Date: December 09, 2007 10:21 pm Title: Chapter 6 - What a Wonderful World
I love this story ;)
You write the details of Jim and Pam so effortlessly!
Bravo - can't wait to see what the dinner is like!
Author's Response: Okay, contif, I have to admit that I laughed when I read this, but I'm really so glad this reads like it's effortless to you, because it sure as hell doesn't write that way!! If only! I hate to disappoint you, but we're going to skip over the dinner and move forward in time a little bit. But I can imagine Pam teases Jim mercilessly about the trumpet, she tells him about the talk with his mother and they share some nice memories and a big, fat chocolate mousse. There's probably smooching and sexing involved, too. How's that? Thank you so much for the sweet review!
10 [Report This]Date: December 09, 2007 10:18 pm Title: Chapter 6 - What a Wonderful World
squee! i was so excited to see a new chapter. i'm absolutely loving this story! cannot wait for more!!
Author's Response: Oh my God, with the squeeing! That's enough to keep me housebound and writing in my ratty old sweats, bed head, and mean-teacher glasses. Today's agenda: shower, brush teeth, start chapter 7. I_Still_Believe, thanks so much for reading and reviewing!
10 [Report This]Date: December 09, 2007 10:08 pm Title: Chapter 6 - What a Wonderful World
I squealed when I saw this was updated. Seriously, you rock and win at life. This story is SO FUN!!! I know its supposed to be kinda angsty but if this is all the angst you got planned, I like how light it still feels, you're not hitting anyone over the head with it. Faaaaabulous job!
Author's Response:
Oh, YAY! It's so great to read reviews like this, Sharipep. I've been kind of worried that I've been hitting Pam in the griefbone a little too hard, so I'm really glad you think it's got the right feel. Thank you so much for the encouragement and the squealing!!
Date: December 09, 2007 10:06 pm Title: Chapter 6 - What a Wonderful World
I've spent six hours of today working on a paper. Thanks for giving me this and thus letting me end the day on a high note.
Well done, as always, and of course I'm on the edge of my seat for the next chapter. :-) -CH
Author's Response:
CH, I feel like I'm almost as ready as you probably are for this semester to be over! Man, I don't miss that at all. I'm so glad you liked this and it put a positive note on the end of what was, I'm sure, a very long day. I'm really excited about the next chapter, too, and I haven't even started it, but I know exactly where we're going and I really hope you're going to have fun on the trip, too! Thanks so much for the review!
10 [Report This]Date: December 08, 2007 03:15 pm Title: Chapter 5 - That's When I Need My Father's Eyes
this was so great. You are really doing a great job portraying Pam's whole passion for art. And Good Will Hunting is my favorite movie EVER so I loved that bit!!
Author's Response: Aw, Sharipep, thank you so much for this review! I'm really enjoying writing this. It's a big step for me to write something this long with an actual plot. I can't tell you how much I appreciate hearing that you're enjoying it. I love Good Will Hunting, too, so it was fun to work that in. Thanks again.
Date: December 08, 2007 12:04 pm Title: Chapter 1 - The Beesly Guide to Trimming Your Tree
I love this story! You have such a comfortable writing style. The reader doesn't have to work at all to enjoy every last word. The structure of the story, as well as your way with words make the flow so easy and beautiful. This is such a comforting, warm story, full of so much life. I love the perspective on Pam and Jim's future together, and all the ups and downs they have to face. Honestly it's the perfect companion to a hot cup of coffee on a cold snowy morning. I feel like I could read this forever. Absolutely wonderful! Keep it coming!
Author's Response: Wow! What a wonderful review, PBeesly Sweater! This story's not exactly fluffy, so it's great to read a review like this. I'm so glad you're enjoying it, and chapter 6 is in the works! Thanks so much for the kind words!
10 [Report This]Date: December 07, 2007 07:52 pm Title: Chapter 5 - That's When I Need My Father's Eyes
That was a beautiful chapter. Every nuance of it. So glad I discovered this story.
Author's Response: I'm so glad you did, too, albie_! So far, this chapter gave me the biggest headache, so I'm very happy you enjoyed it. I hope I didn't jinx myself by saying that because I don't want to know any more than I already do about Pam's creative slump! Thank you so much for the review!
Date: December 07, 2007 02:21 pm Title: Chapter 5 - That's When I Need My Father's Eyes
Oh, I loved this!
Please keep adding!
Author's Response: Thank you so much, TotoDarling! What a great screenname! I'll be updating within the next couple of days, I hope. See you then!
Date: December 07, 2007 01:51 pm Title: Chapter 5 - That's When I Need My Father's Eyes
great chapter! i love the direction you've taken with this story. well done! can't wait for more!
Author's Response: That's so great to hear (read?), I_Still_Believe, because this is a little darker than anything I've done. It's not the usual Jim-Pam angst and there are so many other writers who have done that far better than I could. Besides, I'm still recovering from the angst of S2 Jim and S3 Pam! And then the damned strike cut my recovery short! I'm off work until next Wednesday, so I hope to have at least one more chapter up by then. Thank you for the review!
Date: December 07, 2007 12:03 pm Title: Chapter 5 - That's When I Need My Father's Eyes
I LOVE IT! seriously? Jim is SO cute with his parents! I love the way you've written them. just... precious! This is a great chapter of flashback to the beginnings of their relationship, and I love seeing him learn from his parents' marriage. you're amazing.
Author's Response: So nice to read this, rulesofjinx, and thank you so much for leaving reviews. It was fun to write about Pam meeting the Halperts and I always imagined that they would love her just like Jim does. Mr. Halpert, the Elder...I can't help it, he's pretty much my Dad and even though my Mom didn't have a single creative bone in her tiny Italian body, this is what I imagine it would have been like with them. For better or for worse, right? Thank you for all the encouragement, I really appreciate it!
Date: December 07, 2007 10:16 am Title: Chapter 5 - That's When I Need My Father's Eyes
Absolutely, positively, painfully, perfectly, impossibly lovely. Well done, my friend. I loved how you wrote that love scene, and the dynamic between the Old Halperts and Young Halperts was fantastic in its realism. Great job!!! -CH
Author's Response:
I'm not ashamed to admit that I squealed a little when I read this review, CH! Nothing better than reading something like this from someone who has given me SO MUCH pleasure from her own writing. Jim and Pam needed a little lovin' here and I'm so glad you liked it because that one paragraph probably got fiddled with more than anything. I appreciate your sweet words so much and thank you for the awesome rec on the boards, too
Date: December 07, 2007 09:32 am Title: Chapter 5 - That's When I Need My Father's Eyes
Almost forgot: "I asked her if she was dreaming about Matt Damon again and she said ‘yeah…how do you like them apples?’" LOVE that line from the movie. Always makes me smile.
Author's Response: TWO? Tuna, are you kidding me? You're so...GREAT. And I LOVE that line from the movie, too! I think I fell in love with Matt Damon in that moment!
Date: December 07, 2007 09:04 am Title: Chapter 5 - That's When I Need My Father's Eyes
Oh, Miss Pam. When I was pregnant with my second I lost all my creative energy. I know just how she feels. And you can want everything to stay the same, but once that child comes, your priorities change so much and things that were once such a big deal don't seem so important.
Even though they are tough times, it is so encouraging to see Mr. & Mrs. Halpert making their way through the world. Sigh.
Author's Response: Lisahoo, never having been pregnant my own self, I only have the stories of others to go on, so I'm thrilled that you connect with what Pam's going through. She's got a great cheering section with Jim and his folks, though, so I think she's going to be okay. Thank you so much for the review. I've said it before, but it bears repeating: you are such a wonderful reviewer and I appreciate seeing your comments so much.
Date: December 07, 2007 09:03 am Title: Chapter 5 - That's When I Need My Father's Eyes
Sweetpea, this warmed my heart and broke it at the same time. So dang good! You have such a knack for capturing Jim's personality, and I love his parents : ) Thanks for this update.
Author's Response: Oh, Nan, thank you so much for the sweet review! I was afraid that Jim's parents might be a little too prickly with each other, but Jim has such a quick, sarcastic wit and such a fun back-and-forth with Pam, that he must have grown up with that dynamic between his parents. Challenging to write characters we've never seen, but the Halperts were a lot of fun to write!
10 [Report This]Date: December 07, 2007 08:59 am Title: Chapter 5 - That's When I Need My Father's Eyes
i love the way jim's parents banter and bicker and finally come to rest with jim and pam...especially in this line they’ve seen this storm come and go and I would be wise to keep my mouth shut and listen for once.
Author's Response: Thank you so much for the review, CashBasket! I struggled trying to imagine Jim's parents without interjecting a bit of my own into them. Jim's Dad is quite a lot like my own father was...a bit crusty on the outside, with a gooey, melty inside and always ready with the advice about treating each other with kindness and sometimes having to give the whole 100% to the marriage when your spouse is going through a rough time. I'm glad you're reading and enjoying this!
Date: December 03, 2007 09:31 pm Title: Chapter 4 - Mrs. Halpert, in the Art Room, with a Secret
You know, I find it so interesting what you've done here in terms of an entire story being built around a comment. Isn't that how life goes? Someone you respect makes one inane comment that probably meant very little to them and was completely innocent, and it can set the course of your life for awhile. I hope Pam gets her groove back. :-)
Author's Response:
Ack! I clicked "Submit" way too fast on my previous response and didn't thank you for the review. So, I'm thanking you twice, here! Thank you, thank you!
I can think back to teachers' comments as far back as grade school, and some of them...I can remember every last detail and can see what an impact they made on me, both positive and negative. Even though what Gil and Oscar said about her drawings really hurt Pam, they didn't have the same effect on her.
Date: December 03, 2007 08:53 pm Title: Chapter 2 - Mrs. Halpert Goes to College
Ok, love the cute and silly names Jim comes up with for the baby when he gets home! That was the bright spot, in an otherwise pretty sad chapter. :-( ....I hope what Pam said at the end about it being her sweet life is really true for her. Otherwise her professor really pissed me off! Not that he didn't make completely realistic points...but still. ::sigh:: on to chapter 3! Kinda glad I missed these initially, so now I have a lot to read!
Author's Response: It was intended that "my sweet life" is totally true for her, LoveFool. She's just a little adrift with herself right now, but she's crazy in love with Jim and happy to be expecting, but I think she's apprehensive about the changes that are coming for her.
Date: December 03, 2007 08:34 pm Title: Chapter 1 - The Beesly Guide to Trimming Your Tree
Ok....hellish, hellish business trip. Oh Sweetpea, I love Christmas, and LOVE a Jam Christmas more than anything! How adorable was the first Christmas gift, and then the baby booties....LOVE. i think my favorite moment was when Jim was talking about not being able to really see the "personality" of a tree because he didn't have her artistic bent nor was he slightly insane. lol. I can't wait to see where this is going!
Author's Response: I'm so sorry I'm late in responding, LoveFool. I really love thinking of these two sharing their first Christmas together. In my twisted mind, Roy probably took some of the fun out of it for Pam by not going along with or indulging her excitement. Jim would just embrace it all, even if he doesn't quite get the tree thing! Thanks so much for the review!
Date: December 03, 2007 04:44 pm Title: Chapter 4 - Mrs. Halpert, in the Art Room, with a Secret
i love this story. its so realistic and well written and a great character study of the Jams. I do feel like this is the calm before the storm? But I don't mind being wrong. :D
Author's Response:
Thank you so much for such a sweet review, Sharipep! I'm not giving anything away, but I have such faith that these two can weather any storm, so don't worry. The Halperts are pretty tough cookies. More soon, promise!
Date: December 03, 2007 09:34 am Title: Chapter 4 - Mrs. Halpert, in the Art Room, with a Secret
poor Pam! I don't like it when she forgets who she can be. Hopefully Fancy New Beesly will regain some of that Fancy Newness? I'll be checking for updates on your lovely writing to find out!
Author's Response:
rulesofjinx, Pam is struggling, and trust me, that is fun for no one! I could never just leave her like this, but she's on a bit of a journey. Thanks so much for reading and reviewing and I'm working on chapter 5 but Jim is giving me a bit of a hard time (TWSS). Soon, soon!
Date: December 03, 2007 06:47 am Title: Chapter 3 - Goodnight, You Moonlight Ladies
You know I love this story, but this chapter is especially fine. (And Sweet Baby James? That's hitting me in the nostalgia bone big time ;-) Just so real and true to character - Pam shorting out on it all, her weariness, Jim desperate to reassure her - completely convincing. So warm and intimate - they really read like two people in love here. Well done! (And I LOVE Jim's comments about the 'stash box' and offering her his tie - too funny.)
Author's Response:
Colette, this one is my favorite so far, too, so I'm really glad you liked it, as well. I wavered a long time over having Jim actually sing a few lines from Sweet Baby James, but the lines from Lennon's Beautiful Boy were just too perfect for what they'd talked about. I was trying to get a theme going with the chapter titles, but I was stumped with this one until I thought of Jim rocking her and then it just popped in my head.
I can't thank you enough for these wonderful reviews. You're so great and so generous with your praise. It makes all the agonizing and editing and rewriting so worthwhile. And makes me want to get chapter 5 done that much more quickly, so I hope I see you here again soon! :-*
Date: December 02, 2007 08:02 pm Title: Chapter 4 - Mrs. Halpert, in the Art Room, with a Secret
I love Kellie, she's such a hot ticket and Pam needs a woman friend right now. I feel so sad that Pam is really locking herself away from her art, both physically and mentally. Can't wait for more.
Hope your headache got better today. If you had tried to jump out the window, I would have thrown a rope and lassoed you back in, so there would have been no escape from me stomping my feet, demanding more chapters. :)
Author's Response:
Kellie may, uh, bear a resemblance to a certain, ahem, author. ;)
So good to know you'd break my fall...sort of!! Yes, the headache did improve...after I added the last chapter. I really do have to lighten up a little bit. But just today, I caught a bit of a timeline error and I can't BELIEVE it considering the number of times I read and edited, so THAT's why I'm so anal about it.
I can't thank you enough for being so supportive and so encouraging. I appreciate it so much!
Date: December 02, 2007 07:48 pm Title: Chapter 3 - Goodnight, You Moonlight Ladies
Aww, I love when they cuddle and talk in fics. I thought it was wonderful that Jim persisted until he finally said something that made her feel better. Sigh. He'll just do anything for that girl.
But, "You totally made our baby a stash box," was my favorite line in this chapter. I can hear Jim saying it over Pam's indignation. And "It felt good to make something solid," is a great line. Pam is exploring all these other crative endeavors because she can't face her art again just now. She's afraid of failure right now. Damn pregnancy hormones.
Author's Response:
EH, how much I love reading your reviews! The "I'm not letting this go" line from Jim was a very, very late addition. I wanted him to go through the typical guy reaction cycle first...the prof's an asshole, stupid, doesn't know anything. Oh, and he made you feel really bad? I'm kicking his ass. Then, I'll tell her what to do....until he arrives at the right thing: I'm here for you, I'll help you, don't worry.
Your Pam comments? NAILED IT! </Andy> And I was chuckling to myself over the stash box as I was writing it...how dorky is that? When you're sitting alone in your apartment chuckling at your own writing? You need to get out more.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for these reviews!
8 [Report This]Date: December 02, 2007 07:39 pm Title: Chapter 1 - The Beesly Guide to Trimming Your Tree
I just loved Pam's excitement over unpacking her ornaments during their first Christmas. And how sweet that on their second Christmas Jim gave her a first christmas together ornament and she gave him little white booties. Such sweet and warm Hallmark moments.
Author's Response: Hee! I'm so glad you liked this, kaystar. That's kind of my own personal thing with ornaments and I thought I'd share that with Pam. Remember her excitement when she opened Jim's teapot? Yeah, Pam likes Christmas ornaments. Thanks so much for reading and reviewing!
Date: December 02, 2007 07:30 pm Title: Chapter 2 - Mrs. Halpert Goes to College
This is so realistic, how you've keyed in on the dilemma many of us women have: how to wear all those hats at once and not go crazy. The old Superwoman syndrome. And as happens so often, our own selves get pushed aside by the demands of work, home and family. Can't wait to see where you go with this. Poor Pam.
And it was interesting that she was trying to do a series of pictures of hands. Reminded me of Gil's comment. Was that on purpose?
Author's Response:
You're amazing! Yes, it was on purpose, so I'm thrilled you picked up on that. I also think it's typical of someone in Pam's shoes to subconsciously set herself up to fail. There are a million things that she could have decided to work on that might have turned out great and given her confidence a boost, but she picked one of the hardest things to draw, and it just reinforces her own feelings of inadequacy.
Thank you so much, EH, for such a thoughtful review. It makes me feel so great that you're reading this so closely and catching all these little things!