Top ten: Richard Armitage against the winter blues?
Back in the fall when everyone was observing how gorgeous is the area whence Obscura and I hail, I mentioned that people feel differently after about mid-January. My RL FB feed from home is full of the post-mid-January reaction, which in the worst case can go on until May — winter blues, as we used to call it, now an aspect of Seasonal Affective Disorder. When I lived in Wisconsin I always got a slight case of the blues (which is really common), but it never slid into SAD, and the past few years I’ve had the privilege to live in a part of the United States where it’s really not a problem. But given all the blues I’ve been reading about lately, I thought I’d rank my top ten photos for chasing the winter blues — or any blues — away with Richard Armitage.
Are these among your choices? Or do you have others? If you link to your favorite Armitage blues-chaser picture, I’ll post some of them in the next few days.
And if your blues are severe and you need help, please reach out to someone in your immediate vicinity or via one of these organizations.
***
10.
The classic.
Mr. Thornton (Richard Armitage) kisses Margaret in the final scene of episode 4 of North & South. Source: RichardArmitageNet.com
***
9.
Here comes the sun! It lights up everything.
Monet (Richard Armitage) watches the sun rise from the window of a seaside room in episode 1 of The Impressionists. My cap.
***
8.
The height of pre-Hobbit glamor — my favorite Richard Armitage red carpet appearance before 2012. The only picture of Armitage I’ve ever made a physical copy of to carry with me in case of plane crash.
Richard Armitage arrives at the BAFTA TV awards, May 2010. Source: RichardArmitageNet.com
***
7.
If I were forced at gunpoint (!) to pick a topless Richard Armitage moment, this would be the one. Luckily no one’s ever forced me to choose just one.
Guy of Gisborne (Richard Armitage) considers Alan’s request for a job in Robin Hood 2.6. Source: RichardArmitageNet.com
***
6, 5, 4.
My favorite group selfie ever …
Richard Armitage with Sophie Lapin, Sydney, March 2013 …
or really any picture from the Popcorn Taxi interview, because he looked like he was enjoying himself …
My cap.
or from Sydney, period … the beard being a bonus
Richard Armitage, photographed by Tracy Nearmy, 2013. Source: RichardArmitageNet.com
***
3.
Not only because I know the photographer, but because it seems like he’s taking in the spectacle with just a little wonder.
Richard Armitage, Berlin premiere of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, December 9, 2013, as photographed by Guylty.
***
2. Any “goofy” or “silly” or “clowning” Armitage picture. This is just one of many that gets priority lately because he’s with other dwarves I have loved:
Richard Armitage, Jed Brophy, Aidan Turner, Graham McTavish, after the end of the 2013 Hobbit pickups in Wellington. Source: Jed Brophy’s twitter.
***
1.
Because whoever it is that he’s channeling here, it sends a dopamine rush straight to my eyes, ears, cheeks, lungs, and regions nether. Fastest cheerup on the planet.
Richard Armitage, photographed by Sarah Dunn, 2013. Source: tumblr.
***
What are your Richard Armitage images against the winter blues?
Me + Richard Armitage 
In case of a plane crash? Is there a reason or is this going to be like my as-yet-unsolved mystery of the sterilized cowbells?
LikeLike
I used to fly a lot more than I do now.
LikeLike
Got it. 🙂
LikeLike
I carry a paper photo of RA in my suitcase, too. In case of emergencies. One can’t be too careful when traveling. He goes into the secret compartment where I would hide the fruits of spy network, if I had one.
LikeLike
Same here, Kathy. Don’t leave home without him.
LikeLike
This picture by Tracy Nearmy (7th from above) is doing things to me. Honestly. Can’t look at it without having feelings (aka, Oop! There go my pants). Or any (or at least, one in particular) of that photoshooting (don’t know when or by whom) with short hair and beard… actually, ALL beard pictures? Never thought I would like a man with beard? Sorry, I get carried away… *is it getting hot in here?* … I’m 16 again.
LikeLike
he really had it going on in Australia — makes me want to see him spend more time there … I love the beard, too, but it’s rather contentious. I suppose it’s about time that he’s growing it again, now … if they are really doing pickups again in May.
LikeLike
Never cared about men with beards and learned I certainly don’t find all attractive. If the pickup rumours are true shouldn’t we hear from GMcT/Jed/Adam any twitter news by now?
LikeLike
well, the rumor that’s been circulating (via Nesbit, originally, I guess) is that it will be May. It’s not even March yet.
LikeLike
Thought it was Jed who tweeted it? … What I mean is, it is almost March and by now they should know if they will be in NZ or not in May (you know, only 2 months and so).
LikeLike
yes, i’m sure they know.
LikeLike
The Cbeebies stories are sure to cheer anyone up! They’re a bit like Disney movies: they appeal to young and old (although possibly in different ways, lol.)
One of many wonderful caps: http://www.richardarmitagenet.com/images/gallery/cbeebies/album/slides/cbeebies3_026.html
LikeLike
LOL, yeah, the CBeebies are great. Loved them with Rupert Penry-Jones and also with RA. When I need my fix I watch 60 seconds and some crack videos. Or his interview part of “This morning” and his big sword. 🙂 Cannot stop laughing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can’t help smiling at any photo from the Wellington red carpet event – especially candids. The letter he wrote us at that pivotal juncture is always in the back of my mind. (And he looked like he was drinking in the experience as much as he could.)
LikeLike
that came very close to getting on this list — me, too, I think of the message, and also the stories I heard from the late Anna, and it’s an instant pick me up.
LikeLike
yes
LikeLike
Oh, this is such a great idea and such an uplifting post. I might just have to copy that for my own blog… could show you the few gems that I carry with me on my iPhone at all times (sadly, I personally do not have a Pocket Shrine for myself *ggg*).
I was very surprised about #7 as your airline desaster talisman – just because it is such an unusual choice imo – candid, mid-movement, face slightly screwed up and shiny. What is it about that image that stirs you?
Very honoured to be represented here with my Berlin image (the worst of the lot – if it weren’t for the fact that he actually looks into the lens).
Totally love #2 – I declared it a favourite somewhere, too, by virtue of showing a *real* Armitage (I believe), happy, exhausted, intoxicated. Himself?!
#1 – yeah, I can see where that is coming from. Did I say that picture screams sexsexsex? And ironyironyirony? It has everything. Good choice!
LikeLike
the BAFTA photo — to me, he looks like he could conquer the world. At the time, too, it represented a real switch from his earlier red carpet appearances — much more confident, much better clothing.
and yes, you know me well. Sexsexsex wouldn’t work for me w/o irony to the third power.
LikeLike
that BFTA awards show was a Cinderella moment for sure. it was like he became a super star. one of my favs … very Bondish too.
LikeLike
yeah — like suddenly we saw it. It was breathtaking, I remember it really clearly. A quantum leap.
LikeLike
honestly, it has been such a pleasure to watch the evolution over the years…he’s wearing his moment in the sun well.
LikeLike
Lovely list! And RA as Monet, bathed in sunlight is positively inspiring!
LikeLike
yes — I like every facet of him I see there.
LikeLike
And every muscular curve. Sighhhh!
LikeLike
Great mix, Serv. You’ve come up with some nice variety & all are great. A couple of shots from the Waterstones gig, some candids, and some Portah! see me right every time. 😀
LikeLike
Noted. Porter also might have been on this list if I hadn’t gotten carried away with Sydney … 🙂
LikeLike
Love the list! Yeah, pics from the Popcorn Taxi event help because of how relaxed he himself looked . And Monet!! *sighs* For me, it’s Lucas, CBeebies’ Dorkitage, Wellington premiere and the Berlin Premiere pics (especially one of Guylty’s other candids). Or that silly Dandalf interview, he’s too precious in it 🙂
LikeLike
absolutely, Dandalf … lots of irony there, too 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you for #9.
LikeLike
you’re welcome! Anything that cheers us up.
LikeLike
Quite simply any picture of Richard makes me smile. That’s why I purchase magazines he’s in, own a collection of DVDs, and have a You Tube subscription so I don’t miss an interview. But I do agree the Sydney stuff remains a highlight. I thought Peter Hambleton had posted something about being called in for additional behind the scenes filming too. Are we ready for DOS DVD publicity? By the way It’s so cold in Chicago we may need a plan to paint the River green for St. Pats because its still frozen – or so they say on the radio. Cheers. (Need some hot cocoa for the ArmiArmy during this season.)
LikeLike
wow — green ice?
LikeLike
Don ‘t even get me started on the cold and snow and cold and snow and cold again and don’t forget the snow this year in Wisconsin. I think I could be frozen or snowed under. We have about 3 feet of snow and ice on our deck that was shoveled off the roof. It is going to take a bit to get off, the snow banks are so high that you creep out to the next road or street as not to get hit. Cold again tonight ( -45 F with the windchill) and we had more snow this afternoon. We have not even hit March yet, some big snow storms could be in the works yet. After all we had the biggest snowstorm last year on May first with 18 inches and more other places. Any picture that makes me feel warm will do.
Now saying that in July in Wisconsin I am sure we will be roasting with temps near 100 F and high humity.
So done with Winter and so is everyone I know.
LikeLike
Yeah, that’s pretty much what everyone up home is saying, too … but we’ve got Richard Armitage to keep us warm!
LikeLike
I love all of your choices and I like the variety. I could go for more Guy, Lucas, Porter, let’s just say 10 isn’t enough! Pictures (and puzzles) of Richard are helping me get through this long winter.
My car broke down today and it was 1 1/2 hour wait for a tow truck. I stayed in the car about 1/2 hour and then a friend came and got me. It was – 7 degrees. I’m not sure even a picture of Richard would have helped.
LikeLike
Oh, man. I hope your car is okay now … reparable?
LikeLike
Yes, it was repairable, thanks for asking. It was about $550 with everything but the way it sounded and acted I actually thought it was done. So I’m happy 🙂
LikeLike
yeah, amazing how the prospect of total crash makes these big costs look tolerable 🙂
LikeLike
Good choices for a pickmeup. I have had little to make me smile lately, and these have certainly helped.
LikeLike
whatever we can do …
LikeLike
[…] you seen Servetus’ most recent post “Top ten: Richard Armitage against the winter blues?” Right up the street of a photo-nut like myself. I love seeing what other people get their kicks […]
LikeLike
“The only picture of Armitage I’ve ever made a physical copy of to carry with me in case of plane crash” – I almost spit out my soda when I read that! Too funny. — Diane, who is now off to pick my RA plane photo . . .
LikeLike
Let us know when you’ve picked it out, lol 🙂 there were many fewer then, that was almost four years ago now.
LikeLike
hi there. love your list. 2 unknown pictures to me: 3 and 6.
can’t stop looking at this: http://www.richardarmitagenet.com/images/gallery/Richard/Interviews/tvcominterview/slides/tvcom_22.html
happy, open face and like he looks forward to something, spooks apparently. still, it’s hard to choose, especially after this great picture and interview flood with lots of armitage using his mischievous side confidently :))). spooks interview picture just happened to appear on my screen first.
the memory of watching armitage doing smaug noises makes me chuckle & cheer up every single time, a big favourite armitage moment (makes me dream of an audio armitage smaug story). (after 2:00; replace the DOT http://www.youtubeDOTcom/watch?v=V77O593R6ns)
LikeLike
yes, that Smaug moment is a classic!
LikeLike
[…] felt like doing this after going through Serv’s and Guylty’s lists. This might sound funny, but my phone is LOADED with pictures of The […]
LikeLike
My top 10 feel-good RA Pics | Life and Times of an Armitage addict said this on February 27, 2014 at 7:15 pm |
As you said any “silly” or “goofy” or “smiling” Armitage picture is good for my mood. I love that photo by Tracy Nearmy…I like to sink in his eyes with impunity 😉
This one is my all time favorite pic of GoG 🙂
LikeLike
Mmmmmm. Guylicious.
LikeLike
[…] yesterday’s point — which Richard Armitage pics cheer you up? — both Siriusly (emphasis on Dorky Armitage) and Guylty (Drool Pool!) posted collections of […]
LikeLike
Reader favorites: Richard Armitage against the blues! | Me + Richard Armitage said this on February 28, 2014 at 3:56 am |
[…] Servetus, Guylty, Siriuslygrednforge and reader’s […]
LikeLike
[…] 4. Top ten: Richard Armitage against the winter blues?, published February 26, 2014. Pure visual comfort food against the February blues, an ailment particularly prominent among both my RL and my Armitage friends. […]
LikeLike
Most viewed posts on me + richard armitage published in 2014 | Me + Richard Armitage said this on January 3, 2015 at 2:17 am |
[…] for getting help when we need it and reminded myself and others that we would be sorely missed and also used Armitage photos as a strategy against the February blues. There are probably some new photos I can add to my […]
LikeLike
Liberation: This is one of those days when I am fighting the self-esteem battle hard | Me + Richard Armitage said this on February 1, 2015 at 2:47 am |