John Standring, beautiful inside & out.

Took a short walk now that the rain is over, but the knees balked in those northwesterly winds. Still getting over that fall.  About to jump (well, step) into the shower and wash the mane.  It may have thinned out some, but there’s still a lot of hair on this head.

John Standring had quite the mop of unruly curls before his “Pretty Woman” makeover, but he was still gorgeous even then–a diamond who simply needed polishing up.  And he certainly cleaned up nicely, didn’t he?

Either way, Sweetie John–steadfast, caring, honest, kind, gentle– is a man who is beautiful inside and out. Kind of like someone else I know . . .

A ‘Hobbit’ milestone, bar codes, Standring’s thumbs & a–knitted dwarf?

 

Today, THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY became just the 5th film of 2012 to pass $300+M domestic ($300, 160,000 as of noon CST)  Foreign box office tallies are $ 659, 600,000 for a total of $959, 760,000 thus far.  (Figures courtesy of Box Office Mojo.)

I think that’s not too shabby.

In other news, I now have my official bar code for Comic-Con registration.  Two John Strandring thumbs up! 😀

And I thought this photo of a fanmade doll tweeted by Dwalin aka Graham McTavish was just too adorable. Look at the detail!

This darling knitted version of Dwalin looks squeezably soft. We need one for Thorin, too!

Now, I really think I have to take a bit of a nap. Eyes are crying out for some rest again . . .

Valentine’s Day with Mr. A & His ChaRActers

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.

Random Pics of ChaRismAtic CReAtures

The lads are looking forward to it . . .

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!

Sunday SmoRgAsbord: Angsty, Angry and Oh,So Attractive

 

 

 

I am tired and my eyes are starting to really bug me (the whole sticky, weepy thing going on again) so don’t feel like doing a lot of writing. However, I do want to share our first round of Sunday Smorgasbord.  Dig in!

Give me an Armitage hero

I am still in a heroic mode. Well, I am not a hero. But I want to pay tribute to Mr. Armitage, a personal hero of mine, and his wonderful characters, with all their flaws and inner conflicts, their ambiguities, who become our heroes. I prefer them to the guys in the capes and tights with the super powers. Give me an Armitage hero.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Christmas Magic” is in the air: New Holiday Fanvid!

I put this together last night and took advantage of my sister’s wi-fi here in the big city to upload it. I hope you’ll enjoy the festive images, winter landscape and the talents of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. A Very Merry Christmas to one and all!

Armitage Sunday SmoRgAsbord: From Sir Guy to the painter guy . . .

Glamour Guy, looking confident and sexxxxxy.

I am going to attempt something almost unheard of around here for me: going to sleep before 1 a.m. I may not accomplish my goal, but I am gonna give it that old college try. There are things I really need to do tomorrow.

But before I don my sleep mask and turn on the white noise, let me lay out the table with a selection of delectables for you all to enjoy.  Have a lovely Sunday and enjoy the latest smoRgAsbord!

Porter. Never count him out.

Oh, Lucas. Such a beautiful man. And So Not Dead (and So NOT Bateman).

Sweetie John: earnest, honest, caring, committed.

Need I say more?

I atill worry about this.

A ChaRActer of Great Troth: TAE Word for the Day

Troth: (noun) Faithfulness, fidelity or loyalty; one’s promise or word, especially when engaging oneself to marry.

Troth derives from a variation of truth in certain regions of England. Over time it has taken on a distinct meaning in certain phrases, such as “plighting one’s troth.”

The first character that came into my mind when I read this entry was a certain gentle giant: John Standring, that cripplingly shy and awkward Yorkshire farmer, a heart of gold beating beneath those blue coveralls, kindness in those earnest blue eyes,  an angelic sweetness in those smiles.

Sweetie John. Faithful in his love for Carol, even though he knows she loves another. A man who tries his best to help her in a time of need, who wants to love and protect her, telling his new wife to never feel as if she must keep secrets from him. John Standring, a truly good man who displays a great measure of troth.  Many’s the admirer of Sweetie John who longs to give him the TLC she feels he so richly deserves.

Sunday Smorgasbord: From Dwarven King to Criminal Charmer

 

 

 

 

 

The course of true love . . .

The course of true love never did run smooth.~William Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Oddly enough, ever so often the Centurylink DSL gods smile down on me and allow me to load a video in less than two hours. Combine this with a certain degree of annoying pain interfering with rest and here you have it: the remake of “To Make You Feel My Love.” This one’s for Judit.

Monday musings: Mother Nature, beautiful and terrible

There’s a chill in the air here and a jacket and shoes do not go amiss when you venture outside. You step out onto the balcony and drink in the morning beauty, always amazed at the ever-changing seascape before you.  A couple walks slowly down the beach, pausing to watch a bird skipping across the water’s surface as it does a bit of fishing for its breakfast.

The view from the balcony in Orange Beach between 7:30 and 8 a.m. Monday. As Benny said, you get this great ombre effect between the sky and the sea.

Even as I enjoy all the splendid beauty of Mother Nature on this Monday morning, I am reminded that many people are facing a difficult day that may bring more than inconvenience and frustration. This storm could wreak significant havoc on life and property. Remember you are in our thoughts and prayers. I hope these images will lift your spirits, along with the knowledge that people who may live far away from you still care.

I made this video last year after a series of deadly tornadoes took a devastating toll on Alabama and other states in what was called “April’s Fury.”  I share it again now as a reminder we all need to encourage and support one another in times like this.  No man (or woman) is an island . . .

Sunday Smorgasbord: Spicy & Sweet

Oh, those smiles. Sweet, sunny, shy, quietly content, downright flirty-girty, sly and sexy. Wonderful smiles reflected in those amazing azure eyes.   Sugar and spice and everything nice . . . those smiles.

Sunday Smorgasbord: Take Out and Eat

Back in the day, my husband’s grandmother used to encourage her guests around the dinner table to “take out and eat.” May I encourage you to more or less do the same, my friends. 😉  What a variety of “dishes” Mr. Armitage and his ChaRActers offer!