Date: July 05, 2007 05:49 pm Title: I am beautiful
I love how Pam was imagining drawing that scene, it sounds like a great scene.
(oh, and Jim in just swim trunks - yeah, i like that)
Aww, protective Daddy Jim...
And Jim is way to sweet and perfect. Where can I get one? Pretty please? I would give up all my savings to buy one....
Author's Response: Thank you! Yeah,I think there would be a line around the block if some store started selling Jim Halperts...especially the idealized fic version!
Date: June 26, 2007 12:37 pm Title: I choose you
Wow - so much to love about this chapter. I really, really enjoyed reading such a realistic portrayal of them; I think it's easy for all of us to envision them living happily ever after with nary a bump in the road, but this rang really true.
And when she came out of the room wearing the dress, I (yet again) sucked in a breath. Lovely, lovely detail.
Thanks so much for this -- it was just amazing....
Author's Response:
Thank you so much for taking the time to write so many lovely things. I look forward to your comments because, being such a great writer, you convey how you felt about the pieces and that's what I love to know.
I think these two are going to be very happy together- but they are also flawed, damaged, insecure people (or, you know, fictional characters), and that means lots of potholes in the road of life. I'm glad that including some of that wasn't jarring amid the rest of the fluff. Thank you!!
Date: June 26, 2007 12:32 pm Title: I am growing every day
I'm just sitting here beaming. Love the way Jim is sort of terrified of her - LOL. And oh wow, patting her belly.... God, please tell me we'll get to see a pregnant Pam some day (with Jim's baby, I should clarify), hee.
This is just spoiling me - clicking on chapter after chapter.
Author's Response: That is the nice thing about waiting and reading a WiP all at once, isn't it? (And since I have several more chapters planned, you can have the fun of anticipation, too!). :) I don't know if they will give us a baby Halpert, but they should. I love to think I've helped make you "beam". Thank you!
Date: June 26, 2007 12:29 pm Title: I know what I am
OMG --
Pam was reclining seductively against the pillows on the bed. Swathed around her slender hips like a skirt, she was wearing a fruit-patterned dish towel. Over her right breast was a matching pot-holder. On her left breast, jauntily waving at him, she had perched a fruit-patterned oven mitt. She was trying desperately not to smile.
I laughed right out loud at that (did NOT expect it)! That's hilarious -- and again, so exquisitely them. Happy sigh.
Author's Response:
I actually laughed when I thought of the idea (based loosely on real-life events, ahem). I imagine her "trying not to smile" look as something like her "I have good cards" look on Casino Night- when the joy is just pouring out despite her efforts. Won't they have fun together? "Exquisitely them" is such a nice thing to say- you are even eloquent in reviews! How do you manage that?
Date: June 26, 2007 12:27 pm Title: I am happy
When I read that she was wearing the borrowed sapphire earrings, I immediately sucked in my breath, then let it out in a big happy whoooosh when you described her dress. :o) And this:
Forty-five minutes. After all the months and years of uncertainty and pain and struggle, he, Jim Halpert, was going to marry Pam Beesly in forty-five minutes. His bride. His wife. The thought brought goosebumps to his arms and his mouth went slightly dry.
...Guh. Just brought it home so much. (OMG - are the coming chapters married chapters!!?!?!?)
Damn it woman - you reduce me to Kelly every time. :o)
Author's Response: You can "Kelly" at me any time! Thank you! Hee. I couldn't resist some weddingfic! Won't they be so sweet together?
Date: June 26, 2007 12:24 pm Title: I managed while you were gone
Yeah, and I'm smiling just as big as Pam right now. I have to tell you - you've got all their voices down; it made me miss the show so much, LOL. Seriously, though, this is just so much fun -- and her "marry me" comment totally caught me off guard. Yes, Jim -- do it!!!
Author's Response: Thank you!! It "made [you] miss the show"? Really? That's an awesome, awesome compliment. Wow. Glad you're still enjoying...!
Date: June 26, 2007 12:21 pm Title: I trust you not to leave me
First, it's a testament to how freaking well you write that I actually got excited for a minute that they were going to a Phillies game when the Phillies were playing Atlanta (because that's where I am). Second, this line just made my entire day: "This is all very irregular.”
OMG, I love Dwight so much, and you've just nailed him here (er, his voice...). Still loving this!
Author's Response: Hee, I think Angela would have issues with me nailing Dwight in any other fashion. He's a blast to write for, although you have to tread carefully not to make him a cartoon (Rainn is so good at walking that line). I love baseball, but I'm an American League girl (Go, Indians!).
10 [Report This]Date: June 26, 2007 12:17 pm Title: I changed for me
OMG -- I've had to put off reading this for lack of time, but...wow. (I'm trying really hard to be as generous as you always are and review every chapter, instead of tearing through this. Hee.)
Love it that she lets him come back to her apartment with her, and that she wears the shirt!! And that last line is just lovely.
Author's Response:
First of all, you totally didn't have to comment on every chapter- but I'm so touched that you did! Thank you!!
Yeah, I think she's about done playing hard to get (even if they do try to take things slow). Thanks!
Date: June 25, 2007 05:36 pm Title: I choose you
I have been loving every chapter, but this one made me teary-eyed, which basically means that, you're awesome! Seriously. My fave line?
And if we could come back from what happened the last time I wore this dress...then I think we'll be OK.
Loved how Pam wore the dress to remind Jim of their past and how much pain they've survived to be together, even if she had to suck it in to squeeze into it!
Glad you have a few more chapters to go!
Author's Response: I wish everyone I'd ever made cry thought it meant I was awesome...hee! Thank you so much, and thank you for sticking with my journey here. I just loved the idea of Pam squeezing into that dress but really, really wanting out of it as soon as she could manage. Hee!
10 [Report This]Date: June 25, 2007 03:46 pm Title: I choose you
YAY for the periwinkle dress, and YAY for Pam for being sentimental enough, despite a demanding job, two kids and the hottest husband in fiction, to hold onto it all these years. And how like Pam, who reminded Jim of all their good times with one yogurt lid, to hold onto a dress that held painful but important memories for the two of them.
This whole series of moments has been just wonderful, nqllisi. Just wonderful. One of the best stories I've read in a while on this site. Thank you so much.
Author's Response: Thank you so much, NEJ. I am so touched that you read it all straight through and found so much to say. I'm having a blast with this series- belsum and I have brainstormed another four "outfits" for Pam and that should wrap it up. I just think that Pam has so much potential, and that people do change and grow so much through the years, that it is fun to explore her possibilities. Thank you for coming along for the journey!
10 [Report This]Date: June 25, 2007 03:44 pm Title: I am growing every day
she looked beautiful. Frightening, but beautiful.
LOL! Yes, that describes many pregnant women.
Jim's "Love you, too, little one" is the sweetest line I've read in fanfic in a month. Awwww!!!!!
Author's Response:
I have never been pregnant myself, but I get the impression that's pretty common. Heh.
Jim is going to be a wonderful papa, isn't he? And he'll be wonderful with Pam. Thank you! I can't believe how much you're writing; I appreciate the comments so much!
10 [Report This]Date: June 25, 2007 03:43 pm Title: I know what I am
Okay, this needs a new label: NSFW. I laughed out loud when Jim opened the door and found Pam reclining in a fruit-patterned dishtowel. That was so unexpected and funny and Pam! So adorable, so her. Applause, applause!
Author's Response: Thank you, thank you! Heh, I may have once modeled an oven mitt in a similar way, but I can't claim to be as funny or as spontaneous as Mrs. Halpert. Sorry about the laughter- but I'm so glad it made you laugh!
Date: June 25, 2007 03:42 pm Title: I am happy
Jim frowned. "Will this Pam Halpert still make homemade salsa? Because otherwise, I'm sticking with the girl I've got."
Yay for salsa! Also for weddingfic! Thank you. A lovely moment between bride and groom.
Author's Response: Oh, thank you! Yeah, I've got fluff in the depths of my soul; I had to stick a wedding chapter in here!
10 [Report This]Date: June 25, 2007 03:41 pm Title: I managed while you were gone
Jim answering Kelly's rapid-fire questions like this is something I have to see on this show some day. Please, God and Greg Daniels.
And Pam's proposal? you GO, girlfriend!! Wonderful, wonderful stuff. I'm loving this story.
Author's Response: Pam's good, but I think only Jim is quick enough on his feet to answer Kelly once she gets on a roll. I'd be so impressed with my pre-cog abilities if we ever saw something like this! I'm so glad you're enjoying- thank you!!
10 [Report This]Date: June 25, 2007 03:40 pm Title: I trust you not to leave me
Wow this was PERFECT, dead-on characterization for Dwight, Jim and Pam. Her fast thinking to deflect Dwight, her bone-deep knowledge of how to push his buttons, and her delight in Jim and baseball--I got nothing but love for all of this. Well done, well done!
Author's Response: Thank you! Yeah, Dwight-baiting and baseball- two of my favorite sports. Hee. I'm so glad you thought I got Dwight's characterization right; he's fun, but a little tricky to pin down without going overboard.
Date: June 25, 2007 03:39 pm Title: I changed for me
We match perfectly, Jim thought to himself as he followed her.
FABULOUS line. I love this whole story. Confident!Pam! Confused!Jim who is also InLove!Jim. Lovely, as always.
Author's Response: Oh, thank you! I think Pam has, rightfully, gotten a lot of the glory for the final two eps of the season- but Jim had a few hard things to do, himself. He does love her, though- and that counts for a lot. Thanks again!
Date: June 25, 2007 10:50 am Title: I choose you
Damn you lis! It is really uncomfortably hard to eat lunch while trying to hold back a flood of tears! I had no idea you were going here. It was amazing. Jim's founded paranoia while at work, Pam's entrace, the whole thing with him finally seeing the expression in her eyes. Gorgeous.
Author's Response: I think I'd said something like "feeling disconnected from each other", so yeah, I went a long farther than I originally intended. I just think that they're so in-sync that being out of sync would hurt them more than most people. So sorry about the tears- your birthday present isn't supposed to make you cry! (Thank you, thank you).
Date: June 25, 2007 10:33 am Title: I choose you
hehe! i love that they're real with each other, that they have problems but it's ok. and i love SO MUCH that she's uncomfortable in the dress b/c she's had two kids! haha :) "Can't we talk in sweat pants?" too funny! another great chapter in one of my favorite fics!
Author's Response: Thank you! I couldn't let it get too angsty, after all. :) But honestly, I think these two will struggle, and that's real and that's life and that's love even if you are having happily-ever-after. And if someone loves you even when your hips aren't quite as slim as they used to be? Even better.
Date: June 25, 2007 07:06 am Title: I choose you
I am happy to have a little bit less of fluff and a bit more of reality. That worked well and it really makes the whole series a bit more balanced. Excellent. :)
Author's Response: Thank you! I would have to assume that they are having normal relationship problems between chapters...hee. Thank you again for your thoughtful comments and your support!
Date: June 25, 2007 05:31 am Title: I choose you
I really liked this chapter, because it's so true to real life. People get busy, things change, time pases, and before you know it you are in a rut. Thank goodness Pam was smart enough to realize it before it was all lost. Go Pam!
luchy
Author's Response: Thank you! My ten-year anniversary is next month, so I definitely know about that rut. Hee. I think these two will be fine, but they aren't immune to the normal stresses of life. Thanks again!
Date: June 25, 2007 05:17 am Title: I choose you
Just realized I'd never reviewed this series. I really like the idea of clothes as a common thread (get it?Oh, so clever...) that runs through all these moments. Great balance of being connected, yet open-ended too. This last one I thought was especially good - like that things aren't always perfect, but regardless, she's still just it for Jim. Even if she can almost, but not quite, fit into her iconic blue dress these days (good metaphor there, btw.) His vulnerability is so sweet here. I love seeing him loved.
Author's Response: Oh, thank you so much! I love the idea of clothes as a metaphor for change- what you take off and put on as you go through life. There are so many times that the "uniforms" change- but who we are at heart doesn't change all that much. I think these two have such a good foundation of friendship, and have already gone through so much, that it would take more than being busy to really tear them apart. Thank you again!
10 [Report This]Date: June 25, 2007 05:16 am Title: I choose you
This is a beautiful story. Heartbreaking and fulfilling at the same time. Excellent job.
Author's Response: Thank you very much. The rest of the series has been almost unrelentingly fluffy- I thought we needed to inject some reality.
9 [Report This]Date: June 25, 2007 05:12 am Title: I choose you
So, who needs to get changed for work when she can read fanfic? I am very bad at procrastination. Or very good...
This isn't starting as a happy chapter....
Very cute 5 year old Lucy. I knew a Lucy. She moved away. She was about 5 also. Oh well, I still got my other kiddies to love.
All I gotta say is 7+ years, 2 kids, and Pam can still fit into that dress. I am jealous. I can't fit into anything from seven years ago (maybe because I was a teenager and I have had a growth spurt and such since then also). But it added to a moment of comedy.
I am so glad they worked stuff out. Or will work stuff out. So great.
Author's Response:
I was ten minutes late for work because I was at home posting this...and now I'm checking responses instead of e-mail now that I'm here. Fanfic is bad for us Em!
Of course they will work stuff out- they're Jim and Pam! And, more to the point, this is MY story- very few sad endings in my fic!
10 [Report This]Date: June 22, 2007 10:59 am Title: I am growing every day
Talk about hitting all my buttons! I wish you had put the link up to that post of mine; I would love to go back and review that conversation. It was so hard figuring out clothes during that regular-to-maternity transition!
I loved Jim's unspoken opinions. So true and so hilarious! Nice follow-through with Pam's job wardrobes, too.
Author's Response:
I didn't know if you'd want it linked or not, since I forgot to ask you. I browsed through your subsequent blog posts to find an outfit for her, too.
Jim's mama didn't raise an idiot. Heh.
Date: June 22, 2007 06:03 am Title: I am growing every day
i'm so glad you didn't stop this at five chapters! especially since chapter 6 is a baby chapter! This is sweet and VERY understandable. Jim's thoughts of "I'll just keep that to myself" were very cute and funny :)
Author's Response: Oh, thank you! I realized that there were lots of changes in Pam's future that I could play with. I have at least four more ideas- hope you don't get bored before that! (Our Jim is no dummy. Don't mess with the mommy-to-be!)