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Jane of the Outlander Jungle! #ABOotlanderLOVE

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Here we go again, bringing you some of our favourite Outlander fans who bring joy, entertainment and a kind place to rest our weary heads upon.

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If you haven’t checked out our previous ABOotlanderLOVE spotlights, please do.  We talked with Beth Wesson, the heart felt blogger. Connie V , the hilarious creator of one of the most popular Recap Blogs. Our last ABOotlanderLOVE blog was dedicated to the one & only Outlander Anatomy creator Dr. Karmen.  

We encourage you to leave comments & let us know who you feel has worked to bring the Fandom together in a happy light.  I would like to add, this isn’t a popularity contest, the admin team I work with and I simply feel what we feel. Since we are the purveyors of #AlwaysAssumePositiveIntent we gravitate to those people we have connected to within the fandom.

 

This time we are Spotlighting – Lady Jane AKA Jane Sherwood. She is the lead admin for The Rank and File. If you are not a member of the Richard Rankin Fan Group , you are missing out on some fantastic banter, close friendships & seriously smart women.

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Lady Jane’s humour & authentic nature comes out in droves as she drives the ship that is this fan group.  It is worth noting that this fan group formed BEFORE Richard Rankin was cast as our beloved Roger Mac.  I am almost certain the collective universal force that is this fan group was instrumental in RR loading up as Rog.  When you have that many people throwing good vibes your way, you are bound to get caught up in it.

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Please get to know & love Lady Jane as I do.  

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We all start somewhere on this Outlander journey.  When did you first become interested in the world of Outlander?

About 18 years ago, I started reading, and rereading, the books. I’m afraid I actually don’t remember how I found them! (I blame a baby that didn’t sleep in the meantime and Mommy Brain.)

 

However I do remember precisely when I heard about the show. It was when Sam was cast, and I was at a family dinner. My sister, SIL, and I – all major book fans – squeed over his picture. Even though his hair was dark and short, we could see that he would be the perfect Jamie. And of course all the guys present rolled their eyes. The next day, I joined Outlander Facebook groups and the rest is history.

*Baby Brain…yes, the good ole days!  My son was 1.5 when I found the books, lets just say thats when he learned to entertain himself.*

What inspired you to start your fangroup?

I met the co-founder of The Rank and File in the Heughligans FB group in early 2014. She posted this video of Richard doing Shakespeare and it truly made me a fan for life! The Crimson Field aired shortly afterwards in the UK. I opened a Richard Rankin Fans Twitter account – which promptly got so much attention and swooning over the captivating Capt. Gillan, that we decided it would be best to also open a private FB group for moral support.

The name was a difficulty for a long time… after all how many positive things go with “Rank”?! We finally settled on The Rank and File for its military connotation, and the fact that we wanted to be RR’s army.  And so we are the VADs (Very Adorable Darlings) of RAF. It is pronounced “vads” like a word, and is from a joke, actually based on history, in The Crimson Field where the Voluntary Aid Detachment is referred to as such. Even today, not one single day goes by when someone somewhere doesn’t post how sad they are that it wasn’t renewed, but at least we got our Roger Mac.

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Jane has done a great job of forming a community in their fangroup.  Not an easy task. Curiosity bade me to ask HOW.

I have a professional background in web and graphic design, and video editing, so it naturally became a fun hobby for me to share professional quality media. However, what really built our group was its wonderful and intelligent members (the #BrainyFangirls!) and the great admin team I have:  Amanda, Michelle, and Stephanie. We all support each other 100%, with no competition between us, and are committed to running a kind and respectful group.

During the past over two years since the RAF began, I’ve learned a lot about myself, and people in general. We constantly get comments from our members that The RAF is a unique place to share opinions freely in a supportive environment, so that is what I think what truly makes us stand out.  We’ve all worked really hard at building that, and it has not been easy sometimes. None of us knew how to run a good fan group when we started, and sometimes how to best handle conflict. We were lucky we started very slow to be ready when the huge influx happened when he was cast as Roger!

We are somewhat different than other main OL fan groups as Richard already had a large and varied career before he was cast, which has since continued. He will be appearing in S2 of The Last Kingdom and a mini series called The Replacement for the BBC fairly soon. While OL may be our main topic lately, I don’t think the spirit of the group changed very much even though our membership numbers exploded.

I do want to give a special shout out to the admins of the Heughligans, Caitrionation, Tobias’s Tribe, and many, many other admins of Outlander fan groups that helped us when Richard wasn’t even part of the show! We are so proud to be in this incredible union of positive fans.

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What was your most memorable fan encounter?

The Season 2 Premiere in New York City, and subsequent Tartan Parade that followed. Meeting the cast is exciting, but really what stands out is all the fans from all over the world that I was finally able to see in person. It’s such an amazing network of people you instantly feel at home with!

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Brunch with members of the Rank & File. Lady Jane is 2nd from the Left.

Your fangroup is well organized, enjoyable and incredibly positive. The banter you have with Richard Rankin is cheeky & fun. It takes time to develop… how is it that you have done so well?

Thank you so much for saying that! I’m not sure how to answer this – by being myself I guess. Richard is so cheeky and fun himself. One day, he will be boasting and warning us about the #OneScotRule (to admire only him), and the next day, he will be self deprecating. Rarely is RR not teasing on Twitter. Sometimes people have a hard time figuring out when he is serious – and I admit there was at least once when even I wasn’t sure. He’s so good to his fans and it inspires us, his army!

I would say that the RAF is equal parts serious and cheeky. We are super professional in promoting his career and all the shows he is involved in, but we also aren’t letting him get away with anything. Our followers seem to enjoy the mix. The RAF sees him as a real person – someone to admire, but also someone to treat with respect. I’m really proud of our group for that. Our primary goal is always to be a positive force, for him, and for the fans. I get the most pleasure out of this when someone tells me I brightened their day, or made them feel welcomed.

Please share a few of your favourite exchanges with Richard – I know mine.

Gosh, there are so many. Like when he would drop Outlander references during that long dark time before his casting on December 14, 2015. We were all on edge, praying he would be named as Roger, and then he would run away while everyone had a meltdown at the slightest mention. Or tweet that he’s naked in the gym, and disappear. I don’t think I’m biased when I say he’s one of the most entertaining actors to follow on Twitter.

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Many VADs will say that April Fool’s Day 2016 was one of the best days ever. I changed the profile pic of the RAF Twitter account to Loki. Less than an hour later, I was hilariously called out by RR. A day of teasing ensued.
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And when he complained about our Instagram, which has many more followers than he does (there are still only four photos on his).
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Another one of my all time favorite Twitter threads was debating whether Bree was technically engaged to LJG. It went on for two days. Richard really likes to be right. Usually he is, and will defend it TO THE DEATH. Here’s a link to the Storify:
https://storify.com/RRankinFans/in-which-richard-rankin-defends-his-claim

Explain what your reaction was to seeing “Roger” appear on screen for the first time was like.

I was completely overwhelmed. Having watched The Crimson Field in 2014, it was a really long wait! We all knew then that Richard was the perfect Roger Mac.

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He’s such an emotionally powerful actor.  The role of Roger is extremely complex, and RR was born to play it, like all the other cast members who are so perfectly cast! It was meant to be. So basically, I cried along with him during that opening scene of 213…

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We all have our own visions of what Outlander of the future will look like – What do YOU see?

A ten season series with every single book represented. And multiple awards for all cast and crew, including Richard, who is going to slay season 4 … and 5! He and Sophie will be the second leads starting then, and their love story will be at the heart of the show as much as Jamie and Claire’s. Outlander will catapult Richard’s career to the next level, and give him the ability to make his dreams come true. It means that we will be guaranteed to get lots and lots of Rankin screen time to many years to come. The future is very bright indeed.

My husband has said Diana must have a man named “Roger” locked in her basement *smile*.  With all that is to come for his character – how will you prepare for his story line? 

Haha, that’s a great description. Yes, we use the tag #PoorRoger on Twitter. He’s such a lovely character and means well, but he’s just beaten down by life time and time again. Richard said in a recent interview that Roger has an inner strength, so that is what I think he will bring to the role. I’m just so excited to see it all, and have so much faith in Richard’s abilities. I’m thrilled that he will have a chance to stretch his skills and create some epic and emotional scenes that will really touch the viewers. It’s why we are his fans – his characters have such depth and are so full of feeling. It’s the role of a lifetime, and I couldn’t be happier for him.
The fandom’s acceptance of Richard has been incredible, unprecedented really. The huge celebration when he was cast was wrought from months, and years for some, of his fans rooting for him. We are just so grateful to join the Outlander family – so beat him, hang him, do what you will – we will pay the price gladly!  -Stocks up on tissues and whisky-.

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This is an ABOotlander must ask –  If you were to come to Alberta Canada and someone offered you a) Moose Droppings b) Beaver Tails c) Prairie Oysters d) Taber Corn…which would you choose & why?

I’m truly afraid to answer this question! And I hope I get points for not googling the 3 out 4 that I don’t know – I’ll pick the Taber Corn because it sounds the least problematic and reminds me of Graham McTavish’s corn jokes.

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If you want to join in The Rank and File fun, here is a list of all the ways to do it!

Thank you so much Lady Jane for being so open & sharing with the fandom.

 

SherryLynn

Founder of the ABOotlanders

*Stay tuned for the next #ABOotlanderLOVE feature…we dive into a new realm!

 

 

The Doctor is IN! Outlander Anatomy gets the LOVE.

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We have featured Beth & Connie – we are at it again.

Next up in our #ABOotlanderLOVE spotlight —  You know her…you love her…you feel smarter after you read one of her blog posts, so you make sure to read more of them.  She is as warm as she is intelligent.  That is why we keep going back to OUTLANDER ANATOMY.

It was no surprise when I asked my fellow admins in the ABOotlander group who they wanted to see featured, her name was brought up loud and clear.  Again, when I tweeted to our followers who they thought was a positive influence in the fandom…dozens responded with OutlanderAnatomy.  I am going to call her Dr.Karmen for the remainder of the blog as to protect her brand and to keep my carpel tunnel from kicking in.

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I was so pleased that she accepted our invite to step into the spot light & share with us some behind the blog aspects of what makes her tick.

My introduction to the world of Outlander came via my daughter. She had read all the big books (in less than a summer) and invited me to join the party. I kept saying no, I didn’t have the time and, anyway, I wasn’t interested in time-travel novels. She kept at it for a year… “Mom, you must read these books!” Finally, in early 2014, I yielded. By the time I arrived at Jamie’s dislocated shoulder, I was in – hook, line, and sinker! Since then, I have read the eight big books, at 8-10 times each.  –  And the lesson is, it sure pays off to nag. Well done Rebecca- We salute you!

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Dr.Karmen’s blog is incredibly interesting and so unique – I wanted to know what inspired her to start it.

I began my blog in October 2014, after watching early episodes of Outlander S.1. About that time, my daughter said, “Mom, have you considered writing an anatomy blog that incorporates Outlander?” No, I hadn’t thought of that. So, my daughter is to blame for getting me reading and writing the language of Outlander.  –  This daughter, is a keeper. We owe her a huge debt of gratitude. CHEERS Rebecca!

Fan to fan, we wonder if Dr.Karmen had experienced one of those momentous occasions that makes your heart pound just a little extra- sure enough – she had.

My most memorable fan encounter was meeting Diana Gabaldon in October of 2014, at Fort Vancouver, WA. I was first in line for her autograph, handed her my book, and waited while she searched a bag. I asked her if she needed a pen and offered her mine.  She pulled out a rolled container, opened it, and presented an array of every type of pen needed for autographing different surfaces. Of course, I laughed at myself, Herself would come prepared!

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I find all Outlander Anatomy lessons fascinating.  They teach me things I had no bloody clue about, they give me insight & extra tidbits of info but I don’t feel stupid while I read them. Pretty incredible.  I wondered if Dr. Karmen had any personal favourites in her collection? (I double dog dare ya to guess mine, you cheeky buggers)

Thank you for the lovely compliment about my blog. Oh, dear, this is a hard one because I learn from every lesson. Perhaps my favorite is always the last lesson I write, not only because I must thoroughly review the anatomy but because I strive to present the topic in a way that is accessible to all. Although some of my readers have biology backgrounds, many do not, and I feel compelled to direct my lessons to folks who lack anatomic experience. My latest, is the first of a series about the gastrointestinal system: Anatomy Lesson #44, “Terrific Tunnel – GI System, Part 1.”

My first lesson, Anatomy Lesson #1, “Jamie’s Tush or Bottoms up!”, was posted just after the airing of Starz episode 107, The Wedding. To be perfectly honest, it was Jamie’s beautiful bottom that caused me to consider just how I might teach the anatomical “underpinnings” of such a splendid body part. He is a perfect male anatomical model and I hear he works quite diligently for those bonny buttocks!

I was also intrigued about writing a blog. Up to this point, I had been writing grants and medical and technical papers. As you can see from this first lesson to the most recent, it’s taken time to develop a voice, a format for my lessons, and understand this new medium. I also want to be respectful of the actor’s private lives so I only refer to their character’s names as they graciously provide anatomical examples. I wrote about this POV last year: Education & Privacy.

Diana’s books and the Outlander series are filled with anatomical goodies that demand attention. I also love the pathology (abnormal anatomy) which is abundantly sprinkled throughout the books and episodes: a veritable gold mine for an anatomist!

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Some people may lose their joy after working in a particular field over time.  Reading Dr. Karmen’s blog shows me, this has not happened to her. I was curious how she keeps her love of anatomy thriving. You know, besides Jamie’s cute tushie.

My passion for anatomy stays alive because I harbor a profound awe and respect for the human body, a sublime blend of form and function, which we often take for granted as it ferries us through a rather precarious world. It matters not how much I learn about the human body, there is always more, and the more is endlessly fascinating. Why wouldn’t it be? It is our vehicle, our home, our sanctuary….erm…as you see, I can easily wax poetic about the human body!

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We all have our own vision for what we believe Outlander will look like in the years to come. Dr. Karmen sees things a bit more intimately than others do, haven’t you noticed? I was anxious to hear what her brain thinks the world of Outlander will be like in the years to come.

The future of Outlander world… First, I hope all of Diana’s big books and the Lord John series are filmed. Then, I envision the largest global community of devoted fans, constantly networking to appreciate, support, create, praise, enjoy, and celebrate this amazing, shared adventure. Hurrah for Diana Gabaldon who, one day, decided to write a book for herself. Praises to her CompuServe pals who encouraged her to publish it. Kudos to her family who support her fathomless talents. Thanks to Ron D. Moore, Terry Dresbach, Maril Davis and to all the actors, writers, directors, staff, designers, composers, musicians, builders, trainers, linguists, herbalists, doctors, sempstresses, and detailers. Without them devoted fans would wander lost in a vast desert-scape, otherwise known as, Droughtlander!

I wanted to give all of you a chance to peek into the Outlander Anatomy waiting room.  Sit back a moment & spend some time peeking behind the curtain that is Dr. Karmens life.

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Well, I am now professor emerita (retired female professor) of human anatomy at my medical university. When I was actively teaching, my “waiting room” (dissection lab) was filled with medical students, graduate students, allied health students, surgical residents, surgeons, and donor bodies. I was director of the gross anatomy course for many years, ran the body donation program for my institution, and was demonstrator of anatomy for my state in the US. Over the course of my career, and before birth of the internet, I taught almost 10,000 medical students gross anatomy, histology, embryology, neuroanatomy, and cell biology. And now, that the internet (and Outlander) has such a long reach around the world, I am able to teach many more readers about the amazing human body.

I always am curious what others find most fascinating about Gabaldon‘s world of Outlander. It is one of the topics of conversation I can’t get enough of.

Wow, this is a hard one because I find Diana’s creations endlessly fascinating. If I had to choose one thing it would be her remarkable ability to divine a story from a single line, sometimes books apart. Here’s an example: in Outlander book, Jamie and Claire are eating dinner at Castle Leoch; the table convo centers on Sandringham and his personal preference for young lads. In a line or two, Rupert comments that Jamie should guard his wife because unlike the Duke, his man servant actively pursues women! This really didn’t grab my attention until my last read-through. Then, Bingo! In the next book, Dragonfly in Amber, the Duke’s valet reappears as a member of the foul gang that rapes Mary Hawkins! This type of thing happens many times throughout her books. How does Herself recall such wee things and then revisit them hundreds of thousands of words later?! I actually learned the answer this past week while attending SiWC2016 in Surrey, B.C. Diana said (and I’m paraphrasing), that she writes all sort of things that might be classified as debris, but which provide kernels for later works.  – It’s what I call Gabaldon word Tetris 

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In this photo, taken at 2016 SiWC, she honored me by donning a necklace I made for her: Mr. Willoughby, complete with acupuncture needles inside his hollow body!

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Diana Gabaldon with Dr. Karmen & DG wearing the super cool Mr. Willoughby necklace

This an ABOotlander must ask. We ask for shiggles – If you were to come to Alberta Canada and someone offered you a) Moose Droppings b) Beaver Tails c) Prairie Oysters d) Taber Corn…which would you choose & why?

My first choice would be Taber corn.  I have never tasted this variety but it sounds delish and I love corn and corn-grinding! <G> Second choice would be beaver tails, that is, if you mean the fried pastries –  they look yummy!  But, if I am wrong and you mean the rear appendage from a large, big-toothed rodent, then I will pass. I will also pass on the prairie oysters as I am not fond of raw eggs. Finally, I refuse to dine on moose poop because I am a picky eater (although, I suspect these are chocolate covered candies). Great question!  – I must say I am impressed, though not surprised at Dr.Karmen’s thorough answers. What an absolute delight she has been!

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Please feel free to share your comments with us about #ABOotlanderLOVE below. It takes no time to #BeKind & spread the LOVE.

 

Sher

ABOotlander Founder & Friend of the Fandom

 

ABOotlander LOVE! It’s about YOU!

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As the blog that brought you #Droughtlander , we are now spreading KINDNESS JOY & SUPPORT throughout the OUTLANDER Fandom as our new adventure.

The ABOotlander World FB Page is spotlighting members of the Outlander fandom who have made it their mission to add a touch of positivity (my word) & entertainment in our wee bubble.

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We are highlighting bloggers, artists, podcasters, cast or crew members who simply share parts of themselves that bring happiness to those enjoying the World of Outlander. (#WOO)

We have already spotlighted Beth Wesson & Connie Verbek .  Next week we reveal our next incredibly inspiring blogger! Who will it be….

Visit the ABOotlander Twitter feed and show your #OutlanderLOVE – share the people in your Outlander Universe who bring you joy. If you have room for the #ABOotlanderLOVE hastag – use it but as long as you are tweeting us, I should be able to wade through 🙂

 Leave a comment here for us and tell us what the great things the community has brought to your world.  After all, what we focus on expands (just check out my butt — I really should STOP focusing on THAT — I mean…for reals)  Focus on supporting one another, focus on the kindness, focus on the LOVE.  That’s what will be in our direct view.

Much Love,

SherryLynn

ABOotlander Founder & Friend to the Fandom

ABOotlander LOVE- Episode 2- Connie V does it her way…tickles eh?!

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ABOotlander Love is all about spreading KINDNESS JOY & SUPPORT throughout the OUTLANDER Fandom, especially during #Droughtlander. In our last edition we shared Beth Wessons story with our readers.  

The ABOotlander World FB Page is choosing those in the Outlander fandom who have made it their mission to add a touch of positivity & entertainment.

We are highlighting bloggers, artists, podcasters, cast or crew members who simply share parts of themselves that bring happiness to those enjoying the World of Outlander. 

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There is no doubt that Connie Verzak aka ConnieBV aka atom1cflea.tumblr.com is the epitome of this.  Connie’s recaps are inventive, creative & not just funny – they are uproarious.  If you have any bone of funny in your body…it will be tickled.

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We always wonder what makes the fanciful tick, what is it that causes them to see the comical in things that others see as mundane.  

This is what I adore about Connie – I feel a kinship with her…a weird, wild and witty connection.  I was thrilled when she happily agreed to step into the ABOotlander LOVE spotlight. 

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Let’s listen to Connie’s OUTLANDER Journey.

In Connie’s real life she is a translator  (we know she turns the everyday into awesome) and a proofreader. She has had a wide variety or jobs from bridal salon attendant to telemarketer. (I wouldn’t say mean things and hang up on HER!)
All of us have our “Outlander” story, how we got here… Here is Connie’s-
The first book was on display in the library shortly after it came out. I think it was under “New Historical Romance” or something similar. I picked it up, read the first few pages to see if it would be up my alley and was intrigued by the writing, so very painterly… I took it home and read it in two days. I have been waiting for the next book ever since, and the Frasers have been with me through my own ups and downs. It’s such a cliché, but it really is like looking in on old friends. (This is the cliche of our lives)
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We are inspired by many different things and I was curious to know what inspired the crazy lil fleas recaps, aren’t you?
Oh, a combo of boredom and whimsy. I heard the show was coming out and I wanted to talk about my favorite scene, so I did a bit of that and then made the images to accompany it. A few folks on Tumblr knew me and liked them, and by episode 3 I had promised them full recaps, and though I couldn’t do them fast enough to keep up with the show, people seemed to enjoy them and so I kept it up. I didn’t even finish the long S1 recaps till a month or two before S2. The first time Diana shared them I almost had a heart attack. I still get such a thrill that she likes them and am so happy whenever anyone says I made them laugh.
It was so exciting to see Connie’s recap headlined with ScotlandNOW, I really wanted to know how that came about, so, I asked of course.
Well, I heard through a couple of fandom friends that they were looking for someone to recap the show, and that they had forwarded my name. I replied to the editor with a sample of my work (I either sent the “Rent” recap or the Wedding, can’t quite recall) and she had me finish out season 1. They were very short and more like reviews, since I had almost no time to work on them between airtime and deadline. People kept liking them, so we kept on. I love that I can ask her if it’s a good idea to write as a cow and she’s like “Well, let’s see it…” For S2 I have tried writing longer ones with some more analysis. At some point I’ll settle on a format, but they’ll always be humorous. I have to laugh.
Being an Outlander fan is such a kick in the pants, when we get to cross paths with those who started this brilliant world it can be … the best ever! 
Meeting Diana Gabaldon was my biggest fangirl moment.
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Such love..such admiration…so much awesome in one frame. Photo by friend Allison.

I was at a fan gathering in Iowa, and I had brought my camera to have my picture taken because I wanted a good photo, and the girl wasn’t sure how to use it and the photo was blurry, and it was very late and Diana had been signing for quite a while, so she glanced briefly at my printed recap page and then moved things along. I was SO crushed, I didn’t get to talk or anything I was so nervous. My friend Allison who I bless to this day forced me to get back in line, and tell Diana the name of my blog and when she said, “You’re Connie!” I wanted to faint. I got my picture re-taken and she hugged me and told me I was “a  funny lady.” I don’t think she knows how much that means to me, but it’s a warm glow every time I think about it. Especially in winter.
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There is no denying that Connie makes us guffaw, giggle, snort and chortle.  I had to wonder if she ever thought “Man…that was too funny!” 
It’s usually not the funniest ones in any traditional sense. For me at least it’s the ones where I jump out of bed or the shower and make something ludicrous and cackle because I can’t believe I get paid for this (please keep paying me). (In fact, give that woman a raise!) This particular one was free but I laughed myself stupid making it, hearing this cat’s voice in my head. I laughed just now seeing it. Making animals and inanimate objects talk always gets me, because I am a child. Also I love my running gags, of which I have many.

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Everyone has “things”…here are a few of Connie’s…I am disturbed by both marshmallows and licorice. You didn’t happen in nature. Someone made you! (She is so weird…did I mention I adore HER?)

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When you are an entertaining person, you need to be entertained. I inquired as to who amuses Connie.
My husband is the funniest person alive. He’s well-read, quick and has a fine grasp of the ridiculous. I don’t like humor that makes people feel bad, or puts someone down. I like it when you laugh, and you had to think quickly to get that laugh.
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The ABOotlanders must ask question for all spotlight inners.  You come to Alberta Canada and someone offers you —

a) Moose Droppings b) Beaver Tails c) Prairie Oysters d) Taber Corn…which would you choose & why?

I live in the U.S. Midwest now with a proud Midwestern dude, so unless I say corn I might find the door locked when I come home. (Good choice Connie, Taber Corn is delish! Drowned in butter n salt and you have yourself a Friday night!)
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Taber is a town…in Alberta…with the sweetest corn EVER!

The ABOotlanders are so grateful Connie agreed to join the ABOotlander LOVE adventure! We started with Beth Wesson’s thoughtful prose. Followed it up with Connie’s humourous peek on life…stay tuned for our next spotlight…it will be therapeutic folks!
SherryLynn
ABOotlander Founder & funmaker
 

The Effects of DroughtLander

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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…droughtlander

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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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?)

amen

Sher

ABOotlander Founder & Lover of all things happy!

 

 

I’ve got a crush…Outlander SETS and the man who designs them…

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Yep, Jon Gary Steele.  I am super crushing on him.  Why?

First…have you SEEN the sets on Outlander?  They have been perfection since the first episode of season one. Season two has blown my mind.

Second…those dimples!

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See…Those DIMPLES.

Photo Credit: Jon Gary Steele on Twitter

I just want to crawl in them and take a wee nap!

Third…He is brilliant. THE Jon Gary Steele (and I always say all 3 names because, he is classy like that)

Be prepared. I am going to do some gushing about a few sets for season 2. Why? Because the recap market is stacked to the rooftops.  I want to celebrate what Outlander has given us. I want to  give credit where credit is due.

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This is one example of how the sets on Outlander support the actors in their stories. 

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I often wonder how people like Jon Gary Steele sleep at night.  If this is the kind of thing they envision during their waking hours…what in the world does their brain do while resting?

The Paris Apartment, had so much detail. So much richness…it was like you were visually sinking into the most beautiful fabric ever found.

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The story is made richer by the little things.

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LOOK at THAT detail.  It takes me so long to just scan the Paris Apartment, the moldings, the BLUE velvet, the interior of the fireplace…I mean really. It is THE INSIDE of a fireplace…that Jon Gary Steele made it this elegant little niche a visual worth dissecting.

Master Raymond’s apothecary was one of my absolute favourites. I found myself pausing and scanning. Pausing and scanning.  I love how the molding was used in the shop. To my uneducated eye it was framing more treasures…everywhere.

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I could play in this room for HOURS, I believe I have!

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This apothecary makes me feel like I am in a world…inside of a world.

The Star Chamber.  As a HUGE Book fan. I had a hard time imaging the scale in which this set would need to come to life. You can view many images of the Star Chamber on Jon Gary Steeles website

I can not imagine this scene from the books being as powerful as it was; had Jon Gary Steele and his team did not have their hands in this production. The word perfection might get flung around willy-nilly but this absolutely WAS perfection.

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Each of these characters took the lead of the Star Chamber. It was a living breathing character. The way the light danced through the dome to the flickering torches. Even the floor in which we see the Comte take his last breath…it enveloped him.

Photo credit: http://www.jongarysteele.com/

Jon Gary Steele spoke with Variety about the sets. CLICK HERE to watch that video.

I especially enjoyed the sets in the Outlander finale episode this season. As we made our emotional way through the Rev.Wakefields home, sheds & dusty rooms. These places seemed so stale & untouched, yet filled with ghosts.

Culloden House, yes, we have seen in before, yet this time. I noticed the stark coldness permeating through those walls.

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You know, I could very well feature each set, each design and all of the set decoration.  Jon Gary Steele has an incredible team to work with & I know that he knows how much the fans adore his talent and vision.

Me…I happen to LOVE his brain.  What ever it is that goes on in there, I would love to ride one of those waves one day. Watch him in action.  I devour interviews & videos to see if I can just grab a nugget of what it is that makes him tick but…I believe what he has, is that unique, that special…that mere mortals such as myself, won’t ever be able to grasp just what is going on in there.  I am utterly convinced that Mr.Steele has a Cerebral Cortex external pack as well as what he was blessed with at birth.

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My husband often tells me “Sum up.” SO…in conclusion I need to thank Jon Gary Steele. Tell him that he has surrounded himself with greatness in the team he has.  I have always said that we are the product of those we share our days with…this product is an Emmy deserving, soul lifting group of people.

SherryLynn

@ABOotlanders Founder

Outlander Episode 3 – Heartstones , amiright?

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Still taking a detour from the blog bursts that look like recaps.  I feel there are enough ppl doing those now that, well, even doing it Canadian style with bacon isn’t different enough.

Episode 3 of Outlander was full of…Oooooh’s , awwwww’s & Snorts so I finger I will just talk about those with you.  Heartstones is something us ABOotlanders are not short of.  We are a bunch of sulks (I say that because I am…and I do not like being lonely).

Heart STONES are those things in your heart that when they are hit, they send you back in time, memories.  I believe that is why we are so connected to Outlander.  It isn’t just our own created memories but those Diana Gabaldon authored when we read the books for the first time.  How many times have we seen comments telling new readers how jealous we are because they get to experience that first time feeling?  Its a nostalgia we connect to from remembering our “first time”.  It really is a better “first time” than the other first time… that’s rarely enjoyable.

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Aaaaanyway.  That’s how I now feel when I watch the show. It’s like a new read.  I recognize it, it’s familiar…yet it is different so I get a new thrill from it.  It’s not about if I like the changes, only that they exist and create new heart stones for me and my friends to travel through together.

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Heartstones being created

The name of the episode is “Useful Occupations & Deceptions”.  We don’t have to reach to far to guess what this is all about so lets get right to it.

OOOOOH’s , AAAAAW’s N Snort’s of Episode 3… Our HeartStones…

Aaaaaw #1 -This came when Claire shoved Jamie’s wigman away so she could do up his vest instead.  I mean, that was a “Why are YOU doing this, I am sitting right here.” jealous wife move and I loved it.  You can’t blame a girl…husband out at brothels- oh wait…one brothel (but remember, its fancy…it’s got dildos), drinking his face off with the guys, coming in reeking of smoke n whores.  Yep, I would probably feel the need to exert ownership. You can tell the scheme of these moves is to show…she misses him.

Snort #1– The first laugh of the show for me was Jamie’s wee SAWNY going missing.  So what you are saying Jamie is…lostsnake

This could just be because my brain has a disorder. Its called ‘inthegutteria’. It’s catching. You might have it now. If not, you may not find me near as entertaining as I do.

Snort #2– Louise. Sweet Louise! She MADE the interaction with Mary & Claire go to another level of giggles.  Her SHOCK at the accusations Mary made about men and their things…was…snortworthy.1cohno

Ooooooh #1 – Claire realizing who the truck Mary Hawkins was! 1emaryhawkins

For our Frank lovers…they got another peekaboo at him and Claire finally put the puzzle of where she had heard the name before!  You could see she wasn’t particularly thrilled.  I heard a few people say “She didn’t seem to care when BJR was dead so Frank was before…but now she is all worried about him?!”  Let’s look at it this way – When Claire found out that BJR was dead, she was in the midst of taking care of Jamie, making sure he didn’t die.  Once she did that…it’s kinda late to be thinking about saving Frank.  Pragmatic is one way I would describe Claire, I can’t see her dwelling on something she knew she couldn’t change. HOWEVER, once there is something she thinks she can fix or change…ummm…dog with bone sound about right to us?

Oooh, Awww N Snort – 3 for the price of one – Murtagh getting some lovin! #Suzagh! Sounds like a great clan call…for tail.  There was a couple of things about Claire walking in on her ladies maid, Suzette (zee lov-a-lee Adrienne-Marie Zitt)  and her husbands Dudley do right-hand man.  1…Claires expression of shock. Now, was it shock that she caught them doin’ it? Was it shock that Murtagh was getting more action than her? Was it shock that Murtagh could be ungrumbly long enough for a woman to want to get jiggy with him?  I think it could have been any or all of those reasons.  2. The fact that she hasn’t got lucky in so long she didn’t recognize the sounds of two people gettin jiggy w’it.

The surprise coupling of the 2 characters gives Murtagh a lil more zip & brings the staff in the house to “human” mode., not just following picking up after everyone.  #Suzagh all the way!

Oooh #2 SNAP!  Claire done looses it on Murtagh because he reminded her that she isn’t getting any.  That face…says it all.snappy

After her poop ungroups, she tells him that BJR is alive & the deception duo is born.  For now – by the end of the show Murtagh has his kilt in a wad because she didn’t tell him.

Snort #4–  That Duverney dude is funny. Not just his wig either.  Telling Jamie while playing chest he was going “get him” and that he gave him permission to respect him less.  See in my world, those are are things I would say to Jamie too…maybe not playing chess…but playing- chest? See…I find things entertaining because I make them up in my head sometimes.

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He has this way of wrapping scenes around his fingers…and getting wanna be Kings to kiss his fingers.  Knowing this guy, I sure as heck would NOT be putting my mouth around his digits…I see where he goes with those!

Oooh #4 – The Comte.  That is all. I need not say more.

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I mean. Really. The Comte St.GermayIhavesomemore?

Awww #2– Master Raymond plays Ann Landers. Claire doesn’t really ask for advice but Raymond gives it.  Stop pouting about being bored lady and go do what you like doing. Lancing boils & sticking your fingers in puss n guts! Its nice to see someone looking out for her isn’t it?tumblr_mdvrqbfyca1ruaozy2

Snort #5 is a loooong giggle. “Claire goes to the Hospital”.  We could write a childrens book about this you know.  The look on Mother Hildegardes face when this “lady” came and said she wanted to use her medical knowledge and help. “Ummm, go dump a bedpan ‘lady’. See you never.”  Claire doubles up the back bone and not only empties bed pans but starts drinking them. That will show her!

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Ok…she wasn’t drinking out of the bedpans…but she was taste testing them.  Which baboom…makes Momma Hilde take notice and decide “Hmmmm, if she likes urine, she’s gonna love it here…let’s keep her.”  And BOUTON! Well…yeah…somehow we all have fallen in love with the little hairball. It sure helps when you remember loving Bouton of the books. Its not about the dog they got so much as it is about that they got a Bouton!

The scene with the nasty puss filled groin splinter (ummm branch not splinter) was spot on. Freaking LOVED the moment Bouton showed his talents & at the same time helped Claire get in good with the big nun on campus.

Awww #4– #WeeFergus .  Like we didn’t get to meet enough awesomeness in this episode but then we get the lil bandit too. It was a smorgasbord of characters being brought to life. I had the constant “awwww head tippy” going on the whole fricken episode.

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All these feels in the awww spot

I loved the introduction to Jamie…something we only got a  quick description in the book about how the wee gommrel came to be in their world.  This gave it the character development that the TV character deserved to have.

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’tis a delight to meet you!

I loved how he called Jamie dirty names and tried to blackmail him and Jamie’s reaction…I wanted to squeeze both their cheeks! Throughout the episode Fergus (played by Romann Berrux) displays the all the charm of a small gentleman while being the brothelbabe he was.  “Hey, girls love it when I sing the praises of their corset fillers.”  It’s not hard to tell that like Fergus from the book – TV Fergus is going to have us all wrapped around his bitty doigt.

The best move Jamie had this episode? Hiring a pickpocket.

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You did the right thing…for interesting reasons.

Awwww #5 – This awww is more of a “Awwww muffin!” awwww than an “Awwww so cute”  awww though.  Jamie was having a party and we were invited.  It was a pity party. Now why oh why wasn’t his wife home to greet him? Pout, sulk, grumble grumble and snark. Once folks showed up for his party he lashed out on them.  Jamie is kinda a bad event planner in that respect.  We came away with it being all about Jamie – if he is going to be a miserable sulk, then why shouldn’t he share that?  Because it sucks Jamie…it sucks.

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Pity Parties are not as fun alone

We know why you’re a pouty pants, but we aren’t enjoying it.  You need a lil lovin…that will fix everything. As long as it is with your wife…those brothelbabes…not so much.

Snort #6–  You know Jamie was going to have to swallow his pride at some point. Watching him do it with Mama Hildegard was a good move. Her being a musical savant and all that.  Her view of her friend Bach was less than flattering though wasn’t it? Clever but no heart. Without him, they wouldn’t have figured out the code to the letters Fergus our boy was stealing though!

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WhooHoo…so clever

All the emotions of episode 3 and we wrap it all up in a happy little ball of “relief, happiness, guilt & disappointment. Relief because they believe they figured out who was promising BPC money for this campaign. Happiness because Jamie was happy for a moment. Guilt by Claire because she STILL hasn’t told Jamie BJR is alive. Disappointment in Claire by Murtagh because she didn’t tell Jamie BJR is alive.

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Perfect way to  tie that bow up and be ready for Episode 4.

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Canadian’s aren’t in Scotland anymore…Outlander FUN!

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You know after watching Episode 2…I sat.  Just…sat. Then I started thinking…that’s when I smelt smoke.

How would one do a recap without creating a commentary?  There was simply TOO MUCH AWESOME in that episode to just regurgitate it all back at you like so many already do.

I call it the Rapid Fire episode.

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Nipples n threats, Nipples in threats…this episode was full of nipples & threats.

So…instead of doing my blurt like recap.  I am going to give you a top 10 Things I Loved … along with some of the tweets from #OutlanderCAN.  #OutlanderCAN is the hashtag us ABOotlanders came up with before season 1 started.  Showcase has come aboard using it in support.  They added a fun lil contest this time as well.  We hope that becomes a regular occurrence.  Let’s just say Showcase has upped their game since the “win a subway giftcard” days

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Don’t you love when each episode starts  – “Previously…on Outlander”? Showing us in quickies what’s occurred in other episodes which will “refresh” us for the next one.  So many of us…previously on Outlander means – we have watched it…not once…not thrice but repeatedly in an unhealthy way.

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There we sit…in the O-Zone...

When it comes on…we are just hitting the person next to us “It’s on! It’s on! Shhhhh!”

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Quiet now, the grownups are watching!

The 10 Things I Loved about Episode

  1.  ALL OF THE THINGS!

Shall I narrow it down for you a little? Yep, the costumes…on ALL OF THE BODIES!  Terry Dresbach and her designers and all the other people that make that team simply have talent. Much talent.  You know it has to be a REMARKABLE team because the outcome is MINDBLOWING!   There was not ONE costume that I didn’t want to devour. See it all over, inside out and sideways. Not one.                                           Jon Gary Steele…ummm sir?  Is your brain filled like Master Raymond’s Apothecary?  I mean, I look at these sets! In my WILDEST imagination I could not picture a tenth … a hundredth… of what you have. Not only imagined but brought to our screens.  That, with the costumes and the lighting…this girl was AGOG! Mouth hangin open staring…AGOG.  I watch the show over and over evertime, this time…I want to watch it once more…pausing every 5 seconds or less so I can take in EVERYTHING. The apartments, the gardens, the streets, the brothel and Master Raymond’s.There was simply too much to love and you CAN NOT do it in one sitting. Seriously impossible!

2.THE GEMS!                                                                                                                                                     They started with some pretty heavy stuff…sounded porny ( My kid shouted from the other room… “Mom, stop watching porn!”), then looked sexy and as quick as that was happening…Claire turns into Black Jerk Randall (which is ALWAYS disturbing isn’t it?) and Jamie turns into a homicidal maniac, plunging his knife into BJR over…and over…and over…Kudos to the sound department btw. You really brought the scene all together.  In that scene…Jamie was whole.  No scars on his back, his fingers…bendy. It isn’t the kind of things editors on this show miss so…intentional it was.  I didn’t catch it first or even second view.  If it weren’t pointed out, I may have missed it till the 5th or 6th watch, truth be told. I am ALWAYS lost in the story the first few times I watch. I am not looking for anything else. Whether it be mistakes, clues, easter eggs or the like.                                                                                       One I caught right away was the eye…but granted…it was pretty much RIGHT there. For you to see.  Some call it the Jacobite eye, some come from a different place…either way. It connects people does it not? Or does it? Geillis (how I adored her) & Raymond sittin in a tree…what oh what could that eye mean.  It goes deep into the books so …yeah…I don’t plan on ruining it for anyone.  I don’t want to be know as “a book reader”. *snort*                    do you see

3.    #TheRedDress       #TheRedDress            #TheRedDress                                                               Yeah Yeah Yeah. I know you think I covered everything in respect to this with #1 but no.  The Red Dress (all capitalized for dramatic flair ) is a favourite all its own.  I know some complained…but those are the some that complain about a lot and if they pick The Red Dress to complain about, that is because they know it was extraordinary and others will give them attention for their views.  Others said seeing it out of context ruined it for them…I can’t say they are wrong as it’s their viewpoint.  Personally, I saw the red dress before, at an angle that wasn’t the same as the dress when viewed in context so I kinda loved it even more.  Plus, you know  Jamie & Murtagh MADE the reveal one of perfect gape mouthed boyishness.      redress

4. The #swanipple Dress                                                                                                                          Also known as the Swan Dress or the Nipple dress.  After reading Diana’s version of the dress SO many times…I still had this super weird and slightly disturbing picture of it in my head.  I am so very grateful that Terry made it into something…hmmmm…word choice is difficult here.  Its definitely not something I would wear…only because a swans neck sure wouldn’t be long enough to wrap…*snort* Never mind…visuals not included. I thought the swanipple dress was SUPER COOL!  I have no problem with the female body.  Nipples are something we have….(most of us). They aren’t disgusting, they aren’t too private, they are nipples.  If we don’t get our drawers in a twist about men’s nipples, which are ONLY decorative. We should relax about a women nipple, they do serve a couple functions.   I can envision Terry sitting at her kitchen table trying to perfect the swanipples and it also makes me smile!  The actress sporting the dress…carried it off PERFECTLY.  Held a gaze and knew…she didn’t care “My nipples are down there…look…I dare ya!”

5. The HUMOUR!                                                                                                                                                 I sure did giggle a lot this episode.  It started pretty nasty and eye buggy however the mood was lightened significantly by ALL the characters.  They all gave me a giggle. Claire and her “Step back” “Bitch, Please!” faces were a guaranteed laugh.

Jamies awkwardness and his reaction to her waxing session. Titter Titter. So many characters added to make us smile and laugh.  I enjoyed the dramatic flare of the whole thing…And let’s not forget…He was so good he got 2 votes on my list!

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So much to smile about!

 

6. MURTAGH!                                                                                                                                             There is an incredible amount of love for this man.  Know why? CUZ! Duncan Lacroix has given Murtagh an incredible compassion, sense of humour and the best curmudgeon old fartishness ever.  The way he looks at Jamie, is like a father to a son, the way he looks at Claire…a sense of honour in which he holds dear because…well I think Murtagh thinks as much hassle as she is, he likes her lots.  Kinda like a puppy…it poops on your floor over and over but you still want to cuddle it.  I want so badly for Murtagh to stick around that I want him to be Duncan.  Not the guy playing him Duncan but Duncan Innes ( that’s a book reference BTW) So…lets start the campaign now. #DuncanforDuncan .  See … it’s kismet man!

7.  WhooHoo for Lady Stuff!                                                                                                                   First Claire’s new BFF  Louise De Rohan reminds us…a vulva is just a vulva. Girlfriend is a womans woman if you ask me.  She has no qualms about her body, when someone hurts her, she smacks him and makes up swears.  Sounds like me and I am a womans woman so…there you go! Naturally, the honey pot scene – made me very happy. honey pot          Many may not agree with me but I thought the dildo scene was entertaining and guess what? Nothing to be embarrassed or ashamed of if you are comfortable talking about sex & things that go with sex.  There is something about dildos that make some people heeby.  That’s ok.  I don’t particularly understand that mindset but I accept it.  Could be the fact that in my everyday life, I am a Pure Romance consultant (it you aren’t 18 or older…don’t click that link! It is a shameless plug…heehee funnier even).  Thank goodness for progress right? Dildos are considered the stick shift of the sex toy world… Rechargeable is where we are now.  Tesla style.  PLUS…NEVER NEVER RENT A DILDO. That’s just narsty.gag

8. Master Raymond…and his stuff!                                                                                                            The froggy faced little man in the apothecary. I HEART HIM!  I’m not sure I would kiss him to turn him into a prince but…I heart him all the same.  I am looking forward to all of the wonderful things he will be bringing to the show.  I will continue to bring up Terry’s costumes…Master Raymond’s costume was on the verge of over load.  SO. MUCH. SWEETNESS!  Check out Terry’s breakdown of his coat.

9. Douche bags R Us                                                                                                                        BPC,Durverney & Sandringham. All douchey in their own way.  The first intro with Duverney, didn’t he have horndawg written all over that crazy wig of his?  He is a foot fetish fiend with great taste.  You saw Claire’s shoes right???  I loved his crazy drama.  I laughed out loud as Jamie casually pushed him into the pond, it was done perfectly! The wig issue..just made Durverney turn into a  loveable perv that looked like a bad Tina Turner impersonator.                                                                                                                                            Then you have UGH…Sandringham…the douche of. This guy was silly sly last season, this season he’s slimey scum.  Yeah…Simon Callow is a great actor but this character he plays…well…let’s just say I hope Murtagh gets to put him to sleep.

10.  Everybody POOPS!                                                                                                                         Warning. Please do not take everything so seriously. Can I shout out to the writers for keeping this scene in?  Lots of peeps sure were bothered by certain things being taken away and THAT being left in however…King Louis needs to develop a quick bond with Jamie…and what better way to do it that curing the royal backup problem?

Some people wonder how I can be a 20 yr plus, book reader and be so “chill” with the changes.  Pretty easy really.  The book is the book. The TV show is the TV show.  The two don’t interchange in my mind.  Do I notice the difference and have an opinion? Of course…however if my opinion is just a negative reaction to something I was “hoping for”, I keep it to myself.  Why in the world of the interwebs would I do that?  I am not a professional, those who are in the industry are.  I find in the long run…if the characters are “familiar”. THAT is what matters.  Nuances, story details, physical traits and characters will not be the same. This should EXCITE us, not alienate us.       I cant  wait till next Sunday! Useful Occupations & Deceptions.  We get to meet Fergus and head to the ‘opital!

Keep yer wig on folks.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          SherryLynn

Founder n Big Mouth of the ABOotlanders

Outlander Blurbs n stuff about “In the glass, whisky”

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I’m BAAAACK!  With the blob blurbs I like to ummm…blurt.  Outlander made its way back to our TV screens on April 10th in care of Showcase only one day after airing in the US.

I wonder whoooo helped them with that decision?

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We are super stoked to have had Showcase jump on the #OutlanderCAN hashtag we created when starting our LiveTweet events. Seriously, we make Sunday nights FUNDAY nights…If this doesn’t prove we are some curds of cheese short of a poutine…I don’t know what does.

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Passionate is just another word for NUTS

Onto to *drumroll pls* Episdode 1 Season 2 AKA Episode 201 if your fancy!

“Previously, on Outlander” Really? Like most of us don’t have this burned into our minds eye.  That tends to happen when you re-watch something…repeatedly…

I very much enjoy the “warning” of language, nudity & sexual situations.  Warning or a list of bonuses?  Yes, I agree…the latter prevails!

If the title of the episode made ya go hmmmmm??? Here is what “Through the glass, darkly” means…To see “through a glass” — a mirror — “darkly” is to have an obscure or imperfect vision of reality. The expression comes from the writings of the Apostle Paul; he explains that we do not now see clearly, but at the end of time, we will do so.  Just knowing that makes some puzzle pieces slide into place. I think I am in love with that quote now…because it feeds into my everything for a reason theory of life and not really every finding out why…till the end of time for most of those reasons.

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Cait was the glue that held this whole piece together in my green eyes. (They are green and that’s good because I am jealous of this woman…not the scratch her eyes out jealous but ERMERGED I wish I could be her jealous!)

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Probably a little of both…

We start…dramatically. “I wished I were dead.”  Claire is back at the stones…not confused and hyperventilating but broken. Completely and utterly B.R.O.K.E.N.  She has lost something…a ring…*there it is*…with no stone. This means A LOT but no one knows what.Save those who know it all .

It wasn’t a yellow brick road she was trudging her way down, but the same eerie road she left her car on 2 yrs prior.

I loved the look on her face when the car honked its honk… *BEEP BEEP*.

If there was a voice over, this is what it would have said, “If I turn around and see a car…that means I’m where I know I am and I don’t wanna be”

Just don’t turn around! I understand how this particular option wouldn’t have helped the situation.

Poor bugger who happened to be in that car nearly got his vest wrapped around his neck for stuttering & fumbling when Claire asked him a direct question. Culloden…who won?A  question with a heart breaking answer.  Somewhere she hoped all she had sacrificed would be worth leaving Jamie for…but….nope. Sorry. Totally not worth it…and now what?  AH yes, Claire does what any self respecting time traveller who left her heart 200 years in the past does. Cries like an Outlander fan during the last episode of the season. RIGHT!? Tragic.

It truly was painful to watch her- the emotional pain was a physical one.  I felt like I was kicked in the tender bits!

Caitriona thought it fair to suck us into that emotional crushing experience.

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Well played Caitriona. Well played.

We would be doing a disservice not mentioning the new Title song…not new but reimagined. It was entertaining to be in a room of 13 women who knew the original for the series…get to the point where the french started…and it trailed off into “Wtf’s?” “Is that.. french?” “That’s cool!”…being Canadian, recognizing french but not really knowing it is one of those things…in Alberta anyway.  Bear McCreary was able to make what was old new…again.

We have wee Roger on the title page…and his knees…and his plane…this makes me a bit uncomfortable as I know how women have been lusting over big Roger (ok…Big Roger is worth a giggle) to be portrayed by Richard Rakin, a pretty comely laddie himself.  Breaking up the 2…who are “supposed” to be the same person might bring me some anxiety. Might.

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I heard rumblings  sounding like “That little boy hasn’t aged since last season.”  Seriously the kid is in the show for less that 2 minutes both seasons and you wanted them to recast someone that could have been him 2 yrs later…Logic folks…it comes at a price.

Next up, Frank.

We have friends of Frank, we have Frank sux clubs…Frank…no matter what you think of the book Frank or the show Frank…you have to be open enough to admit Tobias Menzies absolutely slays in the dual role!

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Oh. Why yes, I am remarkable!

I have a theory that I stand behind pretty firmly when it comes to “show” Frank.  Ron D. Moore has a soft spot for Frank, he has empathy and compassion for Frank and wants others to understand that empathy & compassion. The only vehicle he has to make that a reality is….more Frank on TV.

Just so you know, the more people bitch & complain about it, the more he will be laughing  and doing it more.boy-would-i

Book Frank. In my humble opinion isn’t as fleshed out because Diana wanted people to draw from their experiences to develop a sense of him- I believe she wanted Frank to remain…a mystery in some respects.  Allow YOU to form conclusions with only part of the information so later on…she could knock you right in the kisser with some back story. If you haven’t noticed by now…Diana tends to be the smartest person involved in her stories.

TV Frank. In the TV show…we are getting the back story.  Largely from the man who empathizes with the character and doesn’t think he is a POS. Ron.  Why in the world would a man empathize with a man, who is deeply in love with his wife and loses her to another man? Hmmmm…I think you see what I am getting at here?  I am not saying he has experienced this situation himself…what I am saying is he knows how he would feel if he was in that situation.  So he brings that to our screens.  He absolutely did showing all the faces of Frank.  Tobias has range…he truly shines when he is digging deeper to the place of no return. That dark place. Ron understands using Tobias to bring the friends of Frank to the forefront is not a foolish idea. Ummmmm….F’s….so many F’s totally not being used like I generally do. Interesting.fqdjsu0

There is paparazzi back in the 40’s…I bet they have been around since cameras became public domain. People have always trying profit off of others pain. This isn’t a new thing surely however…in 2016…much more intrusive than when they had to carry around 30 lb cameras.

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As someone who has taken statement analysis through the years, Franks shaking his head saying “I could not be more grateful”…means he really could be.  That can be construed a few way to be duplicitous.  I am pretty sure it was just him acting though.

Claire was harsh with Frank…but you can’t really blame her. She just left the love of her life being faced with her first love…but will never love him like that or like Jamie again. Yeah…harsh is exactly what someone might expect.

Thankfully Frank has given Claire a safe haven.  The Reverend’s home. She really only cares that Mrs.Graham is there so she can talk to her. Mainly cuz Mrs. Graham is a believer in all things cray cray.  It’s better in pairs, believe me.

Random question…Do you think that this is what Frank thought when he was smelling her clothes? Maybe.

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Claire changes rolls with Frank and is pouring over the books about the Jacobites and sharing Jamie with Mrs. Graham.  The grief on Claire’s face is almost something you can reach out and touch.  I love that Mrs. Graham allows her to have him but gently tugs her into the here and now.

So much sadness happening *sigh*

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A week in Claire decides it’s time to tell him the whole sorted story.  You all know what it was…here is a fast forward to the stages Frank went through.5faces

I don’t believe Frank buys it 100% but, he is has words to live up to. Then…BOMBSHELL.  She is preggers! The looks…incredible crazy emotion on his face!  Dun…dun…dun! Under the door squeaks some Black Jack …under the back door.  giphy

There was Frank, with his fist clenched, spittle starting…and a tear. I am sure Claire is seeing BJ…and hoping beyond hope that he will just snap and she won’t have to deal with facing him…but nope…he staggers out like an angry drunk and beats the crap out of the Rev’s junk drawer. Which happens to be a shed of some sort. Probably the worst thing a guest can do.  Oh…no peeing in a closet. That’s worse.

The Rev is a pretty forgiving character…I suppose that is why he is a reverend eh?  He forgives Frank for taking out his shed…forgives Frank for dropping the F bomb in the presence of Wee Roger (though many of us know Roger’s life becomes one F bomb after the other..might as well start him early). Frank telling him to takes God’s plan…and…not.

Frank divulges to the Rev that his wee Franks will never produce baby sausages to show off to the world…so this plays with his head and heart.image

Rev explains to him “Everything for a reason”  and lays it out pretty clean for him…can you commit to this woman and her unborn child?

After some thought Frank says SURE! BUT…there is always a but…Claire has to agree to his conditions.  Pretty much, shut all the love you have in your heart out and let me in.  Claire, I think was so desperate for some type of direction, she grabbed on.

Letting Jamie go…sorry Claire.  I just can’t do it, so I am more than willing to say…neither can you! No matter what Frank burns, that love goes nowhere but deeper.

2 things that made me go “Hmmmm”.  Frank burned her invaluable 18th century clothing.  I get it…it still baffled me!  Claire making the motion to remove her ring from the wedding to Jamie. Even if Frank didn’t stop her, I don’t think she would have taken it off…much like the missing stone ring. That’s not going anywhere either, it’s in her suitcase…she will be keeping it. Nothing happens on this show without good reason.  Like the blue coat re-emerging. How cool was that? I have a feeling this season will be full of visual goodies. (Besides Sam’s backside)

The transition. Can we squee about this transition. In unison.giphy1

My heart SOARED with joy when the transition took place.  Franks hand, to Jamies hand…the present into the past…or is it the past into the past-ier? More Hmmmmm thoughts.

It is so bittersweet isn’t it?  You are back with Jamie and Claire but you know…it’s all going to end with what we transitioned from.  It is a never ending cycle of tears!

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They are in Paris…together…so sweet.  Then Murtagh gets a whiff of the place.  He isn’t what we would call-a fan.

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Smells like frogs…tastes like poulet!

 

Our story takes the spin back to what Claire & Jamie were talking about before they reached Paris.  Stopping the Jacobite rebellion, not winning it but stopping it. We are looking at danger, intrigue, treachery and violence. A little something for everyone!

Super convenient…enter Cuz’n Jared. Fancy scot living in France with his wine business.  Jamie and Claire convince Jared that Jamie wants to be a solid Jacobite *cough* liar* cough*. Naturally the PERFECT solution is right there. Jared wants Jamie to take over the wine business temporarily and get into society that way. He has been wanting to go to the Indes anyway…what great timing. At least one thing went in their favour!

I always thought that Murtagh in the books knew exactly what was going on.  I know he is loyal to a fault, however, the truth is…that;s a whole lotta faith to put into people if you have NO CLUE wtf is going on.  I always assumed it was a conversation that happened at the abby, when Jamie told him to bring her back to the Lallybroch (the Stones in the book).  Murtagh is just someone who doesn’t talk about stuff much so…it made sense in my brain. Then again…pop rocks makes sense in my brain too…so…take it how you will.

I want to steer WAY off track.  Duncan Lacroix has become my favourite supporting character in the show.  I loved him in the books as well.  I also loved another Character in the books. Duncan Innes. Now…call me crazy but I would love to see these two characters melt into one.  For those who haven’t read the books, I’m not going to ruin anything but for those who have…I think you know what I am talking about. There I said it.

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I won’t really shoot anyone, I’m Canadi

Now, we can never have an episode of Outlander that Claire doesn’t do or say something to piss someone off.  She generally focuses this good work on people who end up wanting her to die.  She really ought to shake that profile…

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She sees some sort of kerfuffle brewing and thinks “I MUST be in the middle of THAT! It looks exciting!” and she goes.

Every. Single. Time.

This time smallpox on the dox. Terrible wasteful disease that SHE can’t catch…cuz she…is a witch. Or so the story has been told. She shouts it out on high that smallpox came off the ship, we gotta do something. However, everyone seems like they just want her to shut her healer hole.

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Especially the very handsome and mean Comte. St. Germain.  I mean really, men shouldn’t be allowed to look like that…and in a wig! Seriously…something things just aren’t fair to us mortals.

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He warns Claire…and Jamie that he is NOT impressed.  She cost him the cargo on and the ship itself.  Claire…not to be stepped on pipes up with its better you lose that then the disease spread over the whole city.  I believe he really could give a nuns nipple about the people in the city.  He wants his monies!  Threats happen. He calls Claire some pretty nasty stuff but it’s in french so if you don’t read the subtitles you can lost in his death stare.

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Yep…his ship burns.Jamie and Claire look out at the flames on the water, so romantic. As per usual,they start making out.  No time like the present…in front of the dude watching his ship burn to the…ummm…water.

STAY TUNED to Showcase for previews of the next episode!

I’m so ready for ALL the episodes…I want to devour them. Bring it on Showcase…Your Canadian fans are READY!

All of our #Outlander friends are welcome to join our Live Tweets along with the episode, Sunday nights. #OutlanderCAN is the hashtag. See you there!

 

SherryLynn

Founder of the ABOotlanders

 

 

Twits, get your Twitter Fingers READY!

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Outlander is coming back to Canada on April the 10th.  Did you HEAR ME?

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Listen…

Season 2. Dragonfly in Amber…Outlander book 2…will be on your screens THE DAY AFTER it airs in the US.

Remember last year…the agony of the wait?

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That’s all in the past.

We are on top of the world with this spring premiere!

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Seriously….we are Canadian…

Our mission to have #OutlanderCAN in the mix has been accomplished! Showcase will be Live Tweeting along with us this year and we couldn’t be happier.  We know Outlander is a show that deserves attention and having Showcase play with us…is pretty thrilling…I must say.

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Lets all #OutlanderCAN

 

Showcase is also having a BRILLIANT FanArt contest.

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I know I won’t win with my memery (that’s a Sherism btw) but DAMN am I excited for all of the talented individuals that have the opportunity to go to NY for the premiere! All the details are RIGHT HERE.  You know I am still going to ply them with the insane memery that I giggle more at than you do…you know, just in case.

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Man…I make myself snort

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Insert English Accent “Oh yes, Abootlanders founder SherryLynn needs a little something something. Pish posh.”

Our very own ABOotlander Nikki is supremely talented and we are all pulling for her. She is UBER cool…like really cool not hiring a car…Check out her artwork AND make sure to hit up Showcases Instagram starting tomorrow and support your fellow Outlander Fans and their awesome talents.  I am sure I will see some links from Julia…her videos are either snort inducing, breath taking or…really hot.

If you are a Canadian artist and you have FanArt…share your links with us!   We want to support your awesomeness!

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Sher

ABOotlander Founder and Pounder