Clay and Christie's Trip to Grandfather Mountain

Clay was good enough to send me the following account of his trip to Grandfather Mountain where he and Georgie met up with Christie and her sister, Fran...and had a fantastic weekend!

• We got in Thursday evening, we drove George's "new" car, a 2002 Mini Cooper, she decided 22 years of Minivans were enough and I had to agree.  Drove through steady rain interrupted by periods of downpours till we got into the mountains then up and up the road wound, through the fog until we got to the Condos.  What a deal!  Way better than a hotel room and cheaper!  (Always 1 of my favorite words!)  Whether it was rainy days, slow starting mornings, or late nights talking and drinking wine and beer (though I only mixed the 2 once) it was MUCH better to have the condo with the living room and separate bedrooms so there was more visiting time.

• Friday morning dawned cloudier and rainier.  And I had a couple of work calls I had to deal with, so I was in the office on my computer dealing with that until close to noon.  Good thing George liked Christie and Fran (Christie's sister) and they liked her!

• Information on the GMHG was not very clear on the website so we decided to drive into town for lunch and to try and learn more.  Met a couple of very helpful ladies who filled us in on what was happening and how to do things, got our tickets and out books for Saturday and had lunch at a place called the Tartan restaurant.  Food was pretty good, attire not as flashy as at the Tilted Kilt (where we ate in Atlanta) but we saw several guys in Kilts, and an honest to God wood nymph!  She was looking quite nymph-like!  (And she knew it too)

• We decided to pass on the games that afternoon since it was already after 1 and more rain was forecast.  So we drove to a park (I can't recall the name), did some hiking, Christie showed us how to "make the rocks move", picked up some trash to throw away that some idiots decided needed to be in the forest (I tried to tell everybody we saw that those Bud Light cans were NOT christie's but I'm not sure they believed me!), saw some wild turkeys, and saw the bear i missed when i was resting my eyes.  We picked up barbecue for supper and went back to the condo and played scrabble and a card game Fran brought.  Christie and I stayed up talking late into the night.

• Saturday weather was.... cloudy and rainy, but we got an early start so we could see the massed bands, sheepherding demonstrations, caber tossing and wrestling.  We found the Clan Fraser tent, and MacKenzie, took more pictures, I found out my name is not associated with any Clans, it is a "District" name (which I was told accounted for >70% of the people in Scotland) and learned about that.  George went and listened to fiddlers, singers, and harpists.  Fran, Christie, and I watched more of the games.  Lunch was cornish pasties, shepherd's pie and irish stew, no haggis to be found anywhere!

I got my kilt

• I got my kilt

• We headed back down to the condo mid-afternoon, everybody napped, then went to supper at a nice Italian place (me in kilt).

• Back to Condo for more scrabble, card game and bananarama.  This was when the vodka was consumed.  And more late night talking.

• Sunday morning, wake-up "Shit!  time to go home already?!"  The day dawned clear, beautiful sky, decided to go to the top of Grandfather Mountain and do some more hiking, ate lunch then headed home.

We all had a great time, everybody got along, and while the Games were fun, the highlight will always be the times we spent talking and visiting.  It's pretty cool how Outlander and MOP Chat gave us such a great friend in Christie!

The games from the top of Grandfather Mountain

Christie and I debating diving into the crack in that rock in search of Jamie and Claire

Outlander Withdrawal - Take Two

Mop friend, Jerry reminded me how much I love this post...so I'm reposting, y'all!  Enjoy!

MONDAY, MAY 10, 2010

I AM FINISHED!!!!

TOP TEN things that go through one's mind the day after finishing the most current book of the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon: 

10) Oooh I have ten minutes - I'm going to read!!! Oh. Wait. Shit.

9) How fast can I read the whole series a second time?

8) 2 years 'til new Jamie?!?!?! Give me the phone.  "911, What's your emergency?"

7) Does anyone know where I can get a wolf?

6) "How many bullets are left in this gun?"

5) EFF the Kindle. I'm buying the books! I need to do MAJOR PAGE FLIPPAGE right now!

4) "Edward? Jamie?" (yelled like "Cindy? Bobby?")

3) Did somebody say "cliffhanger"?

2) No dirk-carrying, cup-draining, peach-splitting or herb-collecting for HOW long??

1) Claire, you ignorant slut!

Read The Book

Oh my gosh - I have to credit "Anonymous" for putting this thought into my head:

Can't you just see us all during the Emmy's in - what - 2014?   Outlander will be leading in the nominations...and we're all going to be SO ANNOYED about the bandwagon jumpers who are saying how much they love the show - but haven't even read the books.  LOL!

I guess I should really plan on reading Game of Thrones since I love the show so much!!

Please Do Right By Jamie Fraser

Dear Sony Pictures TV and Ron Moore,

What can I say?  I am both stunned and excited to hear the news that you will be creating an Outlander TV series.

First off, I am thrilled that Outlander will be made into a series - and not a film.  Only a TV series can properly convey the myriad of detail in the story of Jamie and Claire.

And who has a bigger name than Sony?

And who hasn't heard of Battlestar Galactica?

I have to share something with you, though.  Ever since the text came in at 2:25PM (thanks Cari) when I was sitting in the pedi chair at the nail salon, I have been in a state of sheer panic.

As a very recent newcomer to the film industry (that is an understatement), I have witnessed what can be done to a script once the final copy is written.  (Is there ever such a thing as a "final copy"?)  Characters can be omitted.  Story lines can be changed.  Backgrounds are sometimes revised so many times, you forget where the hell the character hailed from in the first place.

I think you see where I'm going with this.

As a solid Outlander fan (not the best, aka Karen Henry...not the worst, aka "I just don't get this Jamie guy"), I implore you to do one, simple thing:

Please stick to the story.  

I know...I know.  Sometimes things look one way on paper and there is no way humanly possible to convey them on screen in the same fashion.  I understand that even the most amazing cinematographers are sometimes limited as to what they can actually do with a camera.

I am just asking you to please...PLEASE...stay as honest and true to the story and the characters as you possibly can.  Please treat these characters with integrity...and love them as if they were your own family.

Also, please, for the love of ALL that is holy in this world...please do not cast a big time actor to play Jamie Fraser, just because the actor brings in the cash.  He has to convey Jamie Fraser's good and bad and everything in between.  And throwing ______ or _____ or even ______ into the role is not the way to go.  Just because someone's star meter rating over at IMDB is in the top ten, does not mean he's going to be able to put the proper feeling into playing Jamie Fraser.


Lastly...Jamie Fraser's Scots accent has GOT TO BE SPOT-ON.

The Outlander fans will thank you for it at the box office; I assure you.  (Or in this case, the cable company!)

MOST sincerely,

Purgatory Carol
MyOutlanderPurgatory.com

Ron Moore to Adapt "Outlander" novels into Cable TV Series!

Check out this article from DEADLINE TV:

EXCLUSIVE: Sony Pictures TV has closed a deal for the rights toOutlander, Diana Gabaldon’s bestselling fantasy/romance/adventure series of books. Battlestar Galacticadeveloper/executive producer Ron Moore will write the series adaptation, with Jim Kohlberg’s Story Mining and Supply Co producing. The project will be taken to cable networks this week.

The book series starts off in 1945 and follows Claire, an engaged WWII combat nurse who accidentally steps back in time to the Scottish Highlands of 1743. Catapulted without warning into the intrigues of lairds and spies that send her on the run and threaten her life she is forced to marry Jamie, a gallant and passionate young Scots warrior, igniting a passionate love so absolute that Claire becomes a woman torn between fidelity and desire… and between two vastly different men in two irreconcilable lives. The seven-book series has sold over 20 million copies. An eighth novel is slated to come out next year. The books have developed passionate fan following, with multiple companies running “Jamie and Claire” tours of Scotland, where they visit locations from the books.

For Moore, the project stems from his overall deal with Sony Pictures TV. Star Trek veteran Moore, repped by CAA, started his writing career on Next Generationand also spent five years on Deep Space Nine. He then served as co-executive producer/co-showrunner on the WB’s Roswell and as executive producer/showrunner on HBO’s Carnivale before segueing to Battlestar Galactica.

Thanks to Cari for texting me the news!!  

Outlander Chat Tonight

Outlander Chat tonight.  9PM Eastern.

Clay and Christie Attend the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games

Here are two photos Christie sent me over the weekend.

Hopefully we'll get all the dirt at chat tonight!

Does Clay not rock this kilt?!

Whoa!  Was Shura there??  Oops!  Wrong blog! 

Outlander Chat Tonight

Outlander Chat tonight.  9PM Eastern.

Happy Fourth of July Video With Carol and Tracey

Outlander Chat Tonight

Outlander Chat tonight.  9PM Eastern.  (Tracey and I are both going to be popping in at different times but, by all means, please carry on!)

Someone to Watch Over Me

Look what a certain MOP friend has been up to lately!

She's a published author on Amazon, y'all!

Congratulations, Christie!!!

Outlander Inspired Art

How cool is this??  Got this email from Tanya T aka Menatra and had to share:

It is super simple to make and they could do it with any Outlander verse/phrase/words that they want.  It is just a 3 X 2 foot canvas (bought at a local craft store).  I covered it with white acrylic paint and then wrote on the verse, super lightly with pencil first (it is hard to rub off pencil without leaving marks) and then painted the words with the black acrylic paint.  That's it.  Super easy.  Might be a fun project to do this summer.  

Perth's World Record Kilt Run

OK So Tanya T - aka Menatra, for those of you who chat on Mondays - took part in a world record Kilt Run up in Ontario, Canada.  And she was kind enough to share these fabulous shots with us!  That's her cutie pie little son in the bottom pic...posing with a verra tallllll lad. ;)

Outlander Chat Tonight

Outlander Chat tonight.  9PM Eastern.

Outlander Chat Tonight

Outlander Chat tonight.  9PM Eastern.

Kevin McKidd and the Speyside Sessions

Immense thanks to Miss Christie for sending me this amazing video about TRUE HIGHLANDERS making beautiful music together (for charity, no less.)

Listening to this made me think of my time in Scotland and I had a wee cry.  And then I realized I am SO excited for Karen since she is leaving next week for bonnie Scotland, herself!

Brave are the hearts that beat beneath Scottish skies...

Snow Patrol: Set the Fire to the Third Bar

Watch this video from Snow Patrol (band that hails from Northern Ireland and Scotland) and think about Jamie and Claire, stuck in different centuries, without each other...especially when Claire was in Scotland in the 60s.  So close...but yet so unearthly far.  This video gives me chills.  You can see them in adjoining rooms...feeling each other but not being able to be together...and literally feel yourself drowning in all their yearning.

The lyrics are under the video.  Try not to cry...



I find the map and draw a straight line

Over rivers, farms, and state lines

The distance from here to where you'd be

It's only finger-lengths that I see

I touch the place

Where I'd find your face

My fingers in creases

Of distant dark places

I hang my coat up in the first bar

There is no peace that I've found so far

The laughter penetrates my silence

As drunken men find flaws in science

Their words, mostly noises

Ghosts with just voices

Your words in my memory

Are like music to me

I'm miles from where you are

I lay down on the cold ground

And I, I pray that something picks me up

And sets me down in your warm arms

After I have traveled so far

We'd set the fire to the third bar

We'd share each other like an island

Until exhausted, close our eyelids

And dreaming, pick up from

The last place we left off

Your soft skin is weeping

A joy you can't keep in

I'm miles from where you are

I lay down on the cold ground

And I, I pray that something picks me up

And sets me down in your warm arms

Outlander Chat Tonight

Outlander Chat tonight.  9PM Eastern.

Outlander Chat Tonight

Outlander Chat tonight.  9PM Eastern.

The Paoli Battlefield: May 30, 2012

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

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

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

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

My sincere thanks to Diana Gabaldon for Remembering Paoli. 

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

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

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

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

Fresh from Memorial Day

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

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

The current monument, erected in September 1877  

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

Remember Paoli
Please. 

No Chat Tonight

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

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

We will NEVER forget. 

PS...

REMEMBER PAOLI!!!!

Lunch with NY Times Bestselling Author Diana Gabaldon

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

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

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

THANKS to Outlandish Observations: Paoli Massacre

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

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

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

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

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

Outlander Chat TONIGHT

Outlander Chat tonight.  9PM Eastern.

Aloupis Productions

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

Just in case you didn't realize...

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

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

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

SOLD: The Outlander Quilt by Susan Leidy

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

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

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

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

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

Sigh.

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

"What's in the Box" with Jemmy

Outlander Chat Tonight

Outlander Chat tonight.  9PM Eastern.

Outlander Chat Tonight

Outlander Chat tonight.  9PM Eastern.

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

Last Day for Free Shipping in the MOP Shop!

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

Free MOP Shop Shipping Until May 8th

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

The Perfect Roger?

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

Happy Birthday, Jamie Fraser!

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

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

Outlander Chat TONIGHT!

Outlander Chat tonight.  9PM Eastern.   A certain someone is having a BIRTHDAY tomorrow!  Woot!

Outlander Chat Tonight

Outlander Chat tonight.  9PM Eastern.  Hope to see you there.

Simon Fraser Pipe Band

Holy cow!!  Look at the link my husband just sent to me in an email!!  "Simon Fraser" University?!  I guess he really was paying attention when he read Outlander and Dragonfly!!

 

Outlander Chat Tonight

Outlander Chat tonight on this somber anniversary of the battle of Culloden.  9PM Eastern.  Hope to see you there.

You Are Not Forgotten

The Battle of Culloden - April 16, 1746

SCOTTISH IS

Thanks to Athena for sending me this totally righteous outpouring of awesomeness.

Outlander CHAT Tonight

Outlander CHAT tonight!  9PM Eastern!  I will not be there as I am visiting my inlaws in Florida...but Tracey will be!  Enjoy...and I'll see you guys next week! - Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

The Ultimate Gift

So we are in Florida, visiting my husband's parents...and I HAD to share with you guys this awesome beach towel my mother in law gave my husband for his birthday.  IT'S A KILT!  How hilarious is that?!  I am SO making him wrap it around his lower half on the beach this week!  Hubba hubba!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TRACEY!

Please join me in saying...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TRACEY 

to the My Outlander Purgatory Tweeter and Facebooker!

Hope ye enjoy the heck outta yer day, SASSENACH!

National Tartan Day

HAPPY TARTAN DAY!!!

Outlander Casting

Got the following video this AM from Nikki who handles Diana's youtube channel.

I am speechless.

Outlander Chat Tonight

Outlander Chat Tonight - 9PM Eastern!

Meet Scott!

Sadly True

Thanks to Meghan for the hilarity!  And Nikki...HOOKA!!!  This one's for you!

Outlander Chat Tonight

Outlander Chat Tonight - 9PM Eastern!

Diana Gabaldon Holding Sooz's Outlander Quilt

Check out Herself, holding the beautiful Outlander quilt Sooz made for her!

Whiskey Cookies Recipe

Does anyone have a recipe for "Whiskey Cookies"?  MOP friend Monica would like one (and frankly, so would I!)

Outlander Chat Tonight

Outlander Chat Tonight - 9PM Eastern!

My OUTLANDER Obsession

Outlander Chat Tonight

Outlander Chat Tonight - 9PM Eastern!

Where in the World is Jemmy?

Finding Outlander Everywhere

While buying my daughter's friend a birthday present, I saw this...and couldn't help thinking of Outlander.  Do you think I need help?

Outlander Chat Tonight

Outlander Chat Tonight - 9PM Eastern!  (Tracey won't be there tonight...and I can't guarantee I won't slip into some conversation about the naughty book series I'm currently reading.  Be warned. ;)

$10 Off Orders of $50 or More in the MOP Shop

Now through March 19, spend $50 in the MOP shop and get $10 off your order!  Enter coupon code STPATRICK2012 at check out!

Outlander Chat Tonight

Outlander Chat Tonight - 9PM Eastern!

My Wee Man's First Kilt!

Check out my wee Ian being fitted for his first kilt.  He's the ring bearer in a wedding in May.  Can't wait!

Land of my high endeavour,
Land of the shining rivers,
Land of my heart for ever,
Scotland the brave.

The Brus

Saw this today and it made me think about the possible Outlander film we're all constantly waxing on about.  I guess Athair Entertainment is trying to get "The Brus" made; a film about Robert the Bruce.  Interesting.

Outlander Chat Tonight

Outlander Chat Tonight - 9PM Eastern!

And here is something really cool.  Anyone who come to chat regularly knows Clay (aka - Amede.)  Well...Clay has recently started a blog about his travels as he journeys to really neat locations for work and is currently in Japan.  His blog is really good...check it out!

Sooz's Next Project

Got the following email from Sooz.  What a great idea!  Get those thinking caps on and start commenting!  I'll go first:  LAMAZE!  LOL Kidding.  Couldn't resist!  

Already at work on my next Outlander themed project and thought I'd enlist the members of MOP for some help as I'm designing it.

I'm looking for one word statements, specific to Outlander only, that represent the story, in a single word.  Sort of like if you were playing Password.

What are the names of characters, or places, or moments that drove the story....with a focus on the positive....

For example, "Lallybroch" conjurs up such a special time and place for J&C.  The word "Sassenach" speaks of tenderness, of connection, of endearment, of shared communication.

Would MOP be the place to post this and have fellow fans post a reply?  It's the hard-core Outlander fans, who are going to know what I mean by this and take on the challenge.

Let me know if you like the idea and are willing to play along.

Thanks!

Sooz

Films Used in Amazing Outlander Fan Video from Annn3003

Hey thanks to Lisa and Jenna Faye for posting the films used in the amazing Outlander Fan Video I posted yesterday:

Braveheart, Rob Roy, Attila The Hun, The Constant Gardener, Mary Bryant, Beowulf & Grendel, Swept from the Sea, Pearl Harbor, Legends Of The Fall, The Fountain, Enemy at the Gates, Season of the Witch 

Many thanks to Annn3003 over at Youtube for posting this fantastic video. :)

Amazing 7 Minute Fan-Made Outlander Trailer

Truly amazing rendition of Outlander (and a bit of Dragonfly.)  Thanks to Jayne for sharing.  (And the fact that Mr Tasty Tuna, Jack Davenport is in it absolutely made my day.)

 

 Thanks to Lisa and JennaFaye for letting me know clips from the following films were used in its production: Braveheart, Rob Roy, Attila The Hun, The Constant Gardener, Mary Bryant, Beowulf & Grendel, Swept from the Sea, Pearl Harbor, Legends Of The Fall, The Fountain, Enemy at the Gates, Season of the Witch

Outlander Chat Tonight

Outlander Chat Tonight - 9PM Eastern!

The Outlander Quilt

Check out Sooz's latest creation!  Isn't she amazing?  MaryFaithPeace has a great write-up of it here.

Say Hello to Moppy!

Back in December, I posted about an idea that MOP friend, Susan ("Sooz" for those who know her on chat) had for a present for Herself, Diana Gabaldon.  

I was rather vague at the time, because I didn't want the info to get back to Diana and spoil the surprise.  So I put together this blog page, explaining the specifics and told you all to email me if you wanted to get involved.

I found out Diana received her present...so I can finally let the cat out of the bag!

Sooz is a huge fan of dachshunds and heard Diana's family loves them, too.  She decided to make a Dachshund, using all the colors of Diana's Outlander series books for the body of the dog.  We decided Sooz would make and give the gift to Diana for her birthday on January 11th.

Look at the little tags!

At any rate - Sooz finished the project and sent off an adorable dachshund named MOPPY to Diana.  In addition, she made one each for Tracey and me (which was a complete surprise!) and also made us little babies to go with them.

Gratuitous shot of my kids
holding the new pups. 

PLEASE join me in saying THANK YOU to Sooz for being a wonderful friend of MOP and a very talented creator of these adorable little dachshunds (which I've told her she should be selling over at Etsy!)

And thank you to all of you who showed interest (and Tracey for trying her hand at some crafting circles!)  Some of you asked about getting involved later on down the line...and I will surely keep you posted. :)

Referendum on Scottish Independence

IPhone and Scotland: Perfect Together

This includes a wee bit of cursing. But holy crap, it's hilarious. Be warned!

 

Tracey Tries the Haggis: Round 2

The chardy swig at the end is PRICELESS!!

Outlander Chat Tonight

Outlander Chat Tonight - 9PM Eastern!

"I Know That Dude!"

SPOILER ALERT:  Dinna read unless you are 48% through The Scottish Prisoner. 

I know the Twilight fans will appreciate my giggling when I read "the Auld Ones" last night.  I couldn't help but picture Carlisle, Edward and the gang hunting in the woods in their suspenders and fedoras.  Yeah yeah...that was "the Cold Ones"...but still.

OK so TELL me I didn't sit right the hell up in bed as I was reading about "a most philosophical sort of Jew" named Sterne and his fascination with all things Harvey Klinger (aka BUGS for those non-Brady Bunch loving Outlander fans.)   WOW.  Didn't see THAT coming.  I love how Diana throws us these little bones so we can have some fun.  So Jamie heard about him before Claire ever met him in Voyager!  Outstanding!

Lastly for this post - WHY did Jamie have the feeling someone was behind him while the Abbot was telling him about the hand (and subsequent body) found in the peat?   Please do NOT answer that if I will find out later!  (Spoiler Freak, party of 1?)  If it doesn't come up later, please do comment away! :)

My Downton Abbey Purgatory

Oops!  I did it again!  Come check out My Downton Abbey Purgatory!  And thanks to Julia for the great idea. :)

10% Off Everything Red in the MOP Shop!

From today, Tuesday January 24th through Tuesday February 7th, get 10% off anything RED in the MOP Shop!  Enter coupon code RED2012 at checkout!

If it's Not Lawrence Tynes, it's CRAP!

A friend of mine from Scotland (remember Hugh?  Or as I like to call him "Thee Mullet" since he sported a fantastic one back in the 80s) just told me Lawrence Tynes - aka kicker for the NEW YORK GIANTS (whoo hoo! Superbowl, baby!) - lived in his hometown in Scotland until he was about 10 years old.  So of course I did some Googling...and found out he was also the grand marshall of NYC's Tartan Day Parade back in April of 2008.

Not too shabby!

Outlander Chat Tonight

Outlander Chat Tonight - 9PM Eastern!

A. Malcolm: Printer

Whilst searching for iPhone cases, I came upon this.  Um, is this the coolest thing ever?  Survey says:  YES!

First Reads at Good Reads

Check out this Good Reads page (Thanks Lesley!)  It's chock full of "First Reads".  Check out what they have to say about it:

Be the first to read new books!  Prerelease books are listed for giveaway by publishers and authors, and members can enter to win.  Winners are picked randomly at the end of the giveaway. 

Be a Laird or Lady of Glencoe

Ever thought about becoming a Laird or Lady of Glencoe?  MOP friend Tracy thinks you should...and so do I!

We Interrupt This Outlander Blog...

I've finished "Monarch of the Glen" and am 3 episodes in to "Downton Abbey".  My thoughts:

No Mop Chat This Week

This week's MOP Chat will be canceled in observance of Martin Luther King day.  Have a great week and we'll see you next week!  :)

Happy Birthday Diana Gabaldon!

I am "away on business" (for the first time in 10 years!) and this is the first chance I've gotten all day to throw out a big"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!" 
to Herself, Diana Gabaldon.

Hope it was a SPECTACULAR day!

Outlander Chat Tonight

Outlander Chat Tonight - 9PM Eastern!

Dirty Dirk Fun

Check out what Belinda got for Christmas!!!  How hilarious is this?!

So... where did the Jacobites park their cars?

So as I'm suffering in the doctor's office waiting room today with tendonitis of the rotator cuff, Tracey emails me and says "Oh please blog this!"

I concur.  Absolutely hiLARious.  Never in my life did I think I'd actually LAUGH about something that has to do with Culloden Battlefield.

Scottish Mummers!

If you are familiar with the annual Mummer's Parade in Philadelphia on New Year's Day,  you will love this.  If you are not familiar with the annual Mummer's Parade in Philadelphia on New Year's Day, you will love this.

No clue about the double S.  I have to assume all those people know how to spell Scotland.  ;)

 

Outlander Chat Tonight

Outlander Chat Tonight - 9PM Eastern!

My husband Tom is moving along nicely in Dragonfly...and I am going to try to wrangle some good commentary out of him while we're chatting.  Up until now, it's been verra amusing.  Let's just say last night he told me Claire "never listens to Jamie and just charges in with both breasts."

Needless to say, I almost fell off my chair from laughing so hard.  Should be interesting, folks.  ;)