As someone considered a bit 'off kilter' by most I meet, and who is trying to find where I might fit as a square peg in a mostly round world I greatly appreciate Tribulation and her story. Let her know I would dearly love to hear more from her? After all, the 'tame hobbits' are never the most interesting!
Author's reply
I am sorry it's taken so long to respond to this comment. Have been fighting diabetes getting worse and frustrations on several sides, and a shoulder that decided to get so sore on me I could barely write for weeks.
I've worked with disabled individuals as a teacher and now as a caregiver since I was a teenager, and so many develomentally delayed individuals are yet gifted in strange ways. Also, being perceived as a gifted individual who was yet way to amall and socially immature, I too well understand feeling like a square peg in a mostly round world. And hopefully she will show up again! She does appear at least twice in my Moments in Time collection.
Thank you so much for your comments! I so appreciate them!
Queen Galadriel
· 29 April 2008
· Chapter 1: I
Ah, no! Sorry... I was going to say:
And on another note, I don't know the correct way to say this, but now that I know some of the facts, I'm impressed with the way you take something like
Down's out of our own current world, and transplant it right into the Shire, and while there are undoubtedly Hobbits with tendencies toward bullying and
meanness just as there are men, the sad trail of petty (and definitely not so petty) nastiness that seems to have followed it through our own history falls away. I love that. You make it look soooo easy, too...But that's probably my own perception, as of now very biased, I'll admit, by a truly nerve-racking character-development experience.
I didn't find it amusing the first time, but now I find myself laughing at the Broadloam males' "cleverness." Maybe it's not funny, but it has to be admitted they're experts. *grins*
And I love the way you describe the clock in the beginning! Brilliant. You have me hearing my grandparents' grumpy old clock they used to keep wound.
God bless,
Galadriel
P.S. Where is that other Tribbals story--I can't remember the title, but it had something to do with her trying to make/do something exactly as Frodo had. I want to say it had to do with hearts, but I have a feeling that was in a review or a reply...
Author's reply
Thanks for the note, my Lady. I have one client who has Down syndrome who owns her own house, and another who is very self-sufficient in almost everything. Both are true kicks to be around. I've had students with the condition, also, of course, ranging from the profoundly retarded to the very, very capable.
Some characters appear to come to us fully formed, and some develop over time, I've found; and a couple I'd thought would be very nice have turned out right nasty, such as Vorondil in "The King's Commission."
Often in smaller communities disabled folks have a better chance to prove themselves, as eventually something will happen to show of their more important abilities and suddenly they can become important. However, they can also fade into insignificance, it seems. If it became known that Tribbal Broadloam could bake cookies, I'd think that she would in time come to be seen as an important part of the community; and Frodo knew well how difficult to be one of those who is different, and how it takes someone to be an exemplar of acceptance to get others to accept that individual. So, he has her father show how he treasures her, will feed her imagination, and will protect her openly before the children in the community.
And that clock is based on one my mom inherited from her stepfather. My stepdad, the one who studied to become a concert pianist before turning instead to airplane engineering, would literally cringe every time he heard it strike. I'm so glad it strikes a note of recognition in others as well.
Queen Galadriel
· 29 April 2008
· Chapter 1: I
Just skimming a little tonight. I've wanted to reread this for a while, but thought to wait till summer; but I've finally followed through on my intention of reading a bit about what "moon-touched" really is, and I just had to come back and visit Tribbals tonight, couldn't wait till summer. I know I've said it before, but I have to again: she is sooooooo cuuuuute as a little girl! Oh! Who wouldn't "feel better?"
And on another note, I don't know the correct way to say this, but now that I know some of the facts, I'm impressed with the way you take something like Down's out of our own current world, and transplant it right into the Shire, and while there are undoubtedly Hobbits with tendencies toward bullying and meanness just as there are men, the sad trail of petty nastiness
Lúmë
· 25 September 2006
· Chapter 2: II
Wonderful to see how the Broadloams made the best of what Frodo gave them. In my experience that happens very rarely. But then, I live in Africa where the wealthy West pours money into upliftment projects just to see it vanish with no results whatsoever. I guess I'm a bit cynical about it :-)
Anyway, another beautiful story of redemption and growth and sacrifice. I should have read it much sooner!
Author's reply
I know. As a special ed teacher, I've seen some families given everything on earth only to squander all their chances away until they lose their children; I like to think that with Quince's influence this time some good sticks and they find a level of respectability in their own eyes as well as in the eyes of Whitfurrow.
So glad you did read it at last.
Lúmë
· 25 September 2006
· Chapter 1: I
The Broadloams seem to be related to the Dragonlance Kender (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kender) :-) I could just imagine Tasslehoff Burrfoot going through a smial :-)
This is a practical application of the "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime" philosophy (Lao Tzu). Although I suppose giving them chickens and pigs will only work if they have some sense of responsibility still.
Nicely written and engaging as usual :-)
Author's reply
I've read only one Dragonlance book, and that was LONG ago. Never met the Kender. But have seen pickpockets ply their skills, and it's fascinating. But this story was there in my heart for quite a while before I finally began writing it out, and then Tribbals wanted a brief introduction elsewhere before she'd let me finish this one.
So glad you appreciated the thought--teaching responsibility does take time, but it seems to me Frodo would do his best to bring out the best in all he had to deal with.
Radbooks
· 5 September 2006
· Chapter 2: II
I enjoyed this story very much. I, too, have seen families like this and it was nice to see someone take an interest in them and help them out, although it doesn't always work and in our world we tend to either look the other way and hope they'll go way or throw money at them instead of trying to teach them a different way. Tribbals was a very real character that grabbed me by the heart... well done! :)
Author's reply
Am so very glad you recognized the reality of such families and such children as Tribbals. Instead of throwing money at them, such families need serious intervention. And I think such a child as Tribbals would speak to Frodo's compassion and caring.
Am so very glad Tribbals has found her way into so many hearts. She's been teasing me for months!
Now I wonder why I never got this update.
You say "...I find my profession creeps constantly into my writing."
That's a very good thing! I noticed it from the time I read "Choice of Healing" and it still impresses me. You've made Ruvemir, Tribbals, Ferdi, and Ririon particularly the kinds of people one doesn't forget. And it's needed, it really is. It's hard to understand something you haven't experienced, and sometimes even harder to know how to react, and to me, stories like yours help. I met some people this summer who had some very...uh, shall we say, interesting and sometimes laughable reactions to seeing a whole bunch of blind people doing ordinary things (or sometimes just one or two of us, that is the CCB summer group) It was mostly all funny (at least to me), but some of the really silly stuff got annoying after a while, like the bus driver who was always, always, always afraid to drive on when some of us had to stand on the bus. But then I'd find myself remembering the girl who used to live down the street from me. She had a mental disability of some kind. I saw her on occasion and talked to her, but I used to get so nervous because I couldn't understand more than half of what she said, and I didn't know what to do. So if we can learn and teach through fanfiction, I say go for it! :)
"I suspect she might appear now and then, but she’s already let me know that if she does it will only be because
she wishes to be included. She’s let me know she’s not a tame Hobbit. (Apologies to C.S. Lewis.)"
*chuckles* Well, well. Even if Miss Tribbals does know exactly what she wants, she should know that she's famous now and she's won a good many hearts in a short time. *grin*
God bless,
Galadriel :)
Author's reply
The one disability that truly makes me uncomfortable is spastic cerebral palsy, a most horrible thing to confess, I find--although it does so far less now than it did when I was young and foolish.
Trying to understand how those who are different from ourselves experience the world isn't easy, but is certainly necessary. And dealing with those insensitive enough to differences and the need for accommodation and acceptance can be horrible. I do try to educate, but sometimes it's as if the words my students, friends, and I utter just fly right over heads or in one ear and out the other with no stops between. I'm certain you understand, my Lady.
If this short story helps even one individual to realize that no matter what disabilities another person may have that person also has gifts to offer, whether it's Greencap's stories or Frodo's compassion or Ferdi's perceptiveness or Ruvemir's artistic abilities or Tribbal's appreciation of love, then it's done its job, and I'll be content.
And, thanks, my Lady.
Kitty
· 2 September 2006
· Chapter 9999: Author's Notes
Do I need to tell you how much I appreciate the way how you include persons with disabilities in your stories? They are the richer for it, and it is good there is someone who is able to include them in a believable way. It is always obvious you know about what you talk. Well, Ruvemir is already one of my favourite OCs ever, and I'd like to read more of Tribbals here and there.
Author's reply
I am so glad you appreciate seeing disabled folk in my stories, for they're certainly a good part of my life, of course. Disabilities are a part of life, and whether the individual is born with disabilities or comes by them via disease or accident or war, they need to be dealt with constructively.
Frodo recognized how damaged he'd been by his experiences; that he'd try to help others live fulfilled lives in spite of their perceived limitations just seems logical and right for him.
Thanks so much for the feedback. (And I, too, love Ruvemir.)
harrowcat
· 2 September 2006
· Chapter 9999: Author's Notes
For some reason this hasn't come up on my author alerts Larner. I am always glad to read your author notes as they help to make the stories come alive even more. Please thank Tribbals for allowing this part of her story to be told and assure her that we would love to see more of her from time to time. Please make sure that she knows she is invited to my birthday tea in early October - I will bake the cookies especially carefully in her honour.
Author's reply
I will pass on the word to her, and see what she'll agree to do. And I do hope the cookies are shortbread!
Love to your folks and Jet--and your students.
Kitty
· 2 September 2006
· Chapter 2: II
I was impressed about the way how Frodo supported the Broadloams silently and helped them to find a honest way to earn their living. He did a great job in this.
And Tribbals turned out to be doing surprisingly well, considering her condition. I was very touched by this chapter. She responded so obviously well to the love she saw from Frodo and others and thrived in the care for the animals and her bakery. Quince did very well in teaching her.
Author's reply
I've always seen Frodo and Bilbo as quietly helping others along the way, and leaving this as a legacy to Sam. I wrote the description of the process out at length in "For Eyes to See as Can" and "The King's Commission," how in my idea of the Shire Hobbits employ bankers of discretion to assist in setting up business arrangements in which the silent partner may be anonymous but can offer an honorable means for folks to set up small business enterprises and take a small share of the profits in return.
I've seen some such individuals do so wonderfully in their lives, and so I could imagine Tribbals amazing the Shire with her own brand of sensitivity. That she'd expect Sam to adopt her great nephew just seemed natural to me, and when he pointed out he was too old to do so, she'd settle for one of his grandchildren, as long as the ones doing the fostering were tied through Sam to Frodo.
And those individuals with such disabilities who do best usually do have very involved parents to help them along the way. Quince is also a tribute to many of those I've honored for what they've given their children.
Kitty
· 2 September 2006
· Chapter 1: I
Oh, I somehow overlooked this. Seems it was a bit too much to catch up after my vacation.
Tribbals was a sweet little lass, and I am glad Frodo cared for her in this way. But her father ... *shakes head* He has clearly all *too* nimble fingers, and I don't know how he does it, to steal even in front of others and don't think it wrong ... I would *die* if I had done anything like it! Though I had to giggle about the way they always emptied their seemingly self-filling bags.
The boys are, if they steal again, to knit stockings? *LOL* You know how funny this idea is for a hobbit! Love the idea!
All in all, Frodo was rather soft with them, giving them the animals they'd need to live as long as they don't steal again. Interessant experiment. And it was interesting, too, that Guido recognised how much hardship Frodo had faced.
Author's reply
I've seen professional magicians who were expert pickpockets--they're helping you keep steady after "accidently" bumping you, then returning wallets, belts, watches.... That's how I see Greencap and his sons; and I love the image you've evoked of the "self-filling" pockets!
Knitting stockings, I thought, would be a very different experience for anyone, sufficiently repetitive to become boring after a while, yet also something constructive that would force the individual to think of others for a time.
But one of the most perceptive individuals I ever met was a con-woman who lived by convincing others she was very needy; yet she had a streak of integrity and compassion in her that surprised everyone and that led her to help someone she'd intended to steal from just a few minutes previously. I sort of projected her onto Greencap.
Armariel
· 1 September 2006
· Chapter 2: II
A beautiful tale, not surprisingly! The amount of heart and brains that gets poured into all your stories never ceases to amaze me. You should be writing professionally!
~~~{~@
Author's reply
Et tu, Armariel? The daughter and son-in-law agree with you, and I have left poor Louis sitting in the airport for far too long, I suppose.
Am so very glad you enjoyed it, and blush at your praise. Thank you.
Linda Hoyland
· 29 August 2006
· Chapter 2: II
Tribals is wiser than many think as she saw the essence of what Frodo was.
Author's reply
I've had several students with Downs syndrome, and several clients and even some friends. You can't underestimate anyone, they've taught me. I can think few who are more wonderful to know than Tom, whose appreciation of human nature is marvelous. And I've discovered some have a wicked sense of humor. But most recognized and honor those who love freely, and I wanted to show this with our Frodo.
Linda Hoyland
· 29 August 2006
· Chapter 1: I
Frodo is so kind and caring towards those in need.Excellent foreshadowing of his destiny in saving others.
Author's reply
In his journey Frodo saved others, and now seeks to help all reach their full potential for fulfillment--even a small girl with Downs Syndrome.
So glad you like it, Linda.
Bodkin
· 28 August 2006
· Chapter 2: II
Such a sweet - if sad - story. Tribbals has a better grasp on what's important than many others (particularly the male part of her own family!) And little Billi will have a better future than many in his position.
Author's reply
A mixed story--true. A reminder even those judged simple can have eyes to see and hearts to understand. Thanks, Bodkin.
Elanor Silmariën
· 27 August 2006
· Chapter 2: II
Tribbals is such a sweetheart! This is very good! Is there more, or is that it? I'd like to hear more of her.
God bless,
Ellie
Author's reply
For this particular story this is all, although Tribbals gets mention in Reunion. But she may appear every once in a while in the future. So glad you like her.
Baggins Babe
· 25 August 2006
· Chapter 2: II
That was incredibly beautiful, Larner, and left me all weepy - but in a nice way! And so Frodo's lessons go on and love continues to go round the Shire. Frodo's legacy is in good hands.
The Broadloam family had me in stitches with their inability to resist helping themselves, even to those things on the Mayor's desk! They reminded me of a lot of magpies. Quince seemed very sensible and I just loved Tribbals - she leaps from the page, utterly real and so sweet, both as a child and when she is old. I hope we shall hear more of her in other stories.
Author's reply
Thank you, BB. Having served as a special education teacher for over thirty years and worked with disabled children and adults for longer than that, it is a pleasure to write some of my friends into my stories.
Yes, Frodo's legacy is far more lasting than many might realize, promoting acceptance and encouraging all to be the best they can be, both in the Shire and outside it. And a Hobbitess with Downs Syndrome is yet able to realize how much love is needed in this world, and seeks to claim it for her little great nephew from the direct benefactor's of Frodo's own love and caring.
Am so very glad you enjoy Tribbals, and hope you recognize her name from "Reunion." How much she might influence further stories I'm not yet aware.
Fiondil
· 25 August 2006
· Chapter 2: II
A very gentle story, Larner. Well written with deep emotion without becoming maudalin. The Broadloam family was quite amusing to see and Tribbals an obviously loving and lovable child. Well done.
Author's reply
Thank you, Fiondil. That you feel I'm able to write in such a way I touch the emotions without being maudlin is very gratifying, and I'm so glad you enjoy the Broadloam family. I admit Tribbals is a tribute to a couple DS women I've known, and if anyone ever has the chance to read this story to them I hope they recognize their gentle natures in her.
demeter d
· 25 August 2006
· Chapter 2: II
So someone did end up learning how to knit socks, after all. It only seems realistic that the boys never completely change, but they reform enough that Miss Tribbels is well-cared for to the end of her days. "It's love as makes the Sun rise high".... over and over again people point out that the Shire had no churches or organized religion. But what they did have was loving families who kept the Creator's Light in their children's lives. I, too, sniffled most of the way through this one. And, I, too, would love to see as much of Miss T. as she will let you write. A story full of warmth, love, and light!
Author's reply
Oh, yes, at least one learned to knit socks. I tried to think of a labor that would be productive but unusual among Hobbits, and felt this might do for a "punishment" for an incarcerated Hobbit youth.
As my grandfather used to say, one doesn't need to go to church to feel the Creator's presence in ones life, and I think that you are right that Hobbit families indeed brought this presence to their children.
Am so very glad Tribbals is already as loved as has been shown here.
cookiefleck
· 24 August 2006
· Chapter 2: II
Ah, this was so nice. And, of course, I especially liked the way Sam carried on after Frodo had left... and then the outcome for the baby. Thank you!
Author's reply
I'd started this story long before I wrote "Reunion," and so Tribbals and little Billi are mentioned there. But as Frodo decreed Sam was to be heir to all he'd had or might have had, been or might have been, I'm certain he'd have followed through on his Master's own benevolences. So glad you appreciated it.
Finafyr
· 24 August 2006
· Chapter 2: II
Bravo. I have shed many wonderful tears reading this story. You are as always a wonderful word smith.
I do wonder what Frodo said and thought when Sam told him. (sigh)
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Finafyr. I am honored this story moved you so.
I couldn't touch on all the stories Sam shared with Frodo on his arrival on Tol Eressea in "Reunion," but am certain that Frodo was gladdened by what Sam could tell him of how his legacy to the Broadloams and to Tribbals in especial worked out.
French Pony
· 24 August 2006
· Chapter 2: II
The Hobbits really do show all the good qualities a small community can have, don't they? The system of bartering services for livestock really seems to work for them, because both bargainers can see the immediate, tangible result of their efforts. Greencap probably wouldn't have done so well with cash money, but the livestock are a different story. Frodo really saw that he had a great capacity to love and care for living beings. So, if Greencap received living beings in return for his storytelling efforts, he wouldn't squander them right away, but care for them until they could help his whole family become prosperous.
Author's reply
Yes, the Shire has the best of both worlds, I think.
And once again Frodo's own wisdom has given the Shire a national treasure it never expected to find amongst the junk of the Broadloam smial.
harrowcat
· 24 August 2006
· Chapter 2: II
Yet another family that has been assisted, turned around and forever touched by Frodo Baggins. And each one of them touches others. It truly is love that makes the world go round. I am pleased to see that Tribbals was there to see Billigard adopted and looked after. Lovely story Larner a definite *aw* moment.
Author's reply
Am so very glad you like it, Harrowcat. Yes, Frodo's love continues to touch others, and the yeast of his nature leavens the Shire long after he's left it, whether others realize it or not. This story was in the works long before Reunion was written, and so Tribbals had to have mention there; and now that story gets referenced here as well.
So glad you like it!
shirebound
· 24 August 2006
· Chapter 2: II
"He needed his emptiness filled, and his scars healed. He needed his Light answered, and the shadows cleansed away. They can do that there, you see. The Powers can come near him there, and give him hope again, heal him."
"And, Mer Sam--you see Mer Frodo, you tell him, tell him his love is still teached. You tell him."
Oh Larner, I was absolutely weeping at the end of this chapter! I think you've surpassed yourself with this story -- such beauty and heart and simple, uncomplicated love.
Author's reply
I am so very glad you like it, Shirebound. And love is what Hobbits embody so well, after all, when they're at their best.
Thank you so much!
Queen Galadriel
· 24 August 2006
· Chapter 2: II
Oh, Larner I love your OCs!! I know I've said it before, but I just love them! They're so real, so true to life! The Broadloams have reformed wonderfully under first Frodo's and then Sam's gentle but watchful eye, and how wonderful that Quince and Tribbals found a way to contribute.
As she prepared to leave with her brother, Tribbals paused in the dooryard, looking in through the yellow door of Number Three where Lily Gardner
sat with her new bairn in her arms, smiling as he nursed and relieved her of her burden of milk. The odd Hobbitess smiled as she climbed onto the cart’s
bench. "Yeh," she said quietly, "Mer Frodo’s love’ll teach him as he teached you and you teached your childs. Good--very, very good." She put out her hand
to stop Tito from chirruping to the pony pulling the trap, and looked down on Hamfast the Younger and his grandfather. "Him’s your child now--you teach
him love real good. And, Mer Sam--you see Mer Frodo, you tell him, tell him his love is still teached. You tell him."
And with a nod she indicated Tito should drive off, and the last sight Sam had of her was of her bent back, and the last he heard was her voice crooning,
"It’s love, it’s love as makes the Sun rise high."
Yes, Tribbals did the right thing here, and Billy will indeed be taught love, just as she wishes. I can imagine Frodo smiling as he is told how the little lass who was always so eager to make him feel better never forgot how he taught her and her family what it really means to love. "It's love, it's love that makes the sun rise high." Oh, that sounds like a song.
I don't know much about Down's syndrome, and the two extremes I've seen in my life didn't help me much (one child very, very sweet, and one older boy *extremely* ill behaved), and this story, short as it is, has been educational. Tribbals is a gem, and one that won't soon be forgotten, I think. :) An absolutely beautiful little story, Larner, and one that will definitely go on my "to read again" list.
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
The words came to me with the echo of the song, "It's love that makes the world go round."
"It's love..."
"It's girls..."
"It's boys..."
"It's dogs..."
"It's cats..."
"It's mice..."
"It's cheese, it's cheese, it's cheese that makes the world go round,
It's cheese, it's cheese, it's cheese that makes the world go round,
It's cheese, it's cheese, it's cheese that makes the world go round,
It's cheese that makes the world go round.
Oh, rollin' over the billows, rollin' over the sea,
Rollin' over the billows of the deep blue sea,
Oh, rollin' over the billows, rollin' over the sea,
Rollin' over the billows of the deep blue sea!"
One of my favorite songs to sing with campers from my days as a counselor at 4-H camp.