For the birthday chap.

This is what I contributed to the birthday book

put together by RA blogger, Calexora.  (The "hot" guy in sunglasses

should've probably had a beard, but this was created before

the Captain America premier. Dang it.)


Happy Richard Armitage Day, everyone!

(Isn't that what it is in RA land? A little holiday.)

Remember last year's 39th Birthday Bash,
aka: The Great Limerick Round-Up?  Click HERE
to refresh your memory!  Good times.

And I have to throw this vid in here because it's HILARIOUS and
appropriate for any birthday. Comedian Jim Gaffigan's shpill on cake! Classic.
*Pause the blog's background music (bottom of screen) before viewing*

Three posts rolled into one.

My summer has been filled with

t-ball games, swimming lessons, family reunions,

a 10 year high school reunion (lame!), weed-pulling and lawn mowing,

freckling and sun-burning (stupid spray sunscreen does not work as well as

the lotion), fishing, hiking and picture-taking.

Oh, and a little squeeeee-ing too,

like the rest of you. ;)

Squee #1:

Seeing the dwarfs (THORIN!) in costume.

Friggin' AWE-sooooome!

My husband and I are big Tolkien fans.

None of our extended family will play "Lord of the Rings Trivial Pursuit" with us any more

because we kick their trash.  (Wow... I sound like the biggest nerd EVER right now, don't I?) 

Anyway, I showed him the above photo and the first thing he said was,

"The guy in the middle looks too tall to be a dwarf."

(I assured him it was a perspective thing) followed by,

"What's up with the pretty boy dwarf on the far right?"

I was waiting for some sarcastic comment about my "boyfriend,"

but he didn't recognize Richard!  I felt rather smug about that...

like the "smug man at the party."

Squee #2:

Seeing photos/vids of Richard and his fluffy beard

at the "Captain America" premiers.  (I haven't seen the film yet,

but hope to remedy that situation this weekend.)

Richard doing the piercing stare of hotness,

while bearded, with open collar!

I think he's trying to read our minds.

Maybe if I look at the photo while wearing sunglasses,

my thoughts will feel a bit safer.

Nope... didn't work!

Did anyone else clap their hands with joy

when they found out one of "our" video/graphic queens, Heather,

was able to photograph AND MEET The Armitage in person!?  I did!

I was so happy with the news, you'd have thought I met the guy myself!

(Except, if I had met him, I wouldn't be standing there all cute and dignified like Heather...

how in heaven's name did she contain herself!?!)

Just between us, I've heard from reliable sources that this photograph is cropped

to hide the fact that Heather was pinching his peaches.

JUST KIDDING... I made that up. :)

You can read about Heather and DiL's experience meeting Richard HERE.

I'm glad she mentioned she's the one who designed the Havoc Tour t-shirt...

but it would have been hilarious if she'd mentioned her Sexy Back videos too. haha!

Switching gears...

Although only one of you may appreciate this topic... (what up, Traxy?)

I saw the final Harry Potter film a few weeks ago. I love the books and enjoyed the movie. 

(Have I already mentioned my nerdiness in this post?  I did?  Just checking. )

Besides the 3 main characters- Harry, Ron and Hermione,

my favorite character is Severus Snape.

I recently started thinking of the similarities between Snape

and my favorite misunderstood underdog, Gisborne.

Similarities:

* Black is their signature color.

*They rarely smile.

* Both had a rough childhood and were bullied by others.

* Their bullies later ended up with the girls they wanted.

* They mourned for the women they loved for the rest of their lives.

* Both were known to rock the guyliner/guyshadow from time to time.

* Both had a dark past and tried to make amends for those mistakes.

* Each had a heart-wrenching death.  *sniff, sniff*

* Let's not forget... the action figures!

Switching gears yet again...

Today is

The Richard Armitage Fan Blog's

2nd Birthday!   (Or bloggoversary or whatever.)

Time sure flies...

it seems like yesterday this blog was

a cute little newborn, and now it's a loud,

chubby toddler. :)

THANK YOU 

for all of your visits, comments,

and friendship, blog readers!

516,000 hits and counting.

I shall now return to being on hiatus...

although be sure to check back on Richard's birthday

for something simple, yet smile-worthy.

Thanks, blog readers! :)

RA's 39th Birthday Bash

In honor of our favorite actor's big day on August 22nd...

Happy Birthday, our dear Richie-poo!
This limerick round-up is for you.
Enjoy your next year,
we wish you good cheer,
please keep doin' that great acting you do!
     ~Nat

 

An Armitage from Leicester named Richard,

crafts characters quite cracking and myriad.

When he faffs with his hair,
you know someone else is there
whilst his stubble resembles the Iliad.
     ~by pi

There once was a man named Harry,
who got stuck with me in the library.
It was a dark stormy night,
Harry didn't put up a fight,
and now I'M the Vicar of Dibley!
     ~by tyme4t

The handsome and brooding John Thornton,
much adored by the ladies of Milton,
cared little for tail,
bar the lovely Miss Hale,
who eventually became Mrs. Thornton.
     ~by anonymous1

There once was a Guy so abhorred,
who wielded a bodacious big sword.
Marian he tickled
but she was so fickle,
a bodkin was her only reward.
     ~by pi

A flirty-girty life guard called Lee
taught water aerobics, you see.
When he flung off his clothes,
His snug Speedos to expose,
the women all swooned, especially me!
     ~by MillyMe

There was a girl who didn't want the guy.
We all ask the big question: "Why?"
But she said, "Please say no more!"

and send him to the floor,

and he went home to his mother to cry.

     ~by Alfie

Lucas, eyes so blue and so serious,
the thought of him makes me delirious!
From Russia , tortured and gaunt,
and Miss Caulfield came to flaunt,
while he is so deep, dark, and mysterious.
     ~by Myra

There once was a black knight named Guy,
who caught the attention of many a maidens’ eye.
But only one did he want for a wife,
and she caused him no end of strife,
yet he was loyal to her ‘til the day he died.
     ~by Mulubinba

He says many things he really should not:
"Handy with a screwdriver, how can that be hot?"
"I'm gangly and tall,"
"My nose is not small."
Pants-throwers among us just take your shot!
     ~by anonymous2

There once was a man clad in camo,
who carried around lots of ammo.
You better beware,
if he's tied to a chair,
the ladies will fall out of theirs, blam-o!
     ~Nat

There was a young man named JT,
who told his love, "Look back at me."
His brooding was the price,
for a scene so nice
and fitting of Stanislavski.
     ~by RAFrenzy

In rags or in jeans or a tux,
RA looks like a million hot bucks!
That lovely dark hair,
that blue piercing stare,
I'll take one please, and make him deluxe!
     ~anonymous3

There once was a man from the west.
As an actor, to me he's the best!
I first saw him in Robin Hood,
though dear old Guy was not good,
I still enjoyed the RA fest!
     ~by Layla Rose

Lucas North came in from the cold.
His future is uncertain we're told.
But I can’t bear the thought,
for him to be naught,
on "Spooks" where his secrets unfold.
     ~by RAFrenzy

Upon hearing that Richard Armitage will be heading
to Los Angeles to seek fame and fortune~

Don’t leave for LA -- there are quakes,
fake boobs and the agents are snakes.
Though I am married (just a little)
and not model thin (have a middle)
when I see you the earth truly shakes.
     ~by anonymous4

How I love a man in a top hat!
Sideburns, looking dashing at that.
Add a furrowing brow,
all the brooding to allow,
and my heart will stop, seconds flat.
     ~by anonymous5

There once was a fellow named Guy,
who wore leather and was easy on the eye.
One sad day he died,
and I broke down and cried;
to this day, I still call it a lie.
     ~by Zyradustorm

Can anyone possibly look better
than Harry in his striped, fuzzy sweater?
I'd never dismiss
a payment to kiss
with tongue-- after all, I'm not a debtor.
     ~by anonymous3

Of his plans RA did state
the comedy "A Rover" is his fate.
This makes me declare,
"To England, I’ll go there!"
If we ever really get a firm date.
     ~by bZirk




Bringing to life the character's tale,
with that voice we know so well.
Horatia joined the gang of gals,
Phoebe and Venetia are her pals,
but for Uthred, Sylvester, Damerel, Rule & even Lovelace we fell.
     ~by iz4blue

Guy of Gisborne was never a bore,
in the leather he so deliciously wore.
His presence gave lie
to Marian’s vociferous deny
of her barely repressed inner PHWOAR!
     ~by RAFrenzy



Monet did have a beard that was awful,
but the truth is that RA’s just chocked-full
of talent that's higher than the sky,
he’s played four Johns - and a Guy,
and he’s got killer looks that should be unlawful.
     ~by Zyradustorm

Read me a story, dear man,
about Winnie the Witch or Flat Stan.
With those crinkles and voice,
I don't have a choice,
but to be an RA Cbeebies fan.
     ~anonymous6

I understand RA likes to ski.
Doing major moguls with him might agree.
If he came where I live,
maybe Spillane and Demong some lessons will give,
and RA's berserking would become reality.
     ~by bZirk



There was a Victorian gent called John T,
who was as handsome as handsome can be!
When he removed his cravat,
ladies swooned and fell with a splat,
because Mr. Thornton was such a gorgeous chappy.
     ~by Jen

There once was an Arms “Master in Chief,”
who had dashing good looks and great teeth.
His dream was to be Sheriff,
but he wouldn’t get there if,
he didn’t first get rid of Keith.
     ~by Zyradustorm

I would like to interrupt, if I may,
for we all would just like to say,
that your talent is such,
and we love you so much,
we hope you have the best birthday!
     ~by Phylly3

*Thanks to everyone who participated. *

Happy Birthday, dear Fan Blog... Happy Birthday to you!

*Sound the trumpets...*

It's
The Richard Armitage Fan Blog's
1st birthday!

Richard dressed up for the occasion.

Blog Stats~

Started: July 28, 2009

Number of Posts: 276

Number of site visits: 205,000

A year ago I thought, "It would be fun to start a blog all about that actor I love watching."
So I did. I had no idea that I would actually stick with it for this long  and that it would be

a hobby I'd enjoy so much. I didn't realize that I'd form friendships with awesome people from
around the world that I've never met in person.  And most of all, I didn't know that one actor could
be analyzed in SO MANY rediculous ways in great detail and have such a blast doing so.
(We've discussed facial hair, black leather, cravats, blinking, Guyliner, sweaters,  and 
"stuff you're not supposed to discuss about Richard" amongst other things.)

I was already overly excited at the 6 month anniversay,

doing a celebratory post in January listing my favorite moments of the

first 6 months... so if you haven't been around for the entire year (has anyone besides

me?) please go back and read those.  I'll spare the rest of you and not repeat myself

with that same list, but I will share my favorite moments of the last 6 months! 

(Can't resist.  Plus, it's now tradition.  And I'm a bit over-the-top sometimes.)

Click:
Nat's Favorite Moments of the
Richard Armitage Fan Blog's first 6 months.

And now...
Favorite blogging moments
from the last 6 months~
(links are in green)


Favorite Group Effort:
I have two for this category.

The RA Fanstravaganza

In March, a handful of RA bloggers came together for this week-long "event,"
each hosting polls about Richard's work, featuring his particular roles and highlighting various RA fans. 
Though some of you blog hoppers may have grown tired of hearing "Fanstravaganzaaaaaa" over and over,
I thought it was so fun.  I loved seeing what creative ideas the other bloggers came up with that week.
This whole thing was the brilliant idea of Maria Grazia at Fly High!

also, The Letter to Richard

Thanks to every one who added your messages to this letter!
Doing this with the help of others gave me the encouragement to actually mail it. :)


Favorite "Festive Cheesetastic" Video:
A Richard Armitage Valentine

It's just SO cheesy, you can't hate it.
(However, my favorite festive cheestastic over all is "An Armitage Christmas Carol")


Favorite holiday-related post:
"Sherwood Forest's Real Hero"
(In honor of Earth Day and because Gizzy and trees go together so nicely.)

Favorite odd-ball post idea:
(and I've posted a lot of weird stuff)
"Dr. Seuss: Armitage Style"
Red Rich, Blue Rich...

Because both Dr. Seuss and Richard Armitage are awesome.


Favorite attempt at being poetic:   
The limericks.

This is the only type of poetry I can write.  And I crack myself up.

Favorite "Nat's Stuff" post:
 "A Different Perspective"
Because everyone should count their blessings in life.

I realize that I put a lot of myself into this blog with personal thoughts and feelings.
That is the best way I know how to relate to something or share my perspective. 
Hopefully that doesn't take away from the focus on RA.


Favorite Drool-Worthy Moment:
The 2010 BAFTA obsession!

Just look at that!!!  *sigh*

That particular Sunday (June 6th), we were able to enjoy some of the BAFTA 

excitement thanks to various websites posting pics of the latest happenings as soon as possible. 

Then reading other's experiences of meeting RA in person was icing on the cake!

Favorite Dorktastic Creation:

Stick-Figure Richard

Over the last 6 months, a few more of SFR's adventures aired on YouTube:

 Part 5 (the search for a nose) and Part 6 (the way Spooks S8 should have been.)

Plus, he was turned into a watercolor painting (which made its way to Manda's house),

appeared in his own "Sexy Back" video, started his own Twitter account and

made travel plans to visit various regions of the world.

Before wrapping up this celebration,

I have to send a big shout out to our favorite actor,

Richard Armitage, whose work and talent brings us so much
entertainment and various creative outlets within the "fandom."

Richard, if you ever read this,
thank you and keep up the good work!
And I promise I'm not crazy... just have a goofy sense of humor.

I also want to say THANK YOU

to all of you lovely blog readers, who make this hobby of

mine so much more fun with your interaction and contributions.

I greatly appreciate your support over the last year, whether

you've followed along for a while, or just recently.

I hope we will share more laughs
and swooning to come!