TOBIAS MENZIES to play Black Jack Randall AND Frank Randall in OUTLANDER on STARZ

Look at the expression on my face.
I think it's pretty obvious I can play
a complete douche with ease, no? 

WOW.  What a day.  Tobias Menzies of Game of Thrones fame will be playing both Black Jack Randall AND Frank Randall in Outlander on Starz next spring.

I first saw Tobias when he played Marcus Junius Brutus (Et tu, Brute?) on ROME on HBO.  He was fantastic.  He played the character as "a good kid"...but ultimately, as we all know, Brutus became a turncoat and caused the demise of Caesar.  (BEWARE THE IDES OF MARCH!)

I have also watched Tobias play Edmure Tully in Game of Thrones over the last year...and I'm not going to lie to you; I HATE HIM!!! (That's a Game of Thrones spoiler - beware!)

I know this is a man who can play both good - and evil; even on the same show.  Bottom line - if I already hate him...I can only assume I'll love him!

Wondering What STARZ Offers?

Dear Starz,  I love you.  Love, Carol

Holy Lord

Jamie Fraser.  Those rocks.  No one around.  Mmm Hmm...

My thanks to the talented Mark Appleton for the amazing visual.  :)

Hot Scots Drumline

Thanks so much to Jaymie for posting this on Twitter.  WHAT a treat!  I can't believe these guys are in high school!  I'd hire them in a second!

Claire? Where Are You, Girl?

Ron Moore at Comic-Con: Starz: "We Love the Books"

THIS is a fantastic Blastr interview with Ron Moore, taken at Comic-con 2013.  I near about fell off my chair when I read this commentary, direct from the man's mouth:

“We’re at pains to really follow the books,” he says to assure concerned readers. “One of the great things was Starz said to us early on was, 'We love the books, we think they are great so let's make the [show] for the people who love the books. Let’s make it for the fans of the books first and trust that anyone who doesn’t know the material will get swept along in the story like everyone else does.' Nobody ever says that,” Moore laughs. “Typically studios and networks just say, 'Yeah, we don’t really care about the book. We bought it for the cover or whatever…' and then dispense with it very early on [in the process]. This was the rare time when everybody said this is great material and we like the story and these characters so let’s try to get as close to the books as possible in the show and that’s what we are doing.”

Reminded me of my "Please do right by Jamie Fraser" letter from wayyy early on when we just found out about the series.  Something tells me he and Starz are going to do right by us fans.

Congratulations to Outlander's Sam Heughan - E! News HOTTIE OF THE WEEK

Let's Get Sam Heughan Voted as ENews Hottie of the Week on TWITTER

Let's get our new JAMMF, Sam Heughan, voted in as ENews's Hottie of the Week! Head to Twitter and tweet @enews and include the hashtag ‪#‎HottieoftheWeek‬ VOTE EARLY VOTE OFTEN--voting ends Friday! Spread the word!!!

Sam Heughan: Feast Thine Eyes. And Ears.

IT'S OFFICIAL: Sam Heughan Cast as Jamie Fraser in the Upcoming Outlander Series on Starz

The press release, direct from HERSELF, Diana Gabaldon:

IT’S OFFICIAL!

SAM HEUGHAN CAST AS JAMIE FRASER IN STARZ & SONY PICTURES TV’S “OUTLANDER”

New Original Series Based on Diana Gabaldon’s International Best-Selling Novels 

From “Battlestar Galactica” Executive Producer Ronald D. Moore

Beverly Hills, Calif., July 9, 2013 – Starz in association with Sony Pictures Television has announced today that Sam Heughan will play the role of Jamie Fraser in the original series “Outlander,” adapted from Diana Gabaldon’s international best-selling books, which will premiere on STARZ in 2014. The chivalrous young Scottish warrior, Jamie Fraser, has been adored worldwide by fans of the seven-book series that has sold more than 20 million copies and has graced the New York Times best-sellers list six times.

Diana Gabaldon said, “Oh. My. God. That man is a Scot to the bone and Jamie Fraser to the heart. Having seen Sam Heughan not just act, but be Jamie, I feel immensely grateful to the production team for their painstaking attention to the soul of the story and characters."

"From the very beginning, I knew the part of Jamie Fraser would be difficult to cast,” said Executive Producer Ronald D. Moore. “I had no one in mind for the part. I knew that someone would just come into the audition and be Jamie Fraser. And that's what Sam did." 

In “Outlander,” Jamie Fraser strikes up a passionate affair with Claire Randall, a married combat nurse from 1945 who is mysteriously swept back in time to 1743. Armed with sheer grit and enduring strength, he is a strapping young Scottish clan lord with a complicated past and a disarming sense of humor. He is intelligent, principled, and, by 18th century standards, educated and worldly, with a tenderness and compassion that stands out in contrast to his contemporaries. A natural leader of men, he has no political ambitions or desire for battlefield glories. Instead, he wishes to remove the price on his head and return to his family’s ancestral farm. 

Sam Heughan is a graduate of the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, he was a 2003 nominee for the Laurence Olivier Award for Most Promising Performance for his work in the program. Last year, he originated the role of Batman in the DC/Warner Brothers and Waterlane production of "Batman Live," an international tour which opened at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles and went on to tour in South America and throughout Europe. In 2010, he was nominated for a British Soap Award for “Villain of the Year” for his role as Scott Neilson in the BBC soap opera "Doctors." He has also had roles in a range of television series including, "River City," "Island at War," "The Wild West," "Midsomer Murders," and, most recently, "Any Human Heart" as Lieutenant McStay. His TV movie credits include, "Breaking the Mould" for BBC Television, "A Very British Sex Scandal" for Channel 4 and "First Light" for BBC2. He was nominated for a "Grace award" for his performance as Prince Ashton, the son of Sir Roger Moore, in “A Princess for Christmas” for Hallmark Channel. His film credits include the short film Small Moments, and the feature films Alexander the Great from Macedonia and Emulsion. He will also be seen in the upcoming film Heart of Lightness. On stage, Heughan has performed at a variety of theatres in such productions as “King John,” “Romeo and Juliet,” “The Vortex,” “Hamlet,” “Macbeth,” “The Talented Mr. Ripley” and more. At the Royal Scottish Academy, Heughan starred in productions including “Crime & Punishment,” “The Seagull,” and “Prometheus Bound.” He is repped by United Talent Agency in the US and United Agents in the UK.

The series adaptation for “Outlander” will be written by Ronald D. Moore (“Battlestar Galactica,” “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,” “Star Trek: The Next Generation”). Ronald D. Moore and Jim Kohlberg are executive producers of “Outlander,” which is produced by Tall Ship Productions, Story Mining & Supply Company and Left Bank Pictures in association with Sony Pictures Television. 

The series will begin filming in Scotland this fall.

“Outlander” Online 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/outlandertvseries.starz

Twitter: @Outlander_Starz - join the conversation with #Outlander and #STARZ 

My Outlander Purgatory VIDEO: Carol and Tracey's Reaction to Sam Heughan

Outlander (on Starz) Casting Humor

UPDATE: Starz now says Sam Heughan is "in talks" to play Jamie Fraser in the upcoming Outlander series on Starz

OK so now Starz is saying that someone jumped the gun and they're "in talks" with Sam Heughan for the role of Jamie Fraser in Starz' upcoming OUTLANDER series.

If he's the guy - My Outlander Purgatory is happy.

If he's not - it was fun while it lasted!

PS - TELL me Sam Heughan's people aren't tickled PINK at the leak!  Either way, everyone in the US knows who their client is now!

SAM HEUGHAN has been cast as JAMIE FRASER in OUTLANDER on STARZ!

JAMES ALEXANDER MALCOLM MACKENZIE FRASER has been CAST!

As announced in Deadline Hollywood, Sam Heughan has been cast as Jamie Fraser in Starz upcoming OUTLANDER series, adapted by Ron Moore of Battlestar Galactica.

I can NOT TELL YOU how happy I am with this casting.  Why?

1. Scottish!!!!!
2. GORGEOUS
3. Reddish hair
4. Reddish beard
5. 6'3"!!!
6. Beautiful facial structure
7. Serious acting chops
8. Did I mention SCOTTISH?!?!?

Holy crap.  I don't even think it has hit me yet.  I have one thing to say:

BRING ON CLAIRE!!!!!!

Jamie and Claire Dolls from The Wee Beasties

My apologies to our awesome MOP friend, Sooz, who asked me to post about this eons ago!

You must check out these adorable Jamie and Claire dolls, made by Ellen at The Wee Beasties over at Etsy.  Look how gorgeous they are!  I was blown away when I realized how much work must go into these beautiful creations.  

Cool Louis XV Mistress Fabric Design on eBay

How cool is this?  Thanks to Lesley for the way cool find!

Ron Moore Tweets OUTLANDER

Press Release: Starz Confirms Outlander Series for Spring 2014

Starz Officially Greenlights New Original Series "Outlander" From "Battlestar Galactica" Executive Producer Ronald D. Moore

Network Will Team up with Sony Pictures TV

Series Based on Diana Gabaldon's International Best-Selling Novels

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., June 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Starz Chief Executive Officer, Chris Albrecht, announced today that Starz will partner with Sony Pictures Television to greenlight "Outlander," an original series adapted from Diana Gabaldon's international bestselling books. The network has ordered 16 episodes of the series which will begin filming in Scotland this fall. It is slated to premiere in 2014.

The series adaptation for "Outlander" will be written by Ronald D. Moore ("Star Trek: Deep Space Nine," "Star Trek: The Next Generation"). Moore is best known for his work on "Battlestar Galactica," which won him a Peabody Award in 2006. Ronald D. Moore and Jim Kohlberg are executive producers of "Outlander," which is produced by Tall Ship Productions, Story Mining and Supply Company and Left Bank Productions in association with Sony Pictures Television.

"We are thrilled to be bringing 'Outlander' to Starz next year," said Chris Albrecht, CEO of Starz. "Diana has created an incredibly compelling heroine, thrust into a very complex world, not to mention, time. The books weave a fascinating tapestry of history, spirituality, love and honor, not to mention plenty of time travel, sex and warfare. With Diana's stories guiding us and Ron's mastery, we hope to bring Claire and Jamie to life for the millions of fans the world over."

Moore added, "I'm very excited to have the opportunity to bring these books to life. Diana's created a rich and textured world filled with intriguing characters, and I believe that Starz is the perfect home for her story. I think we'll make something that the millions of fans of these books will enjoy and recognize as 'Outlander.'"

Diana Gabaldon's seven-book series has sold more than 20 million copies and has graced the New York Times best-sellers list six times. The eighth installment of the "Outlander" series is slated to be released in the fall of 2013. The "Outlander" series spans the genres of romance, science fiction, history, and adventure in one grandiose tale. It follows the story of Claire Randall, a married combat nurse from 1945 who is mysteriously swept back in time to 1743, where she is immediately thrown into an unknown world where her life is threatened. When she is forced to marry Jamie Fraser, a chivalrous and romantic young Scottish warrior, a passionate affair is ignited that tears Claire's heart between two vastly different men in two irreconcilable lives.

Starz will retain all domestic multiplatform pay TV rights to the original series.

Diana Gabaldon's Outlander Casting in Ireland. So?

Methinks it's time to have a little discussion about some of the Outlander casting fears that are floating around the interwebs...namely the one about the Irish location of the casting company.

As John Cusack once brilliantly said in Say Anything:  YOU MUST CHILL!!!!

Below is a scene from 2011's Camelot on Starz.  (Yes, Starz.)
It was cast by Gillian Reynolds Casting.  In Ireland.  Who was cast?  Let's review:

Jamie Campbell Bower - English.

James Purefoy - More English tremendousness.

Eva Green - French...schooled in London.  And gives me chills. 

Joseph Fiennes - English.

Claire Awesomesauce Forlani - English.

Philip Winchester - American, schooled in England, his mother's native country.  

OK so let's review.  Starz series...cast by Gillian Reynolds...in Ireland.

Hmmm.  Let's take a looksee:

And you know what?  SO WHAT if some of the actors end up being Irish??  They're ACTORS.  That's what they do.  Would you rather they hit up Hollywood and get Emma Stone and Tatum Channing?  Lorddddd no!  (NOT that I don't love both of them...but I'm making a point.)

And you know what else?  I'M IRISH!  So knock it off!  ;)

OUTLANDER Casting Info

Check out this blog post from Maggie, an intern at Gillian Reynolds casting in Dublin, about the OUTLANDER CASTING that is going on RIGHT NOW!!!

ONE Day Only - FREE SHIPPING at the MOP Shop!

This just in...

TOMORROW - June 21st - is International T-Shirt Day and you can get FREE SHIPPING with no minimum order at the MOP shop!  Enter Code: TDAY2013

Here's your chance to get some witty Outlander merchandise before Starz says we canna sell it to you anymore!

Video: Outlander on Starz and Written in My Own Heart's Blood Release Date

Note: Season 3 of Game of Thrones is mentioned verra briefly in this video; be warned.

Hubby Tom's Voyager Update

Tom is reading chapter 50, "I Meet a Priest".  Here are his thoughts (and my own.) 

Doin' a little dishes...
Talkin' a little Voyager.

Claire is hangin' out with the reverend…she got picked up in the mango swamps. (LOL Mangos? Mangroves!)  She was walking thru muck and mud and talking with birds and bees….very Alice in Wonderlandesque - like Willy Wonka.

Then she meets Dr. something or other (Sterne, obvs)...he was obviously an Entomologist.  He brought her back to the hut…and there was the crazy reverend guy and mamasita…but the reverend guy got all stoned on gange and fell asleep…

Mamasita said her dress would never fit a cow like her…thinking Claire didn't know what she was talking about…but obviously Claire speaks Spanish because she speaks every language known to man - including Swahili - because she is Claire Beauchamp in the Year of our Lord, 19xx…  And she's always saying "Hold on, Beuachamp!" 

Remus is the name...
Bugs are NOT my game!

Mamasita keeps speaking spanish and calling Claire  a cow…which makes her one of my favorite characters so far. 

Sterne reminds me of the zippity doo da guy Br'er Rabbit talks to.  (ROFLMAO at this sooooo hard.  How he's picturing a Jewish fellow named Sterne as Uncle Remus is beyond me.)

Even when Claire's ALONE, she's arrogant.  (ROFLMAO)

We are now debating about where Jamie met Sterne.

This has been a very entertaining update for me.  I hope you've enjoyed it!

OFFICIAL American Release Date for Diana Gabaldon's 8th Book in the Outlander Series: Written in My Own Heart's Blood

From Diana Gabaldon's Facebook page:

"Written in My Own Heart's Blood has an official North American release date—March 25, 2014!"

You can preorder on Amazon now!

Scotsman.com: Outlander is Scotland's Game of Thrones

Check out this awesome article from Scotsman.com about Outlander on Starz next year.  They're calling it "Scotland's 'Game of Thrones'."  And they seem to be as stoked as we are that it's filming in Scotland.

Dang.  I'm thinking "Road Trip".  (With a little air travel mixed in.)  ;) 

Outlander Starz Series Update from Diana Gabaldon

This was posted on Diana's Facebook page in the wee hours of the AM.  It answers a ton of questions we discussed at MOP Chat last night.  She has nothing to do with the casting or writing of the Outlander series on Starz:

"OK, a slight correction: the production people tell me that the sixteen episodes are all for the _first_ season. (And if all goes well with that...they then might get a second season. This is kind of how television works, you know?)

Many thanks for your delight and enthusiasm! I'm sure with support from you, the show will do just fine.

As for the "oh, they'll RUIN it/oh,I can't stand to watch/oh, it'll be cheap and cheesy/oh, they're sure to mess up the characters/destroy the storyline, etc., etc., etc."...comments, you guys are of course welcome to your opinions, too--but feel free to curb your enthusiasm at any time.

I am NOT writing this show. I am not CASTING this show. I do not have CONTROL over this show. (I do have input, and the production people are very kind about asking my opinion on things. This does not mean they have a legal obligation to take it. )

You know why not? Because I don't want to. I'm a novelist, not a screen-writer. I'm a naturally solitary writer--I don't even have research assistants; my books are mine alone. Screen-writing, by contrast, is an intensely collaborative business.

Scripts go through dozens (literally) of iterations, being worked on by any number of people--then reworked by other people, over and over. A new director (for a show or an episode) can insist on a new direction or changes; an influential actor can ask for changes. Multiple writers means constant--and I do mean constant--collaboration.

I'm not a team player. (Ask anybody. ) AND I have books to write. Were I to be involved in a TV series beyond simple consulting, it would suck my soul, waste my life, prevent me ever writing another book, and be generally a Bad Idea. I'm not doing it.

I would also probably not be good at it, whereas I have a good deal of faith in the very experienced and talented people who _are_ doing it. I saw the pilot script and thought it was an amazingly good adaptation (by marked contrast to various film scripts I've seen over the years ).


So, you know....chill. Cross your fingers, hope for the best, and if you can't stand to watch, wait and read the reviews, and if it looks OK, you can get the DVD. "

I work with a film production company.  And as someone who has collaborated on script revisions, I can tell you that Diana is one thousand percent correct about what screenwriters do.  It's a never-ending process.  I helped my partner revise a script two years ago.  We went start to finish - word for painstaking word - multiple times...then went back over many scenes a zillion times.  And this was all before pre-production.  The script was then changed by producers during production.  Things were tweaked on set.  Now - long after we went into post-production - we are STILL changing scenes...deleting scenes...moving scenes around...adding scenes that had been cut.  Even changing music.  The film is "finished" (it's never really finished)...yet cutting just one word from one sentence can have a massive impact on the feel of a scene.

So basically...as I said last night...we all want to prepare ourselves for the fact that things are NOT going to be exactly as we read them.  

If you are happy this series is being adapted for TV...then sit back, strap in, hold on, and wait for the outcome.  If your expectations aren't unreachable, you might just be pleased.  

If you are NOT happy this series is being adapted for TV; don't watch.  It's that simple. 

But for the love of ALL that's holy in this world, let's not BITCH about it for the next year...and let's definitely not be rude/snotty/snarky to - or about - each other about it.  It is SO NOT WORTH IT.  The series is NOT going to be exactly like the book.  Hopefully close, as Diana said...but not exact. 

Outlander on Starz: The Ron Moore Writer's Room...Explained

What I'm finding interesting about this article is the mention of the Writers's Room and what these people have worked on in the past.  Take a look!

Diana Gabaldon: Author Breakfast Interview at BookExpo America

Neat interview with Diana Gabaldon at BookExpo America.  She talks about what writers have inspired her...and in what way.  That, alone, makes me giddy with glee.  I am always on the edge of my seat when she talks about writing.  What I wouldn't do to be able to take a class with DG as my instructor!

Diana Gabaldon Announces Starz Series at BookExpo America

Just in case you didn't get to see Diana make the announcement, here it is, in all its glory.

Scroll to 51:23 to see her speak (and try to find your happy place while Chris Matthews is trying to pronounce her name.)

LOL  It wasn't even that bad...but we're so protective as fans, aren't we?

Deadline Article about OUTLANDER on STARZ

Check out THIS very cool article about the upcoming Outlander series on Starz.

It's HAPPENING, Y'ALL.

Outlander on Starz in Spring 2014?!

From Nicole over at the Compuserve Books and Writers Community:

"Dear All, 

I just watched the live stream of BEA and Diana had some exicitn gnews to share: 

She said she has signed the contract to the TV series last night, they'll probably start filming in September this year (no, she hasn't any idea who will be cast) and the pilot will probably air in spring 2014." 

Um...wow.

Happy Memorial Day

Dear Claire, SHUT IT! Love, Tom

Just a man...and his Kindle (and his
Dairy Queen) on a Sunday afternoon.

OK so my hubster, Tom is halfway through Voyager...and just found out about Jamie marrying Leghair.  Claire left and is on the horse after their huge fight that Jenny put a stop to.

Although he's enjoying the book BIG time, this little situation (snicker) has done nothing to soften Tom's feelings about Claire!  Listen to what he said:

"Claire has the inability to see anybody else's opinion or understand their side of the argument because she knows, in her head, and in her heart, that she's right about everything.  She's so self-centered and arrogant.  She just can't imagine her being wrong.  She just can't imagine somebody else having an opinion that would explain the situation, because in her head, she's right...all the time.  Claire is never at fault.  She has started problems...she's gotten men killed...she got that ship burned down...and never, ever once did she ever sit down and assess blame to herself.  It's always someone else's fault."

YOWSA!

It's just so awesome to discuss different aspects of the series with new readers.  I fear Tom may never soften toward Claire...but there will be plenty of entertaining discussion along the way!

Outlander Chat Tonight

Outlander Chat, yo.  9PM Eastern.  BE THERE.  (please)  :)

SoozShop is OPEN on Etsy

Direct from Sooz, MOP friend and maker of GORGEOUS shirts and jewelry: 

By popular demand, new Outlander  inspired  machine embroidery designs are now available for order on Etsy.  These are stitched directly onto 100% cotton casual shirts, of a size and color of your choosing.  Two of the designs include a leading letter in a Jacobean thistle motif followed by a font verra similar to that used on the Outlander books.  The fifth incorporates a Celtic knot design in tone on tone colors along with the popular "Keep Calm and..." slogan.

Here are the designs:

In addition to the embroidery design options, there are some jewelry pieces now offered. Each is a unique creation and depict the names of each of the books in the Series along with a few surprise references. Other designs are in the creation process. An example of one of the 12 offered looks like this:

All of these can be found on Etsy (www.etsy.com) in a shop titled "SoozShop" for those interested.   My idea for designing these is to be able wear the love of the series so you can share it with those that stop to ask.......Please stop by the Shop if you're intrigued.

Blessings, Sooz

Silliest 'Happy Birthday Jamie Fraser' Video Ever

We've been discussing our favorite Happy Birthday Jamie Fraser video lately...so I had to post a chunk of it today.  I just watched this and laughed harder than I did when we made it.  Enjoy!

(Spoiler Alert:  We are discussing An Echo in the Bone in the video!)

Happy Birthday Jamie Fraser Videos: 2013 Edition

Happy Birthday Jamie!

Happy Birthday to the hottest fictional character (who we like to pretend is real) on the planet,

Mr. James Alexander Malcolm Mackenzie Fraser!

Update about Outlander on Starz: Ron Moore Has Fellow Writers!

Sit DOWN Y'all...cause there's OUTLANDER/STARZ info on the horizon!!!!

Check out the info from deadline.com:

Outlander, Diana Gabaldon’s bestselling fantasy/romance/adventure series of books, is slowly inching to the screen. No greenlight from Starz yet, but I’ve learned that the project has opened a writers room, with Battlestar Galactica developer Ron Moore, who is spearheading the drama series adaptation, hiring four scribes to work with him. The move indicates that Starz is contemplating a potential straight-to-series order forOutlander, a route the pay cable network has taken with most of its original series. Joining Moore on Outlanderare two writers who have worked with him before —Battlestar alumna Toni Graphia and Caprica‘s Matt Roberts — along with veteran showruner Ira Behr (Alphas, The 4400) and Anne Kenney (LA Law, Switched At Birth).

I cannot tell you how happy I am to have some kind of update!  I sat on my hands in Fairview, undersatanding it was an event that was sponsored by a library...and discussions of TV series were probably not going to happen.  And although I'm not always sure how I'll fell once the series shows up on Starz...I can't help but get a little giddy when I see updates like this!!!!

Sooz Does It Again!

"Keep Calm and Read Gabaldon"

OK so I told you we went to Fairfax to see Diana Gabaldon this past weekend.  But did I mention the shirts?!?

"Herself"

Holy cow.  For those of you who don't know MOP-bud, Sooz, she hand-made adorable dachshunds last year for Diana - as well as Tracey and myself.  Well...I'm glad to say that Sooz has done it again!

Look at these gorgeous shirts Sooz made for Diana!  They are spectacular!!

"Outlander"

They are beautiful!  She does all the embroidering on a Janome 350e Memory Craft Embroidery Machine and produces the designs with software called Embroidery 5D with added alpha characters from embroidery.com (Jacobean letters).  I cannot tell you how amazing the colors are up close!

Telling DG about Sooz's shirts...

Sooz sent the shirts to my house and I carried them on to Fairfax for her.   I let Diana know that Sooz made them for her and did the embroidering herself...and when I said "Sooz is the one who made you the..."  she said "dachshunds!"  and remembered right away, which I thought was verra cool, sassenachs.

Tired, post Fairfax...yet
PROUD in my
custom-made shirt from Sooz!

Sorry for the wrinkles but they were packaged up with a pretty little bow for most of the trip.

My most sincere THANKS go out to Sooz for not only making them for Diana, but for making one for Tracey and myself as well. :)





You can see the close ups of the embroidery below:

April 16, 1746: Remembering Culloden

Can you hear them?  Can you see them marching proudly across the Moor?

Hear the wind blow through the drifting snow.  Tell me, can you see them?

The ghosts of Culloden...

Weekend at Fairfax

What is UP???  I am finally getting to sit down and post about Tracey and my faBU weekend in Fairfax, Virginia with some verra awesome MOP chicks.  I finally was able to meet the wonderful Karen Henry of Outlandish Observations (just sitting with her at a Diana Gabaldon event was a treat!)...and was able to spend some seriously quality time with Lara, Tonya, Cari, Julie and Donna.  I was also thrilled to see Carla again...and to finally meet Miss Marcia!

My apologies that I was not able to do all the blogging I had hoped to do.  We were go, go, going, nonstop from the minute we arrived...and blogging ended up on the back burner.

OK so we arrived on Friday afternoon and headed over to the Northern Virginia Community College to find the girls first in line, as they had been waiting all afternoon (bless their hearts!)  We were thankfully able to sit up front and were thrilled when DG showed up and began to speak.  I cannot tell you how awesome it is to listen to her tell her story of how she got started writing, as I've been sitting on a story or two, myself...and am in dire need of direction.

Not much new to report, however; the speaking portion of the event was pretty short and didn't include any info about the upcoming Starz show (probably because it was a library event, and that means books.)

We then proceeded to hang out for hours and wait for the signing line to shrink - which is most certainly did not, for hours and hours.  At 2AM (yes, you read that right), we finally got our books signed and were able to take a photo with Diana.  We were the last in the line and felt horrible for her; she must have been exhausted.  I was also THRILLED with a capital T to be able to give her the BEAUTIFUL shirts that Sooz made for her (another verra cool MOP bud);  that post will follow.

The rest of the weekend was a blast because I got to hang out with women I've been talking to for a few years now - some on a daily basis.  We didn't do anything scheduled (again - sorry to those who may have been hoping for a better gathering; we'll do that again, I promise!) but we had a blast and I'm sorry it had to end.  :)

Outlander Chat Tonight

Outlander Chat tonight.  9PM Eastern.  (Tracey is on vacation in Mexico...but I will be there.  Not sure how long I'll be there (yawnnnn - still catching up from the weekend in Fairfax!)  but I'll be there.  ;)

Verra Cool eBay Find of the Day

Check out this 1746 bronze Battle of Culloden medal, featuring William, Duke of Cumbria.  Wish it were featuring Bonnie KING Charlie...but, alas...it was not to be.

The Execution of Simon Fraser, Lord Lovat

On April 9th, 1747, Simon Fraser,  Lord Lovat and chief of Clan Fraser (and fictitious father of Jamie Fraser's bastard father, Brian Fraser), was executed at the Tower of London for his "crime" of being a Jacobite and aiding in the Jacobite rebellion to get Bonnie Prince Charlie back on the throne and reestablish Scottish rule.

Lord Lovat has the distinction of being the last person to be beheaded at the Tower of London.

Just prior to the execution, about 20 people were also killed when the scaffolding they were sitting on to watch Simon Fraser's demise, collapsed.  Apparently, Simon found this so amusing, he laughed uncontrollably until the axe fell, thus creating the term, "laughing your head off".

Simon Fraser, Lord Lovat, as etched by William Hogarth at St. Albans.
Lovat is seen working on his memoirs as he awaits trial. 

Da Vinci's Demons - A New Starz Original Series

Wondering what the Outlander series might "feel" like on Starz?  Check out the new "De Vinci's Demons" - starting this Friday, April 12th.

Outlander Chat TONIGHT

Outlander Chat tonight.  9PM Eastern.

UPDATED Fairfax Info!

This just in from Ted Kavich of the Fairfax County Library:

Hello and thanks for registering for the Diana Gabaldon event scheduled for this Friday at 7:30 p.m. at the Gymnasium, Ernst Community Cultural Center on Northern VA Community College’s Annandale campus (8333 Little River Turnpike, Annandale 22003).  Details, including parking info and a link to driving directions/campus map, are here:

http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/events/meettheauthor/

Please note: the lots that are reserved for free event parking – B-8 through B-15 and B-17 – are available after 6:00 p.m.  If you want to arrive before 6:00, you’ll need to pay to use the parking garage (adjacent to the surface lots right next to the Ernst Center).  In case you require handicapped parking, it is available right across from the Ernst Center (spaces are marked) or in lot C-1.

This event is SOLD OUT and there is a waiting list.  If your plans have changed, please cancel your registration so someone else can attend.  The link to cancel is in the reminder message you received, or you can email (or call 703-324-8428) and we’ll take care of it for you.

When you arrive, please enter through the atrium of the Ernst Center.  Doors to the gym will open at 6:45 p.m. so please try to arrive by that time (or earlier) so everyone can get seated and ready for the program to begin.  Seating is first come, first served with chairs on the floor of the gym and additional space on bleachers.  Note: as long as you secured a spot online, you don’t have to bring a printed copy of your registration email to the event.  Also note: if you require handicapped seating, please let one of the ushers know and they will assist you.

The Library Foundation is expected to start selling books in the atrium before the event and we are hoping to have some pre-signed copies available.  There will be an assortment of Diana’s books for sale, and you may also bring your own copies.  The queue for book signing will form in the atrium immediately after Diana’s talk and Q&A.  In the interest of time, there will be a limit of 2 books per person, and we ask that you help us keep the line moving by minimizing your time at the signing table.  If you want to get additional items signed, you are welcome to get back on the end of the line and wait for a second turn.

Thanks and we’ll see you on Friday!

Ted

April 1778 Fraser Salt Works SHOCKER!

The Shark River salt works was destroyed immediately following the attack
on the Union salt works on the Manasquan river in Brielle, New Jersey.  

I've been doing some historical digging this weekend as it's the anniversary of the burning down of the "Union salt works" and dozens of houses and buildings in my town - Brielle, NJ - by British loyalists during the Revolutionary war.  Salt was extremely important in those days for preserving meats and other foods...as well as making gun powder, which was obviously needed in the war.  

What does this have to do with OUTLANDER?  Well...I came across something while googling the salt works yesterday, and nearly fell off my chair:

Manasquan River Inlet, New Jersey...

Captain Boyd Porterfield, 71st Regiment Fraser’s Highlanders, April 7, 1778, Raid to destroy the salt works on both sides of the Manasquan River. The saltworks on the north side (now Brielle) was known as the Union Salt Works. ... Where: Manasquan River Inlet. Both sides north now Brielle, Monmouth County and south is Point Pleasant, Ocean County, New Jersey. ... Source: Henry Clinton Papers at the William L. Clements Library at the University of Michigan. Item is document number 33:15 (Box 33 folder 15). ... British Headquarters Military Report. ... Maps: Close UTM 18 580246E 4440304N (NAD27) [40.11119 -74.0580 (WGS84)]

You don't even know the chills I had (or the fit I threw at my husband!) when I read this.  I've been waxing on about the Union salt works being burned down in my own back yard for years...but now I find out that  FRASER'S HIGHLANDERS were responsible?  I'm completely torn and on the fence about it.  On the one hand, I'M AN AMERICAN and they ATTACKED MY TOWN.  On the other...they were Scots...and went through horrific atrocities while fighting the English.  I keep telling myself these men were left with nothing and had to feed their families back in Scotland, and therefore had no choice but to fight for the crown...but wow.  Just...wow.  And it doesn't help that some people say the Scots "flocked to the cause."

(My Scottish-American husband and I just got into a heated debate over this...ME defending the SCOTS!  It's really unsettling, that is for sure.) 

Make sure you read the Fraser's Highlander's wiki link; it's chock full of Fraser mentions, Stirling Castle being one of them.

AND - check out this adorable house on Union Lane in Brielle, NJ.  It is believed that this house was the only house on Union Lane that was not burned down in the attack on the salt works in Brielle.  You won't believe how they've restored it.  It's absolutely stunning...and every effort was obviously made to infuse the 18th century feel with the modern conveniences of the home.  Truly outstanding. 

FAIRFAX: One Week From Today!

Get ready for some serious MOP shenanigans, y'all!

Entertainment Weekly Interview with Diana Gabaldon

HOLY COW!  Check out the amazing Entertainment Weekly interview with HERSELF, Diana Gabaldon.  And LOOK!  It's the official MOBY COVER!!!  LOVE!!!  The gorgeous seal looks 3D!  I cannot WAIT to own this book!!!

Fairfax Library Event: Questions for Diana Gabaldon

From Ted Kavich of the Fairfax County Library:

Hello and thanks for registering for the Diana Gabaldon event on April 12.  The date is drawing near and final preparations are underway – we are all very excited to be hosting Diana and welcoming such a great crowd of fans.

Stay tuned for news about when the doors will open, book signing, etc.  But first – we are seeking questions for our moderator, Wendi Kaufman, to ask Diana during the Q&A portion of the event.  We’d love for the fans to submit questions, then we’ll pick our favorites to use at the event.  Here’s how to pose your question:

1.       Visit the Fairfax County Public Library’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/fairfaxcountylibrary.  The message asking for questions should be easy to find – it was just posted today.

2.       Leave your question as a “Comment” below the posting.  If you see that someone else has already asked your question, try to think of a different one that’s even better.  J

3.       Deadline for submissions is Monday, April 8.

Thanks so much!  See you on 4/12.

Ted

Benchmark Teacher of the Week: Christie Haffner

Check out this week's Benchmark Teacher of the Week!  Our very own Miss Christie!  I was so hoping she'd look into the camera and whisper "Fergus Lamaze"...but it was not to be.  ;)

CONGRATULATIONS CHRISTIE!

ABC 33/40 - Birmingham News, Weather, Sports

Outlander Chat Tonight!

Outlander Chat tonight.  9PM Eastern.  **Tracey and I may be a little late...but we'll be there!

It's The Little Things

So my 8 year old son (Wee Ian) is in the Cub Scouts, and served at the pack's annual spaghetti dinner tonight.  And as I was sitting next to him after the dinner, I looked at his shirt and realized it was cause for a blog post.

"Why", you ask?  Three reasons:

1)  MOBY.
2)  This awesome post on DG's blog.
3)  The patch on Wee Ian's left shirtsleeve:


There are times...like now...when I'm so full of wanting for MOBY that I scarcely know what to do with myself, sassenachs.  I miss the heck outta being immersed in Gabaldonville...I really do.

JE SUIS PREST!!!!!!!

Top 10 Unionist Myths About Scotland's Independence

This is a fantastic video that dispels the "Top 10 Unionist Myths" about what could happen if Scotland gets its independence in 2014.

I try reallyyyyyyy hard NOT to wax on about this topic, because I'm an American, born and bred, and have no business waxing on about a country I do not live in, whose customs I don't deal with on a daily basis.  I also would never want to come off as anti-English while trying to convey my pro-Scottish beliefs.

That said...HELL YEAH I want Scotland to have their independence!  JE SUIS PREST!!!!!!!

 

Whiskey in a Teacup

Sooz mentioned this in MOP Chat last night...and I had to post and share.  :)