Apparently my ISP had rather widespread issues today. I couldn’t get connected this morning before Spouse left for work and that didn’t change for hours. Color Me Frustrated.
“Naughty, Bloody Internet! You shouldn’t play such tricks on poor fedoralady . . .”
So now it’s back (except when it suddenly cuts out *sigh*) and I am trying to catch up. I send you kisses . . .
Oh, sorry–not the kisses you were expecting? How about this?
Or how about some dwarf dance lessons? One-two-cha-cha-cha!!
Or maybe you’d just like to gaze adoringly at a certain TDHBEW . . . it’s quite a popular activity amongst the AAA.
Whatever the case may be, I hope you are having a lovely Tuesday. Happy Richarding!
It’s a glorious day in the neighborhood–Lower Alabama, that is. The gray skies and rain and damp have gone, replaced by cerulean blue and blessedly lower humidity. Enjoyed a little jaunt out with the dogs, who are enjoying the warmth of the sunshine. Jack in particular is in a jolly mood today.
A nap will be in order a little later–stayed up too late reading the Bronte book and trying to pry my cats from my side and legs. I am too restless a sleeper for furry attachments.;) In the meantime, enjoy a second installment of SSS–Super Sexy Saturday. Sssssssmokin’!
One word. Erotic.
Mmmmmmmm. Porter as diamond smuggler John Dean. Love everything here–the look of intense concentration, the elfin ear, the beautiful hand, the wristwatch. The way the lighting accentuates those beautiful lips. Heap sexy man.
Half-mad, dirty, disheveled, wild-eyed, wounded animal . . . speaks volumes to my inner caveman. Sexxxxxxy.
Sexy nineteenth century mill owner style. Cravats have never looked better on (or off) anyone else.
Ricky Deeming. Enigmatic. Defiant. Rebellious. And dead sexy. The black leather doesn’t hurt, either.
How about Lucas as a dark angel in his black singlet? Beautiful and so sexy. *sigh*
Sir Guy isn’t the only one who can smoulder oh, so beautifully. The proud warrior–the majestic and deliciously sexy Thorin Oakenshield. Thinking of you, Bechep.
I am sure you’ve probably all seen this by now, but here is another online interview promoting the Hobbit DVD release, this one courtesy of Christa Ktorides at DIY.
(What an apt place for our Thinking Woman’s Greek God-like DIY Geek to appear, don’t you think?)
Now, some have interpreted Richard’s comments about being the slightly dour one who doesn’t get a punch line to mean he doesn’t understand the punch line–as in Richard Armitage doesn’t get the joke. That he is being the typically diffident, self-effacing gent we all know and love, the one who “can’t do impressions” and is ”not a bad singer.” (To which I say, “Poppycock!”)
My interpretation is that RA doesn’t usually play characters who get to crack jokes. He’s often the brooding, angsty, conflicted hero or anti-hero types, and, let’s face it, they typically don’t get a lot of funny lines. They aren’t the proverbial life of the party.
And yet there were moments of levity, times in Robin Hood, for example, when I thought he was absolutely hysterical in his own way. Look at some of his facial expressions and body language when reacting to the Treacherous Troll’s antics. RA’s no “slip on the banana peel” slapstick kind of actor. He’s not fated to do stand-up comedy, I am certain. But he’s definitely got a sense of humor and of mischief. “Love in an Elevator” and “Master and Servant,” indeed!
One of my favorite RH S3 moments: Guy realizing Vasey is still alive–followed by a little ”hi there!” wave and singularly insincere smile.
How about some of the moments he shared with Ewan Bremner in Strike Back? Definitely funny.
In VoD he’s more or less the charming, cheeky straight man to Dawn, but it’s certainly proof he can handle lighter stuff just fine, too. He can *cough* charm the pants right off you.
We’ve got two more installments of TH trilogy, which promise to be much darker than the first film. More conflict, More angst and brooding. And you do it all so beautifully, so compellingly.
And yet–maybe, dear Richard, you do need a break of sorts.
Something, as you have mentioned, without all the action and violence, with less of a dark edge (as good as you are at all the angst, brooding and “simmering dignity”). Something well-written and witty–that goes without saying–that combines comedy and drama, and a talented co-star with whom you have great chemistry. Just for a change of pace and a break from all the sturm und drang. Surely that would be good for your own mental well-being, yes?
And it might help your fan base out, too. Our poor besotted hearts can only take so much . . . *sniff* Show of hands of those who want to re-write the ending of The Hobbit? I know, I know–but a girl can dream.
Spouse and I watched The Hobbit on Blu-ray tonight. More on that later (he did say it didn’t seem as long watching at home ). I spent a good portion of the afternoon trying to use Muvee Reveal to edit a birthday vid and let’s just say it wasn’t cooperating. I have since moved to the more vanilla offerings of Windows Movie Maker. A 30 minute video can seem like an eternity under such circumstances . . . I’ve recorded the new Doctor Who to watch tomorrow, just caught Orphan Black ( very good performance by Tatiana Manslany) and now watching The Nerdist.
Tomorrow night–the long-awaited return of Game of Thrones (oh, Tyrion, how I have missed you!), the debut ofMr. Selfridge on PBSand once more, it’s a return to too many things I want to watch ending up on Sunday nights. Feast or famine at times, I have to say.
Anyhow, here are some new photo edits for you to peruse, my dears. Hope you all have a happy Easter/Easter Monday!
Pale blue eyes with a distinct limbus ringing the irises, which are very changeable in color. Incandescent blue at times, stormy grey-blue at others, fringed in those plentiful lashes, framed by expressive masculine brows. Blue eyes that turn nearly black, a crystalline green and even tan at times; tender, sweet, sad, angry, sorrowful, amused, vengeful, bleak. . . . beautiful.
The majestic warrior prince who guided his people to a new home after a devastating attack; now seeking to reclaim his homeland. We’d follow Thorin Oakenshield anywhere. And provide him with plenty of TLC.
Savvy, smart, rescourceful sergeant who kicks arse and takes the time to be tender. We’d want John Porter to come and rescue us if we ended up in a terrible jam. Or let us give a nice soothing massage . . . to all those big, buff knotted muscles.
Sir Guy, the beautiful, complex henchman who smoulders like nobody’s business and puts his own life on the line to protect and save the woman he loves . . . too bad she never appreciated him properly (not even after he returned to Nottingham to fight and die by her side if necessary). We would have done better!
Lucas, cool, enigmatic and sexy spy, haunted by the torture and deprivation of years in Russian prison but still loyal to his country (don’t believe everything certain writers dish out). We’d love to help him move past the pain.
Another engimatic character, black leather-clad rebel 6os biker, Geordie Ricky Deeming, who knows how to make our motors race. We’d like to hop on the back of his bike for a spin . . .
The handsome, hard working Victorian mill owner who seeks to improve himself and discovers a foolish passion for a certain demure young lady. We’d have made up our minds about you much sooner, John Thornton. What a catch!
John Strandring, shy Yorkshire farmer with a heart of gold, a gentle giant. No wonder we call him Sweetie John. Beautiful inside and out, our John is faithful and steadfast. We long to make him feel loved and appreciated . . .
Thorin’s brother ChaRActers wish to put Thranduil, any fellow elves or other creatures who fail to show Thorin the proper respect due to the uncrowned King Under the Mountain on notice: such behavior will NOT be tolerated. You should know who you are messing with. Some of the ChaRActers have posted messages . . .
Year in, year out. For past, present and future performances, whether in roles large or small. In his case, there truly are no small roles, only small actors. My Best Actor, because his characters become flesh and blood to me, real, flawed, compelling human beings. Men of many shades, light and dark, with whom I go on a journey of discovery. His performances inspire, provoke and encourage; they break my heart and make it sing. Thank you, Richard Armitage.
I am working on another post that’s taking me a while–it has nothing to do with romance or with RA, but I think you might find it of interest. It’s both somewhat art and copy-heavy with some quotes and a tad of research thrown in, and my own personal experiences. As I said, it’s taking a while. It’s a subject that’s been bouncing around in my brain for a considerable amount of time . . .
But it’s closing in on Thursday here, February 14, and that means Valentine’s Day, and thoughts of lovely Richard Armitage and his characters–the stalwart romantic hero, the beautiful bad boy who longs to be loved, the funny, shy accountant with the naughty side, the gentle giant who wins our hearts, the fierce alpha males with their softer, more tender sides–are not far away. So let’s celebrate with some fanart and fanvids with a bit o’ of romance sweet and steamy.
Another rainy day, difficulty getting warm, FMS aches and pains, had no incentive to get going, frankly. Ah, thundering yet again. Benny and I have been watching Ramsay Behind Bars and cuddling a bit. I can’t send you a cuddle (I do wish I could send you some sweet Benny hugs), but I can send you a bit of pre-Valentine’s Day pretty courtesy of Mr. A.
As we start a new blog year here at TAE, some of the lads said they wanted to weigh in on what they hope to bring to readers– in between eating enormous pieces of chocolate cake, that is. I have to say they are a brood of chocoholics. Not that I mind!
Since February 2, 2012, when the first posts went up for my blog, The Armitage Effect, there have been:
* 28, 536 comments and 555,718 hits (and counting!)
*Total number of followers: 209 blog, 188 Twitter and 92 comments.
* Visitors from more than 60 countries, with the largest number of views from the USA (178, 834), followed by the U.K., Canada, Australia, Germany, Belgium, Hungary, Spain, PolandandIrelandwith theNetherlandsrounding out the top ten.
*Top recent commenters(other than yours truly) areLeigh, Bollyknickers, Judit, Obscura, Laurie C. and Bechep. Posts with most comments include “Sweet Baby Richard!,” “Richard set to visit US in July for Comic-Con,” “Musings and Some Mulligan for Monday,” “I wonder if touching his beard brings good luck?” “What Would YOU Ask Richard Armitage?” and “What Time is It, Gang?”
*Most Popular Topics: Richard Armitage, fanart, heroes, romance, inspiration, girlfriend
*Top referrer among my fellow bloggers is, by far, dear Servetus at Me + Richard Armitage (Mmmmmwwahhh). I have to give props to Twitter and Facebook, too.
*Most-used search terms: Anything to do with “Richard Armitage” and “Richard Armitage girlfriend”along with wayyyy too many search terms related to 50SoG. *sigh*
*Top Posts: Two posts have consistently placed in the Top Five: “In case you were curious . . . here’s Miss Capper.” and “50 Shades of Grey Trilogy *spoilers* Why I Can’t Recommend It.” (See above about most-used search terms ) Thorin-related posts have shown a big upsurge in the last couple of months–mmmmm, wonder why? And Guy, Lucas and Porter are perennial favorites.
It’s been a very fun and interesting ride this past year and I appreciate how many of you have stuck with me on this journey. Not only have we celebrated Richard Armitage and this exciting new phase of his career, but we’ve marked our own milestones together. We’ve made new friendships and deepened others. We’ve even learned (and created) some new words along the way.
Many, many thanks to everyone who has visited, commented, reblogged, referred. It would be no fun just being a party of one. Richard Armitage is just too irresistible not to share.
I would love to know what your favorite aspects of this blog have been–types and subjects of posts, for example, and what you’d like to see or see more of. Do tell!
Oh, and the celebration is not over yet . . . more to come.
). I spent a good portion of the afternoon trying to use 
