Dances with Wolves - Part Deux

SPOILER ALERT: Dinna read unless you have read chapter 38 in AN ECHO IN THE BONE. 

OK so I know where Ian went. Well - sortof. I know he is in Virginia... in a swamp....

...with the Mohawk.

Oh excuse me - I just threw up in my mouth a little. OK now I'm back.

So I now have to assume he's headed straight into the monster... aka to Em...Em... ugh. I canna even say her name. That woman loved him and then kicked him out and left him with a terrible thought that there is something wrong with him. And yet he scurries back. Like my DOG. Ian is now a dog. I may call him Rollo 2.

I will share what I shared on the chat last night. Here is the bottom line, lassies.  Ian needs to go HOME to see his poor MOTHER who has been WORRIED SICK about him for 10 FRIGGIN YEARS. He OWES that to her. That woman didn't know where her baby was. She suffered. Then she finds out he's become an Indian (and not the nice kind.)  For god's SAKE Ian, give her some closure. Get your ass BACK to Scotland. HUG YOUR MOTHER. Spend some time with your family. And then - if you still feel the need to skin animals and live in the longhouse, fine. It's all good. At THAT point, you can say a PROPER goodbye - and get on a boat back to the backwoods of North Carolina. Even though Claire has TOLD you that doing that will get your ass killed... or wrongfully shoved onto a rez in Montana... But that's a blog for another day, I suppose.

PS - Look at me trying to be all cool and call the reservation the "rez" like Jacob in Twilight. I am laughing at myself right now.

Great Chat Last Night!

Thanks to everyone who came out for the chat last night! Wow, the group is getting big! I love it!  So sorry I was late... I go to Town Council meetings two Mondays a month and sometimes they run over. If you're wondering why I go, I really have no defined reason. I used to liken myself to Ally Sheedy in The Breakfast Club. I just went because I had nothing better to do. BUT NOW I DO!  Outlander chat!!

PS - It's Tuesday, lassies. Dinna forget Scottish hotness on LOST tonight, Brotha!  Desmond's in the houseeeee!

Outlander Chat Tonight!

Outlander Chat tonight! 9PM Eastern!

PS - SPOILER ALERT: Dinna read unless you have read chapter 38 in AN ECHO IN THE BONE.

CHAT UPDATE: Tracey and I might be a few minutes late. She's got a dinner and I have a town Council meeting. PLEASE go ahead without us if we're not there right at 9:00! All I ask is no discussion of anything past William getting a shave after going through the swamp incident (he's digging this girl Rachel Hunter but just met her and she's seems to be uber-religious.)  THANK YOU!!

New "An Echo in the Bone" Discussion Video!

Dances With Wolves

SPOILER ALERT: Dinna read unless you have finished Chapter 35 in AN ECHO IN THE BONE.

The following is said in my best crazy lady voice:  WHERE THE EFF IS IAN?!?

What the hell do you mean "The next day, he was gone." What is THAT supposed to mean?!? OK Diana - talk to me like I'm a 2 year old - because I dinna understand this one i-OTA.  My first thought was "OH NO - he went back to the SUCUBUS" (aka Emily. Ew. I feel dirty even saying her name). But they're at Ticonderoga - and that's in New York. It would take him months to get back down to the meanie's neck of the woods on horseback - and he doesna even have a horse! So what - did he meet some new chick with the Huron?!? UGH!!!  IAN! Have I not FORBID further cavorting and canoodling with the Indians?!? And behind my BACK he just goes and disappears! Where the hell else could he have gone? The SPERM BANK OF HUDSON COUNTY for god's sake?!? And he doesna tell ANYONE. That is inexcusable. It was understandable back when he first came back from the Mohawk and he was all messed up in the head and fully submersed in delving-out-in-the-woods mode. But now? No way. GET UP. DUST YOURSELF OFF. And be a man. Like your uncle. No more of this baby-making obsession. Just get your ASS to Scotland with Jamie and Claire and marry someone. ANYONE. (Anyone whose mother's name isn't Laoghaire, that is.) STOP acting like a child. We've ALL suffered loss. We've ALL worried about our past and future. But that doesna mean we just DISAPPEAR. His ass had better be off in the woods widdling Claire a thank you gift out of birchwood is ALL I've got to say.

Oh this weekend's video is going to be good, y'all. I can see THAT already. I am FIRED up.

Post Script:  LOVED the mention of General Anthony Wayne. Let m'tell you a little something; I have a lot of odd little connexions to Anthony Wayne. As you may know, I grew up in a (not so) little town in Pennsylvania called Paoli... which borders Valley Forge.  They're big on the American Revolution in those parts. And just a few train stops away lies a little town called Wayne - named after "his truly". (Tracey was actually an extra in the movie TAPS, which was filmed at the Valley Forge Military Academy - and various parts of Wayne.) Now... what I'm finding verra interesting is that I'm pretty familiar with what's coming after Ticonderoga as far as Anthony Wayne goes. He ends up at the Paoli Massacre...and then winters at Valley Forge....and then ends up at the Battle of Monmouth. Guess where I live now?  Monmouth County, New Jersey. Yeah. The same Monmouth. And if THAT weren't enough, Anthony Wayne is buried in Erie, PA, where my cousin Jenn D (a My Outlander Purgatory lurker) lives.

OK I am so rambling right now... but you get my drift. I love the American Revolution because I've been surrounded by its memory my entire life. And I canna WAIT to see where we're going next! Valley Forge? Scotland? IT'S ALL GOOD!

Post Scriptum Scriptum: "Nothing hurts when ye love me"??? JAMIE FRASER you MELT MY BUTTER!

***Thanks to Dan Smith for the beautiful photo of the Anthony Wayne statue taken in Valley Forge park.

God Bless Scottish Accents

Never Assume for it Makes an Ass out of U and Me.

SPOILER ALERT: Dinna read unless you have finished Chapter 31/Part 3 in AN ECHO IN THE BONE. 

Please forgive me for being sparse this week. My daughter turned 8 yesterday and I have five 2nd graders coming over on Friday night. She's also making her 1st Communion on Sunday and I have my family and the hub's family coming on Sunday. Throw in a school visit, a haircut appointment, planting, sprucing and shopping and well... I am not able to blog too much. THAT SAID - let me say this:

Lordddddd I have GOTTEN OFF THE BOAT(S)!!! The only problem? I turned the page and found myself reading about LORD JOHN! I'll admit it; it was a let-down. As I told Tracey - it was like coming out of an extra grueling trip to the Shoprite - only to find out your car has been hit in the parking lot. Dinna get me wrong, I love myself some Lord John in the right circumstances (can we say "girltalk with Bree"?). But I just wasn't expecting him so soon after the BTF (Boat Trifecta Fiasco). I thought we'd see a little Roger....or a new-and-improved Jamie whose feet were solidly planted on shore (and on Claire, wishfully thinking)... but no... Just Lord John... who will be inquiring something -  of someone - of relative importance... and not a whole lotsa Jamie Fraser.

OK so THAT said - I will go read now. Wish me luck!

Special "Entire Series" Outlander Chat Tonight!

OK lassies (and lairds!) - here's your chance to discuss anything and everything about the Outlander series! Tracey finished ECHO last night - so she is going to host a special Entire Outlander Series Chat tonight at 9PM Eastern. I will sit out for this one since I'm still on the boat(s). (LORDDDDD am I still on the boats. It's like the Gathering on the water! Lorddddd the Gathering!!!)

It's time we had a no holds barred chat for you sassenachs where anything is fair game!

Enjoy - and I'll see you next week!

Author Brenda Novak Hosts 6th Annual Online Auction for Diabetes

Author Brenda Novak Hosts 6th Annual Online Auction for Diabetes

Ship of Fools

SPOILER ALERT: Dinna read unless you've read Chapter 31 in AN ECHO IN THE BONE.

Here's my watered-down consolidation of Chapter 31 in An Echo in the Bone:

So we were on the ship, sailing to Scotland, and we were boarded by a ship. And they were really mean. And Jamie got in a big fight and I woke up on another ship. And then we sailed that ship for a while and then another ship came along and started firing at us. And I fell on the bare wood and then I got up and fell again and then again and then I fainted and I woke up in the hold on the other ship. And then when we were on that ship, another ship started firing at us and they put me back down in the hold and then they fired again and then I fell on the floor and a nice kid who was helping me fell on the floor and then we both fell on the floor. And then we went above and I tried to take care of everyone because I'm a doctor and that's what I do, damnit. Jesus H. Roosevelt Christ! Here comes another ship.

There. That's where I am now and apparently have been for days, much to the chagrin of my sister, Tracey who is almost finished Echo (actually she may have finished last night.) I have tried to warn her repeatedly that she should slow down - because once she finishes, there is no new Jamie Fraser for another 2+ years. But - alas - she isna listening.  Echo is so damn good she canna stop, ken?

I'll keep you posted. I'm going back the ship now. Any ship. Whatever ship is nearby - that's where I'll be.

We Interrupt this Outlander Blog...

PILLARS OF THE EARTH IS COMING TO STARZ IN JULY!!! SQUEEEEE!!!!!! It looks REALLY GOOD!!!!!!!!!

Sail On...Honey... Good Times Never Felt So... Hmm...

SPOILER ALERT: Dinna read unless you have read Chapter 31 in AN ECHO IN THE BONE. 

I am on the boat with Jamie, Claire and Ian and LOVING IT. It's so verra Voyager. Which is funny because when I was reading Voyager I got a little "meh - enough sailing" but this is outstanding! The new boat is now right up alongside them... and it's firing at them... and Jamie is shite-ing his ever-loving pants. And he whipped his shirt off and started waving it around.... and I'm not sure but I think someone from the other ship actually asked Jamie to turn around (so they can see his back?!) I was reading in my car at school pick-up and Jen L came up to the car and started talking to me - so I dinna know what happens! And I'm sortof THRILLED at that prospect. I am literally thrilled to be in the midst of this scene and not know what's going to happen. Kindof like when Dallas ended without telling you who shot JR. So now I have to wait until I read more to know. It's wonderful! I love suspense!

Sailing... Takes Me Away...

SPOILER ALERT: DINNA read unless  you have read chapter 31 in AN ECHO IN THE BONE. 

OK so I'm sorry - I'm re-blogging. Like re-gifting. Because I need to go read, lassies. So here is the email I just sent Tracey. I will be backtracking a little later but for now - here's where I am:

"I'm on Chapter 31. Claire is exhausted and they're taking turns (Claire, Jamie and Ian) keeping watch while the others sleep so no funny business goes on on the boat. They're realizing that Rollo is on the other boat (I have all faith that we'll see Rollo again). And Claire just cried and Jamie stroked her hair and whispered soothing things in the Gaelic!!!  It was like early Outlander!!!  I died! ANDDD some dude called Jamie "a trifle elderly" and I almost jumped into the book and punched him in the nose."

Another Great Outlander Chat

Thanks to everyone who came to the chat tonight! I really look forward to talking to everyone every week. I have to give Sirena the "most hilarious" award - she had me laughing for an hour!

Hope to see you all next week. Even you lurkers! :)

OUTLANDER CHAT TONIGHT

Hi All - Today is Monday, April 12 and we'll be having our weekly Monday Night Outlander Chat tonight at 9PM Eastern. We'll be discussing up to Chapter 18, unless Shannon reads any more in the car today at school pick up. PS - Sally - I hope you can come tonight! :)

Que Sera Sera...

SPOILER ALERT: Dinna read unless you have read chapter 23 in AN ECHO IN THE BONE. 

Ho. Ly. CRAP. This book is so damn good I dinna know what to DO with myself!!! SO much has happened since my last blog; let's get right to it!

JAMIE SEES DEAD PEOPLE!!!!! OK wait. That's not right. But y'all know what I mean. He is having these dreams... and he's seeing Jem and Mandy playing at the cemetery at Lallybroch... and he has had multiple dreams about them in Lallybroch... and Claire remembers Lallybroch being for sale... so they KNOW ROGER AND BREE LIVE AT LALLYBROCH!!!!! I am shouting it from the rooftops! This. Is. So. Exciting!!!!! I canna WAIT for the next letter. They are going to say something about Jamie seeing the kids at Lallybroch... and then Roger and Bree are going to start looking for/finding things that Jamie and Claire have left for them - JUST like I predicted!! I can TASTE it like it was one of Mrs. Bug's bannocks ("lord of mercy on her" as my mother would say).

OK... so... next.... there are SO MANY NAMES popping up in this book that are making me go "Oh my gosh - that's so and so!" Like.... Randall-Isaacs??? HELLO?? Jack Randall's son/nephew!!! And he's a dirty dog who hangs around with Percy-the-Derelict. And how do we know this? Because Nessie (the madam who readers of LJG books know but the rest of us poor chumps are totally clueless about) told John Grey. And ewwww - he's hanging out with William (waaahh my French is terrible... please come helpppp me) to get dirt on LJG for Percy-The-Derelict! And here's poor William - knowing something ain't quite right... but not being able to figure out what it is. He knows Randall-Isaacs is interested in his dad... but doesna know why. What I want to know is if Randall-Isaacs has any sexual interest in LJG - or if he just wants info for Percy - and to meet him because, let's face it, LJG is DA BOMB and knows EVERYONE in England, France, Canada and the bad-assed Colonies!! Give Lord John his PROPERS, y'all! He da man!!!

OK enough of that - let's move on - how much did I go "RABBIE MCNABB!!!" when we got to the brothel?? Tracey doesna want to commit to the possibility that it's the same Rabbie - but I said "come ON! It HAS to be!" His wife is from the Highlands (I thought she might be someone we know but so far, there's not been much revealed about her) so it's GOT to be him. How can there be two Rabbie McNabb's?? Two Robbie's maybe... but Rabbie's? (I know, I know, Rabbie/Robbie are the same name but work with me here, people!)

LORDDDDD what else? SO MUCH DIRT! OHHHHH ROGER AND BREE!!!  HOLY CRAP - Jerry MacKenzie DIDNA DIE in WW2!!!  He WENT THROUGH THE FRIGGIN STONES IN NORTHUMBRIA!!! (Not to be confused with Umbria and Maggie Smith... Chris Cooper... ) THAT storyline is blowing my mind almost as much as Jamie dreaming in 20th century technicolor. Can you IMAGINE how badly Roger Mac will FLIP OUT if his father shows up? And they thought maybe that was who was skulking around in the broch (which Jamie isNA happy about). Poor Roger Mac canna handle a little conversation about his future career, let alone a visit from his dead father who is now a time traveler. I am going to be taken out in an ambulance when I get to THAT PART of the book.

You should have seen me reading all this on the plane today (in between telling my son to stop playing with the tray table every five seconds and telling my daughter to stop putting her iPod headphones in my ear)... I. Was. A. FREAK. At one point I reached across the aisle and whacked my husband on the arm. He was like "What was THAT for??" and I was like "What's it for??? ROGER MAC! THAT'S what it's for!" I really need an Outlander meeting with the girls STAT. (Oh and when we meet, I will be sure and ask them when precisely Roger started speaking as if he were born in yon 18th century mind you, do ye ken?)

PS - Could I have been ANY MORE WRONG about William's career choice? I truly thought the skunk and subsequent Hale hanging did him in - and he'd never choose Intelligence. Shows you what I know. One of these days I'll have to add up all my predictions/theories and see just how wrong/right I was!

"YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH!"

SPOILER ALERT: Dinna read unless you have read chapter 20 in AN ECHO IN THE BONE. 

I've been fighting it. Fighting William. I didn't really want to be interested in his life; it just... happened. And now I'm stuck. I am moving on to Chapter 21 - "The Minister's Cat" (which makes me giggle, as I love Bree and Roger's little game) - and I'm finding myself a little bummed; I want to know what happens! Will he take Richardson's offer and become a spy? I think not. I thought he was going to - until this horrible situation with Hale. And now I'm thinking he's going to say "no", now that he's gotten a taste of what it feels like to watch someone die - indirectly - by your own hands. Or your own actions.  I'm thinking William is going to realize it's better to kill someone outright on the battle field... than take part in killing someone by sneaking around lying and hiding. There is honor in fighting fair. And I have a feeling that William - like both his fathers - will choose honor.  I can't wait to read on and find out.

PS - Speaking of The Minister's Cat - am I the only one who gets a little giddy every time a new chapter starts with the word "Lallybroch"??

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TRACEY!

 Just wanted to throw a Happy Birthday out there to my sister and Outlander mentor, Tracey! Hope you had a great day (and that work wasna too grueling!)

We may have to celebrate your birthday when we celebrate Jamie's birthday! Won't THAT be fun?! :)

Like Father, Like Son

SPOILER ALERT: Dinna read unless you have read chapter 18 in AN ECHO IN THE BONE. 

Jamie + Fergus = VINTAGE OUTLANDER, does it not??? Oh MAN I loved this chapter!

"Then I grew older still, and discovered that, after all, it was true. I am the son of a great man." 

The hook touched Jamie's hand, hard and capable.

Wow. SO moving. And Germain was cracking me up. He's a little fire cracker... and I LOVE that Fergus is teaching him to pick pockets... and then put back whatever he has taken... because it is a "family legacy". Oh holy hell that made me laugh.

I'm so glad to see Fergus BACK IN BUSINESS. He's much more interesting when he has confidence, is he not?

And HELLO??? I. Am. DYING! WHAT does Percy want with Fergus?? I canna WAIT to find out!

Chat Tonight - 9PM Eastern

Don't forget tonight's Outlander Chat! We'll be discussing up through Chapter 17 in AN ECHO IN THE BONE! Hope to see you there!!

Carol's "Favorite Things"

SPOILER ALERT: Dinna read unless you have read chapter 12 in AN ECHO IN THE BONE.

I have a few favorites in the Outlander series. A favorite character - Jamie Fraser, duh. A favorite food - bannocks. A favorite love scene - "I canna be gentle about it" (although "watch while I take ye" is such a close 2nd and may even be a tie.)

And now I have a favorite Chapter.

Chapter 12 in An Echo in the Bone is so fantastic, I dinna know what to do with myself. From start to finish - it is so poignant. So riveting. So gut-wrenching. And most of all - so beautiful. I don't know who I love more in this scene; Claire or Jamie. Or even Adso...as he has such an important place in the scene. I almost want to pick him up and hug him... almost.

Lord, he'd said. Let me be enough... 
"Jamie," I said at last. "oh, Jamie. You're...everything. Always."

A while back, over at Outlandish Observations, Karen picked a song that expressed the depth of Claire and Jamie's relationship... and she wanted to know if anyone else had a song that was near and dear to their heart in this way. It was such a great question - and I have always been all about music - and yet I had such a hard time thinking of a song. But if I were to pick a chapter that truly expresses the heart and soul of Jamie and Claire Fraser, this would be it.

You go in the cage... Cage goes in the water... You go in the water... Shark's in the water... Our shark.

SPOILER ALERT: Dinna read unless you have read Chapter 13 in AN ECHO IN THE BONE. 

Sometimes the Outlander books are like JAWS. Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water...

So I'm reading along... through Ian's highly adorable and very neurotic over-thinking of Arch Bug...a possible wife...Jamie and Claire's sex life...and any female he's ever had lusty thoughts about... and BOOM! I turn the page and I'm back to at least 6 months ago with Lord John. Not that I dinna LOVE Lord John. But... well.. you know. Sometimes you're just so ingrained in Jamie and Claire and Ian and anyone living on the Ridge.. that you sortof wake up and go "huh?" when you all the sudden find yourself in the 20th century - or with any male who a) has manly love for Jamie Fraser or b) is an offspring of Jamei Fraser. 

So let's back up a bit, shall we? I found it hilarious when - after Claire had labeled a cask filled with grain alcohol as "sauerkraut"- Jamie uttered the words "and what if we should be set upon by illiterate banditti?" Oh my god I HOWLED at that immensely amusing bit of commentary from Mr. Fraser.

OK so I have a few predictions. There has most likely been some MASSIVE foreshadowing, in my humble opinion. Claire and Jamie were in the Spaniard's cave, discussing how Jemmy fell into the cave on top of Jamie and he could have broken his neck and killed him, which would have left Jemmy alone and unable to get out of the cave.  And Claire thought to herself: and we'd never have known what happened to either one of you... and on any given day, something just as random might happen. To anyone.... and she asked Jamie of the Spaniard: "What do you think happened to this gentleman?" and thought to herself: His people never knew. Ho. Ly. CRAP.  Is Claire - or Jamie - or Ian - or anyone - going to be left in a situation where nobody knows what happened to them??? Holy god - if I'm right - is this how the  book is going to end???

I. WILL. SHIT. MY. PANTALONES!!!

OK I have to move on because just saying all of that out loud gives me chills. SO - Tracey, Jenn M, Shannon and I have mentioned the possibility of going to NYC one of these days... because we want to check out a Scottish bar or two. What I didna realize until VERRA recently is that we have an authentic pub to visit which was mentioned in An Echo in the Bone. The Fraunces Tavern is still in operation - under new management - and I am psyched to go there!  The Beekman House doesna seem to be there anymore... but the post office in Rhinebeck has some stones from the ruins. Kindof cool.

OK I MUST go to bed as it's almost midnight and my children will be up verra early, looking for their Easter baskets. More tomorrow as I've got an entire new blog entry in my head, waiting to be posted!

Happy Easter to those of you who celebrate! :)

Here's my new post... NEVERMIND!

SPOILER ALERT: Dinna read unless you have read chapter 11 in AN ECHO IN THE BONE.

OK I have to some posting - and then some more READING! Things are progressing nicely on the Ridge. Although I'm wondering if Jamie, Claire and Ian are ever actually leaving the Ridge - or if they're just going to keep talking about their Scotland trip for the next 10 years. (Sounds like ME, actually. Dinna get me started.)

OK scratch that. Tracey just accidentally let it slip that something juicy is going down between Jamie and Claire in about 4 more paragraphs... so I'm going to have to get back to y'all. SORRY.

I'll leave you with this. Lizzie just birthed a daughter. The Beardsleys are fawning over her. Her stepmother is already worried about the next bairn because a) Claire might not be back to deliver it and b) Lizzie and the Beardsleys seem to be humping like rabbits.

Livin La Vida Outlander

SPOILER ALERT: Dinna read unless you have read Voyager.

OK so I'm down here in Florida - and all kinds of things are jumping out at me and saying "Hey! Your life is ruled by the Outlander series!"

Let's review a few things that have happened in the last 24 hours: 

My in laws live in a complex where lots of Brits and Canadians vacation. I met a Scottish woman today - who happens to live in Canada now. And all I wanted to ask her was "Do you know anyone related to Simon Fraser, originally of Lovat"? And did I mention her name? Carol. I felt so verra proud to share a name with a Scot.  Dork, party of 1??

Today I passed - I kid you not - a store called "HONEY POT Bridal and Tux". I really dinna know what to say about that, except that I squeeeeeed like a 12 year old when I saw it and thought of Jamie uttering "She shaved her HONEY POT?!" in Dragonfly. SO verra funny.

OH and last night we ate a bean salad made by "Paisley Farm" from "Willoughby Ohio". "Paisley" as in Paisley, Scotland. "Willoughby" as in Mr. Wee Stabbers" himself! YOU CANNA MAKE THAT SHIT UP, SASSENACHS!!!

A Printing We Will Go

SPOILER ALERT: Dinna read until you have finished chapter 7 in AN ECHO IN THE BONE. (I still CANNA believe I'm finally reading the last one.)

Oh for the love of god. Could someone get Bree out of Roger's ass, please? She's camped so far up there that his hemorrhoids now have hemorrhoids. Seriously. Leave the guy alone. It's a bit traumatic, following one's girlfriend to the 18th century - marrying her after learning she's possibly had another man's baby - living with her crazy-assed family - being hangit - working on a farm - and traveling back through yon stones to your own time... is it not?? If he's meant to be a Minister - he'll be a Minister. Get off his back and go see what Annie's doing in the kitchen. Let's hope it's not what you and Roger were doing on the currant-stained granite last week. Word to the wise - I'd pay close attention to what Annie's doing. I only just learned she was their "hired girl" at Lallybroch and already I'm having visions of Malva. Shudder.

So I just read Jamie's letter - the 2nd of the bunch - about going back to Scotland and retrieving his printing press. I am DYING to know if that is going to happen in this book - and if they're going to come all the way back in Echo, too. In all honesty, I'm envisioning Voyager on steroids - and getting a little nervous about the prospect. And where the hell is Mr. Willoughby with yon wee stabbers when we need him???

I have to say - reading Jamie's signoff - "Kiss the children for me" and "your most affectionate Father" made me spill a few tears. It is just hitting me now that Jamie had to give up his daughter yet again. And that hurts me to the core of my being. AND - that Bree had to give up her father - whom she was never fortunate enough to meet when she was a child - because her mother waited 20 damn years to find out what happened to him. And now here Bree and Roger are, going through these letters from Claire and Jamie at a snail's pace... and I'm on the edge of my seat!! Would you not TEAR INTO those letters like it was Christmas morning and you were in your best plaid Christmas nightgown?!? HELLO??? I could not wait one more SECOND to know what happened to my PARENTS!!!

OK that's it for now. Going to visit the in laws - and I'll have a nice chunk of time on the plane tomorrow to read (if my children behave, that is.) And yes - the laptop is-a-comin'. So there will be blogging - and Monday's chat is definitely still on!

Damn Yankees

Spoiler Alert: Dinna read unless you have read chapter 6 in AN ECHO IN THE BONE. 

So... I'm just hangin' out with William in Staten Island.... But the chapter is called Long Island, right?  At first I wondered if William was going to end up shooting up the Hamptons.  I hope he knows better than to travel there on a Friday afternoon in the summer. (OK I knew it didn't happen that way but c'mon - a Hamptons joke in an Outlander blog? I absolutely HAD to!)

OK so poor William just got knocked off his horse and had the ponytail cut from his head.  I dinna know if they're going to take him - or leave him there. I have a hunch they'll leave him there with his new, short cut....to be totally embarrassed in front of his men. Sound familiar? Well - it's not like being tied to a tree near your camp where your ammunition has been stolen... but close enough in the embarrassment department, ya know?? I have to hurry up and blog so I can read. I'm dying to know what happens!! I had visions of them taking him... and Jamie finding out and traveling up North to kick yon Continental butt.

And my apologies to Karen - how could I have not mentioned Mrs. Bug's untimely demise?! I have to admit something; I wasna that broken up over it. She was a sweet lady, yes. She took care of the Frasers. She made a mean bannock. BUT YON WOMAN SHOT JAMIE! I just canna feel sorry for someone who shows up in the middle of the night - sneaks around looking for something that isn't really even hers to take - and is PACKIN'!!!!!! She had not one but TWO guns! And she used one to SHOOT JAMIE! She's lucky they didn't mistake her for someone and cut her damned head off!! Getting an arrow through the neck is almost MILD considering where she was - and what she was doing. Again - I will miss her sausage rolls and her hot, buttered bread.. and maybe even her gossipy attitude and occasional murders. I even made bannocks for our meeting at Shannon's today - in Mrs. Bug's memory. But I don't really feel that bad for her or for Arch who - let's face it - sent his WIFE to do the dirty work in that scenario. UNLESS we're going to find out she didna tell him she was going - or something like that. In which case, I'll feel worse for him than I do at this moment.

And as for my thoughts on Arch telling Ian he'd be back when Ian found someone he was close to? Let me explain my feelings on this in the following letter:

Dear Arch, 

Go north 5 miles - way up over the Ridge. Make a left at the first set of pine trees. Cross the river.. and make a right at the next rock. There, you will find a group of people known as The Mohawk. 

When you get there, ask for Emily. 

Love, 

Carol

An Echo in the Bone, Indeed...

SPOILER ALERT: Dinna read unless you have read chapter 5 in AN ECHO IN THE BONE. 

I don't know how I'm going to get through this book. I tear up constantly when I'm reading about Bree, Roger and the kids at Lallybroch. It started to rain - Roger went to the kitchen to close the windows - and that was it - I was crying... again. The granite counter tops are original??? They are stained with "the juice of currants" and "the blood of game and poultry". Oh. My. GOD. I am a huge fan of genealogy...and family heirlooms... so this part of the book is grabbing me by the heart and pulling me under its spell... and I have no choice but to enjoy the ride.

Do you have any family heirlooms you absolutely love, not because of their monetary worth but because of their emotional worth? I have a guilded mirror with a Victorian bust carved on the top; my husband's great grandfather had it made for his great grandmother. I love that mirror so much because of all the people who have looked into it over the last 100 years. I have a gate leg table that was my great grandmother's...and I smile every time I serve desserts on it.. wondering what my great grandmother served on it all those years ago.

That warm feeling is what I get during every second of Lallybroch. Shannon described the early chapters in Echo as "lounging in your favorite, comfortable chair"... and now I totally get what she means.

Outlander CHAT tonight!

My Outlander Purgatory Chat tonight - 9PM Eastern! Discussing the first 5 or so chapters of Echo! (Gotta check with Jenn M on that - so don't quote me!) Hope to see you there!

The Echo Read Has Begun!

SPOILER ALERT: Dinna read unless you have read chapter 2 (yikes or is it 3?) in AN ECHO IN THE BONE (yessss babyyyyyy - I'm finally here!!!) 

OK! So I've read a little bit of Echo! Wheeee!!!  Isn't this fun? I think I am going to blog a lot with this last book. I'd rather savor it and read it slowly and do lots of surmising and pondering with you good people whilst doing so....than fly though it and feel my insides gripe over the wait for Book 8...

So Percy Wainwright. Meh. I have zero love for this guy. I putzed around in Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade last week... and Tracey filled me in a bit, too... so I know who he is and what he means (or doesna mean) to Lord John. I don't like him at all. He reminds me of one of those poofy dressers from the French portion of Dragonfly. He's more taken with his ruffles and his obnoxious sex romps than he is with most other things in this world. And poor John has to deal with him and his inquiries as to who and where is Jamie Fraser. Sigh. John suffers almost as much as Jamie. Almost. (If you haven't seen our latest videos, Tracey had a FANTASTIC ponderance that maybe Lord John will go through the stones, into the future. LORDDDD can't you just SEE him all giddy in NYC? Gettin' dates left and right in the Village? I wish this for him, I truly do. The man is way too bound up. He needs a) more parritch and b) a damn vacation!!!)

Died when I read Claire's FULL letter to Bree. I cried all over again. LOVED that the smaller, earlier portion was Jamie's directness... but then Claire took over and is just frolicking along verbally about losing her surgery.... hell, her house, for that matter.

OK so here's my question: Why are they all stuffed into Bree's cabin like sardines? Aren't there like 8 million empty cabins at this point? The Christie's.... the Bug's... hell...even Amy McCallum Higgins has a shitty little cabin built into the side of the mountain. (And WHEN did Amy marry Bobby? Did that happen in A Breath of Snow and Ashes? How in god's name do it forget that if so??) The whole Ridge must look like a shut down resort in the Adirondacks by now! NOBODY PUTS BABY IN THE CORNER!!!

OH - and speaking of Arch Bug... um... is he trying to scare them, what with leaving chunks of pig hide in a trail? Or merely to lure them away like Bobby Brady and his popcorn?

And didn't Arch take the gold? What does he need with Jamie? Vengeance? Mmmppphhhmmm! Vengeance is highly overrated when you can afford a big house of your own (and all the sausage Mrs. Bug can cook for a lifetime.)

Ohhhhh - dinna fash yourself with that last question. I am seeing now that Jamie thinks he's coming back for the gold. Hmmm...so it might be hidden on the Ridge??? Well now we're talking! It's like one of those challenges on Survivor where they let them loose in the massive jungle and say "OK! Find the bonus letter!" If they can find that gold, they can build themselves a new big house - right on the spot where Jamie showed Claire Book 6. OK - everyone say "Awwwwww". All together now!

Off to read... and oh, yeah... feed my family. Have to do that once in a while...

3 New Videos from My Outlander Purgatory!

SPOILER ALERT: Dinna read unless you have finished A BREATH OF SNOW AND ASHES.

TMZ's Ravishing Redhead Contest

Hey check it out! It's like TMZ is doing a casting call for Bree!

New Video from My Outlander Purgatory

Got questions for us??

Want to know what Tracey thinks of the Lord John books??
Want to know what Carol thinks of Fergus' Lamaze techniques??
Just want to hear your name out loud on youtube??

Leave your questions in the comments section of this post and we'll answer them in today's video!
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We finished the videos - sorry I didn't give y'all much notice on the questions. Next time we do a video, I want to do a live chat at the same time. That would be so much fun!

Today's the Day!

SPOILER ALERT: Dinna read unless you have finished A BREATH OF SNOW AND ASHES.

 I woke up today.. and it almost felt like Christmas. I thought "I'm going to start 'AN ECHO IN THE BONE!!' Finally!"

But then the worry set in.

Claire has no Penicillin.
Claire has no microscope with which to manufacture Penicillin.
Claire has no Bree to manufacture a microscope. 
Claire has no herbs.

The following are questions I DINNA want the answers to:

WHAT are they going to do? Are they going to Scotland? If so - how can they leave? What about Lizzie's Malaria? What about Fergus and Marsali?  The Frasers are still sortof responsible for some folks on the Ridge - and beyond.

And if they go to Scotland, let's face it, Jamie's no spring chicken. How is he going to handle that voyage with his seasickness?

OK - too many "what ifs". I just have to dive in and read. Wish me luck!

PS - New video coming from Tracey and me. We're making it today. Stay tuned!

We're Starting ECHO This Weekend!!

I'm so excited!  We may be doing a "Starting Echo" video, too. I'll keep you posted.

Another Great Outlander Chat!

Spoiler Alert: Dinna read unless you've read VOYAGER. 

Thanks to everyone who came to the chat last night. Once again - what a great discussion!  I love hearing everyone else's point of view... and also being educated about what Diana is saying on the Compuserve forum!

Here's my question for the day:  Do YOU think Frank cheated? Apparently Diana says he didna necessarily cheat and that it's just implied? Can anyone confirm or deny?

What do y'all think?? (I vote "HELL TO THE YES". But that's just me!)

OH and PS - My friend Mercedes is reading the series and is well into Voyager right now. I am going to arrange a chat for her (where we only discuss up to parts of Voyager) because she is verra committed to the series and needs some discussion! I'll keep you posted!

Chat Tonight

9PM EST Outlander chat tonight. Tracey will not be there as it is her hubby's birthday - but she sends her regards.

The Patriot

Here's a little prezzy for y'all. It's OK if you cry. I did. (Damn, that's the second time this week a movie with Chris Cooper - a GOD of acting - made me cry. And don't even get me started on Heath Ledger.) 

No More Snow...BRING ON ECHO!!!!!!

SPOILER ALERT: Dinna read unless you have FINISHED A BREATH OF SNOW AND ASHES.

Ya know, I find it a bit of a daunting task to write about the end of A Breath of Snow and Ashes because mother of god... SOOOO much went down in the last part - hell, in the BOOK - that I dinna know where to start.

I think they're headed back to Scotland with "Lallybroch or Bust" on their bags. Actually, scratch that,  because they have no bags that I know of after the fire. Donner's a douche - and I wasna sad to see him go. But I thought it was a bit of an about-face from him to just show up acting like a complete ass. I suppose he wanted to get back through the stones and was going to do anything necessary to get there.

The girls and I are in agreement that we all loved when Jamie gave Claire an out to leave and follow her family (something she's never had) and she threw the stone out the window. Might I just say that I'd have done the EXACT same thing. I loved that she did that. Although I was kindof scratching my head when Jamie made the offer in the first place. I was like "Really Jamie??? Really???" I mean, isna it a little late for that? C'mon dude... Claire's not going anywhere. And I think he knew that but wanted to be a good guy and put it out there. And I LOVED when he was asking Bree about the 20th century. I have always maintained that there isna enough of this type of talk from Jamie. I love him even considering the possibility of going forward even for a microsecond. That is something I would just love to see, even though I know I have a better chance of seeing Malva come back from the dead and actually sleep with Jamie (hey, he did say he kindoffff understands necrophiliacs, right?) 

Here's a burning question among my Outlander sassenach friends: Will Ian go to Scotland, too? All I can say is he BETTER. His mother deserves to see him - and we deserve to see a reunion.

OK so here's what I'm expecting to see in Echo: Willy will find out he's Jamie's son. Maybe Willie will take up where Bree left off as the offspring in Jamie's life. I truly thought Bree was going to tell Willy they were siblings. My god, can you imagine the anguish of poor Lord John? And speaking of LJG - I was verra sad to witness the coldness of John and Jamie's dealings at the inn. They care so much for each other and have too much honor between them to show it. Who CARES what side of the argument they're on? They're best friends! Hug it out! John - is your relationship with the King more important than your relationship with Jamie? I think not! Just my .02.

Let's see... what else? God there is so much.  Bonnet. Sighhhhh Bonnet. I was glad Bree did what she did for him although I dinna ken for the LIFE of me why I care. And I am dying to know what the papers were that she and Jamie got from him in the prison. His business dealings? His assets? What what WHAT? And WHY? Did he make them a deal to give them these things if they'd promise to kill him before he drowned? And wouldn't the horror of 9 hours tied to that stake to the point where only his head was showing pretty much be almost as much as he'd have to take? Hell one more hour and he'd be swimming with Big Pussy AND the fishes.

Jocasta: Good riddance. She was a pain in the ass from the word "go". I dinna understand why she and Duncan couldn't just take Phaedre and Ulysses with them. Phaedre is off knitting with Marsali, I suppose... and poor Ulysses is up in Virginia fighting for his freedom with Mel Gibson. Good for him. I always liked him and he had more class in his little pinky than Jocasta had in her entire body. Shame on her for keeping slaves. But what else can you expect from a MacKenzie (of Leoch, that is.)

Fergus - WHERE FOR ART THOU, FERGUS?!? Ugh - please please please tell me we're going to see Fergus again. He's doing a fantastic job with the printing press (OK so maybe Marsali isna knitting) but I just miss him, OK? I MISS HIM and his goddamn Fronch MURMURING. Hell if I were Marsali, I'd get preggers again just to have him woo baby #5 out at the end of the 9 months.

And last, but certainly not least, Roger and the bairns. I. Think. It. Is. AWESOME that Bree took the fam to Lallybroch and bought it. I really do. I have to wonder if Echo is a duel story of Jamie and Claire at Lallybroch in the 18th century and Bree and Roger there in the 20th. Wow - that would be cool. And might I tell you - the one thing that made cry in this book to the point where I hadn't cried that hard since Ian was STOLEN by the Mohawk:  the chest with Jemmy's name on it. Holy crap - is Jamie Fraser  not a god? Seriously. I wonder if Claire knew he did that. Probably, I'm sure. But wow. And it's kindof funny because didna that scene conjur up visions of Sandra Bullock (oh poor Sandra Bullock - who didn't know that fool was a loser from the day she married him?) and Keanu Reeves standing at the mailbox in The Lake House? I am verra into heirlooms, peeps.... so yeah, I cried my fat arse off at that box and the note inside it. How completely thoughtful of Jamie. I'm hoping they hid lots of little things for her to find around Lallybroch. Maybe she told them she'd buy it if she got back.

Guess we'll have to wait and see...

I'm Only Happy When it Rains

SPOILER ALERT: Dinna read unless you have read chapter 118 in A BREATH OF SNOW AND ASHES.

OHHHHH MYYYYY GODDDDD!!!!  I weep for Lord John. I seriously do. His love for James Fraser is so unconditional and all-encompassing... MY GOD. It's almost more abundant than Claire's. It's like he was born to walk this earth in such turmoil over Jamie Fraser after having done something unconscionable in his last life. It hurts me to the core of my being to watch this poor soul be near Jamie and hold back his feelings. Is it me or is he VERY easy to relate to? Haven't we all - at one time or another - experienced his pain in dealing with another human being? Someone  you couldn't share your feelings with... or express your true self with? My god it's mind-boggling how this poor soul can stay in the same room with Jamie and not scream at the top of his lungs "I LOVE YOU SOOOOO MUCH!"

OK so I've had a glass of wine which may or may not be enhancing my ability to wallow in pity - be it self-inflicted or otherwise. But WORK WITH ME HERE, PEOPLE!

And PS -  I will say it: I GRIEVE Stephen Bonnet. Boyfriend NEVER had a chance in this life! His family was probably god-awful - the likes of which you read about in Angela's Ashes. They lead him to this selfish life of crime. I'll never understand him. It was like he wanted to experience love with Brianna so badly but just refused to let himself go that route.

If I had a request for HERSELF - Diana Gabaldon regarding book 8 - it would be "Can we PLEASE have an HONORABLE IRISHMAN????"  I have HAD IT entirely with shanty Irish drinkers, gamblers, smugglers and the like. That's all we ever see in print or film! You'd think there wasn't one dignified Irishman on the planet! I have 5 words for ya:

THANK GOD FOR PIERCE BROSNAN!!!!!!!!!!!

The Poor Wee Fools

SPOILER ALERT: Dinna read unless you have read chapter 112 in A BREATH OF SNOW AND ASHES. 

I am in the midst of reading but just had a "WOW" moment... and HAD to stop and blog.  Jamie, Claire, Roger and Ian are with the militia at Moore's Creek and know the battle will begin that afternoon or evening. Jamie has grease smudges on his hands and quietly tells Claire "They've cannon" as he's wiping his hands on his pants. He's realizing MacDonald's troops (who are Highlanders, remember) have swords and not a lot of muskets and powder... or men, for that matter... and are marching into an ambush but a huge group of militia who are armed to the gills.

"Oh, Christ," Jamie said, so softly I could barely hear him. "The poor wee fools. The poor gallant wee fools." 

When I read that line, I had to take a moment. This is one of the most powerful scenes in the series, in my humble opinion. Jamie is realizing his own Scottish people are going to die in this battle... and the group HE is fighting with will win. And he feels terrible about it - but knows he has no choice because - just like almost 30 years ago - Claire has told him the outcome of this war. He's remembering Culloden, when he was on the other side of the cannons with only a sword to protect him.

Wow. I mean... seriously... just... Wow.

When Irish Eyes are Smilin'

SPOILER ALERT: Dinna read unless you have read chapter 108 in A BREATH OF SNOW AND ASHES. 

I have a problem. Not so much a problem per se... it's more of a quandary. You see... there is a miniscule, teeny-tiny, barely there part of me that is attracted to... Stephen Bonnet. (cringes and waits til the backlash is over).

I KNOW! I KNOW! He's DISGUSTING! And I'm not really even INTO bad boys. I don't know what's WRONG with me!!! I mean... we've got Roger being all debonair and racing into the jungle to find him now that he found Bree and Emmanuel's dead. We've got Jamie hootin' and hollerin' all KINDS of  nasty, hot,  Scottish Gaelicness and war cries. We've got Ian - LORDDDD we've got Ian - sitting on the stoop of Bonnet's house, wringing the water out of his LONG hair (ohhhh the visual). And my ass is thinking "Wow I hate that I love it when Bonnet calls Bree 'Sweetheart'." !!!!! WHAT THE EFF IS WRONG WITH ME???

OK I have to go read more. Shannon says the rest of 108 is awesome. Hell Jen L says the rest of the book is awesome. No time to blog. I'll be back later though... because we must discuss!!

Rescue Me

SPOILER ALERT: Dinna read unless you've read Chapter 102 in A BREATH OF SNOW AND ASHES.

Holy MOLY. I canna BELIEVE what I've been reading over the past few days. It is SPEC-FRIGGIN-TACULAR. It's like someone picked me up and plopped me right smack in the middle of OUTLANDER. I love you, Diana Gabaldon. I really, really love you!

OK so first off - how about Jamie kidnapping Mrs. Forbes? Holy god I was L-O-V-I-N-G it. It was the old Jamie that I know and love! Total crisis, and yet he's calm, cool and collected. And being all charming and frisky with Mrs. Forbes! I wished I was her! And when he picked her up??? UGH!!! I wonder if he really ate the picnic lunch with her.... and how he managed to get the brooch. I want more details! SUCH A GREAT SCENE!!!

OK so what else - so much. Roger and Ian grilling Forbes about Bree's whereabouts?! The ear! Oh god, the EAR! And Ian SMOKED IT and is now carting it around in his little man-purse. Oh god that is so awesome I dinna know what to DO with m'self. The only thing missing from that scene was my boyfriend, Fergus. I mean, really. He would have used that hook to really do some psychological damage, dinna you think???

I didn't talk much about Claire being rescued from the Governor's boat. When Jamie came through the fog in the rowboat, I honestly thought it was one of the most powerful moments in the series. No drama. No pomp and circumstance. Just Jamie - quietly doing what he does best; rescuing Claire. I could see him in that boat... coming closer...closer...closer... until he was right up next to the ship - and standing next to Claire. I found it really moving.

OK it's Outlander Chat time - more later!

Moya Brennan

SPOILER ALERT: Dinna read unless you have read A BREATH OF SNOW AND ASHES.

Heard this Moya Brennan song on my Gaelic (and Gaelic-esque) mix on Pandora today... and looked up the lyrics. Wow. Go here and listen to it - and read the lyrics. Absolutely beautiful. It's not available at Playlist.com so I canna put it on my playlists - but it's perfect for one of the Outlander movies... somewhere. Havena decided yet.

Gaol Sucks

SPOILER ALERT: Dinna read unless you've read chapter 98 in A BREATH OF SNOW AND ASHES. 

So wow. Where to start? Malva a ho. A big, fat, DEAD ho. And I canna feel bad about it. Not one bit. What I can feel bad about is Claire's ridiculous and annoying need to GET INVOLVED in every crisis that is better off left alone. Case in point - trying to save Malva's dead bairn. Although - she's a doctor - I get it. How could she see that belly move and NOT try to save the baby? I was with her on that. But I'm thinking she should have run to the house - gotten someone - ANYONE - as a witness - and said "OK I'm going to cut into this dead Malva I just found in order to try to save her baby. Capice?"  And she would have had an alibi. But no - she just slices right in with her Swiss army knife and once again - Claire's in deep doo-doo.

How POWERFUL was that standoff scene with Jamie and Claire at the big house? Holy god. I love how Claire is just able to shoot someone and go about her business of hiding in the house and making a bite to eat for Jamie.. and no one cares at all. Why isn't anyone taking her to jail for THAT?

And speaking of jail. Or Gaol. Um, YUCK. Mrs. Ferguson would have been told PRONTO that she should keep her damned hands to herself. I mean, really. I couldna have even stayed in the bed with her after that - roaches or no.

And is it me or do people just go into labor all around Claire - at opportune times? It's fascinating! "Oh wow - I hate being in jail - it's stinky and I'm bored". "Shriekkkkkk!" "Oh look - I can get out and hang out by the hearth and deliver a child!  That will take a good couple of hours. Excellent!"

Here's a scene I want to see in ABOSAA: The Movie: Jamie running after the carriage as Claire and the Governor are riding down the street. Oh. My. Holy. Ever. Loving. God.   I DIED! SO heroic. And Ian's all "Um, hullo, Uncle Jamie? Your damned HAT fell off and now the whole world and maybe even Jupiter knows it's you, ya DUMBASS." That was tremendous. Poor Jamie. He's all panting and shiz. It reminds you he's now old, just like the rest of us.

OK more in the next entry - this one's gettin' a little long....

All Together Now...

SPOILER ALERT: Dinna read unless you've read chapter 82 in A BREATH OF SNOW AND ASHES.

I have to say something. Loudly. But I don't want to give away a spoiler.
So scroll down please, if you will....

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MALVA CHRISTIE IS A BIG, FAT, EFFING SLUT!

Nothing further.
For now.
More to come...

He Said, She Said

SPOILER ALERT: Dinna read unless you've read chapter 80 in A BREATH OF SNOW AND ASHES.

Here is the email I - not two seconds ago - sent Tracey:

CHRIST ON A CRUTCH!!!!!!  Shannon and I are at the part where HUGEASS PREGNANT BITCH OF A HO, MALVA accuses Jamie of knocking her up. Claire ran out - Tom Christie asked for money and Jamie's coming to the realization that he's in deep doodoo.

I am not even for ONE SECOND going to even CONSIDER that Jamie did anything wrong.

I just don't know how Malva knows about the butt-scar.

MMMMMPPPPPHHHHHMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!!

Dear John

SPOILER ALERT: Dinna read unless you have read chapter 76 in A BREATH OF SNOW AND ASHES. 

This will be a quick one because I must get back to reading. I just wanted to say few things before I forget them.

So I've read more about Lizzie and the Beardsleys. Or shall I say "about Lizzie Beardsley and her two husbands" now that Jamie married Lizzie and Kezzie and Roger married Lizzie and Jo.  I dunno...it's totally creepy... and yet, I can't help thinking "GO TEAM LIZZIE!" I mean - wow. She's got two of the same guy pretty much. Can you imagine the possibilities? Double the dinner being caught. Double the wood being chopped. And double the bedroom fun. FOR HER! For once - it's not a GUY having all the fun! Not a bad deal, I'm thinking. And if Bree could just get the pizza going, it can be "Two Guys, A Girl and a Pizza Place"!

Now... what do the Beardsleys look like at this point? How old are they? 20? 22? Hell if you can make them look like Rob Pattinson I'm thinking Lizzie should just put a big, old "I WIN" sign above her door.

Actually - speaking of Rob Pattinson, I have been thinking of him for Roger for the longest time. I can literally hear some of you cringing - and some of you cheering. It's making me giggle. I dunno... if you can put the enormous monster that is "Twilight" out of your brain for one second, you might be able to see this along with me. He could just do the whole understated, sweet, slightly tortured soul soooo well. Hell - pull Twilight back out again for that matter. Cuz I think I just described Edward Cullen. No WONDER I love Roger!!

OK moving on - had a dream last night that I was MARRIED TO JAMIE and we lived in a HUGE MANSION with lots of gorgeous dark wood moulding. Only problem? HE WAS AWAY - so I didna even get to enjoy or even SEE him. What was weird was that the mansion was very old - and so were most of its' contents - but it was modern times, and I saw Jamie's clothes. And there was a HAWAIIAN SHIRT in his wardrobe. NOT EVEN KIDDING. How funny is that???

OK lastly for now - I am loving  John Grey right now and just cried a tear when I read Jamie's letter, telling him they canna continue their correspondence. I keep finding myself saying "OMG you HAVE to TELL him about Claire/Bree/Roger and warn him about the Revolution!"  Am I the only one thinking this??? Take the chance that he'll think you're a freak because you might be able to save his life!

A Breath of Snow and Asses

SPOILER ALERT: Dinna read unless you've read chapter 73 in A BREATH OF SNOW AND ASHES. 

OK first question: Is everybody just doing everybody on the Ridge and in River Run these days? That's what I'm feeling like.

Duncan: I canna blame him. Not one bit. IF (and that's a big "if") he's telling the truth about being impotent since he was young and that something suddenly came up when Phaedre was cleaning up his butter. No pun intended. 

Lizzie:  LIZZIE YOU IGNORANT HO-BAG! Who knew she had it in her?! No pun intended. What is she, Malva?! And she did BOTH of them?!? BLECH. I still havena finished the chapter so I'm still a little confused on what exactly transpired. Did they mean to trick her - or did they think she knew the diff? Not really sure at this point. All I know is she's got a bun in the oven and doesna know which Beardsley put it there. Um, ew.

And might I say, I'm sick of Jocasta. I really am. I dinna think I care too much about her welfare. Is that mean? I think I'm just starting to really classify her with her brothers and think "ick". I REALLY wonder more and more about what Ellen was like, coming from a horrible family like that. 

OK - SO - on to more important things. Ian. SOBBBB! Poor baby. I cried for him when he was getting all philosophical about his daughter - and when Bree prayed to Frank to take care of her. Poor souls - both of them. What a poignant scene. I also started to really feel for Bree - and the loss of the only  father she'd ever known until she went through the stones and found Jamie. Even if I didna like him all that much, Frank was her world - and now he's gone. I almost wish he'd somehow show up on the Ridge. I really do. That would rightly muck things up for sure. My god IMAGINE the fun!!! Oh god - that meeting. Jamie vs. Frank. THERE CAN BE ONLY ONE!!!

And WHO is Ian going to marry NOW that Lizzie has seen fit to roll in the hay with the Beardsleys and get herself knocked up? OH and how about the admission that she almost did the nasty with Bobby Higgins! WOWWY MCWOW! I didna even know they kissed - let alone came close to fornicating.

DAMN. Life on the Ridge is pretty interesting, ken?

Thanks, Diana!

So I woke up to 8 inches of water in my basement yesterday. Which is the kids' play room. Faulty sump pump. And my 7 year old brought her Queen Elizabeth report back to me today after handing it in to her teacher because it didn't have a cover on it (a cover was NOT in the instructions, thankyouverramuch, and they're presenting them in class - in costume. A cover was the last thing on my mind). She then informed me she had to move her fish because one of the boys was poking her on the carpet when they were supposed to be paying attention - and of course, she retaliated and poked him back. (I'm half "YOU DID WHAT?" and half "THAT'S MY GIRL!" at this news). And to top ALL of that off, my courses will be dropping in on me any second, now, and I feel like I need a good cry.

Which is why I was floored, touched, flabbergasted and all-around thrilled to find out our Outlander videos have made it to Diana Gabaldon's Youtube page.  Look under "Favorites" and "Book Review Videos".

jedecec Meets Peter Facinelli!

OK I have to share something huge that happened to one of our readers today.

My cousin, Jenn D, who follows My Outlander Purgatory as JeDeCe met a certain someone named PETER FACINELLI today. If you don't know who that is, he plays CARLISLE CULLEN in the Twilight series films... and is also a regular on Nurse Jackie.

Not only did Jenn meet "PFach" and get her picture taken with him... but he had someone take a picture with her on his iPhone and then TWEETED about meeting Jenn. And about 7 hours later, the tweet is still up! 

It was an amazing day for Jenn and I just had to share. Go check it out!

Outlander Chit Chat Between Sisters

SPOILER ALERT: Dinna read unless ou have finished chapter 66 in A BREATH OF SNOW AND ASHES.

Email: Carol to Tracey:

How is it possible that in ONE WEEK Claire seems to have lost her ass 
and is reduced to skin and bones. And in three weeks of dieting, I'm 
lucky if I lost three pounds.

My prediction: Malva poisoned Claire and Tom Christie. That way, 
she'd be free to have Jamie. Why isna Claire seeing this??? She still 
thinks she and Tom C. had some odd illness. NOT. Malva's BAD news. I 
can smell it.

Email Reply: Tracey to Carol:

You should copy that email and paste it right into your blog. LOL  

 Malva is verra interesting. I thought so right from the start. 

Oh and BY THE WAY - I just read the end of Chapter 66 where Claire finally invites Jamie back into the marriage bed after almost dying (from being poisoned if I'm right.) And all I have to say is: Thank you, Diana. Thank you verra much. LORRDDDDD thank you very much!

Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death

SPOILER ALERT: Dinna read unless you've gotten 3 or 4 pages into chapter 65 in A BREATH OF SNOW AND ASHES. 

Dear Diana, 

What's with this Wedding at Cana writing style of yours? I love it! Just when I think things are slowing down, you change the water into wine and start serving up the deliciousness!

Yours in Christ (and Jamie Fraser),

Carol 

Seriously - I CANNOT believe what a turn this book has taken. Then again, I suppose I can believe it, after previous books that went along their merry way until PRESTO! They took off like a bat out of hell. 

I am going back to reading now because this part is SO good and I only have a short free time window in this insane asylum I call my house. But I'll tell you this: I am at what I believe to be one of the most powerful - if not THE most powerful - moments in this series.

Photo credit: philadelphia.about.com 

Jamie just declared himself for liberty. That is HUGE. Put yourself in his position. He's an honest, hard-working man who spent years at the mercy of English rule - fighting for Scotland and suffering subsequent punishment - and has finally found some peace. And he now has to put every ounce of faith and trust into his oddball, time-traveling wife's notion of a Revolutionary War -  and declare himself a rebel. When all he really wants to do is stay out of trouble and avoid fighting like the plague. It's mind-blowing how huge this is.

Photo credit: planetware.com

I am more than nostalgic for where I grew up right now. No shocker as I've waxed on previously about my hometown bordering Valley Forge. I used to drive to my friend Katie's house and pass cannons and log cabins along the way - and think absolutely nothing of it. Dinna get me wrong - I respected the hell out of what took place at Valley Forge. But it was what it was; I lived there. I had to drive through the park (Bitterman) to get to the local shopping center!  Seriously though - I went through a Revolutionary War obsession in the 4th or 5th grade... and even had wedding portraits taken at Valley Forge Park in front of a log cabin (Tracey is right now going "OMG I totally forgot about that!) And now - wow.  Reading this book...I'm dying to go back. Tracey - Shannon - Jenn M. - and anyone else who wants to join us, I have one thing to say:  ROAD TRIP!!!!!! 

PS - Check out these pictures taken by a fellow named Adrian from England who lives in PA now and has a personal website at adrianc.com. I have posted one of the inside of a cabin, below. Can you imagine Jamie, Claire, Bree, Roger and Jemmy all sharing ONE?!

ALSO - click this link for some fascinating information and links regarding Valley Forge and George Washington's troops camping there (what was left of them) for 6 months.

Dying is a Lonely Business...What are your Thoughts, Hobson?

SPOILER ALERT - Dinna read unless you've finished Chapter 64 in A BREATH OF SNOW AND ASHES.

This is sortof post script from last night's post. Claire is now fully awake - and has shared some much-needed alone time with Jamie. From what she says, it's been a day or two since she woke up. And no mention of Bree coming-a-calling. I suppose this is one of those times Tracey and Shannon always point out is "assumed"? Because if not, WHERE THE HELL IS BREE???

Here's another thing - why on god's green earth was Jamie SKINNING HIDES IN THE WOODS whilst Claire was upstairs dying in the big house? I mean, dinna get me wrong, I'm happy he was - because he was able to save my beloved Fergus. But it strikes me as VERRA odd that he would leave that room for one second if Claire was dying. I'm having a hard time from keeping the following from spewing forth from my lips: "Edward would never have left". 

And speaking of my beloved Fergus - I think it's a grand idea to send him off to live the life of a city mouse with Marsali and the weans. He needs to build his confidence back up, aye?

Now THAT'S a bad hair day!

SPOILER ALERT: Dinna read unless you hve read through the third page of Chapter 64 in A BREATH OF SNOW AND ASHES. 

Jesus god they shaved her head. THEY SHAVED CLAIRE'S HEAD!!!!! Oh I'm dying. Absolutely DYING!!!

Do you know what my profile quote is on Facebook? "What's wrong? Is it my HAIR?!"  And it's completely superficial and stupid, I realize. But it's because I have had CRAZY hair since the day I was born. And when you have CRAZY hair, it almost seems like your life sortof revolves around your hair. And you act like a complete dumbass about your hair. Hair is my life. Everyone I know has asked me to do their hair - fix their hair - hell, I've even cut and colored hair when I had no CLUE what I was doing. Seriously. I just love hair, OK?  (See yesterday's post mention about Robert Pattinson for backup.)

THEY CUT OFF HER HAIR!!!! She had no SAY in the matter!! She never saw it COMING!
Hell....*I* never saw it coming!!!  Wow, Diana... you have outDONE yourself in the "GOTCHA!!!" department, seriously.

It's not like she was Demi Moore and starring in GI Jane and did it on purpose. She woke up - AND IT WAS ALL GONE. 

OK going back to reading now... but all I have to say is this: "WHO is the dark haired GIRL leaning into Jamie??? (Don't answer that!) MALVA??? IS IT MALVA??? I will KICK HER ASS from here to KINGDOM COME. GET her ass OUT of that surgery and BACK to the cabin with TOM ASSHOLE CHRISTIE where she BELONGS!!!!!

OK I'm a little freaked out right now. Sorry for the shamefully crass language. But DAMNIT I am pissed. Poor Claire is DYING of dysentery and MALVA (or someone else?) is MOVING IN on JAMIE - and CUTTING OFF ALL HER HAIR!!!!!!! I need to process this. Seriously. Did this ever happen on Little House on the Prairie?? Did they ever shave off Mary Ingalls' hair because she was sick???

WHY??? WHY??? (screamed like Nancy Kerrigan)  And here's poor Claire - about 4 seconds back from the dead - and she is worried about Jamie seeing her. As if he'd give a rat's ASS about her hair, especially now that she's out of the woods and going to live. Oh the poor thing. God bless her.

OK Back to reading. More to follow....

Flocks of a Feather

SPOILER ALERT: Dinna read unless you've read Chapter 60 in A Breath of Snow and Ashes. 

I canna believe how much I've come to love Bobby Higgins. That letter from John Grey killed me.  It was verra sweet of John to go to bat for Bobby like that. "Well, Jamie, please talk Lizzie's dad into letting her marry Bobby. And if that falls through, give it a shot for Malva with Tom Christie".  And what then? Who is low enough in the totem pole for poor Bobby?! And he is better than all of this! And isn't he sweet, putting on his Sunday best to speak with Jamie and Mr. Wemyss? And then what happens?! SHOT DOWN!!! With a slight little "I'll think about it but most probably not."

OK so let's back up a little bit. Flora MacDonald. Don't think I like her. A little too important to be captured for my taste. And WHAT was with the odd look she gave Claire when she first met her at River Run? Maybe that wasna the first time she met her. Or maybe she'd heard stories. Or maybe she's got a sick crush on Jamie even though he's like a million years younger than her. Kindof like Rob Pattinson is a million years younger than me. Yeah. Let's let that one go for now.

I. LOVE. DONNER!  Why on earth did Bree and Claire just sit there and let them haul his arse off to jail? Yeah yeah - he escaped - and now we don't know where he is. But still! They just SAT there. They go to bat for everyone and everything - but for him, they just sit there. I get it - he ran around with the band of thugs who kidnapped Claire. But he was trying to help Claire. True, he's a wimpy little shite who watched a heap of walking filth just go around killing people at random - but again - I think he did enough to try to help Claire that they should have at least spoken up for him, even though it probably wouldna have done any good. And he's from the future. They canna just let him die without pumping every last bit of info out of him that they can (which I believe they were trying to do until Claire dragged poor Jamie's ass into the brothel where we heard even more stories of his good deeds.) And if nothing else, Donner actually uses terms like "gnarly". I'd keep him around for the conversation alone.

Tar and feathers - awesome. Jamie at his finest - and it just showed me that Jamie is going to be verra influential and so sitting down to a meeting with John Adams in about 30 seconds. I'll bet Abigail is brewing the acorn tea for the Fraser womenfolk as I type. And Hel-LO - when Ian and Fergus came to his side (sighhhhh Fergussss... that man is so sexy it's shameful) and did their little hop-up number to pull down the mattress? Priceless. Absolutely priceless.

OK that's it for now, lest I make you yawn with all my chatter. I'll leave you with this thought:

If those Ridgers don't leave poor Roger's preaching/singing/sweating alone  - I'm going to grab that snake out of Jamie's shirt - no, make that Claire's pocket - and whack them over the head with it. Although, might I say that when that snake came up under Jamie's chin,  under his shirt, I truly almost coughed up a lung from laughing so hard. Seriously.

Funny Outlander Parody

Sorry All - crazy week. I promise I'll be back at it tomorrow!

Until then - check out this verra amusing Outlander Parody from "CrunchyMonkey777" I found linked to Diana Gabaldon's Youtube page. I cracked up when she went through the stones. Lorrdddd please don't let Tracey make me do something like this! ;)

PS - Tracey asked me to mention that she also saw this on Outlandish Observations today. She's the Tweeter; I'm the blogger.  (We are sometimes not in sync!)

Who is Your Claire?

SPOILER ALERT: Dinna read unless you have read Dragonfly in Amber.

Since we were talking about "our Claire" in tonight's chat - I have to mention mine. This is my Claire....Emma Samms. Young Claire - Older Claire - doesna matter. I think she's perfect.

What do you think?

My Outlander Movie or Series Ramblings

Just read this blurb in an interview with Jim Caviezel about "that other Outlander"... and found it interesting that he would say this:

Outlander is...kind of like Braveheart and Highlander mixed - and really not.”

Wow. Interesting Scottish references to this sci-fi alien vs. viking film with the same name as the book series we're all reading which is about Scotland and therefore conjures up visions of, uh, well.. Braveheart.. and uh, Highlander.

OK so moving on - I just posted this comment to Sirena regarding my humorous pipe dreams about Channing Tatum playing Jamie Fraser:

Word on the street has been that Randall Wallace would be writing the screenplay (he wrote Braveheart)...but lately the talk is mini-series related... so we'll see what happens.

Did you happen to see Dear John? Channing Tatum is the star of the movie and I recently read an interview where he said Randall Wallace wrote him a letter... and has since become his mentor. Ask Jenn, Shannon and Tracey - I spent days on end absolutely convinced that RW wanted Channing to play Jamie. We went to see the movie and I thought "Wow - if this guy could pull off a Scottish accent, I'd be happy as a clam. He's that good in the film". But.. alas... that's just another one of my little Outlander dreams...

So I read another article today and realized Channing Tatum has mentioned he's reading a Randall Wallace-written book entitled "Love and Honor" about the eve of the Revolutionary War. Hmmm.
So I suppose a) I'm dead wrong on RW possibly wanting CT to play Jamie Fraser and b) Randall is farting around with his own historical fiction instead of working on a proper screenplay or better yet storyline for a cable series for Outlander... and I have to wonder if c) he ganked the idea for his 2004-published book from Diana, Herself! Mmmppphhm! (Dinna worry - I promise I'm kidding as I truly adore Randall Wallace and will absolutely buy this book when I finish the Outlander series. I don't care if I'm the only person on the planet who loved The Man in the Iron Mask, which Mr. Randall wrote the screenplay for - as well as directed.)

OK so lastly - a post from Diana's "Voyages of the Artemis" blog. The post is from 2008 - and readers like Karen and Laura already know this all and will most likely be like "Oh Carol, aren't you cute with your 2 year old information" LOL! But some of you more recent Outlander groupies - like me - might want to see some of the film adaptation info that came from the mouth of Herself. Enjoy! (And PS - ask Tracey - I have maintained since Day 1 that Keira Knightly is my ultimate Claire if she'd just eat a few Pork roll, Egg and Cheese sandwiches and throw bad a bunch of chocolate shakes. LORDDDDD that girl is skinny! I think I'll have to stick with Rachel Weisz.)

Reminder: Tonight is Outlander Chat Night!

Don't forget MONDAY NIGHT CHAT tonight at 9:00 PM Eastern Standard Time!

We'll be discussing anything from Outlander....all the way up through the first 50 chapters  in A Breath of Snow and Ashes.

Hope to see you there!