Monarch of the Glen: Better Late than Never!

Sassenachs...I am so excited, I dinna know what to do with myself.  I FINALLY watched Monarch of the Glen...and I LOVE IT!!  My husband and I watched the first two episodes of Season 1 tonight...and we both really enjoyed it.  WOW is it a Scots-fest of epic proportions!  If you've never been to Scotland...watching this show seems like the next best thing!  It's done in the Highlands and - oh my god - you will realize just how much Diana has brought the Scottish countryside and culture to life in her books when you see this show. 

A couple interesting points:

* In the first two episodes alone they said "sassenach" once and referred to Culloden FOUR TIMES!

* One of my favorite lines...  These two old buggers were setting up a battlefield of small figurines of red coats and Scots on a table; it was supposed to be Culloden...and one says something like "I'll be Bonnie Prince Charlie and you'll be Cumberland".  To which the other fellow replies "I want to be Bonnie Prince Charlie!"  and the first fellow says "that's because you're rather corpulent and fond of the sauce!"  I was HYSTERICAL! 

Seriously, it's SUCH a great show!  The characters all have their own interesting personalities... and the writing is tremendous.  The story sucks you in immediately in episode one.  I'm telling you, lads and lassies...this is a show that is not to be missed!  It's a little outdated in spots (it's set in the late 90s/early 2000's) but it is so fantastic, you won't even know what year it is.  It's very modern in some ways (cell phones) and very old fashioned in others (a town-wide cross-country style race that reminded me of the horse race for the bonnets in "The Quiet Man"). 

OK I'll stop gushing, but please...do yourself a favor and rent "Monarch of the Glen".  You'll feel like someone picked you up and plunked you down in the middle of the Highlands...with a new group of good friends.

Pocket Jamie Canna Resist!

Lifescapes: Scottish Moors

I canna BELIEVE I have never posted about this CD before.  I read the entire Outlander series while listening to Lifescapes: Scottish Moors.  It has ten of the most beautiful, instrumental songs that will melt your heart while Jamie melts your soul. 

Go here to listen to a preview of each song.

And Amazon has the CD used for .82.  Eighty two cents!  Can't beat that with a stick!

Outlander Chat TONIGHT

Outlander Chat tonight, y'all.  9PM Eastern.  Hope to see you there!

"A Discovery of Witches"

I read this article because it mentions Outlander (it's referred to as "Cross Stitch" here).  But I SQUEEEEED profusely at this article because it's about a book that seems to be about a romance between a vampire from the 16th century and a time-traveling, modern day "reluctant witch".  Is it real??? Could it be??? My FAVORITE elements: history...vampires...witches...the 16th century...time travel...romance - all seem to be tied up in a pretty little package and have fallen in my lap!

PS - The author - Deborah Harkness admits to being a huge Diana Gabaldon fan.  WORD.

Claire and Jamie: Get the Sensation

Spoiler alert:  Dinna read unless you have read Voyager.

(And dinna read if you are a prude. LOL)

So last night I read a wicked Jamie/Claire scene.  And by "wicked", I mean dirty.  And what was that?  A scene I like to refer to as "Bite the Berth" from Voyager.  Holy crap, I had forgotten how much I love that scene.  Claire is a dirty little strumpet!  Survey says:  LUVS IT!  She is all over him...and Mr. Stern comes by and won't shut the hell up.  And it's just so funny watching him try to put her off - then deal with her and decide to enjoy himself...as Mr Stern is droning on about Marsali.  And the whole time, I'm thinking "How can she even do this when she's burning up with fever?"  (Hell - I'd be burning up with fever just from eating turtle soup! Blech!)  She's got the cool breeze from the window...the heat of her fever...the warm covers on the berth...and HIMSELF all lovin' up behind her...LORDDDDDDD that must have been better than eating a York Peppermint Patty!  Can't you just hear it now??  "When I eat a York Peppermint Patty, I get the sensation of being up against the berth with James Alexander Malcolm Mackenzie Fraser all up in my nethers from behind, with the blanket in my teeth and a cool breeze floating in from the port hole...".   Mmmm hmmm. Yes indeedy. I need MYself a York Peppermint Patty STAT!

Sterling Scottish Crest Badge - Clan Fraser of Lovat

OH my, lads and lassies....just take a gander at the link MOP friend, Carla sent me a little while ago.

Is this absolutely stunning or what?  I totally want one. 

It has a starting bid of $150 (US) on eBay...or you can "buy it now" for $170 (US).  AND - it ships worldwide! 

Win a trip to Scotland!

From MOP friend, Carla:

Win a trip to Scotland!  Ends May 6, 2011; RT air for 2 to Scotland, 5 days rental car, 8/26-27 Hilton Dundee (B&B), 8/28-29 Gleneagles Hotel (B&B), 2 season tickets to Johnnie Walker Championship Golf (8/25-28), 1 place in the Johnnie Walker Championship pro-am event at The PGA Centenary Course (8/25)

Jackboots on Whitehall

Received the following email from the good lads and lassies over at New Video.  You can follow the Jackboots on Whitehall film on Facebook here.

For one day, on April 6, the lads and lasses at New Video don kilts, squeeze bagpipes and guzzle an epic quantity of Johnnie Walker -- all in celebration of National Tartan Day.

Oh, and we’ve got this wee film clip to help rally the troupes:

National Tartan Day

From MOP friend, Richard:

Today is National Tartan Day as well as also the 691st Anniversary of the Declaration of Arbroath.  (How cool is it that Tracey's birthday falls on this momentous date?!)

From Carol:  Cheers! Up yer kilt! :)

$399 - Scotland: 6 Nights w/Castle Stay & Car

Check it out, sassenachs...Scotland deals don't come around verra often.  So if you're considering a trip - CHECK THIS OUT!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TRACEY!!!

Just want to throw a big, ol' HAPPY BIRTHDAY out there to my sister and Outlander mentor, Tracey!

Whether we are 9 and 4 and you are making me sing songs you made up in the car... or 29 and 24 (wink, wink...nudge nudge) and you are mentoring me on the finer points of James Alexander Malcolm Mackenzie Fraser, you are a tremendous sister!

Have a wonderful, OUTLANDER-FILLED day, sassenach!!!

The Quiet Man

The neatest thing happened today.  I mentioned "The Quiet Man" on Facebook a few weeks ago because my husband and I watch it every year on St. Patrick's Day (it's about Ireland).  And Angela watched it over the weekend and pointed out that John Wayne's relationship with Maureen O'Hara is much like Jamie and Claire in many ways.  Now don't get excited - it's not exact by any means....but it's similar in certain instances.  I don't want to give anything away...but if you get a chance, you should definitely check out The Quiet Man.

Tonight's Chat

OK sassenachs - here's the deal for tonight's chat.  Tracey and I are both very iffy with our schedules this evening and most likely will not be there...but chat will be OPEN at 9PM Eastern for anyone who wants to show up and talk some Jamie and Claire!



 * I want to thank Lizzie at Lucky Enough for the photo that I slightlyyyyyy doctored. :)  Check out her blog - she's adorable!

We interrupt this Outlander blog...

OK so clearly we're all fans of period pieces...may I safely assume that? (snicker)  Then lads and lassies...you need to run, RUN to the Starz Channel and watch CAMELOT on demand if you didn't see its premiere last night.  Oh my LORDDDDDDDD I enjoyed it.  Just watched - LOVED Joseph Fiennes...LOVED Claire Forlani (the beautiful and talented wife of one of the greatest Scottish actors of all time, Mr. Dougray Scott)...LOVED Philip Winchester (who was once my top Jamie candidate but is no longer)...but most of all, I absolutely FAN GIRLED over that cutie pie Jamie Campbell Bower.  He is ridiculously adorable and SO good in this role.  It's so nice to see his talents appreciated...instead of the paltry two lines he was given as "Caius" in New Moon. "She knows too much.  She's a liability".  Geez, if you blinked, you missed him.  And yet there is Kristen Stewart...present in every single second of the film.  One wonders...

OK enough about that... Another thing I love about JCB; he is hilarious.  His are pretty much my favorite tweets on Twitter, just because he makes random moments like waiting on a plane absolutely hysterical in their simplicity.  And - tonight I came across a blog he keeps with information about filming Camelot...and other random silliness.  Check it out!  AND CHECK OUT CAMELOT!!

Matt McGinn - The Heilan Man

Oh lads and lassies...have I got a treat for you.  My friend Hugh (the good sport from Scotland who was  featured saying "Sassenach" on MOP a few weeks ago) told me about Matt McGinn - and I'm so glad he did!

People have been asking lately if I'm really that excited about an Outlander film.  I never know how to respond.  I know how films can be nothing like the books they've been made for...and it tears your heart out ("Hi Edward?  It's Carol.  Why are you driving a black suv?  And why are you dressing like my grandpa?  An why does Bella have breathing issues?" So many questions...so little time.)  So why do I want to see an Outlander film?  This film does a fantastic job of expressing what I canna.  Look at it.  Watch it.  Feel it.  The bottom line?  I have to witness it.  And good or bad...I'm ready to take my chances.  As for this video...Enjoy.

Outlander Chat Tonight

Outlander chat tonight y'all! 9PM Eastern. See you then!!

Pixar's "BRAVE"

Feast your eyes on the newly unveiled artwork from Pixar's upcoming animated feature, "Brave".   I would not have known about this had it not been for an email from MOP friend, Sara, who I have been praising the better part of the day.   LOOK at this picture!  I can't take my eyes off it!!!

I am feeling a little "Meh" when I see that Reese Witherspoon is playing the lead character and can only hope girlfriend is brushing up on her Scots as I type.  COMMA HOWEVER - Kevin McKidd is doing a lead voice....as is Billy Connelly who has a tremendous Glasgow accent and will be playing a character named - wait for it - KING FERGUS. 

Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill

Just had to point out that the Arnold Palmer Invitational was just won by the first European - ever.  And where was that European from?  That would be Scotland.  Born in Glasgow - raised in Kirkintilloch.  OK - so he's largely US-based now...but guess what is name is?

Martin LAIRD!!  You canna MAKE this stuff UP! 

Congratulations to Martin Laird, y'all.  God bless the Scots!

Another Outlander Tattoo!

Ooooh this is getting fun!  Take a look at My Outlander Purgatory friend Kelly's Outlander tattoo!  Isn't it purdy?! 

(If you have an Outlander tattoo - please, by all means...SHOW US!)

ARE YOU READY for the Outlander Tattoo?

Lassies and Lads...I give you...My Outlander Purgatory friend Stephanie's new Outlander tattoo.  (She couldn't fit the "s" in "prest"  but it's all good because the translation is still the same!)

Outlander Chat Tonight

Outlander chat tonight y'all! 9PM Eastern. See you then!!

My Outlander Purgatory CALENDAR

Great news!  We now have a calendar that we'll be using to show upcoming Scottish events - worldwide!

And the best part is that all of YOU can update it!

Whenever you hear of a Scottish event happening in your area - or any area - just click the calendar tab to add the event.



Once there, click the little plus sign in the upper right corner of any given day.  It's that easy!

Know of an event full of Scottish goodness?  What are you waiting for, lass?  Add it to the calendar! 

Hangin' with the Scots - Video

Oh boy.  Tracey and I had a fun night out last night.  We went to Kearny (which is the Scottish capital of New Jersey) to see my friend Hugh (who I haven't seen in 20 years!)  Hugh is visiting from Scotland and was kind enough to humor us on camera.

Hangin' with the Scots

Tracey and I are out to dinner y'all...and planning on meeting my friend who is visiting from Scotland.

Tracey wants him to read lines from Outlander...LOL

Stay tuned...

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Just wanted to tell you all Happy St. Patrick's Day!  Tracey and I are half Irish - but as they say, "Everyone's Irish on St. Patrick's Day!"

I am sitting here watching The Quiet Man with John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara (a St. Patrick's Day tradition) and highly recommend it.  It's full of romance, laughs and beautiful Ireland scenery.  What more could a girl want?

England and Scotland Deal from Travelzoo

England & Scotland 8-Night Escorted Vacation w/Air - $1899 from Travelzoo!

Outlander Chat Tonight

Outlander chat tonight y'all! 9PM Eastern. See you then!!

Why Aren't Men Like Jamie Fraser?

OK so I am doing some mindless work at home this morning...which means I'll be listening to Dragonfly in Amber on audio with Davina Porter. (Don't you love it when she says Claire's "yes" in that breathy way? Or "Jaaa-mie?" as a question. Gotta love DP.)

At any rate, I came upon this amusing Thrillionth Page blog post entitled "Why Aren't Men Like Jamie Fraser?" and wanted to share.

Why AREN'T men like Jamie Fraser??? I ask myself that question on a daily basis. Lordddddd do I ask myself. ;)

Outlander Chat Tonight

Outlander chat tonight y'all! 9PM Eastern. Hope to see you then!

New Book Commentary Section

Just wanted to let you lads and lassies know I FINALLY cataloged all the posts from when I was reading the series. You can check them out at the My Outlander Book Commentary tab. They are labeled by book - and the posts go in order.

My favorite thing to do is talk about the books - as I'm reading them. That is why I started this blog. So if you weren't around while I was reading the books, go back and take a look. I've been reading them for the past few days and it's amazing how they bring it all back!!

AMAZING Outlander Fan-made Trailer!!!

Dear LarsUlrichFan1988...WE'RE NOT WORTHY!!! You are my HERO!!! On my best day I couldn't make a video half as good as this! THANKEE!!!!!!!!

Outlander on General Hospital!

While I'm not complaining... because I think it's fantastic that Herself got some recognition on a major soap... could they not have described it using something a tad more colorful than "really long"??

Witty Claire

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

Just read the horrible scene in Dragonfly where Mary, Claire and Murtaugh are attacked. Jamie just got there by jumping down from a roof... And Claire is all "well well...look who's dropped in". I love how Claire sometimes gets punchy in times of strife. I can't help but giggle, even in the midst of the horrible situation. It's like when Mrs Vallely used to yell at us in the 8th grade when someone got a little snarky - all the while making little jokes during her rant. You knew you shouldn't be laughing...but darnit, you just couldn't help it.

If Bree had been there, (or born yet!) they would have started rhyming for sure. And seeing as it was Dr. Seuss Day at school and my son just got in the car wearing a red and white striped hat he made... I am having a right good giggle at the thought of that.



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Blogging from the old iPhone

Just testing my iPhone with my blogging software. Not too shabby, sassenachs!

What do you think? Pocket Lord John???



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

AYE can...

OMG. Check this out.

Verra cool, Sassenachs. I love it!!!

And dinna forget to click on the map and listen to all the Scots speak!

Outlander Chat Tonight

Outlander chat tonight y'all! 9PM Eastern.

There is an ever so slight chance Tracey and I might be a few minutes late... but I doubt it. If we are - please start without us and we will arrive post haste!

See you then!!

A Wee Scottish Secret

The following is a big, ol' bunch of speculation...and will most likely be shot down by this evening.... but it's too much fun not to share. :)

OK so thanks to Carla... I have come across an article about a film being scheduled for this summer in the Scottish Highlands.

Apparently, everyone up there thinks it's a remake of Highlander... and they think Kevin McKidd is starring in it.

COMMA mother-blanking HOWEVER....

....that doesn't sound quite right to me.

Here's what we know: Ann Peacock - writer of the Kit Kittredge screenplay and the original Chronicles of Narnia screenplay - is writing the screenplay for Outlander. We knew this wayyyyyy back in early October when Diana "Herself" Gabaldon confirmed it at ComicCon in NYC.

Here's what else we know:  Melissa Rosenberg - writer of the Twilight series screenplays -  has agreed - or is still in negotiations - to write the screenplay for a Highlander remake (I know, Christopher, I know... THERE CAN BE ONLY ONE!!! Shhhh... there now...poor dear)  and it's rumored that Kevin McKidd will star.

What I find interesting about all of this is that I searched all over IMDB and am not finding much about a Highlander remake... but that's neither here nor there.

What IS here AND there is that there is possibly a finished OUTLANDER screenplay... and only a planned HIGHLANDER screenplay.

I don't want to be a Hysteric or an Alarmist or a flat-out Gossip Monger here...

But you do the math.

What is REALLY going on in the Highlands? They are talking about an August/September shoot in Scotland (Claire traveling... Leoch...Lallybroch) and an October/November shoot in Europe - aka somewhere cold with possible snow ( Wentworth! Wentworth! Wenworth!  Oh and that other place, what's that called...oh yeah FRANCE... as in the Abbey. Need I speculate more?)

So that's where Tracey and I are this afternoon. In speculation heaven.

Stay tuned...

My Twilight AND Outlander Purgatory!

Before watching this video, I have a few disclaimers:

1) It is for entertainment purposes only...aka it's supposed to make y'all giggle and I don't mean to step on any toes and I credited everyone at the end.

2) I am a total video amateur and it shows. But I couldna help it, Sassenachs. I just... had to make it.

3) I hope you like it. :)

Interesting Scottish Links

OK so I saw Karen's post on Outlandish Observations this AM which contains a really cool video of a redheided Scot putting on a kilt and demonstrating 18th century weaponry.... and realized I am SO BEHIND on posting links.

THIS is very cool... it's the Kinnaird Lighthouse and Castle that was built for the Fraser family in the 16th century. Thanks to Marci for the link!

THIS is a page on a Celtic Traditions website that talks about Inbolc - the Feast of Bride. Also sent in by Marci who reminded me that Jamie "always prays to Bride".

THIS is a fun post over at Blue Moon Magnolia that talks about casting for Jamie Fraser. Thanks to Carla for sending it in!

THIS is a wonderful article about Alexander McCall Smith who has joined the campaign for a visitor centre to commemorate the Battle of Prestonpans. Make SURE you view the gorgeous tapestry. You may just shed a tear.

And lastly - check out the Red Hot Chilli Pipers - sent in by Kathy (and Shannon has mentioned them too!)  They rock. Watch their video... it's verra cool because you can hear them talk. And lordddddd we love to hear them talk.

THANK YOU LESLEY!!!

Tracey and I want to throw a big THANK YOU out there to Lesley who sent us beautiful book marks she MADE - all the way from the UK.

Let me tell you... everyone likes getting a little giftie now and then... and Tracey and I are no different!  What a surprise! And look at the DRAGONFLY! SO pretty!! :)

Second Life

Check out what Tracey just found! 

I actually just posted on their Facebook page and asked if it's supposed to be Jamie. They'll probably laugh at me, lassies... but who cares, right?!

OK so the woman is in a red evening dress and wearing a tiara... but still. Maybe Claire wore it to a USO function in the 40s?! (I know, I know.. it's a stretch. LOL) 

Outlander CHAT tonight!

Outlander chat tonight y'all!  9PM Eastern - Hope to see you there!!

St. Patrick's Day Deal in the My Outlander Purgatory Shop!

17% off all MOP SHOP orders over $35.00 until March 8th!

(Enter coupon code CAD17OFF at checkout)

Je Suis Prest iPhone Cover

 So Tracey and I just got iPhones.... after waiting forEVAH for Verizon to start working with Apple. And they, in a word... rock.

And Tracey emails me the other day and tells me one of the Staceys over at TalkSupe led her to this amazing little piece of paraphernalia... and I must say, it ROCKS. LOOK at it! I am SO ORDERING THIS!

My Apologies!

I am SO sorry I didn't announce that chat was canceled last night! I was in a hotel yesterday and having some technical difficulties. Hopefully most of you saw Tracey's tweet!

Hope you all are having a wonderful week... and we'll see you at chat next week! :)

Dear Jamie

SPOILER ALERT - Dinna read unless you have read "Dragonfly in Amber". 

Dear Jamie,

I really don't appreciate you acting like such a neanderthal regarding Claire's request to work at L'Hôpital des Anges. What do you think this is, the 18th century? Wait... nevermind.

And so she waxed her legs and pits. Is it really such a big deal? I'm thinking "No" and that you should be happy to have such a forward-thinking lady by your side. YOU wanted her to stand out, did you not? Well... boyfriend... she followed orders and is now standing out and hanging with the Paris elite. So deal.

OH and furthermore, I need you to be cool with her working at L'Hôpital because "Hullo, wee dog" is one of my favorite scenes in the whole bloody series, mmmmkayyyy?  So please hurry up and get there. Well, I suppose I need to hurry up and hurry up and get there. Um... yeah.

Sooooo...thank you for your time and consideration (and gorgeous mass of red hair.)

Respectfully yours,
Carol
PS - Wait until you meet Mother Hildegarde. She reminds me of Sister Rafael from Archbishop John Carroll High School for Girls back in the 80s. I still have nightmares. "What...is a RHOMBUS??"

A (Claire Fraser) Life Made in Miniature

OK y'all - so get over to stuff.co.nz and check out this article about Sandra Monk. Ms. Monk apparently makes miniature models... and recently made one based on OUTLANDER!!

Working on a 1:12 scale model of a medieval mill, Ms Monk said it is influenced by Diana Gabaldon's historical romance Cross Stitch in which the heroine journeys back in time from her 1943 life as a nurse, to the early 18th century, where her skill and knowledge brings help and comfort to those in need. 

In this medieval mill the two floors reflect the miller's two personas. Upstairs is the "switched-on" woman of 1943; downstairs, the 1743 apothecarist's dispensary.

I am DYING to see this. Dying. And it's in New Zealand. And I live in New Jersey. And do you know where that is? That is one heckuva long way from New Zealand...I'll tell you that.

For all of you New Zealanders, it's going to be on display in April... the info is in the article!

Sooooo.... since I canna see it in person, I emailed the website that hosted the article and asked if they took any photos (doubt it because they'd most likely be shown) or if they could give me contact info for Ms. Monk so I could contact her myself and beg to see some photos and maybe - with her gracious permission - put them on the site.

Cross your fingers, Sassenachs!

Books for Valentine's Day

Ooooh - check out this article at Examiner.com regarding what to read for Valentine's Day. Our very own Outlander is mentioned... but also a book I am now considering reading. Check out what Jesse Coffey has to say about Beyond the Highland Mist by Karen Marie Moning:

"the first of a series of Highlander tales with a little Celtic mythology thrown in for good measure. And with anything Scottish born in the highlands being really hot right now, you can't go wrong with this one. The main character of Hawk is being urged to marry but no woman has ever tickled his fancy--until Adrienne is whisked out of her time and drops in his world. Definitely a page turner. And if you can't find that one specifically, try one of the other six in the series. They're all romantically spectacular!"

We were just talking about "what romance to read next" last night in chat... so I'm happy to have the suggestion!!

Greetings from Purgatory

A few things....

1) Great Outlander chat tonight - thanks to everyone who came out!  Especially Lesley from the UK who came at 2:30 AM!!!

2) Chat will be canceled next week - Monday, February 14th.

3) A bunch of us were discussing Twilight tonight... and I came across one of the more amusing posts from MyTwilightPurgatory. If you are a Twilight fan and you saw the Eclipse film, you may find yourself having a little giggle. This blog post is based on commentary from Tracey, our cousin Jenn D and myself... on our way home from seeing Eclipse (for the 2nd or 3rd time)... and I just laughed heartily out loud whilst re-reading it.

4) God bless Jamie Fraser. (Just had to add that.) 

Outlander Chat Tonight

Yo Yo! Outlander chat tonight - 9PM Eastern - Hope you can make it!

Runrig

My Outlander Purgatory friend, Jackie, sent in this fabulous song - "Pog aon oidhche earraich" - by a band named Runrig from Scotland. It's absolutely beautiful. Make sure you head on over to youtube and listen to more of their songs, too!

Outlander Chat Tonight

Outlander chat tonight - 9PM Eastern - Hope you all can make it!

Claire Fraser: Down for the Count

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

So Jamie and Claire just had "Holy Shit Moment #1" when they thought Alexander Randall was Frank. Poor Claire. First Jamie comes out of the big lunch...giving her shit for being sick with the baby HIS loins impregnated her with... and then he gets all "Oh I'm sorry... I'm just worried about you".  I was dying to be a third party in that conversation and walk up and say "Yeah. Um, Jamie? Just curious... was it just that you felt bad for Claire? Or maybe was there a little embarrassment wrapped up in there too, hmmmm?"  If a man ever gave my ass shit for having morning sickness because I was pregnant with HIS child... I'd clock him. Even if he WAS worrit about me. Sheesh.

OK so then - here comes Alexander RrrrrrAAAHHHNNNdal (as Davina says... oh how I LOVE her!) and they both see him... and Claire temporarily bites it right there on the spot. It was like "Jamie, I'm fine, I just....wha...who....ohhhhhhhh shitttttttt.... ZZZZZZZZZZZZ....oh Hi Frank....wait, what?" I swear to god that part makes me have an attack of nervous angina - and a bit of a giggle fit - all at the same time! I guess it's because it's a reread/listen...and I know it's not Jack Randall. Thank the lorddddddddddd it's not Jack Randall!!!

For now. Muhhahahahahaha!

6 Nights in Scotland for $699

So every week I get an update from Travel Zoo of their top 20 deals. And every week I check for a deal for Scotland....and every week I'm disappointed.

Until this week.

6 nights in Scotland in Spring for $699 (from NYC). Two nights in Edinburgh, two nights in the Highlands, two nights in Glasgow. WITH a rental car and round trip flight. You cannot beat that deal with a stick, lads and lassies.

Oh Dougray... I Canna Hear Ye, Lad!

On this, Robert Burns' birthday...I BEG you UKers and Irish to listen to this. I can only imagine how fantastic it is. Why must I imagine? Because I am in the US and I get an error that says "not available in your area" when I try to listen! I'm sure you guys over there willna find it as exciting as I would because you get to hear this accent on a daily basis. LOL But still. He's reading Burns. Le sigh...

Happy Birthday, Robert Burns!

Outlander Chat Tonight

Outlander Chat tonight! 9PM Eastern, y'all. Tracey willna be able to attend as she has play practice rehearsal...but I will be there discussing my latest DinA listenings (can we say "meeting Raymond" and "scary French mistresses with pierced private areas"?)

Hope you can make it!

We Won a "Stylish Blogger" Award!

Thank you so much to Karen of Outlandish Observations and Zan Marie of In the Shade of the Cherry Tree for giving My Outlander Purgatory the Stylish Blogger award! WE'RE NOT WORTHY!!

(I would have posted this yesterday when I saw Karen's award but I was scouring my house with Clorox Clean-up all day as my 6 year old woke us up at 4:30 AM with the stomach virus. It wasn't pretty. I'm not gonna lie.)

So here's what we have to do:

~~Thank and link back to the person who awarded you this award.
~~Share things about yourself.
~~Award recently discovered great bloggers.
~~Contact these bloggers about the award.

1) In the 4th grade I won an award for selling the most lightbulbs in the class. The state-of-the-art cassette player I won later melted in the back window of my dad's Buick.

2) Tracey wore glasses with octagonal-shaped frames for a time when we were kids. They were so cute.

3) I love yoga. It's "the other white meat" for those of us who are completely non-athletic.

4) Tracey has worked for both Scholastic and Children's Television Workshop. She used to interview celebs over the phone and said David Arquette was one of the nicest guys she ever interviewed. (Even though he's a hot mess right now and is probably lounging in rehab in M. C. Hammer pants with an American flag motif.)

5) Before spawning, I worked for Brother and once hawked a word processor on QVC... and inadvertently said the word "exactly" 19 times in 8 minutes during the broadcast. Good times.

6) Tracey once appeared on a television show where the focus of her segment was gourmet bug delicacies.

7) I "Irish danced" as a kid. Think Riverdance, only with much less talent.

8) Tracey lives in a late 19th century house in northern New Jersey that is way cool and has a back stairway to the kitchen for the servants (think Phaedra). (No, she doesn't have servants.)

9) I live at the "Jersey Shore" and am mortified by the people on that show on Mtv (most of whom aren't even from New Jersey) and their extremely poor depiction of the real "Jersey Shore". (Yeah, OK, Snooki has made me giggle profusely at times. I have to admit that.)

10) I usually don't like meeting celebrities because it's such a let-down when you worship someone's work or art, only to have them turn out to be pompous and rude. The exact opposite is true of Diana Gabaldon. She was charming and gracious when we met her - and she talked to us as if we were her neighbors or people she sees at the market on Saturdays. She does not have a pretentious bone in her body and she deserves every bit of praise she gets for her unfathomable writing talents.

We are awarding a Stylish Blogger award to the following blogs, which are all run by people who love Outlander.

Talk Supe - Tracey and I love this blog. It's absolute hilarity about things we love like Outlander, True Blood and Twilight. (The recent commentary about mistaking Annette Benning for Robert Pattinson at the Golden Globes because of her crazy hairstyle almost made me tinkle in my unmentionables.)
Read the Book - Girlfriend LOVES to read! :) Enough said!
A Rebel Fan's Blog - A neat blog from a former teacher who loves to make soap...and garden and oh yeah, READ!
A Slice of Life - I could stare at this blog design all day. It's STUNNING. And the books Joanne reviews...oh my gosh. You will die. This blog is for lovers of all things Historical Fiction and Romance.
Outlandish Dreaming - This blog reviews Historical Fiction/Romance and is filled with so much Highland, kilty goodness, I dinna know what to do with myself, ken?

A Very Outlander Holiday

Jack Davenport. There's Just Something About Him.

OK so I develop crushes. They come. They go. (And they're usually on British men.) They're always on entertainers of some sort and I've been this way since I was 4 and enraptured by Donny Osmond. Then came Davy Jones at 7. Then came Shaun Cassidy at 9. Followed by John Taylor from Duran Duran at 13.

So lately, I've been crushing on an English actor named Jack Davenport. The funny thing is, I don't know why, since I have barely seen him in anything. Flash Forward; that's it. And it got canceled 8 months ago. But he was good. And yes, he was in Pirates of the Caribbean.. but I'm not the biggest fan of those films... and when watching them, I'm using preoccupied with pondering the minuscule amount of calories that the stunning Keira Knightley must take in on a daily basis.

So it's odd that this Jack Davenport has been popping into my brain a lot lately. This morning I said "That's enough!" and took myself over to Google... to see what all the cranial hubbub was all about. And while looking at some lovely pictures and video of the aforementioned subtly handsome and dashing Brit, I came across the following video. And couldn't help asking... "Jack Randall"?

Now don't anyone go and get your panties in a twist. I'm just thinking out loud. By tomorrow I'll be suggesting anyone from Gary Oldman to Mick Jagger! Or one of his kids! (Or grandkids?)

I am a Scot!!!

Everyone on Facebook get your arses over to the "I am a Scot" page and click "like" (after you check out that tall, grey-haired cutie pie in the profile pic). You can post anything you want about being Scottish or wishing you were on their wall!

THEN - get over to their Visit Scotland Website and join the "Great Scottish Adventure" sweepstakes where you can win a trip for two to SCOTLAND, y'all!!! (Residents of US and Canada only.)

Go ahead. Ogle a Scot.

Or at least a dude in a kilt who is rather smokin'. Thanks to the lassies at Buttercup Punch, whose blog I discovered today and ganked this picture from. No idea where they ganked it from... but I'm happy they did.

No Chat Tonight

Chat will be canceled this evening due to the holiday in the US. Happy Martin Luther King day - and we'll see you next week!

No, no... She Said SmallCOX!

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

OK - so I've been whipping out the iPod lately and listening to Dragonfly. The first time around I was a bit "eh" about the France stuff. Probably because I'm a complete spaz and I was still pining for Scotland. But this time I'm rather enjoying it.  Probably because I'd love to spend some time in France and I'm jealous as hell of Claire right now. She's moving into Jared's townhouse... and meeting her his staff... and having new gowns made. And she's doing all of that while living in wedded bliss with Jamie Fraser and carrying his child. How incredibly awesome is THAT?!

And I also have a question that I still have from reading  DinA the first time:

Why didn't Jamie stop Claire from saying the ship that carried the Comte's liquor had Smallpox aboard? He knew she was trying to help the sick fellow. He knew she was talking about what was wrong with him. Why not pull her aside and say "Claire - dinna say the word "smallpox" or "plague" or you may sign our death warrants, ye ken?"

And then - after she does flub up and say it, unknowingly - he sounds a bit condescending while explaining why she shouldna have said it. And I love how she's all "Whoopsie! My bad!" about the whole thing. Claire cracks me up.

Carol and Tracey Freak the Freak Out

OK so earlier Tracey called to make sure I knew Diana had commented on my birthday post... and we were both on the phone giggling and congratulating ourselves on being masters of the universe (totally ganked that line from Titanic.)

And we were still on the phone when we realized Diana had linked to My Outlander Purgatory on her links page. You have no idea how exciting that is for me. A year ago I found out my neighbor's mother in law had done some work with Diana in Arizona... and I had hopes that some day Diana might just hear about the blog. Just HEAR about it. And I freaked out then, saying "Oh my gosh - maybe some day she'll hear about the blog!"  So today... to see her comment...AND to see that she thought enough of us to link to us on her site... wow. Just... wow. 

And I figured I'd never be able to explain to you how excited I was. And Tracey was. Until Tracey sent me this picture of herself freaking out at work. And until I realized my 6 year old son, Ian, was wandering around the house, making a video with his new camera. And do you know what that means?? It means my freak-out was recorded. Complete with my daughter yelling "Be quiet! Be quiet!" SO funny.

So without further ado... I give you... myself... sounding like.... an IDIOT!

PS - Please ignore my messy house! Had I known we were filming, I'd have spruced up a bit!

NEW Diana Gabaldon Website

Hey lads and lassies! Quick! Get over to Diana Gabaldon's totally re-designed website pronto! It's verra cool indeed.... and guess who made the links section??

WE'RE NOT WORTHY! WE'RE NOT WORTHY! WE'RE NOT WORTHY!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DIANA GABALDON!

Just want to throw a monstrous HAPPY BIRTHDAY out there to "Herself" - Diana Gabaldon - founder, author and patron saint of the Outlander series.

We hope you have a fantastic day... and we will totally understand if you need to stop writing for a little while to celebrate your big day. :)

Là breith sona dhuit!!!!!!

Outlander Chat Tonight

Outlander Chat Tonight - 9PM Eastern! I may be a few minutes late - trying to make a meeting in my town tonight at 7:30...but hopefully I'll be back with time to spare! See ya then!

We Interrupt this Outlander Blog...

Methadone SPOILER Alert: Dinna read unless you have read "Green Darkness" by Anya Seton.

I finished "Green Darkness" by Anya Seton today... and I just have to talk about it. How I made it all the way through the book without ranting is beyond me. I thought to do it a few times and then thought "This is an Outlander blog! They don't want to hear about this story!" But now that I'm finished, I do want to post my synopsis for those of you who have already read and love Green Darkness.

Seriously - if you haven't read the book - but you plan to - don't read this. This book would not be nearly as interesting if certain things were revealed. I stumbled upon one of the historical aspects which totally gave away a large part of one storyline... but luckily it wasn't too upsetting because it made sense and was sortof a natural progression. But because the very plot of this book is so suspenceful until the very end, I fear it would just make the journey so much less enjoyable.

OK - on to my synopsis...

I loved it. Absolutely LOVED it. Yes there are a TON of historical characters described. Some are described in two sentences... while others are described in two pages or more. But Anya Seton was a stickler for factual content - and did a ton of research long before the internet was available. And I was amazed to find so many locations that still stand...  from Ightham Mote... to the Spread Eagle Hotel... to Cowdray House... they're all there... exactly as she described them. Well some more upright than others...but still. These places were/are real.

I really enjoyed most of the storylines. While it seemed a bit off that Celia and Richard lived at Medfield Place... while Stephen never lived there after he was a boy... I finally accepted it and realized how poignant it was. Why? Because that's where Celia and Stephen belonged. During the last quarter of the book, I kept hoping that Julian was going to be able to change the past... and get to Stephen and Celia in time to save them and save their undying love for one another. And I kept thinking how wonderful it would be if they could go to Medfield... live in a little cottage near Tom and Nan... and raise their baby amidst family... and love. Although that was not meant to be... it WAS meant to be for Richard and Celia... and for that I was extremely grateful.

I was thrilled that Edna bit the dust in such a horrible manner... however it should have been Emma...and I felt a bit robbed. But better late than never, right?

I loved that Igor was Simkin... figured that out as soon as he started telling Celia "oh no you di'nt" when she was suggesting red and gold (I think?) for her dress.

Although Ursula got on my nerves a few times (girl PLEASE... you have to make poor Celia marry that bag of wind when you found her with Stephen?) I always understood her motives (c'mon now Celia... t'isn't decent to be rolling around with a monk in the 16th century, know what I'm sayin'? Many people could be offed because of your actions.)

I knew Magdalen was Myra - so that was no shocker. But am I the most ignorant dumbass on the planet that I couldn't figure out Anthony was Harry?! That truly threw me for a loop! Most likely because Anthony had such a huge role... while Harry was barely mentioned. Wow. Just...wow. 

When did I cry? At the end of Part 2 - when Stephen and Celia were dead. Not because they were dead, oddly enough... but because Julian left Ightham Mote with Tom and did absolutely nothing. I thought he was a spineless turd at that point. You KNOW she's in the wall.  He should have done something to get her out of that wall... or told as many people as he could... or die trying. Spineless, I say. And that Tom Marsdon, as well. He knew damned well something was up... and he did nothing to find out what. About his own BROTHER... who never got the chance to live happily every after with the woman he loved like YOU did, Tom. Oh no... Stephen was the one who had - HAD - to become a monk! You know what, Tom? Complacency can be a sin in my book. Run and tell THAT down at the pub.

What didn't I like about the book? Ok - I'll admit - I wasn't happy with the ending. I felt we, the readers, deserved more than just a quick little description of their remarriage in Medfield. I wanted fireworks. I wanted a profound scene of crying and snarfing and pronouncing undying love for one another. And I didn't get it.

Everyone who reads Green Darkness will warn you "there isn't much romance"... and they are telling the truth. Yes, there is a totally star-crossed, undying love throughout... running in the background... like MacScan has been running in my MacBook's background the entire time I've been typing this. But there is not much in the way of communication between the two star-crossed lovers... and not much in the way of nookie, if you know what I mean. Clearly my love for Twilight shows I am perfectly fine with little to no hay-rolling... providing the characters are able to be together and you can feel their undying love right through the pages. And there wasn't much of that, either. But for some reason, I was OK with that. Most likely because I had a ton of respect for Stephen's convictions... and it almost would have soiled the book - or made his undying love for the Catholic Church seem less great - and that would have been a great detriment to the plot.

Lastly (I think) I would have liked to have seen more from Stephen's POV. There were times when I felt Celia was spinning her wheels and he really didn't care. Until girlfriend stood there topless after Wyatt attacked her (yes, Thomas Wyatt) and, well... let's just say Stephen must have been a boob man because Jesus and the Saints sortof fell out the window at that point.

OK - I must wrap this up. Here is what I have to say. If you love the historical aspects of Outlander...and you love Tudor history (namely the reigns of Edward, Mary and Elizabeth)... and you love star-crossed love... you will love, LOVE this book.

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

Friends in Diana

Check out this article about book clubs in Crofton, Maryland... and friends who met through their love of Diana Gabaldon. Doesn't that just warm your wame?

R.I.P. Gerry Rafferty

My Outlander Purgatory friend, Carla sent me an email about Gerry Rafferty's passing - and included this song (along with Baker Street...and he also sang "Stuck in the Middle with You").  I hadn't realized Gerry Rafferty was from Paisley. That's where my husband's grandfather was from - and his family still lives there. Gerard Butler is as well. It's a great town; it was our home base on my last (and only, sob!) trip to Scotland.

Outlander Chat Tonight

Outlander Chat at 9PM Eastern, y'all! See you then!

Outlander Methadone: Where in the World is Roger Mac??

Spoiler Alert: Dinna read unless you have read "A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows" AND "An Echo in the Bone". 

I canna TELL you how much fun I'm having, reading "Green Darkness" by Anya Seton. I'm thinking Diana would definitely approve this for her Outlander Methadone List.

 What I'm finding most interesting, are the clues I'm getting about Roger, Buck and Jerry's whereabouts. Right now I have reached a part about  a group of people who are traveling from southern England to "the North Country" in the 16th century (Edward Tudor is in power...but not for long.) Check this out - this is when the group reaches "Cumberland",  just after crossing the "Trent":

Ursula felt only loneliness as they plodded miles without seeing a human, or even a shepherd's little stone cot. What houses there were had all turned gray and forbidding. There were no more luxurious inns - no accommodations except dearly bought garret floor space in farmstead. The language became incomprehensible, the food altered.

Wow. You should have seen me when I got to this part. They're worried about being robbed and no one speaks anything remotely close to the "King's English" they're used to. And all I can think is THIS IS WHERE ROGER IS!!!!

OK so let's review. This part of England is where Jerry was when he crashed...and when he walked through those standing stones, he time-traveled back to _____.  And then Roger went through and was thinking of Jerry (just like the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man) and ended up there because of it. And speaking of standing stones...  I'm reading about some right now on page 248 of the paperback. Check this out:  They crossed the Eden by noon and continued North until they came suddenly upon a huge cluster of standing stones, many stones grouped by a huge pointed one, eighteen feet tall. This particular group of standing stones was referred to as "Long Meg and her Daughters" and it's really neat to read about online... so dinna forget to click that link!

OK y'all - I'm going back to reading now. I canna tell you how pleased I am that I've finally committed to reading this book. I'm enjoying it immensely during our long, winter's hibernation between Echo and Book 8.  I have also revisited the Dragonfly audio - and accidentally re listened to a section yesterday - but was glad because it made me pay attention to the fact that Jared looks a lot like his cousin, Murtaugh. Well howd'yelike THAT?! Maybe Angus MacFadyen could play Jared if ye dinna wish him overmuch for Murtaugh. Just sayin'... ;)

Auld Lang Syne from the Scottish Parliament

This is really neat. Even old Sean Connery, himself!

Happy New Year, Sassenachs!

Just wanted to throw out a big, ol' HAPPY NEW YEAR to you all!!

I hope the upcoming year is full of good things for all - especially good, Outlander-related things!

This (very old & terribly scanned) photo was taken during my 2000 trip to Scotland. It is a "Drovers Pass" and they used to drive cattle through it. Tell me that doesn't warm your wame? It was taken during a day trip to Loch Lomond and Lock Fyne...and the Inveraray Castle in Argyll.

My wish for 2011 is that you - and I - get to plan some travel to Scotland - and experience the magic for ourselves. If you build it...they will come.

And if Diana writes it...we will read it. (Lord John and the Scottish Prisoner, anyone?)

Happy New Year, indeed!

Outlander Chat Tonight

Hey y'all - we're a bit snowwwwwed in here in New Jersey - but luckily, that won't stop us from having Outlander chat tonight! 9PM Eastern! See you then!

East Coast Winter Storm - Take 2

Last night at 11PM:

This AM at 8:00

After a visit from Mr. Snowblower:

 My front door this AM: 

  My front door now:

Dodge Revolutionary War Commercial

OK so there's a car or three in the middle of this thing... but I still found it to be pretty cool to watch. (And I saw a pretty tasty candidate for Black Jack Randall, too!)

East Coast Winter Storm

Wow - Tracey and I were supposed to go to a family party today...and you know what that means. OUTLANDER VIDEO. Wine-laden Outlander video at that! COMMA HOWEVER - we are both being battered by this crazy East Coast storm.... so we are now considering Skyping later. Hope everyone had a great holiday - and I hope all you East Coasters are all safe and sound in this crazy weather! Stay tuned...

Here it comes:

2 hours in:

5 hours in:

Merry Christmas, Sassenachs!

Check out this tremendous read about George Washington crossing the Delaware on Christmas and surprising the Hessians who had celebrated a bit the night before and had no clue what was upon them. These men crossed a river full of ice in small boats at night....and then marched 9 miles - on foot - in a driving snowstorm....to defeat the Hessians in Trenton. Absolutely humbling. I will now shut up about the snowstorm that's headed our way here at the New Jersey shore today.

I'd like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas (even if you don't celebrate - I'm still sending you gobs of happy Christmas spirit!) from My Outlander Purgatory. The best of wishes from our family to yours!

"A Tribute to All the Brave Souls Who Fought and Died Defending Scotland"

One of the greatest things I have seen on the internet in a long, long time. Many thanks to Lolly S. for commenting about the music of Albanach on the last post. They're tremendous!! And thanks to HeatherMac320 on Youtube. Awe-inspiring video. Hear Hear. Check out her youtube page. Girlfriend loves herself some Scotland!

Great Scottish Bands

I've been youtubing a bit today... Haven't had a free moment for a few weeks... and a change of schedule afforded me that luxury today.

So what have I been doing? Listening to Scottish bands. Old habits... yeah yeah. Enjoy.

Travis - "Why Does it Always Rain on Me?"  This is one of my playlists songs. I hear it when Jamie's at Helwater... and Geneva has just made her proposal... and you know he's just like "Oh come ON! WHY canna I ever catch a BREAK?!?" PS - Hot Scots; gotta love 'em. There's even a kilt. Melt. <3



I'll put more songs in other posts. Too many youtube clips make for a very slowwwww blog. :)

Colonial City in Context Walking Tour Philadelphia

This sounds ridiculously cool. I'm thinking MOP may have to plan something in the Spring. Although geez... 10:00 - 1:00? I hope they stop for lunch! ;)

Methadone List: My Own Personal Brand of Heroine

Heroin...Heroine...get it? :)

OK... I have some questions for ya:

1) I just picked up "Green Darkness" by Anya Seton - again. I suppose the third time's the charm because I'm finding it pretty intriguing. My question is: Has anyone read this book??  There is a character who is reminding me of Frank. And I'm dying to pick someone's brain.

2) Has anyone read "The Winter Sea" by Susanna Kearsley? It's getting 5 stars on Amazon - but from only 15 people...so who knows. It's about the 1st Jacobite rising in the early 18th century - and a woman in modern times who is writing about it. Historical Romance, y'all. Again - I'm intrigued.

Outlander Chat Tonight

Chat tonight - 9PM Eastern - Tracey most likely willna attend - or will be super late - but I'll be there!

Food from Fiction

You all MUST go and read this wonderful post - "Food from Fiction - Voyager by Diana Gabaldon" on IslandVittles.com. You won't be sorry. You can almost taste the food right there at your computer. Seriously. And who can resist a little Jamie and Claire dinner conversation?! Not me!!