I was looking for a reason to write a blog post today because I wanted to update you on something personal. You know what I am like – I dislike too much „I“ on my Armitage-centric blog. I am – figuratively – typing through my gritted teeth right now, because I also strongly dislike starting a blog post with the personal pronoun „I“. Total pet peeve of mine. But this time I just couldn‘t think of a way of rephrasing. But then, as always, the universe gave me not just one, but two reasons to blog today. (Personal news at end.)

As mentioned in my previous post, the 2021 birthday fundraiser is already faintly looming. Today I received a package from fellow fan A___ with some fantastic goodies to go into the auctions.

Yes, the photo is deliberately obscure and no, the chocolates do not go into the auctions. I am merely whetting your appetite, literally, and am also sending huge thanks to A___ for this contribution. I know that the items will be great sellers, and that bodes well. – It also just really makes me happy that the fandom calls such generous people among its members. If it wasn‘t for these fan item donations, we wouldn‘t have such successful auctions. It is simply brilliant that fellow fans are thinking of the auctions and are donating items to be appreciated by others (and generate a donation for charity), rather than just putting them into landfill, leaving them on their shelves to attract dust, or to donate to thrift stores.

Secondly, I received another surprise in the post today. It needs a little storytelling for context. I recently sold a couple of items on Etsy, and the buyer disclosed to me that she was a fellow fan. I was delighted to hear that and enclosed a little fan-extra to her order. Today, in return, I received a surprise package, wrapped in the most beautiful paper, containing a book about book-binding that will come in handy for my junk journal making endeavours.

Even more precious was the accompanying letter by our lovely fellow fan, who disclosed she has been a long-time fan but prefers to „lurk“. (Despite the seemingly negative connotation, I use the term „lurker“ in the best of meanings.) She wrote some very nice things, too, which I‘ll keep to myself, but it just brought home to me the fact that there are many more readers on any of our blogs than only the visible readers who leave a comment. And that unbeknownst to me, we touch many readers, entertain them, cheer them up, become familiar figures to them. That is a thought that makes me very happy, and I wanted to take the opportunity here to say to all „lurking“ readers – you are appreciated. No need to „subscribe, like and hit the bell button“ (as the influencers on YT repeatedly urge their viewers 🤢), you are welcome here, there is no obligation to comment or like. If you like what you read, if it makes you laugh, or you feel you agree; if you feel understood because we share our opinions, or even if we disagree and you have an unheard argument with me in your head – if I have somehow reached you with what I post, then that is my mission fulfilled. Thank you for reading here. (It goes without saying that you are welcome – but under no obligation – to comment or reach out via e-mail any time.)

Finally, the personal note attached to the end. Is my karma damaged forever now? There I was on Saturday, venting and ranting about the delay in getting Mr Guylty vaccinated. And first thing Monday morning, Mr Guylty receives a phone call from the Outreach Nurse in his hospital, asking him to ring the vaccination people and make an appointment. (Aside to self – so there *is* a phone number for direct access to the vaccination organisers, fiercely guarded, it seems.) It appears that the Outreach Nurse was able to put him back on the list. That still leaves a huge question mark over the lack of action by his GP, and I am wondering whether I will address it in a personal letter to the GP. What do you think – is it worth giving her such feedback, or should I spare my breath as well as refrain from distracting a medical professional during this time when doctors are critical to our survival? His vaccination is scheduled for this Friday. 🙌🏻 So we can hopefully soon breathe easier, no pun intended. I can already feel the pressure lifting a little. (My own age group is allowed to register for vaccination tomorrow. We‘ll see how long it takes until my number comes up.) In any case, many thanks here to your words of encouragement and for tolerating my rant on Saturday. Your understanding was very much appreciated. (I hope that any of you who are also still waiting for a vaccination for yourselves or your loved ones‘, will soon get the call!)