9 [Report This]Date: December 12, 2007 07:39 am Title: Chapter 7 - Maybe Better Dreams and Plenty
Firstly - I'm sorry I haven't reviewed earlier - I'm sooooo deseperately far behind with my reading.
Secondly, I love this. It's realistic and funny and poignant and sad but in the best of ways.
Thirdly, I've spent many a summer in Mount Snow - so though I think Jim's mom's idea is perfect and wonderful - I'm a little sad they won't be staying in West Dover or shopping on Main Street in Wilmington. :)
Can't wait to see what's next.
Author's Response: xoxoxo, no apologies necessary! I'm so happy you're enjoying this. I lived outside of Bennington for a bit, and I've been to all those places, too! Loved Wilmington and Brattleboro. After I posted this chapter, I thought oh, man... that Vermont trip sounds really good...people are gonna think I'm crazy for having Jim take Pam to freaking Buffalo! Thank you so much for the sweet review!
10 [Report This]Date: December 12, 2007 05:44 am Title: Chapter 7 - Maybe Better Dreams and Plenty
Sweetpea, I don't know where to begin. I get lost in each chapter. This one was particularly brilliant. You brought back memories of my pregnancy and how, after our son was born, my husband said that he missed getting those little pokes in the back. Such sweet memories. This is the most realistic, touching, consistently beautiful story. You could write 100+ chapters, and I guarantee I'd still look forward to the next installment.
Author's Response: Nan, how'd you get to be so awesome? Seriously. I don't know if other writers here do this, but I get so freaking nervous before I click the "Add Story" button and hoping like hell I haven't totally screwed the pooch, especially with this story! Reading this review...man, I can't tell you how good it makes me feel. 100 chapters?! Girl, you so crazy! Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Date: December 11, 2007 10:42 pm Title: Chapter 7 - Maybe Better Dreams and Plenty
Sweetpea, the picture you've created here is SO REAL for me. Something about this chapter especially, made me get such a clear picture of Jim's background, his parents -- there's something so lovely about the way he thinks about his mother. The words you've chosen remind me of how he must think about Pam as well -- same vibe, if that makes sense. Then there's this huge metaphor going on...at least *I* think it is -- lol. For, Pam's art "block". Here she is feeling as if she can't create anything, when she's participating in the most grand creation of them all, and that's making a BABY. GENIUS really.
And I'm totally with Jim on mimes!
This story just gets better and better.
Author's Response: Sigh. Like Michael...I have no words. Oh, wait! Here are a few...you're so awesome. I agonized over this chapter and if I had a do-over, I'd do it a little differently, but there it is. Reading this made me feel so much better about it and yes, LoveFool, there is a metaphor! I can't thank you enough for this. :-*
10 [Report This]Date: December 11, 2007 06:50 pm Title: Chapter 7 - Maybe Better Dreams and Plenty
oh! i just bombed an exam but then i got home and saw a new chapter!! thank you!! hahaha. this chapter was fantastic! and i got way too excited about the buffalo reference! i don't live in buffalo, but i live in niagara falls which is only 15 minutes down the road! perhaps jim and pam could take a side trip?? lol, just kidding!! ok, i'll stop rambling! i love this story!
Author's Response: Wow, ISB, you're in the Falls? I spent many happy (and crazy) times up there, too! I moved away from the area 22 years ago, but I have so many great memories, it's been fun to include some of them in this story. I hope the rest of your exams go better! Thank you for the sweet comments.
Date: December 11, 2007 05:42 pm Title: Chapter 7 - Maybe Better Dreams and Plenty
Oh my God, Sweetpea! I am sitting here with a huge smile on my face. I should have known, native Buffalonian that I am, that Allentown = Allentown Art Festival! Ahhh! So freaking perfect. I was already so insanely into this story and now, well, even more so! I can't freaking wait to hear the story of how Jim's parents met. I know you're going to do it such justice. And the image of Jim feeling the baby kick and poke? That was just amazing. Woooo!
Author's Response: I am so, so happy to read this, sudzy! I have so many great memories from Allentown - I went every year and even after I moved away, I scheduled visits around Father's Day, just so the tradition could continue. I'm so glad you're enjoying this and thank you so much for the sweet and enthusiastic review - I really appreciate it
10 [Report This]Date: December 11, 2007 04:13 pm Title: Chapter 7 - Maybe Better Dreams and Plenty
Well, I just read this twice, and I'm going to comment here, even though I've had two glasses of wine already, so pardon the run-on sentences.
The whole baby-kicking thing is just about the only good thing about pregnancy in my opinion. I just wasn't one of those women that "glowed". But the baby moving is fun. Until the last trimester when the foot catches you right under the rib and you totally can't breathe for a few seconds. Oh yeah, and it's always wonderful toward the end when they kick you hard right in the bladder. Dawesome. But our Pam isn't at that point yet.
Give peas a chance. Where do you come up with this stuff? Brilliant. And I think that the Amish mating ritual to signify the start of the planting season is documented on Wikipedia.
The Allentown Art Festival sounds like so much fun. It reminds me a little of summer days on Commercial St. in Provincetown on Cape Cod, with its eclectic, artsy, bohemian atmosphere. Good times.
Thanks for the pics! Makes the story seem more "real" if that makes sense. :)
Author's Response:
Good heavens, EH, I love reading your reviews so much. I am SO glad I got the baby-kicking thing right! And the peas? I used to sing that to my stepson when they were grousing about eating peas for dinner. I don't know. It's weird inside my head sometimes!
Allentown is amazing and I know there are a bunch of festivals like it, but I knew a few of the artists that showed there, and they always said there was something special about it. I have so many good memories of it. Thank you so much for the review!
Date: December 11, 2007 04:04 pm Title: Chapter 7 - Maybe Better Dreams and Plenty
Wow, these first 7 chapters were just build-up? You have blown my mind.
P.S. I'm with Jim. Mimes creep me out.
Author's Response: I really hope your mind got blown in a good way, lisahoo. A bad mind blow is a terrible thing. Mimes (and clowns) are definitely creepy. Thank you for the review!
10 [Report This]Date: December 10, 2007 10:51 am Title: Chapter 6 - What a Wonderful World
Okay seriously, can you just write this story forever? Because I would read it everyday, I love it so much.
I nearly burst out laughing with the diatribe on labor, especially the bit about all women needing to explain how horrible it is to anyone who's pregnant. But I also found myself fully understanding and appreciating the pain and frustration of losing something so crucial to your identity. You have such a talent expressing both the humor and the pain of life.
And lastly, you've made Dad Jim one of my favorite Jims ever. Absolutely perfect!
More soon please!!! :)
Author's Response:
PBS (HA! Look at that!), what a great review! Thank you! Even as a never-pregnant person, it amuses me how women sometimes try to terrorize each other with the "I can top that!" labor horror stories. And the belly-touching! What's up with that?
One of my favorite all-time movie scenes is the cemetary scene in Steel Magnolias where I'm bawling my face off one minute, then laughing so hard the next. Just love that. And if anyone can try to find humor in a painful situation, I think our lovebirds, especially Jim, can do it. Thank you for the compliment about Dad!Jim, but mine is only a very pale, tepid imitation of the one, true Dad!Jim and that is LoveFool's in Baby Talk. Nobody does it better and I should have my head examined for even letting Pam get knocked up in the first place!
10 [Report This]Date: December 10, 2007 10:37 am Title: Chapter 6 - What a Wonderful World
so, i've been lurking on MTT since the beginning of S4, and never commented on anyone's fic (i only just created an account last week!). but i had to come out of my hiding and comment on your fic.
between the splashes of previous interactions that you throw in, mixed with all the excitement of future jim/pam, you've created one simply AWESOME story. i feel this is it really would be for them in the future. and since we have no idea when that real future is going to start again (dang strike!), i am so fortunate that i discovered this fic -- NO, that you are writing this fic! -- because i have something to look forward to reading while waiting for the network execs to take their heads out of their tuchus'!
i really do need to figure out how to make sure i get notified on when this story gets updated instead of just checking back here everyday from my computer's bookmarked sites!! wonderful job, i simply can't wait till you update again! please take my stalker-ish comments with a grain of salt, i just had to let you know how much i love reading this! :)
Author's Response: Wow. Just...wow! chelibelle, it wasn't too many months ago that I registered here and delurked just so I could comment on a story (Becky215's 11:59 - go read it! And all her other stuff, too!) so I can't tell you how incredibly cool it feels to have the shoe on the other foot. Wow - not stalkerish at all...just very flattering! So glad you're enjoying this because I'm loving the whole process of writing this story. The strike is hitting me so hard in the griefbone - I miss these characters like they're real people in my life. Sad, but true. Welcome to MTT! This is definitely a place of welcoming! And thank you so much for the awesome review!
10 [Report This]Date: December 10, 2007 10:29 am Title: Chapter 6 - What a Wonderful World
I really enjoyed this chapter and I'm so glad that Pam spoke to Jim's mom and finally let it out. Doesn't solve the problem, but certainly makes the problem seem less overwhelming.
I also loved the description of Jim in the rain. Really beautiful moment.
Author's Response: Oh, Albie_, I'm so glad you enjoyed this, especially Jim in the rain. Is it weird that I cried a little when I wrote that? Maybe...but I'm okay with that! You're absolutely right about Pam's burden being relieved a little even though the problem is still there. Talking to Mel did make her feel better. Thanks so much for the review!
Date: December 10, 2007 10:15 am Title: Chapter 6 - What a Wonderful World
This is one of those stories that makes me jealous of Jim and Pam. Like, why can't I have what they have? Then I remember that they are fictional and I feel slightly better. As always, such a joy to read. The scene with the tree was so vividly written that I almost felt inspired to paint (and, well, I'm no painter). Can't wait for your next update!
Author's Response:
Wait! They're fictional?! Ohhhh, RIGHT! Fictional! sudzy, I'm so envious of them, too, and I can't figure out if writing them is my wish fulfillment for them or for ME! Thank you for mentioning the tree because I just love the image of the two of them kneeling in the grass getting totally drenched. Okay, wet!Jim is truly an inspiration! I'm really excited about writing the next two chapters myself, so I hope you enjoy what's to come. Thank you so much for the review!
Date: December 10, 2007 10:02 am Title: Chapter 6 - What a Wonderful World
This chapter made me very happy. I could leave it at that, but...nah.
There were several personal recognitions for me here as well: I also didn't want to know my babies' sexes. Life has few enough real surprises. More importantly, Jim feeling that way felt right for him - as did his eventual compromise for Pam's sake. My firstborn also weighed in at 9-4 (and almost 2 weeks early - can you imagine had he gone to term?!?) and I'm not very big - actually kind of Pam-sized. AND, your melon head comment made me laugh, cause delivering my giant was likened at the time to pushing a watermelon out through my nostril. (That baby also grew into a funny, messy-haired McLanky, btw.)
Jim & trumpet? Hmm...reminds me of a certain (delicious) photo of this guy whose initials are JK. Great detail! And I really like how you've developed Pam's relationship with her MIL - again, the idea of Jim relating to Pam's creativity (and resulting conflict) because of his closeness to his Mom is such rich/believable backstory for his character. One more thing: Jim saying 'wait for it...' during the ultrasound was a nice callback to that great scene in the show, and his That's my boy, seeing the umbilical cord was perfect.
Do continue ;-)
Author's Response:
I could just say "thank you for such an awesome review" but...NAH!
It's pretty nervous-making writing a pregnant Pam when I've never been pregnant, so when I get comments like yours, I can breathe a sigh of relief. Although the watermelon thing...I don't know whether to squeeze my knees or my nostrils together! Mang, that's a big baby! (And I love the way you post about your kids...you're respectful of them and they're personhood and it's so clear how crazy you are about them. Love. So nice to read.)
A detailed review from you is like the best thing ever. I tried to resist the trumpet because of that pic, but in the end, resistance was futile! I loved the idea of him really sucking at it, though, and his parents breathing a sigh of relief when he put it away! And Jim's parents...well, they're my parents. My best and fondest memories of them, anyway, and writing the Halperts has been the best part of this for me. The ultrasound...I think Jim's reticence to entertain anything even slightly prurient on the show has led him to be kind of feminized, but he's a red-blooded male in my <s>fantasies</s> mind, and I love letting little snips of his guy-ness show through. I totally think he'd get into looking for the baby's genitalia like it was a video game and be completely thrilled if the cord had been what he thought it was!
Wow, that was long. (TWSS) But a detailed review deserves a thoughtful response, and a huge thank you for always being so encouraging and for the rec's and reviews. You're so awesome.
Date: December 10, 2007 06:02 am Title: Chapter 6 - What a Wonderful World
Sigh. Honestly, I have trouble writing a coherent review for this, it's so good. So maybe I'll just ramble incoherently and you'll just have to deal.
Sex of the baby? In my experience nowadays, I'd say 90% or more couples know the sex. I'm always a little thrilled when couples I ask say they don't know, because I never found out, with either of my kids. Weird, huh? I mean, my wallpaper was a nursery color pattern of pink, blue, green and yellow pastels, so it was no big deal, and I just stocked up on onesies and sleepers initially, figuring the relatives could fill in with the overalls or dresses after the baby was born. I was so shocked with my second being a girl since I really thought I was having another boy. It's been a good thing though, since a daughter can do girly things like spot a Kras scarf at The Gap for her clueless mom, who's wandering around the store like an idiot. I don't think I could depend on my son for that sort of dedication.
I'm so glad Pam shared her fears with Jim's mom and felt reassured after the conversation. Of course, working the trumpet playing into that talk was dawesome.
Aww..first anniversary love! The tree of course, was a perfect idea and a constant reminder to both of them of the strength of their committment to each other. Squee too, on Pam's pretty dress, and Jim ringing the doorbell, and pink daisies and Louis Armstrong!
But damn, can't wait to read about this Father's Day surprise Jim has planned...
Author's Response:
EH, I'm more than happy to deal with any and all incoherent rambling you send my way. I LOVE your reviews. I loved reading about your daughter yanking the scarf off the mannequin in The Gap! You're raising her right, my friend! I kind of hate the trend of finding out the sex of the baby ahead of time. I understand Pam's POV, she's so excited and as long as she can find out, she wants to. But my vote is so solidly with Jim. There are so few true spontaneous moments of pure surprise and joy in life, why not take that ride?
The tree...I spent a long time searching online for what I thought might be likely Jim-Pam first anniversary gifts and I gave up after going so far as to design an anniversay/Mother's ring for Pam (serpentine band, 3 stones: an aquamarine for her, an opal for Jim, and a peridot for the baby). The tree was divine intervention. Likewise, I looked for a long time for a pretty maternity dress for Pam, just for my own imagination.
<a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2024/2101367790_4ecaa04caa_o.jpg">Pam's dress</a>
I hope that works. Gerbera daises are the happiest flowers to me and I can just see Jim standing at the door, clutching a bunch in his hand with a great big smile. Sigh...now who's rambling?
Thank you, thank you, thank you. You are all kinds of awesome yourself and so, so money. :-*
Date: December 10, 2007 05:35 am Title: Chapter 6 - What a Wonderful World
Sweetpea, I was feeling pretty blue last night and this morning...until I read this update. Thanks for making me smile. I know I said previously that I'm partial to Jim's POV, but this chapter was just so great. I'm still grinning. Your little details don't go unnoticed. Excellent job.
Author's Response: Oh, Nan, I'm so sorry you're feeling blue. Frankly, I think writing this story is about the only thing that's holding me together until I can get through the holidays. I'm so glad this chapter provided a little cheer. I rewatched a few of the S4 episodes yesterday. Happy Jam really improved my own mood and I think it helped me with this chapter, too. This was probably the first time I really felt Pam when I was writing her POV. Hope your mood continues to improve and thank you so much for the review!
Date: December 10, 2007 05:25 am Title: Chapter 6 - What a Wonderful World
This is so great. I love how you manage to make me laugh while reaching that serious part of me as well. You write so beautifully, I just completely get what's going on with Pam. The connection with Jim's mom is so precious. The argument over the sex, the cord! haha it's all so great. I think my favorite part is the description of them planting the tree and "You look good in the rain" I LOVE your writing and I can NOT wait to read more :)
Author's Response: Every writer here, I'm sure, loves to read reviews and I'm certainly no exception. But when I read this, I was just beyond thrilled and so thankful for your kindness, rulesofjinx. I wrote an awful lot when I was much younger, but like Pam and her art, I just stopped and lost my feeling for it. Day-to-day life can wring every last ounce of creative juice out of a person, sometimes. Yes, I'm definitely writing this for myself, but reading a review like this inspires me even more. I cried a little (such a dork) when I was writing about the tree - I really love that image, too. Thank you so much.
Date: December 10, 2007 03:39 am Title: Chapter 6 - What a Wonderful World
Jim + Father's Day = Awesome. And the part with Pam talking to Melinda about her 'blockage' was sweet, too. I like how you've written Pam's approach to her painting and how she relates to her MIL. ;o)
Author's Response: I really can't wait to write the next couple of chapters, coming up to Father's Day. I feel weird about slighting Pam's mom and leaving her out of this whole thing so far, but the MIL-DIL relationship has been fun to write and I'm so glad you enjoyed that. Thanks so much for reading and for this review!
10 [Report This]Date: December 09, 2007 11:21 pm Title: Chapter 6 - What a Wonderful World
this whole story is beautiful. i love abosolutely everything about it and i get so excited when you update. everything is so sweet and so THEM. it makes me so happy :]
Author's Response:
Isn't this about the nicest thing to read, Sunday? Wow! It's so wonderful to read this and know I'm not sitting here with a 2-liter bottle of Mountain Dew and a box of kleenex, banging away on the laptop just amusing myself! Thank you so much for this sweet review!
Date: December 09, 2007 10:48 pm Title: Chapter 6 - What a Wonderful World
9lb. 6 oz. melon-head baby Jim, huh? wow...yeah, Pam's got a horror story coming alright! lol. I loved what you threw in about Jim's trumpet playing days. Please tell me we're gonna hear about that on the date! :-)
Author's Response: He was a big boy, our Jim! Poor Pam! LoveFool, you of all people, I hate to disappoint. Maybe I'll write an anniversary date story sometime, but we're going to move ahead in the next chapter. Imagine Pam teasing and Jim teaching Pam all about the proper lip and tongue technique (and I KNOW you can!!) just to keep her quiet. Thanks so much for reading and reviewing!
Date: December 09, 2007 10:38 pm Title: Chapter 6 - What a Wonderful World
I just discovered this story today - pam and jim are written so well! This is definitely one of the best pieces of fanfic I've read in a while!
Author's Response: Wow, what a wonderful compliment, jellyfish! I'm so glad you found this and you're enjoying and thanks so much for leaving a review!
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!