TWO DAYS ONLY: Free Shipping in the Mop Shop - Oct 29/30!

From Spreadshirt, host of the My Outlander Purgatory SHOP:

Save shipping costs in October

From October 29th – 30th, 2011 your customers will get free shipping on any orders in your shop! For this, they need to use coupon code WITCHINGHOUR when checking out. 

If You Beg Her...

...She Will Read It.

(But Tracey already doesna like it, ken?)

Outlander Chat Tonight

Outlander Chat Tonight - 9PM Eastern!

Ladies and Gentlemen...I Have Found My Stephen Bonnet

So I'm watching The Vampire Diaries tonight...and all the sudden it hits me:   Trask - Radio.  Klaus - Bonnet.

How is it that I've never noticed this before?  Or have I? Have we ever discussed this and I am forgetting?  Have the Staceys brought this up and I've filed it away somewhere?  I just can't believe this just popped into my head tonight.  Joseph Morgan.  Welsh.  Hot.  Blonde.  Need I say more?  (And c'mon...ye know damn well he can do an Irish accent.  Hell,  _I_ can do an Irish accent!  OK so maybe I'm Irish-American...but still.  Unless it's Northern Irish, it's a lot easier than Scottish, right?!)

And don't let the sweetness factor deter you from truly grasping my vision.  He plays a totally sinister guy - aka vampire - on The Vampire Diaries.  Boyfriend's up to the task.

Outlander Chat Tonight

Outlander Chat Tonight - 9PM Eastern!

Pride and Prejudice

Just had to share.  It's a rainy day here in NJ...and even though I have lot more to accomplish today, I can't help but sit here and watch this scene from Pride and Prejudice.

Major SPOILER scene.  Don't watch if you're not familiar with the book/film.

The slow walk in the mist makes me giddy with glee.  Imagine a scene like this in Outlander?  le sigh...

Outlander Chat Tonight

Outlander Chat Tonight - 9PM Eastern!

If I Had to Choose Today...

Now, tomorrow is another day.  But if I HAD to choose today... Yeah.  He would be my choice.

Outlander Impatience

Do you ever have moments of O. I. ?  Otherwise known as Outlander Impatience?  All of the sudden, in the middle of the day, you think to yourself "I can't WAIT a moment longer for Book 8 to come out!"  or "WHEN will it be NOVEMBER 29th already so I can get my hands on some NEW JAMIE?!"

Or...in my case...today's OI came in the form of film dreaming.  This is the email I just sent Tracey...in total exasperation:

LET'S GET THIS SHOW ON THE ROAD ALREADY!!!

The Scottish Prisoner, Y'all!!!!

OH.  EM.  JEEPERS!!!

Thanks to Diane K for alerting me to the fact that this juicy piece of deliciousness is now showing up on Amazon.  November 29th, y'all.  Pure, unadulterated JAMES ALEXANDER MALCOLM MACKENZIE FRASER!!

Outlander Chat Tonight!

Outlander Chat Tonight - 9PM Eastern!

Love Quotes from Jamie and Claire

If you can watch this - and listen to this - and not shed a tear...ye are a better sassenach than me. 
Video: bannafraser

Awesome Outlander Wine Charms (and More!)

Having an Outlander (lorddddddd the) GATHERING soon?  How cute are these wine charms from MaryFaithPeace over at Etsy?  LOVE!!!

Jack Taylor's OUTLANDER Series Reviews

This guy is so awesome I don't know what to do with myself.  I can only hope he'll go on to review Voyager and the rest!  Thanks to Cari for sending this to me!

The Kilted Driller

Thanks to Dru over at the Compuserve Books and Writers Community, via (Darling) Nikki over at Voyages of the Artemis (Diana Gabaldon's Youtube channel) we now have   
The Kilted Driller!

WATCH while he takes...out his power tool!  :)

Outlander Chat Tonight

Outlander Chat Tonight - 9PM Eastern!

Diana Gabaldon's Explanation of Book 8's Title

FASCINATING explanation (aren't they all?!) from Diana Gabaldon about how/why she chose the title for the infamous-but-yet-to-be-finished "Book 8".

WRITTEN WITH MY OWN HEART'S BLOOD?
or
WRITTEN WITH MY HEART'S OWN BLOOD?

Which do YOU like better? 

Personally I like "own heart's blood".  But what the heck do I know?  Rippin ribbon!  Exactly! 

"Written with my Heart's Own Blood" Video

Special Tuesday Night Outlander Chat

Just a reminder...

Our regular Monday night Outlander chat has been rescheduled for tomorrow night - Tuesday, September 6th at 9PM Eastern.

Hope to see you there!

PS - If you have read A Song in the Daylight from Paullina Simons and feel like discussing, I'll be around at 8:45!

Written With My Heart's Own Blood!!!!!

 Ho. Ly. CRAP, y'all!!!!!

A Song in the Daylight

I have a non-Outlander question for y'all:

Has anyone read "A Song in the Daylight" by Paullina Simons (The Bronze Horseman)?  I finished two days ago and - no matter how hard I try - I cannot begin to kick these characters out of my brain. 

Scottish Dream Tours on Facebook

If you are on Facebook, run, don't walk to the Scottish Dream Tours page.  "Like" the page and then feast your eyes on the beautiful photos of Culloden Battle Field that have recently been posted. 

AND - Bonus - they have two spots that have recently reopened on their fall Highlands and Islands tour...check it out!

Outlander Chat is Canceled Tonight!

Chat will be canceled tonight due to the power outages and other issues brought on by Hurricane Irene (including mine!)  Hope everyone is safe and sound.

ALSO:  Next week's chat will be held on Tuesday September 6th in observance of the Labor Day holiday!

A Book For Shannon

OK Y'all...Shannon is at my house and desperately needs a new book...preferably a series. She's into historical romance (accent on the romance!)

I know you guys have made suggestions...but if you wouldn't mind doing it again, I'd appreciate it.

She has already ready the Into the Wilderness series as well as Twilight, The Bronze Horseman...and of course, Outlander. And she just finished The Winter Sea.

Thanks all - I appreciate it!

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- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Outlander Chat Tonight!

Outlander Chat Tonight - 9PM Eastern

Stone of Destiny

Haven't seen this (yet) but I hear it's good.  Robert Carlisle grrrrr baby, grrrr!

All Hail Michelle K!

So I'm on Facebook a little while ago...and I see a wall post from Ladies of Lallybroch about the Fergus post on Diana Gabaldon's blog.  So of course I go to check it out...and thank GOD I did...because she made a tremendous mention of Michelle K Canada's "charming" blog post!!  ("Charming"! Squee!)

And why do I say "thank GOD?"  Because Michelle was nice enough to email me these shots when she got back from the festival - and somehow I missed posting them!!  (I'll tell you how...being one person and trying unsuccessfully to run multiple blogs...THAT's how.  Man I need an assistant! LOL)

Michelle - my apologies, woman!  And thanks again for the shout-out to "our best friend, Doug."  That...was awesome.

Everyone else - go check out Michelle's post!

My Purgatory Dot Com

Just wanted to fill y'all in on what's happening with the new website.  I've created so many blogs, I wanted to combine them all in one place.  I also wanted somewhere to talk about non-Outlander things...like True Blood...Game of Thrones...celeb gossip and the like.  Tracey and I will be making some videos that we hope will have you laughing your ass off or (hopefully not) running screaming from your computer!

Thus - mypurgatory.com is now live.  

The blogs will all remain at their own addresses - ie - myoutlanderpurgatory.com - but they will also now be housed in one place over at mypurgatory.

I want to throw a massive THANK YOU out to an awesome guy named Stephen who selflessly gave me the domain "mypurgatory.com".  I also want to point out that he has the COOLEST Etsy store called Steampunk Movement Studio and I would love it if you'd check it out!

Fergus Highland Festival PHOTOS

Received the following photos from Hildy and Menatra.  ENJOY!

HILDY'S Shots:

 

   















MENATRA'S Shots:

This is not her husband...just a Jamie-esque husband in line to meet "Herself"!

Outlander Chat Tonight

Outlander Chat Tonight - 9PM Eastern

Our "Best Friend Doug"

"'When the day shall come, that we do part,' he said softly, and turned to look at me, 'if my last words are not ‘I love you’ – ye’ll ken it was because I didna have time.'"

The Fiery Cross, Diana Gabaldon (with a little help from her "best friend, Doug")

Doug...this one's for you.

The Best 100 Closing Lines from Books

Got this awesome article, "The Best 100 Closing Lines from Books" from MOP friend, Diane.

Guess which  of Diana Gabaldon's books is on it?  I'll give you a hint: 

It's red hot. :)

Outlander Chat Tonight

Outlander Chat Tonight from  9:15 to 10PM Eastern!

(If you want to discuss The Bronze Horseman, we discussing from 8:45 - 9:15 Eastern!)

Our First GOSSIP Video?

When you don't have a lot of new Outlander to wax on about...you have to wax on about everything else!

A Very Different Outlander Chat

OK - we are having Chat later - but we are going to mix it up a bit, just for tonight:

9:00 to 9:15 Eastern: The Bronze Horseman chat
9:15 - 10:00 Eastern: Outlander chat

Hope to see you there!

20th Anniversary Outlander VIDEO

For Our Friends in Scotland

Just got this from Mike Gibb of "Outlander The Musical" fame.  Note Diana Gabaldon's fav for Jamie - Allan Scott-Douglas - appearing live:

Just a quick reminder about this Saturday 30 July,  Tartan Day in Aberdeen:
 
RED HARLAW  
 
Premiere of my new short play (with music by Mairi Paton and Malcolm Dowie) with a cast that includes Allan Scott-Douglas and Michelle Bruce from the Outlander The Musical CD with Mark Kydd, who has appeared as Robert Burns in "Clarinda"
.
Performances at 2pm, 3pm and 4pm in the historic Drum Aisle of St Nicholas Church. Admission is free
 
DIANA GABALDON BOOK SIGNING  
 
In conjunction with Waterstones, Diana will be signing copies of her books and Outlander the Musical CD is the courtyard of St Nicholas Kirk between 12.00 and 1.00pm
 
Mike

Scotland - Monarch of the Glen - UK

You MUST go watch this video about the Land Reform Act that was passed in 2003 regarding the Scottish Highlands.  (It has nothing to do with the popular television show of the same name.)

If anyone has more info about how things have gone since the act was passed, please comment!  It's a very hard thing to research online.  Lots of legal mumbo jumbo and miles of data/info.  But what I'm looking for is this:  Is it working?  How have things changed?  For the better or worse?  An how do the (former?) estate owners feel now that it's been passed for 8 years?

**Note - You will see a quick ad before the video starts.   Thanks to Michelle for pointing that out!

Outlander Chat Tonight

Outlander Chat Tonight!  9PM Eastern!

Pez! Claire and Jamie-Flavored Pez!

My apologies to new MOP friend, Carrie...for not getting this HILARIOUS photo up sooner.  I howled when I saw it, girlfriend!!  Something tells me Pocket Jamie will be featuring it on his wall verra soon!

The Ballad of Nessie

MOP friend Brandy emailed me about an adorable short film being shown before the new Winnie the Pooh movie, called "The Ballad of Nessie".  What is it about?  The Loch Ness monster!  And where is it set?  Scotland, of course! Seeing as I have two Winnie the Pooh-loving kids (whose parents are pretty smitten as well) I am so excited about this...because I'll actually get to SEE it!

Outlander Chat Tonight

Outlander chat tonight - 9PM Eastern!

French and Saunders: Monarch of the Glum

SPOILER ALERT:  Do not watch unless you have watched 4 seasons of Monarch of the Glen. 

I was the BIGGEST fan of Absolutely Fabulous back in the 90s and canna love Jennifer Saunders any more than I already do.  So you can imagine how beyond hysterical I find this parody of Monarch of the Glen - complete with Alasdair Mackenzie playing Archie.  I don't know who is funnier, Molly or Duncan.  Thank you SO MUCH to Jennifer J. for posting this!

Some Hae Meat!

Got this from MOP friend Becky who found it in an antique shop.  They JUST SAID THIS as grace at the dinner table on last night's episode of Monarch of the Glen.  It says:

Some hae meat and canna eat
And some wad eat who want it
But we hae meat and we can eat
So let the Lord be thankit

Monarch of the Glen...Again

SPOILER ALERT:  Do not read unless you have watched Season 6, Episode 3.

Um...Lexie AND Duncan are gone?!  Are you KIDDING me?!?  Who the heck is left?  Let's see...Molly...Golly...and that's about it from the original cast.  I like Jess...and Hector's brother Donald has grown on me to the point where I find him mildly amusing.  I also really like Ewan...and Paul.  So they are keeping me going...but wow...it's weird. 

And here's the thing.  I am really unhappy with Lexie's decision to go to New Zealand.  Archie took off and left her for months to go "find himself"...and she LOVES Glenbogle.  That place is more hers than Archie's at this point.  I TOTALLY wanted her to stay, divorce Archie, marry Paul and run the place.  It was SO true when Paul told her going to New Zealand was Archie's dream; not hers.  And she went anyway.  And why? Because Donald dug Molly five million years ago?  I'm sorry, that is NOT a good enough reason to pack up and move to New Zealand when you don't even want to be there.  Archie's a selfish douche.  Plain and simple.

And Duncan.  HELLO?  I keep hoping one of them will be back...but I doubt it.  I miss his kilt already...and he's only been gone half an episode.  WHAT a bummer. 

Monarch of the Glen - Take 2

OK if you have not yet watched Monarch of the Glen...you might want to skip this post as there will surely be spoilers.

I am currently on Season 6 - Episode 2.

A few things...

1 - Golly is HOT.  Do not underestimate the yumminess that is the Glenbogle Guillie.  (This was inspired by one of the Staceys over at TalkSupe).  He is the closest thing on the show to Jamie Fraser when it comes to personality.  He's got a way about him - total confidence - and he knows his shizzle when it comes to the Highlands of Scotland.  When I'm finished the series I plan to Google him and see what his minty ass is up to these days.

2 - Hey Archie - exactly WHAT is up your rear end all the time?  Sheesh  - have he and Lexie EVER been affectionate?  I know she would, but he's too busy putting her down, ignoring her and generally being a bad husband to bother actually smiling or holding her hand once in a while.

3 - Ignoring the previous post, it must be said that - after all these seasons - Alastair Mackenzie is one hot piece of hotness.

4 - Molly is the best character on the show.  I love her so much.  I wish she'd come to my house and be grandmother to my kids.  I'd even get off my ass and plant that huge garden I keep threatening to design, complete with meandering path and statues of little boys peeing.

5 - Paul is another big, ol' hunk of the tasty.  

6 - Every new season, my hub and I hold our breath to see what Lexie's going to look like.  Will her hair be short or long?  Solid or striped?  Will she have lost weight?  Or perhaps had a few meat pies over the break?  And will she be sporting a belly shirt or a Jackie O suit.  One never knows with Lexie.  She keeps us all on our toes.

7 - I miss the shit out of KilWillie.  Every time and I mean EVERY time he came on the screen, my hub and I would go "Kilwillie!!!"  And did y'all know the man WROTE Gosford Park?  No really.  Julian Fellowes.  Look his adorable ass up. 

8 - I can't even talk about Hector without crying.

9 - KilWillie's sister said something SO Kilwillie in last night's episode, I nearly fell off the couch.  I like her and her Angelica Huston-esque spunkiness.  I'm so glad they've taken her from "utter beotch" to decent-enough "KilWillie in a dashing ladies pantsuit" whose mischief has been taken from a 9 to about a 4.

10 - I'm dying to give Katrina a makeover at Ouidad.  From one crazy-assed curly head to another:  Hooka, get some PRODUCT in that hair!"

Looking forward to reading all the comments after I've finished the series.  There is a season 7, isn't there?!  PS - Julia - THANK YOU, I had no idea about Season 5's special features!  I watch it on tv with Netflix and AppleTV!

Oh and Post Scriptum Scriptum:  I just tried to find some photos and saw a HUGE spoiler. Dangit!!!

Monarch of the Glen Update

Holy GATHERING, Batman!

I am watching Season 5 - Episode 9 of Monarch of the Glen - and they are having a MacDonald Clan Gathering!  And there's even a clan Quaich (pronounced "Quake".)

If you are not already watching this fantastic series...WHY?!

Outlander Chat Tonight

Outlander Chat tonight at 9PM Eastern.  Be there or be square! :)

Outlander - 20th Anniversary Edition

Check out what I got today at TarJAY.    It comes with a faux, leather cover (more like thick, embossed paper with padding) and a "rippin' ribbon" bookmark.  :)

The One Obsessed with Outlander

Got this adorable video from (darling) Nikki (otherwise known as "Hooka!" by Tracey and myself) who runs Diana Gabaldon's Youtube channel.

Alex seems way cool and we'd love it if she'd come join the Outlander discussion over here at MOP and share some of her "younger set" insights!

Lookie what Lesley Found on eBay!

Check out this AWESOME Fraser pin on eBayUK!

Diana Gabaldon in USA Today

Check out this fantastic article in USA Today about Herself!

THIS is Verra Cool

Check out this 18th Century Scottish Sword on Ebay!

No Chat Tonight! Happy Fourth of July!

Chat is canceled tonight in observance of the 235th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

See "An Echo in the Bone" for further clarification.  :)

Dirty Diana

Keep forgetting to mention...  The other night at dinner, Diana mentioned this little piece of unadulterated fun would be on her blog soon - and it showed up the next day.  Do make sure to read all about it so you know what to expect. 

You will have a right good laugh...but be careful around kiddies or at work.  Yeah.  It's like that.  ;)

Compuserve Dinner with Diana

So as you may know, Tracey and I took the train into NYC on Wednesday night to meet up with the folks from Compuserve...and a woman named...what was it again?  Oh yes.  Diana Gabaldon.  It's always a thrill to be in her presence as she is so REAL, I dinna know what to do with myself.

When we walked in, we were greeted by Diana's hubby Doug who said "Carol and Tracey!" Upon hearing this, we both had to hold ourselves steady lest we'd fall on the floor.  I thought, "He knows us?  He knows who we are?"  And right then, as if he heard my inner crazy, he promptly said "I've seen your videos."  Oh no.  Oh noooo.  I immediately told him I am somewhat suprised because - when we're making them - I never really consider that anyone is going to actually watch them - least of all TRJF (The Real Jamie Fraser).  Mortified, party of 1?  Not Tracey...she thinks it's hilarious.  Then again SHE'S not the one who was being a complete moron on the video from St. Andrew's in October.

***And my most sincere apologies to Doug because I don't think we said "Goodbye"!  And I would have loved a picture with him.  (So we could prove to you that he really wasn't running away from us or anything. ;)   Hopefully I'll have my thinking brain on next time.

So anyhoo...we were lucky enough to sit with the awesome Laura, Maria and Giovanna from "OBC" - the Outlander Book Club.  They put up with our jabbering and made us laugh - and even cry ("Dinna fash, there's the two of us now".)

We also met Jane and Maria and Carla (Lady Oliver and her adorable baby, Aisha!) and Sheila who so graciously plans the "dinners with Diana".

A good time was most certainly had by all...and I hope they let us back in for the next dinner-with-Diana! :)

We're Not Worthy v.2.0

Full tank of gas, $60. NJ Transit ticket to NYC, $13.50. Being greeted at St. Andrews by Diana's husband Doug saying "Carol and Tracey!"...PRICELESS!


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Meeting a Friend for Dinner

Sooooo...Tracey and I are on the train on our way into NYC. We are meeting a group from Compuserve for dinner. Can you guess who is the guest of honor? More to come!



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Tracey, Get me a Tissue!!!

Thanks to Donna and Sara for the info!!

Chat Tonight

Outlander Chat Tonight - 9PM Eastern!


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Um...huh?

Gerard Butler: Wetsuit & Waves! | Gerard Butler : Just Jared

Scots actors Gerard Butler and Ewan McGregor battle it out for Outlander hero role - The Daily Record

Can someone please confirm these statements supposedly made by Diana Gabaldon...meaning when and where she made them? Um, I could see her saying this...in 1995. Ewan McGregor?? Wouldn't she think he's way too old? I'm confused.

My Outlander Purgatory Interviews Aunt Helen!

The View from Port Glagow

Got this two days ago from my friend Hugh who lives in Port Glasgow, Scotland. 

The email read:  Just took this from the house 5 minutes ago. 

Dang.

Outlander Chat Tonight

Outlander Chat Tonight - 9PM Eastern Standard Time!

Questions for (85 Year Old) Aunt Helen - Outlander Lover!

Here are previous commentary from the famous 85 year old Outlander lover, "Aunt Helen".   Have a look at these and think of some questions you'd like her to answer...and post your comments by 3PM Eastern Standard time!

1. I would have called you earlier in the week but was too busy reading the book to take the time.
2. I was good how she (DG) made it so Frank is not the descendant of BJR.
3.I am so glad they cut Sandringham's head off. He shouldn't have been sneaking around trying to hurt Claire.
4. The part that made me really sad was when Furgus wanted Jamie to kill him for not protecting Claire from the attack.
5.I have been letting my housework go all week cuz I don't have time to do it.
6. I like the way the story changes from Claire telling us the story to it being told in 3rd person. (I do too)
7. I went ahead and started Voyager cuz I couldn't wait until after I called you.
8. I was sorry Jamie had to kill Dugal, but Dugal was a fanatic by then and couldn't be reasoned with.
9. (I asked her what she thought of Roger.) She said she REALLY likes Roger - but not quite as much as Jamie. quote "I'm a big fan of Jamie Fraser."
10. She (DG) must really plan ahead and have detailed outlines to keep everything straight and weave the story lines like she does.


11. I really liked the nun at the hospital, but I loved her dog. (Aunt Helen has always loved her dogs)
12.It is funny who we make into heros, Bonnie Prince Charlie was a disaster yet he is made out to be a hero. (Then she went on about Hitler and a woman she knew who had admired him)
13. Can you imagine the smell! I read about King Louie and remember he only took a bath once a year. If the weather was bad he would skip that year, (she was feeling sorry for Clair having to boink him) No wonder they had to invent so may perfumes in France.
14. Then Aunt Helen talked about a trip we took to Scotland and said she was so disappointed that we didn't see any men running around in kilts cuz she would have liked that.
15. She remembered a large painting we saw in one of castles we visited of a large man in a kilt. She said she thinks Jamie probably looked like that.
16. "You know, those men don't wear anything under their kilts." OMG

Aunt Helen called with her report on Voyager.


1. (first thing out of her mouth) I have misplaced Furgus’ wife? I haven’t been able to figure out where she is. (I assured her that she would find out)
2. I started this book and wondered where was the story was going if Claire didn’t go back. I wanted that Jamie back in the book.
3. Poor Jamie, being in prison was worse than anything. (Then she went on about the bad conditions in prisons from that era, she knows a lot about history)
4. Then she talked about what happened after Culloden – what the British did to the people and about a mini ice age that hurt the crops.
5. It is hard to know how to judge Frank; sometimes I think they (he and Claire) had a decent married life.
6. Why didn’t Claire take more back with her? I would have made a coat with pockets all inside it and filled them up. I would have taken more pictures of things back too.
7. I thought it would take forever for Claire to find Jamie after she went back but no; he was just standing right there in the shop.
8. I question the time-line and the ages of Leghair. It doesn’t seem like she is the right age in this book.
9. I was surprised Jenny fixed Jamie up with Leghair. If I had been Clair I would have told Jamie about Leghair.

10. Campbell was a real slime ball. He sounded like Jack the Ripper.
11. I was surprised John was gay.
12. ( At the governor’s ball) I really wanted to see Jamie all dressed up in his high heels. I liked that picture in my mind. No wonder all the women have a thing for him (pause) and the men too.
13. Geillis really turned out to be a really bad person; she is like a black widow spider.
14. It is a good thing Jamie let Ian go with that prostitute because it saved him from whatever rights Geillis was going to put him through.
15. Geillis must have been really crazy with syphilis. (Then she told me about when she was in college taking a psyc class. She went on a field trip to a VD ward and they let the college students roam around with the patients. And that some of the other patients were in for epilepsy or hyperactivity.)
16. She (DG) is really getting rid of the villains in this story; she must need room for some new ones.
17. She (DG) is a good story teller.
18. When Jamie locked the British Solders in the hold of the ship, what happened to them? I don’t remember them getting out.
19. (Laughing) After the hurricane, and all the other things they went thru they happen to wash up next to a nice house with people in it.

October 15, 2010 8:14 PM

My Aunt Helen called with a report on her reading of Drums of Autumn. 
Here are some of her comments.


1. I want Ulysses to stand around and put things in my hand. (Aunt Helen is almost as blind as Jocasta.)
2. I have noticed that Jamie does something first then thinks about it later.
3. I am glad Ian didn’t shoot Roger – I can just see Roger’s name with a line through it.
4. I got to the part where they gave Roger to the Indians and I just about fell off my chair – I just couldn’t go to bed.
5. I wonder if there really is a henge in South Carolina.
6. How could somebody (Roger) raised in the city go around barefooted? First he lost his shoes then he had them – maybe the Indians gave them back to him.
7. They (Jamie and Claire) always have misunderstandings. Claire’s main way to solve problems is to have sex.
8. I am wearing clothes that don’t have to be ironed because I don’t have time to iron them.
9. It was cute when Ian got dressed up with bear grease and asked Bree to marry him.
10. Jocasta sure had a hard time getting an heir.

11. I wondered about Jocasta and Ulysses, in real life you just wouldn’t be so familiar.
12. DG really has trouble with ages and dates or maybe I can’t keep up.
13. How will Roger and Bree get back together after all they said to each other?
14. Did I miss something? What happened to Willie and Jamie? One minute they were on a trip to see the Indians – the next minute Willie was gone.
15. I am tired, it was nice to leave that book behind.

The Highly Anticipated Aunt Helen Interview!

OK Y'all - we have it on good authority that L's "Aunt Helen" is visiting her tomorrow...and we're going to try our darndest to...

SKYPE WITH AUNT HELEN! 

SO - does anyone have any questions for sweet 80-something year old Aunt Helen who LOVES herself some Outlander??  Don't be shy...let's hear 'em!

More Hubby Fun with Outlander

SPOILER ALERT:  Don't read unless you've read  61% of Outlander.

OK y'all - my Tom (that's a Bronze Horsemanism.  MY Tom) has finally gotten to the witch trial!  Ooooh I'm so jealous!  And I totally forgot that Claire doesn't mention Geillis' vaccination scar until after Jamie saves her and they talk...and almost let the cat out of the bag!  It went something like this:

Carol: "Um...did Claire mention anything about Geillis?" 
DH:"Uh...that she's pregnant?" 
Carol: "Maybe something slightly more wee about her?"
DH: "Huh?"

It was at that point that I realized I needed a big, ol' cup of shut-the-eff-up or I'd be giving a huge spoiler!

I then told Tom about my big screen version of that scene, where Jamie gallantly rides in on his horse and rescues Claire whilst Bono is heard in the background yelling "All I want is youuuuuu!  All I want is youuuuuu!"  Um...yeah.  He wasn't exactly as blown away as I am by my vision.  If only I could reach in and grab it out of my head.

PS - Hub will SO be reading The Bronze Horseman after this.  I think he'll need a break before Dragonfly...and let's be honest...all that talk of war?  Men "live for that shit" like grandparents live for birthdays.

Outlander Chat Tonight

Outlander Chat Tonight - 9PM Eastern Standard Time!  Although I have to apologize right now because I may have to cut out early and finish reading Book 2 in The Bronze Horseman series.  You guys have gotten me so ensconced that I can't even drag my face out of this book.  Can someone please go pick up my kids at school?  ;)

PS - My hub is halfway through Outlander.  I'll have some good male observations for tonight's chat.  He's like "Thankfully, I think I'm past the parts about the hair on Jamie's knuckles".  ROFLMAO!! 

Outlandish Observations 20th Anniversary Edition CONTEST

Listen up, y'all.  Karen's got a WAY cool contest running over at Outlandish Observations.  See details below!

The Prize:  An autographed copy of the 20th Anniversary Edition, signed by Diana Gabaldon (and inscribed with the winner's name, if you like).

The Rules:

1) Write a short (no more than 500 words, please!) description of what OUTLANDER means to you.  Topics may include:

• How did you find the series?
• What's the most interesting, amusing, or unusual experience you've had as a result of reading the books?
• What are some of your favorite scenes?
• How many times have you read the books?
• Have you tried to get other people to read the books?
• What do you like best about the OUTLANDER fan community?
• And anything else you'd like to say to Diana in honor of this 20th anniversary.

Feel free to add your own ideas, if you think of something I've left out.

2) Submit your contest entry:

• You can post your entry here on Outlandish Observations, by leaving a comment on this blog post.  (Please make sure to include your name and email address so I can contact you if you win!)
  
  OR
• By email, to Karen.L.Henry@gmail.com.  Please use the subject line "OUTLANDER 20th Anniversary Contest".  (And don't forget to sign your name.)

Please don't post contest entries on Facebook.  It's too difficult for me to keep track of them there.

Contest Ends:  June 30, 2011 at midnight Eastern Time.  The winner will be chosen at random on July 1, 2011.

Who is eligible?

Anyone can enter this contest, even if you live outside the US.  (One entry per person, please!)  I will arrange with the Poisoned Pen bookstore to ship the book directly to you if you win.  (The Poisoned Pen is Diana Gabaldon's local independent bookstore in Scottsdale, Arizona.  She says they ship all over the world.)

For Diana

If there is enough interest in this contest, I plan to collect all of the entries and send them to Diana as a 20th-anniversary gift.  (Please don't mention this on Compuserve.  I'd like to keep it a surprise if I can.  Thanks!)

Questions?

If you have any questions about this contest, please feel free to post them here, or contact me.

And So it Begins

My DH is truly digging his 2nd go at Outlander.  They just left to collect the rents and Jamie and Claire will soon be married.

What is he hung up on?  The fact that Claire didn't seem to have much of anything on her person that would show she's from the future when she went through the stones.  I keep trying to tell him she had shorter hair (a long bob?) at that time - and wasn't a big jewelry person (other than Frank's ring)...but he's not buying it.  "Not a plastic comb in her hair?  Not a watch?  Not a pence or a pound note in her pocket?"

I told him she was just going up to the hill to pick herbs and it didn't seem odd to me that she didn't have any of those things with her (none that I remember, anyway).  I then told him when all else fails...suspend disbelief!

He also asked why Dougal would allow BJR to punch Claire in the stomach.  I told him a) "Dougal's a bit of a douche" and b) "Dougal didn't trust Claire either...and he certainly doesn't want BJR to think he's in cahoots with her!"  That seemed to do the trick.

Onward and Jamieward!

YES! Chat is on!

Chat is on at 9PM Eastern TONIGHT! 

A Whole House of Outlander!

IT HAS FINALLY HAPPENED!  My hub is reading Outlander!!  And LOVING it.  He tried last year and stopped after one too many mentions of James Alexander Malcolm Mackenzie Fraser's hot bod.  But all these months of watching me chat on Mondays and listening to me wax on about Scotland's history (while HE'S of Scottish descent) has proved too much for him.  He canna have an Irish/Italian wifey knowing more about his heritage than HE does.  And let's face it, most of everything I know about Scotland, I've learned from Diana Gabaldon.

And so it begins.  Tom is at Castle Leoch and Claire is about to start helping Colum out by treating the sick.

And get THIS - I just heard him outside explaining the story to my 9 year old daughter.  You know, the pesky one who shows up in our videos from time to time, giving Tracey and me rabbit ears?  Yeah - that one.  Never has she asked her crazy-assed MOTHER about the story - oh no.  Just my own beloved Scotsman.  I love it!  You should HEAR him out there telling her all about the standing stones and Claire's time travel.  I wish I had this on video!!!

Stay tuned, lads and lassies.  This...is getting good.

PS - Amede - you might have to share chat with another man one of these days!  (We won't hold our breath, though...my hub still thinks the internet is a fad. LOL)

More Methadone: "Monarch of the Glen"

Lads and Lassies, I have something totally serious to say...so please listen up.  It may seem like a repeat, but it is much more heartfelt than anything I've ever posted about the topic in the past.

If you have not seen Monarch of the Glen, you are truly doing yourself a disservice.  It is absolutely Outlander Prep 101.  Not only does it convey life on a Highland estate - past and present - but it is one of the BEST series I've ever had the pleasure of watching.  I feel almost honored to be able to take part in such a fantastic story...and I know you will agree, being the massive Outlander fans you are.

Do not be fooled into thinking this is just a silly dramedy set in the Highlands.  My hub and I watched an episode tonight and I had to pause the DVD player so I could get a box of tissues.  By the time the episode was finished, I had gone through 6 or 7 at a minimum.

Please don't read the comments if you haven't seen this show...because there are bound to be spoilers.  Trust me - you don't want to know what happens.  The show is too damned good.

Notice there are no links in this post.  Whatever you do, I beg you NOT to make the mistake I did.  Don't go snooping on IMDB or googling the show and the actors.  You will find out things you'll wish you didn't know, a la Tracey and Echo.  Enough said.

Methadone Help: The Bronze Horseman

SPOILER ALERT:  I have just started The Bronze Horseman from Paullina Simons!

OK - so I just started The Bronze Horseman.  They have just made the announcement about Germany attacking...and Tatiana's family is wondering whether to send her brother away to avoid him being taken.

Can somebody please give me some mentoring here?  Because I am kindof bored (ducks).  And I'm assuming it'll get better and I know there's romance...but right now I'm a little "meh"...and I need someone to say "Nooooo...keep reading...it gets awesome."  Gracias.

PS - Just for the record - I never felt this way about Outlander.  I admit, early on you're a little "OK...yeah...mmm hmmm"  but I love Scotland, so I was pretty into it immediately. 

POST SCRIPT:  Years later, this post makes me giggle.  Not only did I LOVE The Bronze Horseman trilogy (and prequel(s))...but I have a blog for that, too.  :)  ENJOY!

Outlander Chat is Canceled Tonight

Chat is canceled this evening in observance of the Memorial Day holiday in the United States.  On Memorial Day, we celebrate those who have fought and died for our country. 

I'd like to share a link - to the Old Tennent Church in Manalapan, New Jersey.  The church was used as a field hospital during the Revolutionary War, after the Battle of Monmouth. 

Many years ago, I visited this church - on Halloween of all days.  My husband and I stumbled upon it...and were fascinated by all the graves and how they were in surprisingly good shape for being over 200 years old.  Today - while looking for a New Jersey Revolutionary War link, I stumbled upon the Old Tennent church's website and was floored to learn that it was started in the late 17th century by Scots who were either sent here as indentured servants...or came to escape persecution by the Stuarts.  (Yes, you read that right; by the Stuarts.) 

"The congregation was formed in 1692 by a group of Scottish Dissenters who had fled their homeland to escape James II's severe persecution for their beliefs.  It has occupied its existing building since 1751, and the structure has undergone little fundamental change.

This lovely church once served as a hospital during a celebrated engagement in the War for Independence -- the Battle of Monmouth -- which raged around it on June 28, 1778.  In that encounter the Colonial troops, under Washington's personal command, forced a withdrawal of the enemy which virtually ended Britain's military effectiveness in the northern part of the country.  See also:  More Historical Information and Stories of Old Tennent Church."

A Shoutout to Joanne in Connecticut!

Yo Yo what's UP Joanne???  I am at my house hanging with my friend Lauren...and FOREVER ago she mentioned to me that her friend Joanne is an OUTLANDER fan and knows of our silliness over here at My Outlander Purgatory. 

Soooo...Joanne...you ROCK and I can't wait to meet you and discuss some JAMIE FRASER, girlfriend! 

AMAZING Articles about Scotland from The Guardian

Just got two amazing articles about Scotland from "Read the Book".  One compares modern day Scotland to 1707 Scotland...and the other gives amazing info about how the Scots language is coming back.

You do NOT want to miss these.

Great Chat!

Great chat last night lads and lassies.  I was even keeping up pretty well for a while there!

For those who weren't able to attend...we elaborated on a current discussion over at Compuserve.  Apparently people have been pondering the 19th century Fraser and Mackenzie tombstones at Lallybroch.  We also discussed people we are not fond of...and this is always fun because people disagree vehemently.  We had lots of simultaneous love and dislike for Roger...and lots of both lovin and hatin' on Jenny.  Lorddddd there's always plenty of lovin' and hatin' on Jenny!

All in all a fun time was had by all (I hope!)  See you next week!!

Outlander Chat Tonight

Outlander Chat tonight y'all.  9PM Eastern.  See you there!

Outlander Wiki Page

WOW have you ever checked out the Outlander Wiki page?  It's quite extensive and yet still needs work. 

Jealous, Party of ME?

How cool would it be to go chat with Diana Gabaldon at your local library?  NOT TOO SHABBY!!!

Another Great Outlander Chat!

Thanks to everyone for a great chat tonight!  I especially want to thank Lord John's Gal Pal for reminding me of a great phrase in Outlander "unflagging joy" - and I am so sorry about my giggle fit!  It truly is a beautiful line and it absolutely makes the scene - and I hope you don't think I was being a wiseass!  You are so right - it really is the kind of comment that can make you say to yourself "Yup.  I'm in.  And I'm in it for the long haul."  :)

A Discovery of Purgatory

OK y'all - I have taken my "A Discovery of Witches" conversation over to a little side blog called "A Discovery of Purgatory".  There are spoiler alerts - so don't be shy.  If you're reading it, come ponder with me (no spoilers, please!)  And if you haven't read it, make sure you come visit if you decide to in the future!

Outlander Chat Tonight

Outlander Chat tonight y'all.  9PM Eastern.  See you there!

Outlander the Musical Update

Received this today from Mike Gibb of "Outlander the Musical" fame:

Delighted to announce that New York based writer Jill Santoriello is to join Kevin Walsh and myself in developing the libretto for a stage version of Outlander The Musical, based on the hugely successful series of books by Diana Gabaldon. Diana is also very happy to welcome Jill aboard.

Jill Santoriello is best known as the writer of the book, lyrics and music for the Award winning musical A Tale of Two Cities, which was staged at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre on Broadway in 2008 and which recently enjoyed a two month run at the Hale Centre Theatre in Salt Lake City

For further information on Outlander the Musical and to hear song samples from the concept CD go to www.outlanderthemusical.com. The web site for A Tale Of Two Cities, where you can listen to samples of the music, is to be found at  www.talemusical.com

Mike

We interrupt this Outlander blog...

Just have to say a few words about A Discovery of Witches (All Souls Trilogy). If you have not read it, dinna read further...because I am terrible at intelligently reviewing a book and I wouldn't want to accidentally talk you out of reading it! If you HAVE read this book, please don't post any spoilers!  I am a freak about spoilers.

Just starting Chapter 13.  I'm dying to read Diana Gabaldon's take on this book over at Compuserve...but it's full of spoilers and...yeah.  See the above statement for clarification.

I AM enjoying it.  Truly.  It's right up my alley.  But I must make the following statement:  WHAT IS TAKING SO LONG?!?  Jesus - when the main characters, Matthew and Diana finally get their vampitch on, it better be effing AMAZING.  Diana's looooong days at the Bodleian library at Oxford are about as warm as her relationship with Matthew.  OK so she finally had him over for dinner (smoked salmon and raw venison, my fave) and he finally kissed her (thank GOD) and it was purdy hot as I am already pretty stuck on Mr. Clairmont...but let's get this show on the road already.

The book SHOULD be the perfect storm for me:  Vamps, Tudor history (not as much as I'd like) and yoga - all mixed together.  (Yoga at the hot vamp's circa 1536 mansion for the love of all that's holy!  I get misty just thinking about it!)  And it is very much intriguing and beguiling.  Unfortch, what should be the trifecta of Carol's interests is just sitting here...teasing me...and making me beg for ACTION.  Which then, in turn, makes me feel like a 7th grader hoping for sneak peeks at Judy Blume's "Forever" (which I have yet to read as PattzR banished it from our house the second it came out.)

In short - I am enjoying A Discovery of Witches - but I am not (yet) bowled over.  But again - I'm only starting Chapter 13...and at that point in Outlander, we were just setting out on our journey with Dougal and Jamie if I recall...so I haven't thrown in the towel yet. 

We now return you to your regularly scheduled Outlander blog...

The Paoli Massacre

Just came across this video and wanted to share it with all of you.  This is the battlefield where the "Paoli Massacre" (which is mentioned in "An Echo in the Bone") took place.  It is special to Tracey and myself because we grew up in Paoli; it is our hometown.  

Outlander Chat TONIGHT!

Outlander Chat is ON tonight! 9PM Eastern! 

Camelot Strangeness

OK so I'm sitting here watching Camelot...and the Outlanderisms are freaking me out a bit...and I just had to share.

When I saw Arthur and Guinevere traveling on horseback, along the river, amidst a breathtaking mountainous landscape...I said to my husband "Wow...this is so Jamie and Claire".  But I figured it wasn't enough to blog about.

When I heard Guinevere telling a story and mentioning the name "Artemis", I thought "Wow, 'Artemis'...huh."  But I figured it probably still wasn't enough to blog about.

But when a group of men stopped to look after a pained Philip Winchester - the best fighter in the group who was sitting and holding his shoulder - and one of the men had to relocate it?

I said "HOLY SHIT, I HAVE TO BLOG THIS!!!"

No...Philip Winchester isn't one of my top Jamie candidates these days.  But just like "Thor", this show is starting to make me salivate for an Outlander film. :)

The Forty Five Project

All of you Outlander-loving lads and lassies - SIT DOWN.  Wait until you hear about this amazing project called "The Forty Five Project".  It is run by a woman named Judith Crow who wants to tell the story of the Jacobite uprising in a major motion picture...starting with Charles Stuart's arrival in Scotland in 1745 and ending with his fleeing the country in 1746. 

What a FANTASTIC idea.  Not only could this be a good, solid film...but it could also bring awareness to the Jacobite uprising of 1745 and the mass genocide of the Scottish Highlands that took place after the Battle of Culloden. 

Let's help Judith spread the word!!!

Brenda Novak Fights Diabetes and we ALL Win!

As the wife of a kidney donor and the sister-in-law of that kidney's recipient - all due to DIABETES - I am thrilled to share this wonderful story about author Brenda Novak with you. (Oh yeah...and there is a lunch with Diana Gabaldon. NOT TOO SHABBY, Y'ALL!)

SUGAR is now on Facebook and Twitter!

Hi Lads and Lassies!  I have some off-topic news today...but wanted to share with you all since we have so much fun over here in Purgatory...I thought you might like to know.

I think I mentioned in an earlier post that have been working with the folks over at the upcoming feature film, "SUGAR".  I have recently been creating some online marketing for the film and would love it if you would come check it out and follow us!

Click here to check out SUGAR on Facebook...and click "like" if you are so inclined...and if you are on Twitter, you can follow The Sugar Film as well!

I now return you to our regularly scheduled OUTLANDER blog! :)

Scottish Clans and Castles

Check out this awesome blog post by "Scottish Clans and Castles LTD" about the real Dun Bonnet.  And while you're at it, check out their post about last month's anniversary of Culloden. 

Glenrific!!

Sassenachs...seriously...you MUST watch Monarch of the Glen.  It's such an awesome dose of Highlands methadone...you willna believe your eyes and ears.

Tonight - in only two episodes - I have not only heard my fill of "wee", "och" and "aye"...but I've also heard stories about Bannockburn...The laird's ring (which - if lost - belongs to the clan that finds it)...and RED BONNET (Not Dunbonnet...but still verra cool).  Red Bonnet was thought to be a fairie who "steals into houses in the dead of night and leaves you a clue to what treasure is to be found...and then returns the next night to claim some supper as a reward."

There's even a fellow named Duncan who wears a kilt every day.

I PROMISE you, you will run screaming through your house saying "I LOVE SCOTLAND!"

PS - they also mention "The Big House"!!!

Win a Free Trip to Scotland!!

Carla has informed me that Frommer's is giving away a trip to Scotland!  You can enter once a day for the entire month of May!  Get crackin' sassenachs!!!

Happy Birthday Jamie...Video!

I am posting this against my better judgment.  It is - by far - the most ridiculous and sad little video we've ever made.  We spent much of it with a bad connection, delayed audio and subsequent talking over each other...but it was made with good intentions, right??  The last five minutes are the best in my opinion...and there mayyyyy be an appearance by a famous Facebook fellow.  Gotta watch to find out. ;)

Outlander Chat Tonight

Outlander Chat is ON tonight! 9PM Eastern! 

Happy Birthday Jamie!

Happy Birthday to James Alexander Malcolm Mackenzie Fraser!!!!!

Diana Gabaldon Reviews Margaret George's "Elizabeth I"

I really enjoyed this book review from Diana Gabaldon about the new book, "Elizabeth I" by Margaret George. Its' verra cool when one of your favorite authors reviews a book based on one of your favorite historical figures.  I felt the same way when she asked many books on Elizabeth I we need...and was pleasantly surprised this book looks at Elizabeth's life from her late middle age.

One of my favorite books on Elizabeth I is "Elizabeth I: CEO" by Alan Axelrod. I read it when I was working in corporate management and I was amazed at how I was able to apply Elizabeth's style of leadership to my own job. I recommend it wholeheartedly.

The Birth of our Laird

Lads and Lassies! We canna forget that tomorrow is the birth of our Laird - the one and only James Alexander Malcolm Mackenzie Fraser!!!

Make sure to Include #HappyBdayJAMIE in your Tweets tomorrow!!!!

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