Miscellaneous for hitting the road
The Servetus getaway car
So, my bags are packed and I’m now on the road for two to three days. I didn’t get to write anything else I am ready to publish during this last week, so it’ll be three days probably without any new posts, unless I am hit by inspiration on the road and pull over to find a wireless signal or something. I do promise to comment in the evenings, and to be back, and as of Saturday I’ll be sitting at my desk for twelve hours a day again, so will probably be writing more and hopefully more analytically. Though it’s been a nice six weeks or so, staring as if in a fog at Mr. Armitage’s body. Grin. I’ll also be listening my way intensively on the road, as I’ve now got Lords of the North and all the Robin Hood audiobooks in my grips (plus Venetia and Sylvester, which I already had. The Convenient Marriage awaits me in Texas).
If you need something to read and haven’t yet, however, I really want to recommend someone that a reader of this blog (I don’t remember any longer who it was) put me on to: khandy. I started with “The Gruinard Project,” became mesmerized by “In the Bleak Midwinter,” and am now eagerly awaiting further installments of “Absolution.” Yes, there is plenty of sex. Yes, there are Mary Sues. Yes, there are plot coincidences. Yes, there are errors in punctuation. All these are generic conventions in fanfic. And yes, I love this stuff. I’ve read Gruinard and Midwinter each at least a dozen times or more. I’m giving in, ok?
Glad you liked the sweet corn post. I just got a spam request from a website called “everybody loves corn.” Would anyone dare to admit if they didn’t?
I’ll miss you. See you when I see you.
Me + Richard Armitage 
And we fanfic writers love that you love our stuff!! I know your seal of approval has brought me new readers, and I am ever so grateful for that.
I am so immersed in “Truce” and reading “The Convenient Marriage” along with a couple of books on highwaymen, I haven’t indulged in anybody else’s fanfics for a while, but will definitely check out Khandy’s in the future.
(And how indeed can you not love corn?)
So glad you have Richard’s delicious chocolate-and-velvet voice to keep you company on the drive south. Next best thing to having the man in the seat next to you . . .*sigh* Hope you have a safe and pleasant journey; traveling mercies being sent your way.
LikeLike
His vocal presence is so compelling it was like he was in the car. I looked over to the passenger seat a few times and was surprised that no one was there.
Though it would have been hard to fit him in the passenger seat, there was so much crap in it. 🙂
LikeLike
*imagining Dr. S tossing out things left and right to make room for a certain long-limbed fellow in her vehicle*
That voice is a wonder, isn’t it? He really does use it in the most marvelous of ways.
LikeLike
Oh, believe you me, if the real Mr. Armitage ever expressed any desire to join me on one of these multi-day peregrinations, that car would be spotless, even if I had to pick it up with my bare hands and shake it over a dumpster.
There’s something really pleasant about these long drives if the gods of the road are with you and one’s own car cooperates. A colleague of mine says you’re never so alone as when you’re driving a long distance, and for me that is a good thing.
Although with Mr. Armitage on CD one is not really alone. So maybe I have to revise my views.
Seriously, Mr. Armitage, for you I’d drive not just north to south but also coast to coast, east to west — that is a solid five days!
LikeLike
I know people who love the thinking time commuting a long distance to work give them.
Re lifting the car, they say under the right conditions a mere mortal can possess superhuman strength . . .I think the possibility sharing a ride with RA would pretty much qualify for “the right conditions.”
Between the Even Worse Knee and my FMS, I have difficulty with long drives these days . . . even driving down to the south end of the county 16 to 24 miles from here flares the knee up.
That being said, I’d certainly be willing to try it if Mr. A called me up and said, “Road Trip!!”
LikeLike
Your sweet corn post must have hit a record for comments. When I read the comments on my gmail I am now getting ads for manure spreaders! LOL
LikeLike
LOL! That is a necessary prerequisite not referred to in the post.
LikeLike
I don’t know what to say apart from I need to go back to school to study grammer again LOL. Seriously I am really humbled by your recommendation. I fell into writing and absoluetly love creating stories. So I’m really pleased you like them. When I have a moment I will post my North and South and Story on Wattpad as well.
LikeLike
Khandy, I wish English was my first language but even that would probably not be enough to be a beta reader. Your writing is so fluid it makes the reader fall in the story. And thanks for those Wattpad posts!
@Servetus I am the guilty party in recommending her.
Also recommended Mesmered’s The Sheriff’s collector, her writing is mesmerizing.
LikeLike
I’d agree with iz4blue — the appearance of your writing suggests that you are composing based on what you hear when you write. Nothing wrong with that in fanfic, and even conventionally published authors have people who edit their work for style. I’m looking forward to reading your N&S fic.
LikeLike
I keep meaning to contact her as I could surely do the spellcheck and punctuation in the first several Chapters of TGP. The story deserves that! And yes the DL is what makes Wattpad sweet!
LikeLike
That would be a really sweet offer, I think.
LikeLike
Safe travels! Enjoy your LOTN that should feed your brain to much more to it than the GH books
LikeLike
You were right.
LikeLike
http://mesmered.wordpress.com/the-sheriffs-collector/
A guy story for those interested by a published author
LikeLike
Yes, this is another fantastic piece.
LikeLike
Safe trip…see you when you “land”…I love semester start up at my University! Thanks for the fanfic references, have already bookmarked them ..seems like just what the doctor (every pun intended) ordered.
Ann Marie
LikeLike
I am not feeling it at the moment, but I am sure that the first day of classes will give me that shot in the arm feeling again.
LikeLike
Ladies, I grew up in a glorious time when men were men and women were grateful. Many of today’s “men” are metrosexuals and women have to get out and make money. The Hollywood “stars” males are metrosexuals with the puffy lips and smooth faces ( Brad Pitt and de Caprio) and not appealing to real women. That is why Richard Armitage appeals to us real women; he is a real man with those thin lips, straight bushy eyebrown, husky voice, tall rangy real man. His thighs are superb.
I married a real man 46 years ago. He is a commercial fisherman/logger/cattle baron which is as manly as it gets. So, I know how a real man works and love it. Armitage is as good as my husband (on screen anyway) and that is why I can’t take my eyes off him. I read an actor comes into his own about age 40 so RA is ahead of his class. God bless Richard!!!
Hey, anybody know if he makes enough money to support himself? I’ll chip in if he need help.
LikeLike
He’s got masculine beauty down pat, that’s for sure, Mary Lou.
Even with his long hair, eyeliner and in some scenes, mascara, he never looked less than manly and sexy as S3 Guy. To me, he has just gotten better looking and even more appealing as he’s gotten older. He has the good looks and ahtleticsm of an old-fashioned movie star, but the acting chops of the best character actor.
And the thighs? Ah, their gorgeousness cannot be denied. *sigh*
There is no one else quite like Richard Armitage. So glad I discovered him back in 2008 . . .
LikeLike
Whoops, I really need to get some sleep. Athleticism is the word I was looking for . . .
LikeLike
The talent. The thighs. What a combination.
LikeLike
Unbeatable . . . I had to go back and look at that still of him running filmed on location for Spooks 9 . . . thighs encased in black denim . . . with John Porter muscularity . . . *sigh*
LikeLike
yeah, that was an amazing photo. Not the ideal male body, with those thighs and that posterior, but the working male body in all its glory. A real body.
LikeLike
A real body, a real face. Not Botoxed, not plasticized; no pec implants or steroid-fueled muscles, everything original (excepting those gleaming white chompers, and I thought he had a lovely smile with his original, slightly crooked teeth. Now, of course, it positively dazzles).
LikeLike
@ Mary Lou — you bring up some valid points. I was watching a movie from the late 90’s and everyone had normal teeth, now all the actors have these brillant super white teeth. It seems so strange.
Mr. Armitage, I am sure makes more than enough $ to support himself. In recent interviews, he has mentioned a newly purchased BMW and a Dolce & Gabbana suit. Hard earned, I am sure after years of struggling! But if you are looking to support starving artists, I would be more than happy to send you my address. I have two projects that need financing 🙂
LikeLike
@Rob, Armitage only funding from this source. Glad to know he doesn’t need my help … or am I???? darn
LikeLike
@Mary Lou
Are you saying you want Mr. A for a toyboy?? *grin*
Ah heck, don’t we all . . . he would be so much fun to play with.
LikeLike
I am so thrilled Richard is finally achieving that level of financial success after all those long, lean years . . . no one deserves it more. @Rob, I am but a poorly paid journalist, or I would send some dosh your way.
LikeLike
@Mary Lou – I would love it if he was involved in one of my projects. I will let you know if/when that happens!
@Angie – you are too sweet. Why is it that the creative jobs just don’t pay out like say those corporate jobs? I do wonder at that! I have been working on proposals for the last few weeks and have a funder meeting next week. I need to sell my ideas. I was teasing (mostly).
Dr Servetus – safe travels. I envy you a long quiet drive with Richard’s voice. I listen to the audio books when stuck in traffic. I find them very soothing. You’ll love the Convenient Marriage, it is now my fav.
LikeLike
@Rob
Well, I actually tallied the most votes for “Sweetest” in my senior class although I chose to “Most Talented” (At 17 it seemed so much cooler than being sweetest)*wink* Sadly, creative professions don’t seem to offer the monetary return of other jobs . . . and everything I wanted to do–art ed, journalism, music–are not high-paying positions, generally. I’ve hand a lot of intangible rewards along the way as a teacher and a newspaper writer, but it would be nice to have a higher salary, too. I know you were joking but I really do wish I had the readies to help more creative folks out there. If I ever get rich, I won’t forget you . . . *grin*
Also, I love “The Convenient Marriage” — it is my favorite Heyer audiobook of the three RA has done. I am now reading the book and I hear his voice in my heads doing all the different characters . . . and of course, I envision the handsome Lord Rule as looking just like a certain TDHBEW.
LikeLike
“Why is it that the creative jobs just don’t pay out like say those corporate jobs?”
I think because those corporate jobs are to make money and as Henry in N&S pointed out ‘money makes money’. Unfair world…
OML 🙂
LikeLike
Case in point: my boss at work . . . does virtually nothing in regard to the day to day needs of our paper. He does take photos for our special publications, but as far as helping us out with the daily grind–nothing. I don’t feel he even cares about editorial sometimes, just advertising . . .
Well, guess what? If the editorial content of the paper isn’t good and interesting and informative, ain’t nobody gonna pay for a bunch of ads . . . And he’s the one making the six figure salary, while we haven’t had a raise in years. Life is indeed unfair. Don’t get me wrong, I am grateful to have a job when several folks I know don’t have one; but the inequity of it all really does rankle at times.
LikeLike
Good luck with getting your funding, Rob!
LikeLike
Thank you, offer up some prayers, positive energy, crossed fingers… I take it all. Tues meeting is distribution and Thurs meeting $$$.
LikeLike
@Rob, I hope all goes well and you get that funding (crossing fingers and toes, meditating on your success and sending up prayers, too). We creative types have to stick together and support one another!
LikeLike
It’s the same in education — the people who teach the classes get paid the least, while the administrators get paid the most. It would be worth contemplating a switch except that if I wanted to administer something I’d have studied administration.
LikeLike
Sad to say, a lot of the people who end up in administration in education from my experience completely lose touch with what it’s like for the classroom teacher . . . and some of them, frankly, weren’t very good teachers to begin with.
It’s not the case with everyone, by any means; I know some fantastic, caring principals who are in tune with the needs of their faculty and their students. Others in the Central Office–at least in our local system–are warm bodies they shift from position to position. They are tenured and could only be kicked out if they are caught having intimate relations with a farm animal. Spouse has said something about incompetency rising to the top . . . sad but true in some cases. I get rabid about public education, so I will stop here before I start salivating.
LikeLike
yeah, presumably he has to pay for all of those teeth as well 🙂
LikeLike
For those of you not familiar with Wattpad http://www.wattpad.com/getmobile the beauty is, that you can take the stories with you. Each story has an e-reader version that you can download on your device and once on it can read offline. If following a writer and or story make yourself a fan and you’ll get an email notification of a new post. Then with wifi you can update the story from your device. Another good writer to look for is Kleindog.
Enuff said! What can I say, luv my fic on the go..
LikeLike
iz4blue,
I really am going to get around at some point to posting some stuff at wattpad now that I am a member. Both Benny and I have been having some health issues and I am running behind on everything . . . still managing to get some fanfic written, though. I am all for making it easier for readers to access my stuff. ( : And thanks for your fanfic suggestions, too.
LikeLike
I didn’t realize you could DL and that’s great — thanks!
LikeLike
It must be a tribute to servetus that even when the doctor is on temporary hiatus, the Blog Goes On. Inspiration of the true teacher. Do you think Madame la profeseuse can trust us? 🙂
@angieK, how are the health issues? Is everyone feeling better?
LikeLike
Yes, the Blog Goes On, hurrah for the good doctor. Well, @fitzg, I missed work yesterday to allow Even Worse Knee(and the rest of me) to get some rest. I slept with my knee brace on. Spouse’s lesions look a bit less angry, although still very much there, and he says he is itching less. He goes back to the doctor tomorrow morning. Thanks for asking–it is appreciated.
LikeLike
I’m sorry you and your husband are not feeling so good lately, I’m sending your way good energies 😀
I’ve read Truce chap 15 (no need to say the obvious-soo enjoy it), I’m sorry I haven’t commented lately, I’ll try when I get home today.
OML 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you, OML. We appreciate it. His lesions are not looking as bad and not itching quite so much, so that is something.I feel so bad for him because I know it’s been so uncomfortable–and I can’t even hug him!
I am very tired after a 12-hour day at work, but have a shorter day tomorrow. Glad you enjoyed Chapter 15 . . . I am hoping to finish 16 either tomorrow night or on Saturday. Hope to have it posted by Sunday. I think you’ll like it, too. A couple of surprises in store *grin*
LikeLike
In terms of course participation, I’ve always been a radical egalitarian, more interested in what the students have to say then what I have to contribute, so if you keep talking while I’m gone, my work here is done.
Oh wait, I’ve still got a lot to say!
LikeLike
*Grin* We’re glad you’re back.
LikeLike
I woke up this morning thinking about why we (I) ladies are so wild about Guy. From what I read on this blog, I think all of us are well-bred, well-educated, middle class women who married John Thornton (or in my case, John Standring) types. All my writing, tinking of Sir Guy is far and away nothing like how I act in real life. And I think you would never act out these fantisies. If we were lucky enough to meet RA in person, he would turn out to be just the kid next door who happened to be exceptionally good looking. We would be kind and hospitable to him, but wish him to go homme after about three days. What is it about him and us that makes us so silly? Any ideas, ladies?
LikeLike
First of all, Richard is definitely my type physically. I like tall, broad-shouldered, long-legged, dark-haired men with either blue or brown eyes and strong masculine features. I married one, in fact.
I also like his personality, what I have seen of him in video/radio/print interviews and at red carpet events. He seems such a grounded fellow; hardworking, humble, a little shy and with absolutely lovely manners. Here again, he reminds me of my darling spouse. So many celebs behave so crassly, as if being famous is a license to act like a total jerk. Not Richard.
He also has a great sense of humor with a naughty side. He takes his work seriously but not himself, and I find that very appealing.
I like fantasizing and writing fan fic about his wonderful, complex, sexy characters; in RL, I think he would be a fellow I would love to sit down and chat with about the arts and have a good laugh with.
My dream interview as a journalist would be with Richard, absolutely. And I wouldn’t object if he wanted to give me a peck on the cheek, either. Or put his arm around me to pose for a photo. Nope, wouldn’t mind that at all . . .
There’s just something about Richard . . . and Guy, still my favorite RA character, is the ultimate sexy, smirking, smouldering-yet-vulnerable-and-in-need-of-love bad boy who could be redeemed, we are sure, through the TLC of the right woman. I think we want to tame him . . . but not totally.
Richard has said it is his characters that woman find appealing, and I do–but I also really like what I have seen of the man behind those character.
Oh, I could go on forever on this subject . . . *sigh*
LikeLike
I will say that I tried to write a post about this this summer. I have seven notebook pages of notes. Eventually I had to stop because I couldn’t get the organized enough to write. But it’s on my mind, too, and sooner or later that stuff will make it to the screen.
LikeLike
That’s what I love about you … seven pages! You are so fastidious! Can’t wait to read it when it makes it to the screen.
LikeLike
It’s a big problem for me as a writer. I tend to fixate on the details and then get frightened of the big picture because I know too much about the (conflicting) details. But thanks!
LikeLike
@ Mary Lou — Great question. You have opened up a real hornet’s nest. Part of me thinks, there is no real explaination. Another part, feels like I could write an etire post on just that question. I would love to hear what the good Doctor has to say and what her response would be– maybe she do a post for us?
For me, my hubs does look like Mr. Armitage (from the neck up at least). I like tall dark handsome. My hubs is prob most like Thronton, hard working, brooding kinda guy. My hubs is a writer and prone to dark moods, but it doesn’t bother me because when he laughs his laughter can fill up a room and make you feel like the funniest girl on earth.
Artistically, Mr. Amritage is an inspiration for me. I really admire his work as well as his work ethic. It is so inspiring to see someone, so good at what they do, firing on all cyniders. He inspires me to put my all into my creative projects. I do think he harkens to those old school actors that I love to watch like Cary Grant, Jimmy Stewart, etc. Like you, I don’t get Brad Pitt either, he’s a good actor but does nothing for me.
I work from home, so for me this site is like the water cooler conversation I would normally have with office mates, but instead of sitting around bitching about the boss, we are mooing over an actor. Great trade off in my mind.
Finally, he just one sexy beast of a man. He makes my mind go to filthy places, in all of my 38 years, it has never gone too! I am sure you will get a lot of responses to this question.
LikeLike
Absolutely agree with you @Rob. And yes, this certainly deserves it’s own post. Very good points you brought up Mary Lou. My hubby used to be a bit Standringish now he’s a bit more Thorntonesque, but very funny too!
I find RA very inspirational too!
LikeLike
It’s just a joy to see someone who has a real passion for their work and puts so much into it and in turn, brings so much pleasure to those who witness that work.
As a writer by profession, I know how much it means to me when someone tells me they were touched or moved by or laughed aloud at something I wrote, knowing there is this power in the written word and how I assembled those words . . . how I am able to sometimes convey what is in other people’s hearts and minds, but they can’t quite express it.
So I guess I feel Richard is a sort of kindred spirit in a way I don’t feel about the majority of celebs out there. I adore watching Turner Classic Movies and all the wonderful actors from the golden age of movies–and Richard has that kind of appeal for me. Such presence on screen, such charisma.
A fellow actor once said of the wonderful Jimmy Stewart that he always knew, even if the picture Jimmy was in wasn’t that good, that Jimmy would be good and worth watching. Think of certain eps of Robin Hood, and, well– I think the same could be said of him.
The scripts may be weak, the production values less than stellar; he may be stuck with a cold fish of a co-star. But HE is never less than excellent, compelling–
Erotic . . . he is simply one of the most erotic human beings I’ve ever seen, and he just IS sexy. He doesn’t try to be. It just oozes out of every lovely pore. Sex on legs, absolutely.
LikeLike
The creativity factor is key for me. Watching Mr. Armitage reawakened something in me I thought was dead. I’ll be eternally grateful for that.
LikeLike
Me, too. I would never have started writing fan fic if it weren’t for RA. And I have had such fun with it.
LikeLike
I keep going back to the idea that, what we are attracted to in others, (ie Mr. Armitage) are the same qualitites that we are working to cultivate within ourselves.
I love the thought that he reawakened something that you thought was dead. Or that for @Angie, she started writing fan fiction. I can relate.
LikeLike
I definitely find many qualities in Mr. A that I would hope to find within myself . . . dedication to my work, always striving to be better; a generosity of spirit, a groundedness, a good sense of humour and a sweet humility. I find him very lovable and very cratively inspiring . . . and I would like to be those things.
LikeLike
I swear WordPress sometimes plays tricks on me! As I’ve missed on the continuation of this conversation. @Rob I find the contrast in Mr. A most fascinating between his lovable, intelligent traits to his instinctual, and physical performance. So sometimes I get a bit shy at what emotions and instincts he provokes. Richard as Richard never disappoints to top it all off but I make sure I stick to his characters in my imagination. There must be flaws somewhere. He is still single which I find surprising. Perhaps he gives his all to the performance. What I admire the most is how well spoken he is.
LikeLike
He’s extremely articulate and expressive when discussing his roles and art of acting, isn’t he? It’s such a pleasure to listen to or read his interviews. I like intelligent, insightful people and he is definitely that. And has a sense of humor, which is always a saving grace for me.
As to why he is still single, well, we do know he’s a bit shy and not one to “put it about,” or so he says; working the crazy schedule he works with months outside the country probably makes it tough to meet people outside the business and he made it clear in a recent interview he’s not really looking for a relationship with an actress.
I wonder if there is also that niggling thought in the back of his mind, does she like me for me, or for John Thornton, Guy of Gisborne, Lucas North . . . I don’t think it can be easy to be someone in the public eye and have a relationship.
LikeLike
Hope the journey is going well.
LikeLike
One more thing, I no longer smoke, don’t really drink, and eat healthy (well, most of the time). Honestly there is only so much Yoga, deep breathing and mediation you can do! I find Richard Armitage to be an excellent way to reduce stress.
LikeLike
RA is a great stress reducer, an excellent role model for healthy living and absolutely an inspiration. Look at all the artwork, videos, fics, blogs and forums his amazing talent has brought about.
And he’s just so darned nice to look at–and listen to.
LikeLike
Though my heart beast *faster* when I hear his voice.
LikeLike
True. I have a slight tachycardia problem and sometimes it gets worse when I get a good dose of Mr Honey Tongue.
LikeLike
He is one big “health benefit” upon sight raises the heartbeat, promotes blood-flow, pumps oxygen, inspires the brain to create, raises the spirit to go and live life to the fullest!!!
LikeLike
And I notice I have made several boo-boos in my posts; I ask for clemency as I had to take a Lortab and a muscle relaxer for Even Worse Knee and Naughty Back. Just feeling a little loopy . . .
LikeLike
Tall, dark and INTERESTING! No blond tenors with “cute” noses and boyish looks need apply….
And everything else that everythone above has said!
Hope the long drive is smooth, servetus, and soothed by the Voice of the Master.
LikeLike
Hear, hear, fitzg! Cannot understand people finding Taylor Lautner (werewolf Jacob in the Twilight movies) “hot” – – he has what appears to be a turned-up pig’s nose, for goodness sake! (Sorry if I offended any Twihards out there . . .) I find “cute” in men frequently does not age well . . . look at Jonas Armstrong as Exhibit A. Richard, on the other hand, has improved like fine wine and I don’t see that changing.
LikeLike
I think TL can be considered hot, actually I like tan men (that’s why I find Guy from 2nd half of each season much hotter, his skin is a bit tanned) but it does nothing to me because I can’t get all fangurl by just looks (With TL in particular, he’s…19? Even younger than my little brother! It’d be too weird). If it is about just oogling…ahem, admiring someone’s phisique I’d get a poster and ‘problem’ solved.
RA is not only gorgeous, he seems like a nice, inteligent, educated, modest, hard working man wich is what I find most sexy in him and really makes me *thud*.
With Guy, I think happens the same, what speaks to me and makes me a Guy girl 😀 is his passion, his vulnerability, his complexity, his brooding, his strenght, being practical, his loyalty….
OML *sigh*
LikeLike
Oh, if all there was to RA was a handsome face and fit body, I would have long ago moved on . . . I’m with you, I wouldn’t feel this way by looks alone.
He’s gorgeous inside AND out. I truly believe he is a good man who has worked so very hard to make it in a tough profession and I, for one, am so glad he didn’t give up on acting as he once considered doing – – what a lose that would have been for all of us.
Re TL and Robert Pattinson, at their age I am far too old to be lusting after them LOL My co-worker is crazy for Robert as Edward (but only in that role) and she is in her late 30s . . . just seems odd to me. MInd you, I’m older than Richard, but at least he’s not still wet behind the ears!
LikeLike
This is really perceptive on Guy, OML. What we don’t expect to see in combination with all the other stuff is his pragmatism/realism.
LikeLike
I think one of the things I loved about Team Leather was the fact Allan (my favorite outlaw) was also quite pragmatic. I always thought that he and Guy could have established a good friendship if given the proper chance. Poor Guy certainly needed a friend . . . I felt S3 wasted the opportunity to bring those two back together to deal with the death of Marian.
LikeLike
Allan is also my fav outlaw (I’m all for Team Leather), he was more realist than the other characters, he was good at heart (and very funny), still he had to do not so good things to survive, he joined Guy because he got no other option, where was Robin when Allan was in the dungeon?
I think he and Guy had a friendship, not perfect but I think Allan could see the real Guy without the ‘white/black’ veil Marian had and so cared for him. And Guy if not perfect was a friend to him, he was saving him from Vazey, IMO.
OML 🙂
LikeLike
Yes, I know you are a Team Leather girl, too *grin*
Allan, like Guy, was a survivor in a tough old world, doing what wasn’t always the most proper or ethical thing in order to stay alive . . . they understood each other in a way Robin, who was so full of his lofty ideals (and of himself, IMO-he did love being put on a pedestal at heart) and Marian (blinded by her commitment to Not-So-Good King Richard and Robin’s political views) ever did . . .
Guy could be harsh and brutal at times, but time and time again we saw the kinder side as well–trying to protect others, too. And Allan had a real sweetness to him. And yes, I’m not bein’ funny, but he made me laugh. I can’t remember OML, did you read “Lost and Found?” They really do make the most adorable couple . . . *wink*
LikeLike
I do agree
LikeLike
I am not interested in 19 year olds romantically. I spend too much time with them at work … 🙂
Love you, any 19-year-olds who may be reading here 🙂
LikeLike
LOL!!
LikeLike
*giggle*
LikeLike
By the way, there appear to be unconfirmed rumours of Spooks 9 being released sooner (in the U.K., I assume), so maybe N.A. (Canada, anyway), will see it a bit earlier. Also, that Amazon (presumably U.K. has bought S8. Unconfirmed, as far as I can see, no doubt all out there on the TweetyWorld.
All this background is to say, I hope I can get my paws on S8 sooner than later, and judge whether it is a disappointing as as been indicated. Because, having seen it only on weekly eps (and I missed some), and vid clips, it raises an issue with me. I NEED THE DVDs!
It might be just me, and faulty instantaneous absorption of information, but as we are all looking in depth at a particular actor, I need the DVD! Do others of us manage to catch all the subleties of acting and production from weekly viewing? Am I just cognitively flawed
?
Am I off-topic here? What was the topic? Why we are drawn to RICHARD ARMITAGE, of course! 🙂
LikeLike
Well I saw most only on weekly viewing with a few exception and yes I NEED THE DVD too! I haven’t even got Season 7. I’m waiting for the price drop which will happen (hopefully) when Season 8 is released. Same for Robin Hood. Just have to see how long I can hold out for.
LikeLike
OK, I confess I have the eps of S8 here on my laptop . . . but *ahem* don’t ask me how I got them. So I can re-watch when I want to. However, it’s not the same as seeing it on my nice flat-screen TV.
And absolutely, there are things I don’t catch on the second or even the third viewing–he is such a totally amazing actor. And I am a pretty observant person. He’s just THAT good.
I want my DVDs ASAP!! (Miss Angie tends to be impatient and terribly selfish when it comes to the Lovely One . . .)
LikeLike
There’s stuff in his acting you have to watch frame by frame to get.
LikeLike
True. I was looking back through some screen caps for my Guy tutorials for Milly and was amazed at the subtle changes in his expressions as I moved through a scene. So very detailed . . . so nuanced.
LikeLike
I got a mail from amazon.co.uk saying that they would be shipping S8 something like two weeks earlier than planned. I can hardly wait. And you’re right — beinga able to see and replay things on the DVD is really important.
LikeLike
Yup, that was just a small segue. DVD just brings all those things missed first time around. (Or I’m slow!)
Still tangenting; wandering; why hasn’t RA been as recognised as RPJ or McFaddyen or some other British actors? Even in roles in U.K. TV, for which he’s so well suited? Why not more Austen (which, granted has been about done to death), Starz Pillars, WHY Strike Back!! When he’s better than that? Just griping…
LikeLike
Honestly, @fitzg, I am just not sure as to why RA hasn’t gotten as much recognition as some of his fellow Brits. Certainly not from lack of talent . . . I have to admit, I love him as John Porter and I look forward to seeing more of the character, but it’s not the writing that compelled me to watch the series by any means. Honestly, I could have written better scripts. (Hey, Sky and Left Bank? I am available . . .)
There are some wonderfully written American shows out there right now and there are times when I really wish he could become attached to one of them–I am happy to watch him in most anything, because I know he will bring something wonderful to the role (let’s face it, in lesser hands, JP could have just been another meat-headed one-note soldier) . . . but I hope things like his Richard III project will finally come to fruition and allow a broader (and I mean American) audience to see what a spectacular talent Richard Crispin Armitage really is.
LikeLike
I wonder if part of has to do with the fact that in the vast majority of roles I’ve seen him in (obviously VoD is an exception) he is not really sweet or funny. RPJ and McFadyen both have a sweet vulnerability that we don’t see so much in Mr. Armitage’s characters, who tend to have a defensive vulnerability or a tortured vulnerability. For me this delays the squee a little — I don’t find myself thinking, “ooh, isn’t he CUTE?”
LikeLike
That’s interesting, because in RL Richard does seem to exhibit a certain sweet vulnerability, a shyness and even geekiness at times that makes me go, “Oh, isn’t he adorable!” But you are right, Dr. S–in his roles, the cuteness factor generally isn’t there, with the exception of Sweet Cheeks Harry in VoD.
LikeLike
This may go hand in hand with his repeated comment that when he suddenly gained his current height, no one saw him as that cute boy anymore. There’s something compelling about his physiognomy that says “serious man.”
LikeLike
I also have speculated his sprouting up like that and feeling like an outsider in conversations (having to lean down to hear what was going on) helped him in knowing how to approach his “loner” roles . . . he knew what it felt like to be on the outside looking in. And yes, he has that very “serious man” gravitas to him.
LikeLike
Absolutely. Anglophile as I am, have been deeply attached to many U.S. series, past and present. House is one, and not just because of Hugh! (Don’t laugh too hard, but I like Fringe as well, and I’m not one for sci-fi). As a great ensemble player, I’d love to see him in a really good U.S. drama, too.
We just don’t have a big a big enough audience here to make terrific TV dramas (da Vinci’s Inquest was the last great one – they come along once in a decade – budgets, you know. But the U.S. is a better bet, if Sky/BBC etc can’t get their acts together.
Knee and staph improving?
LikeLike
This puts another piece in the puzzle for me — Mr. Armitage is really a relationship actor. You don’t immediately see him as that figurehead that’s going to front a story.
LikeLike
Yes, a well-scripted ensemble cast with strong co-stars and compelling storylines . . . me likee! Richard has always said he has no desire to do a one-man show, he likes having other actors to react and respond to . . . a lot of Brit actors have done very well here in American television.
Re me, the Knee and the Staph . . . He went back to the doctor this morning. It is improving and they told him to take the rest of his antibiotics and he should be OK . . . on the downside, they are doing more tests to determine for certain whether or not it’s MRSA and not just a less virulent strain of staph. So I am still worried . . . if it doesn’t completely clear up by mid-week next week, he will have to go back to the doctor.
my 12-hour day on my knee yesterday didn’t do it any favors. It’s stinging and burning today. Thankfully, a shorter day today. I have a Junior Miss Scholarship Program to cover tomorrow night, but I am otherwise off this weekend. Hopefully both of us will feel much better by next week!!
LikeLike
Definitely relationship-oriented. That was the key to N&S, that ability to play with with/off excellent actors, while creating his own outstanding place.
I think that is why I really wish to see him in something else as challenging to his abilities. Spooks looked promising, but I’ve yet to properly see what the writers have done to him there – played up the eye-candy to the detriment of the character?
LikeLike
I loved Spooks S7, but S8 really frustrated me to no end. I am fascinated with Lucas North, but the whole Nightingale storyline and the woefully miscast Genevieve O’Reilly as his “love interest” made me ready to tear my hair out. I am both eager and anxious about the upcoming series . . . will they do the character (and the brilliant actor playing him) justice or not?
LikeLike
Guess we’ll find out soon. Spooks 8 was a real problem, although it’s endlessly intriguing to try to figure out all its problems.
LikeLike
Oh, yes, trying to unravel the many knots created in that series was fascinating if frustrating. And Richard’s flashback scenes to his torture in prison, that point at which he was about to break . . . oh, my, it was so harrowing and so believable.
LikeLike
Do I see a post comming Servetus? *wink, wink*
OML 🙂
LikeLike
I’m *still* fiddling with the GOR / Anti-Americanism conclusion post. I think I am going to split it in half, as the first half is pretty much done.
LikeLike
But hasn’t Strike Back shown that he is ready to do more fronting?? It was less ensemble based. And because of the gravity he exhudes this type of role might become his trademark.
LikeLike
I think it’s promising, anyway. The thing is that even in SB, at the moments when he’s alone on the screen he draws attention by pulling back rather than thrusting forward, if you know what I mean — it’s a sort of quietness at the center of his acting that draws the viewer in as opposed to an explosion that draws attention to himself. It also has something to do with his physical stance, which is never aggressive.
LikeLike
I always feel there is a lot going on beneath that quiet facade . . . it makes him interesting to watch when he is doing nothing but thinking. Part of what makes him so compelling for me as John Porter. In the hands of a lesser actor, well . . . just another Rambo.
LikeLike
Yeah, this could have been that. Thank G-d it wasn’t. Or we’d never have gotten to read your fic!
LikeLike
True, because I have never, ever felt the urge to write a fan fic centered on a Sly Stallone character. And somehow suspect I never, ever will.
LikeLike
I hope Mr. Armitage’s Beemer is a big one. If he were in my passenger seat, his knees would be up around his ears.
Spooks 7 was marvellous, actually. I do have S5, too, and that is very good.
Tangenting (think I made up that word), have been reading Val McDermid’s recent mystery, which has references to BBC Spooks. And of course, Hermione Norris was the original DCI Jordan in BBC Wire in the Blood. Practicing for the Ros role… love these bits of tangential trivia… (Right, back in your box, madame…)
LikeLike
That’s the great thing about the Taurus. A real car for real people. I bought it used two years ago, in the middle of the gas crunch, and test drove a bunch of Japanese cars, but my body is just not in their target audience.
I loved that last Val McDermid — gulped it down in an afternoon. I really to watch Wire in the Blood.
B.A. (Before Armitage) I used to whine about all the books I hadn’t read and music I hadn”t heard. It’s a bit crushing to have to add TV and films to that category.
LikeLike
Loved “Wire in the Blood.” I have read a few of Val’s books, very well done.
I drive a Crown Victoria right now, which is a big ol’ American gas guzzler but so much kinder to my body than a smaller car would be. And certainly it would provide a comfortable seating arrangement for a tall Brit with long legs . . .
LikeLike
Well, at 5ft, I’m slightly under the radar screen, so it helps to have a car which enables pygmies to see over the steering wheel!
LikeLike
Snort! 🙂
If you rode with me I’d lend you a telephone book to sit on.
LikeLike
A tiny little secretary I worked with in Nebraska actually used the Omaha telephone book in her desk chair to give her a boost. The chair’s adjustment just wouldn’t go high enough. I am afraid you’d be out of luck using our local phone book here in rural south Alabama, @fitzg–wouldn’t give you much of a boost!
LikeLike
Better make it the Greater London Directory then, 😀
LikeLike
Thanks for pointing us to ‘In the Bleak Midwinter’, I’m at the third part and I’m in love with John Standring! He was a favourite character next to Harry Kennedy or catchin gup to Mr. Thornton but with this he’s very close to Guy *blushes*
OML 😀
LikeLike
Yeah, she fleshes John Standring out in really convincing ways in this piece. It convincingly turns the whole genre of sexual initiation fic on its head by means of using this particular character — just reading it feels empowering.
LikeLike
[…] before I stop. Some of this I’ve documented already, as with my reaction to The Tempest and pointing readers in the direction of khandy’s fics. Continuing to enjoy Truce, which is drawing to a close. Now sucked into Grant What I Wish and […]
LikeLike
Obsession update: End of summer 2010 edition « Me + Richard Armitage said this on August 25, 2010 at 3:36 am |
I found The Tempest above average in the genre, too. The sex scenes were sensitively handled. There might be some conventions of romantic fiction phrasing – “Damn but she’s…” that could stand editing, but very few. (Given my track record on proofing my comments, pot and kettle probably come to mind).
Other than that, MORE PLOT!
I always return to Anya Seton’s Katherine, as well as The Sunne in Splendour, for historical fiction. And superbly (especially in the case of Seton, not an historian) researched.
LikeLike
Yes, to some extent the author of The Tempest expected us to read sex *as* plot. That didn’t bother me but it’s not a convention that really works well outside of fanfic.
LikeLike
[…] “Miscellaneous for Hitting the Road.” August 18, 2010. Although this post mentions one of my favorite Armitage-related fanfic […]
LikeLike
“me + richard armitage” at three years old. Stats and thanks. | Me + Richard Armitage said this on February 25, 2013 at 1:02 am |
[…] 1999 I’ve driven a Ford Taurus. My current exemplar is a 2005, which I bought used in […]
LikeLike
In nova fert animus mutatas dicere formas corpora, 1 | Me + Richard Armitage said this on July 15, 2018 at 2:29 am |
[…] rain punctuated the drive to Chicago. Happily, my fourteen-year-old car is still watertight! I’ve owned a few that haven’t been, over the years. In order to […]
LikeLike
me + Richard Armitage + rain, or: A whole post to say I’ve decided to buy new shoes | Me + Richard Armitage said this on June 17, 2019 at 10:49 pm |
[…] way to arrange it. The Uncle Vanya tickets dropped. Next, I put my foot through the floorboard of my car — rusted through. Then a friend of mine went to the hospital to have his foot amputated below […]
LikeLike
Days of Awe 5780 [includes spoilers for Ad Astra] | Me + Richard Armitage said this on October 3, 2019 at 3:24 am |