The Paoli Battlefield: May 30, 2012

"One of Howe's commanders, Major General Lord Charles Grey--a distant cousin of Grey's--attacked the Americans at Paoli at night, with orders to his troops to remove the flints from their muskets.  This prevented discovery from the accidental discharge of a weapon, but also obliged the men to use bayonets.  A number of Americans wire bayoneted in their beds, their tents burned, a hundred or so made captive--and Howe marched into the city of Philadelphia, triumphant, on September 21."  ~Diana Gabaldon,  "An Echo In The Bone"

Yesterday I "went home" and visited the Paoli Battlefield in Malvern, Pennsylvania with my children and my very dear friend, Anne.  Anne and I have been friends since we met in the first grade at St. Norbert School in Paoli where Tracey and I went to grade school.  Tracey, Anne, and I have discussed the fact that we don't remember ever being taught about this pivotal battle in the Revolutionary War...one so important that the American military's battle cry "Remember Paoli!"  could be heard at battle well into the 1800s.

I wish you could see this up close; it was truly magical.
Check out the authentic Revolutionary War fencing.

I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed visiting this beautiful, peaceful field.  You will all think me nuts when I say it reminded me of one of my favorite places in Scotland; a "drovers pass" in the lower Highlands where there is a massive valley sunken into the mountains from years of cattle driving.  I have always said there is "music in the silence" there...and I felt the same way about this quiet battlefield in PA. 

My sincere thanks to Diana Gabaldon for Remembering Paoli. 

And my very heartfelt thanks to Karen Henry of Outlandish Observations for reminding me how much I love having grown up in an area so rich in Revolutionary War history. 

Major General Grey.  I hope Hal spat in his tea. 

My kiddies who were surprisingly quiet and reverent throughout
our entire visit...without constant reminders from me.
Kids can "feel" the past even better than we can. 

The original Paoli Massacre monument from 1817, which stands inside
the gravesite.  The battlefield can be seen in the distance. 

Fresh from Memorial Day

My son photographing the original monument with what else?
His Nintendo 3DS.
Hey, I'll instill a love of history into them any way I can. :)

I was iffy on this shot because I didn't want to be disrespectful...
but if letting her quietly sit on a canon for 20 seconds makes the stories stick, then I'm OK.
They both took photos to school today to show their teachers.  Not too shabby.  :)

The current monument, erected in September 1877  

My wonderful friend, Anne (a Paoli local) who puts up with me dragging her
 to battlefields on any random Wednesday when I'm only in town for 6 hours.

Remember Paoli
Please. 

No Chat Tonight

Chat is cancelled tonight in observance of the Memorial Day holiday in the US. 

A sincere THANK YOU to all the men and women who have fought so valiantly for the United States of America.  Every one of you is remembered in our hearts.  

We will NEVER forget. 

PS...

REMEMBER PAOLI!!!!

Lunch with NY Times Bestselling Author Diana Gabaldon

How cool is this???  You can win lunch with Herself!  Thanks to Julie for the heads up!

And I should elaborate and mention that the auction is being run (again!) by Brenda Novak to raise money for Diabetes research.

And we all know how I feel about Diabetes research.  :)

THANKS to Outlandish Observations: Paoli Massacre

My sincere thanks to Karen over at Outlandish Observations for mentioning Tracey and me!  Today's Friday Fun Fact gives information on the Paoli  (pay-OH-lee) Massacre.   Tracey and I grew up in Paoli, Pennsylvania where it took place.  Actually, it took place up the hill in what is today "Malvern, Pennsylvania".

Interestingly enough, M. Night Shyamalan lives in Malvern...and I can't help thinking what a neat film he could make, using the story of the Paoli Massacre and a haunted 18th century stone house.  (You will come across many of these in that area of the world.  Frankly, I miss them greatly since moving to New Jersey.)  Or the General Warren Inn which still stands today and is fully operational.

The Paoli massacre - to nutshell it for you - happened when George Washington left General Anthony Wayne (another history celeb in the Paoli area) in charge - and his troops were ambushed in the middle of the night by troops led by Major General Charles Grey.  Heard that name before, have ye?  Weeeeel, I thought ye might have.  It's because he was a distant relative of one Lord John Grey (or at least in Historical Fictionville created by Diana Gabaldon he was).  Charles Grey led his troops to the camp at Paoli in the middle of the night, so as to surprise the men while they slept.  It was a bloody battle and the British used bayonets to kill the American soldiers (even after some had surrendered).  This was thought of as a barbaric act, even then.

Up through the early 1800s, the phrase "Remember Paoli!"  was used as a battle cry to remind the troops just how ruthless the British military could be.

Take a look at this alphabetical list of the known casualties of the Paoli Massacre and give them a moment of silence in your heart on this Memorial Day weekend.

Outlander Chat TONIGHT

Outlander Chat tonight.  9PM Eastern.

Aloupis Productions

We interrupt our usual conversation about the ever-famous Jamie and Claire...

Just in case you didn't realize...

Last year I started a film production company with some friends - it's called Aloupis Productions.  We have recently launched our new Facebook page to promote our upcoming feature film, "Truck Stop" starring Evan Peters (American Horror Story), Juno Temple (Atonement, The Three Muskateers, the upcoming Batman: The Dark Knight Rises), Kevin Alejandro (True Blood) and Christine Lahti (too many to name!)

If you are on Facebook - I would LOVE IT if you would come and "like" our new Facebook page at Aloupis Productions!!

11/5/14 UPDATE:  The title, "Truck Stop" has now been changed to "Safelight!"  Stop by and say Hi!

SOLD: The Outlander Quilt by Susan Leidy

The Outlander Quilt auction has ended on eBay.  Sooz's stunning quilt was auctioned off for $446 which goes to Friends of Bianca Pet Rescue.

I received this email from Sooz last night...and she graciously agreed to let me share it with you:

The eBay auction ended today....final price for the quilt is $446.  I decided to use this as inspiration and turned to my Outlander book to see what scene was on page 446.  And my favorite quote from this page is.....

"With a glance down at the stream, he stepped back into the shade of a big horse chestnut tree.  He put his hands about my waist and drew me into the shadow after him.

"Ye werna the first lass I kissed," he said softly.  "But I swear you'll be the last.". And he bent his head to my upturned face.

Sigh.

Now if THAT doesn't put you in the Jamie Fraser spirit, I don't know what does.  :)

"What's in the Box" with Jemmy

Outlander Chat Tonight

Outlander Chat tonight.  9PM Eastern.

Outlander Chat Tonight

Outlander Chat tonight.  9PM Eastern.

I should point out that chat has not been super Outlander-related as of late.  I don't want to "Bait and Switch" anyone!  It's just that we all read different books while waiting for IMOHB (or IMHOB - which I can see myself calling IHOP after a few Pinot Grigios) and they come up during chat.  So these days it's more of an Outlander-infused chat.  :)

Last Day for Free Shipping in the MOP Shop!

Last day for free shipping in the MOP Shop, y'all.  Get your MOP designed Outlander-themed shirts QUICK!!  :)

Free MOP Shop Shipping Until May 8th

Free shipping til May 8th in the MOP shop, y'all.  Get your MOP designed shirts, pay homage to Herself, Diana Gabaldon and wear your Outlander proudly!

The Perfect Roger?

Got this photo this AM from MOP bud, Heather...with a note that said "The perfect Roger!"  and let m'tell you...I must concur!  That's Roger perfection, right there.  (And it just occurred to me - I forgot to say his name is Matt Bomer!)

Happy Birthday, Jamie Fraser!

Just a wee post to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to James Alexander Malcolm Mackenzie Fraser!

Let's watch a blast from the past in celebration, shall we?