Almost Done

My continuation of reading FanstRAvaganza posts.

Fanny (aka Iz4blue or Sinjoor) has a wonderful series of conversations with various fan fiction authors. If you like fan fic, are thinking about reading fan fic, have read fan fic and want to read some more or you’re thinking about writing your own fan fic, check out this series which begins here.

I love the way Jonia has divided her posts into academic subjects — math, science, psychology, etc. I’ve always been a math and science girl, so the post on his legs and feet were of particular interest. :D

Nat had some fun stuff as usual with her games, but she also has a way of making connections with people, which obviously resulted in a lovely series of guest posts from SiouxsieSioux to Liza aka LonghairedToad to Phoebe (one of my favorite fans) to a newcomer that is a total delight, Mary! Funny and packed with a lot of truth. LOL!

Then there’s Traxy, who usually has something entertaining and provoking to say. No disappointments this year either. She asks the question I’ve been trying to articulate an answer to but not sure I have quite yet. And concerning RA, are we looking for a hero?. Or is it our admiration of his passion for his art? Or maybe because he’s a loyal guy? Or do some of us just love to love him? As for Traxy’s other two questions, I’m not sure of the answers but probably have a lot more to say on it later.

That’s all for today. One more blogger tomorrow.

March 28, 2012
Categories: Fandom . Tags: , , , , , , . Author: RAFrenzy . Comments: Leave a comment

Can I Take It All In?

Moving onto the FanstRAvaganza posts for what is known as the anchor or core — bloggers who posted each day of the event. Just to be clear, my intent is not to highlight every post I’ve read. That would defeat the purpose of this exercise, which is to share what struck me enough to make me write something about it, and yes, in hope that this might send you there to check it out and read the rest of their wonderful posts. :D

Mulubinba is up first. The thing to remember with her blog pieces is they are not little bits to be eaten like cotton candy which evaporates almost immediately in your mouth. These pieces are to be savored and also made a reference point. This makes it difficult to just highlight one of these, but I’m going to list the one or two I would read if there’s no time to read anything else. Given her investment in ‘The Hobbit’, I had to read her detailed piece on Thorin’s costume and props as well as her piece about visiting the ‘The Hobbit’ locations. But also check out the post about an actor’s physical preparation for roles and how this relates to avoiding injury. Okay, that was three. LOL!

Bccmee is known for being prolific with her graphics, and she doesn’t disappoint during FanstRAvaganza, but she’s also becoming known for her being interactive with the fans, and that was certainly the hallmark of her FanstRA postings. I loved the drag and drop magazines but also be sure to check out her interview with the dad of the boy who had scenes with RA in ‘Captain America’.

Christine or CDoart has a thoughtful piece about men who are into history. Maybe I should cut SO a break every now and then since he’s a man who is enormously interested in history. LOL! And I adored the piece on history and fantasy and how they may relate to Richard Armitage.

On this next blog, you get two great writers, Judiang and Fitzg, in one place. Judi comes clean about where she’s headed, and the tale begins here (don’t peek at the ending!) Judi, I’m still laughing as I write this. :D
And then there’s Fitz, who honestly needs a blog. The woman has a lot of interesting things to say, and she may yet turn me into a Richard III zealot. LOL!

Okay, that’s it for today; more tomorrow.

March 27, 2012
Categories: Fandom, SO . Tags: , , , , , , . Author: RAFrenzy . Comments: 3 Comments

Continuing the Stroll through FanstRAvaganza

More strolling through FanstRAvaganza.


E.B. Darcy speculates about Thorin’s role. Interesting speculation on where the movie will end, and I second the advice to “Read the book before you see the movie!” Then E.B tries to get us ready for the marketing of Thorin. I’m especially interested in an audiobook (more on that later). Of course all of this has her wondering where it might lead RA’s career.

Grati comes with her Crazy Caption contest, and then a poem about RA from an interesting perspective. Suddenly I’m hungry. ;-)

Angie (aka FedoraLady) takes us through a bit of her odyssey in making fan videos. And instead of the usual interview, the Hot Henchman interviews Lady Writer. :D


Fabo and her friend and fellow RA lover, Zibeline, thoroughly explore the power of the Armitage eyes and lashes, and then Fabo muses about who could play Anne Neville to Richard’s III. I’m starting to get into this RIII thing. LOL!

I’ve really enjoyed going through these posts. One more tagteam blogger tomorrow, and then I move onto the anchor bloggers.

Promo still courtesy of TheOneRing and screencap courtesy of Fabo’s blog.

March 25, 2012
Categories: Fandom . Tags: , , , , , , , , , . Author: RAFrenzy . Comments: 1 Comment

Captured by a Sense of Wonder

Continuing with my foray into the FanstRAvaganza posts for this year.

Several fans have talked about Richard Armitage paper dolls. An attempt to recapture our childhoods? I know that’s what it is for me, but Agzy has taken it a step further and created some, which I doubt most kids would possess. LOL! And she’s also now running a contest for “Paper Richard.”

Ana Cris explains the significance of the Powhiri, and Richard Armitage and ‘The Hobbit” cast’s part in it, but first read her two excellent pieces on the significance of mountains in a culture’s identity and as it relates to Tolkien. These posts had a special significance for me since I live in the mountains and relish their power and effect on who I’ve become. Here is a place not far from my house, and oddly enough it’s named after one of SO’s relatives:

This is near 11,500 feet where the treeline ends.

JasRangoon thinks Richard Armitage should have kids, and she tries to answer the question of what they could look like. She also gifts us with a modern story of John and Margaret. Which John and Margaret? You must have only seen Spooks or Robin Hood. LOL! This John and Margaret. I started reading and immediately backed up to the beginning. Wow! This is her first fanfic. So far so good!!

Melanie of Melanie’s Musings believes Harry Kennedy is the near perfect man. Well, yeah! :D I found myself nodding — a lot — and then I got to the poll and thought my vote would still be in the minority. Oh, how wrong I was.

More tomorrow.

March 24, 2012
Categories: Fandom, SO . Tags: , , , , , , , , , . Author: RAFrenzy . Comments: 3 Comments

Stopping to Admire the Variety

Another post in the ongoing perusal of FanstRAvaganza goodies which I could not get to last week.

Now this is a motley group! And all hip in some way.

The Queen explores different media for commemorating Tolkien Love, and I’m stunned at what people can do with seemingly mundane items. The only question is could you wear or eat this stuff or would guilt force you to just look at it? :D Okay, I’m smiling, but I’m serious. How do you eat one of those cakes?

Didion reveals that even she is not immune from proselytizing. ;-)

Maria, one of the very first bloggers to mention Richard Armitage at regular intervals (yea! Maria), begins to explain the need for a New Richard III and also treats us to an interview with the author of a North and South continuation. I found interesting the conclusions about what a true marriage of two minds would produce. I’ve got thoughts on that myself. Need to weigh in at some point. LOL!

Jazzbaby is funky as per usual, and I have to say she is one of my favorites. I can’t help it!! She is! And if you read her stuff, you will probably be equally smitten. If you’re not after reading this, then I’m not sure we have much to say to each other. :D But if that’s not enough, you can go further into her mind at your pleasure. All I know is we’re so on the same page about the Spooks writers.

More tomorrow.

March 23, 2012
Categories: Uncategorized . Tags: , , , , , . Author: RAFrenzy . Comments: 2 Comments

Continuing to Smell the Flowers

This is a post in the ongoing attempt to savor FanstRAvaganza. I’m reading through posts this week and next and highlighting some of what I find.

Cat Winchester has been writing fan fiction for a while now, and she shares the benefit of the experience in “Top Tips for Writing Fan Fiction.” She also has an interesting picspam of Goodies and Baddies RA has played.

IngeD3 comes with a plan to assist Peter Jackson in distinguishing the dwarfs. :D This is a blogger whom I wish I knew more about.

The Obsessed Fanatic, aka Rose Gisborne, gives us her day (two versions). Wonderful! and wonderful news from her as well. :)

And then there’s ItsJSforMe who has perhaps found the uh, fallout from reading fan fiction smelling the flowers? ;-)

In case it’s not clear, I’m doing these alphabetically by blog name. More tomorrow.

March 22, 2012
Categories: Uncategorized . Tags: , , , , , , , . Author: RAFrenzy . Comments: Leave a comment

A Leisurely Stroll Through FanstRA

I didn’t have time last week to read much, so I’m making up for it this week and maybe some next week when I’ll be sharing what I find.

Christine at ‘A is for Armitage’ has a hilarious action figure of RA, but it was the history of beards that I found myself reading several times. She also has a poll about what we prefer on a man’s face. I haven’t voted yet, but it will be interesting to see if we are in keeping with the norm.

Guy’s stubble is hard to ignore not to mention Lucas’


[click to enlarge]

Looking forward to ‘C’.

Then there’s Antonia! Mwah! :D

I haven’t read any of her posts yet. Be back later…

They all have a decided air of celebration, which is so like Antonia! and of course there is food. And Antonia who is really focused on being understood and RA being understood shared the crime that is the dubbing of The Hobbit Trailers. I could barely watch, and definitely needed something scrumptious to eat afterward.

I understand Jo at Cerridwen Speaks treated us to a story. Gone to read….Okay, I have never thought of RA as an American Cavalry officer. Now I’m going to have a hard time thinking of anything else. That’s all for now as I’m sucked into this story and need to finish! :D Oh, and be sure to become her fan on Wattpad!

More tomorrow.

Screencap courtesy of RichardArmitageNet.com

March 21, 2012
Categories: Spooks . Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , . Author: RAFrenzy . Comments: 1 Comment

Twitter Adventures

I’m so glad Kathryn shared her experience with us. Check it out:

Convent Capers

March 1, 2012 by kathrynruthd

So where is the best place to stay in York for five friends on a mission to have a weekend of laughing, drinking, and ghost hunting? Apparently it’s a convent. Yes, that’s right, a convent…and a working one too!

So where is the best place to stay in York for five friends on a mission to have a weekend of laughing, drinking, and ghost hunting? Apparently it’s a convent. Yes, that’s right, a convent…and a working one too!

The weekend was planned long in advance but trying to find a cheap place to stay for only one night is not very easy in York, so we opted to stay in the rather charming Bar Convent. It is, in fact, England’s oldest convent but in recent years they’ve started offering bed and breakfast accommodation and also run a cafe. My single room was very small, as you might imagine a nun’s cell to be, but it had everything you expect to find in a hotel room and was warm and comfortable. I would not hesitate to stay there again or recommend it and I don’t believe I have ever stayed anywhere so spotlessly clean. Before we arrived, there had been talk of packing wimples but actually, we didn’t knowingly see a single nun the whole time we were there!

Read more

For those who don’t know Kathryn, she’s definitely a Richard Armitage fan, and she writes fan fiction too!

And yes, I’ve seen Sir Peter’s video. Commentary coming soon. : D

March 1, 2012
Categories: Tangents . Tags: , , , , , . Author: RAFrenzy . Comments: 4 Comments

Widows on the Web

One of the ways I’ve connected to other Richard Armitage fans is through their fan fiction, and when I stumbled onto the GuyxMarian community at Livejournal in late 2008, a new addiction was born. :D I found a treasure trove of stories to keep me well occupied with the continuing saga of Guy and Marian, and the first Gisborne fiction I read was by Spikesbint (some of you may know her as Angelfish69 or the Admin of Armitage Daily or simply Angela). Little did I know how high she would set the bar with “Prisoners of Circumstance.” It is a tightly written story that resolves GxM in a way that left such a warm feeling when I first read it. Still feeling it after three plus years. LOL! But it was a story that became even more satisfying because it’s complete. Thank you, Angela.

Another one I read early on was “Fallout”*. Bookishy, the author, has done a great job capturing the Guy and Marian characters and potentially making them something else, and I would love to see how she develops them further, but the piece remains incomplete. It has not been updated since 2009. Maybe her imagination got distracted by something. I do give her credit for that possibly being the case. But dammit! I want the ending of that story, and I hope she’ll come back and take mercy on all of us and finish it. I’ve been waiting to say that for almost three years! :D

I wish “Fallout” were the only story left dangling or at least one of just a few fan fictions that remain unfinished, but there are many stories waiting for an ending. That frustrates me, and I’m not alone. A couple of years ago a friend of mine, who is also a fan fiction writer, posted her frustration about it on IMDb. I told her when I was starting this blog that I was going to save what she wrote and post it at some point. She was fine with that, and I’m not only posting it, but making it a permanent page on my blog. Not because I have an ax to grind with fan fiction authors. Not at all. I’ve loved witnessing people trying their hands at writing and have marveled at the imaginations and abilities of many of you. In fact, your efforts were part of the impetus for this blog. Which brings me to the real point of this piece.

I do not want my Diary of an RA Fan to be a widow on the web — something that starts but eventually goes nowhere. At one point in the life of this blog, I was thinking about scrapping my diary entries as they are not really conducive to publication and have to be heavily edited. I’ve pondered for a long time about finishing, and several of you have counseled me about that and several of you have sent me notes asking me for more entries. I thank all of you for your input. I started and I’m going to finish! But I need the fan fiction page to keep me focused.

As to fan fiction, I plan to say a lot more about it this year. In the meantime, some words of wisdom from broughps.

Graphic by Angela.

January 22, 2012
Categories: Fandom, Robin Hood . Tags: , , , , , , , , , , . Author: RAFrenzy . Comments: 6 Comments

How Did I Miss This?

A few days ago I stumbled on a web page that I cannot believe I’ve never seen! It’s on one of Elvira’s sites, and as much as I’ve combed over read her sites, somehow I never saw this, and I would have remembered it! It’s really good, and actually, I’m glad I didn’t see it before I started this blog or I might not have started this blog, and you wouldn’t have had the pleasure of reading my musings, rantings and just general bs*. Wait. Let me rephrase that. “I” would not have had the pleasure of musing, ranting and just generally putting out a bunch of bs. Sadly, most of us look down on bs, but sometimes it feels good. Just sayin’. ;-)

Okay, so here’s what I’m talking about, and just to make it crystal, HCMO=Handsome Cotton Mill Owner:

Red Queen, a treasured member of C19, wrote these whimsical diary entries, which follow her struggles as a North and South addict. Originally posted on C19, republished here with permission.

Diary of an Addict by Red Queen

13 January 2005 12:32

0700: Alarm goes off. First thought of the day definitely not about a handsome cotton mill owner nor what it might be like to kiss said HCMO awake. No indeed: chez Red Queen there is a highly disciplined regime of breakfast eating, teeth cleaning and general getting ready for work.

0830-0930: Journey to work on train. Unfavourable comparisons made between train journeys taken by highly fortunate young women named Margaret and train journeys taken by self. When alighting from train, have a quick peek around platform in case there are any HCMOs lurking. There aren’t. Complete journey to work on foot wondering if investing in frisbee style hat might improve chances of meeting HCMO. Decide not.

0930-1300: oh God – work is here. Spend morning exuding calm efficiency and effortless concentration. Thoughts of HCMO do not break concentration nor do visits to a messageboard cause strange squeaks of delight and/or laughter which have to be concealed from increasingly bemused colleagues.

1300-1400: lunch with friend. Actually manage not to think about HCMO for a while. Although when friend asks why she’s been having difficulty reaching me by telephone in the evening, feign ignorance. Cannot face dear friend’s look of incredulity when she hears scale of problem.

Read the rest here and then click the image again to enlarge.

I don’t know Red Queen, but all I can say is great minds think alike.

Uh, maybe her mind is a little better than mine. LOL!

By the way, Red Queen also wrote a a conversation between Darcy and Thornton, which I love too and had seen a long time ago on someone’ s Facebook page but didn’t realize she wrote it. Clever, clever Red Queen! Yeah, her mind is definitely better than mine. :D

*For those not familiar with the term, bs=nonsense. Yeah, that’s what it means or something like that.

edit: the site FoolishPassion.com no longer exists, so the links have been updated to direct to a cached copy of the pages at Archive.Org. If those links rot as well, I also have screencaps for future use. Also, please note that the page may take a moment to load.

July 15, 2010
Categories: Fandom, North and South . Tags: , , , , , . Author: RAFrenzy . Comments: 8 Comments

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