What's the Matter with Me!? ~ by guest blogger Mary3

When I first came across John Thornton

in North and South, I really, realllly didn't like him. 

OMG! There he was, with a ferociously mean look on his face,

beating up a poor, pint-sized, helpless worker whom he had caught smoking in his cotton mill;

a much smaller man who was begging him for mercy, while the startled

minister's daughter, Margaret Hale, looked on in amazement... shocked, horrified and appalled.

Nope. John Thornton was definitely not going to be an ideal, Darcy-like, admirable hero,

neither to Margaret Hale, nor to me. (Why was I even watching this story about a grimy little mill

town up in the cold hinterlands of England, when I could be re-watching Jane Eyre or

Pride & Prejudice for the hundredth millionth time? What was the matter with me?)

But I stuck with the story and continued to watch North and South

because it was, after all, a period drama, and I love period dramas.

Then, just a few episodes later,

there I was madly in love with John Thornton!

Yes, that very same John Thornton who had beaten up that scrawny Lilliputian worker.

How'd Thornton do that? How'd he win me over and have me cheering for him, and not for Margaret Hale,

when Margaret Hale was obviously the much more admirable character? What was the matter with me?

Well, first of all, John Thornton looked like

Richard Armitage, (mainly because he was Richard Armitage).

Then one evening in the story he explained in a pained, yet stentorian

Armitagean voice just why he had almost beaten a poor scrubby devil senseless;

it was all to save his poor mill hand Eds and Ellas from being burnt to cinders by a weak and selfish lout.

How great was that?!  One simply could NOT argue with his ultra-noble motive for beating the little runt to
a pulp. (Are you going to tell me that one minuscule mill hand is more important than the possible incineration
of hundreds of innocent workers, and now even YOU are asking what is the matter with me!?)

Close to the end of the story, I wanted to shake that Margaret Hale for not appreciating

John Thornton, for humiliating him so, for making him feel unworthy of her and her love.

Could she not see that she had misjudged him badly; that this was in truth a kind,

caring, selfless, passionate and, OMG, so unbelievably tall and awesomely handsome man

whom any sane woman would die for?  What was the matter with her?

Finally, all ended up beautifully after a fortuitous,

felicitous, accidental encounter on a railway platform.

I re-watched that final scene over and over and over again. I couldn't get enough of it. Truth to tell, I still

can't get enough of it. Maybe I'll be re-watching it over and over ... and over ... for the rest of my life.

Have you seen that railway scene?

And if you have, can you blame me for being enthralled, for having developed such

a crush on John Thornton, aka Richard Armitage? Can you still ask what is the matter with me?  

If so, what is the matter with YOU?!

*        *        *        *        *

About Mary Grace, aka: Mary3 ~

Artist and writer Mary Grace Dembeck isn't sure which she loves to do most ... paint or write.

Born in New York City, she has lived in Westport, CT, for the past 45 years. She has exhibited paintings at The National Academy of Design, and her writing has been published in The Wall Street Journal, Reader's Digest, Ranger Rick, and various other US journals and magazines.

Mary also collaborated on a number of songs with singer Maureen McGovern, and on a children's musical, The Bengal Tiger's Ball , based on one of Mary's poems, and it was performed in a month long run by Ms. McGovern at The Civic Theatres near Orlando, Florida. The musical was based mainly on Mary's lyrics.

Her short story "Act of Memory" is included in the Paul Auster/NPR anthology "I Thought My Father Was God" (in Britain, the book is entitled: "True Stories of American Life".)  It has been made into a short film by British actor/director Jack Ryder (formerly of Eastenders). The film has been entered in the Cannes Film Festival, as well as other festivals, and makes its World Premiere in America on March 24, 2012 at the Garden State Film Festival in New Jersey.  The film has now also been accepted at the Newport Beach Film Festival in California. Jack Ryder's goal is to have the film shown on the BBC this coming Christmas Eve.

Mary Grace is also the author of a collection of children's wacky poetry entitled

MOONSNACKS and Assorted Nuts.

Nat's Notes: Mary Grace is one of my newest RA buddies!
We met on C19 a few months ago when I chose her hilarious caption as the winner of one of the
Crinkle Zone caption contests.  (She writes the funniest captions!)  We started messaging back and
forth, and despite our age difference (she called me a "young whippersnapper") and living thousands of
miles apart, we felt like "kindred spirits." Mary Grace is so witty and charming...
I've enjoyed getting to know her.

When I asked her to be a guest blogger, I had no idea Mary Grace was a published author!
In fact, it wasn't until she sent me her "about me" information that I learned of her accomplishments.

I was so surprised, since she had never mentioned anything about being a writer in our messages, and seemed so nervous and humble about being a guest blogger.  (As if The Washington Post isn't much compared to The RA Fan Blog!  HA!)  I had to tease her about that. :)  I recently read her book of poems, "Moonsnacks and Assorted Nuts," to my children and they LOVED it.  She has written a few RA-inspired poems, which you can read in the C19 forum... maybe one day she'll publish another poetry book called 
"RA Fans: The Real Assorted Nuts."  I hope it includes limericks! :)

Over the Hill and Out of the Closet ~ by guest blogger Phoebe

Over the hill: a. relatively advanced in age.

b. past one's prime Cultural Dictionary

Come out of the closet: To publicly announce a belief or preference

that one has kept hidden. “At the last moment, the woman came out of the closet and announced

her passion for Richard Armitage."  (See skeleton in the closet.) American Heritage®

New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition

OK! I admit it. I am Over the Hill and I have no business having

a crush on such a babe as Richard Armitage at my point and time in life,

but I just can't help that I am the oldest living RA Fangurl.

IT IS NOT MY FAULT! IT IS NOT MY FAULT!

Blame it on the Recession and the Internet!

Yes, like so many other things that are off balance today, it is the bankers to blame and the government! If the banking and housing crisis hadn't occurred I would have been too busy with work to play around with the computer. I would have been working long hours to come home and relax in front of another episode of Law and Order and off to bed. It is the fault of the Internet too - after all the Internet was the gateway to this obsession. I could Google RA and find 15 pages of photos & links to blogs, articles and sites. The more I saw and read the more I wanted - yes, needed! It's like a porn addiction (not that I know anything about porn) cause the internet makes it all to easy for me to go to RA Fantasyland 24/7 for a fix and release from my boring real life. That damn Internet lead me to Youtube and all of the videos done by fans for Margaret and John and to N&S and then to www.richardarmitageonline.com, which was so much fun to read. (A gold mine of possible topics of conversation) In no time flat I was amazed that I knew more about Richard than I knew about my lifelong friends. YIKES!

Why has a pillar of the community like myself been sucked into this charybdis of passion

(my favorite description from N&S)? Who knows!? Perhaps it's hormones, Internet pheromones, boredom, longing for romance or the fact that Richard Armitage is a work of art.

Me? Well I'm past caring why.

I have read numerous blog posts that try to successfully analyze why Richard makes so many

women feel connected to him. For the most part they all have points that ring true for me, but reality sets in. Yes, every time I walk past a mirror I get the shock of my life - OMG, it's Norma Desmond!

What am I doing!? People will think I am crazy - or pervie or more likely inappropriate

(which is a word that has been used to describe me in the past).

* Tips for Coming Out - An Ongoing Process *

Phase One ~ Passive:

Do you remember when you had a real passionate crush

& all you wanted to do was talk about the subject of your passion?

Well, that is just how it is for me when it comes to Richard Armitage.

Is it that way for you?

If you are like many of his admirers you are pretty isolated (not so for you lucky Brits) and long for someone to share your feelings with who understand. A great place is to join a forum where you will learn to use smileys that 'thud', improve your vocab by learning works like 'phoar', 'peaches', 'crinkles' and you can study in detail every inch of him that he will let us see. On some forums you can indulge in discussion of his dental work but it is hard to find a place to chat about his love life. Yes, his fans are protective. One place where you can find some amazing topics are the blogs which give you plenty of space to come out and comment. Lastly, a daily visit to RAnet.com and RAonline is a must for it is here that you can get the latest news on his comings and goings and an easy place to enjoy photo galleries and lastly the place where you can read RA's love letters to his fans. This is what I call the passive phase because you don't use your photo or your real name and address. You might find that this will satisfy your urge to talk about RA - to ooo and ahhh and crush away! It is a great way to share poetry, fan fiction and amazing graphics. For some of us (and I am one the Lurkers) it is the most comfy place to be. It is amazing how bright and interesting RA's Bloggers and forum members are. There is a blog for every woman's taste.

Phase Two ~ The Real Deal - Coming out to

Friends, Family and Co-workers:

Steps to help you with your Outting:

First step - put a favorite photo of Richard Armitage on your desktop

which will give you an opportunity to answer questions like: Who is that? Why do you have

him on your desktop? You're weird. Changing the photo frequently is recommended.

Second step - Eat lunch at your desk and wear earplugs

so that you can watch videos and have co-workers leer at you or load up

your smart phone. Think of good responses for 'you're so weird.'

Third step -Bring in your Richard Armitage photo mug which you can carry to

the coffee room to get a refill and enjoy another question and answer opportunity.

'Who's that?' "Richard Who', 'What show is he on?' and a guaranteed final

question: 'Why do you have that guy on your mug?"

Fourth step: buy several copies of North & South so that you can lend

one to co-workers. You can tell the guys that it's about trade unions as a selling point!

Also a good way to convince significant others to watch four hours of TV.

Caution: It is not recommend that you wear your Mrs. Richard Armitage t-shirt

that you found on EBay UK on casual Friday. Even I think that is a little too weird!

Fifth Step: Formulate a segway to shift conversation to Richard Armitage

in casual conversation. Just a suggestion, you can use discussion about The Hobbit

as a convenient way to talk about RA. If you think RA has a long nose you should see what

they have done to it for the films or Did you know he speaks Maori?  The subjects are endless.

If you have a significant other who is sporty you can talk about rugby and then share a screen cap

of RA in motion. Remember to breathe evenly. Or perhaps talk about skiing and how poor RA

can't ski because he is filming The Hobbit, which once again brings up another topic.

Tip for at home: buy a jar of Marmite and smear it on your SO's toast...

then while he winces you can share that it is a favorite of your favorite actor.

Or did you know that Leistershire is pronounced Lestershear? (US)

Or perhaps: RA has a chicken pox scar just like you do?

If you are finding that your family and friends give you a vacuous stare,

don't be discouraged. The more you introduce RA into conversations the more accustomed

they will become and knowledgeable too. Hopefully soon they will be able to fully

discuss these stimulating topics with you.

Sixth step: put Misty Mountain Cold on a loop at home or the office.

Seventh step: If you are having girl friends over why not pop in the CD player

one of Richard's Audio Books and if it is a guy - I recommend the Lords of the North

or perhaps have Strike Back running in the background. The guys love Strike Back

and RA in uniform is a sight to be savored.

In conclusion: the name of the game is frequency and level of exposure.

Just a caution: If you still 'blush' when you answer the questions

or hear his name I recommend practicing your breathing. You don't want to

go through the embarrassment of co-workers or friends laughing at you,

not that it happened to me or anything.

Family and friends have gotten used to this Foolish Passion by now but

occasionally I still hear a groan or ‘But Mom he's 40! He is almost my age!' or

'OMG, it's that British guy again' or 'Inappropriate' and a laugh or two at my expense.

I will say that when I think of the different techniques I used to integrate RA

into my real life, the best was the photo gallery of the men in my life.

*        *        *        *        *

About Lynne (RL) aka: Phoebe of C19 ~

Female - US East Coast Liberal - Married - Mother of Four

Real Estate Broker - Anglophile - Interests: too many.

Nat's Notes: I met Lynne (Phoebe or just P) on C19 a few years ago. 
As you can tell, she is a hoot!!! I laughed out loud throughout this entire post. 
Thanks, P!  (Since you think you're so old, will you be my adopted grandma?)

If Richard had a Superpower... ~ by guest blogger Longhairedtoad

As I sit here and wonder in my artless, obsessed fan way, I can’t help but guess what superpower Richard Armitage would have. There are so many kinds to contemplate and consider, of course. We can go with the basic ones like invisibility, for example. But honestly, would you really want to have those sigh worthy looks disappear in a moment’s notice? God forbid we would lose the opportunity to enjoy viewing RA, whether it be a prolonged sighting or a quick glimpse. Invisibility is really something I prefer to have instead. Who wouldn’t want the power to hide in a moment’s notice and at the same time be able to walk right up to his ‘Lusciousness’ and view him without hindrance or interruption?

What about Telekinesis, the mental capability to move objects? Now that’s something to consider, RA with the ability to move objects and people as he sees fit. It has possibilities, both positive and negative. Physical feats would no longer be a problem for him. There are so many physical feats I can imagine him doing at the moment. Oh dear me, those wicked thoughts do come at the most inopportune times don’t they. But to get back to my point, I really don’t think having it would do RA justice. Telekinesis is another superpower I would rather have instead. The damage I could do. ‘Snickers Wickedly’

So what else is there? How about the ability to breath underwater? Interesting, but to what purpose would that serve? Off hand, the promise of constantly having RA wet! Envision it, RA rising from the foamy waves of the ocean. His chest, abdomen, arms, and thighs are covered in hundreds of thin, watery streams. His skin glistens. His hair is slicked back into a black skull cap. His muscles become much more defined from the watery film. His glorious jaw and neck drip with hundreds of droplets. It’s a sight as alluring as the most majestic waterfall. Oh where, oh where is that towel?

Now these superpowers are all well and good, but if you really think about it, they are quite ordinary. So many super heroes possess similar qualities. Wouldn’t you want RA to have a unique kind?

I believe he has one. His is a superpower is undefined at present or at least, it is not a recognized one. To a lesser degrees, some do possess something similar, but nowhere near as powerful. So what do I refer to? It’s simple really. Think Tall, Dark, and Handsome? What automatically what follows? ‘Broodiness’ Yes, yes, yes, it’s the power to render the most sensible fan from being a normal, breathing person to a heaping mass of wobbly jello. Now don’t tell me you don’t know what I mean.

We’ve all been there. We’ve all felt that tingling sensation, which starts in our bellies and quickly escalates when RA flashes those baby-blues. He often follows with the angry stare. Sometimes it’s tinged with a hint of curiosity or has a dash of confusion. The intensity of his look is always just enough to make you gasp. Whether you’re young or old, married or single, alone or in a crowd of hundreds, the effect is the same. Your jaw slacks open. A dribble of saliva emerges or not. Every person reacts differently. Some develop cold and clammy hands. For others, deep blushing occurs and eyes sparkle. Coherent thought is usually unreliable, and chances of muttering nonsensical comments are high. In some rare cases, the urge to pucker your lips happens. I can’t say it’s happened with me, but some friends have declared it is fact. I know they were imagining things.


Now tell me, how many superheroes can boast of a power that can render a whole generation of women speechless at the same time? Even Superman in his prime could only boast of lifting a trailer truck in one hand and Lois Lane in another. The ‘Broodiness’ superpower is simply indescribable as it attacks without warning and leaves a lasting effect, which has been known to thrive for years. No known cure has yet been found, thank God!

Did someone say spandex?

There isn’t even a need to wear the superhero uniform. Now don’t get me wrong. I’ve got nothing against spandex. The image of RA in tight spandex has its merits. There’s no denying his chest and abdomen, not to mention those manly thighs would be amply emphasized. The tush factor is always a plus too. But no further accessories like a cape, is necessary. RA’s look is perfectly situated in black jeans, black top, and black boots. Simplicity at it’s best.

To prove my point, imagine this. RA stands before you. His back faces you at first. The singularly perfect backside is still. Without warning, there is a slight movement of muscles undulating beneath the denim. Suddenly his neck stiffens. He senses someone behind him and prepares to unleash the ‘Broodiness’ superpower. His hands remain dangling at his sides and his legs are apart. Ever so slowly, his head turns. We catch just a glimpse of his profile and instantly our breathing grows unsteady.

Behold the power of the Super Brood!

The finely chiseled jaw line, those cheekbones looked like they’ve been carved from stone. Thick, black lashes hide his eyes but slowly the eyelids are raised and we see blue. His gaze is down and his expression is neutral for the moment. We know a change coming. His head turns some more and the aquiline nose is now fully exposed. The tip is so alluring I feel a pucker coming on. Just one kiss please! His eyes dart upward and before you know it they are fixed you with a hard stare. You’re tingling. Yes, you are. If you’re standing within a group, someone will undoubtedly sigh. Another person will giggle. All of you will feel lightheaded at first as the tingling sensation grows. It gains strength that the person on your right puckers too. You, on the other hand, are beyond that. His stare turns more intense. It’s as though RA sees inside of you. Now you’re a goner.

For just a moment, he twists his head again, from side to side. It’s a small thing, almost not worth noticing but you cannot dismiss it. He takes a deep breath while you struggle to find yours. For a second it seems he will say something but he doesn’t. There is a look of confusion on his face and the trace of anger grows more prominent. It doesn’t matter at this point if he’s angry with you or the person behind you. You’ve been hit. The ‘Broodiness’ superpower renders you speechless. You do not speak, you do not move. You can do nothing until he turns away. Even then you do not recover but wait, like the helpless victim you are, to be hit again.

Now tell me, is this not a superpower to equal Superman’s superhuman strength or no?

I think it is or maybe this really isn’t a superpower and I’m just thinking too much. Perhaps we’ll never really know. All I do know is I’m still puckering. Yes, I believe I am and I’m certain I’m not the only one.

                                                                   *           *           *           *           *

About the Guest Blogger~Liza aka Longhairedtoad/LHT:

I currently reside in the Bay Area of Northern California.

My hobbies vary from baking and sewing, to traveling, reading,

and writing some fanfic. (Featured on the Dreamer Fiction forum.)

I've been an RA fan ever since I saw him in North and South.

One look and I was a goner.




Nat's Notes:  LHT and I are old NJTS forum buddies. (Not Just Toby Stephens Fans.) 
That was the first forum I ever joined and I met a lot of fun, smart women there who shared my love of RA! 
Unfortunately the NJTS forum was closed within the year that I joined. :(  Anyway, LHT was among those
ladies who made me think and laugh. I've read a few of  her fanfics, which made me blush! :) 
I love how she can paint a picture with her words.  Thanks, Liza!

Hello and Welcome to Diary of a Crinkleholic ~ by guest blogger SiouxsieSioux

Monday:

Journey to Loxley, long and arduous.  Awoke early.  Sounds of constant pacing backwards and forwards in the next room as my dear friend Sir Guy tried hard to adjust his armour.

Banquet with Sir Guy at 7 pm.  Hope nothing too adventurous.  "Bluebirds" should be for reading, not eating is my motto.  Guy just threw me one of his dark and brooding looks, and gave me the soft cloth to polish his armour.  How can a girl refuse!?



Tuesday:

Having lunch with Lucas today, hope he doesn't choose that new rooftop restaurant.  Mum not happy, calls Lucas a jailbird, try explaining being incarcerated for 8 years for espionage to her......... and, well no hope!  After all, you get less for murder nowadays.  Big changes in the air, Lucas needs to take a leap of faith and hopefully he will land on his feet!




Wednesday:

Waited ages on draughty station platform.  Train from Kings Cross delayed.  Practised a variety of lip movements, and even perfected upper wibble technique.  Can't believe he's stood me up.  Oh well, John Thornton is a complex man, works hard, and the only crinkles you'll see are on his troubled brow and not his cotton.



Thursday:

Started art class today.  Hard to concentrate.  Tutor ticked me off.  Said I spend too much time on the still life and that there was more to the composition than a bowl of peaches.  That's easy for him to say!






Friday:

Off to the gym.  Sign up for swimming lessons, then have a session with some weights.  Enquire as to possibility of securing personal trainer.  Hear that Lee provides service with a smile!  I'm such a Flirty Gerty!






Saturday:

Drive in the country.  Having second thoughts about choice of hat!  Don't forget SAT NAV, would hate to get lost along those unfamiliar country lanes..... on second thought, forget SAT NAV!!




Sunday:

Have a lie in!

*         *           *           *         *

About SiouxsieSioux:

Well despite the pseudonym (thanks to my daughter!) I am NOT a goth!  I have a passion for writing. Not just fanfic, but creatively too.  My muse? Well he needs no introduction!  Thanks RA for making my life that extra bit special. I have known lots of lovely people, have a terrific family and am truly blessed with friends and acquaintances picked up along the way through my obsession/passion/dedicated following of Richard Armitage. 

When the dreaded writers block hits, I turn to YouTube and make vids for fun, for friends. However, my account there has been duly trimmed as I didn't want the copyright police banging on my door!  I only have a few vids up and running on there, but feel free to check them out HERE, but sshhhhh don't tell anyone!!

When not obsessing or fantasizing about Richard, you'll find me fully employed Monday-Friday, but my day rarely starts or closes without my checking in with friends online. I love cooking... I reckon I ought to write a recipe book! I also am known for making the best Cherry Brandy and Cherry Liquor.... guaranteed to make your legs melt from underneath you! (A little bit like the Armitage Effect- so best not to drink and drool!)  I love cooking...and would love to cook for a certain TDHCMO (am I allowed a dinner party for two dreamwish?) 

I like keeping my life busy, full and productive ~ my motto is you can rest when you die!  So that's me, in a nutshell, in a quiet shady corner in my garden or tucked away in a padded cell nicely papered with glorious gratuitous pics of RA!!  Thanks Nat & Co for another year to celebrate RAfanstravaganza.

Nat's Notes:  I can't remember exactly where I met Siouxsie online, but

she was one of the first to introduce herself and make me feel welcome in the forums

3 years ago.  She's so smart and funny... her comments and photo captions

in the C19 Crinkle Zone always crack me up! :)  Thanks, Sue!

The Evolution of The Armitage at the BAFTAS ~ by guest blogger @Rob

With New Year's Eve upon us, it got me thinking about RA in a tux. 
I doubt he spends his NYE in one, but a girl can fantasize can't she???
Besides, he has made quite a transformation on the red carpet over the years.

2007-- Guy of Gisborne Rocks the Red Carpet.

2009-- RA goes Bond... James Bond.


2010-- Move over, Hugh Jackman!
There is a new actor in town, his name is Armitage, Richard Armitage.


HAPPY NEW YEAR!
xoxo, @Rob


*       *       *       *       *       *       *       *

About the guest blogger @Rob:

Been a fan since 2005, after my first viewing of North & South, but it wasn't until I stumbled across Nat's blog that I became a bit more ardent in my "obsession," err um, "interest." My fav fan sites/blogs are this one (of course), Me + Richard Armitage and RichardArmitageOnline. As much as I love, RA, I enjoy the community that has popped up around his fandom even more. Although, I am happily married, I consider Mr. Armitage my pretend hubs. Just kidding. Not really. Well, sort of.

Other Fish in the Sea ~ by guest blogger @Rob

I was thinking, since Mr. Armitage has hit the big time

with Captain America and The Hobbit, he really doesn't need us.

So, I have created a list of possible candidates that could use an "Army" of fans.

(If these guys don't turn you into a weak kneed fan gurrl, not sure who can.)

Here my recommendations in no particular order:

Ian Somerhalder plays Damon Salvatore on The Vampire Diaries.

He is a def "Baddie" with a soft side. I personally wouldn't mind if he took a bite outta me.

And this guy has the smirking thing down. He even gives our man a run for his $.

Jon Hamm plays Don Draper on Mad Men.

This character is so damaged it is almost beautiful. He could stir my martini anytime.

Another bonus, he can rock those vintage suits.

Matt Bomer plays Neal Caffery on White Collar.

He is the suave and sophisticated con-man who speaks French too.

This guy could con a nun out of her panties. All I have to say is oh là là.

Eric Balfour plays Duke Crocker on Haven.

He's got the nose, he's got the tall dark and handsome thing going along with a

questionable moral compass. What else can a girl ask for?

Oh, and those pecks ain't too bad either!

Jared Padalecki and Jenson Ackles

play brothers Sam and Dean Winchester on Supernatural.

Aren't they cute? The writers even wrote a story line based on fan fic. Love writers who like their fans.

(Hint, hint, Spooks.) Honestly, not sure how they fit in exactly, just wanted

to give you girls some more eye candy. Enjoy!

GOTCHA!!!!

I am just joking around!

Not that these other actors aren't handsome and talented (because they are),

but really could anyone take this guy's place in our hearts?????

I think NOT!

Picture from Richard Armitage Net.

Whether he's a star of the small screen, big screen or the stage he's stuck with us.

Because whether or not he needs us, we still need him.

And that's a fact, Jack.

The post is dedicated to Dezmond at Hollywood Spy,

who is always trying to convince us, although unsuccessfully,

that there are other men out there.

Did I leave anyone off the list?

*     *     *     *     *     *     *

About the guest blogger @Rob:

Been a fan since 2005, after my first viewing of North & South, but it wasn't until I stumbled across Nat's blog that I became a bit more ardent in my "obsession," err um, "interest." My fav fan sites/blogs are this one (of course), Me + Richard Armitage and RichardArmitageOnline. As much as I love, RA, I enjoy the community that has popped up around his fandom even more. Although, I am happily married, I consider Mr. Armitage my pretend hubs. Just kidding. Not really. Well, sort of.



For the Love of Guy~ by Guest Blogger Nicole

For The Love Of Guy

Or, how one girl fell for her first bad boy.

I do not like villainous characters.

I mean, do I find them entertaining? Sure.

Bellatrix Lestrange is freaking awesome; The Hunger Games would be nothing without President Snow;

 if Jack Sparrow didn't have to argue with Davy Jones, the movies would be a lot less entertaining.

But I'm one of those girls that never understood the attraction in a bad boy.

Plenty of my friends have fallen for these characters in books and movies, but I didn't get it.

They were evil, they were bad - it didn't matter how hot they were; they were still a villain. A bad boy.

And I was still a nerdy girl who was more than happy to stay on the right side of the tracks.

And then I watched Robin Hood on a whim and met Sir Guy of Gisbourne. 

All of my firm beliefs on "I shall never love a villain" flew quickly out the window.

I mean, I had seen plenty of different versions of Sir Guy of Gisbourne in the past.

I love Robin Hood; I've seen different movie adaptations and read half a dozen different book versions.

In every one, I fell for Robin. (I mean, just look at what he does.)

So I can firmly blame Richard Armitage for my quick fall into Gizzy love.

Because had Richard not managed to portray Guy so beautifully, so perfectly - had Gisbourne

been played by anybody but Richard - I would not have liked him.

But... why did I like him? I asked myself that after devouring all three seasons

in the span of a month, and finally, I realized.

1. He's played by Richard.

Let's face it. All of the following points on why I love Guy spawn from this one, because

- upon becoming a firm Richard Armitage fangirl - I realized that some of the reasons I loved him as Guy

were some of the reasons I loved him in his other roles. (And the reason I know I'll love him, even as

a dwarf. A freaking dwarf. My friends shall mock me forever for this.)

2. His mannerisms.

Guy is not evil. Sure, he's done some evil stuff - I mean, just look at the Season 2 finale -

but I can forgive him for it, because he's a tortured soul. Just the way he looks at Marian,

the way he says things - oz, all of it. I suppose this number can be broken into:

2a. His eyes/glances.

I mean. Come on. *swoon*

2b. His tone of voice.

He can sound threatening without much effort.

But most of all, he can sound freaking sexy. Even when he's yelling at Robin.

2c. Pretty much everything else he does.

The way he carries himself, even the way he walks. You just can't go wrong.

3. His history.

It's not like Guy is a bad boy for no reason. He has REASONS. He has a HISTORY.

And a bitch of a younger sister. And that history gives him depth that, despite all of Richard's

superfantabulousamazing charm, wouldn't have existed otherwise.

4. This picture.

... self explanatory.

So. Why do YOU love dear Gizzy?

When did you first discover him?


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About the Guest Blogger~
Nicole is a bubbly college freshman who absolutely adores reading.
She first discovered the god that is Armitage early in 2010 while watching the Robin Hood BBC
series and has been hooked on him ever since. She proudly hails from New York and
runs a book blog called WORD for Teens.  She also firmly believes that,
somewhere out there, a unicorn is waiting to be found.

Giving Thanks ~ by Guest Blogger Joan

Thanksgiving is upon us in the Colonies.

How can you NOT love a day that involves tons of great food, football games,

family and a four-day weekend with SHOPPING!?

 In the spirit of the Season, I have declared today

Richard Armitage International Thanksgiving Day.

Since I first discovered Richard Armitage in January 2008,

I have found many things to be thankful for.

First and foremost, there is Sir Guy of Gisborne.

Doesn’t he look pleased with himself? I am always thankful to see him briefly smug.

Please note that I took the high ground

and used the photo where he has turned to face the camera.

 Just because I love the photo

This is one of those “God loves me and wants me to be happy” photos.

John Porter won his own place in my Thanksgiving homage for many reasons, but primarily because

the opening scenes of Strike Back reminded me of stories my husband told about his time on board ship.

The crowded compartments and the small racks (that’s beds for you non-Navy types.)

Just like the picture... sorry.  Love a man in uniform.

 The white tee shirt was a United States Navy uniform requirement.

In my husband’s case, it was crew-necked and showed above the open neck of his uniform.

The subject wears it well….

Not everything I am thankful for is completely shallow.

The friends I have made through as a result of being a fan of Richard Armitage

 are a source of great joy and hours of fun! The bloggers, vidders, fiction writers, proboard admins,

the UK fans who upload interviews and television for those of us otherwise deprived…

for all of you and those I haven’t met yet, I am thankful.

Since I couldn’t get you all together for a big group hug and photo op,

this photo of Richard graciously offered to stand in for us.

I am also thankful to Richard for introducing me to Bernard Cornwell,

Georgette Heyer, Inspector Lynley, and Richard Sharpe. Two authors to devour and two series to enjoy,

all because I listened to Richard’s audio works. (I already read Elizabeth George.)

I am thankful for Richard himself for so many reasons:

his talent, his choices, his good looks, encouraging his fans to give to

charities on his behalf, the voice, and more.

Finally, I am thankful to richardarmitagenet.com and compleatseanbean.com for the photos

and Nat for the opportunity to jump into the deep end of the pool.

Couldn’t resist!!!!

Happy Richard Armitage International Thanksgiving Day!

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About the Guest Blogger:

Joan lives in Central California where she works as a data analyst

for a small U.S. government organization.  She is taller than a Hobbit and shorter than a Bearded Dwarf.

She is massively jealous of Malcolm and Tariq’s abilities to get data to return so fast and from so

 many sources. Her life is blissfully chaotic since her two grandchildren,

their parents and multiple pets occupy the same home.