Culloden Battlefield Development APPROVED! 😡 (UPDATED! APPROVAL REVERSED!)

UPDATE: So apparently the Culloden grounds development was approved...and then UNAPPROVED!

They're not out of the woods yet...but read on for more info!!!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


I cannot TELL you how devastated I am about this. I just can't believe it. Pure shock and sadness.

MOP Video: Droughtlander Diversions!

Droughtlander Silliness: Bagpipe Bungee Jump

Outlandish Companion Kindle Edition for $2.99!!!

STOP THE PRESSES!!!

For a limited time, you can get the Outlandish Companion Kindle edition for $2.99!!!

HURRY!!! This is only a limited offer!!!

MOP Video: Season 3 Episode 313: Eye of the Storm

MOP Video: Season 3, Episode 312 "The Bakra"

MOP Tom RINGS THAT BELL!!!

Today was Tom's final radiation treatment at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. I cannot
begin to tell you guys how THANKFUL we are for all of your prayers and well-wishes. Tom has been blown away by all the comments you guys leave here and on Twitter, Youtube, Facebook, etc...and you have all really helped him to keep his head on straight and get THROUGH THIS!! 😘

MOP Video: Season 3, Episode 311 "Uncharted"

MOP Video: Outlander "Heaven and Earth" Episode 310

MOP Video: Season 3, Episode 309: The Doldrums

MOP Video: Season 3, Episode 308 "First Wife"

MOP Video: Outlander Season 3 Ep 307: Creme de Menthe

MOP Video: Episode 306: A. Malcolm

MOP Video: Season 3, Ep 305 - Freedom and Whisky

Ardsmuir Shawshank Redemption Giggles

Just in case you missed it the first time around...

Our Shawshank Redemption comparison to Ardsmuir is only a 1:38 long...and if you're a fan of that movie, I think you'll probably laugh your arse off, too. Enjoy!

MOP Video: Season 3, Ep 304 "Of Lost Things"

MOP Video: S3 Ep 303 All Debts Paid

Outlander Season 3, Ep 302: Surrender

Jamie and Claire...in 2017 Couples' Therapy! 😂

Outlander The Battle Joined Episode 301 Recap: My Outlander Purgatory Breaks It Down!

Outlander Starz - Season 3 / Ep 1: WATCH, sassenach!

Outlander: Ep 301 - The Battle Joined: After living through the Battle of Culloden, Jamie is at the mercy of British victors, until his past provides his only hope of survival. Meanwhile, a pregnant Clarie attempts to adjust to life in 1940's Boston.

Fine Scottish Cursing According to Buzzfeed

Holy crap, this Buzzfeed article entitled "16 Of The Very Greatest, Sweariest Scottish Insults Of All Time" was just sent to me by Hugh from Scotland. It was written by Hilary Mitchell, the Edinburgh-based Buzzfeed editor in Scotland. It's seriously one of the most hilarious things I've ever read. Check out her page for some really great Scottish hilarity. (But I warn ye, some of it is mucho curserific. You've been warned!)

MOP Video: Outlander Season 3 Preview!

New Season 3 Trailer (Get the Smelling Salts!)

Outlander Starz Season 3 Official Trailer

Outlander Season 3 Premiere Date: 9-10-17

What Time is It?

SPOILER ALERT: Dinna read unless you've read Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon. 

So I watching the Outlander Season 2 premiere last night. Hubby was flipping channels, saw it, and stayed there. Either I have him trained, or that man is a bonafide Outlander fan! 😂

And as I was watching, I saw something I hadn't remembered from the first thousand times I watched it:

Claire realizing Jamie is dead. No, worse...Claire realizing that Jamie's been dead this...whole...time. Just like me! Just like ALL of us!

When I started Dragonfly in Amber, Tracey made me read Page 1 with her on the phone. And then I got upset and started to cry.

"Jamie's DEAD!", I said.

"Jamie was dead the day you started the series", Tracey said.

And last night, I watched Claire come to that realization, too. 😢

Seven Stones to Stand or Fall

It's HERE, y'all!! NEW Diana Gabaldon!

Seven Stones to Stand or Fall!

"A magnificent collection of Outlander short fiction—including two never-before-published novellas—featuring Jamie Fraser, Lord John Grey, Master Raymond, and many more, from #1 New York Times bestselling author Diana Gabaldon."

Bannocks Shortcut? ❤️

LochCarron: Clan Battlefield Map

Got an email from Tamara at LochCarron regarding their new, interactive Clan Battlefield Map:

At Lochcarron, we have created an interactive battlefield map that details all the Clan wars that took place across Scotland from the 12th to the 18th Centuries. An added feature of being able to filter battles in Outlander and by the different clans.

http://www.lochcarron.co.uk/scottish-clan-battles-map/

We thought this would be a great way to uncover the rich History of Scotland and it’s famous Clans. Users are able to click on the various battlefield spots to uncover more information on the battle itself and the clans involved. 

Wow. This map is so neat (and kindof chilling.😱) You can click each red circle to read more info about each individual battle. (And I know which ones you're all going to click first. 💔)

Thanks Tamara!

Building off the Grid

SPOILER ALERT: Dinna read unless you've read "The Drums of Autumn" by Diana Gabaldon.

I am watching a guy named Joe Donovan on DIY ("Building off the Grid") build his own house – from scratch – in extremely rural Montana. Why am I mentioning this? It is reminding me of a certain awesome, fictitious couple who came to the US with nothing but a dream and the clothes on their back, and built a life for themselves on The Ridge.

Holy crap, I think I'm tearing up. ❤️

KILTY as Charged 😂

I wasn't even shopping for a book, let alone book about a hot Scot, but there it was, and she had me at "A Highlander followed her home...Can she keep him?"

And the tag line about Haggis?  Pretty damned amusing.

Kilty as Charged? Eeek, kindof silly, kindof intriguing.

Has anyone read this? It only has 43 reviews as of this moment, but it gets 5 stars...so I'm kindof inclined to give it a try!






*Like all bloggers who link to merchandise, I earn a few cents here or there from Amazon, Google, or a specific company if you buy anything on their websites after clicking on my links. It's not a lot, but it buys me a latte or a Wawa soda that's chock full of caffeine and helps me keep on blogging. :) So THANKS!

Look Where I Am ❤️ (Book 7 SPOILER!)

A Wee Jamie Fraser Reference...Sortof!

Went to the Museum of the American Revolution last weekend with Tom and the kids...and came across this awesome find. I know, I know...the spelling is different. But still. Tell me you wouldna have snapped a photo faster than you could say, "It's spelled with an S!"

Droughtlander Methadone

I've been meaning to mention this book, suggested to me but MOP friend, Shannon, who has appeared in a few videos with Tracey and me over the years: Surrender - Book #1* in the Mackinnon Rangers series* by Pamela Clare.

DISCLAIMER:

1) I am NOT comparing Pamela Clare to Diana Gabaldon. 
2) I am NOT comparing Ian MacKinnon to Jamie Fraser.

This book is a FUN READ! It's historical fiction (French and Indian War, Ticonderoga, etc) set in 18th century America and Scotland. It offers solid characters, familiar settings, decent writing and some TASTY lovin' scenes. (Lordddddd the tasty.) I really enjoyed it...and I figured I'd pass it along while you're waiting for the REAL DEAL to come back in September.

ENJOY! 📖


*Like all bloggers who link to merchandise, I earn a few cents here or there from Amazon, Google, etc if you buy anything on their websites after clicking on my links. It's not a lot, but it buys me a latte or a Wawa soda that's chock full of caffeine and helps me keep on blogging. :) So THANKS!

Happy Birthday Jamie Fraser!

My favorite MOP videos of all time.  We made these on May 1st, 2010.

Happy Birthday JAMMF.  :)

 

MOP Presents: Droughtlander Diversions!

UPDATE 4/2/17: We've been having some technical difficulties with YouTube, guys. For some reason, this is cutting off at 24 minutes. As soon as we get it straightened out, we'll repost the full version.

THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH for your patience and understanding!

Outlander Season 3 Trailer 💔

April 16, 1746: The Battle of Culloden ❤️

Happy Birthday "Deep Outlander Thoughts" TOM!

What Droughtlander Feels Like

Bring on Voyager!

Am I the only one watching Black Sails and getting mighty stoked for Outlander Season 3 on Starz??

Diana Gabaldon Interviewed by Julie Kosin of Harper's Bazaar

Happy Scottish Crimbaw!

Frank Meets Bree

OMGOMGOMG!!! New EW article about FRANK meeting BREE!!!

MY REACTION: 

First: "Wow...Tobias looks HOT in this shot!"

Second: "GET AWAY FROM THAT BABY!!!!!"😂

Irn Bru Christmas Hilarity

Droughtlander Diversions with MOP!

Yuletide Greetings from "PJ and the Elf"

Thanks to Janet F. for this hilarity!!

Congratulations Outlander! Most Bingworthy, Indeed!

Look Out, Connor MacLeod...

OK so remember the Scottish Claymore replica I bought on Amazon??

Guess who decided to make an appearance on it this morning! 😂

I swear, this Elf on the Shelf is almost more fun when your kids are older!!!

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Pocket Jamie Christmas

Will the REAL Robert the Bruce Please Stand Up

Reconstruction of the face
of Robert the Bruce

Angus MacFadyen as Robert the Bruce
in Braveheart (That wee film
Tracey has STILL yet to see!)

OMGOMGOMG...

← How cool is this??? They have reconstructed the face of ROBERT THE  BRUCE!!!  I am such a junkie for these findings from the UK that pop up here and there...and the fact that this is about someone from SCOTTISH history??? I am verklempt!!!

Last Day for 10% off at the MOP Shop! Plus - Christmas Shipping Deadlines!

Hey sassenachs! Today is the last day to receive 10% off your entire order at the MOP SHOP!  Use code CHRISTMAS16 at checkout!

Also, the MOP Shop's shipping deadlines for Christmas arrivals are just around the corner! (see below)

MARK ME, you'll want your goodies to arrive on time, so order yours today! ☺️


Ordering Deadlines for USA

Shipping Type	Latest possible order date
Standard (Continental US)	at the latest 12/16/2016, at 11:59 p.m. EST
Premium (Continental US)	at the latest 12/17/2016, at 11:59 p.m. EST
Express (Continental US)	at the latest 12/20/2016, at 11:59 p.m. EST

Ordering Deadlines for Canada

Shipping Type	Latest possible order date
International Standard	at the latest 11/30/2016, at 11:59 p.m. EST
International Express	at the latest 12/15/2016, at 11:59 p.m. EST

Ordering Deadlines for Australia

Shipping Type	Latest possible order date
International Standard	at the latest 11/30/2016, at 11:59 p.m. EST
International Express	at the latest 12/15/2016, at 11:59 p.m. EST

Outlander Holiday Gift Bundle from RockLove!

OUTLANDER Mentioned on Gilmore Girls?

As some of you know from our silly MOP Videos, Tracey and I made a deal: Tracey will watch 3 seasons of Turn: Washington's Spies and I will watch  7 seasons of Gilmore Girls...along with the Gilmore Girls revival released this past Friday on Netflix.

According to Tracey, episode 2 of the Gilmore Girls revival contains none other than...

...AN OUTLANDER REFERENCE!!!

I am already going as fast as I can, having completed almost 5 seasons (of 22 episodes, each!) in about 4 weeks (don't quote me; I have to check that number. And Tracey has finished 1 season of Turn. Yey, Tracey!) But NOW, I REALLY have to finish, so I can get to the revival...and the Outlander reference!

**Hey guys, PLEASE NO SPOILERS in the comments! Thanks!

All I Want For Christmas is Jamie Fraser

OK y'all. Now that we've gotten Thanksgiving out of the way here in the states, Christmas is right around the corner. What's on you wish list?

THAT question made me do a little googling...and I found this article about Jamie Fraser's non-attainable, idealistic qualities.

You may be confused as to whether she's being snarky or silly, but I chose the latter and found this a hilarious read. :)

The Scottish Mr. Bill?

Great Scott!! It's Black Friday!

Photo Credit: Richard Gootee

OMG Cutest article EVER about a guy from Scotland - Owen Thompson - who experienced his first Black Friday shopping day in the US.

I imagine it must look a little cray cray when everyone's a little nutty in the mall! (I am more of a shop online gal, but that's just me. LOL)

Even better - he called Thanksgiving "practice Christmas!" 😂

Happy Thanksgiving from the Ridge ❤️

Photo Credit: Homebunch.com

Old British Castles Dinnerware

Cool 18th century dinnerware find!

20 piece dinnerware set from Johnson Brothers. It's called - get this - "Old Britain Castles!" How cool is that?? Hurry up! As of this posting, there are only 2 sets left! 

Meeting Diana Gabaldon? Get Your Scottish On!

Sassenachs!! Make sure you have some Scottish garb if you're attending any upcoming Outlander events and meeting Herself! (How gorgeous is this?? I'll take one in every color!)

I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. 
SaveSave

Jamie and Claire Are Not Real! (Sorry!)

For the love of all that's holy, people...THEY'RE NOT DATING.

Happy Samhain!

Season 2: The Rest of the Story

SPOILER ALERT: Dinna watch unless you've read Dragonfly in Amber

Well now it all makes sense. This is why Claire's hand was on the knife in the show.

(Video may take a second or two to load. Please sit tight!)

Dancing with the Stars: Outlander Skye Boat Song

Many thanks to Neil for directing me to this beautiful performance on DWTS.

My Outlander Purgatory: Season 3 Casting/Droughtlander Fall Special!

Marsali and Mum: Perfect Together

If this photo from this Tweet doesn't simultaneously make you say "OMG look how cute!!!" and throw your laptop across the room in anger, I dinna know what will, sassenachs. ;)

Droughtlander: POLDARK

We're only a few episodes into Season 2 of Poldark on Masterpiece and it's already got me tied up in knots. It's definitely a show that will help you pass the Droughtlander time quite nicely.

Haven't watched yet? Here is the Season 1 trailer to wet your appetite:

 

Outlander Season 3: Fergus and Marsali Cast

GREAT DEADLINE ARTICLE on our new Fergus and Marsali!!!

                  Cesar Domboy                                      Lauren Lyle 

It's Almost SCOTober at EW!

Look what's coming, lads and lassies!  LOTS and LOTS of new Season 3 PHOTOS!!

Get your copy of Entertainment Weekly TOMORROW, September 30th!

Wee Ian and Joe Abernathy Cast on Season 3 of OUTLANDER on Starz

WEE IAN and JOE ABERNATHY, Y'all!!!

From: Starz Public Relations
Date: Tuesday, 20 September 2016 at 10:32 am
Subject: JOHN BELL CAST IN THE ROLE OF YOUNG IAN MURRAY AND WIL JOHNSON CAST IN THE ROLE OF JOE ABERNATHY IN STARZ & SONY PICTURES TELEVISION’S “OUTLANDER”

JOHN BELL CAST IN THE ROLE OF YOUNG IAN MURRAY AND WIL JOHNSON CAST IN THE ROLE OF JOE ABERNATHY IN STARZ & SONY PICTURES TELEVISION’S “OUTLANDER”
Courtesy of Starz Entertainment LLC

Beverly Hills, Calif., September 20, 2016 – Starz, in association with Sony Pictures Television, has announced today that two key roles have been cast in Season 3. Joining Jamie’s (Sam Heughan) world in the 18th century, John Bell (“The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies”) will play the role of “Young Ian.” Joining Claire’s (Caitriona Balfe) world set in Boston in the 20th Century, Wil Johnson (“Waking the Dead”) will play her friend and medical colleague, Joe Abernathy, in the hit series “Outlander.” The series is based on Diana Gabaldon’s international best-selling books and adapted by Ronald D. Moore (“Battlestar Galactica,” “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,” “Star Trek: The Next Generation”).

Young Ian Murray is a tall, gangly Scottish lad with a heart of gold, a stubborn streak and a penchant for getting into trouble. Bursting with charm, he’s more like his adventurous, fierce uncle Jamie Fraser than his farmer father Ian -- but when we meet him, he is still a very gawky boy. However, he keeps trying to prove that he is a man and we will see him grow into quite a formidable one as the series evolves.

John Bell, 18, has been acting professionally since winning a small part in Doctor Who at age 10 by entering a competition on BBC’s Blue Peter. His career took off from there and he has been working in TV and film since that lucky start. He played Helius in “Wrath of the Titans” directed by Jonathan Liebesman and then went to New Zealand to play Bain in “The Hobbit – The Desolation of Smaug” and “The Hobbit – The Battle of the Five Armies” both directed by Peter Jackson.

Bell’s TV career includes recurring roles in BBC Scotland’s “Life of Riley” and CBBC’s “Tracy Breaker Returns” as well as roles in “Midsomer Murders” and the TV mini-series “Hatfields & McCoys” for the History Channel.

Joe Abernathy is a fellow doctor-in-training whom Claire befriends in medical school. Intelligent, charismatic, with a wry and irreverent sense of humor, Joe is a loyal confidant with great affection for Claire. He puts on a good face, but he is all too aware of his place in the Civil Rights era. Joe and Claire both feel out of place in the mostly all-white, all-male medical field, which bonds them together in a life-long friendship.

Wil Johnson has a distinguished career in TV, film and theatre. His TV credits include recurring roles on key British dramas such as “Waterloo Road,” “Holby City,” “Cracker,” “Babyfather” and “Waking the Dead.” He will soon be seen in Kit Monkham’s feature film of Macbeth and was also in Noel Clarke’s Adulthood. His theatre career spans all genres, including taking on the iconic role of Othello at the Royal Lyceum Theatre’s production directed by Mark Thompson.

“Book Three” will be based on the third of eight books in the “Outlander” series, entitled “Voyager.” The third season of “Outlander” picks up right after Claire travels through the stones to return to her life in 1948. Now pregnant, she struggles with the fallout of her sudden reappearance and its effect on her marriage to her first husband, Frank. Meanwhile, in the 18th century, Jamie suffers from the aftermath of his doomed last stand at the historic battle of Culloden, as well as the loss of Claire. As the years pass, Jamie and Claire attempt to make a life apart from one another, each haunted by the memory of their lost love. The budding possibility that Claire can return to Jamie in the past breathes new hope into Claire’s heart… as well as new doubt. Separated by continents and centuries, Claire and Jamie must find their way back to each other. As always, adversity, mystery and adventure await them on the path to reunion. And the question remains: When they find each other, will they be the same people who parted at the standing stones, all those years ago?

Diana Gabaldon’s eight-book series has sold more than 26 million copies worldwide and all eight books in the series have graced the New York Times best-sellers list. The “Outlander” series spans the genres of romance, science fiction, history, and adventure in one grandiose tale.

Ronald D. Moore, Maril Davis, Matthew B. Roberts, Toni Graphia, Anne Kenney and Andy Harries serve as executive producers of “Outlander,” which is produced by Tall Ship Productions, Story Mining & Supply Company and Left Bank Pictures in association with Sony Pictures Television.
Starz retains all domestic multiplatform pay TV rights to the original series.

Remember Paoli!

Spoiler Alert! Dinna read unless ye have read Chapter 11, "Remember Paoli", in "Written in My Own Heart's Blood." 

""We're taking him back to camp. You all heard what he said; Major General Charles Grey's kin to him.  Might be as Colonel Smith will want to hang him in camp--or might even be as he'll want to send this man to General Wayne. Remember Paoli!"
     "Remember Paoli!" Ragged cries echoed the call, and Grey rubbed at his swollen eye with his sleeve--tears were leaking from it and irritating his face.  Paoli?  What the devil was Paoli?  And what had it to do with whether, when, or how he should be hanged?  He decided not to ask at just this moment and, when they hauled him to his feet, when along with them without complaint." ~Diana Gabaldon in Written in My Own Heart's Blood

~ A treasured acknowledgement from Diana Gabaldon in Written in My Own Heart's Blood about her chapter, "Remember Paoli", written after she saw this post on My Outlander Purgatory.

As I do every year, today more than ever, I urge you to remember the sacrifices the United States Military has made for America...and to REMEMBER PAOLI! ❤️