Letter to Richard ~ Rough Draft

Hello again, blog readers!
Oh, Richard, I've missed you and my RA buddies...
but what can ya do when life gets busy, eh?

Thank you for understanding, Monet.

So a while ago, I mentioned HERE how I've been a bit of a chicken
when it came to writing RA a fan letter.  I haven't done such a thing ever!
(Well, I might have written one to Paul McCartney once when I was
13 and going through Beatlemania a few decades too late.)

Anyway, thank you to everyone who gave me the encouragement to just do it!
I originally planned on being really selfish and having you basically write the letter for me...
(a-heh... *guilty laugh*) but then after reading your comments, I realized I should write my own piece and
then include your 2 cents as part of the letter, individually.  If any of you would like your comment removed
(or your username changed to "anonymous"), please let me know.  Also, if you'd like to add
a comment now is your last chance since I plan to mail the final draft next week.
(Email me at armitageblog@yahoo.com or leave it in the comments section below.)

Here's what I have so far...
I am not eloquent and pretty sure I sound like a dork, but oh well. :)

Dear Richard,

American fan Natalie here! I’ve been wanting to send you a little something to say “hello” and “thank you for the awesome entertainment you’ve supplied” for a while… but I’ve been too bashful. I mean, the thought of THE Richard Armitage even possibly reading this letter makes me blush! I know you’re just a regular guy and all, but you’re my favorite actor and I greatly admire your talent.  Plus, I'm just going to say it~ you're so darn handsome.  (Don't worry... I'm not a crazy stalker, but happily married with 2 1/2 kids.  Plus I live far away.)

Something that has given me an outlet from everyday household cares is a fan blog I run in your honor, which can be seen here: www.armitagefanblog.blogspot.com  This blog is more of a fan letter to you than anything I could possibly write down and send in the mail. It is light-hearted and humorous.  It is such a fun hobby and I’ve made many friends throughout the world, so I owe you a big thanks for that as well!

On a side note: I also have created a comic based on you and your work called “The Adventures of Stick-Figure Richard.” So far, there are 7 short slide show videos on You Tube, which chronicle the fun-filled, humorous adventures of SFR. They can be found on You Tube if you search for “Natazukii” (my username) or “Stick-Figure Richard.” They are also linked on the sidebar of my blog. SFR even has a few groupies! (It must be the cute sideburns.)
I would be so honored if you would check out my blog and/or the Stick-Figure Richard comics when you have a spare moment. Hopefully you will get a kick out of them. (After all, the intent is to get people to smile.) If you have any comments, suggestions or have an idea for the next SFR adventure, please let me know!

Before I wrap things up, it is thanks to the encouragement of my blog readers that I’ve finally had the motivation to send you this letter. Several of them have things they’ve wanted to add as well:

Time_4_T~ 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.

Anonymous~ One great thing about being a fan of yours is meeting and forming friendships with others who share similar interests.

Beth~ (Greetings from Argentina!) Even though I live very far from you, with your work I feel very close.

Musa~ 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.

Lady Gis-Monet Thornton~ Richard, we here at The Richard 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.

flandersdreamer~ 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.

MillyMe~ 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 endeavor is.

30Rock~ Please don't ever ever think about cosmetic surgery for your nose. It's perfect just the way it is.

@Rob~ 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.

Myrtle~ You have many supporters here in America and it would be wonderful to see you work over here. Some of them would like to take you skiing.

Chica Popcorn~ Did you know you have fans in Mexico too? I hope you can visit America someday! You will be welcome that's for sure! I wanted to express my admiration for your professional work and especially towards your humanity and your humility with your fans and your admirers.

Twinkling Moon~ 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

Jane M~ 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.

onemorelurker1~ Greetings from Peru! *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.

Phylly3~ 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.

Anonymous~ You are one handsome guy. I especially like to see you wearing a cravat, black leather or fuzzy sweaters.

Anonymous~ Things a Man Should NOT Say When Attempting to Fend Off a Thronging Horde of Female Admirers:
“My best dance is the Argentinean 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.”

Elisabet~ Greetings from the Netherlands! 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.

I know I’m biased, but aren’t my blog readers (aka: YOUR fans) great? The overwhelming majority of them are so friendly, funny and intelligent!

* * * * *
And Mrs. Armitage, if you are reading this (I’ve heard that Richard’s mother helps sort through his mail)
thank you for having such a kind, talented, good-looking son. You must be very proud! Do us a favor and see if you can persuade him to do another period film.
* * * * *

Thanks for taking the time to read this!

Best wishes and much respect,
Natalie  ~the blabbering blogger, stick figure-drawer, young wife and mother from across the pond
and The Richard Armitage Fan Blog readers

What do you think?
FYI, this would currently take 4 printed pages.