Sir Guy, RA and I and our Seven-Year AnniveRsAry. Not itching yet.

It was seven years ago this summer when it all began. One sticky south Alabama Saturday night I flipped on the TV and tuned into BBC America to catch their latest version of the Robin Hood legend.

I have to be perfectly honest. I found the rebooted “legend” less than–legendary. Hoodie with his boyish bangs, constipated expressions and cocky strut did not exactly make me forget Errol Flynn.

I did think his cohorts had their charms, Marian was pretty (and pretty feisty), and the sheriff, the sort of amusing panto-ish villain one loved to hate.  But the one who ultimately kept my attention and piqued my interest was the tall, scowling, smirking man in black.

 

He was the one always hovering near the sheriff, arms folded across his broad chest, trying to be impassive. The master of arms’ body language and facial expressions, however, told so much about the “evil henchman.” Oh, he was a handsome devil, no doubt about it, and he knew it.  “A right smarmy bastard,” I said to myself.  In spite of some reservations about the show, I kept watching . . . the chief attraction being the bad guy, Guy.

 

 

I abhorred some of Sir Guy’s choices and actions; still, the more I watched, the more complex this potentially one-note cardboard cutout of a character became.  I’m not bein’ funny — the baddie turned out to have a heart and soul, folks. Robin Hood 2006 had its cheese-tastic appeal, but the raison d’etre of it all for me was Gisborne.  By the end of the first season, when Marian slugged him and left him at the altar, I was fully Team Leather all the way.

I cried buckets when the character died at the end of the third and final season. Even though I knew in advance it was going to happen and tried to prepare myself for The Moment, I was still so distraught when it came.  I shed more tears over this fictional character than I have some flesh-and-blood relations. He was–and is–that real to me.  And I still simply cannot bear to re-watch THAT Moment.

And so there was nothing to do but to declare him “loved into being” a la The Velveteen Rabbit, back with us to enjoy more adventures, and serve as the catalyst for my popular “Sloth Fiction” stories.  Sir Guy is SO Not Dead.

 

We each have our own story about the character that lured us into Armitage Mania. Guy was my particular “gateway drug” into the Armitage fandom. But I didn’t stop there.  I went on to investigate more online about this very attractive actor with the rich, honeyed baritone and beautiful way of moving, a performer who could also speak volumes without saying a word, giving a mere flicker of those long, darkened lashes, a sidelong glance, or a twist of his mouth. I watched fanvids and visited a few Armitage sites.

 

When I had the cash, I ordered the DVDs of RA’s I could find stateside at that time: North and South, Vicar of Dibley and a used copy of Sparkhouse.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After viewing those three productions in quick succession, call me officially blown away. The man was clearly no one- trick pony in the world of acting. How could the man who inhabited cripplingly shy, awkward sheep farmer John Standring also bring to life sunny, cheeky accountant Harry, sober Victorian mill owner Thornton and the smoulderingly seductive presence that was Gisborne?  And yet, he did, looking and moving and sounding differently in each and every role.  Richard made me believe and care every single time.

And he’s done it again and again–as Lucas, as Porter, Ricky, Mulligan, Kruger, Thorin . . . and now he’s wowing London theatre audiences as gruff, work-hardened farmer John Proctor in Miller’s The Crucible.  And will no doubt perform admirably as Gary the widowed dad and teacher in Into the Storm and in whatever future roles he undertakes.  And then of course I’ve also discovered how kind, thoughtful, funny, bright, humble and simply extremely likeable the real man appears to be.

He’s not perfect, but he is a pretty special human being.  I really do believe in the power of The Armitage.

In long-term relationships, in marriages, there is a phenomenon referred to as the “Seven-Year Itch” in which the partners begin to feel an urge to–stray, to move on to pastures with, say, Bahia grass versus Fescue (I am a farmer’s daughter, remember).

And yet, not only do I not feel an urge to move on to a different actor on which to have a big ol’ crush, I also don’t plan to ever abandon my first RA love.

Sir Guy of Gisborne, you will always be my very favorite.  I wrote my first novel-length fanfic about you. I’ve made more Guy photo edits, fan art and fan vids than I have of any other ChaRActer. Of course, there is more of you, in 37 episodes, although never enough even then.

You continue to inspire me, and to endear yourself to me with that special blend of thrilling alpha male dominance (I will forgive you things I would never forgive anyone else) with an awkward sweetness, aching vulnerability and at times, heartbreaking gullibility.

 

And frankly, nobody, but nobody, rocks the Guyliner, stubble, leather and long locks the way YOU do. You’ll always be THE one.

I’m not bein’ funny . . .  no seven year itch for me!

 

Judit, Helen & Richard: “My hands were shaking . . . Helen *did* go a bit gooey”

 

Our long-time reader and devoted Armitage admirer Judit has now seen “The Crucible” three times–and says she is still wrapping her head around it all now that she’s back home in Hungary.  Here are a few things she has shared with me, along with photos from her visit to the Old Vic and meeting with the lovely Richard Armitage at the stage door. The photos were taken by another long-time reader and fan, Helen, who shared her thoughts about RA and the performance in a previous post.  Fedoralady just had to do some playing . . . 😉 Oh, and Helen’s back, too. 😀

Judit in front of one of the posters at the Old Vic holding a program for The Crucible.

 

BELIEVE IT OR NOT . . .

“The weather in London was BEAUTIFUL!! With the exception of Saturday. But even then, the rain stopped by the time we got to the stage door, so we were VERY, VERY lucky. (Even though I read that RA  did stage door on a day when it was raining – bless this man!)”  

ON MEETING RICHARD:

“We may not have been in the presence of true greatness but we certainly were in the presence of genuine, unaffected kindness and sweetness. And he certainly makes me go gooey all over! My hands were shaking for minutes after we left the stage door!  And yes, the poor fellow almost had to double up to fit into the frame with me. And I was wearing heels!!! LOL (which I NEVER do!! Can’t walk in them).  I hope Helen will not mind me saying that she *did* go a bit gooey (maybe not all over! ;)) when he said “bless you” to her in that honey voice of his.”

To which Helen replied:

“Ha ha, Judit, you’ve caught me in my lie! And there I was thinking that I came across as a cool, calm and collected ice maiden!

As already said, in my heart I was convinced that one day I would meet Rich, and it wasn’t just wishful thinking but based on a logic of sorts: he’s always said he wanted to return to the theatre; if he did it was likely that he’d be in a London-based play; if he was in a London-based play there would be a stage door opportunity. And so it happened.

Thus, Monday night was the culmination of six-odd years of anticipation and hope and envy of all those that had already met him. And the “bless you” in honey, with shoulders touching, was electrifying, especially when I fully expected a hoarse raspy voice so soon after the bellowing.

So… six years… so I had a sort-of out-of-body, wtf?, what just happened?? reaction. Poor old Judit had to take me by the elbow and gently guide me to wherever we were supposed to be going – couldn’t tell you, but I think it involved getting some water from somewhere and getting the train from somewhere else.

But by the time we were on the train and body and mind had reunited, I saw the episode for what it was: a charming encounter with a warm-hearted, but very normal gentleman.

And Judit’s hands WERE shaking like you wouldn’t believe!!”

We can believe it, Helen, we can believe it. Thank you for sharing, ladies!

 

Now I’m imagining RA milking cows. New Yahoo interview.

I have a treat for you later–the thoughtful and candid review by our own Helen (Wydville) after seeing “The Crucible” for the first time and briefly meeting RA last night, along with some of my own thoughts . . . but my wrist situation requires me to give it some rest for now. 

In the meantime, a new interview at yahoo.com about The Crucible with quotes from RA and his director, Yael Farber. Turns out he not only visited Salem in preparation for the role, he worked with some cows. Who knew?

http://news.yahoo.com/richard-armitage-goes-hobbit-crucible-114419500.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

From Pop-Verse.com: RA delivers “spectacularly strong performance” & some edits

“Armitage has enough down-to-earth likability mixed with stage presence and an ability to deliver impassioned speeches to deliver a spectacularly strong performance.” 

Megan Leigh, “Theatre Review: The Crucible at the Old Vic”

Read the entire review by clicking on link below. Leigh also offers some history of the theatre and background on Miller’s play, and provides some practical suggestions for audience members in preparing for the event.
**PLEASE NOTE** (I have been advised there are some errors within the review on the background of the play. Thank you, Dr. Servetus)

Theatre review: The Crucible at the Old Vic

That’s a pretty good description of our boy, isn’t it–down-to-earth and likeable, but also graced with stage presence and a real intensity.  That unassuming nature of his also possesses a lot of discipline and focus–and a strong work ethic that, combined with his undeniable talent, translates into these strong performances.

 

It will be interesting to see what the professional theatre critics have to say about Richard’s performance. Judging by the reactions of preview audience members that I’ve read, including those who aren’t necessarily RA fans, I do think most, if not all, of what will be written will be positive. The entire cast’s performance seems to be highly regarded. I am so happy that Richard is surrounded by such a talented and dedicated group of fellow actors this summer.

Richard & Courtney: Here’s to the ones who inspire and amaze me

 

 

My edits of the promo stills supplied by the Old Vic Theatre.

“The best thing about being on stage is when you’re in the middle of the scene and you lose control. You get this massive adrenaline rush, a feeling like you’re flying or on fire. Once you’ve had that, you want it again and again.”

~Richard Armitage

 

Courtney touches up her makeup before the final performance of “Hollywood Dreams.” My photo and edit for Pecan Ridge Productions.

Courtney Rice. My photo.

Talented trio: Cory Rice, aspiring National Geographic writer, mom Sonya, dancer instructor and choreographer, and Courtney Rice, who dreams of performing on Broadway and participating in film production. My photo.

“It’s not that I have certain roles I like to dance, more so, it’s certain emotional levels I like to go to. The dance, or character, I am, I want it to be very emotionally invested. I want to be able to go to the extremes of hope, hatred, horror, sorrow, excitement! I want the audience to tangibly feel what I am feeling. The vulnerability of going all the way inside of an emotion in front of a crowd is the best feeling ever. So the more extreme of an emotional role, the better!”

~Courtney Rice

Richard, well, you all know who HE is, what he’s about to do–appear as John Proctor in Arthur Miller’s acclaimed play “The Crucible” on the stage of no less than the Old Vic Theatre in London.  Some of you will have the golden opportunity to see him perform in person this summer and I can’t wait to hear about your experiences.  Yes, I am still a little envious–but also, I’m extremely excited for Richard, and so happy to know some of those who have followed his career and championed his talent will be there in the audience to lend their support.

His long years of labor and taking whatever jobs came to keep him afloat, driving old beaters, working the front of house, and dreaming of one day having those choice roles–it’s happening now for you, Richard Armitage, and it couldn’t happen to a more deserving artist. For that is what you are, a true artist, not a “celebrity,” someone famous for being famous without having any genuine talent to back it up.  I wish I could give you a big old bear hug right about now and tell you, “Break a leg!”

Courtney is a young woman from my own hometown, a very gifted dancer I once profiled in our annual magazine as a rising star among high school students in our area. Even as a teenager, she had a poise and elegance beyond her years. “She’s like a princess,” someone said. And she was.

I got to watch her perform again recently during her mother’s annual dancer recital, a production that would be ambitious on a big city stage, let alone in a small town of less than 8,000 people. She and her sister Cory flew in for the weekend to assist with and perform in the two-night event.  The talented teenager has blossomed into an even better, more refined performer after four years of dance training at university.

Courtney made the move to New York after college graduation in December. She works in an administrative position with the Gibney Dance Company and serves as a nanny to a nine-year-old youngster in Brooklyn. Courtney is still honing her craft, taking dance lessons and working with a group of fellow choreographers in a collective in the limited amount of spare time she has.  This young woman has a strong work ethic. She’s beautiful and talented and graced with such stage presence; yet she remains that polite, sweet, down-to-earth girl I met years ago who calls me “Miss Angie” and gives warm hugs.  Remind you of anyone?

I wish I had stills–better yet, I wish I had the video of her amazing solo to a piece of music from “Harry Potter” I could share with you here, but it’s not ready yet. I told her she sent chills down my spine, but in a very good sort of way.

I hope she gets the breaks and has the career she desires–she’s got the talent and technique, but she’s also got the drive and the passion and it shows in her performances. She’s the real thing, too.

“The vulnerability of going all the way inside of an emotion in front of a crowd is the best feeling ever. So the more extreme of an emotional role, the better!” 

Those words could have easily come from Richard, I think. May he have that “best feeling ever” this weekend and in the weeks to come as he inhabits the complicated role of John Proctor for Old Vic audiences.

Keep on breaking a leg, Courtney and Richard. I’ll be cheering for both of you.  You inspire and amaze me!

 

 

 

My new edits/collages! What a sweet RA-centric Monday

Really, I should be working on finishing up the FDA graduation musical montage. Instead those lovely new pics of Richard in rehearsal for “The Crucible” started showing up online and—the next thing I knew I was opening up photo editing programs and I. just. couldn’t. stop.

 

I have always loved the behind-the-scenes images we’ve gotten from his various projects over the years and these posted by the Old Vic are no exception. I love seeing his focus, his intensity as he inhabits the character of John Proctor.  I know every person who is going to see him perform live on stage must be over the moon with excitement and anticipation.

I am excited for Richard himself and this wonderful opportunity to perform a juicy role in an acclaimed play by a celebrated American playwright–and in such a storied venue!  And how proud his family must be . . .

 

He’ll be my light, my match, my burning flame . . .

As most of you know, Benny and I have been somewhat overwhelmed by the busy-ness of our video production business in the past weeks (this, of course, is a good thing, although my injured, aching wrist isn’t so sure about that).   So I’ve just briefly popped in and out of Armitage World for the most part. The lovely thing is knowing it’s always there for me when I do need it and have the time to play.

Today, I had time to play.

 

 

 

What powerful images Mr. Brooks the photographer has given us. I do not presume to “improve” on the perfection of his images, just do a little creative tweaking. I look at these images and see so much emotion, overt and covert, so much of what I imagine are the innermost feelings in the heart, mind and soul of this character. And, of course, I cannot overlook the mature masculine beauty before me.

Mr. Armitage, you look every inch the distinguished actor of the theatre here. I know those who will see you are beside themselves with excitement . .

Happy Guyday Friday: Ladywriter’s been ill, yet strangely happy

“You have been quite the–what do you call it, in modern parlance?–a nightbird–of late?”

She smiled up into those blue eyes, their lids, lashes and sardonic brows so artfully shaded, blackened and lined, it was enough to make the girl at the Clinique counter green with envy.

 

How can a man indulge in so much cosmetic artifice and still look so danged manly and drop-dead sexy? Oh, well, at least I can always borrow his makeup kit if I misplace mine . . .

Ladywriter pressed a tissue to her mouth as she coughed, then cleared her throat.

“Night–owl, Sir Guy. I’ve been quite the night owl.” Her voice was still scratchy after her recent bout with the Crud, but she wasn’t looking quite as “weak-eyed” (as her mama used to say).  “I think I’m like Sonya, the dance teacher and choreographer for the Ritz show–I often feel most creative and productive after dark. I get on a roll with the video and photo editing for Pecan Ridge and I–go with it.”

Sir Guy raised a single dark brow as his lips twisted into one of those trademark smirks. “I’ve often done some of my best work at night as well . . .”

 

 

Ladywriter sat back and folded her arms across her chest. “Mmm-hmmm. I know. I wrote about some of your best–work, remember?”

 

His mouth twitched, a teasing gleam appearing in his azure eyes. “Indeed . . .” Sir Guy flicked back a stray lock as he tilted his head. “And, I hope–shall write about me and my adventures again?” There was a wistful note in that deep rumble, a question in that sidelong glance.

Oh, dearest Sir Guy–I have rather neglected you of late . . . but it’s sort of now or never for us in Real Life.

She gave him a reassuring smile as she reached out and clasped that big, elegant hand.

“Never say never, my dearest Dark Knight . . .”

Happy Guyday Friday to all!

 

Sir Guy is reading–‘Urban’?? and Ladywriter tries to get RL Ducks in Row

Sir Guy was loafing on the blue loveseat in the living room, long legs crossed at the ankles and draped across the back of the furniture. Scarlett was draped across his well-toned tummy while his handsome aquiline nose was tucked into the paperback in his hand. The Bernard Hare book, of all things. Would wonders ever cease?

“So that’s where my book got to!” Ladywriter, her arms folded across her chest, smiled down at the duo. A pair of kohl-rimmed blue eyes (nicely accented by the color of the upholstery) peeped at her above the edge of the book.  Did she detect a hint of sheepishness there? NOT that he would admit it.

“Urhm . . . yes, well . . .” Sir Guy sniffed and gave a nonchalant shrug of his Floppy Pirate Shirt-clad shoulders.  “Thought I might just–take a peek. Since you have not yet read this tome,” he added in a faintly accusatory tone. Standing up for his CReAtor, was he?

Ladywriter sighed. “I told you, my dearest dark knight, my mind has been going in a thousand different directions of late and I’d like to be able to concentrate on the story as it deserves.” Her mouth curled into a smirk. “And some of us have to work at building our business for a living, you know . . . ”

Sir Guy raised a brow. “And some of us had to–perish–in a particularly nasty way to get to enter this Valhalla known as the Land of the So Not Dead.”

Ladywriter bowed her head. “‘Tis true, Sir Guy, and I do not begrudge you one minute of your much-deserved happiness.”

He gave her a gracious nod in return.  “Thank you, my lady.  It was your idea in the first place, the entire SND thing . . .”

 

“And once the craziness of this weekend and the first part of next week are over, then, perhaps, I can settle down and read the book.  In the meantime, I’ve got interview questions for several people to write for our bonus feature on the POTR video, along with a script for my hippy dippy video jockey from the 70s to do, and Benny will be shooting me in front of the green screen Sunday, I’ve got a Tuesday luncheon date with our yogi we are shooting an instructional vid for, interviews and behind-the-scenes footage to shoot Tuesday night . . .”

Sir Guy stroked Scarlett, who proceeded to purr softly as she squinted at the big, handsome fellow she adored.  It was good being Ladywriter’s cat. You got to meet the most interesting ChaRActers . . .

“And–a doctor’s visit Monday?” He tilted his head. “You KNOW you haven’t been feeling that well of late, either.”

She shrugged. “No, but I was hanging on for that appointment. At long last. WITH my former student, no less.  A very intelligent and very sweet young man. He’s gotten raves from his other patients. So–I have hopes . . .” She crossed her fingers on both hands.

“So–enjoy the book and tell me what you think, and be patient with me, dear Sir Guy. You KNOW you are still my favorite ChaRActer . . .”

And always will be.

Having fun playing with ridiculously good-looking people. :D

Those of you who have followed this blog for any length of time whatsoever know Girlfriend loves photo editing.

So, naturally, when the latest crop of RA photos from Cinema Con in Las Vegas came to my attention, I needed to play. And here are some of the fruits of my happy labor! I hope you will enjoy . . . and now, I think I’m going to veg out & take a nap (I lead *such* a wild life).

Collages, my Sweets, & More! Happy Wednesday!

Sorry, do not know the artist. Love this little homage to Miley 😉

Don’t know artist here, either. Found on pinterest. Great takeoff on 300. 😀

The Accountant, the Kitten and the Sassy Ladywriter: Spring is Coming!

Scarlett Kitten was sitting in the open kitchen window at Ladywriter’s house, enjoying the balmy breeze periodically ruffling her silky fur. Something Mama called “Spring” was apparently in the air, and Scarlett had decided she liked it. The fresh air was wonderful after the long, cold, dreary winter.

“Scarlett Kitten! How are you this mild February afternoon?” A cheery male voice exclaimed. With a chirrup of clear delight, Scarlett bounded over the sink and straight into Harry Kennedy’s jumper-clad arms,  where she quickly wrapped her little body around his sleeve to do a bit of grappling. Scarlett loved to sleeve-wrestle with her favorite menfolk, the taller and looser-limbed, the better.

In spite of the warmth of the day, Harry was not overheated in his cozy knitwear; such was one of the benefits of being a ChaRActer.  He looked as boyishly appealing and infinitely cuddly as ever, irresistible to cat or cat mother.

“Harry! So good to see you again!” Ladywriter’s face was wreathed in a smile at the sight of the Handsome Not-Really-Stranger. “I see Scarlett has already made herself at home on your arm . . . ”

and she’s feeling quite frisky, it would seem.” Rubbing the purring kitten, he tilted his head, his brow furrowing just a little as he studied Ladywriter. She’d apparently been to Town. She was wearing her red lippie and her favorite teal blouse, the one that made her eyes look almost-green.

“I do believe you are sporting a new hairstyle, LW. A change for Spring?”

Yep.” She gave a sassy toss to her head. “A little shorter, a different shade for the new season. Spring is coming–can’t you feel it?–and I am feeling, I don’t know—hopeful again.”

LW shrugged her shoulders and gave Harry a wry smile. “It’s weird. I’m still poor, I still hurt, I still have a heck of a time getting up and down stairs. But that awful sense of complete despair has left me, for now, at least. I am reading more, writing more, taking more photos and doing edits . . . having fun being creative. Getting to know some of the folks commenting on my FB page for the CReAtor. Getting outside and playing with the dogs and getting some fresh air.”

She paused and gave him a flirtatious sidelong glance.

“Laughing a lot with my sweet, loveable Harry-like Benny.”

Harry, cheeks flushing at the compliment, gave LW one of those dazzling grins that simply melted a girl of any age’s heart.

“That’s wonderful. Sounds like you have a bit of Spring Fever, Ladywriter.”

She nodded. “I think you’re right.  Let’s hope it lasts for a while, darling Harry. Like my addiction to your CReAtor and his ChaRActers, this ‘illness’ seems to do me good.”  LW sighed. “If only dear Richard knew just how much he has positively impacted me . . .”

And here’s to the imminent arrival of a new season . . .

All photos taken and edited by yours truly. Vicar of Dibley screencap from Richard Armitage Net; my edit.

A spy for Sunday Brunch & a few thoughts . . . on the BBC’s insanity

Lucas won in a three-way battle between himself, Thorin and Thornton to be spotlighted at my Facebook page today.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Richard-Armitage-Effect/204658943015664?ref=hl  I am posting Lucas pics there which differ from the ones I am posting here, so visit both and get a different and double dose of our favorite MI-5 agent. 😀

Last week Portah won over there by a handy margin–seems we are missing some of our old favorites, in particular our “action men” (sorry, JT, you’ve been coming up a bit short in the votes so far. Don’t give up–you’ll be in contention again with Thorin and a new contender next week!).  And after the pics–my fake letter to the BBC, expressing my not-fake feelings.

Dear BBC,
You had a great series with “Spooks.” I remember watching earlier eps of it as MI5 on US TV and really enjoying it. When Richard joined the cast for Series 7, I was thrilled. I recall watching it via YT as soon the eps were posted and being absolutely riveted. Nail-biting stuff. And I fell in love with Lucas North as soon as he stumbled out of that trunk, dark hair disheveled, dressed in that tatty jumper and track pants, determined to walk on his own two legs to freedom.

And then you gave us the ill-conceived character of Sarah Caulfield in Series 8. And saddled us with an actress whose bizarre accent (so different from her own pleasing natural voice) for the character was akin to nails scratching on chalkboard. An actress who seemed to have absolutely no chemistry with the delectable Mr. A, no matter how hard HE worked to manufacture it. You made Lucas look like a besotted numpty for ever falling for and/or trusting the Freezer Queen. Thanks a lot.

But that was minor compared to the horrendous character assassination you performed on Lucas North in series 9. Boy, did you jump the shark with that one. Our hero, flawed and damaged though he might be, turning out to actually be an amoral, mass-murdering creature named Bateman? Who murdered the “real” Lucas North (who looked more like Richard Hammond from “Top Gear” than he did Richard Armitage . . .)? Does MI-5 not have photos and get fingerprints of the people they hire?

The whole show turned into a turgid soap opera with me laughing at scenes that were supposed to be serious. Sometimes I had to laugh to keep from crying.

Was Richard’s performance great? Sure. I’d expect nothing less than for RA to rise to the challenge. But did I also feel at times even he was questioning whether anyone was buying what he was trying to sell? A certain strain I detected in those lovely eyes?

Sorry, Auntie Beeb, but you really dropped the ball when you let your new writers get away with that pile of steaming crap they served us. Maybe you were just sticking it to that uppity Armitage for going off to make big movie blockbusters. Anyway you look at it, I won’t be forgiving you soon for that.

Oh, and I hear you have a new Robin Hood production coming soon. With the Sheriff and Robin as one and the same, evil pawn of King John by day and daring crime fighter by night. *sigh* For the love of Pete . . .
Run out of ideas, have we?

May this version of Ye Olde Legende die a quick and likely well-deserved death.

Sincerely yours,
Ladywriter

I Heart My Henchman: Guyday Friday, Valentine Style!

“What day is it, Ladywriter?”

Oh, yes, he was positively purring. Just as she expected.  He did so love being the center of attention.

“It’s Friday . . .”

An eager rumble. “Yesssss . . .”

“Which would make it–Guyday . . .”

“And . . .” His eyes and teeth were gleaming in anticipation.

“Yes . . . it’s ‘I Heart My Henchman’ Day here at TAE, my dearest Dark Knight.”

Sir Guy gave a triumphant toss of his magnificent ebony mane and an equally triumphant sniff. He really did look the very image of a gorgeous black stallion, Ladywriter thought . . .

Happy Guyday Friday, Valentine Style! XOXOXO from the Hot Velvet Henchman and LW and her whole household!

Winter is still here–but so is Sir Guy! Feeling warmer now?

“Sir Guy, I feel ancient. And tired of the cold and damp . . .” Ladywriter sighed, then winced as she gingerly rotated her sore right shoulder and flexed her stiff right thumb. After falling two nights in a row, LW was, as her daddy used to say, “stove up.”  Grace was definitely not her middle name, especially not during this Endless Winter.

“But you have your lovely red and black-striped fingerless gloves given to you by your cousin,” said Guy. Tilting his dark head, he smiled, his kohl-rimmed azure eyes gleaming. “And–you have–ME.”

Waggling her fingers, LW nodded and returned his smile. “I appreciate so the kindness of others–and the sweet hotness of you, Dearest Dark Knight.”

A flash of white teeth and a deep, dark, delicious chuckle. “Well–naturally.”

Electric blankets, hot choccie, cuddly cats—and Sir Guy. Great winter warmers!  Happy Guyday Friday!