The Best of Binky's Johnny Weir Blog: the photo of him lying on the ice brings tears to my eyes

Johnny in Sun Valley, July 2011.

Please click twice for glorious full-size view.

Sometimes my life as a blogger is really really amazing. Entirely through no fault of my own.

Yesterday brought me two unexpected gifts from two extremely kind souls. First, someone very dear to me surprised me with an early Christmas present that has left me breathless with joy because it means we will be heading to Pennsylvania a few days before Christmas to enjoy Holiday Dreams On Ice in Philly.

Squeeeeeeeeeeee!!! And thank you so much!!!

(And OMG, Ruth and Bernadette: I can't wait to meet you!!)

Secondly: Some of you might remember the photo above, which was posted to Johnny's fan page by photographer Diana Dumbadse after his performance at Sun Valley this year, for all to gasp over and share. It's one of the few photos that really captures what it's like to see him perform live in this particular costume; as my dear friend Mimi Dzyacky said when she saw it: "This is the part when you kind of feel like you are being taken to a Swarovski-crystal-encrusted dream... this photo is exactly what it feels like to watch JGW skate..."

And now I can have that feeling all the time, because one lovely, lovely Johnny fan that we'll call "D" went to the time, trouble, and expense to have this photo printed out as an absolutely stunning 24x32 canvas and sent to me as a gift.

Because she just wanted to say thank you to me for writing this blog.

It arrived yesterday, and was immediately hung in a place of honor in the living room where I can see it from where I usually lie sprawled on the couch like I'm still 15, surrounded by chocolate and various remotes:

And she also included this awesome watch made with a photo of Johnny from the LA Pride Parade on its face--just because. :)

Her thoughtfulness and generosity have left me basically speechless. Which for me is a thing that mostly only happens when I'm trying to say hello to Johnny.

D and I have never met in real life, though we've corresponded a bit by email. On my birthday in August this year, she wrote:

"I wish to thank you for brightening my day with your Misfit Mimes blog. I have been an avid fan of Johnny Weir for about a year, and since I discovered your blog, I am eager to fly down the stairs every morning (I am on West coast time), lift the lid and wake up the sleeping portal and patiently wait for pages to load--first for Johnny's tweets, then his Facebook [LOL. That's exactly what I do, too], and then, on most days, to find--to my great joy--a blog from you.

"I would like to compliment you on your writing style, your wit, your energy, and your dedication to keeping us mere mortals updated on the antics of the object of our mutual adoration. You make my day."

Dearest D, you have totally made my day, my week, my month, and pretty much my whole year.

And so, during this week of Thanksgiving here in the US, may I just say: Thank you, thank you, thank you, D, so very much. I don't mean to embarrass you by posting about your gift--but it's just so amazing that I couldn't not write about it (I seem to have recovered nicely from that speechless thing...).

And how wonderful is it that Johnny inspires such kindness and thoughtfulness? I have met, either virtually or in real life, so many fabulous people because of him. I'm so thankful for that, and for all of you who take the time to stop by here and read, squee over the latest pictures, and enjoy following along as I continue to revel in my happy addiction.

And so in return, may I pay it forward by offering you all this gift: a new photo from Davey (yes, Robin, one of the ones I mentioned the other day!) taken at ITNY rehearsal--plus Johnny in his own words, which I think illuminate why he has such a powerful impact on so many through what he does--and who he is.

Please be sure to click the photo twice for breathtakingly huge full-size view.

Quote from the fascinating and beautiful ten-part interview of Johnny by Shigesato Itoi, August-September 2010 (alternate translation). If you haven't read this interview before, please go roll around in it now; if you have, now is as good a time as any to go back and revisit it. It's wonderful. ♥

ITNY rehearsal photo © David Ingogly.

HEY!!! We did it!!

Johnny is a finalist for

"Must-Follow Athlete on Social Media"

in the 5th Annual Mashable Awards!!

IT'S KIND OF A BIG DEAL. Mashable gets more than 50 million page views per month, and has been named by Time Magazine as one of the top 25 blogs on the Internet.

He's up against some stiff competition from Yuna Kim and John Cena, among others, but hey--we're really good at voting! We can do this!

He's also in some amazing company: As Megan Gusinski pointed out, finalists in other categories include The Trevor Project, NOH8, GLAAD, and Ellen Degeneres, so you might want to do some additional voting while you're on Mashable's site.

Voting ends on Friday, December 16, and the winners will be announced on Monday, December 19. Just click the graphic above or at the top righthand side of the blog to be taken directly to the voting page for Johnny.

You can vote once per day per Twitter and Facebook account. Please VOTE VOTE VOTE!!!

And this also made my heart full of happy. ♥

West Coast fans! Come see Johnny perform

at Union Square Ice Rink as part of Macy's Great Tree Lighting

in San Francisco! From Macy's website:

"Visit the MAC Cosmetics tent during the day
for holiday beauty tips, and be sure to come back
after Johnny Weir's performance

to meet the Olympian in person."!!!!

NEW!! Blog entry, "Portraits," now updated
with true full-size images!!
If you haven't had a chance to see
these gorgeous photos yet, please check them out.
Here's just one sample...
(click photo again after it loads for full size).

Please vote for Melissa Gregory and Denis Petukhov!!

Their "Fever On Ice" program is up

for a $50K grant from Pepsi Refresh!
They're now in second place
in their category and tier--
but only first place wins. We can do this!

Johnny's Glitter and Ice collection
with MAC is selling out fast!

Don't miss your chance to sparkle--
visit a MAC retailer or order online ASAP!

NEW!! The Sheraton Philadelphia University City
is now the official Holiday Dreams On Ice hotel!!
Book your rooms before December 9
and receive a special HDOI-only discount!
The Sheraton also will be hosting the VIP after-show party.
More info on the Holiday Dreams On Ice website!

"Like" HDOI on Facebook,
and use promo code "philadelphia"
for 50% off your general admission ticket!!