Pearl's Pearls - A New String by Pearl Took
shirebound · 20 November 2008 · Chapter 16: A Lesson in the Library
It's lovely to think that the ancestors are still looking after their young family members. There's a lot of wisdom in the old hobbit's words, and Pippin was a wise lad to listen.
Author's reply
Thank you, shirebound :-) I sometimes wish wise old ghosts would appear more often in our world.
harrowcat · 1 November 2008 · Chapter 15: "Gifts"
What wonderful affirmations of their innate gifts. Looking forward to more like this.
Author's reply
Aw, thank you, harrowcat! I'm glad you enjoyed it :-)
Larner · 28 October 2008 · Chapter 15: "Gifts"
Ah--quite the tradition, for certain of the children of the Took lineage to go forth into the storms and take to themselves the power of the storm--and yet to receive it in particular forms. Love the forms given Esme and Pippin, and love speculating how it might fall to Faramir! Lovely imagery here.
Author's reply
I thought I had replied already, I'm so sorry Larner. It is what I always liked to do. There really is something different about that ozone charged air! Yes, I don't know yet where Faramir's gifts lie. Thank you so much! :-)
shirebound · 27 October 2008 · Chapter 15: "Gifts"
Oh Pearl, how wonderful! The children have no idea that the bang-flash-wand-wielding magic they long for is no greater than love, loyalty, and courage -- the *true* Magic they already possess.
Author's reply
Thank you so much, dear shirebound! Many of us need to learn that those are life's true magic. Hugs! Pearl
Larner · 3 October 2008 · Chapter 14: "A Hard Lesson"
Indeed a difficult problem for Merry to face, and Pippin did a wonderful job at explaining as he could. But such a terrible way to get rid of unwanted kittens that the farm can't support.
Author's reply
Thank you, Larner, for reading and commenting :-) It has always seemed a particularly cruel thing to me. Cats have long been abused animals. I tired to deal with the matter with some tact and grace.
shirebound · 2 October 2008 · Chapter 14: "A Hard Lesson"
You did a marvelous job with this bunny, Pearl! It's a beautiful story, full of love and wisdom and growth. It's lovely to see Pippin acting as the 'older cousin', and letting us end with purring and full tummies.
Author's reply
Thank you so much, dear mentor. It simply had to end with purring and full tummies :-)
cathleen · 2 October 2008 · Chapter 14: "A Hard Lesson"
Oh my, I *knew* you'd create an awesome story from my wee bunny! I loved the interactions between Pippin and Merry, and how Pippin was, for once, the one with the knowledge to share. He *was* a grown up lad in the way he handled it, and yet tender-hearted as always, as shown by the burial and the little funeral. Interesting that Merry had a hard time with it, but also logical because unlike his little cousin, he wasn't raised on a farm. So it follows perfectly that Pippin would have more knowledge about the farm cats and other animals. I loved the superstitions you added to the story and the way the ferry hobbit reacted to the kittens. I'm glad Esmeralda didn't believe in it either. You even wrote dear old Pearl in character. She really *was* a true mama cat and would have taken in those kittens in real life, I'm sure. Thanks so much, Pearl! Hmmm, and now for my next bunny.......
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Cathleen. Thank you for your bunny. Thank you for your confidence. I'm so glad you liked the end result. Make it a good one . . . Hugs, Pearl
Andrea · 16 September 2008 · Chapter 13: "Bad Pippin"
The smell was hideous! But the Gaffer’s Cure was legendary in Hobbiton, so he held his nose and swallowed the foul smelling concoction. LOL!!! Some call it "The Gaffer's Cure", some "The Gaffer's Remedy", but the only thing that matters is that this special brew really works ;-) Well, I hadn't thought that Frodo was one of those who tend to be violent when they had too much alcohol. Maybe "violent" is the wrong word, because as you pointed out, it was only spanking. But what makes this story so special was Frodo's reaction! He knew prefectly well that he did something wrong, he only needed Sam to help him remember *what* he did. And then he apologised to his little cousin the same way he would have had to an adult! That's our Frodo! And I'm quite sure he'll never get that drunk again when little ones are around. P.S.: I would like to have the recipe for the Gaffer's Cure. But I'm afraid that if I really knew the ingredients I would never dare to drink it ;-)
Author's reply
Thank you, Andrea :-) I don't have the recipe either, but I agree - I don't think I'd drink it either. I'm glad you enjoyed the story. I was concerned people would take offence but it has turned out well. I like to keep in mind that Mr. Maggot remembered Frodo as "one of the worst young rascals of Buckland." I feel that had to still show up from time to time.
harrowcat · 16 September 2008 · Chapter 13: "Bad Pippin"
Not a 'fun' story to read but it is rather refreshing to see a much less than perfect Frodo. The endless forgivingness of children is wonderful isn't it?
Author's reply
Thank you harrowcat :-) I do prefer a less than perfect Frodo, I'm glad you enjoyed that as well. Kids can be amazing that way :-)
Antane · 15 September 2008 · Chapter 13: "Bad Pippin"
This really should be entitled Bad Frodo! Poor Pippin. But then Frodo went back to being the gentlehobbit he was growing into by apologizing and realizing what a terrible rascal he had been. Shame on him for even wanting to get drunk, but he certainly paid for it. Sam was so wonderful, pointing out to his master how Frodo had misbehaved and taking care of him even when Mr. Frodo wasn't being Mr. Frodo and taking care of Pippin. More evidence of that loving heart spread so wide. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Thank you, Antane :-) I agree about the title, but I liked the bit of misleading it lent the tale so I left it. Sam is a dear, and very good at taking care of his friends. I'm glad you enjoyed the story :-)
pippinsgirl · 15 September 2008 · Chapter 13: "Bad Pippin"
Thats an interesting story. I do think Frodo was quite harsh on Pip, But at least he owned up to it and tryed to make things right. I'm on both ends of the story here, cause from Pip's P.O.V (Point Of View) He knew he was too old to be wetting the bed, and he had already felt embarrssed enough. And he had wet the bed simply because he was scared and missed his family (Which for a child is logical). But I agree with Frodo on the aspect that Pippin could have done it on Purpose. I mean we all know he didn't. but the matter of how to deal with a child when they do that all depends on if they did it on purpose or not. thats my SUPER long imput Good story anyways When are you gonna post those follow-ups to "The Blessing"? I'm DYING to read them!
Author's reply
Thank you pippinsgirl :-) I think a sober Frodo would have known Pip didn't do it on purpose from Pippin's own behaviour, but a drunk Frodo would notice or care how embarrassed or sad the lad was - only that his fun was being interrupted. I do agree, you need to handle misbehaviour differently when you can tell it was done on purpose. Ah, yes - the follow-ups for "The Blessing". I can't post them yet because they are not written yet. I haven't forgotten about them I just have not been able to get my muse into writing them. If not before then, I will try to have one ready to post shortly after the new year. Thank you for asking about them and for looking forward to them :-)
Larner · 15 September 2008 · Chapter 13: "Bad Pippin"
I only am glad Frodo recovered from his alcohol-induced temper so well!
Author's reply
Me too, Larner :-) Although I like to think of Frodo as someone who can show some temper, I do also think he would be one to make amends quickly. Thank you so much for reading and commenting on this story. :-)
6336 · 15 September 2008 · Chapter 13: "Bad Pippin"
I am not going to excuse Frodo's behavior, but I can understand it. The last thing he needed was to have a small, frighted child thrust upon him right in the middle of party preparations and then to have to deal with his interuption of said party was too much, added to the fact that Frodo had imbibed a little too much! I am glad to see that he was remorsefull and apolgised to Pippen, too many people would have just ignored it and not done so, some find it very hard to apologise to anyone. There seems to be a parenting skills theme running through S.O.A. at the moment, first Fiondil and now you! More please, Lynda
Author's reply
Thank you, Lynda :-) I think most people who have been parents or have had to baby sit have had time where having the child [or children] around pushed them over the edge. Being drunk never helps that sort of situation. I'm so glad you enjoyed it :-) and I'll be writing more I'm sure. I have two friends who keep after me for stories. :-D
shirebound · 15 September 2008 · Chapter 13: "Bad Pippin"
“It’s all right, Cousin Frodo,” Pippin was cooing in his ear. “It’s all right. Cousin Bilbo won’t make you leave. I’ll tell him you didn’t mean it and he won’t make you leave. I love you, Frodo. It’s all right.” Frodo’s heart took a moment to be amazed at the love of children Awwww. This is a perfectly lovely story.
Author's reply
Thank you so much, shirebound :-) You know your opinion is always special to me. Hugs!
Baggins Babe · 17 August 2008 · Chapter 12: "An Honorable Calling"
A marvellous story, Pearl. What an unusual POV but fascinating. Yes, a lot happened while Faramir's livery was 'sleeping in a drawer.'! I loved this line - "........Surely this small person, this half . . . I stopped. Were not halflings themselves beings of story-time and pretend, yet, wasn’t one now wearing me?" Goodness me, I'd love to know what the livery thinks when the King arrives.
Author's reply
Thank you, Baggins Babe :-) I'm so glad you enjoyed and liked that line. I've no idea, I might need to ask it ;-)
Baggins Babe · 17 August 2008 · Chapter 11: "Entmoot"
A wonderful look at the Entmoot and the way the discussion went. I am always so moved by the March of the Ents. It is a great pity we can't have a march of the Ents on some of the logging companies destroying the rainforest! I always laugh at the movie moment when Treebeard tells the hobbits that the Ents have decided they are not Orcs! I'm glad they put hobbits into the list.
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Baggins Babe :-) I also always liked the Ents and how they dealt with Saruman. It would be incredible if some would rise up of the rain forests! I was glad they added the hobbits too. :-)
T`Kath · 16 August 2008 · Chapter 12: "An Honorable Calling"
What a thounght, a small uniform with mind and heart. Beautifull! Thanks for sharing it. T`Kath
Author's reply
Thank you very much T'Kath :-) I've very glad you enjoyed it!
Larner · 15 August 2008 · Chapter 12: "An Honorable Calling"
A marvelous tale from a unique point of view. The thought that the livery would waken when the drawer was opened and would object to being given to a foreign individual is fascinating. Thanks so for this tale!
Author's reply
Thank you so much Larner :-) that was all some of that wonderful stuff that just comes to me somtimes, for which I'm grateful. You are very welcome.
Antane · 14 August 2008 · Chapter 12: "An Honorable Calling"
Well, that was from an interesting POV. :) Glad the livery realizes that honor of being worn by a hobbit and sweet to hear of its love of Faramir who is a hobbit at heart. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Antane! It is very proud livery, but like Faramir, has a very good heart. I'm so glad you enjoyed the story. :-)
eiluj · 13 August 2008 · Chapter 11: "Entmoot"
A very persuasive portrayal of the Entish culture. I’ve never thought about Ents having cousins. I'm not an Elvish expert either, but I'd like to give you a bunch of links (which range from Excellent-according-to-Real-Experts to Looks-very-useful-to-me-but-I'm-not-qualified-to-say-for-certain. ;-) Trustworthy sites for Sindarin names: 1. Council of Elrond's Sindarin Name Finder. This gives translations of *modern* names, so while they are accurate Sindarin, not all are appropriate in Middle-earth’s culture. The names are supposed to have been put together by site staff who are competent in Sindarin. www.councilofelrond.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=Semantics&file=index&options=SemanticsMenu&volume=4 If you examine the names while consulting a Sindarin dictionary, you can deduce a bit about name construction. You can also use CoE's list to locate Sindarin names with particular meanings, in a limited way. Use an index which gives meanings for modern names to find a modern name with the meaning you want. Then look up the modern name in CoE's list to see if you like their Sindarin translation. 2. Merin Essi ar Quenteli's list of name lists. The site belongs to Dreamingfifi, a writer at ff.net. Brief, limited, and not perfect, it provides a basic introduction to Sindarin names -- the best I've seen. She also offers names for other cultures and languages. realelvish.net/namelists.php Here is her page which lists *good* Elvish web sites. There’s also a link at the top of the page for sites she thinks you *shouldn’t* trust. realelvish.net/trustworthywebsites.php 3. Elffetish's Sindarin Name Generator. A build-your-own name site which is not for the faint-hearted, this gives more info on name construction than I’ve seen anywhere. I hope he knows what he’s talking about; it certainly looks good. elffetish.com/sindanames.html There are also pages for Quenya names, and guidelines on whether to choose Sindarin or Quenya. But please, whatever you do, *don’t* use the Arwen-Undomiel site. It is apparently less inaccurate now than it used to be, but still contains *bad* information. I didn’t look at it again today, but problems I saw recently included mixing Sindarin and Quenya, listing a female suffix for male names, and altering names so they look more “Elvish” -- that last was actually stated in the page info! Dictionaries: = Hiswelókë (Dragon Flame) is the best online Sindarin dictionary. Free download of old edition: www.jrrvf.com/hisweloke/sindar/downloads.html Beta version of new edition: www.jrrvf.com/hisweloke/sindar/online/english.html Dragon Flame gives much more info (parts of speech, derivations, etc.) than the site you were using. If you download the Elvish fonts, you can see what the words look like in the appropriate script. Warning: navigating around the site is not as easy as it should be, and the last time I used it, one of his dictionaries seemed to be mis-labelled on a links page. Hopefully things will improve. = Real Experts in Elvish cite the excellent Quenya dictionaries on this page. I copied some of the lists to my hard drive, because they don’t seem to be Firefox-friendly. www.uib.no/People/hnohf/wordlists.htm You might also want to look at the Encyclopedia of Arda’s page of links. Apologies for overwhelming you, but I’m a librarian, and I *do* have a certain compulsion to give people information whether or not they’re interested, and more than they might ask for....
Author's reply
Dear eiluj, Thank you so much! I will admit I was a bit overwhelmed, but when I saw you are a librarian I completely understood. One of my best friends is a librarian. She always said they should do a version of Trivial Pursuit for librarians where you didn't have to know the answer but where to find it. :-) I will check those out and see what feels comfortable for me to use. I know so little about any of the Elven matters - languages, history, people, etc., and I use it so rarely that I like something simple and easy to figure out. Thank you for finding my portrayal of Ent culture persuasive. They did once have the Entwives and Entings, so I would think there would have been family structure as we know it with aunts, uncles and cousins. Again, thank you for all the help :-)
Virtuella · 13 August 2008 · Chapter 11: "Entmoot"
How lovely to see a story about ents, there seem to be hardly any of these around! I like this retelling of the entmoot, you have captured the feel of entish debate very well. I could almost hear their voices rumble!
Author's reply
Thank you so very much, Virtuella! I have written a little with Ents before this but never with them as the main POV. I'm glad you feel it turned out well :-)
Larner · 22 July 2008 · Chapter 10: "Merry and Blackie's Wonderful Day"
I love how Blackie loves his little Hobbit lads!
Author's reply
He is a very caring kitten - his being imaginary not withstanding. ;-) Thank you for responding, Larner :-)
Larner · 22 July 2008 · Chapter 9: "Sea Longing"
Love this look at how the Sea Longing even struck one whose very nature is almost antithecal against such a thing. But he, also, was consuming lembas during the quest, and has one he loves within the Undying Lands and another going there--and he is welcome now. The Dwarvish Elvellon!
Author's reply
I'm so glad you enjoyed this story, Larner :-) I always felt Dwarves were affected/touched by things in life more than they let on, and Gimli certainly was exposed to much more of the wonders of Middle-earth than most Dwarves. Thank you so much! :-)
cathleen · 2 July 2008 · Chapter 8: "Moonshadow"
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's 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 Wonderer · 1 July 2008 · Chapter 8: "Moonshadow"
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's 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 :-)