See Diary Part 25 here, or to access all entries, hit “The Diary” tab above.
Entry — a day or so later in 2008:
So what is wrong with me? I have developed this aberration in my behavior which requires I look at the Armitage Army forum at least once a day. It’s been going on for weeks and makes me wonder about myself. Why am I looking at this thing every day? Maybe I’m this bored or maybe I have gone nuts? And of course I can’t help asking why. Am I needy? I’ve been needy at times, and this is definitely meeting some sort of need. Thankfully, I haven’t said much on the board since I really have nothing much to say. I said a few things when I first joined but certainly nothing of any value. I have said too many things in my life when I had nothing of any real value to say. I just want to read what these others are saying. It’s fascinating, and I’m a shit for putting everyone under the magnifying glass. Then again, that’s what I do, and I doubt I’m going to stop at this late date. I just wish I took more joy in it.
And dear Mr. Armitage is firmly under the glass. What is this guy about? I can’t figure it out, and I want to. I see all of these people talking about how he’s very private and all that, but then I read his interviews, and I don’t know what to think. He’s been very candid about his life, as if he has a clear conscience, and he’s actually talked quite a bit. Of course print interviews can be so misleading. I certainly ought to know that. SO has been interviewed countless times in our little part of the world, and if I only went by what I read in the papers, I would not come close to knowing what he’s really about. But one thing that is interesting about SO’s interviews is the writers are all impressed by the same thing about him — his honesty and humility, and not a fake kind of in your face honesty and humility that says look at me, but just something that’s so much a part of his being that the writers can’t help but notice it. That much definitely comes across. I find this is a common thread in the interviews of Richard Armitage as well. Or maybe he’s just really good at playing honest and humble. My gut says no, he’s for real.
But I did get tickled at the interview where he’s promoting ‘Cold Feet’. Humility was not so much the watchword as brutal honesty. He sounds like a big kid, and this just endeared him to me even more. There is no artifice and little or no spin. I loved it!
Click for full photo.
And it’s interesting the character he plays is all about spin. Yep, I bought the DVDs, so I’m in for a few more bucks investment in Mr. Armitage. I’m glad I bought that multi-region DVD player, or maybe not LOL!
Then toward the end of the interview he talked about Cleopatra being crap, and I about fell off my chair laughing. Oh, you are so right, Mr. Armitage. Crap indeed, and a comedy. SO and I watched it again the other day and howled with laughter, and SO still doesn’t realize squat about Richard Armitage being in this. We usually just watch Caesar’s death scene when we need a good laugh. Well, that and Cleopatra cruising down the Nile. ROFLOL!!
And how interesting that Richard Armitage is going to co-star with Hermione Norris in ‘Spooks’, I cannot wait for that! Not sure how in the heck I’m going to watch it, but I’ll find a way. There is no chance I’m going to wait until it’s on Netflix. So far they only have up through Series 5.
I have so many other things I want to say, but I’m too tired to say it all today, and I’m glad I started journaling, so I can capture some of what I think even if some of it is stupid. I kept wondering what good was it to record all of those hideous things? I was wrong as I’ve been wrong about so many things. So today was one year of me writing all of this…. I’m not sure what to call it, and I’m afraid to go back and read all of it. I tried to read some of it a couple of weeks ago, and what I found was astonishing and humbling.
What was I saying about just enjoying something for what it is and not nitpicking? I’m the worst. I just can’t stop asking why. And is that so bad if it’s just me doing it in my head? I know dammit, it requires some wisdom. Oh, do I know it requires some wisdom. But I’ve been successful (at least by the world’s standards), and a lot of it had to do with asking why in my head about whatever was in front of me. It’s the why that made me successful! It’s the why that was the key! But it’s also the why that made me walk away from all of that. It’s the why that made me call bullshit on so many things. And that was wise. I have only to look at my children to know it was wise. They would not be who they are in part if I had not walked away from all those things which made me subject to such praise. A sacrifice? Maybe it seemed that way a little at first, but now? No, it was no great sacrifice. They are turning into people of great character who are inspiring me! But it could have been so different. I could have looked back at my life and been aware of how great it looked to the world but my children would have probably been at loose ends, and I certainly wouldn’t have known them. Not as I do now.
Present day:
I had such a good time reading Richard Armitage’s interviews, which were only up to a few Spooks 7 promotional pieces at this point in the journal. More on that later. But I have to comment on how friendly he sounds. When I saw him in the powhiri ceremony, it reminded me so much of him as the big goofy kid promoting ‘Cold Feet’, and I have it on good authority that he is immensely well liked on ‘The Hobbit’ set. Dare I say a favorite? Yes, I dare since I was also told that the group picks who will represent them at a powhiri ceremony, and they chose Richard. The crew and in particular the Kiwis were rooting for him:
“…as a Kiwi, it is important to see the reaction of the knowing crowd to Richard’s performance. See the guy at the last row, on the left, Mark Hadlow, Kiwi actor? He is so proud of Richard. This is a man who has seen many powhiri so knows what is cool…”
I think the New Zealanders might want to claim him as theirs. :D They see something I and many of you see — a keen mind and a self-deprecating yet not mean-spirited humor coupled with a great work ethic. A work ethic that says you’re important enough for me to learn Maori and represent you well. The Kiwis got the honor done to them, and if there is anything I’m learning, it’s that the general psyche of the Kiwi people is to adore those who don’t take themselves too seriously and who are team players:
We Kiwis are very laid back “she’ll be right, mate” attitude, and we all muck in (help out) when needed.
I think it’s apt to say he made the team proud. :D
And I don’t know exactly how Richard Armitage feels, but I’m falling in love with the Kiwi people. The more I read and listen to them, the more I want to go to New Zealand, and it has nothing to do with Richard Armitage. Seriously.
Last but not least, James Nesbitt is supposed to be one of the nicest people you would ever want to meet. A real prince of a guy, so I’m not going to ever say anything catty about Jimmy.
Diary Part 27 here
Screencaps courtesy of RichardArmitageNet.Com; promotional still courtesy of Armitage-Online (Russian site).
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RAFrenzy 
I’ve enjoyed the televised (YT) interviews immensely. Transition from a little hesitance and shyness, to increasing self-awareness. Always intelligent and thoughtful – to later years, when he interposes pure fun into the thoughtful side. It might be NOT cynical to imagine that he does, by now, have a not negligible sense of effect on lady interviewers, and women in general. It feels quite authentic to watch a frankly flirtatious moment with a pretty lady interviewer. Why not work it a bit? I’m certain we all respond in varying ways to whatever confronts us, at whatever stages of our lives. Masks? Or just the different aspects of any personality responding to other personalities in various situations.
I’m convinced he’s a really good chap. Though if it transpires that he hates dogs… Hmmnn, will have to think about it.. :D
Well put, Fitz, and it would be shocker to learn he hates dogs. :D
That he doesn’t take himself seriously allows him to be so candid. He’s not constantly on guard to present a particular “image.” Either that or he’s a greater actor than we can ever give him credit for. He presents as charming and adorkable. I’m glad to hear our gut reactions are being confirmed by your source. Personally I’m delighted; if I can spot a good one through the media, I might be able to spot a good one in RL.
Surely he must like dogs…
:pulls her pom to her: Who’s a good girl? Your are, oh yes you are! ***
*** I’m not this silly in RL. Honest.
Lovely, Frenz. I can’t figure out the habitual nature of this “interest” of mine either. I would have expected it to have petered out but now, but it’s as compulsive as ever.
And thanks, finally (!) for spilling some more info from your source on the Hobbit set, whoever they may be…have you got any more tidbits for us? I would love to hear it! (please!)
Can you see? How can you say that you don’t teach me? Lots of new words!! Well, all words aren’t super-beautiful but #antoniaisalwayslearning.
About Richard:
Who can really say how exactly is Richard? Does anyone know him? (waiting for somebody raises hand…….) Well, by my own experience I think you only can really know people talking with them (maybe that’s the reason because I prefer now take a coffee chatting that go out in the night). My Mum always say that you don’t know quite well people untll you live behing the same floor and after 35 years married my father still can surprise her. Be sure I have my own image and I have a really good idea of him. You can bet. And it ts and idea more of I can see than I can hear because my English is still limited. I could talk about a part of his work but interviews are a bit over my level at this moment.
And I can see he is a hard-worker, he seems to be always laughing and try to be near his fans in a way I never saw before. I’m just remembering his last message to http://richardarmitageonline.com/messages.html:
[…]29th May 2011
Dear All,
I wanted to post a message to say a huge thank you for your generosity of donations to the Christchurch fundraiser on 22nd May, I gather there was a considerable contribution from members of our little community, which is gratefully received to help a rather larger and damaged community ‘rise up’ get back on its feet.[…]
The phrase ‘OUR little community’ attracted my attention. He feels like at home!! That’s good because he don’t think we are absolutly insane ;D Three points more to Richard and raising….
About the Powhiri Ceremony:
The ancien people have an spiritual knowledge that perhaps we have lost. They know how to choose well and the evidence was in the ceremony. Nobody can say that another one would be able to have been more respectful. When I saw the vid I though: ‘That’s the way he will look when he gets married’
I hope everybody can understand me well.
New Zealanders and Australians are exactly the same. We never take ourselves seriously… we look after each other and we belong to a proud heritage called the ANZAC spirit, based on men who fought at Gallipoli. If Richard is accepted by people with such an outlook on life, then he’s a ‘good bloke’. And Maori is as hard a language to learn as our own Aboriginal tongues.
I think if he didn’t like dogs, I might reconsider. I already find it hard that he doesn’t like the water, being a seagoing lass myself, but then he redeems that by riding a horse beautifully (he can ride mine anytime) and by skiing.
I always like lack of ego in anyone. No matter how clever, grand, intellectual, charming-looking, whatever… if there is an innate humility, then that person will always be admired by me. Thankfully that’s all I see in Mr.Armitage to this point.
I’ve enjoyed the televised (YT) interviews immensely. Transition from a little hesitance and shyness, to increasing self-awareness. Always intelligent and thoughtful – to later years, when he interposes pure fun into the thoughtful side. It might be NOT cynical to imagine that he does, by now, have a not negligible sense of effect on lady interviewers, and women in general. It feels quite authentic to watch a frankly flirtatious moment with a pretty lady interviewer. Why not work it a bit? I’m certain we all respond in varying ways to whatever confronts us, at whatever stages of our lives. Masks? Or just the different aspects of any personality responding to other personalities in various situations.
I’m convinced he’s a really good chap. Though if it transpires that he hates dogs… Hmmnn, will have to think about it.. :D
Suddenly, the format as it comes to my system has changed. It doesn’t seem to leave reply place. Must be missing something. As usual with digital stuff.
If this somehow transforms itself into a separate reply:
@Judiang, from this horrible typist, was adorKable a freudian slip? or just a typo? :D ::D :D
Can live with either :D
@fitzg, Adorkable is a word coined for my Other Crush that I think equally applies to RA. RA called himself a geek, and, yup. :D
Somewhat what I thought. GIGGLE Didn’t think it was inadvertant. Gathering from the intense historical/doumented life of an ra via interviews. Not proceeding further with those potentail ra references. :D
Okay…so let me get this straight, 3 or 4 years from now(or maybe longer) I will still be craving as much RA as I can get in a day without my computer exploding?! GOOD!!! I’m liking this thought very much ;-) Now off to bed – and some LoTN to send me into dreamland;-)
@soaplady, doomed. 3-4 years? Fine. We’re all beautifully doomed. Happily, Good thing we have real lives. And real people in them!
@Antonia, if only I could write in a second language as well as you!
Thanks for your compliment @fitzg!! I won’t to eat today. I’ll be enoght with you kind comment. *laughing*
That is the correct:
Thanks for your compliment @fitzg!! I won’t have to eat today. I’ll be enought with you kind comment. *laughing*
*laughing a lot*
I’ve been having trouble visiting here lately Frenz as Safari kept freezing every time I visited your blog. I’m celebrating that I can read a whole post of yours without the dreaded coloured wheel appearing.
Thankyou for sharing the titbits from your source. I don’t pretend to know what RA is like but I hope that he is well liked on the set of TH. If what I’ve read is accurate, his sense of humility and humour will go down well with everyone, not to mention his strong work ethic. :)
@soaplady, doomed. 3-4 years? Fine. We’re all beautifully doomed. Happily, Good thing we have real lives. And real people in them!
@Antonia, if only I could write in a second language as well as you!
Having the same problems with commenting, Mulubinba. Comment and reply are not computing.
The times are out of sync. And I’m on the other other side of the world as you, M! (Rather to the north :D )
@judi, I love you. :D
@kap, we’ll talk. LOL!
@antonia, I totally understand you, and think your assessment is excellent.
@soaplady and fitzg, what can i say? all I know is that I’ve had a blast, and to date, I don’t think it’s hurt anyone in my household. At least I don’t think it has. :D
@mulubinba, curious if you’re still having problems. I know that for several weeks WP has had some very severe problems at times, which have in turn caused me problems. They have been hit by DDoS attacks more than once, and at one point my blog was offline for a couple of days. Very frustrating.
I’m reviewing entries and realized I missed a comment on this one.
@mesmered, I’ve always had a fondness for people from Australia having worked with several people who hailed from there. When asked if I could go anywhere in the world… I always answer Australia. Now I’ll just answer with two places. :D
I studied about Galiipoli in school and have read some about it since. I’ve also seen the movie. But it wasn’t until last year when I started reading about Peter Jackson and New Zealand that I began to realize how much that event galvanized your country and the Kiwis’. I will be reading more about all of it, and if you have any reading suggestions, please share.
[…] of an RA Fan — Part 27 The Unbroken Line See Diary Part 26 here, or to access all entries, hit “The Diary” tab […]
[…] Diary Part 26 here. […]
[…] James Nesbitt is an Imp Whenever I see pictures of James “Jimmy” Nesbitt, I want to laugh. Not at him but at whatever is making him laugh. His frequent grin makes him immediately likeable, but honestly, I wasn’t sure what to think of him at first. Thankfully, over the last year or so, I’ve come to think he’s a good guy. Not a perfect guy (who is?) but someone personable and real. I began to understand this when those on The Hobbit set were saying how truly nice he is, “One of the nicest people you would ever want to meet.” […]