Those We Have Lost - a look back at those connected with the world of sci-fi and fantasy who died in 2009. Thanks for the memories. I send you all a quiet smile and the warm feeling that you gave me.

I have finally emerged from the glorious goodness of Kung-Fu: The Legend Continues. Since David Carradine's death in June, I have been making my way through all four series of the show and loving every minute of it. It's an action cop show, yet is also a study and exploration of spirituality, of how we live our lives. It's full of questions and challenges and it's pretty stunning. Also I adore the cast of reoccurring characters. Kermit Griffin is my favourite - ex-mercenary with a very mysterious past, possibly has a son, and never takes off his dark green sunglasses. If this show had come out after fandom exploded, it would be HUGE and Kermit would be everyone's favourite to fanfic. But the others are all so good too. There's so many to write about and explore. This quote made me cry in the final episode. It's poignant, especially after Carradine's death:

Peter: (to his precinct colleagues) When I was a very young boy, my father came and told me that my mother had died. I ran to the pond to look for her reflection standing over me. But it wasn't there and I learned to swim alone. As a cop, whenever I was in danger, I'd look for a reflection and I'd always see one or all of you standing behind me and that gave me the courage to go on. I'll be around, but if you ever need somebody, look for my reflection.

I urge you, look this show up on hulu or youtube. All the episode are there and they are made to be enjoyed. I cannot recommend this show enough, really I can't. Also a young David Hewlett is in the reoccurring cast and is a delight.

Fave fics I've found so far:
A Day in the Life - a day of Paul Blaisdell's life and all he faces as Captain of the 101st Precinct and Peter's foster father. Captures the squad room so perfectly.
Promises to Keep - another dragonswing is formed, with Kermit and Peter looking to rescue Blaisdell. Intense and really nails the feel of the show, especially the dragonswing episodes.

Caine: Try to think of tonight as its own remembrance.
Peter: Why?
Caine: Because it is all that separates us from tomorrow.

Edward Woodward 1930 - 2009
A terrific actor who mastered the art of coiled rage. He will never be forgotten thanks to his lead role in the cult horror film, The Wicker Man, and as the title characters in TV classics Callan and The Equalizer. I will love him forever for his Harry Malone on short-lived show CI5: The New Professionals. He died peacefully in Cornwall surrounded by friends and family.

Tribute to Edward Woodward by Edgar Wright - who directed him in Hot Fuzz. Truly heartfelt and lovely.

My laptop mousepad refuses to respond so I'm forced to use a normal mouse all plugged in. I am scrambling to find someone to fix it. Maybe Jon's housemate who has so much computery knowledge?

Spent the past weekend in Cornwall with the parentals and went to see White Christmas at the theate. It's a wonderful traditional musical, adapted well from the awesome film. And they made it snow indoors! I was delighted. Go and see it people, either in Plymouth or when it moves to Salford soon. A great way to get into the festive spirit.

Busy busy busy. It's not even Halloween yet and already I am preparing for Christmas. It's that Dalrymple side of me coming out to assert control, more than usual anyway. I have presents bought for half my family and am struggling to think of something for little sis. The plan is to take those presents, wrapped and presentable, down with me when I visit the parents in November so that I have less to haul with me on December 24th when Anthony and I make our way there for Christmas itself. Travelling on trains is hard enough at Christmas without the lumpy awkward baggage of presents.

I also feel as though I am spreading my wings and jumping off from a great height as I fire off emails to all those far and wide who work computers and cameras at church for that great difficulty of my year - organising the Christmas rota for church service visuals. There are many services and naturally, my operators want to enjoy their own Christmases. But still, eager young Adam, only twelve and already straining at the leesh, is keen to do many duties now that he has learnt what to do and I have found wonderful Doug, computer sciences student who knows his Red Dwarf, who wants to learn everything. I'm gonna get him to ferret out more of his fellow students to join team, as we losing the ever wonderful and man of all answers, Jeremy as his work shifts him to Salisbury. I shall miss his reassuring presence very much so. Also the fantastic Mr Todd wishes to break away but has agreed to be emergencies only Pray for me and send all good thoughts that I would get this all fixed and ready by middle of next month.

Alas, we lose another. RIP Barry Letts. The man who produced the Jon Pertwee era of Doctor Who, who created the character of Sarah-Jane Smith, and who cast Tom Baker in the role and so changed everything. I feel I owe him so much and wish I'd met him to tell him so. Thinking of him gives me a warm nostalgic feeling. Today, I found a lovely message from his family to the fans. It says all it needs to:

"Barry always had a warm respect for the fans of Dr Who. As Barry’s family, we would like to thank everyone for their good wishes on the websites and forums following the news that Barry had died. We have been very touched that the many messages and tributes show such an appreciation and understanding, both of his work and of the very kind and wise man that Barry was."

RIP Stephen Gately (1976 - 2009)

I didn't know until Anthony told me last night. Stephen was only 33 years old. No news yet on what caused his death. He was a member of Irish boyband Boyzone and was my very first popstar crush. He was also one of the first popstars to come out as gay and the first boyband member to do so. I can't quite believe he's gone. He was a big part of my childhood, a poster on my wall and a video I watched again and again. My thoughts and prayers go out to his civil partner, Andrew, and all this family and friends. No one should leave us that young.

I believe in love, it's the best of everything
I believe in hope, and the changes it can bring
If you believe that nothing can stand in your way
Just say, I believe
- 'I Believe' by Stephen Gately

RIP Patrick Swayze (1952 - 2009)

"Patrick was a rare and beautiful combination of raw masculinity and amazing grace. Gorgeous and strong, he was a real cowboy with a tender heart" - Jennifer Grey

Dancer. Actor. Singer-songwriter. He fought cancer heroically and honestly. I admire him for that more than anything else.

Empire have summed him up nicely with this notification of his death.
And also provided a wonderful article and list of Why Patrick Swayze Kicked Ass, which is just perfect and really makes me want to experience more of his films.

Also RIP Keith Floyd, TV chef.

My first real experience of TV cookery and a firm favourite of my Dad. I have many memories of sitting by our living room fire and watching his show, my hair drying after swimming. I feel actually really emotional thinking about him gone, even though I haven't watched any of his shows for years. He's such a part of my childhood and I know he inspired so many people.

In a year's time, I shall be getting married. At 3pm on this day. It feels more than slightly surreal. But kinda exciting too :) Yay. My Dad sent me a sweet email commemorating the occasion. He surprises me sometimes in the best ways.

Thoughts go to all those grieving and remembering 2001 today. I'll be lighting a candle and sending my prayers and good thoughts your way.

RIP John Hughes

There will never be another like you, who understood teenagers on such a wonderful level. Your films are not just pieces of 80s nostalgia, they still stand up and are loved by each new generation that discovers them. For me, it's The Breakfast Club that stands out. I can't thank you enough for it. I see myself in both the Basket Case and the Nerd and it was a wonderful gem to find.

There can be no finer tribute than this - the account of a teenager he became penpals with. It has to be read. Especially after this.

Thank you, John Hughes. For understanding us and putting us out there, for connecting with us, for making us laugh and for making us hopeful. For everything.

Today would have been Granny P's birthday. Mum and I had a sweet sorrowful conversation about it all. Mum was feeling a little funny as she today she found the courage and strength to go pick up her mother's ashes from the crematorium. She plans on scattering them at one of the beaches Granny P frequented during her childhood and that she always told stories about later. I wish I could be there for it, just to feel it all, you know? But I know that Mum, Dad and Ali will do a wonderful job of it. As Mum said, she was likely to get the giggles at the solemn nature of it and then she'd think of Granny laughing at her and telling her off. She might have done it today.