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's 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!
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's 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
Antane
· 10 July 2006
· Chapter 999: Trading Spaces
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's 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 H
· 10 July 2006
· Chapter 999: Trading Spaces
"Welcome home, Frodo Baggins!" I hear Elrond echoing in my head! Very good indeed!
Author's reply
LOL! Thank you Lynn! I'm glad you liked it.
Laureleaf
· 10 July 2006
· Chapter 999: Trading Spaces
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's 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*
Dreamflower
· 10 July 2006
· Chapter 999: Trading Spaces
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's 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~
shirebound
· 10 July 2006
· Chapter 999: Trading Spaces
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's 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~
harrowcat
· 10 July 2006
· Chapter 6: Home Improvement ( ... And a Cup of Tea for the Bachelor Soul)
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's 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~
Antane
· 9 July 2006
· Chapter 9: Designed to Sell
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's 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
Antane
· 9 July 2006
· Chapter 4: Weekend Warriors, Part II
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's 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
Dreamflower
· 7 July 2006
· Chapter 9: Designed to Sell
Your description of the room is so vivid! I can just *see* it! Isn't it fun to decorate Bag End? (I had so much fun designing Gandalf's room, LOL!) This is going to be a really beautiful place for Frodo--and the colors, so peaceful and tranquil!
And I like the way you are observing the legalities! Very well done!
*looking forward to the promised new story soon*
Author's reply
Thank you, Dreamflower! I had another reviewer ask if there was a picture of Frodo's new room--only the one that exists in my head and is now on paper (well, online 'paper'). By the end of this tale however, everyone should be able to picture Frodo's bedroom through those desriptions alone, I hope.
Yes, I most certainly had fun helping Bilbo decorate Frodo's new bedroom! I think he did pretty well for a bachelor who is unaccustomed to hard, manual labor.
Bilbo made sure to incorporate Frodo's favorite colors, but made sure the room would be a peaceful place for his nephew. Frodo needs a little tranquility in his life after living in the warren known as Brandy Hall with hundreds of other hobbits, after all.
Thank you, I tried to keep my legalities very basic and in order. Given how the S-B's are, I believe that Bilbo would have been very cautious and extremely thorough in looking over all the paperwork before the final signing. Since hobbits love genealogy and have a strict legal ettiquette, I chose to include a legal writer. This job would be akin to a town clerk, a paralegal, or even a rudimentary lawyer maybe. I haven't recalled reading anywhere factual that the Shire had lawyers. At the end of 'The Hobbit,' when Bilbo returns to discover all his property up for auction, those that are running the auction may possibly be lawyers ... or bankers. Tolkien gives their names, but never says what they really do.
I haven't decided when I am going to post 'Sewn with Love' yet. It's all written and edited ... it's actually my very first multi-chaptered story written and my second LOTR fanfic penned. I am waiting because it is a tale that takes place over the course of several months and ends at Yule. I haven't decided if I want to post it soon or wait until December. Opinion?
Dreamflower
· 7 July 2006
· Chapter 8: Design on a Dime
Saradoc shook Bilbo’s hand firmly before enfolding the old hobbit in a warm embrace. “Just make him happy again, Bilbo,” he implored before joining his father and uncle.
“I will try to the best of my ability, Saradoc Brandybuck. That is all I can promise--the rest is up to Frodo,” Bilbo replied.
I just loved that exchange. I have always felt that Saradoc and Esme must have felt awful that they had never been able to make Frodo truly happy, and that Frodo was never really able to feel they were more than just foster parents. And it must have hurt to realize how badly they would miss him--especially Merry. But they're doing what's best for Frodo.
Author's reply
Thank you!
I originally wrote this chapter minus Saradoc's guilt at first ... but it needed something more and I basically had the same thought as you. Although they loved Frodo dearly, Sara and Esme knew that Brandy Hall just wasn't where he was meant to be anymore. They tried their best with him, and Frodo knows this, but I don't really think there were any circumstances under which he could truly love and feel at peace in Buckland. It must have gnawed at him nearly every day ... to know that perhaps if his family hadn't visited that one time, then maybe his parents would still be alive. How hard it must have been to be a happy and carfree child one night, then wake up and suddenly find your entire world taken from you ... your closest family, your home, your heart. Frodo must have felt very displaced and maybe even abandoned by his Baggins family those first few months after his parents' drowning.
Sara and Esme have come to see this and so, can let Frodo go even though they and Merry will miss him dearly.
shirebound
· 7 July 2006
· Chapter 9: Designed to Sell
How lovely to learn a bit about Bilbo's mother! She's usually a very little-known character in fanfic.
he felt a sense of completeness to his life that he had never known before
Awwww. I'm so happy for both of them!
Author's reply
Very true--not too many write about Belladonna Took. And while she wasn't in my tale, per say, her former prescence as Mistress of Bag End does play a very important role. It is through her past that Bilbo finds reasurance for his future. He sees an heirloom that had been in the family for generations and he comes to realize that it will now continue to be in the family through Frodo (or so he thinks).
I'm happy that you're happy!
shirebound
· 7 July 2006
· Chapter 8: Design on a Dime
Somehow I missed this chapter! Wonderful, as all the others.
Saradoc ran his hand over the beautiful desk. His father had been right. Despite all appearances, he had been uncertain about Frodo moving here to live with a 99-year old hobbit, who despite being a lifelong bachelor, inexplicably seemed to be the best solution for Frodo's future in more ways than one.
Isn't it marvelous that Bilbo was the answer to Frodo's future? How fascinating the way it all worked out.
Gosh, I'd love to see a photograph of the finished room. :D
Author's reply
I posted it this morning on 7/7, but somehow it never showed up as such. I tried hiding and reposting, but this chapter kept showing up under 7/6 which already passed. I think there are many others who have missed it too, so I am going to post the next chapter and say that the next 2 are up in my summary and include the titles.
Bilbo and Frodo certainly both needed each other and they were both the answer to the other's problems. Funny how life is like that, sometimes.
Unfortunately, cameras don't exist in Middle-earth. :( However, you will "see" the finished room in the end, so to speak.
Dreamflower
· 7 July 2006
· Chapter 7: Curb Appeal
Aaawww...I love the description of Belladonna's rosebush, and Bilbo slipping Sam a toffee, and wee!Sam helping with the flowerbed!
Just *adorable*! *sigh*
Author's reply
Thank you kindly, Dreamflower! Bilbo enjoys spoiling the Gamgee children (on the sly from their Gaffer's eye, of course.)
Dreamflower
· 7 July 2006
· Chapter 6: Home Improvement ( ... And a Cup of Tea for the Bachelor Soul)
I find it quite humorous that Bilbo is all worried about "child-proofing" the smial for a lad who has entered his tweens! LOL! It's a good thing Frodo can't read Bilbo's mind at this point in time--he'd be throroughly embarrassed. Yet in a way, Bilbo's right--he does have a few things the lad might find tempting to handle.
Thank goodness for Bell's sage advice. I can just imagine her chuckling after the Master heads back up the Hill, and shaking her head fondly.
Author's reply
Bilbo knows that tweens, especially this one, can be curious and get themselves into all sorts of mischief. He's not too worried about Frodo burning his hand on the stove, or the unsafe things around that say a faunt might get into, however, Bag End _does_ hold a few temptations for the older child. Bilbo may be an old bachelor, but he's not stupid; he is coming to understand what a great responisibility raising a child will be and as any parent, he just wants Frodo to be happy and safe.
Yes, Bell must certainly chuckle and shake her head fondly after many conversations with Bilbo. I think Bell also feels a bit flattered that the Master of Bag End seeks _her_ out for child-rearing advice. LOL!
Thank you, Dreamflower!
eiluj
· 6 July 2006
· Chapter 7: Curb Appeal
Little Samwise blushed and stared at his bare toes, wiggling them in the loam. He wondered if Master Frodo would like the new flowers just as much as he did.
Aw! So perfect for Sam.
Author's reply
Thank you, Eiluj! Even then, Sam wanted Frodo to just be happy. Thank you also for reading and reviewing!
shirebound
· 6 July 2006
· Chapter 7: Curb Appeal
Bilbo 'spoiling' little Sam is so cute! :D
Author's reply
It's hightly unlikely that any of the Gamgee children were spoiled, being the offspring of a gardener, albeit a well-renowned one. I always picture Bilbo spoiling them a little whenever he can under the Gaffer's watchful eyes ... even if it's just a bit of candy. Bilbo is a kind, generous hobbit, who watches out for those dear to him and those that are not as wealthy, making sure the poorer hobbits have all they need.
Thanks, Shirebound!
shirebound
· 6 July 2006
· Chapter 6: Home Improvement ( ... And a Cup of Tea for the Bachelor Soul)
Awww, I love that. Anything that helps Frodo feel more at home (as opposed to him feeling as if he's living in *Bilbo's* home) is a good thing. And ground rules are *always* good thing.
Author's reply
Thank you, Shirebound! There will be much more of that sentiment to come. I'm so happy you are enjoying this. :D
harrowcat
· 4 July 2006
· Chapter 5: Designing for the Sexes
Loved this Elemmire! Especially the last paragraph tying all this into canon!
Author's reply
Thank you, Harrowcat!
I added this chapter in special, as I was inspired by a comment in one of Dreamflower's reviews. She was speculating on HGTV programs as my titles and wondered if I would have 'Designing for the Sexes' ... she also wondered if Lobelia or Dora would be butting in at some point. The two went well together and I just couldn't resist writing this!
Bilbo must have certainly received many letters especially from Dora if he bequeathed her a wastebasket. LOL!
Dreamflower
· 4 July 2006
· Chapter 5: Designing for the Sexes
Oh, my dear! How lovely, and what a great compliment to have Miss Dora quoted in your story!! I am grinning from ear to ear! Thank you!
And I *do* like the way you handled the chapter--clearly for all their exasperation with one another, they are also very fond of one another. Beautifully done!
Author's reply
Thank you! I'm so very glad you like it. I couldn't pass up the unintentional plot bunny you sent hopping my way. 'Designing for the Sexes' and Dora just went too well together to resist.
Although they may have vastly differing opinions (ever since Bilbo's Adventure), I always pictured Bilbo and Dora getting along rather well. They
are family, they have Frodo in common, and they are also the two eldest of the entire Baggins clan. They can't help but be fond of each other, I think.
Besides, Aunt Dora needed some motivation/inspiration to write her book of manners ... and Bilbo is a very clever hobbit after all. She must have sent him an inordiante amount of letters through the years to be bequeathed with a wastebasket, however tongue-in-cheek it may be. LOL!
shirebound
· 4 July 2006
· Chapter 5: Designing for the Sexes
What a clever way to weave your story and Dreamflower's together! I do love Aunt Dora. And the Gamgees. And pie.
:D
Author's reply
Thank you! I just couldn't resist after a comment in one of her reviews. It all tied in nicely with her story too.
I love Aunt Dora too ... and always the Gamgees. (Bell sends Sam over with a freshly-made pie for you too)
shirebound
· 3 July 2006
· Chapter 4: Weekend Warriors, Part II
Ohhh, that room is going to be lovely! Frodo is so lucky.
Author's reply
Bilbo's just getting started. Frodo certainly is one lucky lad to have such a loving uncle.
Thank you, Shirebound!
shirebound
· 3 July 2006
· Chapter 3: Weekend Warriors, Part I
A brilliant use of the ring! Bilbo is so clever. :D
Author's reply
Why, he's Belladonna Took's son!! Poor Bungo must be rolling over in his grave to know that his only son left the Shire and went on an Adventure.
Glad you enjoyed!
EllyBaggins
· 3 July 2006
· Chapter 4: Weekend Warriors, Part II
hi! i'm really enoying this story!
will we get to see Frodo's reaction to all of this at the end? Oh and the title is great, by the way!
Author's reply
Thank you! I'm so glad you're enjoying this (and also took the time to review ... I appreciate it)
As for Frodo's reaction ... keep reading. That's all I'm going to say. ;)
I just couldn't resist using that title. It just fits so well, I thought.