Check out this week's Benchmark Teacher of the Week! Our very own Miss Christie! I was so hoping she'd look into the camera and whisper "Fergus Lamaze"...but it was not to be. ;)
CONGRATULATIONS CHRISTIE!
ABC 33/40 - Birmingham News, Weather, Sports
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Monday, March 25, 2013
Saturday, March 23, 2013
It's The Little Things
So my 8 year old son (Wee Ian) is in the Cub Scouts, and served at the pack's annual spaghetti dinner tonight. And as I was sitting next to him after the dinner, I looked at his shirt and realized it was cause for a blog post.
"Why", you ask? Three reasons:
1) MOBY.
2) This awesome post on DG's blog.
3) The patch on Wee Ian's left shirtsleeve:
There are times...like now...when I'm so full of wanting for MOBY that I scarcely know what to do with myself, sassenachs. I miss the heck outta being immersed in Gabaldonville...I really do.
JE SUIS PREST!!!!!!!
"Why", you ask? Three reasons:
1) MOBY.
2) This awesome post on DG's blog.
3) The patch on Wee Ian's left shirtsleeve:
There are times...like now...when I'm so full of wanting for MOBY that I scarcely know what to do with myself, sassenachs. I miss the heck outta being immersed in Gabaldonville...I really do.
JE SUIS PREST!!!!!!!
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Top 10 Unionist Myths About Scotland's Independence
This is a fantastic video that dispels the "Top 10 Unionist Myths" about what could happen if Scotland gets its independence in 2014.
I try reallyyyyyyy hard NOT to wax on about this topic, because I'm an American, born and bred, and have no business waxing on about a country I do not live in, whose customs I don't deal with on a daily basis. I also would never want to come off as anti-English while trying to convey my pro-Scottish beliefs.
That said...HELL YEAH I want Scotland to have their independence! JE SUIS PREST!!!!!!!
I try reallyyyyyyy hard NOT to wax on about this topic, because I'm an American, born and bred, and have no business waxing on about a country I do not live in, whose customs I don't deal with on a daily basis. I also would never want to come off as anti-English while trying to convey my pro-Scottish beliefs.
That said...HELL YEAH I want Scotland to have their independence! JE SUIS PREST!!!!!!!
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Monday, March 18, 2013
NEW Diana Gabaldon Fairfax Event Info
Received two emails with the following info regarding the NEW venue for Diana Gabaldon's Fairfax event on April 12th:
Email #1:
Thanks for registering for the Diana Gabaldon event on Friday, April 12 at 7:30 p.m. We have secured a new venue for the event:
Gymnasium, Ernst Community Cultural Center
Northern Virginia Community College, Annandale Campus
8333 Little River Turnpike
Annandale, VA 22003
Please follow this link for directions to the campus:
Also, please note that free parking for this event is available in lots B-8 through B-15 and B-17.
We have a long waiting list for this event. If your plans have changed and you can no longer attend, please cancel so others may attend by clicking on the link in your confirmation email or call 703-324-8428.
Thanks again, see you on April 12!
Email #2:
After we sent out today’s message with updated venue information for the Diana Gabaldon event, we received the same questions from many of you – so we thought we’d send the answers to all in case others are wondering.
· Rest assured, we will send additional updates as the event date draws closer. In particular, we will tell you the plan for the book sale/signing when it is finalized. Given the huge audience size, we will surely have to limit the number of items signed and also have attendees line up in “waves” to prevent crowding. Please stay tuned for this information.
· We will also let you know what time the doors will open on April 12. This will depend on logistics for chair setup, etc. so please stay tuned for this as well.
· If you are traveling from out of town and are wondering about hotels, please note that you are in good shape if you already secured a hotel in Fairfax, VA. Fairfax is close to Annadale (you can view this on Google Maps) and we’re not aware of any good hotel options in the immediate vicinity of the venue. So we suggest looking in the Fairfax area. (We do not suggest a particular hotel, nor do we have blocks of rooms at any hotels.)
Thanks again for registering! More to come…
Outlander Chat Tonight
Outlander Chat tonight. 9PM Eastern.
**At some point, we will be discussing the Fairfax event and where we are all staying...so try to come if you are going to Fairfax!
Friday, March 15, 2013
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
En El Nombre Del Padre
I would like to extend the best of wishes to the new leader of the Catholic church; Pope Francis!
Why, you ask?
I'M A "STINKING PAPIST"!!!! ;)
Why, you ask?
I'M A "STINKING PAPIST"!!!! ;)
Monday, March 11, 2013
Outlander Chat Tonight
Outlander Chat tonight. 9PM Eastern.
**Tracey isn't able to attend and I am iffy. BUT - we don't want to stop the fun! The chat room will be open at 9PM Eastern for some awesome Outlander discussion!
**Tracey isn't able to attend and I am iffy. BUT - we don't want to stop the fun! The chat room will be open at 9PM Eastern for some awesome Outlander discussion!
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
The Bounty
I just had to post the trailer because the second I saw it, I thought "Voyager!" An 18th century British ship, sailing the Caribbean (actually it's Tahiti, but work with me here), filled with soldiers in uniform, sporting plated hair, or at the verra least, ponytails?
OH yeah. I can almost taste the turtle soup.
Monday, March 4, 2013
Friday, March 1, 2013
Thursday, February 28, 2013
20 Awesome FREE Audiobooks
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Monday, February 25, 2013
Monday, February 18, 2013
Friday, February 15, 2013
Accidental MOBY Spoiler Sighting!
Holy god.
I just saw a MOBY spoiler on Diana's Facebook page. I didna mean to; it just...happened.
AND IT WAS GLORIOUS!!!!!!!
Honestly, it didn't give any info...and it wasn't anything odd or surprising. It was only one sentence! And it wasn't about a cliff-hanger, either.
But it mentioned Jamie...and something near and dear to my heart...and holy CRAP, I am so effing EXCITED TO READ THIS FRIGGIN BOOK!!!!!
I had to share. WOW. That was the BEST SPOILER I've ever not meant to look at in my life!!!
I just saw a MOBY spoiler on Diana's Facebook page. I didna mean to; it just...happened.
AND IT WAS GLORIOUS!!!!!!!
Honestly, it didn't give any info...and it wasn't anything odd or surprising. It was only one sentence! And it wasn't about a cliff-hanger, either.
But it mentioned Jamie...and something near and dear to my heart...and holy CRAP, I am so effing EXCITED TO READ THIS FRIGGIN BOOK!!!!!
I had to share. WOW. That was the BEST SPOILER I've ever not meant to look at in my life!!!
Monday, February 11, 2013
Outlander Chat Tonight
Outlander Chat tonight. 9PM Eastern.
Tracey and I are "iffy" to "probably not going to make it". I'm away with the fam and Tracey is working...but why curtail the fun? Have a tremendous chat and we'll catch up with everyone later. And if we are able to sign in, we will!
Tracey and I are "iffy" to "probably not going to make it". I'm away with the fam and Tracey is working...but why curtail the fun? Have a tremendous chat and we'll catch up with everyone later. And if we are able to sign in, we will!
Monday, February 4, 2013
Monday, January 28, 2013
Friday, January 25, 2013
Gung Haggis Fat Choy 2013
Of course I have to throw out a shout out to our favorite Burns Night celebrator, TODDISH MCWONG! Remember when I posted about him and his AWESOME celebration entitled "Gung Haggis Fat Choy" a few years ago? Well he's still going strong in 2013! He posted this info about his anual event in Vancouver and I HIGHLY recommend you attend if you are in Vancouver on Sunday!
Gung Haggis Fat Choy is getting closer to 1765... But only going back as far as 1858... to acknowledge the founding of British Columbia by Sir James Douglas to proclaim the Colony of British Columbia. Douglas was born in Guyana (then called Demera), to a Scottish father and Creole mother from Barbados. He then went to school in Lanark Scotland, before coming to Canada to work for the Northwest Company.
2013 Gung Haggis Fat Choy Dinner is January 27th Sunday at Floata Restaurant in Vancouver Chinatown.
Check our website www.gunghaggis.com
AND...check out last year's AWESOME event:
Gung Haggis Fat Choy is getting closer to 1765... But only going back as far as 1858... to acknowledge the founding of British Columbia by Sir James Douglas to proclaim the Colony of British Columbia. Douglas was born in Guyana (then called Demera), to a Scottish father and Creole mother from Barbados. He then went to school in Lanark Scotland, before coming to Canada to work for the Northwest Company.
2013 Gung Haggis Fat Choy Dinner is January 27th Sunday at Floata Restaurant in Vancouver Chinatown.
Check our website www.gunghaggis.com
AND...check out last year's AWESOME event:
Happy Rabbie Burns Day!
Happy Robert Burns Day! Where are you eating YOUR haggis?!
Fair fa' your honest, sonsie face,
Great chieftain o the puddin'-race!
Aboon them a' ye tak your place,
Painch, tripe, or thairm:
Weel are ye worthy o' a grace
As lang's my arm.
The groaning trencher there ye fill,
Your hurdies like a distant hill,
Your pin wad help to mend a mill
In time o need,
While thro your pores the dews distil
Like amber bead.
His knife see rustic Labour dight,
An cut you up wi ready slight,
Trenching your gushing entrails bright,
Like onie ditch;
And then, O what a glorious sight,
Warm-reekin, rich!
Then, horn for horn, they stretch an strive:
Deil tak the hindmost, on they drive,
Till a' their weel-swall'd kytes belyve
Are bent like drums;
The auld Guidman, maist like to rive,
'Bethankit' hums.
Is there that owre his French ragout,
Or olio that wad staw a sow,
Or fricassee wad mak her spew
Wi perfect scunner,
Looks down wi sneering, scornfu view
On sic a dinner?
Poor devil! see him owre his trash,
As feckless as a wither'd rash,
His spindle shank a guid whip-lash,
His nieve a nit;
Thro bloody flood or field to dash,
O how unfit!
But mark the Rustic, haggis-fed,
The trembling earth resounds his tread,
Clap in his walie nieve a blade,
He'll make it whissle;
An legs an arms, an heads will sned,
Like taps o thrissle.
Ye Pow'rs, wha mak mankind your care,
And dish them out their bill o fare,
Auld Scotland wants nae skinking ware
That jaups in luggies:
But, if ye wish her gratefu prayer,
Gie her a Haggis
 |
| What? You think I was kindof hot? Perhaps that's because I WAS, y'all! Now eat yer haggis and go tae bed ye brash lads and lassies! |
Fair fa' your honest, sonsie face,
Great chieftain o the puddin'-race!
Aboon them a' ye tak your place,
Painch, tripe, or thairm:
Weel are ye worthy o' a grace
As lang's my arm.
The groaning trencher there ye fill,
Your hurdies like a distant hill,
Your pin wad help to mend a mill
In time o need,
While thro your pores the dews distil
Like amber bead.
His knife see rustic Labour dight,
An cut you up wi ready slight,
Trenching your gushing entrails bright,
Like onie ditch;
And then, O what a glorious sight,
Warm-reekin, rich!
Then, horn for horn, they stretch an strive:
Deil tak the hindmost, on they drive,
Till a' their weel-swall'd kytes belyve
Are bent like drums;
The auld Guidman, maist like to rive,
'Bethankit' hums.
Is there that owre his French ragout,
Or olio that wad staw a sow,
Or fricassee wad mak her spew
Wi perfect scunner,
Looks down wi sneering, scornfu view
On sic a dinner?
Poor devil! see him owre his trash,
As feckless as a wither'd rash,
His spindle shank a guid whip-lash,
His nieve a nit;
Thro bloody flood or field to dash,
O how unfit!
But mark the Rustic, haggis-fed,
The trembling earth resounds his tread,
Clap in his walie nieve a blade,
He'll make it whissle;
An legs an arms, an heads will sned,
Like taps o thrissle.
Ye Pow'rs, wha mak mankind your care,
And dish them out their bill o fare,
Auld Scotland wants nae skinking ware
That jaups in luggies:
But, if ye wish her gratefu prayer,
Gie her a Haggis
Monday, January 21, 2013
Outlander Chat Tonight (Meeting at Diana Gabaldon's Fairfax Appearance to be Discussed!)
Outlander Chat tonight. 9PM Eastern. I plan on discussing Diana Gabaldon's signing at the Fairfax Public Library in April...so if you're planning on going, come say "Hi!"
Friday, January 18, 2013
Men in Kilts
Thanks to Karen and everyone who has sent me email or posted on my Facebook wall to alert me that MEN IN KILTS window cleaners have now opened a location at the Jersey Shore!!! (As soon as I can convince my husband to let me hire them, I'll let you all know!)
Monday, January 14, 2013
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Kilts on Pinterest
Can I repin an entire board? Yowsa.
 |
| Thanks to Sheri for letting me share her FANTASTIC Pinterest board! Make sure you click the link to go see the whole thing! |
Friday, January 11, 2013
Happy Birthday Diana!
to the awesomest, gracious to her fansiest, enjoyer of vinoest, wife of my best friend Dougiest, creator of Jamie Fraserest and MOSTest distinguished writer on the planet, y'all!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DIANA GABALDON!!!
Many happy returns!
LÃ breith sona dhuibh!!!
Monday, January 7, 2013
Monday, December 31, 2012
Happy Hogmanay!
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Monarch of the Glen in 2013
Make 2013 the year that you finally watch Monarch of the Glen
!
It's like a huge, steaming pile of Scottish goodness, dropped directly into your lap!
!It's like a huge, steaming pile of Scottish goodness, dropped directly into your lap!
Friday, December 21, 2012
The Wee Man
I canna WAIT for this film. Not only is John Hannah in it...but some of you will remember Martin Compston as Ewan on Monarch of the Glen. He's tremendous and seems to be playing a seasoned, gangster, grown-up version of the same character in The Wee Man!
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
MOP Character Contest Entries Coming Shortly
I am just now going through and reading all the entries via email, along with the names of everyone who sent them...and can say that I am somewhat floored. People I expected to ham it up, didn't...some I wouldn't have expected...did!
I am going to post all of the entries soon. If you do NOT want your name to be printed along with your entry, please email me again and let me know.
We are SO doing this again, soon!
PS - Another male Outlander fan...I love it! You need to come to MOP Chat one of these days, mister! :)
I am going to post all of the entries soon. If you do NOT want your name to be printed along with your entry, please email me again and let me know.
We are SO doing this again, soon!
PS - Another male Outlander fan...I love it! You need to come to MOP Chat one of these days, mister! :)
Monday, December 17, 2012
The My Outlander Purgatory Character Contest WINNERS
But first...let me tell you how we picked the winners. Tracey and I each picked 8 entries...and then compared notes. Interestingly enough, 5 out of the 8 were a match. Of the 5, we each picked 3 and compared notes...and all 3 were the same! We each picked an "honorable mention" as well.
Let me just say that every single one of those entries was tremendous. I wish they could all be winners...because they were so well thought-out. Whether they were longer and more descriptive...or a quick one-liner, we really enjoyed them all...and hope you did, too!
And now...for the winners of the MOP Character Contest (drumroll please):
WINNERS (3):
- I would want to be Claire, not only because she has Jamie, but because she has the best genes ever. The woman does not age! She still has a nice arse at 47 (Joe Abernathy would tap that), and I am telling you, that is nearly impossible! (At least it is in my gene pool-- our arses make it until about 18 and then wave their white flag at old man Gravity.) She's also a career woman in a time when there was no such thing, knowing the healing properties of every plant in the 18th and 20th century, from Scotland to North America. Yeah, there are some negatives-- body lice, battles, strumpets trying to steal her man, and Frank from 1948-1966, to mention a few-- but having a devoted, warm, supportive, and sweet man like the Lord of Lallybroch by her side, an impressive, century-spanning resume, and a great body into her 50s... there is no other choice for me.
- I would love to be the girl who gave Jamie his son....Geneva Dunsany. I think of her and wondered what the relationship would have been between them if she had lived. I am certain Jamie would not have been able to stay away from his son, especially in those years after he was released from his bond. Geneva wanted Jamie. He was gentle with her when he bedded her and even though she was a wicked wee bizum, I would fantasize that with the birth of the baby things may have been different between them. So, yea, I would be GenevHO, if only for that one night..... sigh.
- I'd be Donas, so I could have Jamie riding me all day!
HONORABLE MENTIONS (2):
- I would be Frank because then at least one of us would be able to answer the question "What did Frank know?"
- I'd be Frank. 'Cause I'm a bit of a douche.
I find it verra interesting that both honorable mentions are about Frank. Always 2nd best, poor guy!
Now that we know the winning entries...let's find out who the winners are! If you are one of our 3 winners, please comment below and let us know who you are. Also - send me an email at carol@myoutlanderpurgatory.com, letting me know what (1 credit) audio book you want from audible.com...and what email address to send it to.
I will post ALL entries after we find out the winners...and it's up to the rest of you whether or not you want to come clean about who you are!! :)
Thanks again to all who entered; we've had a blast. Something tells me I'll be running another contest again verra soon!
Saturday, December 15, 2012
MOP Character Contest has Officially Ended
The three winners will be posted this Monday, December 17th!
Friday, December 14, 2012
Last Day for the MOP Outlander Character Contest!
LOVE the entries so far. It's going to be ridiculously hard to choose. Tracey and I will be hashing it out this weekend...and I'll post the winners on Monday.
I've been thinking about my own answer...which I have not posted yet. There are different ways to look at this. Who is the most interesting? Who would I love to play? Who does everyone love the most?
I think I have my answer. It won't be nearly as interesting as most of yours...but I'll post that on Monday, too. :)
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Whisky Cookie Recipe
Anonymous left this on a previous post...but I thought it warranted a repost! Thanks, Anon!
Whiskey Cookies
Whiskey Cookies
1 lb. butter, softened
2c. powdered sugar (sifted)
1 egg yolk
2 generous shots whiskey
4 c. flour
Beat butter until fluffy. Add ingredients in order given. Drop by 1/2 tsp. full onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Place pecan, candied cherries, chocolate jimmies, colored sugars or dip half in chocolate and sprinkle with fine crushed nuts. Bake in 350 degree oven for 25 minutes. Watch for cookies to brown around edges. Makes 8 dozen and they freeze well.
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Lifescapes: Scottish Moors
I listened to Lifescapes: Scottish Moors nonstop while reading the Outlander series...and figured I'd link to it during the holidays.Get this - Amazon has it listed for $47.89 new! I guess they don't make it anymore?? (The Bronze Horseman fans are thinking "Tatian's Table" right about now.) If you're buying it for yourself, they do list it for $3.25 used. Not a bad deal.
Sunday, December 9, 2012
SCOTLAND: The Autobiography - 2,000 Years of Scottish History By Those Who Saw It Happen
Look at this gorgeous book
!I am ordering this for myself and telling my hubby to wrap it up!
"A vivid, wide-ranging, and engrossing account of Scotland's history, composed of timeless stories by those who experienced it first-hand. Contributors range from Tacitus, Mary, Queen of Scots, and Oliver Cromwell to Adam Smith, David Livingstone, and Billy Connolly. These include not only historic moments--from Bannockburn to the opening of the new parliament in 1999--but also testimonies like that of the eightyear- old factory worker who was dangled by his ear out of a third-floor window for making a mistake; the survivors of the 1746 Battle of Culloden, who wished perhaps that they had died on the field; the breakthrough moment for John Logie Baird, inventor of television; and, the genesis of great works of literature recorded by Conan Doyle, Stevenson, and the editor of Encyclopaedia Britannica. From the battlefield to the sports field, this is living, accessible history told by crofters, criminals, servants, housewives, poets, journalists, nurses, politicians, prisoners, comedians, sportsmen, and many more."
Post scriptum: I JUST BOUGHT IT. Absolutely amazing book...beyond words. If you get a chance, read the story, "Jacobite Orphans, 1746" by John MacDonald. It sounds like something right out of a Diana Gabaldon book. Just grabs you "right here".
Friday, December 7, 2012
Christmastime Bannocks
Holy COW those things are scrumptious. I posted the recipe a while back before I made them for my Outlander party with my book club.
If you haven't yet tried them, lorddddd get out there and make some!
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Attention MOP Contest Entries!
The entries are already coming in! To those of you who have already entered, we have a request. To avoid discrepancies about who sent the winning entries, please cut and paste your entry to an email and send it here (contest@mypurgatory.com.) This email will be read *after* we've picked the winners.
Already enjoying the entries!! Keep 'em coming!
Already enjoying the entries!! Keep 'em coming!
Monday, December 3, 2012
My Outlander Purgatory Character Contest!
Lads and Lassies! I give you...the first ever...My Outlander Purgatory Character Contest!
Three lucky winners will be awarded the audio book of their choice from Audible.com!
So what's the contest??
If you were an Outlander series character, who would you be, and why?
A few simple rules...
- To enter, post your answer under this post as a comment. Please post comments anonymously. (Just sign out and sign back in as "anonymous" before you post. NO NAMES!) :) THEN - cut and paste your entry and email it here (contest@mypurgatory.com). (That way, we will have proof the entry came from you when we are finished judging...AND I can post everyone's entries on the blog.)
- Contest ends Friday, December 14th at Midnight. Winners will be announced Monday, December 17th.
- Entries will be judged by Carol and Tracey and will be based on originality!! Also - length of entry does NOT matter. One sentence or ten sentences...it's up to you!
- Audiobook credit (1) will be sent to you by Carol, via email.
The Minister's Cat
Went to see a local production of Scrooge: The Musical last night...and thought of all of you when they performed "The Minister's Cat".
Here's one I found on Youtube. Giggle.
Here's one I found on Youtube. Giggle.
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Happy Anniversary Tracey!
Just want to throw out a very special Happy Anniversary to my Outlander Mentor and sister, Tracey...and her awesome hubby, John. Woot!
Friday, November 30, 2012
An Independent Scotland, Eh?
Interesting theories about what things will be like if the referendum for an independent Scotland is passed in 2014.
Pssst! The Link has been updated...so try it again if you weren't able to see the article last time!
Pssst! The Link has been updated...so try it again if you weren't able to see the article last time!
Joseph Morgan as Stephen Bonnet?
Does anyone else think that Joseph Morgan would make a fantastic Stephen Bonnet? I mean...dinna get me wrong, lads and lassies; the man could play any number of characters and be tremendous. Hell, I'd be willing to see him in a Lord John role. But I'm used to seeing him be both charasmatic and vicious as Klaus on the Vampire Diaries...so Bonnet's not such a stretch.
Thursday, November 29, 2012
A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows eBooks: $1.99!
Thanks to Julie in Jersey for this very cool info:
A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows: An Outlander Novella [Kindle Edition]
Diana Gabaldon (Author)
Kindle Price: $1.99 includes free wireless delivery via Amazon Whispernet
Sold by: Random House Digital, Inc.
This price was set by the publisher
Kindle edition is due out on 12/3/12. --Julie in Jersey
And Thanks to JenniferTN for sending this about Barnes and Noble:
And Thanks to JenniferTN for sending this about Barnes and Noble:
It is available at Barnes and Noble for $1.99 as well. That's for all those Nook users out there.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Loaf 'N Jug...and Outlander!
I just received this email from Lara and it totally and completely made my day. Guaranteed it's going to make yours, as well. I love the Outlander universe!!!!
I have the most awesomest thing to tell you. So, I don't know if you know this, but I've said a couple times, to Clay anyway, that if I ever run into some money, I'm going to rent a castle in Scotland, charter a plane and take us all there on a mega GATHERING. Anyway, I just stopped at the "Loaf n' Jug", yes, that's it's real name... our local stop and rob, and bought $20 worth of Powerball tix...because the jackpot is like $550 mil and I never gamble or buy lottery tix...but I can't not when the jackpot is that high. Anyway, again, the cashier and I were chatting and she said she never buys tix either and she should because the only thing she wants is a trip to Scotland. My mouth fell open and I was like, "OMG, ME TOO! I'm going to take my whole book club friends with me!" Then she says, "What book?!?!?! DIANA GABALDON?" It was a full on middle of nowhere South Dakota Outlander moment. Then she says, "Well Jamie is mine so back off!" I about fell out right there in the middle of the store with a bunch of cowboys watching. We giggled and laughed and practically hugged. Made my day. So long story short, when I win Powerball and we all go to Scotland, I'm taking the cashier from the Loaf n' Jug in Box Elder, South Dakota with us.
Monday, November 26, 2012
Kindle Fire - Cool "Cyber Monday" Deal
VERY cool deal for Cyber Monday - get a Kindle Fire for only $129! Enter FIREDEAL at checkout!
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Gabriel Aubry Scuffle: Please! Not the Face!
Apparently Mr. Aubry had a scuffle with Oliver Martinez the other day and has a pretty beaten up face.
Now...normally I pay little attention to this type of Page 6 celebudrama...but after coming across the photos, I couldn't help thinking that this is what Jamie Fraser would look like after a fight!
All roads lead to Outlander folks...all roads lead to Outlander.
Friday, November 23, 2012
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Torn
Sometimes I just have to repost...and this is one of those times. If you are a Twilight fan AND an Outlander fan...you will get a kick out of this. If you are not, you still just might. :)
Scotland the Brave Ringtone
I felt the need to mention that my hubby, Tom has recently set "Scotland the Brave" to be his new ringtone on his phone...and it is very, very cool. I figured I can't do this because we'll both be running to the phone every time we hear it...but at least you guys can!
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Random Outlander Question
SPOILER ALERT: DO NOT read this unless you have read VOYAGER - the 3rd book in the Outlander series!!
Do you ever wake up in the morning and go about your day, when all of a sudden it hits you all over again like a ton of bricks:
"Holy shit! Jamie married Laoghaire!!!"
Me too.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Do you ever wake up in the morning and go about your day, when all of a sudden it hits you all over again like a ton of bricks:
"Holy shit! Jamie married Laoghaire!!!"
Me too.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Monday, November 19, 2012
Monday, November 12, 2012
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Scotsman.com
Want to find out what's going on in Scotland today? Check out Scotsman.com. Tremendous website, chock full of Scottish goodness.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Site Maintenance
I am messing around with the site design tonight...so please forgive me if it's looking a bit wonky!
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Outlander to Air on Starz
Tremendous announcement today that Outlander will be developed by Starz! I am thrilled. I watched both the "Pillars of the Earth" miniseries and the "Camelot" series on Starz and thought they were both done beautifully and extremely well cast.
And speaking of casting...I find it interesting that two people near the top of my short list for Jamie an Claire were on both of the aforementioned shows. Hayley Atwell was in Pillars and Philip Winchester was in Camelot. So at least I know Starz appreciates solid acting.
Holy CASTING, Batman. Do you know what this means?? STARZ has already been named...it's only a matter of time before we find out about actors. (insert nervous giggling here)
Here is a scene from the Starz series, "The Pillars of the Earth". If Outlander is anything like this, I will be beside myself. (And I will use any excuse to post this Eddie Redmaye clip. I'm so shameless.)
And speaking of casting...I find it interesting that two people near the top of my short list for Jamie an Claire were on both of the aforementioned shows. Hayley Atwell was in Pillars and Philip Winchester was in Camelot. So at least I know Starz appreciates solid acting.
Holy CASTING, Batman. Do you know what this means?? STARZ has already been named...it's only a matter of time before we find out about actors. (insert nervous giggling here)
Here is a scene from the Starz series, "The Pillars of the Earth". If Outlander is anything like this, I will be beside myself. (And I will use any excuse to post this Eddie Redmaye clip. I'm so shameless.)
Monday, November 5, 2012
Outlander Chat Tonight - Carol and Tracey Iffy
Here is the deal for tonight's chat:
- I am washing uniforms for members of the National Guard who are working in my area and have to make a pick-up tonight 9:30...which will cut into chat time. (Geez - who do these disaster relief people think they ARE, messing with my Jamie Fraser time??) ;) I will try to get there for a few minutes at 9:00.
- Tracey has been hostessing for those in her town without power this week and isn't sure how many people she'll have tonight - or how long they'll stay...so she's not sure if she'll be able to chat.
That said, chat should go on! Please proceed with or without us and we will do our very best to get there! :)
- I am washing uniforms for members of the National Guard who are working in my area and have to make a pick-up tonight 9:30...which will cut into chat time. (Geez - who do these disaster relief people think they ARE, messing with my Jamie Fraser time??) ;) I will try to get there for a few minutes at 9:00.
- Tracey has been hostessing for those in her town without power this week and isn't sure how many people she'll have tonight - or how long they'll stay...so she's not sure if she'll be able to chat.
That said, chat should go on! Please proceed with or without us and we will do our very best to get there! :)
Someone to Watch Over Me: MOP Friend JC Bodden Answers Questions About Her First Novel
SPOILER ALERT: The following contains spoilers about
Someone to Watch Over Me by J C Bodden!!
- WHAT made you come up with the idea for this book?
- ANYONE you see in your mind when you think of Joe or any of the main characters? (You know how I love to "see" it in my mind!)
- WHY did Wagner smell like cigarettes and alcohol when he walked by Joe after he stabbed Amy? Was he out getting schnockered at the local gin mill just prior? Or was it done to throw the reader? This made me think the killer wasn't Wags. Brills on your part!
- WHAT ever happened to Joe’s father? I hope it was something bad. (Does that shower me with bad karma if these are fictional characters?)
- WHAT is the new book about? Assuming another mystery that revolves around Jennie's dad??
- WILL we see more Joe?!?! (Lordddddddd...need to see more Joe!)
I actually came up for the idea for this book long ago when I was a Resident Advisor in college at Auburn University - although there were more of us (one RA per hall) then than just the 'Jennie' character. There was a 'urban myth' about our particular dorm that a maintenance man actually did have a little hidey-hole up in the attic and drilled holes through the ceiling so he could spy on the girls below. I lived on the top floor of the dorm, so it was like our own personal ghost story that we would tell just to scare the bejeebers out of each other. One time some of the other girls on the hall drew a picture of a blood shot eyeball with the words 'He's watching you!' and taped it on the ceiling right above my top bunk pillow so I didn't notice it until I laid down that night to go to sleep! Some of the other stuff mentioned - the water heaters going out, the fire alarm set off in the middle of the night - really did happen. But no one was ever murdered or kidnapped while I was there. And I don't know for sure if there was ever a creepy attic guy. :)
When I first started writing the story, in keeping with that original myth, the bad guy was Joe, the maintenance guy... but as I wrote his character more and more I couldn't help but first of all, feel sorry for the little kid and then, later, fall in love with the adult. So, of course, he couldn't be the bad guy! And then, when I went back and read what I had wrote, I realized that Joe Haliday was basically my own dear husband - Jay! Well, now, let me back up. Jay is not deaf. Nor did he have a neglected childhood living with an alcoholic mother and then an indifferent father. And his eyes are green, not shockingly blue. But otherwise, yeah... Joe = Jay. Hell, they even have the same initials! I'll send you a picture of Jay in college so you can see what I mean.
 |
| HOT, party of THIS guy! |
Wagner is a combination of two people I actually know also - looks-wise and personality-wise. Looks - one of my son's baseball coaches and personality - one of my former boyfriends. And I'm not saying anything more on that! (Although, once again, no one was ever killed or kidnapped or whatever. Plus, no animals were harmed in the making of this movie...)
As to Wagner's state when he walked by Joe after stabbing Amy... yeah, he was out getting a little lit up just before the attack - probably as a way to bolster his courage, the little shit. And also, he was good at pulling the wool over everyone's eyes, wasn't he? We thought he was one way when, really, he was something else all together. As far as trying to throw the reader, yeah, that's certainly part of it. I tired to do that repeatedly. I mean, I wanted you to love Joe and yet also wonder. I will say this, when Jay was reading it at one point he came to me and said, "If the bad guy is Joe then just go ahead and tell me now because I'm not going to read the rest of it." To which I replied, "Come on, baby. You know me. Do you think I would write a book I wouldn't like to read?"
As to Joe's father... I think we might see him in a later story line, but I don't know. Either that or he lived out the rest of his miserable existence in a state-supported nursing home, drooling onto his bathrobe, waiting for someone to come and visit him. I haven't really decided yet. (And the only karma it showers you with is fictional karma. Plus it's Joe's dad's karma, not yours. So you're safe. Double. I promise.)
The new book centers around Jennie's dad but Jennie and Joe are in it as well... And yes, it's a mystery.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Hurricane Sandy
I live at the Jersey shore and my family was extremely lucky. Our neighborhood is set pretty high in town so my street didn't flood. We also had unbelievable wind gusts but didin't lose any trees, which is much more than I can say for many homes on my block. At this point we have no power/heat/hot air...but we have a generator running here and there for some essentials and our sump pump is keeping our basement dry. The electric company has given us an estimate of 10 - 15 days without power and we have been informed our kids will not be going back to school until that time. But - again - we feel absolutely blessed to be alive and living under our own roof.
I cannot tell you how helpless we all feel here at the shore. So many people are without homes and an indescribable number of our beloved landmarks have vanished. The devastation is just impossible to truly comprehend.
Please say a prayer - or offer up a silent moment - for the people whose lives are forever changed because of this horrific storm.
*** The above drawbridge is in my town. The boats you see were dry docked at a marina nearby and were picked up and carried away by raging floodwaters. That marina is on the exact site where once stood the Union Salt Works. The salt works were burned down in April 1778 by British loyalists who were trying to cripple this area by removing the only way to preserve meat and other foods. Against all odds, after repairs, the salt works were once again operational...as will be the Jersey Shore in the coming months and years.
Monday, October 29, 2012
Monday, October 22, 2012
No Outlander Chat Tonight
Outlander chat is canceled this evening so the Americans can hoot and holler at our television screens during the final Presidential debate before the upcoming November elections.
See you next week!!
See you next week!!
Saturday, October 20, 2012
All 16 and 17 Year Olds to Have Vote on Scottish Independence
Ho-Ly-Cow, sassenachs...this Telegraph post (by Patrick Hennessy) talks about a HUGE factor in the upcoming referendum for independence in Scotland in 2014.
"The Scottish Government will pay for a voter registration programme so that all 16 and 17 year olds can vote in the independence referendum, Alex Salmond has announced."
I fully admit that if this were going on here in the US for the upcoming Presidential election, I'd be freaking out. Some 16 year olds are still too immature to grasp a decision of this magnitude But because it's Scottish independence we're talking about...I think I'm all for it!Friday, October 19, 2012
Monday, October 15, 2012
Monday, October 8, 2012
Monday, October 1, 2012
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Cameron's Scottish Market
Cameron's Scottish Market (where I buy my Scottish foods) starts shipping frozen foods on November 30th. Mark your calendars and order some Bridies and Sausage Rolls for your family for dinner! (Not sure about Canada and beyond...you can email them here.)
Friday, September 28, 2012
My Outlander Purgatory 1,000 Twitter Followers!
I want to throw out a huge CONGRATULATIONS to my sista-girl and Outlander Mentor, Tracey, who runs the MOP Outlander Twitter page! Why? Because we now have 1,000 followers on Twitter!! Woot!!!
"My Purgatory" on Facebook
Guess what? I created a "My Purgatory" Facebook page!I will be discussing everything over there...books, tv, film, etc etc.
And I could also...ahem...use some "likes". :)
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
The Tilted Kilt
Just saw an old friend's post on Facebook, inviting people to go to a bar called "The Tilted Kilt". I think I may have heard of this place before from Clay and/or Christie...so I went to the website to have a look for myself. Two words:
Um, ew.
Is it me??? If the girls were cute and walked around in kilts, I think I'd be OK with it. (Especially if they were serving fried pickles.) But giant ta tas stuffed into giant tartan bras to match the aforementioned kilts? Let me state again...
Um, ew.
I mean, the place was started in Vegas by an Italian guy who wanted to create a Celtic atmosphere in general; Irish, Scottish, English...it's all here.
And ta tas. Giant, tartan, scantily clad ta tas.
And again, I ask: Is it me??? I am pretty hip...I'm pretty cool...I am not a stuffed shirt by any means. (See my My Dream Man Purgatory blog for confirmation.) But this? I feel like it is a slap in the face to the men who lived and died in those kilts in the Highlands all those years ago. Men who, I might add, would probably dig the heck out of The Tilted Kilt. Let's call a spade a spade. I'm sure Jamie would have tried not to stare at any of the giant tatas...and he would have been extraordinarily uncomfortable when they - intentionally or not - happened to rub up against him. Mmm hmmm.
I guess maybe I feel that if you are going to sport a certain culture's garb - past or present - you should know and respect its' origin. But that makes me a hypocrite as there are an obscene amount of jeans in my wardrobe and all I know about their origin is that denim was a sturdy fabric created for the working man.
Where is the origin of the tartan bra? The Tilted Kilt? And should I therefore respect it? I think not. I think...unfortunately...that I am left feeling like this:
Um, ew.
PS - WHAT is that accent? American-Actress-Scots-Mixed-With-Spanish?!?
Um, ew.
Is it me??? If the girls were cute and walked around in kilts, I think I'd be OK with it. (Especially if they were serving fried pickles.) But giant ta tas stuffed into giant tartan bras to match the aforementioned kilts? Let me state again...
Um, ew.
I mean, the place was started in Vegas by an Italian guy who wanted to create a Celtic atmosphere in general; Irish, Scottish, English...it's all here.
And ta tas. Giant, tartan, scantily clad ta tas.
And again, I ask: Is it me??? I am pretty hip...I'm pretty cool...I am not a stuffed shirt by any means. (See my My Dream Man Purgatory blog for confirmation.) But this? I feel like it is a slap in the face to the men who lived and died in those kilts in the Highlands all those years ago. Men who, I might add, would probably dig the heck out of The Tilted Kilt. Let's call a spade a spade. I'm sure Jamie would have tried not to stare at any of the giant tatas...and he would have been extraordinarily uncomfortable when they - intentionally or not - happened to rub up against him. Mmm hmmm.
I guess maybe I feel that if you are going to sport a certain culture's garb - past or present - you should know and respect its' origin. But that makes me a hypocrite as there are an obscene amount of jeans in my wardrobe and all I know about their origin is that denim was a sturdy fabric created for the working man.
Where is the origin of the tartan bra? The Tilted Kilt? And should I therefore respect it? I think not. I think...unfortunately...that I am left feeling like this:
Um, ew.
PS - WHAT is that accent? American-Actress-Scots-Mixed-With-Spanish?!?
Monday, September 24, 2012
Monday, September 17, 2012
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Outlander Photo Contest
Congrats to all the winners of the Outlander Photo Contest over at Outlandish Observations! And a collective "way to go" to Karen for all her obvious hard work on this project! When she went off line last night to get some sleep so she could organize the photos this AM, I realized just how much work she was putting in! :)
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Diana Gabaldon Webcast
Very cool email from Will Hanisko from The Poisoned Pen. How cool is this?!
Hi Carol,
I'm an employee of The Poisoned Pen Bookstore and I wanted to pass on a little info about an upcoming event we'll be having with Diana Gabaldon.
She will be discussing her latest novel A TRAIL OF FIRE on October 23 2012 at 7pm. We've engineered it so that fans can virtually attend here: https://new.livestream.com/poisonedpen/TrailOfFire
I'll be passing fan questions along to her as the virtual event progresses. Right now, I'm really trying to get the word out so that fans all over the world can watch and even participate.
The in person event details can be found here:
I hope to see you there!
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Dragonfly in Amber Puzzle
Sooz has created yet another puzzle! This time it's Dragonfly in Amber!
Click the puzzle to download!
Click the puzzle to download!
Monday, September 3, 2012
No Chat Tonight: Happy Labor Day!
Chat will be canceled due to the Labor Day holiday in the United States (thus my cheesy, sparkling graphic. Did somebody say "Edward"??) Hope you are all enjoying the weekend and we'll see you next week!
Monday, August 20, 2012
Monday, August 13, 2012
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Outlander Crossword Puzzle
Sooz created an Outlander crossword puzzle!!
Download the puzzle here (it consists of the puzzle page, the clue page and the answer page.)
Many, many THANKS to Sooz for coming up with this tremendous idea and working so hard - once again - on such an incredibly fun Outlander project.
Can't wait to try it out! Enjoy!
***UPDATE 9/17/13 - the link has been changed to a new download page. You do NOT have to pay for this download!!
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Caledonia Scottish Pub
Meanwhile...they closed last year...and Tracey and I (and my Scots-American hubby) were devastated.
That is, until just now when I discovered they have reopened as Caledonia Scottish Pub!!!!
I cannot TELL YOU how excited I am! They have a MENU on their website that lists their 150 different kinds of whisky!!! AND they have whisky-tasting nights all the time! And if THAT weren't enough (and believe me; it is)...they also serve meat pies and sausage rolls! Mmmm...sausage rolls. (Said like Homer Simpson.) If you have never had one; you've never lived.
This is breathing new life into my plans to hold a MOP Gathering in NYC y'all...
PS - Never had a sausage roll or meat pie and want some shipped overnight to you? I've got just the place!!!
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