I'm an Amberholic.
I am a fan of the amazing actress who portrays Tara Maclay, Amber Benson. Not only is she multitalented (she can act, write, direct, produce, and sing, just to name a few), she is a genuinely kind, intelligent, and considerate woman. I have had the opportunity to meet Amber on four occasions. My admiration of her has grown with the help of those experiences alone. I first met Amber at the 2000 San Diego Comic-Con, where my sister and I actually interrupted the line when Amber and Emma Caulfield (Anya) let us come and take a picture with them. After that, I wrote letters to Amber and sent her a copy of the picture. I had the opportunity to see Amber again at the 2001 Posting Board Party. To make a long story short, Amber actually remembered me and my sister, as well as my name! She said she got mail from me recently, and that the picture I sent her is up on her mirror in her trailer! This encounter alone made me extremely happy and an even bigger fan. Amber attended the 2001 San Diego Comic-Con as well. There was an autograph session with her and Jane Espenson (Buffy writer and co-producer), and I was fortunate enough to be towards the beginning of the line. When Amber glanced up and saw me, she shouted out, "Is that a Lo girl I see?!?" I immediately smiled and said, "yeah!" Amber had remembered who I was, and she genuinely seemed happy to see me. I spent some time talking to Amber about other Amberholics (a group of her fans) and other random topics while she sat there and listened. That whole experience further confirmed my belief that Amber appreciates her fans, and I admire her for it. Lastly, we saw Amber again at the 2002 Posting Board Party. When she saw us, she first shouted, "It's my girls!" A few minutes later, when we actually got closer to her, she exclaimed, "It's the Lo sisters!" We got to talk for a couple minutes, and she helped me with a surprise birthday present for a fellow Amberholic. I swear, I adore Amber more every time I see her!
Since November 6, 2000, I have been a part of the "Amberican" community at The Essence of Amber Forum. It is here where I have had the opportunity to converse with other fans of Amber whenever I am online. I am happy to say that I have become really good friends with many of them. We are a friendly group of people from all over the world who talk about Amber, Tara, and any other random topics that come to mind, all while having fun! I thank Amber for being the initial reason for our shared interest and continued conversations.
I'm not sure what else I can say at the moment. Amber is truly a beautiful human being, both inside and out. She is compassionate, appreciative, talented...I could go on and on. Thank you Amber, for just being you.
Special thanks to Little Willow who helped me with the name of this section and provided the pledge image.