You all know what I think of Lucy Lawless. It's pretty obvious I'm a huge fan of this actress but I'm also a huge fan of the woman. It's not a very well kept secret.

Since December 2006 when AUSXIP turned 10, I thought how best to celebrate AUSXIP's birth in 1996 to 2006 and that was to support Lucy's charity Starship. That was done for two reasons: one it was for AUSXIP's 10th birthday and second was because without Lucy there would be no AUSXIP :) Lucy Lawless's Xena captivated me and has kept me glued to this fandom ever since. It's because of Lucy, AUSXIP is still around 15 years after it's birth.

Since then the auction has been held 21-28 March. Reason being? Lucy's birthday falls on 29 March and this is our birthday present to her without it being a gift TO her. Lucy has often said she didn't want gifts being given to her because she has more than enough stuff. So what do you give someone like that? You give from your heart and you give to Starship.

That's what everyone has done since 2006 - given from their heart. Even during the hardest of times - the economy sucks lemons but you have all given to support Lucy and support Starship.

We (read that as EVERYONE) have raised $7219 USD = $9,601 NZD (when converted). Isn't that an amazing figure!

Since 2006 that figure for Starship is $52,446.16. INCREDIBLE. You can use whatever superlative you want, it just blows my mind. What's even more incredible is that I'm getting donations of Xena goodies to raise money for Starship. Instead of selling their goodies, fans are giving me their stuff so that money can go to Starship. I'm just blown away every time that happens.

So is Lucy :) Check out her new message below and I'll ask you...is it hard to support this woman? Nahhhhh, it's the easiest thing I've ever done in my life.

thank-you everyone for your kindness and best wishes on my birthday. I never truly understood that the online auction was a birthday present to me. I was extremely blown away when I got it for the first time! I was quite mute.

Thank-you all (especially Mary D) who organised it. The Starship people are going to be shocked and delighted. I know that will buy some incredible piece of equipment that will help heal a child or ease suffering. You are very generous and I send warm blessings on you all from afar. ( I just took a few minutes out to pray in your direction!)

I had a lovely, lovely birthday. When work was unexpectedly postponed, I caught up with Madeleine Sami and Ladyhawke for brunch at Alleluia Cafe on K Rd and then went out to play tennis very badly with pals in Mt Eden. The rest of the day was spent with my family. My sister made the most gorgeous lemon cake I have ever seen and which we devoured over two days. Thanks, Jos!

Now I have to get back to work. on Sparty. My internet has been down so I have been trying to do research on my little iPhone. Not very good. I am so excited by the new direction for my character. Bizarre stuff! Michael Hurst and I are psyched about what we're about to do. Wish I could say what, but it would ruin the surprise.
Up and at 'em!
Lucy