I’ve got some bad news and some good news for today’s blog. Bad news is, this is my worst portrait so far. From a drawing point of view I mean. You’d think practice would make you better, but sometimes it doesn’t. Well, I guess I’ll have to practice more. Good news is that, while my portrait doesn’t do Amanda Abbington justice, by far, the small interview that follows certainly does. My friend Ramona, who has met this lovely lady a few times, shared her inspiration and some insights into her own life. It takes a lot of courage to do that, if you‘re not a verbal exhibitionist like I am.
Alice: Why did you choose Amanda Abbington as your most inspiring person?
Ramona: First of all she’s an incredible actress. I discovered her in 2016 when I started watching BBC‘s Sherlock and I immediately fell in love with her. I couldn't believe I hadn't heard of her before. Amanda has a unique way of transporting emotions, so honest and raw, it hit me right in the heart. So I started immersing myself deep into her work and watched everything I could get my hands on. Having undoubtedly found my new favorite actress, I naturally wanted to know more about her.
What I experienced over the next months as I read through all the newspaper articles, interviews and her Twitter account, ultimately changed my life. To hear how Amanda talks about life, how she stands up for what’s right, how she encourages other people and never loses her humour - that inspired me like nothing else had before. She is such a powerful, funny and feisty woman who doesn’t let anybody ban her mouth, but at the same time can honestly admit when she has made a mistake. She stands by her own vulnerability and insecurities, which makes her even more beautiful and strong. Suddenly I knew: This was the kind of woman I wanted to be.
Alice: Tell me how Amanda Abbington has influenced your development as a person?
Ramona: I’m an anxious person by nature and have withdrawn myself more and more into my comfort zone in the last couple of years. Particularly travelling scared me, so I just didn't do it anymore. What made me finally get back on a plane after ten years was the great desire to see Amanda on stage in London. I was rewarded not only with a brilliant performance on stage, but also with the chance to meet Amanda in person, which was more beautiful than I ever could have imagined. This woman is the most loving and kind person I have ever met. I utterly adore her.
After experiencing this, I realized it was worth tearing down my walls. I admired Amanda's open, loving nature, but mostly ran around with a suspicious, grumpy face myself. That didn't feel right anymore. So I started standing up for myself and stating my opinions. With trembling hands, but all beginnings are difficult. I remembered her kindness and started to smile at strangers and sometimes even to myself in the mirror. It was hard, but I put myself out there and made new friends. And I started telling people that I love them. Thanks to Amanda, I simply try to be a better person.
