The Space Between (My Apparent Wee Brain Cells)

Spoiler Alert:  The following pertains to chapter 1 in The Space Between. 

OMG.  Compte!!  WTF? Paul Rakoczy?  Isn't that Pee Wee Herman's real name?  Shit.  I'm in trouble.  I don't remember anything.  It's been what - 5 years since I read Dragonfly??  I'M SORRY!!  I'M NOT A REREADER!! (yelled like Ross's "We were on a break!")   Heck, I can't remember what I bought at the Shoprite last week!  Claire poisoned him?  Is that what happened?  Why?? Why?? (screamed like Nancy Kerrigan.)

Raymond, you sweet thing...

OK keep reading.  A frog??  Ohhhh wait...the frog!!  It's RAYMOND.  I was literally picturing a frog.  What a dumbass.  Am I the only one who sometimes feels incredibly stupid when catching up on Gabaldon?  And as I said, it's been 5 years since I read Dragonfly.  Come on now.  A girl can only retain so much before she has to clear out the mental cache and make room for new episodes of Game of Thrones and new Outlander novellas, yeah?

Moving on... (because clearly I need to do some Dragonfly research before going any further with Compte and poisons.)

OK so Joan?  Girl?  Word to the wise.  You best step OFF and dinna even THINK to continue ripping on Ian Fraser Murray.  Ya feel me on this?  Those aren't "heathen tattoos"...they're the markings of a WARRIOR.  And ye'd be smart to remember that. 

Lordddd the heathen tattoos...
(which can be found here)

And here we go again with the memory lapse.  When did Joan see Ian's tattoos?  When he came back with Claire and Jamie to see Jenny?  OK, right.  For a minute there, I thought he was still trotting around from Valley Forge to Philadel-figh-ay...but I just emailed Tracey and she hath confirmeth.  AND reminded me of Wee Ian's awesome appearance when he saw Jenny for the first time in eons.

Regardless...Joanie had better back it up and mind her words.  Nun or no, I will send (awesome Outlander fan) Lara back in time to shank her ass.  

Is my memory going to fail me through this entire book?  How many lines will I have to reread?  How many times will I have to call Tracey and say "When did this happen?"

And I'm only on page 3.  (snicker)

The Space Between for $1.99!

The Space Between: An Outlander Novella - by Diana Gabaldon - is now available for $1.99!!!

"Joan MacKimmie is on her way to Paris to take up her vocation as a nun. Yet her decision is less a matter of faith than fear, for Joan is plagued by mysterious voices that speak of the future, and by visions that mark those about to die. The sanctuary of the nunnery promises respite from these unwanted visitations . . . or so she prays. Her chaperone is Michael Murray, a young widower who, though he still mourns the death of his wife, finds himself powerfully drawn to his charge. But when the time-traveling Comte St. Germain learns of Joan's presence in Paris, and of her link to Claire Fraser—La Dame Blanche—Murray is drawn into a battle whose stakes are not merely the life but the very soul of the Scotswoman who, without even trying, has won his heart."

Really looking forward to reading this!

Jamie Fraser and the Light at the End of the Tunnel

SPOILER ALERT:  If you havena finished Voyager, you dinna want to read the following:  

Every April 16th, after my "good cry" for the people of the 1746 Highlands of Scotland, I think about my favorite fictitious character - Jamie Fraser - at the Battle of Culloden.  I think about him lying there, bleeding, confused about why he wasn't dead. I think about the fact that Lord John Grey ultimately and unknowingly saved his life. And I then I immediately think about Echo and MOBY. For the past four years I've wondered what in the hell Jamie is going to do...and say. To Lord John. To Claire. How he's going to feel.  And every year, I sigh and lament about how long it's going to be before I know.
But not this year.  This year, all I can think is...

LESS THAN TWO MONTHS, BITCHES!!!! :)

MOP Laughs

STEVEN CREE to Play Ian Murray!

Not too shabby, y'all!  He's caaaa-YUTE!  Gotta do my homework and check out his work.  :)

TOBIAS TUESDAY!

Monday Night OUTLANDER CHAT!!!

MOP Outlander Chat Tonight  at 9PM Eastern, yo. 

TURN premieres TONIGHT on AMC!

MOP presents...TOBIAS TUESDAY!!!!

Here at MOP, we appreciate fine acting (and an absolutely adorable face.) Therefore, who better to praise on a weekly basis but the magnificent TOBIAS MENZIES...cast as Frank Randall...and Black Jack Randall in Diana Gabaldon's OUTLANDER, coming to Starz this summer.

So, without further ado, I name today and every Tuesday hence forth:

MOP's TOBIAS TUESDAY!!!

MOP CHAT Tonight!

MOP Outlander Chat Tonight  at 9PM Eastern.  Be there or be square, sassenachs.  :)

Outlander Book Beads and Charms

Oooh - check it out, y'all!  Mary Faith Peace's Outlander charm collection just keeps growing!

Check out her beautiful work at her Book Beads shop!

WELCOME New MOP Friends!

Just want to throw out a huge WELCOME to all of you new visitors here at My Outlander Purgatory.  I can't tell you how thrilled I am that you have found us!!!

Go get yourself a cup of coffee, tea or maybe even a wee dram...and then sit back, relax and enjoy the ride! 

And don't forget to comment and let us know your thoughts on all things Jamie and Claire!!! 

MOP CHAT Tonight!

MOP Outlander Chat Tonight  at 9PM Eastern, y'all.  

MOP CHAT tonight!

MOP Outlander Chat Tonight  at 9PM Eastern, y'all.  

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Erin go bragh! 

NO MOP Chat Tonight!

NO MOP Outlander Chat Tonight, y'all.  The MOP sisters are swamped tonight, aye?  Meet us back here next Monday at 9:00 PM Eastern!!

More Tobias Menzies (I Canna Help Myself, Sassenachs)

Adorbs, party of 1?

Ya know - as stoked as I am to see "Sam and Cat" in action... I gotta say: Tobias Menzies has me in a tailspin.  I'm really hoping to see more of HIM - as both Frank - AND Black Jack Randall - in the next Outlander Starz trailer.

If you've never seen ROME, you may not want to watch this...as it's a compilation of scenes from the entire series...and completely spoiler-laden.  ROME is, to date, in my opinion, the best series ever to air on a cable network.  But I digress...

So...you've been warned.  Want to see Tobias Menzies in action?  This video (by Antalya1705) is set to Bush's "Glycerine"...and we never hear Tobias utter a word, which is a pity as his textured, authoritative voice accounts for so much of his allure.  Yet Gavin Rossdale's gravelly voice - paired with the angst of the song - is a perfect alternate.

Welcome to Tobias Menzies, lads and lassies.  Things just got interesting...

Outlander Series: Book 8

Just in case you're looking for info on the next installment of the Outlander series, aka MOBY, aka Written in My Own Heart's Blood...

Diana Gabaldon breaks it all down for you here.

MOP Outlander Chat Tonight

MOP Outlander Chat Tonight  at 9PM Eastern, y'all.

The Lost Portrait of Bonnie Prince Charlie

This is a fantastic article about a lost portrait of Bonnie Prince Charlie and a documentary about it that will air in Britain on the BBC this Saturday, February 22nd.  

Apparently, it "was painted in Holyrood Palace in late October 1745."  Can't you just see Jamie hanging around the palace, waiting for BPC and asking him, "Are ye almost finished, ya wee rascal?  Claire will have my heid if I'm no home for supper, aye?"

*Note:  This originally said "ya wee besom"...until Sue kindly pointed out that "besom" refers to a FEMALE.  ROFLMAO.  See comments for details.  

No MOP Chat Tonight: Happy Presidents Day!

Washington at the Battle of Monmouth
 (Original by John Ward Dunsmore)

We will not be having MOP Chat tonight in observance of Presidents Day, a national holiday here in the United States.

We look forward to seeing you here next Monday at 9PM Eastern!

In honor of Presidents Day, here's little history about George Washington at the Battle of Monmouth.

Pay attention, now...you'll be reading more about this come June 10th when MOBY comes out!  :)

Scotland is Her Name by Albannach

Scotland is Her Name by Albannach (Sung By Jacquie Holland)



You wrapped her up in iron chains
You thought you'd tied her up
You placed a ball around her feet
Thought you'd tame her like a pup
Your winter winds so dry, aye
You stripped her back so bare
And then u looked her in the eye
And said "it's only fair"

Now is it any wonder why
We treat you like we do
You strut about your mansions like
You didnae have a clue

But you know who your are, Aye
And you know what you've done
So don't act so innocent
When we rise and end your fun

What will you do when the drought comes forth
And you cannae bleed the north
What will you do when your lakes dry up
Will you turn and beg your pup

What will you do when your houses freeze
With nay oil in your seas
Aye will you turn in blind ignorance
And beg forgiveness please

So maybe now you realise
Just how you treated her
Cause now she's mighty and she's strong
It's too late to right your wrongs

But maybe in the future, Aye
She'll free you from your shame
And then you'll look in awe of her
Aye, Scotland is her name

Cause then you'll look in awe of her
Aye, Scotland is her name.

JAMMF Yum

Happy Valentine's Day from Pocket Jamie!

Tobias Menzies. Whoa.

Dear Tobias Menzies...  I think I love you.  Love, Carol

All y'all need to WATCH THIS.  STAT.  This is going to present quite a problem for me when Outlander rolls 'round come summer.

We all know Frank is not my favorite person on the planet.  Yes...I did gain some respect for him after reading A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows.  I warmed to him considerably; 'tis true.  But for the love of all that's holy...Tobias Menzies is ALSO playing Black Jack Randall.  Um...hello?

HOW am I supposed to HATE this guy when I'm DROOLING over him???  He's...adorable!!

Diana Gabaldon: Ready for her Close-Up!

Check out Her(GORGEOUS)self, getting ready for her close-up!  I could not be more excited that Diana Gabaldon is filming an Outlander cameo over in Scotland this week on the set of Outlander Starz.  Check out the photos on Outlander Starz' Instagram online!

Read OUTLANDER With The Atlantic

Check it OUT, sassenachs!!  The Atlantic has picked Outlander to be its next book club pick!

From The Atlantic:

Join the Conversation at #1book140

Share favorite quotes, share links, ask questions, and read along at @1book140, our Twitter book club. We're just finishing up The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton. Our hashtag #1book140 is a great place to share about what else you're reading.

To join the conversation on Outlander, follow us at @1book140 and tweet to join the conversation so we know that you're reading along. To avoid spoilers, we spread the conversation across one hashtag per week. Click on each hashtag to see the conversation at that point in the book.

• Week One: Chapters 1-10, using #1b140_1 as a hashtag for your tweets
• Week Two: Chapters 11-20, using #1b140_2
• Week Three: Chapters 21-30, using #1b140_3
• Week Four: Chapters 31-41, using #1b140_4

MOP Chat TONIGHT!

MOP Outlander Chat Tonight!  9PM Eastern!

Outlander Trailer with Alternate Jamierific Ending

MOP OUTLANDER Chat Tonight!

MOP Outlander Chat Tonight!  9PM Eastern!

The MOP Lassies Discuss Chapter One of Written In My Own Heart's Blood

Thanks to the way cool contest over at SendTheSeal.com, Tracey and I discuss Chapter One of Written In My Own Heart's Blood!

MOP OUTLANDER Chat TONIGHT!

Outlander Chat Tonight!  9PM Eastern!

Splendor in the Grass...and the Moss...and the Lake...

Thanks to Dawn for sending me this breathtaking photograph of the Highlands of Scotland from the 2013 National Geographic Photo contest.   Look at the cottage (once you find it, like Waldo).  Can you imagine living there??  With James Alexander Malcolm Mackenzie Fraser?  Not much to do but swim...and fish...and christen the heck outta every shade like a color by number.  Mmmm hmmm...

Outlandish Observations: Diana/Compuserve SCOOP!

SPOILER ALERT:  This post mentions a situation in An Echo in the Bone.

You have to read THIS POST from Karen at Outlandish Observations and tell me what you think about Diana's comments!!!!

Let me back up a bit.  At MOP chat tonight, we were discussing this comment from Diana to Karen on Compuserve:

"I realized what the Necessary (Horrible) Thing was that had to happen to resolve (or, um, not, as the case may be...) a particular situation."

(Make sure to go to Karen's post and see that in context.)

So at chat, we discussed:  What does that mean?  Would Diana would "off" someone we all know and love!  Is it that serious?  Or something horrible but not dealing with death?  Maybe something just that is unpleasant and tough for us to swallow has to happen to someone we love?

Go read Karen's post and let me know what you think!!

MOP Chat Tonight!

Outlander Chat Tonight!  9PM Eastern!

Claire "Badass" Beauchamp and Jamie "Highland Hound" Fraser

Aaaaaand here come the fun Outlander series articles!

Entertainment Weekly posted this article about the opening scene of Outlander.

Except someone is going to have to 'splain this commentary to me:

"Another critic asked if a pivotal scene from the book where — spoiler alert – Claire is harshly physically punished by her lover Jamie (Sam Heughan)."

Don't know who the other critic was...but "harshly physically punished"?  LOL! Dude...he spanks her.  On the ass.  He doesn't beat her in the head while inflicting some sort of WWE full nelson slam on her.  WTF?

(Yeah...I did have to google WWE maneuvers.  I'll admit it.)

Note: My peeps on Facebook have reminded me that Jamie used a belt.  Worse than a bare-handed spanking?  Yes.  But "harshly physically punished" just conjures up visions of...well...WWE maneuvers.  LOL

MOP Breaks Down the Outlander Trailer!

First Starz Outlander Trailer!

MOP Outlander Chat TONIGHT

Outlander Chat Tonight!  9PM Eastern!  Hmmm...what's the topic for the evening?  Survey says?  JAMIE FRASER!  (And OK...maybe a little Claire and the gang thrown in there, too. ) ;)

We're Not Worthy! (But Thanks, Three If By Space!)

We're not worthy!  How cool is THIS Outlander article from Erin over at Three If By Space??  Not only does she give LOTS of little deets on the upcoming Outlander series on Starz...but she also gives MOP a verra appreciated mention.  :)

Feast Thine Eyes

Thank you, TV Guide Magazine!

MOP Chat Tonight!

Outlander Chat Tonight!  9PM Eastern!  What should we talk about?  Anyone seen any photos lately?  BOO haa!!!!!

Craigh na Dun...Say It With Me

Merry Christmas, Sassenachs!

Merry Christmas from My Outlander Purgatory!!!

No MOP Chat Tonight

Chat will be cancelled tonight, sassenachs.  There is still so much to do before Christmas.

Have a tremendous evening and we'll see you next week! :)

Scottish Man Apron

How much fun is this?  Gotta get a Hot Scot apron for the sexy beast in YOUR life!  Tell him to make sure he wears it when he's baking you bannocks!!  :)

Outlander Chat TONIGHT!

Outlander Chat Tonight!  9PM Eastern!  LET'S TALK OUTLANDER!!!

MOP Shirt Quilt

Check out this awesome quilt that was made for MOP friend, Monica, by her tremendously cool mom.  Notice anything in particular?  Perhaps the black shirt in the 2nd from top center that was bought in the MOP SHOP and says "I'd go through the STONES for Jamie Fraser!"  You have no idea how thrilled I was to see this.  :)

Happy Thanksgiving from My Outlander Purgatory!

Happy Thanksgiving from My Outlander Purgatory!

Check out this fun post from Karen at Outlandish Observations.  It's full of Thanksgiving quotes from the Outlander series.

 Enjoy!

Hotness on a Plate (and in a Kilt)

I seriously shed a tear when I watched this...because Sam Heughan IS the Jamie Fraser in my head.  I never thought I'd "see" him in real life.  It's almost like I'm getting my wish of finding out what Jamie would be like in the 21st century.  Enjoy.  :)

New Photos from the Set!

You must check out this TREMENDOUS Daily Mail article about the Outlander set.  It's chock full of squee-inducing photos like this one of Caitriona Balfe playing Claire:

MOBY Gets a New Publication Date!

June 10th, 2014!  Check out Diana Gabaldon's website for info about the new publication date for Written in My Own Heart's Blood!

MOBY Release Date: POSTPONED

Outlander Chat TONIGHT!!

Outlander Chat Tonight!  9PM Eastern!

MOP Outlander Mentor Contest WINNER

I am pleased to announce the winner of the verra first MOP Outlander Mentor Contest!!!

CONGRATULATIONS goes to...

SARA and her Outlander Mentor, Joanna!!!!!  

That entry was near and dear to our hearts.  You intrigued us at "Mexican and brownies"...and downright HAD us at "DWDLO" (a Dumbass Who Doesn't Like Outlander).  Oh I cannot TELL you how I laughed at that.  It will be used frequently on this blog; you can bet on it.

Tracey and I totally related to that entry...right down to "logistics for a cross-country premiere date".  (You have no idea how many times we've had that conversation!!)

All of that said....holy cow was this difficult!!  If it were easy, this would have been posted this AM.  Tracey and I have read and reread and shared favorite entries all day (which pretty much matched exactly...like when we frequently say the same thing in chat, ken?)

So many cherished memories of treasured bookstores...and amazing friendships...and awful illnesses that made us cry and thank God you sassenachs are well and able to post your entries here at MOP.  I have had tears in my eyes all day.  There was not one bad entry; they were all so touching.  I PROMISE you all to forward them to Herself so she can see how much you all love her and this truly unbelievable world she has created.

Thank you all for entering...from the bottom of our hearts.  We are touched that you all took the time to sit down and share your stories with us.  :)

MOP Outlander Mentor CONTEST!

**This contest is now closed and the winners will be announced soon (today soon; not five minutes soon. LOL)  Thank you SO much for sharing your heartfelt stories.  WHAT fun it has been, reading all of these entries.  I will make sure Diana Gabaldon hears about this post.  I'm sure she'll be touched and hopefully she'll be able to read your stories when she finishes MOBY.  :)

Spoiler Alert!  The following contains Outlander spoilers:

At MOP, you know we often talk about an Outlander Mentor™. That's the fellow reader who not only turned you on to the books, but who held your hand as you made your way through them, who listened as you bitched and moaned about Leghair, who dried your tears as you sobbed, "OH MY GOD, JAMIE'S DEAD!!!!", and who les sighed with you each time Jamie whispered "Sassenach"--all without spoiling a thing.

So tell us (in a comment below):

Who is your Outlander Mentor™, how did they get you into the books, and how have they supported your obsession?

The winner AND his/her Outlander Mentor EACH win THE OUTLANDER SERIES from Audible.com!!!! (7 credits total per person)

The winning entry will be chosen based on ORIGINALITY...so LET'S HEAR IT!

Rules:

- Only entries within the comments of this post will be considered.
- Contest ends November 3, 2013 at midnight.

- Winners may choose alternate audio book titles (worth 7 credits total). 

- Book titles must be chosen no later than November 5, 2013

GOOD LUCK, SASSENACHS!!!!

It's not Halloween without Jamie's Hot Cross Buns

Can't believe it's been three years since I posted about Blue Moon Magnolia's amazing pumpkin carving rendition of Jamie's ASSets in The Exile.  My thanks to Blue Moon Magnolia for her talents!  And let's not forget Hoang Nguyen who drew the original graphic.  Lordddddd the buns!

Outlander Chat - FIXED! Come on in!

Chat is fixed!  Come on in!!

MOP Video: Outlander Starz Event in NYC

NYC: Our Outlander Day Out With Starz

WHAT a fabulous time Tracey and I had yesterday at the Starz event in NYC.  I don't even know how to describe what it felt like to be surrounded by so much...OUTLANDER!  We ran into tons of awesome fellow bloggers from Outlander Book Club, Outlander Fan (singular; no S!), Outlander TV News, That's Normal...Oh my gosh, who else??  Forgive me but there were too many awesome Jamie and Claire loving peeps to name in one post! 

First off, let me share with you what an absolute CLASS ACT Starz is.  I have never been so impressed in my life.  They went ALL out.  I was blown away by the appreciation this company has for US.  Aka fans!  The event was top notch; one of the neatest experiences I've had since diving into this pool of awesomesauce we know and love as Outlander.

The event was held at the truly neat McKittrick Hotel in downtown NYC.  The room the presentation was in was teeny tiny and AWESOME.  They weren't kidding when they said it would be "intimate".

The event started with Ron Moore and Diana Gabaldon doing a presentation that included a video (Sam says "sassenach" in it, y'all), stills of the set, and a Q&A.  It was such an neat little setting which made it even more exciting.  No pretense, nothing flashy, just Ron and Diana dishing Outlander - with the fans.

By the way I sat next to a verra fun woman from Edinburgh; check out her tattoo!  --------------->>

A few points about the series:

-Nine Episodes have been written and another four or five have been partially written.  

- We will see a LOT of Frank in Season 1...in flashbacks.  The writers want us to understand why Claire would want to leave Jamie...and the way to do this is to make us appreciate Frank.  (Dare I say "like" Frank?  DOH!) 

- WE WILL SEE Claire and Frank visit the ruins of CASTLE LEOCH on their honeymoon.  (Chills y'all.  Chills)

- Diana will have a cameo...if she wants one.  :)

- Everyone has been cast for season 1. 

- Ron Moore's wife is a HUGE Outlander fan, as well as a costume designer for the show.  She will not let him change too much.  (WOOT!!  We have a comrade on the set!)

- The part of Outlander that made Ron want to make it come alive on screen?  When Jamie told Claire to stay put after the honeymoon, and she left and tried get back to the stones.  He said they got married and had the honeymoon and he thought they'd go along having this wonderful life together...and then Claire changed all the rules and bolted.  (My words, not his.)

A little more about the tremendous day Starz planned for us:

After the QA, we went to an open-air, garden-themed restaurant on the roof, which was just the neatest place...that was decked out with railroad ties and lots of foliage.  We sat in an area that looked like a box car, complete with faux aged curtains blowing in the breeze.  And all of this against a city backdrop.  Just the coolest venue for a meal with friends. (Tracey and I want to go back with the hubbies ASAP.)  And speaking of a meal, we were treated to fried chicken with a plethora of autumn veggies..along with grilled pears, corn bread and a really yummy bread pudding.  And yes; wine.  (Did I not mention Starz rocks?!)

Speaking of Starz, one of the highlights of our day was chatting it up with the VERRA COOL girls who work there!!!  They got a kick out of Pocket Jamie...and I thought it was hilarious as I almost didn't even bring him along!  I also told them how I LOVE blogging about other Starz shows like The White Queen, etc etc over at MyPurgatory.com.

Ok so lastly, not only did Tracey and I get our picture taken with Ron Moore, but we were lucky enough to ride down the elevator with him...and some fun Outlander fans.  I took this opportunity to mention how much I loved Mission Impossible II...and ask if there was any way we could get my favorite Scottish actor - Dougray Scott - into Outlander, somehow.  He said you never know what might happen down the pike.  After that, I scared him off with my awful impression of Dougray in the film.  He promptly walked off the elevator and probably had nightmares for the rest of the weekend. ;) 

Seriously you guys...I have never been so excited in my life.  This show is going to exceed all our expectations.  Ron Moore GETS IT.  He truly does.  Jamie Fraser is going to come to life and the whole world is going to fall in love with him.  

You can find tons more photos HERE at My Outlander Purgatory on Facebook.

NYC: Starz Outlander Event

Tracey and I are on our way the the Starz Outlander event.  We will be tweeting all day from @myoutlanderpurg and will be posting to My Outlander Purgatory on Instagram. 

Updates to follow!  

Updated MOP Outlander Playlists

For you music lovers out there...

I've updated the Outlander playlists!  Outlander, Dragonfly in Amber, Voyager and Drums of Autumn are complete.  The Fiery Cross, A Breath of Snow and Ashes and Echo are still being added to.  

Check 'em out by clicking the "Playlists" tab above or clicking here. 

Enjoy!  

October 12th Outlander Event in NYC

Just a quick word to let you know Tracey and I *will* be attending the special Outlander event with Diana Gabaldon and Ron Moore this Saturday in NYC.

Please say Hello if you are there!  We'd love to meet you!

Outlander Chat Tonight

Outlander Chat Tonight!  9PM Eastern!

DAY ONE OF OUTLANDER PRODUCTION, Y'ALL.  Bring your A game and let's discuss!!!

Outlander Production Has Begun!

Just received the following from Starz!  OUTLANDER PRODUCTION HAS BEGUN!!! 

"Please find an image of and quote from executive producer Ronald D. Moore to announce production has commenced on the STARZ and SONY PICTURE TELEVISION’S original series “Outlander.” Adapted from Diana Gabaldon’s international bestselling novels, the series is filming on location in Scotland and will air on STARZ in 2014.  For more information go to our Facebook Page, Follow @Outlander_Starz on Twitter and Instagram.  Join the conversation with #Outlander and #STARZ."

“Day One and the battle is joined.  We fight to do justice to the material and the fans.  We'll return with our targes or on them.” -  - Ronald D. Moore

It's October...and October Brings Bannocks

Made bannocks to go with my chicken noodle soup the other night.  (Not that this particular soup came close to anything you'll find made by Theresa over at Outlander Kitchen.) My soup was a bit of a Sandra Lee "semi homemade" concoction...but the bannocks were from scratch.  And, as usual, my kids loved them.  And my husband?  He loved them, too.  And it made me realize that I will be eternally grateful to Diana Gabaldon for introducing me to such wonderful little cookie-cakey-sconey-biscuity-goodness.  I've made book-club bannocks.  And I've made Christmastime bannocks.  And now I've made "Hey, it's Wednesday" bannocks.  These things get more delicious every time I taste them.  And that, sassenachs, is a wonderful wee giftie, ken?  :)

Scottish Vines on Facebook

Sometimes there are things I just HAVE to post...even though I know they're kindof objectionable.  THIS is one of those things.  It's a Facebook page called Scottish Vines and is comprised of nothing but quick, 6 second videos made with the "Vine" App on a smartphone.

The thing that sets these videos apart from a zillion other "vines"?  These are made by SCOTS.  Verra, verra disturbed Scots.    They're full of bad language (you've been warned) and rude antics...some of which I find simultaneously gross and hilarious.  They're pretty much Trainspotting meets Jackass.  The one redeemable quality that is really intoxicating - and the only reason I'm even posting?  THEIR ACCENTS, DAMNIT.  I canna get enough.  

See for yourself.  If you dare...

Outlander Chat Tonight!

Outlander Chat Tonight!  9PM Eastern!

"Remember Paoli!"

Spoiler Alert:  The following pertains to information mentioned in "An Echo in the Bone."

"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"

Today marks the 236th anniversary of the Paoli Massacre at the Paoli Battlefield which was mentioned in An Echo in the Bone.  

"Just after midnight on September 21, the British led by Lord Grey launched a devastating strike into Wayne's unprepared American camp. Grey had ordered his men to remove the flints from their rifles before the attack began. Bayonets, — a weapon Americans considered barbaric — would be the weapon of choice.

53 Americans were killed and over 100 wounded in Grey's lightning raid. The use of the bayonet coupled with the notion that the British stabbed or burned the Americans who tried to surrender, made martyrs of those maimed and killed at Paoli. For the rest of the war, the British lived in fear that Wayne's troops would try to avenge the affair that came to be know as the Paoli Massacre."   (ushistory.org) 

Every year I commemorate the occasion with a special blog post, as Tracey (my Outlander mentor) and I grew up in Paoli, Pennsylvania.  

Reading about a battle so close to where you grew up - in the Outlander series - is truly a magical experience.  

When I googled "Battle of Paoli" + "Diana Gabaldon" a few minutes ago, many links came up from the MOBY daily lines.  I, being the spoiler freak I am, did NOT look - nor will I - until Written in My Own Heart's Blood comes out in March (Lorddddddddd the release date.)  But how excited am I to think Paoli may be mentioned AGAIN???  Chills, y'all.  Chills.  

And...if Herself mentions the burning down of the Union Salt Works by British loyalists in April 1778 in the upcoming Written in My Own Heart's Blood, which happened in the little Jersey Shore town I live in currently, I'll fall right the hell over and they'll have to run and fetch the smelling salts.  

All kidding aside, please take a moment today and remember those who were killed or viciously wounded by British soldiers at Paoli...and also the United States Army battle cry that was used well into the 19th century.

"Rest well, Paoli's heroes brave. 
You did your part this land to save. 
And as the centuries roll by, 
Ever we'll sound your battle cry 

REMEMBER PAOLI!!"

~Henry Pleasants Jr.

Laoghaire and Geillis Casting

Is Ping An in Cuba?!

Thanks to Belinda for sending in this verra cool article (love the newspaper copy!)  

Belinda's comments are below:

"I found this in our local paper and I think this is not Pancho but actually Ping An.  Maybe he flew through the stones and is looking for Mr. Willoughby.  If you look closely,  he is even wearing some kind of collar.   No need to look farther for Ping An's casting for season 3, Voyager!"

For more on Ping An in Voyager, visit Outlandish Observations' Friday Fun Facts from 5/25/12. 

MOP Outlander Chat TONIGHT!

Outlander Chat Tonight!  9PM Eastern!  WE'VE GOT OUR CLAIRE, Y'ALL!!!  AND Murtagh!  AND Wee Hamish!  Let's discuss!  :)

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