A while ago, we had a poll question which asked
if you have/haven't written Richard a fan letter.
(Results can be seen HERE.)
I'd like to send Richard something, but I've been too chicken.
I've actually written many letters, but they've never made
their way from the computer screen to the printer.
I'm pretty sure I sound like a blabbering idiot.
I'm pretty sure I sound like a blabbering idiot.
Plus, I'm always a bit too sarcastic and crack lame jokes.
(I know what you're thinking... "Nat, chicken?
The girl who seems to express any thought that
crosses her mind without hesitation?")
The truth is, I can be shy at times.
It's rare, but it happens.
Then an idea just came to me...
why don't I have my blog readers help me write the letter?
Sure, it may be considered cheating, but it sounds like fun!
I know I'm taking a risk here... this letter could turn out way more
embarassing than anything I came up with on my own, but that's
okay. I'm willing to take the chance and have a few laughs.
If you'd like to participate, here's the plan:
This letter will be put together bit by bit in the comment section
of this post. I want each of you to take turns writing the letter,
as if you were me. Type one sentance or a few... but try to leave
space for others. When you add your bit, start where the last
commenter left off. (Kind of like a tag-team event.)
I will leave this open for a while (until I feel like it's done) and then
post the finished product for you all to read. I will also print and
send the completed letter to Richard. I promise to leave anything in,
as long as it isn't disrespectful (as in rude/hateful)
towards RA, myself or others.
Let the game begin!
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41 comments:
Dear Richard,
[you can leave your own thoughts that aren't for the letter in brackets like this and they won't be inserted.]
I wanted to say 'hello' and thank you for the great entertainment you've provided to me and so many others.
You are one handsome guy. I especially like to see you wearing a cravat, black leather or fuzzy sweaters.
One of the first thoughts I wanted to express is my admiration to your professional work, and especially towards your humanity and your humility with your fans and your admirers.
[Hi nat, maybe you can help us a bit if you can add some words that can glue one sentence with the other, your idea is absolutely great I am very excited that Richard would have the opportunity to read our sentences (and feelings)!!!!!!]
[Maybe the following comment can come at the beginning or the end]
Please find enclosed my renderings of several of your characters.
[You ARE going to send SFR drawings and videos with this?!!]
[I think you should have the liberty to rearrange the comments, if you find sentences that are 'apart' but related could go in one paragraph.
Never thought about what would I tell him if I ever have the opportunity to meet him, right now not sure what would I write in this letter, hopefully I'll think of something. Great idea!Only you come up with such original ideas ;) When this is finished be sure to mention that to him.]
[nat, you have to tell him about this blog and sfr!]
I run a blog in your honor and also draw cute little comics called stick figure richard. I would be honored if you'd see them for yourself.
[something like that & include a picture of sfr or something and the website addresses]
[LOL, BKL! Thanks for the participation so far, ladies. Yes, I will reserve the liberty to rearrange each comment to fit best into the finished letter... good idea, onemorelurker. I don't plan on sending vids of SFR, but links to where he can look them up (if he wants) will be great, Sara.]
One great thing about being a fan of yours is meeting and forming friendships with others who share similar interests.
(Nat first I want to remind you not speak English, I am writing with the google
translator and I am very excited that Richard can read this letter and I do
not want to sound corny, but ...) I want to say to Richard, who even though I
live very far from him, with his work I feel very close. (Greetings from
Argentina)
You should attach the Armitage Christmas Carol. I'm still laughing about "and Gisborne tied to a tree", and I think he would laugh too. I'm struggling with the idea of writing a letter, when so much of this blog is in effect the real letter. I'm sure the letter will be at its best because you will bring the infectious good humor of your blog to it.
[good luck with the letter Nat!]
Please accept this letter in the spirit it is written - not from an "army" but from thoughtful people who appreciate your talent as an actor.
[teetotally agree with Anon above - just send him the link to your blog - a shining example of what's great about 'his army'.. and their admiration. I couldn't think of anything to add.. well, I could but that wouldn't bear printing :)]
I love the fact that you have a wonderful sense of humor and though you take your work seriously you don't take yourself too seriously. I admire that in a person.
[@nat, I so want to participate in this group effort letter, but I'm SO not witty or bright enough to compete with your talents Nat. I feel the pressure to live up to what everyone else has added. I must think on this one. But I totally agree that you must put the link to the Christmas Carol bit, hysterical!)
[First of all, great idea Nat! This is going to be soooo much fun! :) ] Richard, we here at the Armitage Fan Blog are not to be confused with crazed fans or an "army" (you know what I mean, right Richard?). In fact, we assemble here just as a means of sharing our deep appreciation for your inspiring and excellent work as a collective, friendly community. Any flames against you are promptly used to toast marshmallows. [you don't have to add that if you don't want to, Nat. Heehee!]
People,regardless of where they live, which language they speak or what background they have, became friends because of you, dear Mr. Armitage. You have an extraordinary talent as an actor and a rare quality as a person that makes us want to share our thoughts about you. Thank you for that.
[nat, you could start by introducing yourself, like in your blog profile how you say you're a young american wife & mother. then you could explain that your blog readers are helping you write this letter. (although I don't know exactly what to say either. writers block!]
You have shared with us how you prepare for each part that you play through the reading of literature and often extensive physical training and you make sure that you give credit to the authors, film-makers and other cast members. This ensures that people who read your interviews are aware of how much of a team effort every artistic endeavour is.
[Wanted to say this, I'm not sure how it fits in to your letter. Like others here, feel shy and tongue-tied when it comes down to it, though have sometimes wanted to put pen to paper myself.]
Please don't ever ever think about cosmetic surgery for your nose. It's perfect just the way it is.
You always manage to create these real characters, and I forget that I am watching you and become lost in the story.
And, yes, your nose is perfect, if you go under the knife, I am out.
You have many supporters here in America and it would be wonderful to see you work over here. Some of my 'bloggers' would like to take you Skiing.
[hi Nat!! I'm chica popcorn again, could you please add this to my sentence? thanks:]
Did you know you have fans in Mexico too? I hope you can visit America someday! you will be welcome that's for sure!
[Thanks thanks]
[Hey Nat - you may just want to say North American fans so Canada, the US and Mexico are included - or you may have to list every country that bloggers are from and that may take awhile - lol]
And when you do come over State-side, don't worry about having a perfect American accent. Just be your lovely, charming, British self. We Americans actually go all-a-flutter when we hear that English accent [ok, that last bit might make him think we are part of that 'army', maybe you shouldn't use that part]
I can't wait to see where the future takes you. Best wishes for your future professional endeavors. May you enjoy them as much as your fans do.
[Perhaps this might be moved to the bottom, whenever the letter is completed? I think this letter is a fabulous idea. Also, I have no problem with the Army. Every talented actor deserves a good mix of sometimes-overly enthusiastic fans and the more thoughtfully appreciative fans. Hooray for fandom balance!]
*Thank you* for putting so much effort into every character you play, each one has touch us in different ways, they’re complex, very human. Your portrayal of them has inspired not only me but also many fans (i.e fiction, videos, graphics, paintings, blogs…), I just have to watch their work and I'm amazed at the result obtained from their talent and the understanding and caring of your characters.
[You could mention, which countries are we from- I’m from Peru, I think he’ll find interesting to know how worldwide we are, maybe like: (just an idea)]
I’d like you to know you have fans around the world: UK, USA, Argentina, Mexico, Peru, Germany…..
[This last sentence could be add up to the one explaining how because of him, we have met fellow fans, share nice talks/discussions and in general have a lot of fun]
OML :)
[@Nat, are you seriously going to send this letter? I think it would be pretty great if you did. I'd love to see the final product, and of course, should you be so lucky to get a response, PLEASE do post, sorry don't mean to shout, but I don't know how to stress words in this comment box. Can we italicize? anyhow, I realize I must sound desperate asking you to post a non-existent response letter to an as-of-yet not written fan letter, LOL!]
.....not only are you a talented actor but good at DIY too. Please bring your screwdriver to my home...
Myrtle says.. Ep 3/4 of Strike Back in 3 words
Nakedness, Torture and erm well Nakedness!!!!
Think boilersuit scene without the boiler suit :D
[Ahem, Myrtle, that is naughty on several counts.
1. Would we want to give RA the impression that we are a crazy bunch of hormone-fuelled, pants-throwing, pink blanket-sending fans?
2. I thought I was first in line for the services of a certain DIY geek?
PS. I'm dying to see the second installment of Strike Back. Bring on the Porter, as Nat puts it!]
Dear Richard,
I have never participated in a fandom before but something about your exquisite skill at character portrayal combined with the tidbits we learn about what an intelligent and kind human being you are in real life has made me and so many others want to follow your career and cheer for you along the way.
[Thanks for doing this Nat! I wanted to write something here the first day I saw your post, but I got all teary when I started to think about it! Sheesh! I wanted to say something about how he has inspired so many of us to make graphics, fanvids, start blogging, write poetry, and fiction, etc. but I wasn't sure how to word it. I am always saying that he is my muse--but he is for others as well.]
P.S. You are inspiring too!
MillyMe -ha ha! I should perhaps clarify that my 'Strike Back' observation is not meant to be included in the RA letter. I should have perhaps put it in brackets?
[OK, I am sitting at my desk at work, roaring with laughter at this entire thread. But I ask you, what's wrong with being part of the Army? Back to laughing.]
I am sorry Ladies, when he drops little nuggets like..."I am handy with a screw driver." He must know that his is fueling the hormone crazied fires. He must.
Talk, dark, handsome, tango, silky voice, talented, humble AND HANDY!!! Seriously!!! It's just too, too, too MUCH. And quite frankly, not fair to all the other men out there. :)
[Yeah, I was thinking of posting some helpful advice in Nat's letter-the poor guy seems so embarrassed/"baffled" about his more exuberant, overtly female fans! And I thought Nat does such a great job of bringing humor to the madness, so maybe a little wise counsel would make him smile and bring across the tone of this blog? What do you think of this:
Things a Man Should NOT Say When Attempting to Fend Off a Thronging Horde of Female Admirers:
“My best dance is the Argentinian Tango.”
“I’m pretty handy with a screwdriver.”
“I would probably like to kiss Nigella Lawson after she’s just eaten a chunk of chocolate cake.”
“Night-night. Sleep tight.”
Any other ideas?]
[@Joan, nothing wrong with the Army, but I think since RA is already familiar with them, it would be nice to higlight that he has other fans as well. That's all. Plus, I think Nat's blog is a unique type of blog dedicated to RA, as it displays Nat's wit and humor and how appreciative we all are that RA has inspired her to do this. That's all. May the Army keep on marching :)]
[Anon, good idea;
Seeing cocky Lee above has put me on to something:
Things a Man Should NOT Say When Attempting to Fend Off a Thronging Horde of Female Admirers:
"Would you like to jump in ...with the other ladies?"
Rob; your list seems like the start of a saucy song:
Handome, humble, handy
...(rhymes with candy)
I'm done for now.]
Dear Richard, are you aware that there is an ongoing world wide search to find the picture of you as a dancing banana!!! ha ha. However, we suspect that Mrs Armitage probably has the only copy safely locked up at home.
(Whilst Richard does say same naive things at times, he also has a wonderful sense of humour)
Dear Richard, I would like to thank you so much for sharing your extraordinary talent. A number of the roles that you have played have even helped me think about situations in my life and understand them better. You really have a wonderful gift.
[Nat, what a great idea to write this kind of a letter. And please add The Netherlands to the list of countries]
Anonymous said: [Things a Man Should NOT Say When Attempting to Fend Off a Thronging Horde of Female Admirers:
“My best dance is the Argentinian Tango.”
“I’m pretty handy with a screwdriver.”
“I would probably like to kiss Nigella Lawson after she’s just eaten a chunk of chocolate cake.”
“Night-night. Sleep tight.”]
[This is just too funny...! A little tongue in cheek like these "recommendations" might be a nice way to come across as fun and lighthearted (like Nat) ]
[Want ads: one DIY chap; preferably tall, to reach upper cupboards; preferably capable of fixing things with something other than hammer and nails or duct tape;]
Mind you, duct tape works a treat for plumbing leaks. For a while....
MillyMe - I'm first in line - DIY desparately needed!
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