Thanks so much for all your warm thoughts and encouragement. Everybody needs a little help to get up and perform under pressure so I am going to go out there and channel Xena, the way other people do. Never tried that before -- not since the end of the show! It'll be lovely to have in the audience those of you who can make it. But I'll be receiving all good vibes sent my way.

God Bless,
Lucy

I've been wanting to thank all those nice people who care about Kevin and gave money at the convention. I wanted to say that I'm sorry that a place for their money to go wasn't arranged sooner. It was simply that the people who were arranging it were so close to Kevin and needed time to support his wife and family. I want the fans to know they weren't being ignored. I don't want them to feel disrespected. Tell them I'm sorry I haven't sent word. Every day I say I've got to write a letter and I'm just out of words. I know that his wife and children will take a great deal of heart of how much Kevin meant to people out there that they don't even know. It's going to help them through this tough time. Please thank everyone so much for me.

Lucy Lawless

The Kevin Smith Trust Fund has now been set up at the
Auckland Theatre Company to help Kevin's family.
Donations can be sent to:

Kevin Smith Trust Fund
c/o Auckland Theatre Company
P.O. Box 6513
Wellesley Street
Auckland
New Zealand

Dear Friends,
My thanks to all of you who have responded so kindly to the issue of child abuse in my country. You are proof positive that love knows no boundaries. We have been heartened by your support.

We in New Zealand are in this for the long-haul. Sadly, whatever we manage to achieve with the Safe and Sound Appeal, our efforts come too late for several of our beautiful children whose lives were so brutally cut short in recent months. All we can do to honour them is to prevent further violence against children in our communities.

I believe in an individual's, and a nation's, capacity to change; to break cycles and alter what seems like a dire future. What, after all, is the alternative?

Love,
Lucy

Time and again you guys have given generously to charities in our names, this time on behalf of Julius. Once again, you find us "gobsmacked" (Kiwi for speechless). I don't know how to thank you. I really don't.

I guess I always feel so abundantly blessed in this life that I don't like to receive gifts, particularly as I know that every cent you all spend is money hard earned. The fact that you have stood by us through thick and thin and tuned in every week for 5 years is greater fidelity than many marriages enjoy. I cannot convey to you how deeply touched Rob and I are by your kindness in raising over $20,000 for charities around the world in the name of our son.

Whenever I feel myself on the horns of a moral dilemma, I try to remind myself of a maxim I wish to live by: "spread more Joy." It helps me choose the right direction even if, in the short term, it seems the least profitable option. This is what you have done.

At the risk of seeming repetitious, you inspire me.

God Bless HCNBs,

Yours truly, Lucy Lawless

Yep, we're having a baby. Which means, just between you and me, that at some stage Xena will have one coz you just can't hide these things forever -- and, no, we don't know the sex in either case.

Bless you all for your best wishes, generosity and support of late. Both Rob and I were greatly touched by the Sword & Staff web page's efforts which raised $5,085 for the International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect -- that's $5,085 they could sure use.

Frankly, just the fact that someone got off their bums and did something to help another human being, unasked, is incredibly inspiring to me.

Your support on many matters is greatly appreciated. The collective wisdom is not lost on us. You encourage me greatly.

Thank you. Lots of love,
Lucy

To all our fans on the Internet
Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the goodness many of you have shown us over the past few months.

Not only were you supremely protective of our privacy in the lead-up to our wedding, and since, but have given thousands of dollars to the Marine Conservation and Rainforest Protection appeals on our behalf. Talk about the gift that keeps on giving!

Privately we were a little torn between Rainforest and Aids/Cancer charities etc but aside from loving trees we feel that our planet's rainforest, will provide not only panaceas for many diseases but ecologically, is the hope for all mankind. Truly the greatest good for the greatest number.

Thank you so much for your many kindnesses. God Bless.

Lucy Lawless and Rob Tapert

PS. There was no quarrel about marine conservation. Rob loves the sea. Rob wants you to know how particularly grateful he is for your help in keeping our wedding private. We are left in no doubt that you guys helped prevent it from becoming a circus. It was the happiest day of our lives.

God bless you all. I'm so thankful to have great fans who care so much for others. I received plenty of flowers the first week, but more than those, I am cheered by all the bouquets I *didn't* get.

I'm having a great time and learning alot. But, never fear, Xena is where my heart is. So, I'll spot you on the box. A great, challenging season ahead and not just for me.

Thanks again

Affectionately yours,

Lucy

Thank you for helping make a dream come true. Your support is very much appreciated. So, wish me luck, I'm off into the big beyond. Thanks, and I'll be giving it all I've got.

Love from Lucy.

Howdy Doody!
I can't thank you enough for all your cards, wishes and good vibes which, I swear, helped make this a speedy convalescence. I'm up and about in a rolly-chair and crashing about the house with my zimmer frame taking plaster off the scotia (Unco returns!). Now I'm raring to get back to work. Since watching the last couple of eps on the telly for the first time, I know I can improve a lot this year. It's really got me fired.

I was so sorry to hear about Roo. I know she's frustrated as all get-out by strictures placed on her by the accident. But everyone is sure as hell glad she's going to be back in the saddle again. Lot's of love to you, Roo! From me and Renee!

Anyway, I'm trying to wade through the cards and letters. PLEEEASE DON'T SPEND MONEY ON ME, (buying CD's, CD players, etc). I make a healthy living, though not, as some tee-rag suggested, more than I know what to do with. But I beg you to keep your hard earned cash for yourselves and your families. Thank you, though, for wanting to share so much with me.

If anyone's wondering if the show's going soft, you'd better fasten your seatbelts... it's going to be a bumpy ride.

All love,

L

To the Hardcore, Diehard Nutballs,

Thanks so much for your kind sentiments. Providentially, your letters reached me on a very tough day when I needed them. Donna's poem actually brought a wee tear to my eye. I thank Lillian for looking at your letters and obviously weeding out any idiots (I find it hard to believe there weren't any-mind you, there seems to be some tacit code of honor amongst our internetties)...I do not often go out on the net unless my partner forces me to sit down for 2 seconds, but I am often charmed when I do. I have passed a copy of your letters on to Renee, who got a great kick out of them and sends her love.

I am busy filming these days-currently we're shooting the 2nd Callisto ep which is a blast and then we begin the 3rd Callisto involving mind transfer. In one month, I come to the States for one week's publicity, then off to Europe for a holiday. Yipee!

Love, Lucy Lawless / Xena Warrior Princess / New Zealand / July '96

Thanks very much you guys for your letters and best wishes, especially all you hard core nutballs who've been around since the dawn of time. I'm afraid I can't write back personally to anyone, but I do get your notes eventually and I am personally going to demand my own furking Pez dispenser when I'm a star and my own Winnebago (which is kind of a joke where I come from - like "I'm ready for my close-up Mr. DeMille"). I am especially fond of our internet troll who, despite being an egomaniacal misogynist, serves to keep my feet firmly on the ground. So don't get your knickers in a twist over negative comments, okay?

I've just finished the single most intensive and fulfilling week's filming of my career. The episode is "Is There a Doctor?" and I dedicate my efforts in it to all you regular Xenites-with special thanks to Renee O'Connor, my brilliant acting mate and a truly amazing woman, as well as T.J. Scott, our marvelous director whose star is going to go supernova in feature films before too long.

Lucy

P.S. -I am having a terrific birthday, thank you all, and I can honestly say I have never been happier in my life.