We who are fans of the exquisitely talented British actor Richard Armitage, write and 
create videos and graphics in homage to him and his wonderful character portrayals and storytelling. Richard Armitage has that indefinable something that moves us.
He enthralls us with his storytelling–sharing with us characters of depth and complexity whose joys and sorrows illuminate our human condition.
He caresses us with his velvety deep baritone voice that he attunes to a wide range of character portrayals and their personae. His voice can be a soft as a whispered plea from a lover or as thundering as a warrior doing battle–and everything in between.
He moves and gestures with a dancer’s grace–relaxed and restful when all around him are in confusion. And his muscles are tensed as the panther poised to pounce to catch his adversary in battle off guard or to envelop his lover in his tender embrace.
He stills our hearts with each smouldering gaze, piercing our very souls and sundering our hearts in two–forever claiming us. But he will never know this thing in us that he has wrought–our admiration and love for him. He will never know us, nor will we know him.
And finally, it is Richard Armitage’s gentlemanly kindness to all he meets and with whom he works, coupled with his compassion for those in need, are shining examples of the worth of this man whose own humility causes him to credit others before he acknowledges himself.
Yes, we know his own character so well–and yet, not at all. But still, we cherish Richard Armitage in our hearts and keep him in our thoughts–wishing him well in all of his endeavors. The friendships we have forged in his name being an added gift to us.
The video below shares a small measure of our admiration for Richard Armitage with the three songs and images incorporated into it. The images were created by Teresa Armitage as Timeline banner covers for all of us to enjoy. Thanks to she and other RAFN Ladies who suggested their favorite images to include in the video.
Cheers! Grati ;->
http://vimeo.com/gratianads90/we-say-a-little-prayer-for-richard-armitage
P.S. The wonderful Aretha Franklin sings the first song, “I say a little prayer for you”. Here is some more information about this amazing artist and her long and varied musical career:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aretha_Franklin
http://rockhall.com/inductees/aretha-franklin
P.S. And here is a link to a video of that song with images of Ms. Franklin shown throughout
“Aretha Franklin – I say a little prayer (Official song) HQ version” in a video by loannkaPapa
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtBbyglq37E&feature=fvsr
P.S. And here is the link to song lyrics for “I say a little prayer for you”:
Something About Love (A) 
Lovely songs and great pictures.♥Thank you ladies!:)
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Hi Ania,
Thanks for your kind note. I had fun putting the video together.
Cheers! Grati ;->
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Thx Grati for this post! Lovely words expressing how we all feel as proud fans of this talented, outstanding actor and a gorgeous video with well selected stills and music and of course let’s not forget RA’s breathtaking voice overs! *sigh*
A big thank you! xx
Summer
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Hi Summer,
Thanks for your nice note about the video! I’m glad you enjoyed it. And Teresa Armitage really does a great job in terms of composition in creating her RA banner covers from the RANet and RAC image resources and such.
I have wanted to use this Aretha Franklin song for a while. She was a bit before “my time”. But then, Ms. Franklin and her music are “timeless”.
You’re so welcome! Cheers and Hugs! Grati ;->
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Excellent video! But I was expecially touched by your words so sensitive describing the magic of RA outstanding personality and our admiraion for him! Thank you!
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Hi Mariana,
Thanks for your lovely note. You are very kind. Richard Armitage is inspirational in so many ways that the words just flow out of me.
But it is Mr. Armitage’s dedication to his artistry and his humility about his exquisite talent and storytelling gifts that touch me deeply. His quiet grace, dignity, and honor speak to my very soul.
Richard Armitage is a gentleman and a gentle man–an avowed pacifist–despite some of his action adventure roles. Or perhaps in recognition of these larger than life roles because he brings such depth and complexity to these heroic characters.
Mr. Armitage’s portrayal of the “unsung” heroes–or heroes who struggle–makes plain that to be heroic is not merely fate, but within our grasp. As I have quoted in other essays, Heraclitus stated that “character is destiny.” And I add to that, it is the choices that we make that define our character. And the choices Mr. Armitage and his characters make through his character portrayals, “define” for us that which is heroic. There are many quiet and unsung heroes in the world–and perhaps a hero exists within each of us.
Richard Armitage’s parents, family, and friends must be bursting with pride for him–and so happy that he is receiving wider recognition for his artistic talents. The success and prestige of “The Hobbit” films will surely propel Mr. Armitage into the international film making sphere. This should afford him a greater choice in his roles such that we will enjoy his storytelling for decades to come. I can’t wait.
Cheers and hugs! Grati ;->
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Oh, it turned out beautifully, Gratiana – the vid and the cry of our hearts concerning Mr. Armitage and how he moves us w/ his talent and humility. Thanks for the opportunity to be part of your project.
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Hi Kitty,
Thanks for your kind note about the video! I’m so glad that you shared some suggestions about your favorite RA banner images for the video–they are all in there.
Cheers and hugs! Grati ;->
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