Photo Friday ~ The Letter is Off! (and random hot pics)

Our fan letter is on its way to England, folks!
Here it is, being tucked into its envelope.
(Paper doll SFR didn't go along for the ride. He's just modeling the goods.)

Five pages stapled together.  A bit much?  Oh well.

My main objective for wanting to send this letter was not to get a reply.

(That would be neat, but I'm not expecting it.  I'll let you know if that ever happens, though.) 
I just wanted to send a message to say, "Hey, I like your work.  Keep it up!"
I also wanted to let him know about the RA blogging world, which offers another

environment for Armitage fans to interact and share their thoughts.

(I did mention the Fanstravaganza in the final draft.)

In a recent article, Richard said he doesn't like to read about himself online,

but maybe he'll take a peek at our blogosphere one day! :)

I appreciate that several of you added your 2 cents to the letter, which is the best part. 

Thanks to those who participated!

And to share some RA hotness...

(I've posted these at various times already,

but I like 'em.)

Lucas looking studly.

You may not like Monet's hair/beard, but look at those eyes!

I *heart* JT.

Don't judge me. You know you like this pic.

Letter to Richard ~ Final Draft

As most of you know,

I've written a letter to Richard, which can be read HERE.

The Richard I'm referring to, of course:

The final draft has basically stayed the same,

besides editing and adding a few comments from blog readers.

Here is the final list of comments that
will be included in the letter:

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. There are many Canadian fans who enjoy your work!

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. You have fans in Norway!

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.

Andrea Puig~ 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. Mr. Armitage, I know people say you have lovely eyes, and you do. But when I look at you, I can't help but notice your mouth. You see, your teeth are just beautiful! I just want to reach out and touch them. Please don't be scared of me, I'm a professional! I'm a dentist, really, I swear.

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.

Sephy Rose~ I would like to express my admiration for your work as you provide a truely engaging and interesting persona with every character you play.

zyradustorm~ I deeply admire your talent, and dearly hope you will come to the States! Your acting is phenomenal, and it makes me believe every character you play is a real, living, feeling person! Not just anyone can do that. And yes, please do another period piece!

bZirk~ I would add something, but I don't have anything that would make Richard Armitage fall over in a dead faint with undying love for me. :D

iz4spunk~ Thank you for giving a face to John Thornton and a voice to Sylvester and Damerel.

RAFrenzy~ Thank you Mr. Armitage for all of the hours of wonderful entertainment and thought provoking comments, and thank you for inspiring people like Natalie. What a pleasure she has been as well. I hope you will take a look at her blog because I know you will enjoy it. I also hope she leaves my comment exactly as I've written it.

Sandra~ Is that really you on YouTube dancing to that Gloria Estefan song?

Sophie~ You have many French fans too!

Jemma~ Greetings from another Canadian who ardently admires your work. It takes special talent to bring such depth to your roles and courage to allow the vulnerable part of your characters to show through. Thank you, not only for many hours of amazing entertainment, but for many enlightening moments. Very best wishes in all your future endeavors - we'll be waiting with great anticipation!

I'll let you know when I mail the letter...
which will hopefully be today or tomorrow.

(And while I'm at the post office, I can finally send bZirk's prize
from the "Guess that Scene Contest" held a while back.)

Richard after receiving our letter in a few weeks,
or however long it takes to get into his hands:

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.

I get by with a little help from my friends.

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.

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!