The Effects of DroughtLander

August 5, 2016 by Your friendly neighbourhood ABOotlanders

Did I even know what that simple wee phrase “Droughtlander” would grow into the first time I used it in this meme all those years ago? That’s a hard no…

I didn’t have a clue that everyone and their dog would be using it to describe the time between seasons of our favourite show Outlander. I can thank Diana Gabaldon for posting that particular blog on her facebook page and sending it into Outlander history. That link has since died because our group, previously known as the Heughliots, found our own identity as the ABOotlanders so you can read it HERE at its relocated addy.

The interesting thing about a drought is the impact it has on the environment around it. In the case of #Droughtlander…the impact largely falls on the fandom.

Us ABOotlanders are a hearty bunch. During Droughtlander we get by on help from our neighbours. We share our resources. This includes talking about the days of all the Outlander, reading about the Outlander and how plentiful and fantastic the Outlander days were. Yes…and how we know that one day the Outlander will return. We find it immensely therapeutic.

Alas, there are the people who are crawling across the droughtlander fields gasping for breath, ridden with anxiety & depression because the Outlander hasn’t touched their lips for too long. They can’t see the Outlander in the forecast & will do anything to make the oasis a reality in their every day…except instead of embracing the good they are allowing the drought to blur their vision of the good it started as. Instead of remembering the things they love they are focusing on things like the bad taste the lack of Outlander has left in their mouth.

Droughts cause migration…migration of people to other things. This is normal…when the Outlander comes back – so will the people and so will more. Some people might not come back and that’s o.k. Making their life with another fascination or love. That has nothing to do with the drought itself but the way they chose to deal with it, their choice isn’t wrong. It is what is best for them.

LET IT GOOOOOOOOOOOO

You know droughts also cause wildfires? All you have to do is take a peek behind the curtain of this fandom to see that. The small flames of discontent are there but unless individuals fan those flames they will never catch & become a disaster. When a spark comes your way, put it out. How do you do that? Don’t respond. Don’t blow on it, don’t give it the air it needs to grow. Yes, it is that simple.

Most droughts don’t have that surety of ending, ours does. Droughtlander never lasts forever but the things we say & do during the drought does. If we seek out the cracks, we will fall through them. If we seek out the light, we will feel the warmth.

Let’s do our very best to keep our faces to the sun. That means our heads are tipped back enjoying a bevy. As spoken before…the true remedy for #Droughtlander. (this could be the reason my liver is now broken – sad story, eh?)

Sher

ABOotlander Founder & Lover of all things happy!

Bucketlist — Dining with Diana – CHECK…holy snapping turtles…that’s a CHECK!

August 15, 2015 by Your friendly neighbourhood ABOotlanders

How? How does something like THAT happen to normal people?

*Blink* *Blink*
We must be dreaming!

Ok…first. We perhaps aren’t normal. However the perfect storm WAS brewing.

An event- When Worlds Collide. Diana Gabaldon will attend said event. The ABOotlanders find out about said event and decide there is NO OTHER CHOICE. This is the perfect storm. The positive intent, good will, good people & love we have following us around – we knew this event was going to be one we would cherish no matter what.

I am sure you are curious as to how WE…the lowly AB-Ootlanders could have gotten Diana to dine with us. I assure you there were no Diana’s hurt in the making of this experience. No duct tape, or chloroform used, no draw of puppies/hedgehogs or Toger’s at the table (O.K. there was a Toger but we didn’t take that out til later) or trickery of any kind. However, I believe the story starts the night before. I think I will start there. This is called suspense.

Stories need that – or so I learned at this writers conference.

Did you seriously just groan? Rude…that’s just rude.

You are such a kidder! Big kidder mckidderson!

These are random details of what happened at this years When World Collide event in Calgary. From how I remember it. That mean’s artistic license or something to that effect *snort*.

The ABOotlanders came out in droves. WHY? Because SHE, would be there. Diana. With our crowd…she needs no last name. Diana, not only would be here but she would be ALL over here.

Our first opportunity to see her…maybe walk by her…or make eye contact with her and get a little Diana nod (Someone should make a Diana bobble head…it needs to be very lil, sweet and not wobbly but a stiff wobbler because she has the perfect way of acknowledging you without seeming dismissive like some, hers said “I know you are here & happy to see me” and THAT’S COOL.) was at the Fish Creek Library. Event starting at 7:00 pm. Kim & I decided we MUST get there early. 5:00 pm will be early enough right? Maybe 4:30…there are SOOOO many people who love Diana…its going to be crazy. Ok…we will go at 5:00. Fine!

Are we early? Huh? Huh? Huh?

We race up the elevator at mach speeds. I lie. SLOWEST. ELEVATOR. EVER. Maybe its super fast but seriously we felt like we were getting sucked into another dimension this thing was so slow. FINALLY the door open and there are a few people standing there. 2 ladies & a gentleman. Staring at us very questionably. “Oh…hello” the gentleman at Fish Creek Library says “Who are you with?” I realize because we are SO early, he thinks we are with one of the authors to help set up books to be sold. Ummmmmm a little embarrassing but Kim…her enthusiastic and wonderful self pipes up “THE ABOOTLANDERS!” The 3 people stare at her blankly. “The…Ab-whowhat?” – “You’re a bookseller?” he says look down at Kim’s shirt, which is silkscreened with the words ‘A. MALCOLM BookSeller & Printer’ (Which btw – Diana told Kim she liked – cuz…well…it’s an awesome shirt)

“Oh no” Kim replies “I don’t sell books, I’m a fan!” Realization dawns on their faces and they look at each others faces. These are fans. Oh boy!

Yep! That’s us! Keeners! Are arms are full! We have gifts for Diana, we have a HUGE flat cardboard box which houses our Giant Jamie & Semi Giant Claire (poor girl came out smaller than we hoped). They were very gracious and offered to let us store our goodies while we were banished to the downstairs library to wait…one WHOLE HOUR! UGH! Longest. Hour. Ever. We were labeled as super fans…which I will wear happily as it’s kinda true.

6 pm rolls around and we ixnay the elevator and boogie up the stairs to claim our front row seats! We set up Giant Jamie & Semi-Giant Claire in the back of the library. I really ought to bring a donation box for those who take photos with them. The ABOotlanders could make a mint! It was so great to make so many Outlander fans happy though. We ended up recruiting so many wonderful friends to our group that evening. Diana came up on the elevator & I watched he make her way in the room…I am sure she has feet but she almost seems to glide…yeah…ok…shhh. I saw her catch a glimpse of Jamie & Claire and her face was one of “Oh…look isn’t that odd- those two just standing there like that.” Make me giggle inside.No…I giggled out loud and babbled to everyone around me to as what I had just witnessed.

The Fish Creek Library did a great job of hosting the readings. We were gifted with readings by not only Diana Gabaldon but Daniel Abraham (M.L.N. Hanover), David B. Coe (D.B. Jackson), CJ Carmichael, Faith Hunter (Gwen Hunter) and the amazingly witty and wonderful Brandon Mull. Brandon won the hearts of all of the ABOotlanders, as well as Diana.

I bought his BEYONDERS series for my 16 yr old man child but I plan on reading it as well. Seriously, this guy IS personality. The other authors all have something wonderful to offer, don’t get me wrong. David was another one of my favourites. He truly is a wonderful human being with a contagion of spirit & I will be picking up his Thieftaker Chronicles very soon!

The readings were wonderful, Diana went last and she read from book 9. *sigh* I am not in a huge rush for this book to come out, even though I will be first in line when it does. I understand her standing in front of me for 4 days means there is no way she is going to be able to write…so…I take this.

She reads so beautifully, I get transported into her story…she says something about Jamie being naked and boom…you can hear the audible sigh of the room, its almost like the collective intake of breath pulls the walls of the library in around us…I sag in my seat. I don’t really mean to but her imagery is just too good. It’s really her own fault isn’t it? Yeah. That’s what I think too. As she continues to read…the scene is intense, poignant and ends with a universal “oh” around the room. Leaving us wanting more…but that is the magic of Diana is it not?

There was a Q&A with the authors & then the signing. Since there were only 200 people at this event, it didn’t take long and the ABOotlanders had a plan. We planned to hang back. Wait till the last to try and score a bit more time with her because we brought some very special gifts with us. One of our admins, Cheryl came up with the brilliant idea to have a set of 5 whiskey glasses hand painted by the talented Nikki Galenza, who is our resident ABOotlander artist.

You can commision Nikki to do these for you. They are themed to each of the first 5 books in the series and they are stunning! We wanted to be able to show Diana & explain where we had them done. Plus taking time to have our books & other bits of nostalgia signed by her. Sweet Kim also gave her a box of Canadian chocolates, one in the box was whisky infused to go with our theme. Diana loved the glasses & the chocolates, as per usual was extremely gracious. I made sure they were packed up good and solid & mentioned I hoped she had room. She said she would make room.

Hanging out at the Library 🙂

We had such a fabulous time. Meeting so many new members for our group & having extra moments with Diana. We were leaving the library all together when I thought to myself “LIFE MADE” because I made her laugh. Lil ole me…might not seem like such a big deal but I do love to make people giggle and making Diana laugh was a special thing for me. We were all tromping down the stairs (Diana doesn’t tromp – no…she was gliding.heehee) and Kim mentioned she would like to hit the swimming pool at the hotel for a dip. In which I had to remind her I forgot my swimsuit so “Ummmm yeah Kim, I’d have to go naked and girlfrien’ ain’t NO ONE wanna see THAT!” in which Diana looked over her should with a laugh. In that moment my heart skipped a beat and yes…I thought “Life made.” However…Friday hadn’t happened yet…That was premature speculation.

See what she did there?

I am heading straight for the BIG MOMENT on Friday. Of course we would like to think Diana knows who the ABOotlanders are 🙂 She has shared our Blog in the past, she tweets with us

I don’t make this up…

We aren’t delusional we know we aren’t the only ones, however, we still love our happy lil bubble!

Friday afternoon, a group of the ABOotlanders decide to head to the pub that is attached to the hotel to get a bite to eat & talk about all the awesomeness we have experienced so far. We are talking about Diana’s readings…when Sam (our Sam…not THE Sam…well she is our THE Sam..not the HE THE Sam…ugh..

I want me to shut up now

you understand right?) whispers to us “Diana just walked in…she’s alone.” Huh? What? Now? Here? What? Then Sam looks at me and says “SherryLynn you are the only one with balls big enough to go and talk to her!” I puff up a bit at the compliment but in my head I am thinking “NO I’m not…I left my balls under the sink at home…and that’s 3 hours away!” However, I squared my shoulders, got up from the table & filled with 9 other women who are relying on me and follow Diana around the pub. “Hello Diana” “Oh, Hello”

“Are you here alone (DUH of course she is here alone you bonehead…there is NO ONE with her..save yourself!) or are you expecting someone to join you (good save idjit!)? “No no, I’m here alone.” “I’m here with a few (ok…maybe not a few – more like 9 but who’s counting…hell…I can barely form a thought…math can’t happen) friends and we’d be honoured if you would join us for a bite & a drink if you have the time.” “That would be lovely if you wouldn’t mind.” (Wouldn’t mind…wouldn’t mind….oh my gosh…I am doing everything in my power to keep from grasping your hand and running up those 3 little steps to the table with you and yelling “LOOK WHO I BROUGHT FOR DINNER!“) But I don’t…I take a deep breathe and say “Mind? Diana…I can’t tell you what a thrill it would be!” or something like that…I am sure I gushed but I don’t think I got any on her.

We walk up the tiny steps to the table and the looks on the ladies faces were priceless. They looked like little children seeing Santa on Christmas morning, and Diana graciously smiled to them and THANKED US for letting HER join US. I mean come on…Best Moment. I think I said something to this effect and she made a comment along the lines of her hoping my life was more exciting than that. *snicker* I quite like that about her too. She is “just Diana”. I admire that. But to me…well you all know. Serious lady admiration right there!

The pub was understaffed…oh darn. That gave us lots of time to chat. I certainly didn’t want to sound like I was interviewing her but I had SO many questions to ask. So many things I had always wondered. This was the only opportunity I would ever get. She was sitting right beside me. I could touch her. I tried not to…I think I did once…just to make sure she was real. She was.

I have always suspected & I truly don’t think anyone would be surprised by this however it is something I always wanted to know from her. If she was an introvert. That is a 100% yes. Of course introverts aren’t always what people believe but Diana is one & I respect her greatly for how she carries herself, especially in crowds & with people (like us) vying for her attention.

Second up – I have always watched videos of interviews, read about Diana, & viewed media clips of her (not because I am a creepy freaky stalker…AM NOT!) but because of my draw to her personality. It started for her writing, but her demeanor, introverted nature, say it like it isness, direct style & analytical mind intrigues me.

Way before Outlander became a TV series, her answers to questions or outlook has simply fascinated me. Where I have heard others complain the same answers come again and again…I admire that. It means she is nothing else but 100% authentic. Same question? Same answer. Why in heavens SHOULD it change? To entertain the masses? Hell no. If we want a different answer then someone ought to ask another question right? ANYWAY…when you have listened to her speak for a good long time, you tend to get an idea of how this lady thinks. What her opinions might be on different subjects. So I find myself…while reading certain parts of her books my mind drifting out of the characters I am reading. Such as when Lawrence Stern & Claire are having such conversations about Faith vs Science. Or Claire is struggling with the idea of tying the tubes of a slave being impregnated by her master…my mind drifts from the voice of the character to the voice of Diana and I feel I am listening to her. Her opinions, her voice and her commentary. I wanted desperately to know if I was crazy or if it was a way she was simply slipping “a random” social commentary into the dialogue.

It turns out I am not crazy at all and Diana is IN her books. Not just in her main characters but in her stories, scattered throughout. I love her & her books all the more to hear that sweet detail.

Since I read the books to my husband with our BedTimeStories, I used this to bring up the topic of relationships. Her relationship with Doug is admirable. We spoke about how she usually travels on her own but she made sure to take him when she visited the set – knowing he would in fact have a delightful time before he did. That’s the thing about many relationships, we know. It was lovely to see her face light up as she spoke of him having fun with the crew of the show.

Ain’t LOVE Grand?

Diana is writing episode 2-11 & will be traveling to Scotland again when they film it. It is definitely a different process but one you can tell has challenged her in a good way. It certainly seems she had fun with it. I tried to dig more out of her but she won’t budge & may I say it? I respect the hell out of her for it.

She speaks highly of Sam Heughan…interestingly enough, we spoke of him when we spoke of introverts. I said I had an inkling he shared that same trait with her. She said she thought so too however being an actor he certainly knew how to deal with the public and was a very secure & good natured young man. As we can plainly see in the way she corresponds with him in the public eye on social media, she likes the guy. Letting us know he has a generous & kind guy. It is of course one thing to see this kind of thing in play online…it is quite another to hear it spoken.

You know, having a meal with Diana wasn’t as terrifying as I thought it would be. I do NOT remember what I ate. No idea. I am drawing a total blank. I do know I didn’t have the calamari. *snort*

Yeah Samantha…how could YOU?*snicker*

Conversation was natural with the all the ladies, talking about places to visit. Characters, the books & most of the time “I can’t believe this is happening.” was floating around in my brain. Eventually it turned to “I am so grateful this is happening.”

The ABOotlanders always come prepared. (In fact we were planning on giving this to Diana the next night but Bobbi Jo is awesome and HAPPENED to have it with her and when opportunity knocks – we answer that damn door)

Ok…we answer no matter WHO is at the door. We are a trusting bunch.

We like to get those we admire shirts with our mascot on them. Toger. He’s an adorable beaver. Now…we thought Diana might like a cowl neck, 3/4 cut sleeve, beautiful blue shirt instead of a T-shirt, so AB-Ootlander Bobbi Jo had one made. She had Toger put on Diana’s shirt- on her shoulder…I mean how PERFECT ! Who doesn’t imagine looking over her shoulder while she writes? Maybe Diana will wear this shirt one day while writing & wee Toger will have that gift. I was honoured to present her with the shirt, explaining to her Toger & how he came to be. Telling her how Graham McTavishes reacted to his shirt at Calgary Expo. It was entertaining…and she was, once again…gracious & lovely.

Eventually, Diana finished her meal & it was time to leave – getting her wallet out I assured her that wasn’t necessary. I wanted to take care of that. I couldn’t fathom having shared a meal with her & having her pay for it. THAT just wouldn’t be right on any level. Plus, I am pretty sure simply for the fact I talked and watched her the whole time…I owed it to her.

Here take it…take it all…I owe you so much more than lunch!

We had 2 more days of Diana readings, visits & banquets. I also asked her permission to talk about our “date” here – which I received.

The ABOotlanders who attended pose with Diana at the Western Themed Banquet

The ABOotlanders pose with Diana at the Western Themed Banquet

Our Giant Jamie & Semi Giant Claire – Hmmmm- Petite Claire…Hanging out with their favourite person!

Gracious…you would think that would be the one word I would use to describe this woman if I had to. I have thought about that a lot this week…what word would I use?

I have chosen one. Dynamism. It means a great energy, force, or power. That’s what Diana has. A great energy. A force that draws you in. New word! Dianamism. There you go.

I can’t hold off sharing this with you any longer! Naughtlander has taken a lot out of us but this was the restorative we needed…granted…whisky or your bevvie of choice will help, as per, it is always the best cure for Droughtlander!

Click to see the 1st of our blogs Diana shared on her FB page

KINDNESS & LOTS OF LOVE coming your way!

SherryLynn- ABOotlander in Chief

Welcome to The AB-Ootlander #Naughtlander Book Club

June 21, 2015 by Your friendly neighbourhood ABOotlanders

Sooooooooo, how is everyone surviving round two of #Droughtlander? It’s not fun, is it???

I think, because this drought is going to be AT LEAST twice as long as the first one was, we can’t even call it a drought. We will be just plain #Withoutlander…. and that makes us #Distraughtlander.… we will have it naught….. it’s a full blown #Naughtlander! (or #NaughtyLander – whichever blows your boat)

SOUND THE ALARM! BORED AB-OOTLANDERS AHEAD!

So the Naughtlander Book club was born – to wile away the time when we will have our #Cracklander back.

We could be reading Outlander et al again (that’s a given), buuuuutttttt we wanted to be #Distractedlander, soooo we put our heads together (what, no wise cracks?) and had an AB-Ootlander vote, and the book we chose to read for July isssssssss…..

The Memory Painter by Gwendolyn Womack

Gwendoyln has agreed to participate with us!!! SQUEEEEEE!!!!!!!

“Bryan Pierce is an internationally famous artist whose paintings have dazzled the world. But there’s a secret to Bryan’s success: Every canvas is inspired by an unusually vivid dream. When Bryan awakes, he possesses extraordinary new skills . . . like the ability to speak obscure languages and an inexplicable genius for chess. All his life, he has wondered if his dreams are recollections—if he is re-experiencing other people’s lives.

Linz Jacobs is a brilliant neurogeneticist, absorbed in decoding genes that help the brain make memories—until she is confronted with an exact rendering of a recurring nightmare at one of Bryan’s shows. She tracks down the elusive artist, and their meeting triggers Bryan’s most powerful dream yet: visions of a team of scientists who, on the verge of discovering a cure for Alzheimer’s, died in a lab explosion decades ago.

As Bryan becomes obsessed with the mysterious circumstances surrounding the scientists’ deaths, his dreams begin to reveal what happened at the lab, as well as a deeper mystery that may lead all the way to ancient Egypt. Together, Bryan and Linz start to discern a pattern. But a deadly enemy watches their every move, and he will stop at nothing to ensure that the past stays buried.

The Memory Painter is a taut thriller and a timeless love story spanning six continents and 10,000 years of history.”

Want to read it too? Well, join us as we discuss this wonderful debut novel at the end of July. Keep your eyes on the blog and our twitter here. Oh and you may want to follow Gwendolyn Womack on twitter also here.

TTFN,

tlmfarmgirl

It’s Fandemonium! #DISTRAUGHTLANDERS

June 12, 2015 by Your friendly neighbourhood ABOotlanders

I hope all my Canadian friends had a great Canada Day!

This wee blog burst we concentrate on you! The FAN!

Which really is FANtastic when you think about it. How many FANtasies are being FANned each moment of everyday?

The truth is Outlander is NOT the first fandom. WHAT?! GASP! NAHW! Really???

It is one of the more…let’s say…Universal fandoms…where you have HUGE GAPS in not only age, socio economics, race, sex, hell…let’s just put it this way…just like the books Diana wrote, are GENRE-BENDING…so is the demographic for the TV show. Simple & easy as that.

This means there are SO many levels of fandoms…by JamieClaire&BlackJackRandall they are ALL RIGHT and deserve to be there!

It is FANatical. It is OUTLANDISH and it WORKS. We simply need to remember it is UNIVERSAL. Which means – applicable EVERYWHERE…like…EVERY – WHERE…from every corner of the world. I am pretty sure that means there is more than enough room for all kinds of fans. No matter your views.

Naturally, the ABOotlanders believe there is always one rule that should be followed – that is #AAPI – Always Assume Positive Intent. That means in reading what I write here, I come from a positive place. One of fun, love & joy. Yes, I am a smartass at times and sure I can be cheeky however I ALWAYS come from place of POSITIVE INTENT and I will read most things coming from that same place.

We also have a philosophy of KINDNESS. It doesn’t hurt. It feels nice & well, we all could do better with a little extra.

This FANdamonium blogburst is ALL ABOUT putting the FUN in our fandom. We HAVE lots of it & we don’t all have to LOOOOOOOVE one another…that would just be plain silly, but it certainly would be nice if we could respect one another. You know just like in real life, there are different people, with different personalities, they won’t all get along and love one another. That’s cool. Our fandom is made up of so many different kinds of personalities, it only makes sense they break off into their own happy little groups. To find like minded people who will lift them up and energize their purpose.

We like to have fun with other fans & have learned since our days in the first #Droughtlander …we can pretty much put Outlander into ANYTHING. We believe in this fanmily – in all it’s mentally hilarious glory!

We can put a stamp on each of our OUTcrops of fans. They have made themselves very visible. The coolest part is, when new fans find their way to this happy huge family of ours, they can find their niche with their people.

I’m going to start with us. My kinda fan. The kind that love the books & love the show. That just want everyone to be happy & share the love. We are the “Toutlanders”. There are many of us out there. A nice place to be. We generally get a long with all of the groups because of our principle way of thinking is in the #AAPI mindset.

We have the “Freakoutlanders”. It’s not their fault, it’s just their personality. They get really excited about EVERYTHING! They post the same posts on all the FB pages, they tweet and retweet interviews & new photos of cast members. We LOVE the Freakoutlanders because if we miss something all we have to do is find their feed and BOOM…there it is. Everything. ALL the Outlander things ALL of the time!

Outlander HERE! Outlander THIS! Outlander THAT!

There are the “Shoutlanders”. They are…ummmm….passionate. Yeah, that’s the word I was looking for. They’re the loud, proud & defenders of the fandom, the show, the books, the cast. When an article has been written, an interview done – anything- that maybe has a questionable comment, in accurate information or dissed ANYTHING Outlander. They go – vocal. They often go full on MamaBear. They rally the troops and get shit done so to speak. They “shout” all over the twitterverse all over facebookdome…wherever they can be heard. They rally. Sometimes, the virtual pitchforks come out – they mean well…I am sure they do. Some get a trifle excited. There are some smaller shoutlanders who come out for the polls – all of the polls. They band together and get super vocal & it sure works! If there is a cast member up to win a poll…we usually take it home because of these dedicated individuals.

The “Missoutlanders” can’t ever catch a break. They always seem to post or RT things days later thinking they were the first to do it. They are well intended. They just don’t spend as much time on line as, let’s say, the “Hangoutlanders”, who have their mobile device attached to them because they have it there for work or something else…company. The hangoutlanders know everything right away and pipe it out to us all as soon as they can. We love them because the freakoutlanders follow them closely. They make a great team!

It’s all about TEAMWORK!

This fandom also has people watching your back for you. They are like the neighbourhood watch. The “Lookoutlanders”. They make sure people aren’t stealing pictures, gifs, artwork, fanart or memes. Rest assured, you are being watched, if you use someone’s photographs to make a meme or to create fanart – you will be called out or maybe even fan-shamed. Be prepared. Rethink your actions.

Outlander police services…WOOWOO

I think the “Spoutlanders” & “Uncouthlanders” might fall into the same category here. Though we always do try to #AAPI – we may have to question the motives of some who try and delve into the darker side of the fandom. Which is try and make the personal lives of cast & crew their business. In turn divulge information from their personal lives…this then creates drama. It also starts gossip amongst the fans themselves about other fans…blah blah blah. There is no positive that can come from that kind of juvenile behaviour. So it is spouty in the way that when we talk more about others – we aren’t focusing enough on our own stuff…and it’s uncouth because well, that’s obvious.

Tsk Tsk. Be kind. Gossip & being mean…Not so kind.

I have encountered some “Dropoutlanders” and that’s ok too. Fans of the TV show at the start or they are book fans and will always be book fans but they just could not bring themselves to get past the changes made to the show. I don’t personally agree with them but it is not up to me to force them to watch or tell them their opinion is wrong for them. That’s silly.

We do have those who still watch even though they can’t stand the changes being made & they will defend their right to hate it & keep watching, I call them “Slipoutlanders“. They slip in and out of loving and disagreement. The “Getoutlanders” want them to just go away. “Stop watching if you don’t like it” is a favourite saying. However,the “slipoutlanders” maintain they like it, they just don’t like or agree with everything they have done & know where it could have been done better. They often make their opinions known, in various ways.

There could be some really intelligent discussions if all of us folks could check into the #AAPI frame of mind. However, sometimes we are too concerned with being right instead of being.

Be the Beaver…United

I like the “Hideoutlanders“, they are there, they are watching, seeing & playing a long. They interact when they want to, play, poll, RT & share. Waves? Nah…not their thing. Peaceful. Sweet. Jumping into “toutlander” mode when they see fit. They will “Tryoutlander” fan fun when they like and leave what they don’t.

Last but not least…our “Thoughtlanders”…these are our creative souls. They range from those who put paint to canvas, charcoal to paper, create fan vids and yes – memes and blogs. Not everyone agrees with me, that they are fanartish… however I believe that if you put your heart, mind & some love into something with some creativity then…it’s art too. It’s different. Everyone sees the world through different eyes & we can appreciate different views.

Think Think THOUGHT

The FANdom is a family, yes, some say, FANmily. All families don’t love every member, but the truth is they should try and get along. Try and be kind and if they can’t do that…they should go to their separate corners & love who they are with. Do the best with what you have. The truth of the matter is we want Outlander to LAST. It’s been around over 20 years – it’s grown organically & beautifully. It will continue to do so, in its own way…that’s pretty cool.

SL…ABOoterific

Be grateful. Soon, my friends…we shall have – #NaughtLander!

May 28, 2015 by Your friendly neighbourhood ABOotlanders

Swooning Fanlanders every where. WHAT SHALL WE DO?…………….. That’s what I’m afraid of!

We have ONE…count ’em ONE episode of our obsession left.

The only thing that makes this GIF better is if the ice cream was whisky flavoured

The only thing that would make this GIF better – the ice cream is whisky flavoured.

There are a number of fans spending their time with their panties in bunches, (my advice…take those suckers off if they are giving you such a hassle). There is another segment having more than debates about cast members being shown or not shown love and appreciation from the powers that be, ( A little dose of reality here…what we see online or hear in blurbs in one hour podcasts or in small panels, yes, compared to 24 hour days, 7 day weeks and 30 day months and 12 month years…a few hours of panels that are made available to us- are heartbeats in these individuals lives- are NOT reality. We have zero clue as to what in fact goes on in their LIVES. Do not claim to have an idea of how they are treated, validated or appreciated by their peers. It is insulting- because, we’re not there.). Lifting us ALL UP TOGETHER, gatherings of fans in the UK which turned out to be like, the best gathering ever…making, you know…the rest of us super jealous. Which is always a great look. I happen to be stunning in green.

If Ron D. Moore says it, it’s gotta be true right??

As far as I am concerned…for every 2 ughs….ONE WHOOHOO…simply cancels ANY the others out. Period. End of story. FINITO!

It seems to be, in this day and age…common sense is like a superpower. Which brings me to a post I read today. Diana Gabaldon is surely my newest superhero. I sure as hell hope she has a cape somewhere…OH! Wait…never mind…SHE DOES! She has LOTS of capes! Like one for EVERY occasion!

Diana posted something on her FB today that was again, thought provoking & full of common sense. You know…her super power. Every fan should read it AND take it for what it is. I will not reiterate what she said. I will just say DITTO!

Before people call me a sheep for blindly following what Diana says, you know. It’s not like that. Sometimes folks, we simply happen to have a genuine respect for people who happen to deserve said respect. Let’s say, their capabilities and their art. When that happens, we don’t bother with being negative and trying to take anything away from them. We go about our life with an infinite gratitude for the people in it that have these abilities.

It is not niavity, it is not foolishness, it is not blind following. It is called respect, gratitude & acceptance. It is called living our life differently than other who choose to live theirs in a different way. We ain’t knockin down anyone else’s door, don’t knock down ours…It’s happens to be a matter of kindness as well.

Kindness…yes….it looks like this. We LOVE a lil kindness

Yes, We happen to do the same for those who create the show. WE CHOOSE, to see the best in it, not to be an armchair critic.We allow the professionals to do their thing the way they see fit…and ENJOY it. Even the parts that some others CHOOSE not to find enjoyable. Does this make sense?

If ya can’t quote a classic cartoon, who can ya quote???

We don’t have episodes we hated & ones we loved. We have episodes we loved and ones we loved the most. We have ones we watched a dozen times & ones we watched 3. See…that’s us. It’s all a matter of perception isn’t it? We have fans who will wax poetic over Tobias & drool over him. Switch directions, same is true for Sam…and we are equal opportunity…we ALL love Caitriona. We tend to think she is the most stunning and talented actress out there. Our biased opinions on Tobias & Sam don’t stop at their looks naturally. Anyone argues talent, depth, humour…well we might have a problem.

Perceive from the positive. Always Assume Positive Intent & We will get along JUST fine.

Now…after the final episode airs…

we will wait…we will wait a long time. We will be #WithOutlander.

Fans will get restless. The crazy will start to creep over the line…others will play jump rope with the line for funzies…hell…some might start doing lines…with the line. Bringing a WHOLE new meaning to #Cracklanders. The truth is, there is no stopping it. Don’t try.

You know…before it begins…BAH…don’t even bother…like don’t.

The ONLY thing we can do…is the best version of ourselves. Try our best NOT to get sucked into any drama. That is always our choice. My Mom (may she be partying wherever she is…I never understood this resting stuff) used to say “No one can MAKE you do anything.”

Can’t make me. I say!

There will be casting announcements. We already got one…thanks to Maril Davis (who happens to be my favourite producer…I think it’s her hair & sass)

Bouton…Awwwwwww…I hear the pup is a Diva. *snort* Can’t wait to see this lil chewbacca in action. There will be contests, photos from the set & interviews, & comicons.

This is our time to stick together my friends. Lift each other up. Entertain one another. ENJOY one another. As one of our wonderfully positive ABOotlanders said, we will have lots of time to enjoy the creative genius that this fandom has! Lady Raven! Julia LeBlanc! aka girlfrog.tumblr! Loverdove Productions! Beth Wesson! Keetin Marchi! These are just a few to keep you busy. #WATCHTHISSPACE because we will keep you entertained with ideas & fun with other Outlander POSITIVE fans during #NaughtLander.

Remember…When a negative hits your feed – come back with 2 positives. It’s up to us to keep our world a HAPPY & WONDERFUL place.

Should be easy since we a bunch of happy & wonderful people right?

The Blogburst for To Ransom A Man’s Soul AKA TRAMS- (oh…dear) will take a bit of time, as it will be a delicate matter to find the balance betwixt my ummmm nature and the nature of the show. Don’t you worry though. I WILL do it. I did it for #WentworthPrison. I will do it for #TRAMS

Catch ya on the flipside

I don’t even understand why she keeps including me…

SL…the ABOotiest of the ABootlanders

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ABOotlanders w/Sher

Proudly Canadian Outlander FanGroup based in Alberta

Tag Archives: NaughtLander