Eilean Donan Castle, Outlander, and Serendipity…

August 2, 2012 at 11:46 am (Outlander Related)
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Serendipity: noun. Definition: good luck in discovering unexpected things. (vocabulary-vocabulary.com/dictionary)

When it came time to choose a cover photo for Outlander Fan’s facebook page, I settled on Eilean Donan Castle, located in Dornie, Scotland.  It has always spoken to me, represented quintessential Scotland, and it ended up working beautifully with the Outlander Fan logo.  Little did I know just how much so…

A few days ago, my friend Connie Barlow sent me a link to an informational video and turns out sometime between the 12th & 15th century ownership of Eilean Donan Castle passed to Clan MACKENZIE, who appointed Clan MacRae as constables! And in 1715 Jacobite MacKenzies succesfully besieged the castle garrisoned by Spanish troops (acting on behalf of the British government)! Wow, how cool is that! I squealed in astonishment & shared it on the fb page. THEN a couple of fellow Outlander fans (Victoria Thor & Grace Madden) commented that they thought Clan FRASER was associated as well & there was an inscription on the castle stating so! I told them I thought my head would explode if it were true, lol.

Well, I did a little research, and sure enough, this is what I found at  http://eileandonan.wordpress.com/2011/04/05/clan-loyalties-run-deep/  :

Above the front door to the castle, the stone carving written in Gaelic translates to: “Whilst there is a MacRae inside, there will never be a Fraser outside.”

OMG! My heart is just filled with a sense of serendipity, that unbeknownst to myself I chose an image to represent Outlander Fan that has ties to both Clan MacKenzie AND Clan Fraser! I already had a passion for Eilean Donan, and now this Outlander connection via Diana Gabaldon just amplifies it… Pardon me whilst I commence head explosion, lol!

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If Appreciating a Kilted Rump is Wrong Then I Don’t Wanna Be Right!

July 13, 2012 at 11:01 am (Outlander Fan Related)
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Kiss THIS facebook!

I thought it was a good idea; instead of referring to Wedsnesdays as ‘hump day’ (the proverbial hill/middle of the work week), why not call it ‘rump day’ and show a man whose kilted cheek may be showing a little?   Most of the ‘Rump Day’ features on Outlander Fan’s facebook page were pretty tame, not to mention verra popular (and for the record my page has always had a setting of 18 yrs old & older).

We all looked forward to it, it really brightened up the midweek.

This past Rump Day wednesday (7-11-12), as I was sitting by my sister’s pool & checking facebook from my smartphone, a warning notice in red popped up;  it said something to the effect of  ‘we have taken down this photo for its  inappropriateness/if you wish to keep your page then remove all related content/visit this link for community guidelines.’   My first thought was, “Really?  Someone COMPLAINED?  Who in their right mind wouldn’t want to see men in kilts doing handstands (bums facing audience) on a stage?”  My next thought was “Oh sh*t” and I hightailed into the house to get on my laptop to see what was going on.

I couldn’t find the warning again but I immediately started moving the tamer pics (e.g.  a tattoo on a kilted thigh) over to a different album.  After maybe the 2nd pic was moved I was locked out of the rest of the pics!  I felt heartsick.  Not wanting the fb dictators to take down my page, I deleted the album.  I don’t really feel like I had a choice, I didn’t want to lose Outlander Fan on fb.  I’ll concede that full-on/someone-flashing-their-entire-bum pics are questionable, by fb standards.  But can someone please explain to me how a tatooed thigh is considered graphic nudity?!  I’m at a loss…

That being said, I want to say THANK YOU to all of you who banded together & supported me and Rump Day.  You really did lift my spirits- it makes me happy to know that there are so many other likeminded Outlander fans ♥

I have a little something up my sleeve, and a giveaway in the works to boot.  I’ll leave you to ponder this:  They may take our Rump Day, but they’ll never take our FREEEEEDOM, lol!  #CheesyBraveheartReference

22 Comments

Good Morning America’s “Big Brave Adventure” Sweepstakes

July 10, 2012 at 11:37 am (Contests/Sweepstakes, Outlander Fan Related)
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Yes, if you can believe it, ANOTHER chance to win a trip to Scotland!  This one however, is only open to legal residents of the 48 contiguous U.S. and D.C.  Here’s the link & good luck!

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/mailform?id=16699567#.T_xDpEsV3hw.facebook

2 Comments

Another Scotland trip giveaway…

June 18, 2012 at 11:21 am (Contests/Sweepstakes, Outlander Fan Related)
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I just found out about another Scotland trip sweepstakes- this one is sponsored by Disney-Pixar’s Brave & VisitScotland.  Here’s the link-  Good Luck!

http://www.visitscotland.com/brave/competition

2 Comments

♫ All Aboard the Book 9 Train ♫

June 5, 2012 at 9:18 am (Outlander Fan Related, Outlander Related)
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GREAT NEWS Outlander Fans!

Remember back in March I reported here on the possibility of a Book 9?  Well, just this morning Outlandish Observations observed this:

‘Diana Gabaldon made a couple of Very Interesting comments on Twitter in the last 24 hours.

In reply to someone who asked if there will be a Book 9, Diana said,

“Oh, I’m pretty sure there will be. “

And when I reacted to that, Diana said,

“Well, the book (MOBY, I mean) is starting to Take Shape, to the point that I _almost_ know where it ends. And there’s More.”

I’m not surprised, but I’m very glad to hear this, as I’m sure many of you are!

I thought those of you who are not on Twitter would want to know. <vbg> It’s not official yet, but it sounds like the prospect of a Book 9 is getting more certain all the time.’

As far as THIS Outlander Fan is concerned, there will be a book 9. I can FEEL it!  Feel it with me people!  ♫ All aboard the Book 9 Train…♫

9 Comments

Celtic Cowgirl is Having a Giveaway!

April 19, 2012 at 9:44 am (Contests/Sweepstakes, Outlander Fan Related)
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 Who doesn’t love a little Celtic bling?  Can’t you just picture any one of the Outlander characters wearing these?  If you havena been to their website,  Celtic Cowgirl makes “…Handcrafted Fashion Jewelry Inspired By The Celtic Influence Of  My Scot/Irish Heritage And A Wee Bit By My Favorite Book Series Outlander.”   AND they are having their first ever giveaway- all you have to do is “Like” their Facebook page, ken?  Verra simple!   When the goal of 500 “Likes” is reached they’ll be giving away one of these bonny Celtic Knot Tribal Cuff Bracelets (pewter, featuring a satin-finish celtic interweave pattern slightly raised against a textured antiqued background, pictured above).   The winner will be picked with the help of a random number generator.  

The sooner you go like their page at http://www.celticcowgirl.com the sooner they can pick a winner.  I think you’ll find lots of Outlander-inspired pieces to fall in love with.  Dinna fash, their jewelry is affordable as well as beautiful (and remember to tell yer friends, aye?)

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Warning: Reading/Discussing Outlander Series May Cause Involuntary Use of Scottish Accent (but it’s ok w/Mrs Fitz!)

March 26, 2012 at 7:43 pm (Outlander Related)
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What did Diana Gabaldon do to us?

I KNOW I’m not the only one, and you know you do it too!  How many times have you caught yourself thinking or even facebooking (yes that’s a verb) with a Scottish accent/using Scottish terminology from the Outlander series?  Mayhap verra often?  Why do we do it?  Yes, it’s fun; personally I blame Herself- I like imagining Jamie’s voice in my head as I type the words (and his chest, and his strong arms, sigh)…  I wondered what a real live Scottish person would think about it, so I asked my Scottish friend and fellow Outlander fan “Nik MacKechnie” what she thinks:

“As a Scot, how does that make you feel when you see it?  Does it bother you or do you think it’s funny?”

“No, I don’t mind, I do think it’s funny and I don’t think you can help it to be honest!  But I would to hear how y’all pronounce some of the  words, like ‘ceilidh? Or ‘sgian dubh’ !!”

Ok Nik, these Gaelic pronunciations are for you (sorry in advance for murdering them!):

  • ceilidh = Saylick? (no effing clue Nik, sorry LOL)
  • sgian dubh = sagin doo?

And here’s some Scottish terminology from Outlander that I think is fun:

  • don’t worry = dinna fash
  • married = marrit (maddit)
  • worried = worrit (woodit)
  • did not = didna
  • cannot = canna
  • do you = d’ye
  • you = ye
  • does not = doesna
  • have not = havena
  • no = nae
  • well = weel
  • maybe/perhaps = mayhap
  • ken = know
  • wee = little
  • och! = och! ☺

And case in point- just today,  Glenna Fitzgibbons (Mrs Fitz, ye ken?) posted this video on how to speak with a Scottish accent on her facebook page (which by the way is awesome/you should definitely go check out Mrs Fitz/’Like’  her page here).

So, evidently there’s nothing wrong with us, we’re just obsessed Outlander Fans.  Go ahead, use a Scottish accent, it’s ok- Nik & Mrs Fitz approve!  ☺

15 Comments

Enter to win a 6-day trip to Scotland!

March 21, 2012 at 5:37 pm (Contests/Sweepstakes, Outlander Fan Related)

 “Create your own Scottish Cultural Adventure. To enter simply choose which itinerary you prefer- cities, lowlands, highlands or islands- and tell us how to contact you should you win. Then cross your fingers, and prepare to be inspired!”

When I found out that cometoscotland.com is running a sweepstakes to win a 6-day trip for you & 3 guests I IMMEDIATELY thought of Outlander fans & had to share it with you guys ASAP!!!  You get to choose between 4 different adventures.  I chose Highland Treasures:

 Highland Treasures

  • Stay at Meldrum House and explore the architecture of the Castle Trail
  • Enjoy lunch with the master craftsman distiller in the Music Room of the Macallan Estate and savour a whisky in this spiritual home
  • Be guest of honor and enjoy dancing, piping and sports at the Braemar Highland Games, traditionally attended by the Royal Family
  • Take a safari tour of the Cairnforms National Park and indulge your inner photographer

ALL of the itineraries sound like fun!  Here’s the link to enter:  http://www.cometoscotland.com/win/

You have until December 14th 2012 to enter, winner will be chosen January 13th 2013.  Well, what are you waiting for?   (And remember to invite your favorite Outlander Fan *blinking innocently* if you win  : )

1 Comment

Book 9?

March 20, 2012 at 2:28 pm (Outlander Related)
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I’ve been feeling pretty anxious lately, desperate even, thinking about Book 8 / Written in My Own Heart’s Blood (MOBY).

I know the Outlander saga began 21 years ago in 1991, but for me it only began in October 2010;  I was spoiled by reading each consecutive book as fast as my little fingers could download them onto my Kindle. I devour MOBY Daily Lines from Diana Gabaldon’s facebook page like they’re Scooby snacks and I want more more more!

I have a lot of questions that need answers, like will Jamie & Claire overcome their immediate-vicinity-challenged relationship?  Will they grow old peacefully somewhere or die tragically-but-oh-so-romantically?  Will Jem & Roger be reunited with Brianna & Mandy?  Will Jenny & Claire rekindle their close friendship?  Will Jamie & Willie bond now that he knows Jamie’s his father?   What about Ian & Rachel?  I hope they get married, poor Ian deserves to be happy.  And don’t even get me started on ***MOBY SPOILER (skip ahead 2 lines if you don’t want to see)*** Roger turning up @ Lallybroch when Jamie was a little boy!

SO  many storylines to tie up and, silly me, I assumed that I’d get all of  the answers when MOBY is released sometime in 2013.  (I can just hear Herself  saying, “Ha!  That’s what you think…”)

Check this out:

  • February 1st 2012, DG said in her blog post ‘State of the Wicket’:

“I don’t know yet if WRITTEN IN MY OWN HEART’S BLOOD is the last book in this series!!”  (http://www.dianagabaldon.com/2012/02/the-state-of-the-wicket-february-2012/)

  • March 14th 2012, someone asked on Diana Gabaldon’s facebook page:

“I thought that I read on this page that MOBY would be the the last book of this series. Can anyone confirm or deny?”   Herself replied:  “I deny it categorically. <g> That is–I don’t yet _know_ for sure whether Book 8 (MOBY) is the last or not…but I’m beginning to think there might just be a Book 9.”  (https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDianaGabaldon/posts/347439301965579)

I don’t even want to consider that Jamie & Claire might NOT manage to live together under the same roof (or at least sky?) yet.  And what would this mean for our other favorite characters’ predicaments?  I know what it would mean for me:  TORTURE.  But also:  ELATION.  As much as I want everything to be wrapped up neatly and Jamie & Claire to have their happy ending, I admit I would like a 9th book  a wee bit more.

Don’t get me wrong, I’d probably still whine about how long Book 9 was taking, and how hard it is to wait, but it would be worth it.  Oh aye, Jamie Fraser is always, worth the wait, sigh.  I need a Jamie fix…

34 Comments

Super Easy Crockpot Corned Beef & Cabbage (& a wee irish dessert coffee too!)

March 15, 2012 at 10:23 am (Recipes?)
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Happy (early) St. Patrick’s Day Outlander fans!  While this post isn’t exactly Outlander related, St. Patty’s Day IS  this Saturday and I wanted to share my super easy crockpot recipe I have.  My friends have been asking me for it, and besides, I know I’m always on the lookout for easy recipe ideas, especially for the crockpot:

Corned Beef & Cabbage:

  • 1 beef brisket (3~4 lbs) (any cut will do)
  • 1 head cabbage (~3 lbs), cut into 8 wedges
  • 1 lb carrots
  • 1 large onion, cut into 8 wedges
  • ~15 oz chicken broth

Directions:

  1. Place corned beef  in bottom of crockpot,  followed  by carrots, onions & cabbage, in that order.
  2. Pour chicken broth over cabbage & cover.  Cooking time 8-10 hours on Low or 4-5 hours on High.  Too easy!

We’re going to pick up a growler of Tullycross Tavern’s Irish Red (SO good- it’s so smooth, rich & caramel-ly!) and finish the dinner off with a Nutty Irishman Coffee.  Oh- I’ll give you THAT recipe too—it’s my favorite coffee-dessert-cocktail:

Nutty Irishman

  • 6 oz strong coffee
  • 1 oz Bailey’s Irish Cream (“Carolans,” a less expensive irish cream works well too)
  • 1 oz Frangelica (a hazelnut liquor)
  • Whipped cream

It’s as easy as it looks & tastes even better!  Just add the Bailey’s & Frangelica to the coffee, top with whipped cream & Slainte!  It’s heavenly.  (I suppose it wouldna hurt to add a wee drop of Scottish whisky to the coffee as well—a wee drop never hurt anyone lol)…

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