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Reviewer: darjeelingandcoke Signed [Report This]
Date: January 17, 2021 09:14 pm Title: Gift Card

I like the touch of reminding us right at the beginning where they've been not too far in their past, so we share Pam's sense of gratitude for the loveliness of the present. It was also lovely to see Pam in her new Jam-era sense of calm and contentedness and confidence, immediately applying her babysitting lessons to her office children.

There were so many great little developments here! Her proudly taping the drawer on her desk is such a pre-mom moment. And the Chili's card is just the icing on the cake. I'd love to see the scene where they try to explain why they can't use it.

But really, this fic was about the mug. On multiple levels, because this fic was ALL. ABOUT. THE MUG. VANESSA GAVE HER THE EXACT MUG HER HEART SAID SHE SHOULD HAVE. THAT IS *SUCH* A GREAT BACKSTORY. I REALLY LIKE THAT CHOICE. Really, great way to pull it all together in the denouement and tell this smaller origin story of the mug and have it foreground the bigger story of how Take Your Daughter To Work Day Pam became Company Picnic Pam. This was well constructed.

P.S. Also, someone needs to write a Ben Franklin Day fic now with Gordon coming back. Actually, there are by my count at least seven of those holidays that deserve one. 

Author's Response:

DJC-

I can't thank you enough for the love you have shown this story - it really was a joy for me to write and share and I'm a touch sad it had to end.

When I began this story, the idea was to create a simple backstory to the mug that she doesn't want Andy to use (and since the way she said it felt almost like it was coming from an 8 year old herself. in my mind it had to be pretty special) but as I sketched it in my mind it became so much more - shaping the changes we didn't get to see happen live in the show but we all know did, particularly her transition from TYDTWD Pam to CP Pam. I love when a small relatively unnoticed show plot point can mean so much more. 

This was a magical story for me in the way so many of the show's small one-offs (bird funerals, soda explosion, Tom's sense of humor, Michaels' near jump from the roof) paved the way for some more elements that could enhance the story, bring more backstory to canon or add a level of humor. The dual Snoopy nickname and yearbook discovery, jinxes at the gas station and New years, the return of Ping Pong, the art lesson and finally the Chili's card all seem to magically pop into my mind as I constructed the bigger story. So glad you enjoyed these.

But like you say it was all about the mug and the deeper meaning behind it. I'm so pleased you appreciated it as I meant it and really from the bottom of my heart THANK YOU for engaging the post chapter dialogues - they really do mean so much.

 

As for the holidays - I feel there could be a tasty Rejected Cold Open in there somewhere. 

 

Reviewer: warrior4 Signed [Report This]
Date: January 17, 2021 06:37 pm Title: Gift Card

Okay, so just to let you know, I held off on reading this last chapter. When you posted this there were a TON of new updates. Some I had read but not yet reviewed. Some I hadn't read yet and also didn't review. I wanted to save this one for last. One because many of those other fics were/are very angsty and while well written, not something I wanted to end my epic catch up with fics night reading. I did want to end on a story that's brought me a lot of joy and one I knew would be worth it. Thus saving the best for last. Really glad I did. Now on with actually talking about this chapter.

I love the fact that Jim and Pam's relationship is a sort of armor for her. Regardless of what happens at the office, she and Jim are together and that means it's all okay. Great way to bring that out.

Pam getting a package sparks all the joy. Especially as she opens it. The Twister drawing was lovely, however the crown of everything was the mug. I don't think there's anything else that could have convinced Pam that she's One, welcome in the Halpert family, and Two destined to be a great Mom than that gesture right there. She clearly had a huge impact on Vanessa and it's so wonderful to read. I get the feeling that Pam and Vanessa are going to continue to strengthen that bond for years to come. It's just beautiful to read.

The gift card to Chili's is just the last bit of icing on the delicious cake that is this story. It's been so much fun to read. I'm a little sorry to see it go. You did a great job with everything. Can't wait to read the next story in this series.

Fortes Fortuna Adiuvat.

Author's Response:

Wow, you sure know how to make a girl feel really good...That's What She Said!

But seriously, I needed this since my after posting final chapter, so did so many other great authors. Already sad to say goodbye to my tale and then not sure if it would even get noticed. Since I do love to know my words touch others, (don't we all) your review really was a joy to read and I appreciate it so much.

 

It was hard to see this story end since I'm not sure when we'll get to see Evan, Charlie and Vanessa again and I really enjoyed so much writing them and especially building on the relationship Pam has with her future niece.

When I began this story, the idea was to create a simple backstory to the mug that she doesn't want Andy to use (and since the way she said it felt almost like it was coming from an 8 year old herself. in my mind it had to be pretty special) but as I sketched it in my mind it became so much more - shaping the changes we didn't get to see happen live in the show but we all know did.

You once said you love it when things just all come together when you write - the Chili's gift card was that moment for me- glad you found it at delicious as I did.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for all the love for this story. 

 

 

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