Date: February 05, 2007 10:14 am Title: Chapter 1
I can't think of the appropriate words to tell you how wonderful this is. Wow. You are an artist.
Author's Response: And I can't think of appropriate words to say how much I appreciate that. Thank you so much will have to do, I guess.
Date: February 05, 2007 08:19 am Title: Chapter 1
Late to the party, I know, but I promise you, had I known you posted, I'd have run right out and read it before I took care of boring old real life this weekend! What can I say that hasn't already been said? They meet again in the parking lot of doom, have their stilted Jim/Pam conversation (perfectly done, my dear!), and "Invite me over".....GAH! Awesome. The metaphor of the scarf, the reality of the scarf, the physical properties of the scarf, it all works. And the brilliant whiteness of the snow wiping the slate clean for their new beginning. Just beautiful as always! You rock my world.
Author's Response: Exactly...a clean slate. And how much more could I (or Pam) have obsessed on that damn scarf? Always so glad to find a review from you - you always hone in on so much of what I was thinking when I wrote it. Thanks for being such an avid reader...and for the incredible feedback.
10 [Report This]Date: February 05, 2007 01:36 am Title: Chapter 1
This read like thick oil on canvas, which sounds weird, but it's the kind of thing you want to reach out and experience with your fingertips. You are an artist.
Author's Response: Wow. Doesn't sound weird at all, but it is incredibly flattering. (I am cyber-blushing!) I'm so happy you felt that way...thank you so, so much!
Date: February 04, 2007 08:23 pm Title: Chapter 1
THAT is so fabulous. I really have no words to tell you how I feel about you're writing. It's just so gorgeous. Every time I see your name on the Most Recent page I sigh with contentment and I just KNOW it's gonna be great. You never ever disappoint.
Author's Response: What a lovely thing to say, LoveFool. Thank you so much. Really appreciate it.
Date: February 04, 2007 05:58 pm Title: Chapter 1
Beautifully done.
Author's Response: Thanks, gotkona!
Date: February 04, 2007 12:05 pm Title: Chapter 1
cute!
Author's Response: Thanks!
8 [Report This]Date: February 04, 2007 08:42 am Title: Chapter 1
Well everyone pretty much took all the words I would use to describe how wonderful this piece is. It was practically breathtaking. Hmm, okay, ACTUALLY breathtaking! I love that something so simple, mundane even, could be a catalyst for Jim and Pam. That she would hold on to his scarf because she missed him and then really hold on to it when she needed him to be there. I loved the intimate detail of him holding her hands because it mirrors her wrapping the scarf around them. Just a wondeful little detail. And this line:
Because he came back and he tells her he loves her and he loves her and he loves her.
Just about killed me dead. I don't know how you do it colette, but thank you so much for sharing this with us!
Author's Response: Yes, the scarf wrapped around her hands - so thrilled that the full-circle idea of that came through at the end! She does miss him...and he does love her. I'm sure of it (hear that G. Daniels!?!) Thanks so much for this generous feedback, pennylane!
10 [Report This]Date: February 04, 2007 08:02 am Title: Chapter 1
So in the seven minutes it took me to read this (i had to reread many, many lines they're just that amazing), you managed to first break my heart, then stop time, and finally make me feel like everything is right in the world. and that's why you frickin' rock. ^_^
Author's Response: Well, I'm glad I didn't leave you at the broken heart part! Thanks so much, StarShine. (and re-reading is the best compliment of all!)
Date: February 04, 2007 03:41 am Title: Chapter 1
This is beautiful. I can't say it otherwise - I love how this flows, and moves, and how it's descriptive and subtle in just the right places. I would detail what exactly I loved about it but I'm still a little fuzzy from reading this. Let me try.
I loved the use of the scarf, first of all and most of all; the way she initially uses it to be a little closer to him, to remember him. Maybe she uses it to make her a little stronger, like Linus [Snoopy!] with his security blanket: maybe when she cried in Back from Vacation, it's because the scarf was in the laundry...wait, that doesn't work, because that would essentially erase the Jim!scent from it. Hmm. Anyway I'm creating too much of a backstory for a thing of fanfiction. =$
And I loved how it's something that's used to...I don't know, break the barrier between them? This thing made of green wool, probably not washed for a while, used to bits, is what got them together again. And I love the bit surrounding that. It's so brilliantly written it's hard to say what exactly I loved without copying the entire thing in. =P I did, though, love how he tries to keep the scarf on while she tries to take it off, and I loved the way she says I'm in love with you like it slips, like she can't really handle it anymore, even though it doesn't really fit, where it comes in.
Afterwards, and before again, he holds her hand and holds her...because he came back and he tells her he loves and he loves her and he loves her.
I loved how you've written that, so raw, so gorgeous. I loved that to bits. And the way even hand-holding seems the most intimate, sweetest thing: amazing, Colette. Seriously.
Overall, you know, another story that tops your previous one. ;) Thanks so much for posting this!!
Author's Response: Wow, moofoot, you're such a thorough reviewer - I love it! You picked up on so many of the things I wanted the scarf to represent - in the end, it is an ordinary object that becomes a sort of talisman. Kind of galvanizing all her feelings about him. And he recognizes that on some level when he sees her in it, that it/they aren't really lost. I'm really pleased that a few people have noted the hand holding...in a way that 's the most initmate detail for me of all. Thanks for this lovely review!
10 [Report This]Date: February 04, 2007 12:35 am Title: Chapter 1
Wow, this is both gorgeous and hot. I love it! Pam's experience of wanting to be close to Jim, and finding that her only outlet is through his scarf, really rings true. This story is very well-written and paced, and let me just mention it one more time, hot! :)
Author's Response: Glad it rang true for you Neptune...and that the hot factor was happening too! So happy no one is saying: what's with fetishizing that damn scarf? LOL. Thanks so much!
Date: February 03, 2007 11:55 pm Title: Chapter 1
Amazing!
Author's Response: Thanks, Marcine!
Date: February 03, 2007 09:48 pm Title: Chapter 1
This was lovely and sweet and heartbreaking and satisfying all at once. I think I actually hel dmy breath for a minute when he stopped her from taking the scarf off.
Simply perfect. Well done!
Author's Response: I kind of held my breath writing it...sort of the pivotal moment, I guess. Glad you liked it so much...many thanks!
Date: February 03, 2007 08:41 pm Title: Chapter 1
Everyone else has said it already. Colette, you rule this genre! Every word, phrase, moment, so poignant and beautiful; and when Jim whispers, "Invite me over," I just literally melted. The Parking Lot of Doom transferred into the Parking Lot of Total Squeeworthy Jam Happiness!
I am going to print this out at work tomorrow so I can reread it numerous times all day!
Author's Response: Yay! I'm honored to be printed out. And about time somebody got some good news in that damn parking lot, huh? Thank you so much, EverybodyHurts.
10 [Report This]Date: February 03, 2007 08:30 pm Title: Chapter 1
I have to say that this is so incredibly well written! Definitely my favorite of all of the scarf submissions. Just touching and sad when she's by herself with the scarf, and so beautiful and fulfilling when they are together and it's literally the scarf that breaks their barrier!
Fabulous!
Author's Response: That's a good description - breaks their barrier. Oh, how I wish it would happen on the show too...scarf, hammer, dynamite - anything to demolish that wall between them. Much appreciate this great feedback, MaiaDawn!
10 [Report This]Date: February 03, 2007 08:18 pm Title: Chapter 1
Whoa. This is amazing. So, so hot, but so sad and soft, too.
She makes it her business to act like a friend, but that’s hard to do when you can’t even breathe. Beautiful line. They're all beautiful. Thank you for finishing this for us.
Author's Response: Soft...I like that. I'm glad I finished it too. Thanks, nqllisi!
10 [Report This]Date: February 03, 2007 07:45 pm Title: Chapter 1
OMG, this made me cry-- the thought of Pam missing Jim so much that she wears his scarf all the time just to be near him... and then I cried again at the end with the kissing and the loving and the snowing.
And this: Afterwards, and before again, he holds her hand and holds her and she knows she doesn’t have to do crazy things anymore like wear wool scarves in August. because something about him holding her hand makes that seem even more intimate.
Author's Response: Sorry to make you cry, but glad you liked it! And SO happy you mentioned his holding her hand (actually an important detail to me.) I wanted to refer back to her wishing he were there doing that at the beginning of the story, but also I totally agree about the intimacy of it. In fact, I've often thought that when they get together on the show, a great way to show it would be a simple moment where Jim takes her hand and just quietly holds it. Thanks PuffingNoise!
Date: February 03, 2007 07:33 pm Title: Chapter 1
This story was beautifully written. Just amazing!
Author's Response: Many thanks, seconddrink!
Date: February 03, 2007 07:28 pm Title: Chapter 1
me: speechless
you: amaaaazing! [/kelly]
This is wonderful, i love the idea of Jim's scarf as this tangible connection to him after he's gone and while he's with Karen. I love that when he sees her in the scarf and she tries to take it off he stops her, he wants her to wear it.. its just perfect..
Author's Response:
Me: grateful for this lovely review.
Thanksm two toasters!
10 [Report This]Date: February 03, 2007 06:36 pm Title: Chapter 1
Wow. That was incredibly beautiful, Colette. You did an amazing job of making the reader feel what Pam was feeling -- loneliness, desperation, fear, love, contentment. And your writing is elegant and evocative and... I'm out of words that start with e, so let's just go with effing perfect! There were so many lines that I loved, I couldn't possibly quote them all, but it all added up to something sublime.
I really liked the line about how the picnic "would have been full of possibility if he had been there." God, that's so true. When they're together, everything is full of possibilities -- the possibilty of fun, love, mischief, a happier life...
She wants to scream that he just has to say the word, but he might have a whole new vocabulary now.
I loved that line. Such a perfect description of her fear. Afraid that "I love you, Pam" might no longer be in his vocabulary.
And Jim saying "Invite me over" was just... guh. There may have been some swooning going on when I read that. I love how it was a command, an admission, and a plea (needing her to say something) all at the same time.
And the parallel of the scarf touching her thighs, stomach, breasts, and then later his lips following the same path was really nice. And the scratchiness of the wool & his stubble. So wonderfully sensual.
There were many other lines I loved, but I'll stop rambling and just sum up with: Amazing!
Author's Response: Elegant - I don't think you could have picked a word (with or without an E) that would make me happier! I'm really pleased Pam's state of mind resonated with you. And re: his Invite me over line - I actually originally included some description saying precisely that it was both a plea and a command, then edited it down - so I'm thrilled that it still came through. Thanks, Shroom. Much appreciate such a detailed review.
Date: February 03, 2007 05:18 pm Title: Chapter 1
Wow. Beautifully done.
Author's Response: Thank you, Emma!
Date: February 03, 2007 04:01 pm Title: Chapter 1
Amazing. I usually can't stand stories that have them saying "I love you" right off the bat--seems so unrealistic. But you made it work. Good job.
Author's Response: Yeah, the instant I love you thing can be problematic. I'm glad it wasn't a klunker for you here. Thanks for reviewing!
10 [Report This]Date: February 03, 2007 03:01 pm Title: Chapter 1
That was really beyond lovely, colette. Funny how you can get them into bed hours within their first real kiss and not have it seem inappropriate at all. And it always sounds like poetry, even though I have a pretty good idea what you must be leaving out! ;-)
You really are in the top 1% of my favourite writers. Anything I migh ever manage to learn from your style can only be a good thing. :-)
Author's Response: Aw, Moxie, you know me too well. Yes, please do fill in the blanks...and thanks so much - you're a doll.
Date: February 03, 2007 02:08 pm Title: Chapter 1
Oh colette. So, so beautiful. I'm sitting here trying to write something and honestly feel like giving up because this was perfection. You know I love everything you write but this might be my favorite.
I could so feel Pam in this. My chest ached when I thought of her wrapped in wool in August. My heart stopped when Jim asks for an invitation....and then the end...and...just...and...
I'm a babbling idiot. Congratulations. :)
Author's Response: You're definitely not an idiot, but you are too kind. I'm so happy that Pam came through, because I really felt her while I was writing. No matter how much she frustrates me, I so empathize with her. Thanks for this...means a lot.
Date: February 03, 2007 01:33 pm Title: Chapter 1
Wow, I'm really not sure where to start. Pam channeling all her desire for Jim upon a scarf was so powerful and intense. " She thinks: this has coiled around his neck, touched his cheek, maybe brushed his mouth. So." The need for his presence is so raw and sad. Wow.
"It’s a non sequitur, but it’s all she’s got. It seems to be the answer he’s looking for anyway." That just gave me chills.
Author's Response: MA, thanks for this and for posting this challenge and for the ribbon (hooray!) Raw and sad...precisely what I hoped to convey. God, I so want the stand-off between them on the show to end, damn it (does it show much?) Thanks, my dear.
10 [Report This]Date: February 03, 2007 01:26 pm Title: Chapter 1
COLETTE. Seriously.
This is beyond wonderful. I can't even pick out all the most fabulous parts because the most fabulous part is all of it, all together. It's seamless. And really, really powerful.
One of my favorite lines is this: But when she wakes up the next morning, it's still there under the sheets, tangled around her. It's not a magic scarf at all. It's just his. Just OH. Of course his scarf would seem like some small part of him, like if she's close enough to it, she'll be closer to him, and... oh. I just love this line.
And the scarf feeling like a noose? Another perfect line. She feels trapped and suffocated by these secret feelings she's carrying around, and she feels like she's doing it to herself and it's all her fault, just like she keeps wearing the scarf even though she knows she "shouldn't" and even though she knows it's not really helping anything.
I am not being coherent about how much I LOVE THIS STORY.
I love how you describe her as "sheer impulse" like it's not what she's feeling, but what she is, because in a moment like that, that's really how those things work. And I can't even tell you how unbelievably perfect this whole scenario is as a set-up for them to get together. Something has to happen to force this, and it's so realistic and perfect that it's something as simple as a scarf to break the standstill they're in.
And the whole "Invite me over" and "I'm in love with you" is just SO ridiculously wonderful and perfect that I'm seriously shaking my head in wonder.
Beautiful ending. Very full-circle with the snow reference, and the line about him coming back and loving her... guh.
OHMYGOSH pretty much sums up how I feel about this. Seriously. Just... seriously. Wow.
Author's Response:
allibabab. SERIOUSLY.
What a freaking amazing review. You are such a careful reader, and it makes me feel so great that you noticed so much of what I intended - especially the full-circle thing. And the noose. It's always so wonderful when a review picks out some of the tiny things that meant the most to me when I was writing it.
Really, this thrills me. Thanks so much.