Hello from NC

[taimdala]

Hello everyone,

A quick intro:

I've been a Russeller since January of 2003. I picked up BEEK on a lark, desperate for something to read while recovering from the passing of my mother...and as with my discovery of the Holmes Canon when I was a despondent uprooted teen of 15, my discovery of Russell helped me win through a life-defining event. Needless to say, the opening paragraph of BEEK's first chapter grabbed my attention and its retroactive synchronicity made it impossible to put the book down until I'd finished it. I was sleep deprived the next day, but energized and restored.

That sent me via a rather circuitous route to this very forum, with stops on the way to The Beekeeper's Holmespage, RUSS-L, Laurie's website, San Francisco, and always with other Russellers who have shared their time, their enthusiasm, and their support as I took my first steps in the amazing world of internet fandom.

In that time, I learned to make Word documents, send emails, browse the web, even try my hand at writing fan fic...and now there's no turning back.

I heard of the VBC through my subscription to Laurie's newsletter. So, with the points of my journey thus far firmly marked on the map....onward and upward! ;)

[spiston]

Welcome!

I also came upon BEEK in the wake of my own mother's untimely death in the autumn of 2003 and found the distraction most pleasurable. The Russell world had been a safe and comfortable place to retreat to ever since. I have found that communicating with others with similar experiences has been most instructive throughout the grieving process - should you wish to talk about any of it I would be delighted.

Is your fan fiction posted on the Hive or LOM? I would like to read your stuff...

[vicki]

Welcome, taimdala! I'm so glad you were able to identify with Russell and find comfort in her story, just as spiston did when her mom died (btw--hi, spiston!). Gad, it's tough to lose your mom at any age, but at 15, and as you're being uprooted--that's just dreadful. It's hard enough to get through your teens with both parents around and no life-complications. You've been on quite a journey, and it sounds like you've learned a lot--both about yourself and the world outside you.


That sent me via a rather circuitous route to this very forum, with stops on the way to The Beekeeper's Holmespage, RUSS-L, Laurie's website, San Francisco, and always with other Russellers who have shared their time, their enthusiasm, and their support as I took my first steps in the amazing world of internet fandom.


I've long been on RUSS-L, too (although I mostly lurk) and I look in on LoM pretty often. We're lucky to have several strong communities where the Russell fans can gather, share and network.

I look forward to seeing you around the VBC, taimdala!

[Jennifer]

I was very moved to read your story. I heard LRK in an interview where she said her BEEK had resonated with teen girls but there's also your loss that you have experienced and that you share in common with MRH. It was good to know that the story helped you. I fell in love with MRH's interaction with Holmes, how she gave him an opportunity to grow and find a way to express deep love w/o losing his sense of self and independence. That's a very fine line to walk. Anyways, I wanted to say hello to a fellow North Carolinian. I grew up in NC but moved away in 1993. I still miss my home state! I grieved for a long time. But I digress. Hope to hear much more from you on the list. Your voice is clear and strong.
Jen D.