It's definitely more a case of friends wanted than friends only! I love meeting new people. I don't lock much of my journal (I have no shame) but if you'd like to be added to my friends list then leave me a comment here, it will be lovely to hear from you!

So, as of yesterday, I have my very own puppy-shaped Merlin and words cannot express how much I love him already. He is so unbelievably loving and affectionate! And he has the hugest, clumsiest paws! He settled in right away and slept through the night in his own little bed. No photos or videos as of yet because I've been so busy tearing around after him! I promise there will be some really soon. He's asleep on my foot right now, so I have time to post! XD

It was so snowy in the mountains that I was worried we wouldn't be able to fetch him, but 400 miles later and he was sniffing around my house. I'm sure I'll write more about this, but it's late and I'm sleepy. I just didn't want you to worry that I hadn't got home safely last night! It's been snowing here, on and off, since Friday. I'm secretly hoping that I'll get snowed in and not have to go to work tomorrow (I only have to go in for two hours! Just to read Christmas stories and let the children in the library meet Santa). 

I have some epic thanks to bestow today, seriously.

On Wednesday a Royal Mail van pulled up outside and delivered an enormous parcel to me. I ripped off the silver paper to discover that storyfootprints had sent me a box FULL of treats for my puppy. Words cannot express what this means to me. I felt like crying (in a good way!) all day because I was so touched. It was just the most thoughtful, generous and wonderful gesture. Thank you so much, sweetheart, I feel so lucky to have met you. We seriously cannot prise Merlin away from the toys you sent! Especially the little pink and blue teething toy. He's meticulously chewing the bobble off the end of every string! XD I will video him to prove how much he loves it!

Yesterday we stayed over at squeaky_the_pin's house on the way to Wales and had the most wonderful day with her. It's always a pleasure to see her, but this weekend was extra special! Thank you so much for letting us stay, I can't wait to see you again, you're truly one of my favourite people in the world! ♥

I also received beautiful cards from:

tundraeternal - I can't believe you made me a card! Thank you so much, I love it, it's beautiful! I particularly love the show-off polar bear. It means so much that you made it especially for me! *hugs*

melisus - I love your card to bits, what gorgeous artwork! I always love your art, but this was especially lovely! George is, predictably, my favourite!

corpse_in_snow - Yours was honestly one of the most beautiful cards I've ever seen! Thank you so, so much for the badge, I adore it! I put it on my bag straight away...I shall have to take a photo to show you! I feel bad for not sending you anything in return! I shall find something for your birthday <3

Most of all, a huge thank you to Jim for driving me all the way to Wales and braving snowy roads to get my little guy. You're amazing. <33333333333333

My computer is dead! Woe! The LCD screen is alternating between pink and neon green and all the graphics are shot to hell D: D: D: D: Dell are arranging a time to come and fix it. In the meantime I am using my Dad's laptop whenever he isn't (which probably gives me a one hour window because he's an internet addict). I miss Firefox, I miss all my LJ add-ons, I MISS MY AUTOMATIC SPELL CHECK! ;__;

Anyway...

So, today I had to go to the dentist, I have a massive phobia and was pretty anxious, but then the postman arrived just as I was putting my coat on and he brought me great joy!

slightlytookish - I didn't think you could beat last year's beautiful card, but this one is just AMAZING! I love that all the little Christmas items are friends and are toasting together! Ahhhh! And you sent me a gift? Oh, thank you so, so much! It's sitting under the tree now, I'm saving it for Christmas Day. You are so thoughtful and lovely. *hugs*

storyfootprints - Oooh, I adore your card, it's gorgeous. And what you said inside nearly made me tear up, you're so wonderful. Thank you so much.

oxygenfreereba - Your card was so beautiful! Thank you so much. Thank you for all the lovely things you said inside too. Haha, you're so cute. ILU.

ramble_fish - Oh you! I cannot believe you sent me a card! And a Merlin one at that? You are so thoughtful and talented! It made me smile massively! Thank you so much.

Eeeeeeeeeee three more days before the epic journey to Wales :D :D :D :D

So, something weird happened last night. Not amazingly weird, but...weird. The Lady who owns the puppies, Sian, and I have exchanged lots of e-mails, in one she asked me if I'd thought of a name for my puppy. I told her I was really into Arthurian legend, that my last dog was named after Morgan le Fay and that I was thinking of calling this one Merlin or Emrys. I was a little embarrassed, fearing she'd think they were ridiculous names, but this is the reply I got last night! :-O

Funnily enough my husband is called Bedwyr - Welsh for Bedivere, the one who threw Arthur's sword in the lake I think!

No way! OMG! It's fate! So he totally needs an Arthurian name now, y/y? I'd thought of Merlin, Arthur, Emrys or Tristan...maybe I should pick one of the other knights? I don't knoooooow. I am off to read through all my books!

I know there are only so many 'oohs' and 'ahhs' you can give over this puppy, so don't feel obliged to comment! I just wanted to let you all know that he's definitely mine! The lady emailed me this morning to tell me that they're saving him for me. Apparently, her brother was thinking of keeping him for the farm at first! She sent me a lovely picture of his Mum too and he looks just like her...which I find incredibly sweet for some reason.

So, we're going to pick him up a week on Saturday. Heading over towards Wales on the Friday and staying with the lovely squeaky_the_pin (which I am almost as excited about as collecting the pup!) and then going to pick him up on the 19th December!

( Picture of his Mum - She had EIGHT pups, bless her! )

ALSO! A very Happy Birthday to brighty18, I hope you have a wonderful day, sweetheart, thanks for being such a great friend.

OMG OMG OMG!!! OH. MY. GOD.

I THINK I JUST RESERVED THE PUPPY.

The lady from Wales sent me some more pictures of him, as she promised and....I can't even articulate right now, he is too cute for words. I have this weird 'love at first sight' feeling about him. All from that tiny photograph I posted last night. I don't even know, guys! XD

So I've emailed to reserve him, but it was late when she sent me the pictures and she probably went straight to bed, so I just have to hope that he's mine! It'll be a nine hour round trip to get him, what the hell am I doing?! Hoping to pick him up on the 19th December if that's OK with her.



( Seriously, you guys, dead from cute. )

I'm sorry my blog has been all Dragon Age, Dragon Age, Dragon Age, Puppy, Dragon Age, Puppy, Puppy, Puppy, lately! Thanks for sticking with me, I love you. ♥

So, if I look at lj daily (which I try to do) then I tend to read my complete flist, including comms. TODAY IT WAS AT SKIP=200! AFTER 24 HOURS! :-O

Where have the snowflakes gone?! I had more to send ;__;! Huge thanks to grlnamedlucifer, kath_ballantyne, fera_festiva, brighty18, slightlytookish and my dearest Anon for the snowflakes that I received today! You all made me very happy :D.

Also, thanks so much to everyone who voted in my poll! I love the names you've chosen, it's made me smile to see that some of the really unusual ones have been picked too! Anyway, I'm sorry to bore everyone with this puppy thing...but do you remember that I said I had to wait until after Christmas for my puppy, as Dad wanted the news to be a surprise on Christmas Day? Mum talked him round! She's convinced him it that it's sensible to tell me beforehand as we have to make plans. So today was the day! He gave me an envelope with an I.O.U., Mum had even bought some house-training pads. OMG, you guys, I can seriously go looking for a puppy NOW, rather than hunt for a tiny one that I have to reserve for a few weeks. It really opens up my options. I've spotted the cutest little guy in Wales (which is like 3hrs away!) but I'm waiting for more photos. I think I'd have to call him Emrys if he was Welsh! XD

This is the tiniest picture, but somehow I've fallen in love with him, he seems full of personality! He's the little chap on the far right of the picture! He's more than six times cheaper than the first dog I looked at, so that would pay for a weekend break to pick him up! But I'm getting ahead of myself. If the pictures are cute, I will post them for you tomorrow. ETA: Oh, and the picture of the child is up on all the puppy websites they're advertising on, so I'm not...y'know, posting private pictures of someone's kid or anything!



And lastly? I want to draw fanart but Christmas things are taking up all my time!

Puppy Update: Alas, despite being completely scrumptious, he wasn't quite the little chap for me. He had a lovely easy-going personality and Jim was completely smitten with him, but...I just didn't fall in love with him! No matter, I'm on the road, guys! I've made a start and there are puppies out there for me :D

So, to celebrate this wonderful feeling of optimism and positivity, here's a provisional poll of dog names. I'm including every name I've even considered! Some of them are loltastic and probably not to be shouted in the park - but knock yourselves out and choose as many as you like! Every single one is fandom related and I do have my favourites already, mainly because I'd like my pup to grow up a little like various characters on my list: Loyal, brave, noble, kind, intelligent, dedicated to duty and honour...and a little goofy sometimes. If you can think of any other names for a little boy, please let me know in the comments! I WANT TO COLLECT ALL THE NAMES! I just know that as soon as I post this I will think of another one!

( You know you want to vote! )

I am full of so much lj love right now, guys. Thank you storyfootprints and maraudersaffair for your lovely v-gifts! They meant the world.

Also, for Dragon Age: Origins fans on Twitter, I am enjoying this rp very muchly! XD

I'm a couple of days behind with LJ, as I was away for the weekend (will catch up tonight!), but I had to give you this update - I'm going to view a puppy in a couple of hours, we just rang the breeder! I'm trying not to get my hopes up, as I haven't seen a photo of him and he might not be the pup for me...but the lady sounded really lovely on the phone and the photo of his brother is just to die for. He'll be ready for me to collect on 21st December, just before Christmas :D. Wish me luck, guys, I'll keep you posted!

Bradley and Colin are on The Paul O'Grady Show. I promised fera_festiva that I would keep her updated whilst she was in the supermarket...but figured I might as well tell you all what was happening too!

So, Paul O'Grady is gay and I got fera_festiva's hopes up by imagining a scenario where he managed to persuade them to come out as a gay couple on live TV. LOLOLOL. No offence meant to the boys, I was just being silly...but that is the tone of this post.

( Live blathering about the show )

Well I finished Dragon Age: Origins last night. It wasn't quite the chocolate boxes and roses ending I'd hoped for (there are twelve different endings) and some decisions I had to make near the end actually made me feel sick. There were sleepless night, people, and EMOTIONS!

Anyway, for the four people on my flist playing DA:O, here is my ending! Don't you dare read this yet, storyfootprints!

( For the Grey Waaaaardens! )

And for everyone else who isn't obsessed with Dragon Age...

FlashForward. ( 1x10: A561984 )

Also, sorry I haven't been posting about Merlin lately, I've had somewhere to be almost every Saturday and I've been so behind. Totally caught up now and managed to watch the latest episode as it aired...which was something of a disappointment. I'd loved the past four episodes, but this one was a bit of a let down. Also, I missed the Bradley and Colin documentary, how on earth did that happen?! I must watch it on YouTube.

No matter how much I like to pretend I'm not an overly girly girl, I'm coming to realise that I do appreciate a big old helping of romance in my video games. You all remember Richard the Dog? My case in point! Now, I know lots of games have romantic storylines, but the kind I like are somewhat different. My favourite kind of games are RPGs where you can create your own character... and the rule amongst my friends is that you have to make yourself. So, in short, I guess I'm saying that I like romance in games where I get to be courted.

I was going to write a very in depth blog about romance in games and the experiences I've had, but you know what? I'm just going to get very over excited about the game that has inspired this post: Dragon Age: Origins. Oh my God. It's a Fantasy game with magic and elves and dwarves and dragons. And Alistair. Lovely, lovely Alistair.

( In which I waffle and flail and quote some raunchy dialogue. Spoilers, obviously! )

You know what? I think all your kind wishes must've done the trick...I'm getting a puppy after Christmas!

This dog issue has really been weighing heavily on me. I couldn't concentrate on anything, just constantly wondering when would be the right time and thinking of things that might help my case. Last Thursday I really had to get my head down and do some work for my ACLIP qualification, but various other things seemed to go wrong (cheques having the wrong date, complications with my disability allowance application) and I just fell apart. I realised I'd been stressed out for months and that I really had to say something. Mum was being so lovely and cheering me up, so when we were alone I decided to tell her how I felt about not having a dog. I sobbed.

She told me that she felt the same way and had already been trying to persuade my Dad that we should be thinking of buying another. I was so happy to have an ally! Honestly, I can't tell you how much better I felt to get everything off my chest. Anyway, I brought up the subject again on Monday, worried that I'd put her in a difficult position and that she might feel as stressed and wretched as I had. She put my mind at rest at the cost of ruining a Christmas surprise (which I did not mind at all)! Apparently she'd spoken to my Dad again over the weekend, after becoming upset about seeing a little puppy across the road from us. Dad gave in! They were going to write me an I.O.U. for Christmas! So my Dad doesn't know that I know and I will  have to wait for late December/early January, but Mum has told me to e-mail some breeders and get on the waiting list for a pup!

So here I am, on the internet, researching Border Collie breeders and puppy schools! I just can't believe it. Thank you all so, so much for your understanding and your advice, I can't tell you how much it meant to me.

OMG, I just got a reply from a breeder who lives in my area who has one little black and white chap still available! He's three weeks old on Friday, so the timing should just work out for late December! I'm not sure which one he is, but she sent me this picture of the litter!

( They're so cute! )

Next on the list, I will post a poll of puppy names, so we can all have a jolly old time ticking boxes! Thank you again, everyone, you're amazing. ♥

So, we went to Oxford last month to visit the Pitt Rivers Collection at the Oxford Museum of Natural History. It was quite a trek from Derbyshire, but it was worth the journey! Lieutenant-General Augustus Henry Lane Fox Pitt Rivers(!) was this archaeologist and collector of everything, in 1884 he donated 20,000 items to the museum...and boy is there some crazy stuff! Amongst those things we found the oft discussed Ballet Dancer Flies! Honestly, it was all incredibly creepy, loads of magical talismans, curses, voodoo, shrunken heads, skulls - the lot! All the labels were hand written and everything was crammed into wooden cabinets. It was a bit a like stepping back in time.

This picspam is pretty epic, I will warn you in advance!It starts off with the Natural History pictures and then moves into the weird and wonderful world of Pitt Rivers, so stick with it!

( You know you want to see those Ballet Dancer Flies )

1) I would just like to declare my love for tundraeternal and ladytelemachus. I love you guys so much, you're so thoughtful and lovely and your letters meant so much to me! What would I do without you? ♥

2) OK, why am I such an idiot? After four episodes of FlashForward, I've only just realised that Lloyd is actually Norrington from PotC. I seriously need to stop crushing on people but omg he's so lovely. Also, FlashForward? Please could you stop making me hate Penny from Lost? I'm having serious issues! I really can't stand Olivia, I was actually shouting at the TV during last week's episode. ARGH! I find her so objectionable.

3) This is the important bit, I need your advice. I am so desperate to get another dog, it's all I can think about. In December it will be six months since we lost Morgan...and she was such a huge part of Christmas, I'm thinking this would be the ideal time to get another. The problem is my parents gave me the "that's it, no more dogs!" speech when we lost her, but then again, they said that ten years ago when we lost our other dog! I've been dropping hints, but I just can't being myself to ask outright, if they said no I would be completely crushed. Every time I try to bring up the subject my voice cracks :'-(.

I just don't know what to do! I'm extremely close to my parents (which is probably why I'm still living at home at 27!) and I know they'd do anything to make me happy...and having another dog would make them happy, I'm sure of it, but I'm so scared of emotional blackmail. ARGH! My Dad said he has no idea what to buy me for Christmas and I suggested that I could write a list. In fact, the list would be a letter, detailing why I'm so desperate for a dog and explaining that I would do everything for this dog, except for the 16 hours I'm at work during the week.

The added complication is that we've just had a new carpet and a new sofa in the living room, but I'd actually like to re-home a rescue dog, so perhaps house training wouldn't even be an issue? I know it's hard for you to judge, not knowing my parents or how we work as a family unit...but is it really cowardly to write a letter rather than ask in person? I just feel that I could say everything I want to without becoming choked up and not being able to express myself very well. What do you think? Please feel free to elaborate in the comments.

Poll #1476884 Is it OK to ask my parents for a dog in a letter?
Open to: All, detailed results viewable to: All, participants: 18

Do you think it's cowardly to tell them how I feel in a letter? Should I bite the bullet and ask them directly?

Hey guys, sorry if I'm not commenting on your entries, I've been plagued by migraines again and can't come online for long. I'll catch up with you all as soon as I'm able! Just wanted to let you know where I'd disappeared to. I hope you're all super. x

I've just re-watched The Assassination of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford, which I enjoyed immensely the first time around, but vowed never to watch again because it was so bleak! I caved and liked it even more the second time. But, omg, guys, I totally forgot that Jesse James died EXACTLY one hundred years before I was born, to the day! April 3rd, 1882! I think I need to update my user info with this fabulous piece of trivia.

( Gratuitous pictures of men from said film are gratuitous )

On Saturday I watched Let The Right One In which I really enjoyed, it was just gorgeous. All the costumes and the sets and the story and the runny nosed blonde boy? ♥

Argh, I have two massive entries to post and I don't think I'm going to get my Arthur mix finished by Saturday, BUT--

1) I am watching Season One of Supernatural. I am liking it a lot :D. I am a convert.

2) I am reading Book One of A Song of Ice and Fire. It is good but not as good as Joe Abercrombie's books. Trying to avoid fandomsecrets is not so good. WHY SO MANY SECRETS?!

3) On Tuesday I went to the most wonderful museum in the world. THERE WERE REAL SHRUNKEN HEADS! And all the notes on the artefacts were handwritten. I am uploading photos as we speak, there will be a blog, you can be sure of it.

4) I have just finished my course of Isotretinoin (Accutane). It's been a hard four months and the side effects haven't been pleasant, but my skin is totally clear now and gradually getting back into good condition. I just hope the spots don't come back now that I've stopped taking the pills. I'm scared.

5) I think I've only whined to two of you about this (I love you guys), but my library is closed for repairs at the moment (for two months) and I'm having to visit other local branches and work where I'm needed. If I don't find anywhere to work then I don't get paid, they won't provide hours for me, I can only work if someone else is off sick - I'm pretty sure this isn't legal *brandishes contract!* I got myself into a real state about it, because I thought I was getting a rough deal and my boss was being pretty unkind, but I've resolved to smile and get on with it, because the alternative was making me ill. Today I went to work at a library a few villages away. They have a castle there. I took this photo on my phone as I was walking from the bus stop. Seriously, how cool is that? It's like a fifteen minute bus ride from my house. So it's not all bad :D



6) I want a puppy so badly. I'm actually making lists of names already. I just can't live without a dog...but I'm afraid to approach my parents in case they say no. What am I going to doooo? I've been dropping massive hints, but actually asking the question feels like such a big deal. December is going to be so hard without my little Morgan, she was so amazing and funny at Christmas time :(. Argh! Honestly, sometimes I think the only thing keeping me going at the moment is the hope that I can have another dog. Ffffffffffffffffffff. Anyway, yes, doing stupid stuff like making a list of extremely bizarre/fandom related names cheers my heart. Who wants a poll to name my unborn and un-promised puppy? Ticky boxes? Merlin is topping my list at the moment. IDEK.

7) I love you guys. Truly.

8) There is a ghostly smell of perfume in my room right now! :-O

Oh my goodness, I'm so excited about series two :D even though I've already seen tonight's episode, because yeah, I really am that cool. So I've made a fanmix! Or two! I've honestly been working on this for months, I hope you like it! This one is from Merlin's perspective and hopefully I'll have Arthur's ready to post for the next episode!

Medium: Television.
Fandom: Merlin.
Subject: Merlin/Arthur.
Title: My Timid Young Fingers.
Warnings: Slash, silliness. No spoilers as such.
Notes: A look at Merlin/Arthur from Merlin's perspective. 16 songs by the likes of The Shins, Eels and Of Montreal. All songs are MP3s, uploaded individually or in a RAR file hosted by Mediafire, the link is at the bottom of the page. Massive thanks to the wonderful derryere for track 15. All comments will be cherished!
Preview:



( My Timid Young Fingers )