Tobias Menzies and Genevieve O'Reilly in "Forget Me Not" |
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
Monday, September 1, 2014
No MOP Chat Tonight
MOP Chat is cancelled tonight in honor of the Labor Day holiday here in the United States. We'll see you next week!
Sunday, August 31, 2014
MOBY Update: Tombstones and Toadstools
SPOILER ALERT: The following is from chapter 74 in Written in My Own Heart's Blood.
"I gave my burnt artilleryman water, then helped him to his feet. As he stood up, I saw behind his legs the epitagh carved into Gilbert Tennent's headstone:
O READER HAD YOU HEARD HIS LAST TESTIMONY YOU WOULD HAVE BEEN CONVINCED OF THE EXTREME MADNESS OF DELAYING REPENTANCE."
"I gave my burnt artilleryman water, then helped him to his feet. As he stood up, I saw behind his legs the epitagh carved into Gilbert Tennent's headstone:
O READER HAD YOU HEARD HIS LAST TESTIMONY YOU WOULD HAVE BEEN CONVINCED OF THE EXTREME MADNESS OF DELAYING REPENTANCE."
~Diana Gabaldon in "Written in My Own Heart's Blood"
Gilbert Tennent's Grave - Old Tennent Church and Graveyard I took this on my first visit to the Old Tennent church back in the 1990s. :) |
Saturday, August 30, 2014
My Outlander Purgatory Wants to See YOUR MOP Shirt!
Lads and Lassies, this is m'girl Claudia. Claudia made my day recently when she sent me a picture of herself looking fantastic in not only a shirt she got at the MOP Shop...but a shirt that says My Outlander Purgatory!
And this got me thinking...I'd LOVE to post photos of ALL of you in YOUR Mop Shop shirts, no matter what they say! "I'd Go Through the Stones..."?? "...Takin His Time About it..."?? "LORDDDDDD the Gathering?!?" If you've got a MOP shirt (or mug, etc), please send me picture of you wearing it!!! Don't have one yet?? That's OK...go ahead and order one and send me the pic when you get it! I'll wait!! :)
And this got me thinking...I'd LOVE to post photos of ALL of you in YOUR Mop Shop shirts, no matter what they say! "I'd Go Through the Stones..."?? "...Takin His Time About it..."?? "LORDDDDDD the Gathering?!?" If you've got a MOP shirt (or mug, etc), please send me picture of you wearing it!!! Don't have one yet?? That's OK...go ahead and order one and send me the pic when you get it! I'll wait!! :)
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Monday, August 25, 2014
Outlander Lads
Just in case anyone is still wondering about who's who on the Starz series...
RUPERT/Grant O'Rourke
MOP Chat TONIGHT!
MOP Outlander Chat Tonight at 9PM Eastern.
Tonight's chat schedule:
9:00 - 9:30: STARZ EPISODE 3, y'all!!!
9:30 - 10:00: MOBY!!!!
NO MOBY SPOILERS allowed during the first half hour!
THANKS and can't wait to see you there!!!
Tonight's chat schedule:
9:00 - 9:30: STARZ EPISODE 3, y'all!!!
9:30 - 10:00: MOBY!!!!
NO MOBY SPOILERS allowed during the first half hour!
THANKS and can't wait to see you there!!!
Sunday, August 24, 2014
MOP Breaks Down Starz' OUTLANDER Episode 3: The Way Out!
SPOILER ALERT!!! Hey Outlander newbies...Tracey is on vacation this week and she usually edits the videos and adds pretty little spoiler warnings. I apologize for my boring start/stop points below the video...but they will make it easy for you to avoid season1 spoilers!!
PLEASE NOTE: There is slight BREAKING BAD spoiler. Avoid 44 seconds between 56:00 to 56:44. Happy watching!!!
18:00 - SPOILER ALERT
PLEASE NOTE: There is slight BREAKING BAD spoiler. Avoid 44 seconds between 56:00 to 56:44. Happy watching!!!
18:00 - SPOILER ALERT
19:18 - SPOILER OVER
29:50 - SPOILER ALERT
30:06 - SPOILER OVER
41:10 - SPOILER ALERT
48:18 - SPOILER OVER
50:43 - SPOILER ALERT
51:03 - SPOILER OVER
56:00 - BREAKING BAD SPOILER
56:44 - BREAKING BAD SPOILER OVER
58:00 - SPOILER ALERT
59:35- SPOILER OVER
1:00:08 - SPOILER ALERT
1:04:32 - SPOILER OVER
Thursday, August 21, 2014
MOBY: The Gift That Keeps on Giving
SPOILER ALERT: Dinna read unless you are 50% into Written in My Own Heart's Blood.
Christmas Eve is my birthday. People always ask, "Don't you feel gypped?" because I only get presents once a year. And every time, I tell them I don't know any better; this is the way it's always been! I wait all year for something I want, whether a bike at age ten or an iPad at age 40. And it's because of this that I've developed a bit of a habit - a ritual, if you will - on Christmas Day. I gather all my presents in one big pile, and watch everyone else open theirs first because I know "this is it" for another year; this is all I'm going to get. (Waaah, poor me. I know this is quite a First World Problem...but stick with me; I do have a point.)
Oh sure...I open a few gifts here and there until I'm about 50% through...and then I just stop, and watch everyone else. This usually continues until my family finishes opening theirs and groans, "Come on Carol...finish opening your presents already!"
My Daughter's Handywork! |
Oh sure...I open a few gifts here and there until I'm about 50% through...and then I just stop, and watch everyone else. This usually continues until my family finishes opening theirs and groans, "Come on Carol...finish opening your presents already!"
Today, lads and lassies, I am suffering the same fate, but it's only August. This time around, MOBY is my pile of presents, I am exactly 50% through, and you are all my family, telling me to hurry up and finish.
I am sharing this little nugget of info in order to give you an idea of the anxiety I feel at this very moment. And don't get me wrong, I'm sure there are plenty of you out there who may have delayed MOBY gratification...and just as many who - at the very least - are able to appreciate how I feel.
But to me, this is personal. And finishing this book is going to leave me in complete and utter...
PURGATORY!
PURGATORY!
As I've mentioned (ad nauseam) before, I am a self-professed Revolutionary War dork/buff/addict. Southeastern Pennsylvania and the central New Jersey shore are the only places I've ever lived and I have breathed in their history every day of my life. It's not uncommon for me to drive by a wartime house that still stands or a historical marker in the road, commemorating the hanging of British tories. (Whether the story is true remains to be seen, but the Daughters of the American Revolution seem to think it is.) If a blurb about Paoli in An Echo in the Bone (or a chapter entitled Remember Paoli in MOBY - but that's a different post!) had a profound effect on me because it's the town I grew up in, imagine how I feel now, diving into chapters about Freehold. FREEHOLD! I live in Monmouth County. I have jury duty at the courthouse in Freehold next month. I have visited the Old Tennent Church and cemetery many times...FOR FUN! I have gone with my husband. I have gone alone. And I have dragged my friends. I even exclaimed to them during our most recent visit that I was positive Claire was going to work there in MOBY, as I knew the church's history and that it was used as a hospital during the Revolution.
So yes, I have waited 400 some-odd pages for Claire to mention the Old Tennent Church, and damnit she did it two nights ago when I was reading. And did I rip into the chapter as most of you probably would? No, no I did not. Instead, I slammed the book shut (ok I turned my Kindle off quite vigorously) and put the book down. And I haven't opened it since. Because I am scared. I am scared to finish this book! I am scared to wait another five years. And most of all, I'm scared to walk out of this room...and never feel the rest of my whole life...wait...that's a line from Dirty Dancing. But seriously - I'm scared to read about what is going to happen to my favorite characters in the world - at one of my favorite historical spots in the world. And what makes it so unbelievable is that it's in my own back yard, figuratively speaking. Even if I weren't reading MOBY, I'd still be heading out to drive through the battlegrounds and the Old Tenant cemetery soon. I'd still have a need to marvel at the fact that people just like Claire helped soldiers just like Jamie in this church-turned-hospital, just so I could live here - in Monmouth county, New Jersey - free as a bird. I don't have anyone with a gun stationed at my church or local market. I can pray where I want and visit who I want and not worry about offending the crown or committing treason just for talking to the wrong person.
Live free or die, lads and lassies...live free or die.
So yes, I have waited 400 some-odd pages for Claire to mention the Old Tennent Church, and damnit she did it two nights ago when I was reading. And did I rip into the chapter as most of you probably would? No, no I did not. Instead, I slammed the book shut (ok I turned my Kindle off quite vigorously) and put the book down. And I haven't opened it since. Because I am scared. I am scared to finish this book! I am scared to wait another five years. And most of all, I'm scared to walk out of this room...and never feel the rest of my whole life...wait...that's a line from Dirty Dancing. But seriously - I'm scared to read about what is going to happen to my favorite characters in the world - at one of my favorite historical spots in the world. And what makes it so unbelievable is that it's in my own back yard, figuratively speaking. Even if I weren't reading MOBY, I'd still be heading out to drive through the battlegrounds and the Old Tenant cemetery soon. I'd still have a need to marvel at the fact that people just like Claire helped soldiers just like Jamie in this church-turned-hospital, just so I could live here - in Monmouth county, New Jersey - free as a bird. I don't have anyone with a gun stationed at my church or local market. I can pray where I want and visit who I want and not worry about offending the crown or committing treason just for talking to the wrong person.
Live free or die, lads and lassies...live free or die.
So that is my story. I couldn't press on at this hallowed halfway mark until I shared it with all of you wonderful fellow Gabaldon fans, in hopes that you'll understand my reason for procrastinating...as well as commiserate with me and tell me everything is going to be alright (sans spoilers, of course!) I have been so fortunate to spend all these years getting to know you guys through countless Outlander discussions. And laughs. Lordddddd the Outlander laughs. I would not trade this angst for the world.
Now...I promise I will get back to reading, no matter how anxious or fearful I am to do so, because I know what some of you saying. "Come on Carol...finish opening your presents already." :)
My MOBY Hysteria: What a Difference a Year Makes
SPOILER ALERT: The following pertains to information in Written in My Own Heart's Blood! GO BACK if you don't want MAJOR SPOILERS.
I
am
posting
this
lower
so
newbies
won't
see
it!
This video was taken last year when I was driving through Freehold and couldna wait for MOBY. Giggle. It's kindof funny to watch now. Enjoy!
I
am
posting
this
lower
so
newbies
won't
see
it!
This video was taken last year when I was driving through Freehold and couldna wait for MOBY. Giggle. It's kindof funny to watch now. Enjoy!
And was I right about Claire?? YES I WAS. Old Tennent church which was used as a field hospital during the war. Almost 20 years ago I stumbled upon that church and cemetery during a chilly October drive with my husband...and I've been visiting it ever since. See the next post for details!
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Monday, August 18, 2014
Saturday, August 16, 2014
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
RIP Robin Williams: We'll Miss Your Scots
Still canna believe Robin Williams is gone. :( He did such a fantastic Scots accent...I have to post this for those of you who havena seen it.
The man was such a massive talent. And it's silly...but his future appearance I was looking forward to the most was Mrs. Doubtfire 2! I love that character (and emulate it often.) "I know you're used to loosy-goosy...but I run a much tighter ship!" I JUSTbotched did that impression in a video Tracey and I made on Sunday!!
Post Scriptum Scriptum: Was Mrs. Baird not the reincarnation of Mrs. Doubtfire?!?
The man was such a massive talent. And it's silly...but his future appearance I was looking forward to the most was Mrs. Doubtfire 2! I love that character (and emulate it often.) "I know you're used to loosy-goosy...but I run a much tighter ship!" I JUST
Post Scriptum Scriptum: Was Mrs. Baird not the reincarnation of Mrs. Doubtfire?!?
Saturday, August 9, 2014
OUTLANDER Premiere: Today's the Day!
Friday, August 8, 2014
Outlander FANSITES: Entertainment Weekly
Could not be more thrilled (or surprised!) to mention that My Outlander Purgatory has been recognized as an Outlander fansite in this week's Entertainment Weekly magazine!
Congratulations to the Ladies of Lallybroch, Outlander Book Club, Outlandish Observations and Outlander Kitchen for being listed as well!
Congratulations to the Ladies of Lallybroch, Outlander Book Club, Outlandish Observations and Outlander Kitchen for being listed as well!
Graphic: Entertainment Weekly - August 15th issue |
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Monday, August 4, 2014
Revolutionary War New Jersey
SPOILER ALERT: The following deals with situations in Written in My Own Heart's Blood.
I went for a bike ride in July in a nearby town (Wall, NJ - in Monmouth County)...and was enjoying the serenity of lush greenery along with puffy white clouds in a perfect blue sky, and birds quietly chirping overhead. Since I was in an area with no roads (save the path I was on) or noise or hint of modern times, I immediately thought of the Revolutionary War and imagined the military and militia passing through the area. (The history dork in me would have thought about that even if I wasn't currently reading MOBY. :)
I had to stop and take a quick little video for those of you who have never been to New Jersey or Pennsylvania, and might like a bird's eye view of what it would have looked and sounded like while soldiers were traveling the countryside. Better yet, when Ian was traveling the countryside with Rollo...enjoying the simplicity of the peace and quiet. :) Enjoy.
I went for a bike ride in July in a nearby town (Wall, NJ - in Monmouth County)...and was enjoying the serenity of lush greenery along with puffy white clouds in a perfect blue sky, and birds quietly chirping overhead. Since I was in an area with no roads (save the path I was on) or noise or hint of modern times, I immediately thought of the Revolutionary War and imagined the military and militia passing through the area. (The history dork in me would have thought about that even if I wasn't currently reading MOBY. :)
I had to stop and take a quick little video for those of you who have never been to New Jersey or Pennsylvania, and might like a bird's eye view of what it would have looked and sounded like while soldiers were traveling the countryside. Better yet, when Ian was traveling the countryside with Rollo...enjoying the simplicity of the peace and quiet. :) Enjoy.
MOP CHAT TONIGHT
MOP Outlander Chat Tonight at 9PM Eastern.
Tonight's chat schedule:
9:00 - 9:30: STARZ EPISODE 1, y'all!!!
9:30 - 9:45: MOBY - Parts 1 - 5.
9:45 - 10:00: MOBY - ENTIRE book!
NO MOBY SPOILERS allowed during the first half hour!
THANKS and can't wait to see you there!!!
Tonight's chat schedule:
9:00 - 9:30: STARZ EPISODE 1, y'all!!!
9:30 - 9:45: MOBY - Parts 1 - 5.
9:45 - 10:00: MOBY - ENTIRE book!
NO MOBY SPOILERS allowed during the first half hour!
THANKS and can't wait to see you there!!!
Saturday, August 2, 2014
Outlader Starz - Episode 1 Available NOW in the US!
Watch the premiere episode of Outlander NOW on demand or online if you are in the US!!!
Questions? Read the FAQs here.
Questions? Read the FAQs here.
Friday, August 1, 2014
Tobias Menzies Arise 360 Interview: Bringin' the CUTE!
I DEFY you to tell me you don't adore Tobias Menzies after seeing this.
Thursday, July 31, 2014
FERGUS!!!
Spoiler Alert: I'm on part 3 in MOBY, y'all.
I have barely anything to say because I'm too verklempt to speak. My eyes are completely immobile (like Lord John's) and fixed on the following three words:
"Pardon me, milady,..."
Now THAT's an entrance. All I can hear is Baby's completely breathy, "Johnny!" from Dirty Dancing.
I may need to go lie down.
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Hiding in Plain Sight
SPOILER ALERT: Dinna read unless ye have read Part 3 in Written in My Own Heart's Blood.
This is what I see in my head when thinking of Lord John cruising around Pennsylvania with the enemy, pretending to be one of them. Giggle.
This is what I see in my head when thinking of Lord John cruising around Pennsylvania with the enemy, pretending to be one of them. Giggle.
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
MOP's TOBIAS TUESDAY!
Me: "We created Tobias Tuesday!"
Tobias: (insert simultaneous cool/wtf/ok faces here)
Me: "But don't worry. We're not stalkers! I promise!" :)
Tobias: (insert simultaneous cool/wtf/ok faces here)
Me: "But don't worry. We're not stalkers! I promise!" :)
Saturday, July 26, 2014
FIRST LOOK: STARZ Releases Opening Title Sequence from OUTLANDER
FIRST LOOK: STARZ Releases Opening Title Sequence from OUTLANDER Debuted at the San Diego Comic-Con World Premiere
"STARZ releases a first look at the opening title song and sequence of its highly anticipated original series “Outlander.” The opening showcases never-before-seen footage from the series, along with an arrangement of the “Skye Boat Song” by Emmy-award winning composer Bear McCreary featuring the vocals of songstress Raya Yarbrough (below). The network first shared the main sequence upon over 1,500 enthusiastic fans at the Comic-Con world premiere screening of “Outlander” at San Diego’s historic Spreckels Theatre on Friday night. “Outlander” premieres on Saturday, August 9th at 9pm ET/PT on STARZ."
My Hubby Purgatory
SPOILER ALERT: Dinna read unless ye have read part 3 in Written in My Own Heart's Blood.
MOBY banter with my hubby, Tom:
Me: "Poor Lord John...he's walking along, hiding in plain site and running into all these people he knows. He's in this mass exodus to cross the Delaware into NJ. And Ian just said they're headed to Freehold!!!!!"
Tom: "Ian's there?!?"
Me: "Yes. Ian and this dude, Percy... Jamie... Claire... They're ALL THERE!"
Tom: "Wait. Ian?"
Me: "Yes! Jamie's nephew!"
Tom: "Ohhh you mean Ian the son! What about Ian, his dad? The guy with one leg? I like him."
Me: (shakes head dejectedly) "Didn't make it." (in my best Roy Scheider voice from JAWS)
Tom: "Ohhhh no! Poor guy!! He should have walked through the 2014 stones, got himself an Oscar Pislari prosthetic leg...gone back...and he'd have been able to run away!"
Me: "Who? Wait, do you mean Oscar Pistorius?! THE MURDERER???"
Tom: "Yeah! That guy. Awful...but those legs make him fast. Ian could have gotten one of those cool bionic legs and gotten away."
Me: (shakes head again) Ian died in the last book. Of illness. Not battle."
Tom: "Which book?"
Me: "Nevermind."
MOBY banter with my hubby, Tom:
Me: "Poor Lord John...he's walking along, hiding in plain site and running into all these people he knows. He's in this mass exodus to cross the Delaware into NJ. And Ian just said they're headed to Freehold!!!!!"
Tom: "Ian's there?!?"
Me: "Yes. Ian and this dude, Percy... Jamie... Claire... They're ALL THERE!"
Tom: "Wait. Ian?"
Me: "Yes! Jamie's nephew!"
Tom: "Ohhh you mean Ian the son! What about Ian, his dad? The guy with one leg? I like him."
Me: (shakes head dejectedly) "Didn't make it." (in my best Roy Scheider voice from JAWS)
Tom: "Ohhhh no! Poor guy!! He should have walked through the 2014 stones, got himself an Oscar Pislari prosthetic leg...gone back...and he'd have been able to run away!"
Me: "Who? Wait, do you mean Oscar Pistorius?! THE MURDERER???"
Tom: "Yeah! That guy. Awful...but those legs make him fast. Ian could have gotten one of those cool bionic legs and gotten away."
Me: (shakes head again) Ian died in the last book. Of illness. Not battle."
Tom: "Which book?"
Me: "Nevermind."
Thursday, July 24, 2014
Stinking Papist
SPOILER ALERT: Dinna read unless you've read chapter 56 in Written in My Own Heart's Blood.
Just had to mention...
I got to this chapter whilst reading on my patio...and cheered uber-loudly when I saw the spectacular title.
Let the games begin!!!
Just had to mention...
I got to this chapter whilst reading on my patio...and cheered uber-loudly when I saw the spectacular title.
Let the games begin!!!
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
William the Conqueror. Not.
Spoiler alert: Dinna read unless you've read the first few chapters of part 3 in Written in My Own Heart's Blood.
OMG I'm starting to agree with Tracey. I am sitting here reading all about William following along the mass exodus of Loyalists leaving Philadelphia. (Later, losers! Don't let the cheesesteaks hit you in the ass on your way out!) And I'm starting to think that's all he's ever done; FOLLOWED people. He follows the military...he follows his father...he follows his father's rich family. And worst of all, he follows the thought process that he's BETTER THAN EVERYONE...all because he has a title. Pretty douchy, no?
Meanwhile...how can I feel this way...yet love Hal the way I do? And Dottie? (Who is flawlessly played by a young Kristin Scott Thomas in my mind, I'll have you know.) And Lord John for that matter. How do I point fingers at Willie...yet laugh at their antics and wish there was a way I could jump into fictitious literaryland and have tea and crumpets with the Greys at 3PM every day?? Why do I long to raise my pinky while holding the most delicate 18th
century Spode... and gossip with the family about all things, well, gossipy...be they political, religious or just relating to the local issues of the day? I want to make fun of the rank of an officer with Hal, and the unfortunately incorrect length of some local socialite's skirt with Dottie (though the Friends would frown upon that at meeting.)
Or even Lord John. I know there's a magical queen in there somewhere - a la Lafayette from True Blood - just dying to let his guard down for once and snap his fingers in Z-formation with Tracey and me. What a blast THAT would be. Mmm...mmm... mmm... inDEED hookas.
It's hot. And I'm tired. And thirsty. And I don't like anyone. They're all a bunch of meanies. |
And if one subscribes to this type of notion...one MUST admit the fact that William is the way he is due to the way he was raised. And to this I say "Thank you, Lord John and family. YOU have made this kid into the whiny, spoiled little brat he is today. I hope you're proud of yourselves."
Bet thy has never seen me like this, has thee? |
Hal and I could drink a mean Earl Grey out of this, no?!? |
Now what is you doin' having yo'self a big ol' party without ME, bitch? |
So...alas...I will just have to continue reading about Willy...hoping upon hope he's going get stuck with Jamie at some point. I mean totally stranded for days (or dare I dream weeks...months?!)...learning to combine the upper crust intelligence he's acquired from his adoptive family with the brawn of one James Alexander Malcolm Mackenzie Fraser. (NOT that Jamie isn't wicked intelligent, duh.)
Bottom line...I want William to MAN UP. There. I said it. (If Dianne Feinstein can say it...so can I.) I want him to jump into any given situation and use his noodle to take charge of said situation...and pay no attention to the fact that the aforementioned situation may suck.
Just do it, William. Just do it.
Bottom line...I want William to MAN UP. There. I said it. (If Dianne Feinstein can say it...so can I.) I want him to jump into any given situation and use his noodle to take charge of said situation...and pay no attention to the fact that the aforementioned situation may suck.
Just do it, William. Just do it.
Monday, July 21, 2014
MOP CHAT Tonight!
MOP Outlander Chat Tonight at 9PM Eastern.
Chat rules for this evening's MOBY discussion:
The first 15 minutes of tonight's discussion will be about PARTS 1&2 ONLY!
The last 45 minutes will include THE ENTIRE BOOK.
LET'S DISCUSS!!!
Chat rules for this evening's MOBY discussion:
The first 15 minutes of tonight's discussion will be about PARTS 1&2 ONLY!
The last 45 minutes will include THE ENTIRE BOOK.
LET'S DISCUSS!!!
Friday, July 18, 2014
MOP SHOP Alert: FREE Standard Shipping to CANADA!
Offer valid at Canadian MOP SHOP site only - through Tuesday, July 22nd! Whatcha waitin' for, Canadian Outlanders?? Get in there and beef up your Outlander wardrobe! :)
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
"Why Do You Keep Calling Me Calvin?"
SPOILER ALERT: Dinna read unless you have read parts 1 and 2 in Written in My Own Heart's Blood.
I was up reading at 3AM a few nights ago. But I wasn't reading MOBY.
I was reading A LEAF ON THE WIND OF ALL HALLOWS!!!
I woke up - tossing and turning - with my mind racing about Roger and Buck...and Jerry.
This is me - trying to process all this time travel:
I am all kinds of confused. AND LOVING IT. And I know things will be revealed going forward...because they always are. But I'm going over timelines...and my brain is negotiating with itself in a quest to piece it all together. And don't bother telling me not to...and to just "go with it"...or some such silliness...because that is the way my brain works. I missed my calling on "CSI Jersey Shore."
So here's the thing. How did a woman on a farm in North Umbria have Jerry's dog tags if Jack-friggin-RANDALL had them Inverness in MOBY?? And handed them to Brian Fraser who handed them to Roger. But Roger was WITH Jerry Mackenzie in North Umbria when the aforementioned farmer's wife had them there. (UNLESS the man with dark hair and bright green eyes who told Jerry he loved him WASNA ROGER???) So now I'm all KINDS of wondering if Roger is going to go through the stones with Buck AGAIN and find Jerry or what?
AND AND AND...as we were discussing in MOP Chat last night; how did Frank's letter get into a desk at Lallybroch?!? Riddle me THAT! (Kidding - dinna tell me, please. Nae spoilers, aye?!) I suppose I'll just have to keep reading to find out.
AND Poor Jem. I can handle a lot, y'all...but I canna handle the back and forth with little Jem being hunted by Rob Cameron. And that story in the letter by Frank??? That exactly why they want Jem. I thought it was about time travel...but if that were the case, they could have taken Bree. They want Jem because they think he's going to rule Scotland. (TELL me that wasn't a bomb dropper when you read THAT little tidbit. WOW. Canna wait to see what happens with THAT storyline.)
A few things:
- DOUGAL EFFING MACfrigginKENZIE for the love of all that's holy!!! Yet another "SHUT UP!!!" moment in this series. I loved every second of his visit withhis twin Roger. And comments like "feeling a state of bemused horror" just make me a) giggle, b) TOTALLY feel the scene and c) realize I'm feeling the same EXACT thing at seeing Dougal again!!!
- That letter Frank wrote to Bree. Tell me I didn't cry - right there in my bed at 3AM - when he signed it "Dad". OMG I cried an ocean. I am telling you...Tobias Menzies' casting - coupled with my "Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows" read a couple years back (was it that long ago??) - has softened me to Frank BIG time.
- ROGER HELD BLACK JACK'S HANDS AND PRAYED OVER HIM. (insert my gobsmacked face here) What in the name of all that's holy. I am living in TERROR that Roger is going to mess things up for Jamie and Claire. What if Randall falls for ROGER?!? What if that teeny prayer session makes Black Jack find God and throw away his wicked ways?? What if George McFly doesn't get the girl? (Sorry - had to.) SO MANY WHAT IFS!!!!!
- Bree is takin' the bairns and getting the heck outta dodge. And putting herself right smack into the middle of the American Revolution in Phila-delphi-A. Oy. I suppose Frank is right; the safest place is the past.
But what aboutHAROLD ROGER?!?
What is that poor soul going to DO?? Shiz - he's OLDER THAN effing JAMIE in 1738!!! It's not like he can WAIT FOR BREE or something!! Boyfriend's going to have to get his ass back to the 80s (like all the clothing designers seem to have done recently; lorddddddddd the stripes)...read Bree's note...and then get his ass back to 1778 Philly. OMG this book is so brills I don't know what to DO with myself!!! Time travel RULES!!!
OK on to Part 3. Wish me luck!!!
I was up reading at 3AM a few nights ago. But I wasn't reading MOBY.
I was reading A LEAF ON THE WIND OF ALL HALLOWS!!!
I woke up - tossing and turning - with my mind racing about Roger and Buck...and Jerry.
This is me - trying to process all this time travel:
I am all kinds of confused. AND LOVING IT. And I know things will be revealed going forward...because they always are. But I'm going over timelines...and my brain is negotiating with itself in a quest to piece it all together. And don't bother telling me not to...and to just "go with it"...or some such silliness...because that is the way my brain works. I missed my calling on "CSI Jersey Shore."
So here's the thing. How did a woman on a farm in North Umbria have Jerry's dog tags if Jack-friggin-RANDALL had them Inverness in MOBY?? And handed them to Brian Fraser who handed them to Roger. But Roger was WITH Jerry Mackenzie in North Umbria when the aforementioned farmer's wife had them there. (UNLESS the man with dark hair and bright green eyes who told Jerry he loved him WASNA ROGER???) So now I'm all KINDS of wondering if Roger is going to go through the stones with Buck AGAIN and find Jerry or what?
Frank, during his brief trip to the 18th century (in my dreams.) |
AND Poor Jem. I can handle a lot, y'all...but I canna handle the back and forth with little Jem being hunted by Rob Cameron. And that story in the letter by Frank??? That exactly why they want Jem. I thought it was about time travel...but if that were the case, they could have taken Bree. They want Jem because they think he's going to rule Scotland. (TELL me that wasn't a bomb dropper when you read THAT little tidbit. WOW. Canna wait to see what happens with THAT storyline.)
A few things:
- DOUGAL EFFING MACfrigginKENZIE for the love of all that's holy!!! Yet another "SHUT UP!!!" moment in this series. I loved every second of his visit with
- That letter Frank wrote to Bree. Tell me I didn't cry - right there in my bed at 3AM - when he signed it "Dad". OMG I cried an ocean. I am telling you...Tobias Menzies' casting - coupled with my "Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows" read a couple years back (was it that long ago??) - has softened me to Frank BIG time.
"Take your damned hands off her." And don't eff this UP, Roger!!! |
- Bree is takin' the bairns and getting the heck outta dodge. And putting herself right smack into the middle of the American Revolution in Phila-delphi-A. Oy. I suppose Frank is right; the safest place is the past.
But what about
What is that poor soul going to DO?? Shiz - he's OLDER THAN effing JAMIE in 1738!!! It's not like he can WAIT FOR BREE or something!! Boyfriend's going to have to get his ass back to the 80s (like all the clothing designers seem to have done recently; lorddddddddd the stripes)...read Bree's note...and then get his ass back to 1778 Philly. OMG this book is so brills I don't know what to DO with myself!!! Time travel RULES!!!
OK on to Part 3. Wish me luck!!!
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Monday, July 14, 2014
MOP CHAT TONIGHT!
MOP Outlander Chat Tonight at 9PM Eastern.
Chat rules for this evening's MOBY discussion:
The first half of tonight's discussion will be about PARTS 1&2 ONLY!
The second half of tonight's discussion will include THE ENTIRE BOOK.
LET'S DISCUSS!!!
Chat rules for this evening's MOBY discussion:
The first half of tonight's discussion will be about PARTS 1&2 ONLY!
The second half of tonight's discussion will include THE ENTIRE BOOK.
LET'S DISCUSS!!!
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
Friday, July 4, 2014
Time Keeps on Slipping, Slipping, Slipping...
SPOILER ALERT: Dinna read unless you've read chapter 31 in Written in My Own Heart's Blood.
Jamie and Claire
Sittin' in a Tree
K-I-S-S-I-N-G
First comes love...
Then comes marriage...
Then comes schtupping in a potting shed!!!
DAMN, boyfriend...you sure know how to make an entrance!!! For a minute there, I thought I was back in Lazarevo!! (Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons reference. If you havena read it...GET ON IT.)
And isn't it just like Miss Herself to sneak that up on us like a rainstorm in the desert. (Better put an extra S on that because it's more like DESSERT!)
Meanwhile...back at the townhouse (or "row house" {pronounced row-hayus} as we Philadelphians like to say), has Jenny left Hal alone? Or will she shank him when Ian and Rachel go to visit Marsali at the print shop? And, um, is Fergus even at the print shop? I don't even remember. I must do some searchin' through Echo when I get a few minutes so I can get up to speed on Fergus's whereabouts.
So where am I now? Bree just found Jem. Thank GOD. I was on the edge of my seat for that little roller coaster ride. That poor kid. He is NINE! Just like my own son. I swear, I was tearing up in the salon chair yesterday during my partial foil! That poor soul was just wandering around IN THE DARK (sung like Billy Squier). I was a puddle the entire time I was waiting for my vanilla creme glaze to kick in. Can you imagine?? That little guy dealing with those crazy-assed machines...and the stairs...and the possibility of getting sucked back to the 18th century. What a ride!!!
That Rob Cameron is a douche of epic proportions. I hope Bree leaves him in her hidey hole for the entire book and makes him rub the lotion on his skin. Shit, I'll buy Diana Gabaldon a poodle named Precious if that happens.
And Roger. Poor Roger. :( Oh I am sick for him. He is - and always will be - Job. I went from "Ugh...I already read about Roger and Buck trekking across the countryside and trying to get back" to "Holy shit, Roger's the most interesting thing in this friggin book! And that's saying something because every storyline is on fire!!"
Brian Fraser. BRIAN FUCKING FRASER. I shat my pants on the spot when he appeared at the friggin door. Diana Gabaldon, man. She is the shiz!!! WHAT a gift for us!!! I wanted to stand up in the salon chair and go "WUH WUH WUH" with my fist like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman. AndJanet Jenny. Lorddddddd 15 year old Jenny. And I was calculating in my head like a crazy person while reading that...FEVERISHLY trying to figure out how old Jamie was and WHERE he was and if he was a couple years older or younger than Jenny. (Memory. It's not just for breakfast anymore!)
Actually - when we first saw Brian, I was wondering if Jamie was going to come toddling to the front door...and I'm kindof glad he didn't. My heart would not have been able to handle that at_all. I would have run screaming from The Style Room, yelling "Help me, help me, Jesus, Bride and the saints!!!" and scared the crap out of the lady next door in the bakery.
OK - enough of my rambling. Later, y'all. I have to go read.
Post Scriptum: Isn't DG a sly one with flipping back and forth between worlds? I had forgotten how maddening, yet delicious it is when you get SO into one storyline...find yourself in the other world and think "Oh crap"...and a few paragraphs later are completely and utterly immersed in THAT world...and never want to leave.
If the house is-a-rockin'... |
Sittin' in a Tree
K-I-S-S-I-N-G
First comes love...
Then comes marriage...
Then comes schtupping in a potting shed!!!
DAMN, boyfriend...you sure know how to make an entrance!!! For a minute there, I thought I was back in Lazarevo!! (Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons reference. If you havena read it...GET ON IT.)
And isn't it just like Miss Herself to sneak that up on us like a rainstorm in the desert. (Better put an extra S on that because it's more like DESSERT!)
Elfreth's Alley. Recognize. |
So where am I now? Bree just found Jem. Thank GOD. I was on the edge of my seat for that little roller coaster ride. That poor kid. He is NINE! Just like my own son. I swear, I was tearing up in the salon chair yesterday during my partial foil! That poor soul was just wandering around IN THE DARK (sung like Billy Squier). I was a puddle the entire time I was waiting for my vanilla creme glaze to kick in. Can you imagine?? That little guy dealing with those crazy-assed machines...and the stairs...and the possibility of getting sucked back to the 18th century. What a ride!!!
See Rob rub. Rub, Rob, rub. |
And Roger. Poor Roger. :( Oh I am sick for him. He is - and always will be - Job. I went from "Ugh...I already read about Roger and Buck trekking across the countryside and trying to get back" to "Holy shit, Roger's the most interesting thing in this friggin book! And that's saying something because every storyline is on fire!!"
Brian Fraser. BRIAN FUCKING FRASER. I shat my pants on the spot when he appeared at the friggin door. Diana Gabaldon, man. She is the shiz!!! WHAT a gift for us!!! I wanted to stand up in the salon chair and go "WUH WUH WUH" with my fist like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman. And
Brian WHAT?!? |
OK - enough of my rambling. Later, y'all. I have to go read.
Post Scriptum: Isn't DG a sly one with flipping back and forth between worlds? I had forgotten how maddening, yet delicious it is when you get SO into one storyline...find yourself in the other world and think "Oh crap"...and a few paragraphs later are completely and utterly immersed in THAT world...and never want to leave.
Happy Fourth of July!
IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776.
The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,
When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, –That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.–Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.
He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.
He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.
He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.
He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.
He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.
He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.
He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.
He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.
He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.
He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our people, and eat out their substance.
He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.
He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.
He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:
For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:
For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:
For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:
For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:
For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:
For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences
For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies:
For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:
For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.
He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.
He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.
He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.
He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.
He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.
He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.
He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.
He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.
He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.
He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.
He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.
He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.
He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.
He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our people, and eat out their substance.
He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.
He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.
He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:
For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:
For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:
For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:
For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:
For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:
For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences
For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies:
For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:
For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.
He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.
He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.
He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.
He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.
He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.
In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.
Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our Brittish brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.
We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.
Thursday, July 3, 2014
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Over the River (Near Matson's Ford) and Through the Woods (Between Valley Forge and Philadelphia) to Mother Claire's House We Go!
SPOILER ALERT: I have read 21 Chapters in Written in My Own Heart's Blood.
Gather 'round now, chitlins, 'cuz mama's got a lot to talk about, mmmkayyy? Talk amongst yourselves...I'll give you a topic: St. John's Wort is neither a saint, nor a wart. Discuss!!
First of all... Ooooh wheee! That Willy is all kinds of messed up in the head right now, is he not?! Boyfriend's walkin' around...all disheveled...trying to keep up this facade of being rich-folk...when in all actuality, hereditarily speaking, he doesna have a pot to pee in! (Unless it's the lady Arabella-Jane's chamber pot...and he's too highfalutin to peep on top of her low-class peeps so soon after she peeped 'em!)
OK so seriously. Here's a guy who has been told - his entire life - that he's special. And rich. And all of a sudden...BAM! He ain't worth a dime - figuratively AND literally. It's got to be completely overwhelming and all-encompassing, no? You really have to put yourself in William's position to understand why I feel such empathy for him. His entire world is a lie. His mother is not his mother. His father is not his father. And the very people who raised him and were supposed to protect him have been lying to him all those years.
This poor kid is a ticking time bomb!! He makes Dallas in The Outsiders look like he's out for a stroll at the convenience store parking lot!! I don't blame him one bit for hating Jamie Fraser. (Nor does Jamie, I might add.)
But Ian? WEE Ian?!? Dude...you better back the eff UP. I will NOT tolerate you hauling off and hitting Ian in the mouth...and then being all snooty and righteous and telling the officers HE started it. Well nanny nanny noo noo, ya poor bugger. I don't feel the least bit sorry for ya when ye act like a child. Hell, my 9 year old wouldn't play THAT blame game...and he invented it! His sister does everything wrong..."I don't know" leaves his stuff around the house...and "somebody" moved it when he can't find it. Believe me - I know a good bit about acting like a child...and William's doing a rip-roarin' job.
And how about Miss Rachel being all bedroom eyed over Ian's fine arse in the woods...or his johnson private parts under the loin cloth breechclout for that matter! Girlfriend is in HEAT! I love it! Quaker or no, she knows one fine piece of homely, skinny ass when she sees it! I found it totally bittersweet when Herself said Rachel just liked to talk to Ian...and look at his face (so paraphrasing but you get the gist). I love that he's found someone who's so gaga over him that she just wants to stare at him. But it made me sad to think of his face being tattooed forever...and her probably being sad for him, even though he's not sad for himself. I think those tattoos would probably make me love him more...because it would make him seem vulnerable in a way. (And we all know how much Carol loves vulnerability in her fictional men!)
Honestly, it kills me to not know what Wee Ian looks like. I wish someone would sit Diana Gabaldon down with a sketch artist and make her draw him for us. I've always seen him like Joe Mazzello...but I'd love to know how she sees him (along with sooo many other characters!)
It also pains me to hear Ian rehashing and reliving "Emily" in his mind while filling Rachel in on all the sordid deets. Ahem...cough bloort coughhhh!!!
Excuse me, I just threw up in my mouth a little at the mere thought of that awful woman.
OK getting back to the matter at hand. Jamie...cruising along Lancaster Avenue Route 30 Lincoln Highway the main road to Philadelphia, on someone's wagon. Like an even hotter, red-heided Pa Ingalls - trying to get back to Claire...so she can tell him just what she was thinking about, sleeping with Lord John, which he finds somewhat Mary McNabbesque. (Not sure I remember him meeting back up with Mary for a little third base after that...a la Claire and Lord John...but why split hand jobs hairs). I have to be honest - I don't really want Claire to get off that easy (pun intended!) but - again - it's almost easier to write it off than spend a ton of time dwelling on it...just like the situation with Jenny.
So here's Jamie, riding along...and there is FRIGGIN IAN WHO THINKS HE'S DEAD walking alongside of him!!! Oh holy hell - I sat right up (in my lounge chair by the pool where I was ignoring my family all afternoon) and said "No WAY!!!!!" (I can't WAIT until we see Ian realize Jenny's still alive, too!!) And poor Rachel is running alongside the gaggle of lobsterbacks...trying to keep track of where they're taking her Scottish Mohawk man. (Um, did Ian not tell you to go to Mother Claire and help him get out of this mess? So whatcha doin' still here, missy??) And then SHE looks at Jamie and almost falls the hell over...which is beyond deliciously fun, no?!
And when Jamie blackmails Willie and thinks to himself "Oh shiz - I couldna even take him!"??? Oh that just did it for me. I am as entrenched as anyone can be at this point.
Yup. I'm knee-deep in NEW GABALDON!!!
It's like Christmas morning when you've unwrapped all your new toys and you love everything...but you've only tested out a few so far and they couldn't tear you away from these new toys if they tried.
A few quick points:
- Kindof glad we have't heard from Mother Claire and Hal in the last few chapters. I needed a break from Hal's asthma and Claire's ministrations.
- Love the complexity of the situation with Ian and Rachel...and Denny and Dottie for that matter. Religious tradition and its upheaval in one's life always spices up a storyline.
- All y'all have no iDEA how juicy all this Philadelphia burbs stuff is. Valley Forge...Matson's Ford (which is current day Conshohocken, y'all)...Brandywine...Jethro Woodbine (as in Woodbine Avenue)...it's like Diana Gabaldon was in my class at St. Norbert's and went on all the field trips with me. Something tells me she didn't sing quite as loudly and obnoxiously as I did on the bus rides there and back...but I digress.
- Jamie has always, ALWAYS acted like a father to William. So many instances of him showing him tough love...just like a good dad would do. It warms my heart. Jamie just walked up to him - grabbed him by the ear (OK not the ear but you know what I mean) - and told him what he was going to do...because it was the RIGHT thing to do. I have such love for this sad little non-relationship, I canna conTAIN myself. I can only hope they forge some type of bond going forward, after Willie stops feeling sorry for himself and doing hookers because they insist upon it while being saved from a good buggery.
- Lord John. Lorddddddd Lord John. Oy. That dumb shit has now been taken by yet another band of rebels. (Oh hush - you know I love him. He's like family. That's what family does. We make fun of each other. Tracey calls me dumb all the time.) At least this time he's got the smarts enough to lie about his identity...and tone down the hoity toity English accent. I can only hope for his sake that he left his sarcastic quips back at camp with Den and Dot.
I know I'm forgetting a ton of good stuff but that's what happens when you read, read, read...which I have been doing today. I am getting to that point where I have no choice but to read, no matter how hard to try to ration my NG (New Gabaldon).
The force is strong with this one, my friends.
Gather 'round now, chitlins, 'cuz mama's got a lot to talk about, mmmkayyy? Talk amongst yourselves...I'll give you a topic: St. John's Wort is neither a saint, nor a wart. Discuss!!
First of all... Ooooh wheee! That Willy is all kinds of messed up in the head right now, is he not?! Boyfriend's walkin' around...all disheveled...trying to keep up this facade of being rich-folk...when in all actuality, hereditarily speaking, he doesna have a pot to pee in! (Unless it's the lady Arabella-Jane's chamber pot...and he's too highfalutin to peep on top of her low-class peeps so soon after she peeped 'em!)
The story of Willie's life. |
You think I've got it bad...you should see the Earl of Ellesmere! |
But Ian? WEE Ian?!? Dude...you better back the eff UP. I will NOT tolerate you hauling off and hitting Ian in the mouth...and then being all snooty and righteous and telling the officers HE started it. Well nanny nanny noo noo, ya poor bugger. I don't feel the least bit sorry for ya when ye act like a child. Hell, my 9 year old wouldn't play THAT blame game...and he invented it! His sister does everything wrong..."I don't know" leaves his stuff around the house...and "somebody" moved it when he can't find it. Believe me - I know a good bit about acting like a child...and William's doing a rip-roarin' job.
Hey Rachel... Want a piece of this? |
Honestly, it kills me to not know what Wee Ian looks like. I wish someone would sit Diana Gabaldon down with a sketch artist and make her draw him for us. I've always seen him like Joe Mazzello...but I'd love to know how she sees him (along with sooo many other characters!)
It also pains me to hear Ian rehashing and reliving "Emily" in his mind while filling Rachel in on all the sordid deets. Ahem...cough bloort coughhhh!!!
Excuse me, I just threw up in my mouth a little at the mere thought of that awful woman.
Why, yes! That is my nephew who thinks I'm dead. Thanks for asking! |
So here's Jamie, riding along...and there is FRIGGIN IAN WHO THINKS HE'S DEAD walking alongside of him!!! Oh holy hell - I sat right up (in my lounge chair by the pool where I was ignoring my family all afternoon) and said "No WAY!!!!!" (I can't WAIT until we see Ian realize Jenny's still alive, too!!) And poor Rachel is running alongside the gaggle of lobsterbacks...trying to keep track of where they're taking her Scottish Mohawk man. (Um, did Ian not tell you to go to Mother Claire and help him get out of this mess? So whatcha doin' still here, missy??) And then SHE looks at Jamie and almost falls the hell over...which is beyond deliciously fun, no?!
And when Jamie blackmails Willie and thinks to himself "Oh shiz - I couldna even take him!"??? Oh that just did it for me. I am as entrenched as anyone can be at this point.
Yup. I'm knee-deep in NEW GABALDON!!!
It's like Christmas morning when you've unwrapped all your new toys and you love everything...but you've only tested out a few so far and they couldn't tear you away from these new toys if they tried.
A few quick points:
- Kindof glad we have't heard from Mother Claire and Hal in the last few chapters. I needed a break from Hal's asthma and Claire's ministrations.
- Love the complexity of the situation with Ian and Rachel...and Denny and Dottie for that matter. Religious tradition and its upheaval in one's life always spices up a storyline.
- All y'all have no iDEA how juicy all this Philadelphia burbs stuff is. Valley Forge...Matson's Ford (which is current day Conshohocken, y'all)...Brandywine...Jethro Woodbine (as in Woodbine Avenue)...it's like Diana Gabaldon was in my class at St. Norbert's and went on all the field trips with me. Something tells me she didn't sing quite as loudly and obnoxiously as I did on the bus rides there and back...but I digress.
- Jamie has always, ALWAYS acted like a father to William. So many instances of him showing him tough love...just like a good dad would do. It warms my heart. Jamie just walked up to him - grabbed him by the ear (OK not the ear but you know what I mean) - and told him what he was going to do...because it was the RIGHT thing to do. I have such love for this sad little non-relationship, I canna conTAIN myself. I can only hope they forge some type of bond going forward, after Willie stops feeling sorry for himself and doing hookers because they insist upon it while being saved from a good buggery.
- Lord John. Lorddddddd Lord John. Oy. That dumb shit has now been taken by yet another band of rebels. (Oh hush - you know I love him. He's like family. That's what family does. We make fun of each other. Tracey calls me dumb all the time.) At least this time he's got the smarts enough to lie about his identity...and tone down the hoity toity English accent. I can only hope for his sake that he left his sarcastic quips back at camp with Den and Dot.
I know I'm forgetting a ton of good stuff but that's what happens when you read, read, read...which I have been doing today. I am getting to that point where I have no choice but to read, no matter how hard to try to ration my NG (New Gabaldon).
The force is strong with this one, my friends.
Thursday, June 26, 2014
A Quick Mention...
SPOILER ALERT: Dinna read unless you've read Chapter 16 in Written in My Own Heart's Blood.
I FINALLY was able to sit down and read this afternoon...and no sooner did I start than I had to STOP. And blog.
"He had in fact suggested that they walk together to Matson's Ford..."
Tracey and I went to high school on Matsonford Road. The mentions of the Battle of Brandywine, Valley Forge, The Paoli Massacre were one thing...but Matson's Ford? This is getting to be too much (in an awesome way.) It's like Christmas for my eyes.
Tracey says it's like Diana Gabaldon was living under our childhood home's stairs like Harry Potter. (I almost soiled myself at that thought...but I digress.)
SO - I thought it would be cool to create a MOBY MAP, showing locations in MOBY as I come across them in the book. There will be a few that might not be mentioned in the book...but were involved in situations in the book...and after growing up in the area, are places that are near and dear to my heart.
I'm hoping those of you who don't live anywhere near Pennsylvania or New Jersey who have never visited these locations will really enjoy getting "the feel" of the book.
Enjoy!!!
I FINALLY was able to sit down and read this afternoon...and no sooner did I start than I had to STOP. And blog.
"He had in fact suggested that they walk together to Matson's Ford..."
Tracey and I went to high school on Matsonford Road. The mentions of the Battle of Brandywine, Valley Forge, The Paoli Massacre were one thing...but Matson's Ford? This is getting to be too much (in an awesome way.) It's like Christmas for my eyes.
Tracey says it's like Diana Gabaldon was living under our childhood home's stairs like Harry Potter. (I almost soiled myself at that thought...but I digress.)
SO - I thought it would be cool to create a MOBY MAP, showing locations in MOBY as I come across them in the book. There will be a few that might not be mentioned in the book...but were involved in situations in the book...and after growing up in the area, are places that are near and dear to my heart.
I'm hoping those of you who don't live anywhere near Pennsylvania or New Jersey who have never visited these locations will really enjoy getting "the feel" of the book.
Enjoy!!!
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
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