This entry does not mark my dramatic return. Indeed, I am actually quite content with my post-LJ existence. I do, however, miss some of you quite keenly. That is not to say that I have plans of once again engrossing myself in my flist. I really haven't the time, to be quite honest. I leave in two days for the East Coast (hence the purpose of this entry) and will once again find myself incommunicado, for at least a few weeks. Upon my return, I doubt very much that I will find the desire/will to pass my summer chained to a keyboard and monitor. The outside air is entirely too sweet.

I do, however, wish to somewhat stay in contact with those here who have enriched my life beyond measure. And so I'm offering post cards from P.E.I. and Nova Scotia, to those that wish them.

I have screened the comments in this entry, so please feel free to reply with your name and address. Be warned, however, that you may fall victim to random Victorian-esque letters from me in the not-so-distance future, as I am occasionally compelled to spend my evenings chained to pen and paper.

Finally, so as not to deviate entirely from what the purpose of this journal once was, I will announce that I have completed my review of Decoding the Subtext. I will announce this in cox_and_co, but for those who do not frequent said community...

Decoding the Subtext.

333 single-spaced Word pages. 153,000 words. 60 essays. 11 months in the making. All in the name of Holmes/Watson subtext. I am, of course, thrilled that it is this project which concludes my time in fandom.

I have yet, of course, to print and bind a copy for myself, so if I have missed any typos/grammatical errors, please do point them out.

I have also completed a very lengthy review of The BBC's Complete Sherlock Holmes, aka, Bert Coules' masterpiece, and a review of the film Without a Clue.

There is entirely too much happening in my own life to touch on even a fraction of it here, so for now I will merely say farewell, not, perhaps, forever, but for a spell.

The other day, I was flipping through the radio stations and stumbled across an interview with Zaib Shaikh. For those that don't know, Zaib is a Canadian actor/comedian who currently stars on CBC's Little Mosque on the Prairie.

That is not, however, where I know him from. A while back, some of you may recall, I spent some time not sleeping, and in doing so ended up watching a late night soap opera called Metropia. Zaib played a character named Jayesh. Now, some of you may also recall me writing Metropia fanfiction for Rajeev/Jayesh --who really were very endearing.

Here's where the story gets stranger.

The two guys interviewing Zaib (on the radio) couldn't stop obsessing over Zaib's outfit. Apparently, according to them, Zaib's outfit was reminiscent of a gay Sherlock Holmes. This then led into a debate over whether or not Sherlock Holmes was gay. His "relationship" with Watson was brought up several times, as was his aversion to women.

The above story made me rather giddy, as a) I do so love fanish connections, and b) it is nice to know that slashers are not the only ones seeing the Holmes/Watson, and, finally, c) from what little I've seen of Zaib, he seems rather trendy, which can only mean that Victorian garb is coming back into style, and, if so, yay! Top hats, people; top hats!

omg, omg, omg, omg, omg, omg, omg! Squee! Dude, new Sherlock Holmes movie! And, okay, it won't be authentic, but I don't care. It's Sherlock Holmes! Sherlock-fucking-Holmes, people! Squee!

Well, this is it. I can't honestly say I ever thought I'd get here. I think I will likely take a small hiatus now (a week or two) just to recovery from, well, seven months of obsession. I can still be reached via email (and, of course, I will respond to comments/discussions on this post). When I get back, I shall start the long process of editing this, so if in that time you find yourself reading one of the essays and notice a typo/word substitution/grammatical error/etc. please feel free to let me know --it'll certainly make the process easier.

I think my next project will consist of some more reviews, and, of course, my chronology. There are some fanish things I'm dabbling with as well. Later, though, because I think I might sleep for a good solid week. Yes, the reaction is already upon me. I shall be as limp as a rag for a week.

Anyway...

( Decoding the Subtext: The Lion's Mane, His Last Bow )

Right, still (mostly) not here, but I did have a chance to edit these, so...

Oh. There are only 2 stories left after this one. How incredibly tragic. I am so going to weep like a little girl, aren't I? Crap. I hate my overly sentimental brain.

( Decoding the Subtext: The Mazarin Stone, The Creeping Man )

This, I suspect, should be an interesting week. Let's see...

Today I have a follow up appointment with my NP. Tomorrow I go in for a colonoscopy (fun, yo). Wednesday is doom's day (Mole and I are going to go out to a fancy restaurant and stage a fight, complete with crying --heh). Thursday I may catch up on sleep, provided, of course, Wednesday doesn't land me in jail. Friday I have my work xmas party (that they call a winter party and have in February --and also, I so have nothing to wear). Saturday I shall be hung over (see Friday). And Sunday I'll be driving through a forecasted blizzard on my way to Barrie so that I can celebrate my sister's (belated) birthday.

Huh. Guess I won't be around this week.

Also, I just installed the latest version of Sony Vegas on my machine, so I really won't be around much (except, of course, to post the remainder of my decodings).

( Decoding the Subtext: The Three Gables )

And, what the hell, here's a film review.

( SH and the Deadly Necklace )

I suppose, in addition to sharing some film reviews, I really ought to cast aside my penchant for anti-social behaviour and share some life-related things.

Let's see.

I'm back in to see my naturopath on Monday, but I don't expect anything to change. I still feel utterly fantastic health wise. Someone even commented the other day that I look all glow-y. I suspect this is likely related to the mass quantities of almonds I am eating.

I'm in on Tuesday to see the specialist (this is the appointment I've been waiting for since September --go Canadian health care system!). I can't honestly say I feel the need to see a specialist (as my NP appears to have cured me nicely), but considering how long I had to wait for an appointment, I'm still going to go.

I'm still struggling with the whole quitting fic thing (I'm so serious about wanting to do this, damn it!) but I'm certainly doing better than I was.

On the reading front, I have been slowly consuming Anne of Green Gables stories (I just finished Anne of Avonlea). I'm debating whether to read the entire series (as well as the Emily of New Moon series) simply because I don't think I ever have (I've exhausted the books I own, anyway). I only really wanted to read the first book, but I have this thing about unfinished projects... my brain is my worst enemy.

So, yes, next up with either be Anne of the Island or something new (Bronte? Austen? Collins? Dickens? --I foresee a trip to the library this weekend). I've also come to the conclusion that so much of English literature is derived from the Bible. This, of course, means that I feel the sudden urge to read the Bible. I've read parts, mostly before my excommunication and subsequent conversion to atheism --actually, can an atheist even read the Bible, or is that sacrilegious? What I need, though, is a reading the Bible for dummies, because I'm pretty sure you can't just pick it up and start at page one. Well, you could, but boredom would likely drive you to drink/suicide long before you made it past Genesis.

On the SH front, I have a couple of essays to type, and then a couple more stories to decode, and then I'm done with that project (save the edit). I'm now on my second listening of Bert Coules' SH Radio Dramatization, which means I'm writing reviews for each of the episodes. I anticipate completing this mid summer. I'm not reading anything aside from Canon, but that will likely change after my trip to the library. Oh, yes, and then there are films. Speaking of which...

( Rathbone in Terror by Night, and Massey in The Speckled Band )

Well, I was going to include a film review, but The Blanched Soldier got a little long, so that'll have to wait for another day. Oddly enough, BLAN fits easily on my top ten slashiest SH stories list. This despite the lack of Holmes/Watson. Ah, Godfrey/James, would that someone would write fanfiction for you. No, seriously, has anyone? Because that's a pairing I would really like to read. Guh. So freaking cute.

Anyway, this is a day late because yesterday sort of fell out from under me. Um, yeah; I don't know either.

Decoding the Subtext: The Red Circle, The Blanched Soldier

( The Red Circle and The Blanched Soldier )

There are only 7 stories remaining at this point (although I've finished 2 and those I will type up and post on Monday), and I am quite deliberately dragging my heels.  It's so heartbreaking to think about finishing (even though there are so many things I want to do once I've completed this project).  Still, I've been working on this for months now, and so it's going to be really difficult to walk away from what has been one of the most enjoyable fanish projects I have undertaken.

Anyway.  I simply adore this story.  It's so classically Holmes and Watson (and Holmes/Watson).  The story is interesting, the subtext is rich and plentiful...  it's all around fantastic.  Plus, Holmes totally gets his ass kicked and Watson gets to play *cough* doctor.  Heh.

Decoding the Subtext: The Illustrious Client

( The Illustrious Client, who, btw, is apparently King Edward )


I'm going to also try to post a few film reviews over the next few days, because I've been watching entirely too many of these.  We'll start with A Study in Scarlet, because it was the most disappointing of all the films I've seen.

( A Study in Scarlet, with Reginald Owen )

I suspect I may need your good thoughts this weekend. I'm heading up to Collingwood to help move my grandmother into an assisted living home. She does not wish to do this, but as she is suffering from dementia, we really don't have much choice (she's no longer fully able to take care of herself). This normally wouldn't be a problem, except that she is prone to fits of violence. I imagine I shall return from the adventure much battered and bruised. Fun times.

Before I disappear for two days (possibly longer, because she once threw a tea kettle at my uncle's head and landed him in the hospital for an overnight stay), I thought I would post my next decoding. Despite my uncertainties regarding its place in the chronology (and on occasion its validity) Lady Frances Carfax is still a surprisingly slashy story. So much so that it gets its own post. I suspect the slash is largely due to the bathhouses. I mean, really, can anyone picture men bathing with other men, being massaged by other men, and having their shoes tied for them without picturing gay sex? Because I can't.

Decoding the Subtext: Lady Frances Carfax

( The Disappearance of the Lady Frances Carfax )

Woe! We come at last to The Three Garridebs, and while I have long anticipated this moment, I have feared it too, for its coming (and the completion of this essay) has left my heart hollow. Never again shall I witness this moment and seek out its subtext.

The story, for those that don't know, marks the pinnacle of Holmes and Watson's relationship, for it is here that Holmes proposes, and Watson, graciously, accepts.

In fact, the story can be summarized as follows:

Holmes and Watson take on an unusual case involving a man with an unusual surname. Amidst their investigation, Watson is shot. Holmes, horrified, cradles Watson in his arms and begs Watson not to die. Watson, simultaneously blushing and swooning at this display of blatant affection, tells Holmes that it is a mere scratch. Holmes, not trusting Watson's words, tears Watson's trousers off with a pen knife. He pauses momentarily to admire the curve of Watson's erection (trapped within his undergarments --because let's face it, Watson totally got off on all this danger) before remembering himself and then, upon seeing that the wound is quite superficial, he confesses his relief, cops a quick feel, and then turns to the man who shot Watson and threatens to beat him to death for daring to hurt Holmes' beloved Watson. The story ends with Holmes carrying Watson back to Baker Street, where he cleans and dresses the wound, and then undresses and dirties Watson. The next morning, they are officially married --rings and all. It's very lovely, and slashy beyond comprehension.

Decoding the Subtext: The Three Garridebs

( Three Garridebs, aka Doyle does h/c )

I was actually going to leave this until Monday, but I want to post Three Garridebs on Monday, and that needs to be posted on its own --it's a very important story, what with the confessions of love and Holmes' frantic destruction of Watson's clothes. So, while this is not one of my longer essays, I shall post it now, alone.

Decoding the Subtext: Shoscombe Old Place

(  Shoscombe Old Place )


On that note, I'm off for the weekend (kind of) so I shall be back on Monday with more subtext and possibly a story regarding the follies of soldering in sub-zero temperatures.

Gah. This week has been hell. I can't remember the last time I was so busy. It's never-ending, and it's driving me crazy.

Finally, though, I was able to set aside some time to type up some subtext reports. I'd completely forgotten how slashy The Priory School was, so I'm going to post it on its own. There will be a film review, too, because Rathbone and his crazy pimp hat make me happy.

Decoding the Subtext: The Priory School

( The Priory School )


Next up, we have a review. Sadly, I am still missing a single torrent to complete my Rathbone collection, and I do still want to re-watch some of the earlier films, but both of those things will have to wait for another day.

( The Scarlet Claw )

So I'm iced in today, which means I intend to spend the day catching up on everything (domestic) that I missed over the weekend.  I shall attempt to read my flist later tonight, but I certainly won't count on getting comments from me.  On the plus side, I have thoroughly cleaned all of my sites, and they are now ready to transfer around should the need arise.

Randomly; I am slightly concerned about spatial anomalies today.  I am completely unprepared for any kind of cosmic event.  I mean, what would I do if a worm hole opened in my living room and sucked me into an alternate dimension?  Clearly, this is something I need to be concerned with.  I think the first goal is physical conditioning.  I need to be able to handle that kind of gravitational pull.  Huh.  I must ponder this.  Also, I need to start carrying things in my pockets, because I may not have time to grab my purse.  Only relevant, survival related things, but yes.

Decoding the Subtext: The Six Napoleons, Thor Bridge

( Six Napoleons, Thor Bridge )

I honestly can't remember the last time I was this thrilled to see a Friday. I think I need to spend the entire weekend curled up on my couch, alternating between reading, sleeping, and watching SH films. Yes. That should about do it.

Anyway, more decodings, this time we have CAM, which is a fantastic story. If you haven't read it (and you probably should), it can be summed up as follows:

Holmes is being blackmailed for teh gay. He doesn't want Watson to know (ohnoes!) and so he fabricates a client (seriously, we never meet her). He can't afford to buy back his porn, so he breaks into the blackmailer's house and, in a turn of luck, gets to witness the man's murder. Squeeing, Holmes dashes out of his hiding place (once the murder has fled) and destroys everything in Milverton's safe (including his porn, woe!). Then, the police hot on their heels, Holmes and Watson make a mad dash for Baker Street, where, upon their arrival, Watson tells Holmes to cut the bull and just come out of the damned closet already. Watson knows all about the porn, and faced with Watson's persistence, Holmes is forced to admit that, yes; he does indeed like buttsex. Watson concurs, and they spend the next twelve hours locked inside of Holmes' bedroom.

Decoding the Subtext: Charles Augustus Milverton

( CAM )

As promised, more decodings. Next up, we have Charles Augustus Milverton, which is a fantastic story (fantastic enough that it has provided enough fuel to spawn a dozen or so slash fics, from what I've seen, anyway). Hopefully I'll have that done by Friday (or Saturday).

Decoding the Subtext: The Dancing Men & The Retired Colourman

( Dancing Men, Retired Colourman )

And so we come to another of my favourite stories.  For those that have read it, I need not explain the reasons it lists among my favourites, but for those that haven't, perhaps I can simply sum up the theme.

Holmes gets sick.  Watson, frantic with worry, takes Holmes on vacation so that he might nurse Holmes back to health.  Holmes gets sidetracked with a case (much to Watson's chagrin).  The case eventually leads to an experiment which will risk Holmes and Watson's lives and/or sanity.  Watson saves Holmes from eventual destruction.  Holmes apologizes profusely.  Holmes then tells Watson that he loves him.  Watson blushes, and then admits the same.  Finally, they have sex on the beach.  It's really very, very slashy.

Decoding the Subtext: The Devil's Foot

( The Devil's Foot )

ETA: Also, dude, it's Sherlock Holmes' birthday today. He's 153, and still going strong.

I wanted to wait and post this with The Devil's Foot, because they're kind of related in a lot of ways, but, naturally, the Devil's Foot got quite long, and so it'll have to be posted on its own.  Tomorrow, perhaps?  We shall have to see what the weekend brings, as I have quite a few things on my plate (the story of this week, really, and next week, no doubt). 

I'm thinking I may, after this series is done, take a small hiatus so that I can lock myself in my room and read copiously.  On today's agenda is a trip to the library, where I intend to pick up a small list of Sherlockian works, and the first few books on my list of Victorian era literature. 

I've also included in my pile Anne of Green Gables (partly because we'll be going to PEI this summer, and partly because I read some Anne fic the other day and it made me nostalgic).  Then, I do believe a re-reading of Tolkien is in order (stupid Legolas/Gimli infesting my brain).  And, of course, I'd rather like to re-read Don Quixote, because I've been listening to that song, Feel Good Inc, and the windmill part of the song brings to mind his crazy-assed adventures.

Long story short, there are books piling up beside my bed, and as I'm feeling incredibly anti-social, I think withdrawing into my imagination is exactly the thing to do.  Huh, I wonder when George RR Martin's next book is due out.  I think it's a Dani book, isn't it?  Dance with Dragons... Dragons... Dani --it stands to reason.

Anyway...

Decoding the Subtext: The Abbey Grange

( The Abbey Grange )

I was half asleep last night when Mole came in and dropped a pile of mail on my stomach. Turns out he forgot to check our box this week. I forgave him, though, because it's impossible to scold someone when you're too busy squeeing over cards and presents.

_grayswandir_! How utterly fantastic. I adore the H/W picture, and the tea made my mouth water (particularly the blueberry, because who doesn't like blueberry). I can't wait to have my morning tea now. Thank you so much.

I also received a lovely (and very much in character) card from House and Wilson. God, they are so married (and House is so whipped). A million thanks to aesc for forwarding that along. *g*

tikiberry, I got your card as well, so thank you so much.

And now for some more Sherlock Holmes:

This is about where I get all twitchy about wanting to do a relationship chronology, because both of these stories (MISS more so than SUSS) contain some interesting elements which would be entirely more interesting were they framed within a proper chronology. The subtext of Canon is a thousand times more potent when one examines Holmes and Watson's relationship in chronological order.

That, however, is a goal for the summer. For now, we are a mere 19 stories away from completing this series (ignoring, of course, the final edit, which will take some months), which is both exciting for me, and depressing as hell. I'm sure I'll be fine, as there is no shortage of SH-related material and projects to keep me occupied for a lifetime. This is, of course, of no importance to any of you, and so we'll jump right to the good stuff.

Decoding the Subtext: The Sussex Vampire, and The Missing Three-Quarter

( Sussex Vampire, Missing Three-Quarter )