The Great Dragonfly ReRead

SPOILER ALERT: Dinna read unless you have read the first few chapters of Dragonfly in Amber. 

Wow. Just... wow. What a difference a new read makes. The first time I read DinA - I was lost without Jamie in the beginning. I couldn't get past my shock and general confusion at the 20 years that had passed to really enjoy what was happening. But now? Oh. My. God. I keep crying!  I was on the treadmill this AM and every time I hit a new paragraph I was in tears! I just kept marveling over Bree. She's JAMIE'S DAUGHTER!!!!  I kept thinking "Oh my god, how lucky for Claire that SHE HAD BREE". Every day - she had a MAJOR piece of Jamie- right there - to look at, talk to, hug and kiss... And Jamie had nothing. Not one thing that reminded him of Claire,  save his imagination and memories. Then again - some would argue that it wasn't luck that Claire had Bree - that it might have been just the opposite. Every day she had to see Jamie in Bree's face - and know he was gone.

Oh god I think need to go lie down. Seriously. During my first read I didn't really dwell on ANY of this because I was so upset and freaked out that 20 years had passed... and I couldn't do anything but try to crack the code of how we were going to get back to Jamie.

But this time?? I cried when Roger went to Lallybroch. I cried when Bree's foot was sticking out of the bed. I cried when Claire knocked over the whisky glasses and I cried when Roger found "James Fraser" in the records.

Oh it's WONDERFUL!!!!  Positively DELICIOUS!!!

PS - Is it a little odd that I am almost jealous of all the boxes of books and paperwork that Roger gets to go through? He's totally dreading it because of his emotional attachment to the reverend. But not me!  I love history and geneaology and would be salivating at the prospect of going through all those Culloden records and information.

Frank and "Black Jack" Randall: Another Lightbulb Moment

I'm watching Sherlock Holmes....and I feel like the Frank/Black Jack Randall answer has been right here, under my nose the whole time!  Attractive.. Distinguished..  And able to look downright sinister.

Yup.

Jude. 
Law.

What say you?

Another Great Outlander Chat

Thanks all for another great Outlander chat! I'm so glad I got to make it for a bit!

As I mentioned, I am in the beginning of my Dragonfly in Amber reread... and it's a little slow going. Let's be honest - when you're stuck in the manse with Roger (not that I don't love me some Roger) and you see no end to the 20th centrury in site... well, you get a little frustrated. But as I mentioned at chat tonight, my crazy couple of weeks have let up...so I have more time to read, and will be blogging about Dragonfly verra soon, lads and lassies. Verra soon indeed...

Outlander Chat Tonight

Chat tonight at 9PM Eastern - it's going to be a good one, too. Karen had lunch with Diana last week and will hopefully have lots of details!  AND - there's a certain photo everyone's talking about that I'm sure will come up tonight.

Having said that... I am SO SORRY... but I canna be at chat because I am meeting with a friend from California tonight. I have created a few blogs for him (that are really special to me and I WILL be linking to MOP soon) and I can actually sit and talk with him about them in person; not just via email. So - please know that I would NOT miss chat unless it were truly important.

Tracey will be there tonight and I want ALL THE DEETS!!!!

Keep. Effing. VOTING!!!!

Seriously. This is huge. KEEP VOTING!  Every day!

Quick! Go Vote for Diana!!!!

Quick! Go and Vote for Diana Gabaldon as your favorite author at the Library of Congress' National Book Festival!

The Wedding Night you WON'T See in Diana Gabaldon's "The Exile"

Alright y'all. I have gotten lots of email, asking if I've seen it. And yes; I've seen it.

LORDDDDDDDDDDDDDD HAVE I SEEN IT!

Thoughts? LET'S HEAR 'EM.

And I'll share a little of my own:  I'm not 100% OK with this picture. I'm glad it's been changed. How's about THAT!!!

Wait A Week Mystery

I've got a cool new blog for you to check out... a blog by none other than our own My Outlander Purgatory friend Christie! Christie is a HUGE FAN of the Outlander series... and has written a novel or two of her own. She is making one public on her blog "Wait A Week Mystery" and you can check it out here.  She's posting a chapter a week... how much fun is that?? So go check it out - and make sure you comment! Cuz all bloggers loveeeeeee comments! :)

Labor Day: No Official Outlander Chat Tonight

We will not have an official chat tonight because of the Labor Day holiday. However - feel free to stop in and use the room if you're free and feel like talkin' some Outlander!

If you live in the US, I hope you all had a wonderful Labor Day weekend!

A Lightbulb Moment

I canna believe I never saw this before. Hayley Atwell blew me away in The Pillars of the Earth. Is it possible? Could she be... Claire?  Wow. Just... wow. I loved her from the second she appeared on screen in the first episode. Now I'm wondering if my heart thought so all along.. but my brain just had to catch up.

And PS - gee how odd that I, of all people, should sneak in a little Eddie Redmayne being his usual gorgeous self?

Post Scriptum Scriptum: Spoiler Alert! If you are still reading The Pillars of the Earth - you may want to skip this video!

New Purgatory Video: We Discuss "The Making of The Exile"!

Outlandish Observations: THE EXILE in the UK

Hey if you live in the UK and want to buy "The Exile", check out Karen's recent blog post over at Outlandish Observations!

The Making of the Exile by Diana Gabaldon

Holy mother of god on high. Water. PLEASE!! I NEED WATER! Something! SMELLING SALTS?! HOW am I going to STAND IT when this graphic novel comes out?!? I'm dying already!!! 

Scroll down. LORDDDDDDDDD SCROLL DOWN!!!

 

"The" Outlander Bracelet!

Hey All - I have some news from MaryFaithPeace over at Etsy about her BEAUTIFUL Outlander charm bracelet!

The price for the bracelet is going up - for various reasons.

Faith sometimes uses different charms but since she's gotten so many orders, she is going to make one bracelet - en mass - so that they're always available. The one being sold on Etsy will be a standard "ready-made-dinna-wanna-wait" version. THAT one will have the standard charms (ones Faith has chosen) on it and is currently at the shop for $75. Creating it takes money and time. (Lordddddd lots of time!) You can, however,  still request to customize your charms and/or re-size your bracelet - just let her know when you get in touch with her.

Also - Faith has to deal with rising costs at Etsy, Paypal and USPS.

And BECAUSE SHE'S SO AWESOME - she will make the charm bracelet available at the $60 price point until September 30th for My Outlander Purgatory customers only!!  You can contact her via email (maryfaithpeace@gmail.com) - or through Etsy - and make sure to say you are a friend to My Outlander Purgatory! But hurry - after September 30th, the price goes up to $75!

 Trust me: You. Will. Love. This. Bracelet!!!!

PS - Have you already bought an Outlander charm bracelet from MaryFaithPeace at Etsy? If so - we would LOVE IT if you could send us a photo of you wearing your bracelet for the blog!!

Book 8 Wishlist: Question #1

OK. Fine. I'll admit it. I want some kind of situation with Bree and Roger. Bree loses her job? Nah. A problem with their kids? ZZZ. Nono - what I want to see is quite simple:

One of them has an admirer.

What say YOU?

POST Scriptum: Let me clarify. I don't just want an admirer... I want someone to "test their love" as Jenn M has so eloquently put it in the past.

Post Scriptum Scriptum: I dinna mean "What do you think will happen". I mean "What would you like to see happen?" It. Could. Be. Anything!  Be creative lads and lassies! :)

Outlander Chat TONIGHT!

Outlander Chat Tonight - 9PM Eastern - come chat with the crazy chicks who made those ridiculous movies this weekend!  We've got my reread, Tracey's new bracelet, THE EXILE and much more to cover! Hope to see you there!

The My Outlander Purgatory Shop!

Whoo hoo! The MOP SHOP is up and running! Just click on "MOP SHOP" on the tabs above... and take a gander at some of the goodies I've created for you. AND - if you have any special requests... such as adding a color... or changing a style... just let me know and I'll add whatever you need! We are here to spread the Outlander love!

New Purgatory Videos (Hooker!)

YouTube - Outlander Cast: Roger & Brianna

THIS IS CASTING PERFECTION!!! Awesome youtube video from McFerns21! Check her out!

Heid Ruadh?

SO COOL! SO COOL! SO COOL!  (Click "Gaelic Dictionary" once you get to the site.) Stumbled upon this while searching for a way to say "Redhead". Heid Ruadh?

OK it's weird that my husband just found a movie entitled Red Headed Stranger on TV right now while I'm typing this. Hmmm.....

So what brought on this need to blog about redheads? (Giggle, as if you have to ask.) Well - actually - I was just watching the finale of The Pillars of the Earth.. and was loving the whole red-headed theme... which I didn't think anything of when I read the book... but after reading Outlander... well... you know.

And THANK YOU to Lisa, Deirdre and Laithia for letting me know that Jack Jackson's father was played by Pinter Tibor! He is very Jamie-esque: red hair - long, straight nose - 6'3" - huge shoulders - very blue eyes. Is he the perfect Jamie? No. I'm not sure he even speaks English. But wow - it was fun to watch him and his red hair and huge shoulders in Pillars. That's as close to watching Jamie on the big screen as I fear I'm ever going to get.

Post Video Chat

Tracey and I had an amusing little post-video chat. The video will be up in the next day or so. For now, here's the ridiculousness from the chat room:


* Welcome purgatorycarol, now talking.
purgatorycarol:  Hellooooooooo
* TraceyR (72.88.210.165) has joined #MOP Chat
purgatorycarol:  Tracey and I just mde a video
TraceyR:  wassup
purgatorycarol:  It was fun HOOKER
TraceyR:  carol just drank a bottle of wine yo
purgatorycarol:  Holy crap - it's humid out here!
TraceyR:  it's HUUUUUUUUUMI
TraceyR:  d
purgatorycarol:  dudes she is SO FULL OF SHIZZLE - she drank a bottle too!
purgatorycarol:  DON'T make me show you the bottle!
TraceyR:  it went down eeeeeeasy
TraceyR:  show metne bottleQQQ
TraceyR:  !!!
purgatorycarol:  Ok stop seriously - we have to stop sounding like big lushes a la Chelsea Lately
TraceyR:  buuuuuuurrrrrrp
purgatorycarol:  y'all - tracey won't let me make another video, saying how much I LOVEEEEE EDDIE REDMAYNE!!!!!
purgatorycarol: OMG I have to post this
purgatorycarol:  I am SO going to post this
TraceyR:  noooo
purgatorycarol: Keeeeeeeep talkin', HOOKA!!!!!
TraceyR:  cut my burp
purgatorycarol: OH. MY. GOD. Tracey is the bEST burper in the WORLD
TraceyR:  stuffit gfriend
purgatorycarol:  Lafayette's line from last week resembles us: "Them fuckers is a whole new dimension of trash."
* TraceyR (72.88.210.165) Quit

It's VIDEO time!

OK lads and lassies... Tracey and I are making a video this evening (and should have posted this days ago).

Got anything you want us to discuss?

Let's hear it!

How to Get to Heaven from Scotland

Got this from a friend in Port Glasgow this morning. (Excuse the language).
 

How to get to Heaven from Scotland:
 
I was testing children in my Glasgow Sunday School class to see if they understood the concept of getting into heaven.

 I asked them,
"If I sold my house and my car, had a big jumble sale and gave all my money to the church, would that get me into heaven?"
"NO!" the children answered.

"If I cleaned the church every day, mowed the garden and kept everything tidy, would that get me into heaven?"
 Again, the answer was 'No!' 

 By now I was starting to smile.
 "Well, then, if I was kind to animals and gave sweeties to all the children, and loved my husband, would that get me into heaven?"
 Again, they all answered 'No!'

 I was just bursting with pride for them.
 I continued, "Then how can I get into heaven?"
  
 A six year old boy shouted, 
 "Yuv goat tae be fukin' deid"

Kinda brings a wee tear tae yir e'e....   

Look What Tracey Got!

Isn't it gorgeous?!?

Outlander Book Club's 1 Year Anniversary Contest

In honor of the Outlander Book Club's one year anniversary in September, they are having an essay contest for a chance to win a personalized signed copy of The Exile by Diana Gabaldon!  Yey OBC!  Awesome idea!

See the Outlander Book Club site for more details!

Outlander Chat Instructions

I received an email asking for help with chat and wanted to make sure I post the instructions!

1. To get to chat, click the "My Outlander Chat" tab above. 
2. Type a nickname - any nickname - and click "Join". 
3. You are now signed on to the chat room and your nickname will show up in the box in the upper right hand corner of the chatroom.
4. To start talking, go to the bottom of the white box, where is says: Type here and hit ENTER to send a message". Type whatever you'd like to say and hit the "Enter" key on your keyboard. 

That's it! You're chatting! Whatever you type will show up above in the larger white box. Sometimes it gets crowded (not that we're complaining; we LOVE a full chat) and it helps to change the color of your text so everyone is a different color. If - for instance -  I am typing in green, and I am discussing Fergus - and you want to discuss Fergus - you will know to follow the green text.

We try to follow topics every week, but I don't want it to be so rigid that people have to discuss what we're discussing. I want everyone to have fun at chat!

Hope that helps! And please don't hesitate to let us know if you're having problems!  You can email Tracey or myself by clicking the "Contact Us" tab at the top of the blog!

Pillars of the Earth on Starz: QUESTION

Can SOMEBODY please tell me who is playing Jacque Cherbourg (or Jack Shareburg - aka Jack Jackson's father) in all those flashbacks on The Pillars of the Earth??? I canna find his name anywhere. NO credits on IMDb. NO credits anywhere.

Why? Because he's a big, strapping hulk of a man with big shoulders and red hair. 

Y'all do the math. :)

Another Great Outlander Chat

Thanks to everyone who participated in last night's Outlander chat!  And a warm welcome to two MALE participants from last night... Richard... and Charles. We hope you come back again next week!

Outlander Chat Tonight

Outlander chat tonight at 9PM Eastern!  Tracey will be there -  I am headed to the great Hershey Park in Hershey, PA (to buy gobs of chocolate) with my family.... and will try verra hard to make it! By 9PM I'll be dying to sit down with the laptop and some peace and quiet, I'm sure!

Outlander Casting: Eddie Redmayne

OK because I am such a huge fan of The Pillars of the Earth (squee - two hour finale on Friday!) I have recently become absolutely captivated by Eddie Redmayne who plays Jack Jackson.  He's fantastic.  I think he's absolutely beautiful. He's so soulful... and can easily do strong - and vulnerable - at the same time.  He was on Broadway in a show called Red, for which he won a Tony.. and it closed in June which is SUCH a bummer. I live in NJ and could have easily gone to see him in this show. I canna say enough about him, sassenachs; I think he's an exceptional actor.

Soooooo.... here's the deal. I want him in Outlander. He FITS in Outlander. Somewhere. I just don't know where.  Any suggestions??

Claire's Bad Mofo Wallet

I just had to post this video because I just came across it and was reminded of my commentary from two weeks ago about Claire being a bad mofo and needing her own bad mofo wallet. There is some bad language - so be warned, especially at work or if you are around kids.

This video is dedicated to Tracey R, my sister and Outlander mentor and lover of Pulp Fiction... and also to Claire Beauchamp Randall Fraser GREY (tee hee, I couldna resist) because she is one BAD MOFO!!!!

Book 8 Ponderings - Post Scriptum!

SPOILER ALERT:  Dinna read unless ye have read An Echo in the Bone.

Thanks to our Purgatory bud, Danette, for reminding me of something that I left out of the last post.

Another thing that caused my latest musings: I remember reading that Diana didn't want the readers to think Jamie was dead - and I started thinking "Well why did Claire even have to think he was dead? WHY did she HAVE to sleep with Lord John??" And that's when it all fell into place. I am starting to think Tracey is correct; Jamie will forgive Claire in the first 50 pages (after some punishment, right Karen?!) and they will go back to the Ridge - and William will go with them. And even if they don't go back to the Ridge - William and Jamie WILL form a father/son bond...and the infidelity was necessary to allow Jamie to allow himself to hurt Lord John in that way.

WORD.

"Book 8" Ponderings

SPOILER ALERT: Dinna read unless you have finished An Echo in the Bone.

So I've been doing some serious pondering and surmising about "Book 8". Allow me to share.

I was brushing my teeth and thinking about how much I miss the Outlander crew. I then said to myself, "Self", I said, "what on earth is Book 8 going to be about? Is it going to grab me from Page 1?" I then thought "Oh it's going to start off with Jamie finding out about Claire sleeping with Lord John... so of course it's going to grab me." I then did the usual pondering about Claire sleeping with Lord John and what Jamie's reaction is going to be... yada yada yada... we've all been there a thousand times in our heads.

And that's when it happened. "Self", I said, "what is Willy's role going to be in Book 8?" And all at once, I knew. Jamie and Willy are going to rekindle the relationship they forged all those years ago at Helwater and truly become father and son. Ask me why I think this. Go ahead. I'll wait.

HERE'S WHY:  THAT'S why Claire HAD to sleep with Lord John. Diana probably thought to herself,  "Well, I'd like to form that father and son bond between Jamie and William - but how in the world can I do that with William's relationship with his "father", Lord John... and with the respect Jamie has for his best male friend in the world?" And that's when she probably said to herself "Lord John has got to do something so awful, so hideous that Jamie won't feel the least bit bad getting close to Willy as his true father"...

And then she probably said "But what? What on earth could Lord John possibly do that would make Jamie THAT mad?"

And the rest, my friends... is (future) history.

On Yesterday's Bree and Roger Video...

I love putting up a video and saying "discuss". What a loaded statement!

I agree with the general consensus. He's not my Roger and - while I absolutely ADORE Deborah Ann Woll as Jessica on True Blood; she's not really my Bree.

But I did love the song - and I also love that people take the time to put these videos together. You have to give them props. It takes countless hours of research to go through video and cut up parts that you think pertain to the story. I loved the boat shot - even though it was roughly 200 years (give or take a decade) too late. It reminded me of Roger on the ship headed to find Bree... and I got a lovely warm feeling in my wame.... like the kind you get when you have a cup of hot tea or coffee on a freezing cold, rainy afternoon.

I miss Roger. I miss Bree. Don't even get me started on how much I'm missing Jamie and Claire. And I know the general consensus of THAT commentary is "reread the books!" But it's not what I truly want. It's so difficult when you've read all 7 books in a row without stopping - and then have to wait for so long. Lorddddddd where's Diana's Methadone list when I need it?!

Roger and Brianna Video

Found this from randomnessfanvids on youtube today. Discuss!

Another Great Outlander Chat!

Thanks for another great Outlander chat, y'all!  I had a great time, even thought I didn't get there until an hour after it started! 

Love the Monday night chats - you all are so much fun to dish with.

Have a great week; we'll see you in Purgatory!!

Outlander Chat Tonight!

Chat tonight! 9PM Eastern! 

I might not be at chat tonight but Tracey will be there. (A dear friend of mine is a merchant marine and is shipping out on Wednesday for three months... and we are taking him to dinner this evening. I hope to make it to at least some of the chat!)

We are using new chat software tonight and it's way cool and verra easy to use. A couple things:
*You can change the color and size of your text. Try to pick a shade that is different from other chatters. It makes it so much easier to keep track of a conversation you're having.

*For those who like to VIEW in chat - but not actually SAY anything - you can still do this! Just pick a nickname to sign in with (seriously - Mickey Mouse works!) and then just watch. (Jamie knows ye love to watch.)

Enjoy - and let me know if you have any questions or issues!

More Fun with the Frasers

So I'm watching the Fraser videos and I'm seeing photographs of Frasers who fought in South Africa in the early 19th century. And I'm thinking "These were descendants of Jamie Fraser's family!!" And then I think to myself "My god! Jamie Fraser is a fictional character! I...am... LOSING IT!" 

And here's another thing that's kindof cool to think about. What year did we leave off in Echo? 1778? Simon Fraser died in London (ahem turncoat ahem) in 1782. (He was the son of Simon the Fox who was briefly imprisoned and later got all the Fraser lands back by jumping into bed with the British government. Not that I'm judging or anything.) Could we get a glimpse of THAT storyline, perhaps, in the famous upcoming Book 8???

And here's the thing that bugs me. Should I be annoyed with the Old Fox's son, Simon, for seemingly kissing the British government's  ass in the 18th century after Culloden? Should I consider him a turncoat? Or should I assume he did everything he did (including becoming close with the British Prime Minister and living on Downing Street in London when he died) in order to win back his father's stolen lands, no matter what the cost to his personal integrity? Perhaps it's a mixture of both. 

Again - a big thanks to "L" for posting that link and getting my Fraser juices flowing today. I needed it.

Highland Clans - Fraser

Ho. Ly. COW!!!!!! My Outlander Purgatory bud "L" posted a link to this on the comments section of another post and WOWWY MACWOWWY is it a JACKPOT! You will be thrilled with your knowledge of the Frasers while watching this. And if THAT weren't enough - we get to meet Simon Fraser - the CURRENT Lord Lovat!! And might I say he is one TASTY TUNA! AND he's got a long, straight nose! OutSTANDing!!!!! ENJOY!!!



Wow. Video one got my juices flowing. This one... made me cry. Ethnic cleansing, indeed.

Pillars of the Earth: Tom Builder and Jamie Fraser

SPOILER ALERT: Dinna read unless you have read Pillars of the Earth!!!

Watched Pillars of the Earth on Starz last night. I never miss it. I think it's fantastic. I think they're sticking with the storyline so well. (Then again it's been 1.5 years since I've read the book and my memory is not what it used to be. I could be blissfully ignorant here.)

Last night as I was watching Tom Builder (sobbbbb!) and his son, John... I couldn't help but think of Jamie and young Willy at Helwater. The storylines have similarities:  they both are living in close quarters with sons who don't know they are their fathers. Both men love these boys and want the best for them and love them enough to live the lie. It's truly heartbreaking.

In addition.. a few interesting things: 

Both men are with women who are outsiders... and thought of as witches because of it.

Both men are responsible for many people - be they friends or employees - and have the weight of the world on their shoulders. Both men choose to meet this challenge head-on and welcome it.

Both men have to do back-breaking work in order to survive and provide for those around them.

Both men have a remarkable amount of honor. And as their audience, we're always aware of it.

I could go on and on....

Blame Diana

Just heard "Way Down Now" by World Party on my iPod... and thought of how I'm feeling in this state of PURGATORY while I wait for the next Outlander novel. And I had to laugh. We're all in the same boat, sassenachs. That's what makes it bearable; I know I'm not alone.

Blame Diana; I do. ;)

She took us by the hand
Hell was the promised land 

I'm way down now
I'm way down now

I'm lying by the road
Because she cut off all my clothes
I'm way down now
Way down now

Won't you show me something true today?
C'mon and show me anything but this...

Inside my future eye
What I see just makes me cry
I'm way down now
I'm way down now

The clocks will all run backwards
All the sheep will have two heads
And Thursday night and Friday
Will be on Tuesday night instead

And I know I'm not alone...
And I know I'm not alone...

And I know I'm not alone!

Anything but this...

Diana, What Have you Done to me?!

So I have been fruitlessly trying to read "other" books lately... to no avail. I knew it would happen eventually. I knew - when I was somewhere around The Fiery Cross or A Breath of Snow and Ashes - that I would eventually be "finished" the Outlander books that have been written to date. I knew, and yet, I didn't know. I didn't understand what life would be when didn't have a "new to me" Outlander novel ready at the bedside table.

I was hoping for something like the Outlander series - adventure, romance, with excellent writing (I'll settle for "good") - that keeps you on your toes. Right now I'm trying Dangerous Highlander by Donna Grant. Meh. The story is interesting enough... and there is some Diana-esque Scots speak thrown in for good measure.. like "dinna", "nae" and even "cockstand" ... But it just doesna compare.  Words like "rod" just make me giggle... no matter how hot the subject matter.

So here's my question: While nothing can compare to Diana, have you read any books that came close?

Outlander Chat Tonight

Outlander chat at 9PM Eastern. We MAY have a special guest tonight; still working on it.  Two words: Third Sister

A Transitional Period

Not much posting going on around here the past few days because I have been diligently trying to create a new and improved blog design that will be fantastico. 

COMMA HOWEVER

I just had to make mention of the interesting debate Tracey and I had the other day. (When are they ever NOT interesting when Jamie Fraser is involved?)

I finished listening to Outlander on audio last week... and can't get something out of my mind. All throughout the third sister's hilarity - and my design efforts of the weekend - I have been bothered by Jamie telling Murtagh to tell Claire that he wanted her to leave.

He told MURTAGH to give her such delicate news? That was a low point for Jamie. And please don't say "Carol he was just kidnapped, raped and almost hanged, of COURSE it was a low point." I get all of that. But to tell Claire to go back to where she came from was bad enough. To do it through MURTAGH - or ANYONE else for that matter... ugh. Just...not what I've come to expect from James Alexander Malcolm MacKenzie Fraser.

One thing I kept telling Tracey was that I was so thoroughly impressed by Claire's non-wavering attitude about the whole thing. Never once did she crumble... or question Jamie's love for her... or think to herself "oh god! He wants me to leave?? Seriously?! But I thought he loved me! Can we not get past this? Does he not love me anymore? And how the hell would I get back at this point? Oh my GOD HE WANTS ME TO LEAVE!!" as I would have absolutely done - don't even doubt it for a minute. I would have flipped out in my head and rocked back and forth while sucking my thumb under a pew in the church at 2AM while watching the host on the alter. But not Claire. She's just all "Yeah - right - whatever, Jamie... I'll be back later and we'll see about that fever now shall we, hmmm? OK...Righty O...that's it... you rest now...kthxbye!"

Seriously. Claire Beauchamp Randall Fraser is one bad-ass-mo-fo. If I could, I'd buy her a wallet like Jules' in Pulp Fiction. (That little comment is for Tracey because she loves herself some Pulp Fiction.)

PS - Y'all. It's time for a video, is it not? I'm thinking Tracey and I must Skype....STAT!

The Third Sister Finishes Outlander!

Just got this from my sister, Jill, who just finished Outlander and couldn't figure out how to leave a comment in the comments section. (Don't ask.) Enjoy!!

OK, so I decided to just give you my comments and you can post them if you like.  It will be so much easier.  Here goes:

1.  I don't consider myself a slow reader.  I'm an efficient reader.  Besides, it took me awhile to get used to all those dinnas and cannas and dunnas and ye's etc.  I was half way through the book before I realized "ken" meant "know".

2.  Yes, I meant Jenny.  Ellen is my pregnant grade partner with twin boys and I was reading about a woman with 2 fathers of her baby, I got confused.

3.  The page before the preview said, "And look for the NEXT installment of the acclaimed Outlander series.... Read on for a preview..."  I do what I'm told.

4.  Tell Karen it's actually the other way around.  How have I been able to hold out this long with my sisters being so addicted.  I've considered an intervention.

5.  Tracey, don't line up for any Academy award.  I knew in Carol's kitchen that I was in for a lot more violence.  How did I know?  FROM YOUR REACTION!

6.  Carol, don't profess to know whose name I call out in my sleep.  Just last night I took Jamie, I mean Howie, to our hot spring, I mean hot tub, but my breasts wouldn't float.

7.  No, I'm not a changeling, but that was a REALLY good movie years ago! 

8.  Now, I was a bit disappointed in my hero, Jamie, towards the end.  How many times did he come riding in on his white horse to save Claire?  My fictional heroes need to continue that no matter what happens.  But when he's dying he starts giving up and wants her to go back home.  Boohoo so you've been beaten, flogged, done up the ass, hand smashed and nailed to a table, blah blah blah.  Man up and be my hero without needing opium to do it!!  Reminds me a bit of Edward when he wussed out while Bella was pregnant.  Did I hit a nerve??

9.  After regaining consciousness at the suggestion of Jared Padelecki being Jamie, (great picture btw!  Carol, can you get me a poster of that pic for the ceiling above my bed?)  Anyway, Jared will always be my Sam Winchester and no one else.  Besides, he doesn't have red hair.  In my opinion, we haven't seen Jamie yet.  He should be a total unknown.

10.  Thank you for the opportunity to get all that off my chest.  Third sister, signing out.

Echo Excerpt in Outlander: WTF???

So my sister, Jill, just finished Outlander. (Give a collective cheer because she's only been reading it for about 6 months or so. And this WITH a trip to Italy, no less. LOTS of plane time... but I digress.)

And THIS is what I just get in my email box:

I finished the book.  I started reading the excerpt from the next book.  Who the heck is having a baby with 2 fathers????  And where is Ellen cause it keeps saying Ian.  And where are they????

Now... I'm not really sure WHY she's asking about Ellen. Does she mean Jenny? Ugh - whatevs. Anyway - whoever signed off on putting an Echo excerpt at the end of ANYTHING OTHER THAN A BREATH OF SNOW AND ASHES should have a SERIOUS talking-to by his or her boss.

(Please tell me it wasn't Diana. DOH!)

Outlander Chat Tonight

Outlander Chat - 9:00PM Eastern - TONIGHT!

Black Jack Randall is the Devil

Spoiler Alert: Dinna read unless you have read Dragonfly in Amber.

After a particularly busy weekend that involved a wedding, weekend guests and an invitation to a party at a local yacht club (dahhhling) - I finally got a quiet moment to sit down and blog this AM. Only problem - I'm having a really hard time. Why? Because I just got through the horrendous stretch of Jamie being kidnapped, tortured, raped, seasick and finally horrendously dazed and confused at the abbey. How do you banter about that? It was not easy to read - even a second time. Oh no it wasn't. And I knew it wouldn't be. As I've said so many times before in this series, I felt like Jesus at the Garden of Olives; Lord, please let this cup pass over me...

Here's the thing. As hard as it was to read all of that (well, listen to all of that) I keep thinking about Dragonfly. I keep wondering how Claire could have had a problem in the least with Jamie wanting to kill Jack Randall after all the things he did to Jamie - Frank or no Frank. But at the same time - I wonder how Jamie could have not have fallen at Claire's feet and begged for forgiveness at the country home in France when she had lost Faith and almost died. After everything SHE has been through - saving his life at the abbey - she deserved more than she got. Yes, yes, he told her how much he loved her and was so sad and blah blah blah - but come on now. I don't even see where conversation was needed. Only "Claire. I. Was. Wrong."

Now - do you see what a perplexing paradox this is for me?! I'm annoyed at HER for stopping him from killing Jack Randall - and I'm annoyed at HIM for not kissing her ass enough over him almost killing Jack Randall! Holy hell - I've confused the crap out of myself!

I will leave you with this thought, sassenachs: I'm headed to the sulfur spring. I feel like it's a fantastic dessert I have earned after long hours of hard work slaying dragons.

Let the swimming begin...

We Interrupt this Outlander Blog...

...to talk for a moment about The Pillars of the Earth, which I finally watched last night.

YOW. SA!!!  I could not BELIEVE how much of that book I forgot. There are so many storylines - and all I really remembered was Tom Builder and Ellen. Holy COW! 

I have to say - I truly enjoyed it. I really liked Rufus Sewell as Tom Builder - even though I pictured him completely differently (Kevin McKidd from the second he was mentioned, actually). I was a little confused at Ellen. I expected the character to be played in a much more sultry and seductive way. The actress - Natalia Worner - was very good (holy crap when she peed on the table I thought I'd die) but just not what I was expecting. And hello? Did someone forget the scene in the woods between Tom Builder and Ellen??? How could they omit that? I am wondering if it will be a flashback.

Hayley Atwell - aka Aliena - was awesome. Perfect casting.

Donald Sutherland - her father, Bartholomew - equally as riveting. But then, when is Donald Sutherland not awesome? (I can hear Tracey saying "He's the father of Jack Bower! Of COURSE he's riveting!")

I am looking forward to - yikes - tomorrow already?! I can't believe how much of the book they shoved into one two hour episode!

Biggest actor surprise of the night? Matthew MacFadyen - Prior Phillip - aka MR DARCY in PRIDE AND PREJUDICE!!! You could have knocked me over with a feather when I put that together in my brain (with a little help from IMDB, of course!)

So You Think You Can Play Jamie Fraser?!

Tracey came up with a reality show idea that is PRICE. LESS. Luvs it! She posted it in the comments section but I think it warrants a full blog entry. The following is what she came up with. 

PS - I want to be a judge!

OK, lassies, I have refined the idea for the show (which is now going by "So You Think You Can Play Jamie Fraser?") It will be a cross between American Idol/Dancing with the Stars and Project Runway/Top Chef.

• There's a host and four judges. HERSELF, as we've determined, is head judge. Maybe the movie screenwriter (whoever that may be) is second judge. Still haven't determined the third judge. Then there's the special guest MOP judge, which features a rotating cast from our own ranks.

• The search begins with casting calls in three-four cities, like on American Idol. (Edinburgh is one of those cities.) That's where we have the first few eps that feature the auditions of bad, laughable Jamies.
From these auditions, the field is narrowed to maybe 20 potential Jamies.

• Now it turns more Project Runway-y. Each week, the Jamies have some sort of challenge they have to complete, with the judges getting rid of one Jamie per week. (I canna decide if America should also vote--maybe that starts happening when we get to the top five Jamies.)

• After the final challenge--voila, we have our Jamie!!!!

So whaddya think some appropriate Jamie challenges might be?

Jared Padalecki: Another Possible Jamie Fraser

Megs made a tremendous comment on my last blog entry... mentioning Jared Padalecki as a possible Jamie Fraser. He's from one of my favorite shows of all time (until the writers went and lost their damn minds and messed with the perfection that was "SUPERNATURAL".)  I know, I know, he's not Scottish - or even English or Irish for that matter... but just take a look at the photos over at MyOpera.com. Even if you still dinna think he has Jamie possibilities, it will be a lovely minute or so for your eyes.

Outlander REread: The Perfect Storm

SPOILER ALERT: Dinna read unless you have read OUTLANDER or CROSS STITCH. 

Sigh. I am in the thick of it now, lassies. Jamie's been gone for a while... Claire has been singing for her supper with Murtagh.... and I've been surrounded by the vast cloud of nothingness that is Jamie's absence. I knew it was coming - but it's been hard to deal with. Kindof like when you're headed into NYC via either the Lincoln or Holland Tunnel and you know it's going to be uncomfortable for the next few minutes... but you hit traffic and it ends up being ten times worse than you were expecting.

And now I'm at Wentworth - trying to bust Jamie out with Claire - headed down the stairway toward the torture chamber. In "Perfect Storm" language, I'm "headed right for the middle of the monster."

But there is a light in all this darkness. And that light goes by the name of Dougal MacKenzie.  Holy crap - I wasn't expecting what I got in the cave. I don't know why I thought Dougal was so horrible in that scene. A little smarmy - yes. A little shifty, of course. But he really had feelings for Geilie! Claire said she could tell from his reaction to her comments about her being dead (forgive me - I don't remember the exact phrase - but I believe it involved a "hint of a look of sadness" or something of that nature.) And yes - Dougal suggested Claire come home with him - but I canna necessarily blame him, ken? He expects Jamie to kick it in a matter of days, if not sooner, and he doesna think there is a thing he can do about it.  And Claire is one fine piece of 20th century tail.  Bottom line - I truly have to say I believe him. I think he cares - but thinks all hope is lost - and figures that life goes on. And I'll admit it - if Jamie had never been in the picture.... hmm.... seeing as my Dougal MacKenzie is Dougray Scott... weeeeeelllll... I canna say I'd have turned him down.

Sooooo.... I am looking forward to listening to this section... and I'm terrified to keep going.... but I know I must. That which does not kill us makes us stronger.

(And leads us to the promised land - aka - THE SULFUR SPRING!!!)

Outlander Chat Tonight

Outlander Chat Tonight! 9PM Eastern y'all. We will be discussing the reread... and Seussical the Musical... and most importantly COMICCON and some possible meet-up ideas (one of which will most ASSUREDLY involve Jock Tamson's Bairns.)

Outlander the Musical: Post Scriptum

When I posted that last entry about Outlander - The Musical, I hadn't heard the rest of the songs. I just listened to the rest of the songs...and since I am not really a fan of most musicals, I unfortunately just can't get excited about this.

Why? Well, for one, I can't get behind Jack Randall and Jamie singing to each other. I just can't.

I was thinking all the songs were like "Is Tu Fuil ‘o Mo Chuislean"...and was picturing a beautiful, soothing, Gaelic show that was different from the "musicals" we're used to seeing on Broadway.

Please understand that I have the utmost respect for all of the talented people who are involved in all aspects of this project. I say 'more power to them' for doing it. But it's just not my cup of tea. I'm thrilled for all of you who are excited for this; I truly am. And when and if there is a movie or series, I'll be excited too.

In fact - maybe AFTER a movie or series has been made, shown and put to rest, I could possibly get behind this. I can't say enough to make sure it's understood that I'm not bashing this project at all. I don't want to be negative about it; just to voice my opinion. I have even revised this post multiple times, just to make sure everyone understands where I'm coming from.

(I just ended a sentence in a preposition... and that gives me the willies... so I need to shut up now.)

Outlander the Musical

I'm a little late to the party on this... but I have to post about Outlander the Musical. CHECK OUT THAT WEBSITE and prepare to SQUEEEEE your FACE off!!

Honestly though - I have mixed feelings about this. I am in love with the idea of a collection of Outlander songs - with beautiful singing - some Gaelic - and breathtaking, ethereal music - oh yeah...I can handle that. I may, in fact, flip out to the point of being committed to a rubber room over it.

But "Outlander the Musical"? I think I'm having problems with the word "musical".  I'm sure it would be a stunning production that would bring me to my knees in a puddle of tears cried for Jamie and Claire - a la Les Mis or Phantom. And yet - the word "musical" conjures up thoughts of Danny and Sandy frolicking around Greased Lightning in their leather and spandex. Not Jamie and Claire professing their love whilst not being gentle about it.

Purgatory Randy

This is hilarious. Well - to Tracey and me, at least. It's our father - being silly - and dancing and bag-piping to Scotland the Brave in my kitchen (which looks uncomfortably yellow in this video).  Now you know where WE get it.

What Could Be...

Tracey and I saw this clip when we went to see Eclipse - and the outdoor Scotland scenes killed us. Up on the big screen... set to powerful music... you know where I'm going with this.

Pillars of the Earth TONIGHT on Starz!

Just a reminder - PILLARS OF THE EARTH starts tonight on Starz! 

Bring on Tom Builder!!!

Jock Tamson's Bairns

Stopped by Jock Tamson's Bairns in the city yesterday with Tom and the kids. It's the only authentic Scottish-owned and run bar in NYC.

One word: Awesome.

The owner's name is Gavin and he's from Glasgow. He's a funny guy who was suffering from a bit of a hangover from the previous evening; the poor guy did not look like he was having a very easy time of it. And yet, he was still really friendly to my family.

The bartender (and "musician by trade") is Aiden. Aiden MACKENZIE. And he's from THE HIGHLANDS. Just above Inverness. And while in the midst of conversation, the man actually floated the S-biscuit. Wondering what that means?

That means a Highlander named MacKenzie looked me in the face and casually used the word "Sassenach" in regular conversation.

I can now die a happy woman.

Jock Tamson's Bairns is fully stocked with every whisky imaginable. They're a cozy little joint with lots of Scottish feel - lots of it exuding from the plentiful Scottish accents behind the bar.  Aiden knew his whisky inside out and backwards - and was more than happy to share that knowledge with me...right down to theorizing about its origins.  (And theorizing about the Picts. Fascinating guy... absolutely. He even made me a whisky-based concoction called " The Aiden" - and didn't make me feel a bit uncomfortable for not ordering it neat.) The place has an authentic tin ceiling... and a couple of couches at the end of the long bar.  Most likely these are for taking a load off whilst you text your friends and say "JESUS GOD, A HOT MACKENZIE FROM THE HIGHLANDS JUST SAID "SASSENACH" TO ME!"

Not that I did that from the couch or anything...

I did it from my barstool. :)

Will We Ever Find a Jamie Fraser?

Oh. My. God. The comments from the last post about a possible Jamie have been delicious. Seriously.

I get what was said about the eyes not being cat-like enough... and him not being big enough (although that might be able to be remedied with lifting and body-building; depends on the actor's bone structure). One thing I will say is that Tracey is right; you really have to see someone moving around to get a feel for whether they'd be a good Jamie.

Unfortch - I have never seen anyone who has ALL of Jamie's qualities and I don't think we ever will. If they make a movie/series (yawn... getting tired of even talking about it because it seems as though it will never happen - and in some ways that is a good thing) they will have to compromise somewhere.

I think it comes down to this: What traits will you absolutely, positively NOT compromise on?

Yet Another Possible Jamie Fraser

So I'm sitting in the salon tonight... reading the August issue of In Style magazine... and I see this ad for True Religion jeans:

And I immediately texted Tracey and said "Quick! Google the guy from New Religion jeans!"

And then I came home and Googled. And Googled. And Googled some more. Yowsa. Tommy Dunn is the model's name. Not a half bad Jamie Fraser, y'all.

I Didn't Watch for the Watch

SPOILER ALERT: Dinna read unless you have read 3/4ths of Outlander. 

How could this have happened?!  I have been listening to Outlander tonight... Claire told Jamie she loves him... Jenny had baby Maggie... all was right with the world...and then next thing I know...

BAM!!!  

Jamie's gone! Oh, he's GONE! (said like Rudolph)  Ian came riding along on a strange horse - sans peg - and I'm like "Ohhhhh NOOOO! I didna know! I didna REALIZE! I don't even think I knew Jamie WENT anywhere!" (that's what I get for watering flowers whilst listening to Davina's soothing voice).

Sigh. Now... we wait. And wait. And wait s'more. I am sad, sassenachs. For I know that even when we find him.. he won't be "him" for a verra, verra long time.

Fasten your seatbelts... we're about to hit some turbulence. (Understatement... party of 1?!)

RANDOM JACK RANDALL SHOT!

I canna help it. Jason Isaacs was on Harry Potter the other night and I started making a very high-pitched, involuntary noise... which the rest of my family thankfully ignored. Bottom line: He. Scares. The. Bejesus. Out. Of. Me.  And yet.... I think he's verra tasty.

Outlander Chat Tonight!

Outlander CHAT tonight! 9PM Eastern. What do I want to talk about? LALLYBROCH!  And anything else ye want to discuss!

Scotland. What Else?

So I was just watching Louis Oosthuizen accepting the cup at the British Open at St. Andrews... and I am so bummed it's over! It's been on all weekend (DVR'd of course. I don't know about you but I'm not getting up at 4:30 AM to watch golf) and I've loved seeing and hearing so much Scotland!

Christie asked about the new background. It probably is just temporary but I am lucky enough to have a friend named Hugh from Scotland who takes pictures for me when he goes on holiday...and he took this one on his trip to Glencoe. And those appear to be lights along the loch (they aren't showing up on my screen; web design is an odd thing).

Here are Tom and I at St. Andrews in 2000 for the British Open. This was one of the greatest days of his life. Right up there with our wedding and the birth of his children. The man loves golf... and the man loves Scotland.  That's a rain jacket I'm holding...you know... for "just in case". It was surprisingly sunny on our trip and Tom was annoyed. ANNOYED! He wanted rain! He wanted mist! He wanted chilly conditions - and the powers that be dared to give us sunshine! In Scotland!!

Lallybroch.. Lallybroch.. Oh Lally Lallybroch..

SPOILER ALERT: Dinna read unless you have read the first few chapters of Part 5 in OUTLANDER or CROSS STICH.

Strap yourselves in, lassies. This is a long one. And I've already cut it down. Lorddddd the Gathering. 

Let me start by saying that I am enjoying Lallybroch soooo much more this time around - and I've only been there 3 days. So that says something, right? But now that I've done it twice, I can honestly say what bugged me the last time; and is still bugging me today.

I really don't like the ARRIVAL at Lallybroch at all. Maybe it's because the story is in first person - and I read it as if I'm Claire. And certain things offend me. And yet what offends me doesn't seem to bother Claire in the least.

(Interesting side note; the dogs. Claire thinks there are 12 at first - only to realize there are 4 - once they've calmed down and their tails start to wag. And it signifies a prelude, if you will... a sign of things to come. Seemingly rabid dogs outside the house; one seemingly rabid dogs inside the house. Appearing larger than life - but really just standing barely five feet tall. And this dog's name is Jenny.)

OK so let me get on with it.... here's what truly irks me:  I don't like the fight. I dinna like it at all. I get the fact that they can't just walk in and hug Jenny and all will be right with the world. I get that. When Jamie left - some years ago - he was dragged out and Jenny was about to be raped in the house. That's traumatic any way you slice it - so of course there is going to have to be some type of drama when the prodigal son finally arrives back home again. But the fight? It goes on way too long. Jamie's not stupid.  He should have figured out that Jenny has not spawned with Satan long before he did. The miscommunication factor seems almost like it's right out of Three's Company. I'm half-expecting Jack Tripper to show up and fall over something - while Chrissy's hiding behind the couch and Janet's standing there, wide eyed. The fight just drags.  LIKE THE GATHERING! Lorddddd the Gathering!!

Was it great when Jenny grabbed Jamie's junk? Absolutely hilarious (although slightly unnerving). Do we see how feisty and intense they both are? Yes. Do we see how much they love each other? Yes. To the point where we half expect them to start making out like Greg and Marcia in the Brady Bunch Movie... but yes, we do see how much they love each other.

So. Here is how I think the whole thing COULD have gone down:

Jenny: Jamie!
Jamie: Jenny!
Jenny: I'm so glad you're home!
Jamie: You're with child ya harlot daughter of a wee bitch!
Jenny: Oh, SHUT IT, Jamie! I married your friend Ian while you were gone! Both kids are his! Randall didna lay a hand on me because he's not into vajayjay. It's all good!
Jamie: Get OUT?!  That's awesome Jenny. Now let me introduce ye to me new bride, Claire. Fine lookin' sassenach wench, is she not? Sassenach, please FORGIVE ME for leaving ye standing there.
Claire: Oh no worries, Jamie. Jenny, it's nice to meet you. May I have a new dress, some shoes, a handful of bannocks and a comb? And if it's not too much trouble, maybe some L'Heure Bleu? 
Jamie: (whispering under his breath) Claire, ye left your own time, lass.
Claire: Oh right, sorry! Just the comb would be fine.
Jenny: Oh absolutely! Claire, it's lovely to meet ye. I always knew Jamie would find a good woman one day...

But instead, we have to go through ten or so rounds of tiring - although hilarious - insults between Jenny and Jamie. And yes, yes, I get it... we have to see how tumultuous their relationship is, yet how much they love each other. But....and this is a big BUT...

They just leave Claire standing there! For a LONG time! In her dirty clothes! And no shoes! To the point where she takes herself outside and wanders around! I would be MORTIFIED!! Hell the DOGS were more welcoming for god's sake! Jenny's mad - I get it. Jamie's mad - I get it. But COME ON, MAN! She just gave up her husband - hot baths - and everything she knows for YOU, Jamie! Any sane woman would need a little more reassurance that she did the right thing! She is extremely important - and you just leave her standing there while you're being a complete MORON! Hell, my FIVE YEAR OLD can tell that Jenny didn't have a baby with JACK RANDALL!!  WAKE UP! And Diana even says at one point that Jamie seems to have forgotten Claire is even there! I just canna stand for it. I won't... I canna be gentle about my negative feelings about this scene. 

And then - even the next day - it's still uncomfortable. We never see Jenny be welcoming to Claire. We never see Jenny truly welcome Claire into her home. We just see her yell at Jamie and yell at Ian walk in on Claire and Jamie... and sit there and make small talk with Claire. (Which is brills, by the way. I love how Diana shows you what each is saying - and what each really means. You can FEEL the awkwardness in that scene. It gives me chills and brings back memories of meeting boyfriends' families back in the day.)

One thing I absolutely loved the 2nd time around - and Tracey will appreciate this - is the scene where Jamie tells Claire that he married her for love. I didn't understand the first time I read it that he's saying he immediately loved the touch of her hands and the feel of her against him... and it was dark... so he didn't know what her face looked like... but it COULD HAVE looked like a sheep's for all he cared because the rest of her was so fine. Don't get me wrong - I'm not a moron. The first time I read it, I KNEW he was just being a wiseguy while telling her how much he loved her from the beginning. But I thought he was saying her face DID look like a sheep's...not that I thought he meant it... and... I dunno... I was just put off by it. I guess I kindof felt like "Geez this poor woman shows up at this house - gets a less-than-stellar welcome and basically has to fend for herself with the high-strung sister since Jamie's gone all day - and then when they DO get together, he quasi-insults her by being cute. BUT - now that I've read it again - and read it correctly - I totally get it. Thank god for the reread!

Gung Haggis Fat Choy

I. Love. This. Guy. "Toddish McWong" - aka Todd Wong - a Chinese fellow from Vancouver who found his love of all things Scottish when he was attending one SIMON FRASER University. Some day I will attend his annual Gung Haggis Fat Choy celebration which is in honor of both Chinese New Year - and Robert Burns' birthday. The actual saying is "Gung Hei Fat Choy" (or Kung Kei Fat Choi - or any number of other spellings) which means Happy Chinese New Year. Clever fellow... no? Watch here as he gives his own rap version of an  "Address Tae The Haggis". Then check out his blog, too!

Outlander ReRead Videos!

British Open at St. Andrews this Weekend!

Sassenachs, GET YOUR ARSES over to the GOLF CHANNEL because the British Open is being held at St. Andrews this weekend and they are already giving plenty of interviews and video of Scotland.
I was just listening to Jimmy Reid - a caddy from Scotland - and his accent was like heaven to my ears.

The British Open rotates among five courses... so it is played at St. Andrews every five years. I was lucky enough to be there in 2000 and have every intention of getting back there again.

*Thanks to PolKandMagazine.com for the photo.

What Happened at the Cottage?!

Ok DON'T ANSWER THAT. Because I'm about to listen s'more (mmmmm...smores - said like Homer Simpson) and find out what happens next. What am I talking about? Well here is my comment from the last post that will explain it to you:

OMG - I am having issues with the audio right friggin now. I just sat through the "Claire almost burning at the stake" scene - and finally got to what I thought was going to be Jamie and Claire nirvana at the cottage after she told him she stayed - only to hear about them crying - sleeping - crying - sleeping - and riding off on a horse. I had to run and get my Kindle to confirm because I thought my iPod skipped ahead. Where's the sex? Where's the "I canna live without you?" Where's the profession of love?? Did I make this up in my head?!? 

I am hoping this is one of those times where Diana skips to the next part of the story - but then goes back and explains what happened in the past - because I can't BELIEVE I made up an amazing scene at the cottage that never happened?!  Didn't they tell each other they loved each other right after Claire decided to stay in the 18th century? (DON'T ANSWER THAT) I am really perplexed and confused. I guess I'm mixing it up with the end of Dragonfly?? Oh who KNOWS!

The Most Beautiful Song on the Planet

You must read this commentary from Diana on Compuserve - and then make sure you listen to the song. 

Put it this way... this was Tracey's email to me last night about it:

"Holy effing lord. Go here and click the link. And have tissues ready."

US rule could keep Iroquois from lacrosse tourney - NYPOST.com

US rule could keep Iroquois from lacrosse tourney - NYPOST.com

Wow. Thought you all might want to read about this.

My Outlander Bracelet

SPOILER ALERT: Dinna read unless you have read VOYAGER. 

I have to throw a supermassive THANK YOU out to my cousin, Jenn D. for giving me one of the greatest gifts I have ever received in my life.





Remember my post about the Outlander bracelet, made by MaryFaithPeace over at Etsy?  Well my cousin Jennifer promptly ORDERED ONE for me - and I love her to pieces for it.

The bracelet has the most beautiful charms - all having to do with the Outlander series in one way or another. In the photo I took (of my own left wrist... which was none-too-easy!) you can see a strawberry... a whiskey cask... a wine glass... a dragonfly... a snake... and a syringe, like the one Claire used to stick Jamie in the rear when he was dying of infection after Leghair shot him. Can you believe it? It's STUNNING!!!  I can't tell you how much I love wearing it. Get one for yourself!

Redeeming Qualities

First off - if you commented in the "What Did They Know" post, please go check out my comments. I just spent like 5 million centuries replying - to the point where Google almost shut me down for my lengthy response - and I'd hate it if no one even saw my replies! Sorry I'm a few days late. I just got a new computer (yey me! I love you, Apple!) and it's been a busy few days (Tracey was here over the weekend! More on that in a few...)

OK so I had to share a little story. Thanks to Melissa for reminding me. We've been discussing Dougal lately... and Melissa made the comment "how bad is he? How good is he?" And it got me thinking about a little online commentary I had some years ago with one of the greatest actors on the planet (who happens to be born and raised in Scotland) Dougray Scott. I was taking part in a chat a few days after Mission Impossible II came out... and he was talking about his character, Sean Ambrose.... and how every character has some "redeeming qualities". Well - if you've ever seen Mission Impossible II,  you'll know that if Sean Ambrose has any redeeming qualities, we certainly NEVER SEE THEM in the film. So of course, big mouth that I am, and not one to feel it necessary to walk on eggshells around a Hollywood actor in order to spare his feelings, I pipe up and say: "What redeeming qualities does Sean Ambrose have??"  to which Mr. Scott replies "I knew SOMEONE was going to ask that" or something of that nature. He then went on to throw out an answer which I forget at this point... most likely because I disagreed with it entirely. LOL Now let me be perfectly clear; I LOVES me some Dougray Scott. He is one of the most fantastic actors of our generation and he's married to that gorgeous creature, Claire Forlani. He can play the most ridiculously amazing range of characters I've ever seen. I won't wax on (much longer) but let me say this - if you have any interest in his career - rent "Twin Town", "Enigma",  "Ever After" and "Ripley's Game" to see what I'm talking about. Oh and "The Truth About Love" - totally cute chick flick (although my husband thought it was cute, too). Skip "Dark Water" and his stint on "Desperate Housewives" - not because he wasn't good - but because his accent wasn't stellar in either. Dougray Scott is one of those actors like Gerard Butler: FOR GOD'S SAKE let them use their HEAVENLY SCOTS ACCENTS!  It should be a crime, punishable by law for any Hollywood mogul to allow otherwise.  At the very least, limit them to English if not Scottish. But not American (or snooty English like in D. H.) LORDDDDDD DO NOT let them use American accents. NO ONE wants to hear that - whether they do a good one or not! Let them speak Scots.

And that's all I have to say about that.

Oops. No, it isn't. One more thing.... Dougray Scott is on my short list to play Dougal, y'all. And that's a very SHORT list. Check this out:

Outlander Chat Tonight

Chat tonight! 9PM Eastern!  I want to know what YOU think Colum knew about Claire getting mixed up in Geilie's witch trial!

What Did They Know?!

SPOILER ALERT:  Dinna read unless you've read chapter 25 in Outlander. 

OK so here's the thing. Claire is sitting in the shed - eating bread and wine that thankfully does NOT have any dooty on it. (Was that gross or was that gross? And she and Geilie ate it!) And I'm sitting here listening and wondering "Has she even washed her hands since then?!?"  I cannot IMAGINE living in that time. I just can't. I'm sorry.

And I'm wondering a zillion things. Does Colum know Claire is being tried with Geilie? He must. And if he does, can't he put a STOP to it? He's the Laird!  I know he wants Geilie to burn... but come on man! Claire is your nephew's WIFE who - last time I checked - you kindof like. As far as I know, Colum thinks Claire is swell. Unless we're going to find out differently when The Exile comes out.

OK so - more. Dougal is off with Jamie... knowing it's going to be "taken care of". (Typical men, btw. What did you THINK was going to happen, dude? You put your thingie in her hoo-hoo! That can happen! Sex Ed 101!) But if he knew Claire was with Geilie - would he care? I'm thinking "No". COMMA HOWEVER - he wouldn't want Claire to die for the simple fact that she solves his property and succession problems with Jamie. So I dunno... I'm sortof thinking Dougal would try to help if he could.

I just can't get past Colum. He knows Claire is in trouble and does nothing to stop it? WTF?

And then... there's LaogWHORE. Snotty little beotch from Planet Hell. She is the scourge of the earth... the dregs of society. Selfish little piggie. She's evil from the word "go".  COME ON! She sent Claire to Geilie's KNOWING there was going to be a witch trial! She KNEW what would happen! I don't buy this "Oh Leghair wasn't really trying to have Claire killed." Oh really? Then what was she trying to do, send Claire down for a little crumbcake and marigold leaf? No way man. She knew. She's vile. SHE'S the WITCH who should be hangit!

Post Scriptum: My daughter just came over to show me something she drew - and I went to say "Hang on" and I said "Hangit" - because that's what I was typing at the time. And she goes "Hangit? Huh?"

I'm still laughing....

And Speaking of Ned Gowan

So I'm sitting in Toy Story 3 last night... and am I thinking about Woody or Buzz Lightyear? NO! I'm thinking about NED GOWAN! Why? Because it only took me 3 movies to realize Rex the dinosaur's voice is coming out of Wallace Shawn - aka "MY NED"!!!

Sliding Doors, Outlander Style

Ya know... I sortof have this "Other Outlander Universe".  It's like the sideways life in "LOST".... or a "what could have been", if you will.  It's a place where things turned out differently, based on the thought that one small decision change could have brought on a totally different outcome. (Think "Sliding Doors").

So in my Sideways Outlander world, Geilie and Dougal actually get married and live at Leoch after the Fiscal and Dougal's wife both died. They're just sickeningly fun characters... and I think of all the antics and hijinks Claire and Geilie could have gotten involved in at the castle. Geilie whispering to Claire about Laogwhore's naughty travels around the castle.... Jamie and Claire getting into heated arguments about Claire's friendship with Geilie (just THINK of the make-up sex!!)... Dougal coming home wounded after battle and us getting to see Geilie's softer side as she gives ministrations to Dougal.

Am I the only one who thinks up these things in my brain?

So it's Possible?

SPOILER ALERT: Dinna read unless you have read up through Voyager. 

WHAT in god's name did Geillis mean when she and Claire were being held captive... and she started asking Claire about Jamie... and she said "So it's possible"?  I assume she means "It's possible to go through the stones and find love"??

When I first read Outlander I never clued in that Geillis might know Claire was from the future. Now I totally get that - and that's why she gave her the opium and tried to find out where she came from. Damn well would have succeeded too, had the Fiscal not come in. Geillis must have had a major suspicion about Claire from Day 1. I wish she would have come right out and asked her.

OK so here's my question. If Claire knew that Colum and Dougal were talking about Geilie - and not Laogwhore - do you think she would have warned Geilie that they were going to off her?

Discuss!

PS - Have I mentioned that Cathy Moriarty has been my Geillis Duncan since the second I saw her name? I am thinking she could play older Geillis at this point?

No Chat Tonight

We're going to cancel chat tonight in observance of Independence Day. We hope you've all had a wonderful weekend (and for those who are still enjoying it; ROCK ON!)