter onto a Separate Paper, and Place it in the Kitchen as a Reminder. I have seen Specialty Timepieces with the Six Meals of the Day marked rather than the Hours; this Also might be Useful, provided I can save the Coin for such a Purchase. Failing to Eat more than First Breakfast (or Breakfast, more usually, but quite a Small one) and Dinner is quite Inconvenient to even a Big Person's Health. I shall Consult my Healer, and perhaps ask my Mother about acquiring such a Timepiece... Thank you for this Timely Reminder of Proper Meals! Your Friend and Reader, Kaylee (P.S. Dreamflower: https://www.etsy.com/listing/196716320/bag-end-hobbit-meal-time-clock This sort of thing)

Kaylee Arafinwiel · 20 August 2016 · Chapter 4: Chapter Four: Upon the Rearing of Children, Part Three--Tweenagers

My dear Miss Dora, I have reacquainted myself on this chapter about Tweenagers with much interest. It seems to me, due to my Condition, that I am frozen in a near-Tweenaged state, at least to the Mind, though my Body does indeed continue to grow older. (I am Thirty-One now, quite of age by Man-years, though I feel more as a Hobbit of that age might!) I attend regular sessions with a Healer, of Sorts. She is not there to tend to any Physical Hurt. Rather we merely speak of my Feelings, of Personal Matters and other things that Weigh on my Mind. I am not sure if the Shire has any equivalent. She does not Belittle or Criticize me for my Childlike Ways, but has helped me to Understand them. As she says, there is nothing Wrong with me, I am just Different. I am Frequently, I admit with a fair amount of Shame, Guilty of Failure to Fulfill the Tasks my Mother has set me. I Also (you will Shudder to Hear, and I Beg your Pardon) Still Fail to Eat Properly. The Reason for This is that my Mind so Focuses on the Task at Hand, I Shut Out nearly Everything Else. Punishment fails to make an Impression, as this is not Wilful Disobedience, but a Real Difficulty. I am making Slow Progress, with my Healer's Advice, but I wonder if you Might have Any Suggestions. Your Reader and Friend, Kaylee

Kaylee Arafinwiel · 20 August 2016 · Chapter 3: Chapter Three: Upon the Rearing of Children, Part Two--the Childhood and Teen Years

My dear Miss Dora, I am very Grateful for your explanation of the Childhood and Teen Years. It will help me immensely, I am sure, as I am currently hoping to Continue Chronicling the tale of your young Cousin, Angelica Baggins. I Note that Teens are usually sent to the Family Tutor at sixteen. My Chronicle has Angelica under Bilbo's tutelage at Fifteen - I am not sure whether the Tale I have been Told is in error, or perhaps Ponto simply could not be Bothered with her. (Begging your pardon, Miss Dora, of course, but it would Seem Ponto is having Difficulties and has not, as he Ought To Have Done, sought Help from the Family, rather Seeking Comfort in copious amounts of Old Winyards. Bilbo only found out by Happenstance, due to Angelica's Woolgathering and Rambling in her Essay, and I do not think he is Certain what to Do. His Scribe certainly has No Idea...Perhaps reading Further On will clear Matters somewhat.) A very distressed Kaylee (Dreamflower, I'm attempting to continue "About Balbo Baggins...and Others", with a letter written by Bilbo to one of Angelica's family. I'm not sure whether he ought to write to a Baggins, or a Took, since in my-verse Lily is Isembold's great-granddaughter. It seems to me that he'd have lost a lot of credibility as Family Head, what with the "Old Mad Baggins" thing, so I don't know if Ponto would even listen to him. I asked a psychologist friend of mine what she would do if presented with a neglected child whose widowed father had taken to drink, and she said she'd contact the police and/or CPS before involving the family. Well...of course that's not going to work. *sighs* She tried to be helpful, lol. What do you think? Kaylee)

Kaylee Arafinwiel · 20 August 2016 · Chapter 2: Chapter Two: Upon the Rearing of Children, Part One, Infancy to Faunthood

My dear Miss Dora, Renewing my Acquaintance with your Words of Wisdom has made me smile. The pleasant Picture you (and of course, your Estimable Scribe, Dreamflower) have painted on the Proper Rearing of young Children makes me Long for what Should have Been. I will say No More on that Subject just yet, lest it seem Improper. I have been Especially Grateful for your Descriptions of Faunthood. With some Work, I was able to Chronicle the Faunthoods of the Old Took's twelve Children. I wonder if I might do the same with the young Bagginses - with proper Consultation, of Course. It would Please me if you and dear Dreamflower are amenable - but of course, I will not expect an Affirmative Response. Your devoted Reader and Friend, Kaylee

Kaylee Arafinwiel · 20 August 2016 · Chapter 1: Chapter One: Foreword

My dear Miss Dora, It seems an Age since I have taken up my Pen to correspond with you! I beg that you will forgive my fault - and it is, most assuredly, entirely my fault! There is much that I wish to share with you and your Estimable Scribe, Dreamflower, but the first thing is that I have, once again, begun to reread your Book. (That, of course, may be Obvious.) I do hope I will do far better at keeping in touch with you both! Your devoted Reader and Friend, Kaylee

BlJ7Utxxso2 · 26 November 2015 · Chapter 6: Chapter Six: Mealtimes and Manners, Part Two, Festivals, Feasts and Celebrations

Frank What americans know of US martiily proposed and current martiily actions has changed considerably over the history of our country. In era of television (especially 24/7 news networks) and the internet, combat is seen in real time. Vietnam was really the first war where teelvision brought it into our living rooms ..on a delayed basis. That changed with Iraq with its media imbedded reporters who brought us real time reprorting of martiily action. It is certainly more true today with the alleged Syrian gas attack and the impact of smart video phones. But it wasn't always that way. WWII saw heavy censorship and the public knew very little about what was taking place most times only months later. FDR and other policy makers could make decisions in the absence of pubic limelight. Defeats or missteps didn't become instant fodder for debate. I would like to see a show devoted to how technology has impacted our martiily options.and foreign policy. It has made for a different dynamic.

8SgGi9iFfw · 26 November 2015 · Chapter 9: Chapter Nine: On the Giving of Gifts

OK, I am truely fnlailg in love with him! However, we are cross fencing our property and would not be able to take him until after January. I kind of hope that will work out for when you want to adopt him out. Do you have any idea what you might want for his adoption fee? I live in Florida, so unfortunately can not just run up there on a weekend, especially during the busy season. I work in the medical field. I have 2 intermediate horses and 1 intermediate pony now. Personality wise, do you think he would finish out with a real laid back personality. I just can't take on another intermediate personality!!! I realize he probably won't chill out until he becomes mature. Thanks!SherryPS: I understand I would still have to pass inspection! lol

J9YG3EVZ · 23 October 2013 · Chapter 11: Chapter Eleven: On Weddings

You don't need to abandon the biablcil approach if the person you are talking to doesn't believe that the Bible is the word of God. You could explain to that person why you think that the Bible is the word of God. If someone doesn't believe that there is absolute truth, you could ask him this question: Is it an absolute truth that there is no absolute truth?

e4MgcKs8p6WT · 21 October 2013 · Chapter 11: Chapter Eleven: On Weddings

OK, I am truely falnilg in love with him! However, we are cross fencing our property and would not be able to take him until after January. I kind of hope that will work out for when you want to adopt him out. Do you have any idea what you might want for his adoption fee? I live in Florida, so unfortunately can not just run up there on a weekend, especially during the busy season. I work in the medical field. I have 2 intermediate horses and 1 intermediate pony now. Personality wise, do you think he would finish out with a real laid back personality. I just can't take on another intermediate personality!!! I realize he probably won't chill out until he becomes mature. Thanks!SherryPS: I understand I would still have to pass inspection! lol

Antane · 9 April 2010 · Chapter 14: Chapter Fourteen: When Mistakes Are Made

Just beginning to Catch Up on my post-Lent Reading here and this is Just Adorable! I can so Hear Dora's Voice here. :) Namarie, God bless, Antane :)

Grey Wonderer · 3 March 2010 · Chapter 14: Chapter Fourteen: When Mistakes Are Made

Doing a bit of early morning reading and I agree with Miss Dora on this point: (A wise Parent may Use the Opportunity to Explain to a faunt, so that he or she might Learn from the Experience. Babes who have yet to Master Language will not Benefit, and should never be Scolded or Punished, as they have no Idea what they have Done.) I have seen so many parents yell at children too small to realize what they have done. It always makes me angry. Go, Miss Dora!

walkerskye · 2 March 2010 · Chapter 1: Chapter One: Foreword

who knew! Ann Landers and Dear Abby are Hobbits! I expect to become as devoted to Miss Dora's advice as I've been to Dear Abby's. And another dear Baggins character to get to know.

Aunt Dora · 28 February 2010 · Chapter 14: Chapter Fourteen: When Mistakes Are Made

I just started reading Miss Dora Baggins' Book of Manners. Dreamflower, these lesson are wonderful! You've captured Dora just the way I've envisioned her.

rick · 27 February 2010 · Chapter 14: Chapter Fourteen: When Mistakes Are Made

This is great! Miss Dora and Miss Manners no doubt would get along splendidly. I notice there is not a chapter heading on your latest - is that on purpose, or to illustrate the point of the chapter? Looking forward to the next chapter...

Larner · 26 February 2010 · Chapter 14: Chapter Fourteen: When Mistakes Are Made

Many words have changed meanings over the years, as have "receipt" and "ague" and so on. And I have often worked words used by Rosemary Sutcliff in her writing into my own fanfiction stories, as they add to the more archaic feel of the works. And some unusual spellings are valid, no matter what the spell-checker in most word processing programs might proclaim.

Girl-who-dislikes-silly-mistakes · 24 February 2010 · Chapter 9: Chapter Nine: On the Giving of Gifts

I really like this story, so keep up the good work! The point of this review is to tell you that you have mistakenly typed 'receipt' instead of 'recipe' at several points in this chapter. Other than that, your story is fabulous!