- QOTD for Friday, August 18, 2017 --
LisaW, Thu, August 17 2017, 20:01:47
The following quote is taken from Dragonfly In Amber by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter 32 "Field of Dreams". Copyright (c) 1992 by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.
" "Och, aye?" The woman squinted censoriously at the basket. "Well, what d'ye
do wi' them, then?"
"Well, you . . ." Jamie started, and then stopped. It occurred to me, as it no
doubt had to him, that while he had eaten potatoes in France, he had never
seen one prepared for eating. I hid a smile as he stared helplessly at the dirt-
crusted potato in his hand. Ian also stared at it; apparently Sir Walter was
mute on the subject of potato cooking.
"You roast them." Fergus came to the rescue once more, bobbing under
Jamie's arm. He smacked his lips at the sight of the potatoes. "Put them in the
coals of the fire. You eat them with salt. Butter's good, if you have it."
"We have it," said Jamie, with an air of relief. He thrust the potato at Mrs.
Murray, as though anxious to be rid of it. "You roast them," he informed her
firmly. "
Fergus's Roasted Tatties!!
This scene makes me laugh and feel sad all in the same moment. Here is Lallybroch, come together to celebrate their new crop. A crop that will save them when Culloden happens.
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- QOTD for Thursday, August 17, 2017 -- LisaW, Thu, August 17 2017, 8:06:19
The following quote is taken from "Voyager", by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter 3 "Frank and Full Disclosure", Copyright © 1994, by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.
" "How's that thumb taste, sweetie?" he inquired. "They say you shouldn't
oughta let e'm suck their thumbs, you know," he informed me, straightening
up. "Gives 'em crooked teeth and they'll need braces."
"Is that so?" I said through my own teeth. "How much do I owe you?"
Half an hour later, the chicken lay in it's pan, stuffed and basted, sur-
rounded by crushed garlic, sprigs of rosemary, and curls of lemon peel. A
quick squeeze of lemon juice over the buttery skin, and I could stick it in the
oven and go get myself and Brianna dressed. The kitchen looked like the re-
sult of an incompetent burglary, with cupboards hanging open and cooking
paraphernalia strewn on every horizontal surface. I banged shut a couple of
cupboard doors, and then the kitchen door itself, trusting that that would
keep Mrs. Hinchcliffe out, even id good manners wouldn't. "
So sorry I was late!! I would like to say it was because of some very important event, but it was just complete forgetfulness!!!
Claire's Roast Chicken!!!
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- QOTD for Monday, August 14, 2017 -- LisaW, Tue, August 15 2017, 22:21:06
The following quote is taken from "Voyager", by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter 56 '"Turtle Soup", Copyright © 1994, by Diana Gabaldon. All rights researved.
" "Bolt the door? What d'ye think I'm going to do? Do I look the sort of man
would take advantage of a woman who's not only wounded and boiling wi'
fever, but drunk as well?" he demanded. He stood up, nonetheless.
"I am not drunk," I said indignantly. "You can't get drunk on turtle soup!"
Nonetheless, I was conscious that the glowing warmth in my stomach seemed
to have migrated somewhat lower, taking up residence between my thighs,
and there was undeniably a slight lightness of head not strictly attributable to
fever.
"You can if ye've been drinking turtle soup soup as made by Aloysius
O'Shaughnessy Murphy," he said. "By the smell of it, he's put at least a full
bottle o' the sherry in it. A verra intemperate race, the Irish." "
It's Wednesday, so of course it is Turtle Soup!!!!
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Replies:
- Perfect! *hiccup* (NT) -- Mia, Wed, August 16 2017, 4:20:00
- Of course!! Once again Diana does it - who else can make sick sex so sexy!!! Can't wait to see how they handle this scene on Starz, only 25 more days ........ squeeeeeee 😍😍 (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Wed, August 16 2017, 4:22:12
- "You're not drunk if you can find your arse with both hands!" :D (NT) -- DianaH, Wed, August 16 2017, 6:34:39
- Probably one of the best scenes in the entire series! Now, we just need Lawrence Stern at the door! LOL! (NT) -- Lady Linda, Wed, August 16 2017, 15:26:25
- QOTD for Tuesday, August 15, 2017 -- LisaW, Mon, August 14 2017, 21:04:58
The Following Quote is taken from 'The Fiery Cross', by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter 80 "Creamed Crud". Copyright @ 2001. All Rights Reserved.
" Jamie leaned back from the table, sighing in repletion. As he started to get up,
though, Mrs. Bug popped up from her place, wagging an admonitory finger
at him.
"Now, sir. now, sir, ye'll be going nowhere, and me left wi' gingerbread and
fresh crud to go to waste!"
Brianna clapped a hand to her mouth, with the muffled noise characteristic
of one who has just shot milk up one's nose. Jamie and Mrs. Bug, to whom
"crud" was the familiar Scottish usage for 'curds," both looked at her cur-
ously, but made no comment. "
Gingerbread and Fresh Crud!!!
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Replies:
- Hahahahahaa! (NT) -- LadyDuBois, Tue, August 15 2017, 3:21:39
- Like girdle or griddle....... This one's a hoot though. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Tue, August 15 2017, 4:27:35
- Crud - I probably would have choked over this too! (NT) -- DianaH, Tue, August 15 2017, 6:51:55
- lol! (NT) -- Astrina-Brenna, Thu, August 17 2017, 19:40:59
- QOTD for Monday, August 14, 2017 -- LisaW, Sun, August 13 2017, 21:12:08
The Following Quote is taken from 'The Fiery Cross', by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter 77 "A Package from London". Copyright @ 2001. All Rights Reserved.
" "Survey?" Brianna took two of the little potato dumplings and sat down be-
side Roger, automatically passing him one. "It's for surveying?"
"Among other things." Jamie turned the astrolabe over and gently pushed
the flat bar, making the notched sights revolve. "This bit--it's used as a tran-
sit. Ye'll ken what that is?"
Brianna nodded, looking interested.
"Sure. I know how to do different sorts of surveying, but we generally
used . . ."
I saw Roger grimace as he swallowed, the roughness of the stovie catching
at his throat. I lifted my hand toward the water pitcher, but he caught my eye
and shook his head, almost imperceptibly. He swallowed again, more easily
this time, and coughed.
How about some Stovie Potatoes? Mmmmmmmm!!
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- QOTD for Sunday, August 13, 2017 -- LisaW, Sat, August 12 2017, 16:16:40
The following quote is taken from Drums of Autumn by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter 4 "A Blast from the Past". Copyright (c) 1997 by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved
" "Wow!" She walked round him in a circle, goggling. "Roger, you are gor-
geous!" She smiled, a trifle lodsided. "My mother always said men in kilts were
irresistible. I guess she was right."
He saw her swallow hard, and wanted to hug her for her bravery, but she
had already turned away, gesturing toward the main food area.
"Are you hungry? I had a look while you were changing. We've got our
choice between octopus-on-a-stick, Baja fish tacos, Polish dogs--"
"Hey," he said softly. "I'm sorry; I wouldn't have brought you if I'd known
it would be a shock."
"It's all right." Her smile was better this time. "It's--I'm glad you brought
me."
"Truly?"
"Yeah. Really. It's--" She waved helplessly at the tartan swirl of noise and color all around them. "It's so--Scottish." "
My theme is quotes the from "Outlander Kitchen". I was looking at some recipes to prepare, and I thought it would be fun to introduce the recipes I have looked at. This is from the Baja Fish Tacos At The Celtic Festival recipe. Enjoy!!!
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Replies:
- What fun! Just tonight many of us LoL enjoyed an Outlander Kitchen dinner at the Fergus Highland Games courtesy of Chef Derek (and so wonderfully arranged by Fiona)! We did NOT, however, have Baja fish tacos! :) (NT) -- Lady-Jane, Sat, August 12 2017, 20:28:39
- What was on the menu? Any other Fergus news or pics for those of that can't attend? (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Sun, August 13 2017, 5:29:18
- Menu included: garlic mashed potatoes, beans, roast beef w/beer braised onion au jus, sausage rolls w/Guiness mustard dip, Scotch eggs, cheese platter (cheese crowdie & 4 others), 3 types of rolls, salad, peach bourbon pecan gelato, vanilla gelato, ginger nut cookies, and hot chocolate. Sorry, I didn't take pictures of anything except a few of the heavy events - too busy chatting and getting caught up. I'm sure others will have them, though! <3 (NT) -- Lady-Jane, Mon, August 14 2017, 4:12:47
- I was so excited when Theresa decided to put all her Outlander recipes in a book. I love looking through it and remembering the parts of the Books they've come from. What a great idea fior a theme! (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Sun, August 13 2017, 5:27:20
- QOTD for Saturday, August 12, 2017 -- CindyG, Fri, August 11 2017, 22:12:29
The following quote is taken from "Lord John and the Haunted Soldier" by Diana Gabaldon, Part 1, "Inquisition." Copyright (c) 2007 by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.
"Hell was filled with clocks, he was sure of it. There was no torment, after all, that could not be exacerbated by a contemplation of time passing."
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Replies:
- Especially when it is just creeeeeeping by. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Sat, August 12 2017, 3:51:15
- This was such a neat idea. You quoted a few books that I haven't read yet and now, with those gripping first lines, I have on my TBR list. (NT) -- MIa, Sat, August 12 2017, 5:53:05
- Oh How True!!!!! (NT) -- LisaW, Sat, August 12 2017, 11:23:30
- Thanks for a great week. I love how everyone is able to mine the books for something completely different. (NT) -- Swarl, Sat, August 12 2017, 13:57:43
- Happy Birthday! -- Judie, Fri, August 11 2017, 14:48:47
.
.
August 13 - TracyAnn
August 14 - LadyAmy, Renata R
August 16 - DebraMc
August 17 - Marcie Gras
August 18 - Susannah
Happy Birthday, ladies!
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Replies:
- Happy Birthday, lovely Ladies of Lallybroch! May your year ahead be filled with health, happiness and Season Three 😍😍 (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Sat, August 12 2017, 3:54:56
- Happy birthday! (NT) -- LindaT, Sat, August 12 2017, 8:19:27
- Happy Birthday to all you Lovely Lallies!! (NT) -- LisaW, Sat, August 12 2017, 11:23:57
- Happy Birthday, Lallypals! (NT) -- SueW, Sun, August 13 2017, 19:52:03
- QOTD for Friday, August 11, 2017 -- CindyG, Thu, August 10 2017, 20:32:20
The following quote is taken from Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade by Diana Gabaldon, chapter 1, "All in the Family." Copyright (c) 2007 by Diana Gabaldon, all rights reserved.
"To the best of Lord John Grey's knowledge, stepmothers as depicted in fiction tended to be venal, evil, cunning, homicidal, and occasionally cannibalistic. Stepfathers, by contrast, seemed negligible, if not completely innocuous."
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Replies:
- Poor John! Even as a grown man he was a bit worried about his new Stepfather. But my question is, why we're stepmothers always so mean and hurtful? (NT) -- LisaW, Fri, August 11 2017, 8:22:56
- I'm glad I'm not THAT kind of Stepwitch!! (NT) -- CarolE, Fri, August 11 2017, 12:41:11
- I love the idea of the first lines! :) (NT) -- Judie, Fri, August 11 2017, 14:49:06
- QOTD for Thursday, August 10, 2017 -- CindyG, Wed, August 09 2017, 20:17:08
The following quote is taken from "A Plague of Zombies" by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright (c) 2011 by Diana Gabaldon, all rights reserved.
"There was a snake on the drawing-room table. A small snake, but still."
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- QOTD for Wednesday, August 9, 2017 -- CindyG, Tue, August 08 2017, 20:42:03
The following quote is taken from The Scottish Prisoner by Diana Gabaldon, chater 1, "April Fool." Copyright (c) 2011 by Diana Gabaldon, all rights reserved.
"It was so cold out, he thought his cock might break off in his hand—if he could find it."
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Replies:
- This may very well be the absolute pinnacle of one-liners! ;o) I am really enjoying your week - great choices. (NT) -- lori v, Wed, August 09 2017, 3:54:31
- Hilarious! And such a male way to think. Life seems to center around their appendage. ;-) I am loving this short quotes. (NT) -- Mia, Wed, August 09 2017, 4:05:48
- Puir Jamie!! (NT) -- Piper-Mom, Wed, August 09 2017, 7:05:28
- I think this is a close second for the best opening line. (NT) -- CindyG, Wed, August 09 2017, 13:21:32
- QOTD for Tuesday, August 8, 2017 -- CindyG, Mon, August 07 2017, 19:12:54
The following quote is taken from "Outlander" by Diana Gabaldon, chapter 1, "A New Beginning." Copyright (c) 1991 by Diana Gabaldon, all rights reserved.
"It wasn’t a very likely place for disappearances, at least at first glance."
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Replies:
- No matter how many times I read this sentence, it still gives me goose bumps. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Tue, August 08 2017, 5:09:43
- Likely or not, this is where the story begins! (NT) -- DianaH, Tue, August 08 2017, 6:13:59
- Hmmmm (NT) -- Piper-Mom, Wed, August 09 2017, 7:06:01
- QOTD for Monday, August 7, 2017 -- CindyG, Sun, August 06 2017, 21:33:00
The following quote is taken from "The Custom of the Army" by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright (c) 2010 by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.
"All things considered, it was probably the fault of the electric eel."
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- QOTD for Sunday, August 6, 2017 -- CindyG, Sun, August 06 2017, 0:38:23
This is what inspired this week of short quotes. I don't think I'm violating rules here about not posting from new books, since this is not new. But if you haven't seen "Seven Stones" yet, the intro includes a helpful listing of all the Outlander universe stories, in chronological order.
The following quote is taken from "Seven Stones to Stand or Fall: A Collection of Outlander Fiction," by Diana Gabaldon, Introduction. Copyright (c) 2017 by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.
"Voyager (novel)—This won an award from EW magazine for "Best Opening Line.” (To save you having to find a copy just to read the opening, it was: 'He was dead. However, his nose throbbed painfully, which he thought odd in the circumstances.)'"
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- Quote of the Day for Saturday, August 5, 2017 -- CarolSR, Fri, August 04 2017, 16:29:34
Thanks for spending the week of 7/30 with me. Enjoy the rest of your Summer!
The following quote is taken from An Echo In The Bone by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter7, AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE
Copyright2009 by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.
"While I have not yet lost the Faculties of Sight or Hearing, nor even control of my bowels, I am not a young man. I have a sword, and a rifle, and can use them both but I also have a printing press, and can use that to much greater effect; it does not escape me that one can wield sword or musket only upon one enemy at a time, while words may be employed upon any number. Your Mother's doubtless contemplating the prospect of my being seasick for several weeks in her immediate vicinity suggests that I might enter business with Fergus, making use of L'Oignon's press, rather than travel to Scotland to retrieve my own. I considered this, but I cannot in conscience expose Fergus and his family to danger by making use of their press for such purposes as I intend. Theirs is one of only a few presses in operation between Charleston and Norfolk; even were I to do my printing with the utmost secrecy , suspicion would focus upon them in short order— New Bern is a hotbed of Loyalist sentiment, and the origins of my pamphleteering would become known almost immediately.
Beyond consideration for Fergus and his family, I think there may be some benefit in visiting Edinburgh in order to retrieve my own press. I had a varied acquaintance there; some may have escaped prison or the noose. The second and most important consideration that compels me to Scotland, though, is your Cousin Ian. Years ago, I swore to his Mother, upon the memory of our own Mother, that I would bring him Home to her, and this I mean to do, though the man I bring back to Lallybroch is not the lad who left there. God alone knows what they will make of each other, Ian and Lallybroch, and God has a most peculiar sense of humor. But if he is to go back at all, it must be now.
The snow is melting; water drips from the eaves all day, and icicles reach from the roof of the cabin nearly to the ground by morning. Within a few Weeks, the roads will be clear enough for travel. It seems strange to ask that you pray for the safety of a voyage which will have been long completed by the time you learn of it,for good or ill,but I ask it, nonetheless. Tell Roger Mac that I think God takes no account of time. And kiss the children for me.
Your most affectionate Father,
JF.
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Replies:
- I thought it was brilliant of Diana to use the letters to link the families after Roger and Bri went back. Each time one appeared I think I read it almost as eagerly as they did. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Fri, August 04 2017, 18:18:39
- Lovely (NT) -- LadyDuBois, Sat, August 05 2017, 4:33:48
- Thanks for a great week, CarolSR. A romp thru their lives. (NT) -- Swarl, Sat, August 05 2017, 5:52:17
- Does anyone have letters they have written to their future selves, or to be given to their grandchildren? Thanks Carol for a great week of a different slice of Diana's writing magic. (NT) -- TeriB, Sat, August 05 2017, 9:52:33
- God really does sometimes have a sense of humour.....the young IAN that left lallybroch is so far removed from the older version,it's like it is two different people ....yes it was time for Jamie to,keep his promise and take the lad home but Lallybroch to small to keep Ian there (NT) -- Aussiewench, Sat, August 05 2017, 18:15:19
- TeriB, I don't have any letters but the High School that my children went to did this really neat thing. They had the kids write a letter to their future selves and then the HS mailed the letter to them 5 years after they graduated. It was really surprising when these letters showed up in our mail. The kids had each forgotten about them. I don't know what they wrote to themselves nor what happened to their letters. I don't know what I would write to myself to be read 5 years later at any time in my life. Probably a lot of encouragement to keep at it! :-) (NT) -- Mia, Sun, August 06 2017, 5:50:30
- Quote of the Day For Friday, August 4, 2017 -- CarolSR, Thu, August 03 2017, 17:12:10
The following quote is taken from The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter 7 SHRAPNEL. Copyright© 2001 by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.
"Hayes appeared not to hear any of this, but sat back to let me make my examination. Close inspection revealed that the dark coloration was not natural pigmentation but a mottling caused by the presence of innumerable small dark granules embedded in the skin. The nipple was gone altogether, replaced by a patch of shiny white scar tissue the size of a sixpence. "Gunpowder," I said, running my fingertips lightly over the darkened area. I'd seen such things before; caused by a misfire or shot at close range, which drove particles of powder and often bits of wadding and cloth into the deeper layers of the skin. Sure enough, there were small bumps beneath the skin, evident to my fingertips, dark fragments of whatever garment he had been wearing when shot. "Is the ball still in you?" I could see where it had entered; I touched the white patch, trying to envision the path the bullet might have taken thereafter. "Half of it is," he replied tranquilly. "It shattered. When the surgeon went to dig it out, he gave me the bits of it. When I fitted them together after, I couldna make but half a ball, so the rest of it must have stayed." "Shattered? A wonder the pieces didn't go through your heart or your lung," I said, squatting down in order to squint more closely at the injury. "Oh, it did," he informed me. "At least, I suppose that it must, for it came in at my breest as ye see, but it's keekin' out from my back just now." To the astonishment of the multitudes, as well as my own, he was right. I could not only feel a small lump, just under the outer border of his left scapula, I could actually see it; a darkish swelling pressing against the soft white skin."
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Replies:
- Curious Claire. Always the Healer. (NT) -- LadyDuBois, Fri, August 04 2017, 6:44:08
- She is so calm in her knowing of the process of the ball making it's way through him (NT) -- LisaW, Fri, August 04 2017, 12:45:16
- I found this fascinating. When I was working, I often had the opportunity to feel a bullet left in someones trunk (and one scary one in a neck very close to a carotid artery). I always found it peculiar that the carrier of the bullet was very nonchalant about the whole thing. (NT) -- CathyS, Fri, August 04 2017, 16:24:45
- Amazing! (NT) -- Piper-Mom, Mon, August 07 2017, 10:41:28
- Quote of the Day for Thursday, August 3, 2017 -- CarolSR, Wed, August 02 2017, 18:59:51
The following quote is taken from Drums of Autumn by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter 7 GREAT PROSPECTS FRAUGHT WITH PERIL. Copyright (c) 1997 by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.
"You are come but recently from the Indies, I understand, Madame Fraser?" Baron Penzler, on my other side, seized the momentary opportunity to interrupt. "I doubt you will be familiar with such provincial mattersor interested in them," he added, with a nod of benevolent dismissal at Stanhope."Oh, surely everyone is interested in taxes," I said, turning slightly sideways so as to display my bosom to best effect."Or don't you believe that taxes are what we pay for a civilized society? Though having heard Mr. Stanhope's storyI nodded to my other side,perhaps he would agree that the level of civilization isn't quite equal to the level of taxation?" "Ha ha!" Stanhope choked on his bread, spewing crumbs. "Oh, very good! Not equal toha ha, no, certainly not!" Phillip Wylie gave me a look of sardonic acknowledgment."You must try not to be so amusing, Mrs. Fraser," he said. "It may be the death of poor Stanhope." "Er, what is the current rate of taxation, do you think?" I asked, tactfully drawing attention away from Stanhope's spluttering. Wylie pursed his lips, considering. A dandy, he wore the latest in modish wigs, and a small patch in the shape of a star beside his mouth. Under the powder, though, I thought I detected both a good-looking face and a very shrewd brain. "Oh, considering all incidentals, I should say it can amount to as much as two per centum of all income, if one was to include the taxes on slaves. Add taxes on lands and crops, and it amounts to a bit more, perhaps." "Two percent!" Stanhope choked, pounding himself on the chest. "Iniquitous! Simply iniquitous!" With vivid memories of the last IRS form I had signed, I agreed sympathetically that a two percent tax rate was a positive outrage, wondering to myself just what had become of the fiery spirit of American taxpayers over the intervening two hundred years."
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- Quote of the Day for Wednesday, August 2, 2017 -- CarolSR, Tue, August 01 2017, 15:41:04
The following quote is taken from A Breath of Snow and Ashes by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter 7,JAMES FRASER, INDIAN AGENT. Copyright 2005 by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.
"I turned my back gratefully to him. With expertise born of long experience, he had the lacing of my stays undone in seconds. I sighed deeply as they loosened and fell. He plucked the shift away from my body, massaging my ribs where the boning had pressed the damp fabric into my skin. "Thank you." I sighed in bliss and leaned back against him. "And being an Inverness man, MacDonald thinks this Stuart will have a natural predisposition to employ other Highlanders?" "That might depend upon whether Stuart's ever met any of my kin," Jamie said dryly. "But MacDonald thinks so, aye." He kissed the top of my head in absent affection, then withdrew his hands and began untying the lace that bound his hair. "Sit," I said, stepping out of my fallen stays. "I'll do it." He sat on the stool in his shirt, closing his eyes in momentary relaxation as I unbraided his hair. He'd worn it clubbed in a tight queue for riding, bound up for the last three days; I ran my hands up into the warm fiery mass as it unraveled from its plait, and the loosened waves of it spilled cinnamon and gold and silver in the firelight as I rubbed the pads of my fingers gently into his scalp."
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Replies:
- Love these small tender moments between them, just everyday life but watching how they comfort each other is so special. (NT) -- MaryC in KY, Wed, August 02 2017, 5:57:34
- This, too me, is a very romantic and erotic moment between them. Knowing each other so intimately and without hesitation, their need to make the other relaxed. (NT) -- LisaW, Wed, August 02 2017, 9:02:33
- The little things... so vivid and they just draw you in. (NT) -- Piper-Mom, Thu, August 03 2017, 7:09:48
- Quote of the Day for Tuesday, August 1, 2017 -- CarolSR, Mon, July 31 2017, 15:41:16
Happy 1st day of August! Rabbit, Rabbit, Rabbit." I heard you are to say it 3 times on the first day of the month to bring you luck. We shall see...
The following quote is taken from Voyager by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter 7 A Faith in Documents. Copyright (c) 1994 by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.
"I accepted a cup of tea myself, and sat down in the wing chair with the pages of Melton's journal. The flowing eighteenth-century handwriting was surprisingly clear, in spite of the archaic spelling, and within minutes, I was in the confines of Leanach farmhouse, imagining the sound of buzzing flies, the stir of close-packed bodies, and the harsh smell of blood soaking into the packed-dirt floor.
"...in satisfaction of my brother's debt of honor, I could not do otherwise than to spare Fraser's life. I therefore omitted his name from the list of traitors executed at the farmhouse, and have made arrangement for his transport to his own estate. I cannot feel myself either altogether merciful toward Fraser in the taking of this action, nor yet altogether culpable with respect to my service toward the Duke, as Fraser's situation, with a great wound in his leg festering and pustulent, makes it unlikely that he will survive the journey to his home. Still, honor prevents my acting otherwise, and I will confess that my spirit was lightened to see the man removed, still living, from the field, as I turned my own attentions to the melancholy task of disposing of the bodies of his comrades. So much killing as I have seen these last two days oppresses me," the entry ended simply. I laid the pages down on my knee, swallowing heavily. "A great wound, festering and pustulent. I knew, as Roger and Brianna could not, just how serious such a wound would have been, with no antibiotics, nothing in the way of proper medical treatment; not even the crude herbal poultices available to a Highland charmer at the time. How long would it have taken, jolting from Culloden to Broch Tuarach in a wagon? Two days? Three? How could he have lived, in such a state, and neglected for so long? "He did, though." Brianna's voice broke in upon my thoughts, answering what seemed to be a similar thought expressed by Roger. She spoke with simple assurance, as though she had seen all the events described in Melton's journal, and were sure of their outcome. "He did get back. He was the Dunbonnet, I know it."
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Replies:
- She was elated to find out that he didn't die on the battlefield, but I can imagine the heart-wrenching feeling that he might die from the wounds and she couldn't help him. (NT) -- Piper-Mom, Tue, August 01 2017, 7:39:03
- The Fraser determination is strong. Jamie knew he would die, or he hoped he would at Culloden. I wonder if finding himself alive he decided to die at home, and so he was determined to make it back to Lallybroch. (NT) -- LisaW, Tue, August 01 2017, 8:48:47
- My first thought was similar to Claire's - My God, he survived! and realized Jamie has such hearty DNA to survive. And Claire feeling so heart wrenched being unable to help. Great writing again puts us all right there reading Melton's journal next to Claire. (NT) -- TeriB, Tue, August 01 2017, 9:50:26
- Just popping in to say hello, but man has it been a while. -- Susan H.E., Mon, July 31 2017, 13:25:04
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Replies:
- Hello (NT) -- LadyDuBois, Mon, July 31 2017, 14:26:19
- Hello! (NT) -- kgp, Mon, July 31 2017, 17:46:01
- ***Waving**** Long time no see! (NT) -- Lady-Jane, Tue, August 01 2017, 4:12:29
- Hi! (NT) -- Piper-Mom, Tue, August 01 2017, 7:39:16
- Hi!!! I see by your signature you're still Herself's Elf. Great to "see" you - I bet you've been VERY busy. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Tue, August 01 2017, 13:27:02
- Quote of the Day for Monday, July 31, 2017 -- CarolSR, Sun, July 30 2017, 16:05:32
It was a beautiful Sunday here in eastern Pennsylvania. Temps were in the low 80's, no humidity, light winds and a beautiful blue sky. Unheard of in July! Hope you all had a good weekend. On to another work week. (Boo)
The following quote is taken from Dragonfly In Amber by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter 7 Royal Audience. Copyright (c) 1992 by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.
After Jamie's departure, I took my time in making what toilette could be made with a comb and water, which were the only grooming implements available. If Jared was serious about my holding dinner parties, I could see that a new gown was going to be merely the start of it. I did have, in the side pocket of my medicine chest, the frayed willow twigs with which I cleaned my teeth, and I got one of these and set to work, thinking over the amazing fortune which had brought us here. Essentially barred from Scotland, we would have had to find a place to make our future, either in Europe or by emigrating to America. And given what I now knew about Jamie's attitude toward ships, I wasn't at all surprised that he should have looked to France from the start. The Frasers had strong ties with France; many of them, like Abbot Alexander and Jared Fraser, had made lives here, seldom if ever returning to their native Scotland. And there were many Jacobites as well, Jamie had told me, those who had followed their king into exile, and now lived as best they could in France or Italy while awaiting his restoration. "There's always talk of it," he had said. "In the houses, mostly, not the taverns. And that's why nothing's come of it. When it gets to the taverns, you'll know it's serious." "Tell me," I said, watching him brush the dust from his coat, "are all Scots born knowing about politics, or is it just you?" He laughed, but quickly sobered as he opened the huge armoire and hung up the coat. It looked worn and rather pathetic, hanging by itself in the enormous, cedar-scented space. "Well, I'll tell ye, Sassenach, I'd as soon not know. But born as I was, between the MacKenzies and the Frasers, I'd little choice in the matter."
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- Quote of the Day, Sunday July 30, 2017 -- CarolSR, Sat, July 29 2017, 16:33:35
Greetings Ladies of Lallybroch. Welcome to Quote of the Day for the week of July 30th. I have been a member of LOL for 8 years now and have enjoyed reading the QOTD, and have also hosted many times. The toughest thing for me to decide is "What the heck should I quote?" I come up with a theme in my head, but don't have a photographic memory, so can't always remember which book to look in, etc. I often quote my favorite passages, which are often ones we've all seen many times. Sooo, what to do this week. Well, since I am hosting the week of 7/30, I thought why not go to Chapter 7 in each book, 30th line of the chapter and see what we find. It's amazing to me that you can click on any page and find a paragraph or phrase that touches you, makes you laugh, makes you cry, makes you sigh. So join me ladies (and gents) on our 7/30 adventure and see what we uncover. CarolSR
The following quote is taken from Outlander by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter 7 Davie Beatons Closet. Copyright (c) 1991 by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.
"What have the clan Beaton to do with medical treatment?" Colum eyed me in surprise. "You've not heard of them? The healers of clan Beaton are famous through the Highlands. Traveling healers, many of them. We had one here for a time, in fact." "Had one? What happened to him?" I asked. "He died", Colum responded matter-of-factly. "Caught a fever and it carried him off within a week. We've not had a healer since, save Mrs. Fitz." "She seems very competent," I said, thinking of her efficient treatment of the young man Jamie's injuries. Thinking of that made me think of what had caused them, and I felt a wave of resentment toward Colum. Resentment, and caution as well. This man, I reminded myself, was law, jury, and judge to the people in his domain and clearly accustomed to having things his own way. He nodded, still intent on the birds. He scattered the rest of the seed, favoring a late-coming grey-blue warbler with the last handful. "Oh, aye. She's quite a hand with such matters, but she's more than enough to take care of already, running the whole castle and everyone in it, including me," he said, with a sudden charming grin."I was wondering," he said, taking swift advantage of my answering smile, "seeing as how you've not a great deal to occupy your time at present, you might think of having a look at the things Davie Beaton left behind him. You might know the uses of a few of his medicines and such."
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- What a great idea - and so true! Open any of the books anywhere and we can find something to enjoy. This part always reminds me of trying to get DH to read a Outlander. He enjoyed reading about Colums pet birds but just couldn't relate to Diana's wordiness. He's more of a non-fiction reader. Some of my favorite parts are reading about Claire's healing with natural things and I think the portrayal of Davie Beaton's cabinets in the movie was fantastic. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Sun, July 30 2017, 4:07:08
- CarolSR, I often follow a similar formula for doing QOTD and for the very same reason. (NT) -- LadyDuBois, Sun, July 30 2017, 4:07:38
- This will be a fun week (NT) -- Wee, Sun, July 30 2017, 5:41:08
- I'm on board your adventure, Carol, so I'll stop lurking and start typing! I like your creative idea of 7/30 as we go along this familiar path of QOTD and shows that gems of Diana's great writing can be found on every page. I still remember setting the dusty dictionary next to my reading of Outlander for the first time. Carry on and keep Quoting! (NT) -- TeriB who will jump in more often, Sun, July 30 2017, 9:46:14
- Great theme! (NT) -- Judie, Sun, July 30 2017, 19:03:17
- There were some 'interesting' items in Mr. Beaton's collection! (NT) -- Piper-Mom, Tue, August 01 2017, 7:44:23
- QOTD for Saturday, July 29, 2017 -- kgp, Sat, July 29 2017, 11:11:38
The following quotation is from Written in My Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2014. All Rights Reserved. Chapter 94. The Sense Of The Meeting
“My wife was called Wakyo’teyehsnonhsa, which means ‘Works With Her Hands,’ and she made this for me, as a love token.” Long brown fingers fumbled with the strings, and the strip of woven shells came loose, slithering into his hand. “Now I lay it down, as witness that I come here, a free man, that my life and my heart are once more mine to give. And I hope I may be allowed now to give them forever.”
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- OMG I love Ian!! He's the only man whoever brought out a whiff of cougar in me. 😍 (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Sat, July 29 2017, 13:58:30
- I love Ian and can't wait to see what new adventures he goes on in the next book. (NT) -- CarolSR, Sat, July 29 2017, 16:35:23
- Such a sad parting. My heart broke for Ian. (NT) -- LadyDuBois, Sun, July 30 2017, 4:08:57
- Thanks for a great week, kgp, as usual - - !!!!!! (NT) -- Swarl, Sun, July 30 2017, 16:06:58
- Greasy week. Thanks. (NT) -- Judie, Sun, July 30 2017, 19:04:09
- QOTD for Friday, July 27, 2017 -- kgp, Thu, July 27 2017, 17:22:56
The following quotation is from A Breath Of Snow And Ashes by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2005. All Rights Reserved. Chapter 74. So Romantic
Roger held a spoon of marmalade over his slice of toast, staring at me.
“They what?” he said, in a strangled tone.
“Oh, she didn’t!” Bree clapped a hand to her mouth, eyes wide above it, removing it at once to ask, ”Both of them?”
“Evidently so,” I said, suppressing a most disgraceful urge to laugh. “You really married her to Jo last night?”
“God help me, I did,” Roger muttered. Looking thoroughly rattled, he put the spoon in his coffee cup and stirred mechanically. “But she’s handfast with Kezzie, too?”
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- I LOVE Lizzie and the boys. Like a trio of lost puppies they found each other and made a family. I hope to read a lot more about them. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Thu, July 27 2017, 18:29:24
- I go back and forth.... The idea of a "Mènage à trois" tickles me pink! But that's just not for me. :-) (NT) -- Mia, Fri, July 28 2017, 6:46:54
- This was a great part of the story. It always makes me smile. (NT) -- LadyDuBois, Fri, July 28 2017, 7:13:23
- I just love that they managed to fool Himself, Herself, and Himself's son-in-law. Kudos to them. And marmwlwdemprobwblyndoesnt taste too bad in coffee. LOL (NT) -- Swarl, Fri, July 28 2017, 18:31:14
- QOTD for Thursday, July 27, 2017 -- kgp, Wed, July 26 2017, 17:13:17
The following quotation is from The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2001. All Rights Reserved. Chapter 44. Private Parts
“My God, the poor man,” she said. “To suffer such a thing, and come to terms with it and then, all at once, to have it be dragged up afresh to worry him. Dear Bride, why cannot the past leave us be in what peace we have made with it?” She looked down, blinking, and I was both surprised and touched to see that her eyes were moist.
A large presence loomed up suddenly beyond her, and I glanced up to see Father LeClerc hovering over us, like a sympathetic thundercloud in his black habit.
“Is there trouble?” he said to me, in French. “Monsieur Duncan, he has suffered some injury?”
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- This is one time I saw Jocasta with "heart" instead of her usual ruthlessness. Although we find out later, she had other irons in the fire, and didn't really care if Duncan could perform or not 😏 (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Thu, July 27 2017, 4:53:37
- I think Jocasta was affected by this, but I think it is for herself. (NT) -- LisaW, Thu, July 27 2017, 8:34:03
- I think she's genuinely fond of Duncan or she wouldn't marry him. Yes, he can go places she and Ulysses can't but she wouldn't marry just for that. (NT) -- kgp, Thu, July 27 2017, 9:54:48
- I do think Jocasta feels for Duncan here, and also for herself, with having parts of the past that one has resolved or accepted in some way come back to trouble you afresh. (NT) -- DianaH, Fri, July 28 2017, 6:43:34
- QOTD for Wednesday, July 26, 2017 -- kgp, Tue, July 25 2017, 17:40:22
The following quotation is from The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2001. All Rights Reserved. Chapter 14. Happy The Bride The Moon Shines On
“You had your way over the baptism,” I whispered. He lifted his chin slightly. Brianna glanced in our direction, looking slightly nervous.
“I havena said a word, have I?”
“It’s a perfectly respectable Christian marriage.”
“Did I say it was not?”
“Then look happy, damn you!” I hissed. He exhaled once more, and assumed an expression of benevolence one degree short of outright imbecility.
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- This scene makes me laugh out loud every darn time! (NT) -- LynnC, Wed, July 26 2017, 9:15:56
- So funny, especially when Germaine adds his "happy" face. :) (NT) -- DianaH, Wed, July 26 2017, 9:51:04
- I can just picture his face, having seen that face in my DH one or twice in our life together. (NT) -- LisaW, Wed, July 26 2017, 13:30:11
- HAPPY BIRTHDAY! -- JudyL, Tue, July 25 2017, 7:29:20
JULY 25
Joanne
JULY 27
Wee, KylieMcA, BeccaT
JULY 28
Ginger
JULY 29
Lady Marti
JULY 31
GinaR
Biggest birthday wishes ever!
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- Happy Birthdays!!! (NT) -- kgp, Tue, July 25 2017, 7:36:20
- Happy Birthday Lovely Lallys!! 🎉🌹💕 (NT) -- LisaW, Tue, July 25 2017, 7:54:06
- Happy birthday!!! (NT) -- LindaT, Tue, July 25 2017, 8:35:20
- Happy birthday to all the Leo's!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (NT) -- ladyphantom, Tue, July 25 2017, 9:06:41
- Happy Birthday ladies! (NT) -- LadyDuBois, Tue, July 25 2017, 11:08:12
- Happy Birthday, Ladies! (NT) -- AngieLass, Tue, July 25 2017, 12:49:07
- Happy Birthday Lallylovlies!!! (NT) -- CarolE, Tue, July 25 2017, 13:26:54
- Happy Birthday, ladies! All the best! (NT) -- Judie, Tue, July 25 2017, 19:10:24
- Happy Birthday, Lallypals! All the best for health and happiness 🎉🎉🎉 (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Wed, July 26 2017, 3:52:50
- Happy Birthday, Lallypals! xo (NT) -- Astrina-Brenna, Thu, July 27 2017, 20:03:53
- QOTD for Tuesday, July 25, 2017 -- kgp, Mon, July 24 2017, 17:48:04
The following quotation is from Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 1992. All Rights Reserved. Chapter 45. Damn All Randalls
As for Mary, she sat miserably on the bed, weeping helplessly into the folds of her cloak, hair disheveled and static with electricity. I did what I could for her, straightening her gown and combing out her hair. She sat drearily sniffing, her eyes fixed on Alex.
Bracing himself with a hand on the bureau, Alex groped in the drawer, coming out at last with his large Book of Common Prayer. It was too heavy for him to hold open before him in the normal fashion. He couldn’t stand, but sat heavily on the bed, holding the book open on his knee. He closed his eyes, breathing heavily, and a drop of sweat fell from his face, making a blot on the page.
“Dearly beloved,” Alex began, and I hoped for his own sake, as well as everyone else’s that he was using the short form of the ceremony.
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- Awwww. Such a bitter sweet moment. (NT) -- LadyDuBois, Tue, July 25 2017, 3:17:34
- A twist only Diana could imagine. When I realized ALEX, not BJR, was Frank's ancestor I had so many "if only..........". One if the cruelest parts of the Books for me was Claire making Jamie not kill BJR. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Tue, July 25 2017, 3:40:28
- This whole scene was the only time I saw the vestiges of humanity in BJR. (NT) -- DianaH, Tue, July 25 2017, 7:12:27
- This is so sad! But I have to give Claire and Jamie credit for putting aside their loses, because of BJR, and doing what is right for Mary and Alex. (NT) -- LisaW, Tue, July 25 2017, 7:58:45
- QOTD for Monday, July 24, 2017 -- kgp, Sun, July 23 2017, 17:20:47
The following quotation is from Written in My Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2014. All Rights Reserved. Chapter 94. The Sense Of The Meeting
Mrs. Figg flushed like a ripe black plum, but kept her composure. “Well, then,” She said. “If these ladies want to marry with you gentlemen, why do you think you got any business trying to talk them out of it? Have you maybe got your own reservations about the matter?”
A distinctly feminine murmur of approval came from the congregation, and Denny, who was still standing, seemed to be struggling for his own composure.
“Does he have a cock?” came a French-accented whisper from behind me and an unhinged giggle from Marsali in response. “You can’t get married without a cock.”
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- Just one of the classic lines we all can quote that always bring a smile. They've done a great job of bringing the Books to the screen, I hope Fregus and Marsali's wedding is given the same treatment. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Mon, July 24 2017, 4:31:50
- This is like real life where couples have little things between them that only they understand! Love Fergus and Marsali! (NT) -- Mia, Mon, July 24 2017, 6:22:23
- Great theme for the week. My own daughter just got married last week. It was sublime. (NT) -- Swarl, Mon, July 24 2017, 6:43:01
- I'm on a re-read of MOBY and just finished the weddings. So sweet and so funny! (NT) -- DianaH, Mon, July 24 2017, 10:47:24
- The women can be very matter-a-fact in DG's books! They may be from a different time, but they know what is necessary! ;) (NT) -- LisaW, Mon, July 24 2017, 12:31:21
- QOTD for Sunday, July 23, 2017 -- kgp, Sat, July 22 2017, 16:12:53
A week of weddings!
The following quotation is from Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2007. All Rights Reserved. Chapter 17. In Which a Marriage Takes Place, among Other Things
“With my goods I thee endow, with my body I thee worship . . . “
Grey, in the front pew with Percy Wainwright, was close enough to see the expression on the general’s face, which surprised him with its soft intensity. He was more surprised – and not a little taken aback – to catch and answering flash of response from the countess’s eyes.
He experienced the peculiar crawling of the flesh that attends any child’s realization that a parent must not only have engaged at some comfortably primeval date in the theoretical carnal act that resulted in his own existence – but was capable of doing it again in the all-too-physical present.
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- Oh, this should be a fun week. (NT) -- LadyDuBois, Sun, July 23 2017, 5:16:54
- Universal squirm! DH likes to tell the story of when the neighborhood boys discovered what sex was. One of them couldn't be convinced that his parents did it more than the five times it took to create him and his siblings. 😳 (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Sun, July 23 2017, 12:59:37
- My DH comes from a family of 7 children and he says that his parents did it 8 times, once for practice and the other 7 times to have the kids. 😜 (NT) -- LisaW, Sun, July 23 2017, 17:15:46
- I'm right there with you! When I was little I too was "disgusted" that my parents did it 6 times. Yuk!! *wink* (NT) -- Mia, Mon, July 24 2017, 6:19:59
- QOTD For Saturday, July 22th, 2017. -- Mia, Fri, July 21 2017, 19:03:04
The Following Quote is taken from 'The Fiery Cross', by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter 29 "One-Third of a Goat". Copyright @ 2001. All Rights Reserved.
"And what do you think you are, anyway?" I demanded of the heavy head resting on my thigh. "Vulcanized rubber?" My fingers touched his hair, quite without intent, and smoothed it gently. One corner of his mouth lifted suddenly, in a smile of startling sweetness.
It was gone as quickly as it had come, and I stared at him in astonishment. No, he was sound asleep; his breath came hoarse but even, and the long parti-colored lashes rested dark against his cheeks. Very softly, I stroked his head again.
Sure enough; the smile flickered like the touch of a flame, and disappeared. He sighed, very deeply, bent his neck to nuzzle closer, then relaxed completely, his body going limp.
"Oh, Christ, Jamie," I said softly, and felt tears sting my eyes.
It had been years since I'd seen him smile in his sleep like that. Not since the early days of our marriage, in fact--at Lallybroch.
He'd always do it as a wee lad, his sister Jenny had told me then. I think it means he's happy.
My fingers curled into the soft, thick hair at the nape of his neck, feeling the solid curve of his skull, the warm scalp and the hair-thin line of the ancient scar across it.
"Me, too," I whispered to him.
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I always found that Jamie, smiling in his sleep, is so sweet. *sigh*
Well, another week of QOTDs is over. I enjoyed doing this immensely. Thank you for allowing me this privilege. However, I only got through a third of FC this week. Look for me again in the near future to do more FC quotes! Love you, Ladies!
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- Love you too, Mia!! Great week of Fiery Cross 👍 There are very, very few times when Jamie's guard is down, even this is involuntary for him. But, like Claire, it makes me teary because he is SUCH a good guy who bears so much for so many without breaking down or showing the cost. I absolutely love that he can have a moment of complete abandon and good feelings. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Sat, July 22 2017, 5:47:11
- Thanks for the great quotes! FC is one of my favorites (I have trouble picking just one!) (NT) -- CindyG, Sat, July 22 2017, 10:11:16
- I know FC is not the favorite of many, but I love it for all the great family moments. Thank you Mia!!! 💙 (NT) -- LisaW, Sun, July 23 2017, 17:17:04
- QOTD For Friday, July 21th, 2017. -- Mia, Thu, July 20 2017, 19:19:03
The Following Quote is taken from 'The Fiery Cross", by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter 26, "The Militia Rises". Copyright @ 2001. All Rights Reserved.
My own nose had begun to run rather freely, but I hoped it was merely the result of eating hot food. I swallowed experimentally, but there was no sign of sore throat, nor rattling of congestion in my chest. Jamie rattled; he had finished eating and come to stand beside me, warming his backside at the blaze.
"All right, Sassenach?" he asked hoarsely.
"Just vasomotor rhinitis," I replied, dabbing at my nose with a handkerchief.
"Where?" He cast a suspicious look at the forest. "Here? I thought ye said they lived in Africa."
"What--oh, rhinoceroses. Yes, they do. I just meant my nose is running, but I haven't got la grippe."
"Oh, aye? That's good. I have," he added unnecessarily, and sneezed three times in succession.
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Just more of Diana's awesome humor! :-)
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- QOTD For Thursday, July 20th, 2017. -- Mia, Wed, July 19 2017, 20:41:42
The Following Quote is taken from 'The Fiery Cross', by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter 24, "Playing With Fire". Copyright @ 2001. All Rights Reserved.
"In the Highlands of Scotland, when a chieftain would set himself for war," he said, his tone casually conversational, but pitched to be heard throughout the dooryard, "he would burn the fiery cross, and send it for a sign through the lands of his clan. It was a signal to the men of his name, to gather their weapons and come to the gathering place, prepared for battle."
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Prior to this book, a burning cross and such a horrible, negative meaning for me. I didn't know what it meant in the 18th century, what its history was.
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- Me too. And I'm Methodist and we use the cross and flame to represent spirituality. DH, who is not, always teased me that it represents the KKK. His Grandmother was a born Scotswoman, so after Fiery Cross, I was able to explain it's actually part of HIS heritage and NOT to be confused with the KKK's sullying. This was such a powerful, gut wrenching scene. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Thu, July 20 2017, 4:52:58
- We get such an education from DG's books. (NT) -- DianaH, Thu, July 20 2017, 8:21:24
- I agree DianaH! Diana Gabaldon has taught me so much about history, botany, the ways of the frontier, and Wow! her vocabulary is amazing! I swear each chapter of her books has words I have never heard of let alone used. (NT) -- Mia, Thu, July 20 2017, 8:36:59
- I never knew this either and always thought of it in the negative way. But, obviously it had a greater and more important meaning long before the negative part came into use. (NT) -- LisaW, Thu, July 20 2017, 12:04:50
- QOTD For Wednesday, July 19th, 2017. -- Mia, Tue, July 18 2017, 18:55:13
The Following Quote is taken from 'The Fiery Cross', by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter 17, "Watchfire". Copyright @ 2001. All Rights Reserved.
He held Claire close, curving his free hand low over her belly. She sighed, a small sound of pain in it, and settled herself, her arse nesting round as an egg in the cup of his thighs. He could feel the melting begin as she relaxed, that odd merging of his flesh with hers.
At first it had happened only when he took her, and only at the last. Then sooner and sooner, until her hand upon him was both invitation and completion, a surrender inevitable, offered and accepted. He had resisted now and then, only to be sure he could, suddenly fearful of the loss of himself. He had thought it a treacherous passion, like the one that swept a mob of men, linking them in mindless fury.
Now he trusted it was right, though. The Bible did say it, Thou shalt be one flesh, and What God has joined together, let no man put asunder.
He had survived such a sundering once; he could not stand it twice, and live.
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- Verra nice Hmmph Day quote (NT) -- LadyDuBois, Wed, July 19 2017, 3:15:29
- When it's right, it truly is much more than a meeting of flesh. Diana shoes us that over and over. And also celebrates mature love and how it can be more passionate because of the history, not the nubile flesh. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Wed, July 19 2017, 4:24:06
- This is so lovely! To hear a man express how he feels about his woman is so reassuring. (NT) -- LisaW, Wed, July 19 2017, 7:25:44
- QOTD For Tuesday, July 18th, 2017. -- Mia, Mon, July 17 2017, 19:29:33
The Following Quote is taken from 'The Fiery Cross", by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter 12 "Virtue". Copyright @ 2001. All Rights Reserved.
I took a mouthful and let it trickle down the back of my throat. It seeped pleasantly through my mucous membranes, hit bottom, and rose up in a puff of soothing, amber-colored smoke that filled all my crevices and began to extend warm, soothing tendrils round the source of my discomfort.
"Oooooh," I said, sighing, and taking another sip.
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Since reading the Books, I have become a whiskey drinker. Any one else?
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- After reading so many of these passages about the "healing" - in many different situations - effects of good whiskey, I would love to. But....... DH has been sober for 32 years and out of respect fir him I don't drink. It sure is tempting sometimes, though! (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Tue, July 18 2017, 4:06:57
- Because of reading the books I have definitely tried it. Sadly I found out that I love the smell but not the taste! Give me wine any day of the week :) (NT) -- MaryC in KY, Tue, July 18 2017, 6:26:25
- No whisky for me. I'm more inclined to agree with Bree in DOA that it "tastes like ant spray." ;) (NT) -- DianaH, Tue, July 18 2017, 6:28:07
- I do like whisky - I'm appreciating the differences between regions. I do get cravings whenI read the books because it's mentioned so often. With the LJG books I want brandy for the same reason. (NT) -- kgp, Tue, July 18 2017, 10:18:26
- I haven't, but I keep saying I'm going to. (NT) -- Judie, Wed, July 19 2017, 13:46:22
- QOTD For Monday, July 17th, 2017. -- Mia, Sun, July 16 2017, 18:05:13
The Following quote is taken from 'The Fiery Cross", by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter 7, "Shrapnel". Copyright @ 2001. All Rights Reserved.
A gust of wind blew through the clearing, with a chilly burst of rain upon it, so like the freezing April rain of Culloden. Jamie shivered suddenly beside me, with a deep, convulsive shudder that crumpled the letter he still held in his hand.
"How much do you remember?" I asked, looking after Hayes, as he picked his way across the blood-soaked ground.
"Almost nothing," he replied. He stood up and turned to look down at me, his eyes as dark as the clouded skies above,. "And that is still too much."
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Thus far, we have been spared the gruesome details of the Battle of Culloden, just like Jamie's refusal to remember. I don't think this is going to last much longer. I suspect the Books will eventually reveal the details and most certainly, the STARZ series. Like the horrors of what went on at Wentworth, this will be very difficult to read/watch.
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- QOTD For Sunday, July 16th, 2017.-Mia -- Mia, Sat, July 15 2017, 20:32:48
When I did my first week of QOTDs this past April, I knew even then that the next time I did QOTD, I would do a week of quotes from 'The Fiery Cross'. I don't remember what was going on in my life when this book came out but I do remember that I did not give the book the time and patience that it deserved. I think I read only the dialogue and any serious action parts thus missing so much of the beauty of Diana's writing. I am currently in my first reread of this book and enjoying it immensely! I don't know if I'll finish it by the time my week is up~ perhaps I'll have to do another QOTD week.
There's no theme here but just lines that stood out to me. Enjoy!
The Following quote is taken from 'The Fiery Cross", by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter 53, "Wedding Gifts". Copyright @ 2001. All Rights Reserved.
He had a vivid memory of Mrs. Abercrombie, a staid and practical matron of Reverend Wakefield's congregation, who had arrived at the manse in hysterics one evening in the midst of supper, saying that she had killed her husband, and whatever should she do? The Reverend had left Mrs. Abercrombie in the temporary care of his housekeeper, while he and Roger, then a teenager, had hastened to the Abercrombie residence to see what had happened.
They had found Mr. Abercrombie on the floor of his kitchen, fortunately still alive, though groggy and bleeding profusely from a minor scalp wound occasioned by his having been struck by the new electric steam iron which he had presented to his wife on the occasion of their twenty-third wedding anniversary.
"But she said the old one scorched the tea towels!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A man should never give a gift, whether for an anniversary or a birthday, that has an On/Off button! Just sayin'!
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Replies:
- Thanks for the laugh! (NT) -- TheresaB., Sun, July 16 2017, 5:49:50
- I forgot about this - it just goes to show some things are timeless - some men just don't do gifts well! I love FC too and am looking forward to your quotes. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Sun, July 16 2017, 14:28:38
- Haha! That was a good one. I love when the books make me laugh out loud (NT) -- LadyBelle, Sun, July 16 2017, 17:03:01
- One birthday I was gifted a lawnmower. "It's self-propelled." :/ He still lives. (NT) -- DonnaS, Sun, July 16 2017, 20:29:07
- So funny! Although I have to say, I do like (and ask for) practical gifts. Some of my best ones have been, a new wheelbarrow and muck boots! If you're noticing a theme, yes I have a barn! :) (NT) -- DianaH, Mon, July 17 2017, 6:48:08
- QOTD for Saturday, 15 July 2017 -- Lady-Jane, Fri, July 14 2017, 19:26:59
This is the last one, and instead of Jamie or Claire teaching others, we're just going to enjoy what they've taught each other!
The following quote is taken from Written in My Own Heart's Blood by Diana Gabaldon, "A Coda in Three-Two Time." Copyright (c) 2014 by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.
He moved close and, putting his hands through the pocket slits in my skirt, took a firm and interesting grip on my bottom. “Do they teach ye in medical college how to spread your wife’s wee hams and lick her from tailbone to navel?”
“I didn’t teach you that one!”
“Indeed ye didn’t. And you’re a physician, no?”
“That— I’m sure that doesn’t make any sense. Are you drunk, Jamie?”
“Dinna ken,” he said, laughing. “But I’m sure you are, Sassenach. Let’s go home,” he whispered, leaning close and drawing his tongue up the side of my neck. “I want ye to make me say, ‘Oh, God,’ for ye.”
“That … could be arranged.” I’d cooled down during our walk, but the last five minutes had lit me like a candle, and if I’d wanted to go home and take off my stays before, I was now wondering whether I could wait that long.
“Good,” he said, pulling his hands out of my skirt. “And then I’ll see what I can make you say, mo nighean donn.”
“See if you can make me say, ‘Don’t stop.’ ”
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- QOTD for Friday, 14 July 2017 -- Lady-Jane, Thu, July 13 2017, 18:21:48
It's BOG2 today!
The following quotes are taken from Written in My Own Heart's Blood by Diana Gabaldon, "Vestal Virgins," Chapter 55. Copyright (c) 2014 by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.
“… and if he says, ‘Oh, God, oh, God,’ at some point,” I advised, “take note of what you were just doing, so you can do it again next time.”
AND
“I wouldn’t worry,” I said. “If a man says, ‘Oh, God,’ in that situation, he nearly always means it as a prayer.”
Dottie’s fair brows drew together in concentration. “A prayer of desperation? Or gratitude?”
“Well … that’s up to you,” I said, and stifled a small belch of my own.
AND FINALLY
“I dinna think I’ve got time to make ye scream, Sassenach,” he whispered in my ear. “But I’ve maybe time to make ye moan?”
“Well, possibly. It’s some time ’til dawn, isn’t it?”
Whether it was the beer and premarital explanations, the late hour and lure of secrecy— or only Jamie himself and our increasing need to shut out the world and know only each other— he had time, and to spare.
“Oh, God,” he said at last, and came down slowly on me, his heart beating heavy against my ribs. “Oh … God.”
Last edited by author: Thu, July 13 2017, 19:53:29
Edited 1 time.
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Replies:
- Thanks for posting early - those are lovely thoughts to head to bed with! ;o) (NT) -- lori v, Thu, July 13 2017, 18:53:32
- Be still my beating heart (NT) -- LadyDuBois, Fri, July 14 2017, 6:00:13
- Oh God, DG sure knows how to write! ;) (NT) -- DianaH, Fri, July 14 2017, 6:37:31
- Gotta love our Diana's writing ability - nobody does it better to quote Carly Simon LOL (NT) -- Katiscotch, Fri, July 14 2017, 7:09:42
- Well Jamie has had his share of praising God and Claire! (NT) -- LisaW, Fri, July 14 2017, 7:36:51
- Just saying hi and taking a moment from the engrossing world of FB for some awesome quotes. (NT) -- MacPudel, Fri, July 14 2017, 10:24:00
- Time for a reread of MOBY...one of my favs!!! (NT) -- RenateR, Fri, July 14 2017, 11:21:49
- QOTD for Thursday, 13 July 2017 -- Lady-Jane, Wed, July 12 2017, 18:02:21
Sex ed from your own mum...think about THAT for even two seconds!
The following quote is taken from Drums of Autumn by Diana Gabaldon, "Fifty-Fifty," Chapter 45. Copyright (c) 1997 by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.
“You think people plan it? Good God, how many times did I come to that school of yours and give talks about—”
“All the time! Every year! My mother the sex encyclopedia! Do you have any idea how mortifying it is to have your own mother standing up in front of everybody, drawing pictures of penises?” Her face went the color of the scarlet maples, flushed with the memory.
“I must not have done it all that well,” I said tartly, “since you seem not to have recognized one when you saw it.”
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Replies:
- Oooh, Claire is being a bitch here! Of course Bri knew about sex ed, but I can just imagine the comments and snarky attitude she got from fellow classmates after "Mom's Talks - complete with diagrams no less. I'm glad her attitude changed rather quickly and she gave Bri the support she needed. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Thu, July 13 2017, 4:58:03
- Oh she knew one when she saw it. I think Claire was going quickly through the stages of grief, but poor Brianna she needed her Momma then, not the Mom Talk Lady! 😜 (NT) -- LisaW, Thu, July 13 2017, 6:31:20
- With her medical training, Claire is so clinical in everything relating to bodily functions. Bree certainly would have had to endure plenty of giggles & comments from her classmates during and after those "talks." Bree's remark about "I didn't plan to have sex in the 18th century." was fair enough though, as she didn't think Roger would follow her. She certainly wouldn't have felt the need for birth control, never mind the risk of having something with her. I think Claire's reaction is pretty spot on though, for a mother who finds her unwed daughter is pregnant in that time. After the shock of hearing the full story, she rallies quickly and is fully in Bree's corner. (NT) -- DianaH, Thu, July 13 2017, 6:39:02
- HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! -- Judie, Tue, July 11 2017, 21:15:54
.
.
July 13
Lady Olivia
July 17
JP
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Replies:
- Happy Birthday, Lallypals! (NT) -- SueW, Wed, July 12 2017, 5:04:39
- Happy Birthday Lovely Lallys!!!!!🎉🎂❤️️ (NT) -- LisaW, Wed, July 12 2017, 6:32:16
- Happy Birthday, Lallypals!! (NT) -- Piper-Mom, Wed, July 12 2017, 7:07:52
- Happy happy happy! (NT) -- LindaT, Wed, July 12 2017, 10:07:20
- Happy Birthday!! May your year ahead be filled with health and happiness 🌞 🌈🍪 🎉 (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Wed, July 12 2017, 13:28:10
- Happy Birthday! (NT) -- AngieLass, Thu, July 13 2017, 5:28:27
- Happy Birthdays!!! (NT) -- kgp, Thu, July 13 2017, 15:33:28
- ♪♫Happy, Happy, Happy Birthday!!♪♫ (NT) -- JeanClaire*, Sun, July 16 2017, 7:42:19
- QOTD for Wednesday, 12 July 2017 -- Lady-Jane, Tue, July 11 2017, 18:22:55
Now it's Claire's turn!
The following quote is taken from Written in My Own Heart's Blood by Diana Gabaldon, "Vestal Virgins," Chapter 55. Copyright (c) 2014 by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.
Rachel looked up with interest. “I should welcome any such instruction myself. I know where the … um … parts go, because I’ve seen them go there fairly frequently, but—”
“You have?!?” Dottie gawked at her, and Rachel laughed.
“I have. But Ian assures me that he has more skill than the average bull or billy goat, and my observations are limited to the animal world, I’m afraid.”
A small line showed between her brows. “The woman who cared for me after the death of my parents was … very dutiful in informing me of my womanly obligations, but her instructions consisted largely of ‘Spread thy legs, grit thy teeth, girl, and let him.’ ”
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Replies:
- Great topic. Thanks for the laughs. (NT) -- Swarl, Wed, July 12 2017, 6:11:23
- Rachel is not afraid to ask questions and she wants to make sure she does more then grit her teeth and let him 😂❤️ (NT) -- LisaW, Wed, July 12 2017, 6:34:41
- The young women in Claire's sphere of influence are so lucky to have her to ask questions of and know that they will get an honest, intelligent answer! (NT) -- lori v, Wed, July 12 2017, 10:14:04
- Love that these young women are bold enough to discuss this! (NT) -- RenateR, Fri, July 14 2017, 11:16:52
- QOTD for Tuesday, 11 July 2017 -- Lady-Jane, Mon, July 10 2017, 19:30:13
Jamie continues to educate the younger generation.
The following quote is taken from Written in My Own Heart's Blood by Diana Gabaldon, "Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night," Chapter 57. Copyright (c) 2014 by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.
“Aye, well.” Jamie stood still, considering. “The only useful thing was what my wife told me on the night. ‘Go slowly and pay attention.’ I think ye canna go far wrong wi’ that.” He settled his coat on his shoulders. “Oidhche mhath, Ian. I’ll see ye at first light— if not somewhat before.”
“Oidhche mhath, Uncle Jamie.” As Jamie reached the edge of the clearing, Ian called after him. “Uncle Jamie!”
Jamie turned to look over his shoulder. “Aye?”
“And was she gentle with ye?”
“God, no,” Jamie said, and grinned broadly.
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Replies:
- That broad grin at the end speaks volumes more than any of the words he said! ;o) (NT) -- lori v, Tue, July 11 2017, 6:51:41
- I've just started a re-read of MOBY, and it's so much fun to come across the QOTDs as I go along! (NT) -- DianaH, Tue, July 11 2017, 7:07:53
- Awesome!!! Love that he remembers every moment of that first night with Claire! (NT) -- LisaW, Tue, July 11 2017, 7:44:16
- Makes me smile every time I read this. (NT) -- Katiscotch, Tue, July 11 2017, 15:55:16
- QOTD for Monday, 10 July 2017 -- Lady-Jane, Sun, July 09 2017, 18:55:19
This just always tickles me.
The following quote is taken from Outlander by Diana Gabaldon, "By the Pricking of My Thumbs," Chapter 24. Copyright (c) 1991 by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.
“For one thing, it’s…more gentle.”
“Ye dinna bite them on the neck, then?” Hamish had the serious, intent expression of one taking careful notes. “To make them keep still?”
“Er…no. Not customarily, anyway.” Exercising his not inconsiderable willpower, Jamie faced up manfully to the responsibilities of enlightenment. “There’s another difference, as well,” he said, carefully not looking upward. “Ye may do it face to face, instead of from the back. As the lady prefers.”
“The lady?” Hamish seemed dubious about this. “I think I’d rather do it from the back. I dinna think I’d like to have anyone lookin’ at me while I did something like that."
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Replies:
- I'm giggling just reading this. (NT) -- Mia, Mon, July 10 2017, 4:42:40
- Growing up in the "olden days," I would expect that most children had seen animals mating, so the bird & the bees talk would require less explaining from one standpoint. But when you read this, you realize that enlightenment of certain aspects are definitely still in order! Too funny! (NT) -- DianaH, Mon, July 10 2017, 8:19:19
- Hamish would not have had to share a room with his parents either so would have even less notion of what happens in a bed. (NT) -- kgp, Mon, July 10 2017, 10:46:33
- So sweet & innocent! (NT) -- RenateR, Fri, July 14 2017, 11:02:23
- QOTD: Sunday, 9 July 2017 -- Lady-Jane, Sat, July 08 2017, 21:58:21
Since I'm headed to Scotland in two weeks (WHHHHEEEEEEE!), I went looking for descriptions of the country, particularly mountains and hills.
The following quote is taken from Outlander by Diana Gabaldon, "One Fine Day," Chapter 16. Copyright (c) 1991 by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.
We emerged then, onto the top of a small dun, and the hills sloped away in a breathtaking fall of rocks and green on all sides. Most places in the Highlands gave me a feeling of being surrounded by trees or rocks or mountains, but here we were exposed to the fresh drafts of the wind and the rays of the sun, which had come out as though in celebration of our unorthodox marriage.
Last edited by author: Sat, July 08 2017, 21:58:48
Edited 1 time.
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- QOTD for Saturday, July 8, 2017 -- The following quote is taken from 'An Echo in the Bone,' by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter 86, "Valley Forge" Copyright © 2009, by Diana Gabaldon. All Rights Reserved -- swarl, Fri, July 07 2017, 17:20:13
“Why?” she said, and her voice shook only a little. “Why do you not wish me to follow you?”
“Dorothea,” he said, as gently as possible. “Putting aside the fact that thy going with me would put thee in rebellion and in conflict with thy family — it is an army. Moreover, it is a very poor army, and one lacking every conceivable comfort, including clothing, bedding, shoes, and food. Beyond that, it is an army on the verge of disaster and defeat. It is no fit place for you.”
“And it is a fit place for your sister?”
“Indeed it is not, “he said. “But —“ he stopped short, obviously realizing that he was on the verge of stepping into a trap.
“But thee can't stop me coming with thee.” Rachel sprang it for him, sweetly. She was not quite sure she should help this strange woman, but she did admire the Lady Dorothea’s spirit.
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- NO MORE QOTD. Starting on Sunday. Unless YOU COME FORWARD and start a new career as poster extraordinaire. Try it. You'll like it -- Swarl, Thu, July 06 2017, 18:06:01
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Replies:
- I can take this coming week...then it's preparations for SCOTLAND and gone for 3 weeks! WHHEEEE!!! (NT) -- Lady-Jane, Thu, July 06 2017, 18:57:21
- Is everyone on vacation? :) (NT) -- Judie, Thu, July 06 2017, 22:10:33
- Are there only a handful of people here these days? Should we just pack QOTD in? (NT) -- Judie, Thu, July 06 2017, 22:11:12
- NOOoooOOO! I'll do the week of July 16th. Even the thought of no more QOTD sends me into spasms. I have been reading them for over 15 years! (NT) -- Mia, Fri, July 07 2017, 5:21:19
- I'm here! I just have this weird schedule that can't guarantee I could do it every day for a whole week. So I haven't! (NT) -- Susannah, Fri, July 07 2017, 6:06:19
- Sorry!! I'm here!! My Mom was visiting and I am finishing up my job, which closes on the 14th. (NT) -- LisaW, Fri, July 07 2017, 7:42:11
- Judie, I'll take a week for QOTD (NT) -- CarolSR, Fri, July 07 2017, 7:47:21
- I'm here most days but it's rather lonely. I'm on for the week of the 23rd. (NT) -- kgp, Fri, July 07 2017, 8:08:38
- Sorry, I didn't have a chance to drop in yesterday, but I'm here nearly every day! I'll take a day next month. Sending message to Judie. (NT) -- CindyG, Sat, July 08 2017, 11:13:07
- QOTD for Friday, July 7, 2017 -- The following quote is taken from 'An Echo in the Bone,' by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter 39, "A Matter of Conscience" Copyright © 2009, by Diana Gabaldon. All Rights Reserved -- Swarl, Thu, July 06 2017, 18:03:14
. . . he opened the letter.
Cousin,
I hope to find you in better health than when last seen, if so, I will leave a horse and some funds to assist your travels. If not. I will leave the money, to pay either for medicine or your burial. The other thing is a gift from a friend whom the Indians call Bear-Killer. He hopes that you will wear it in good health. I wish you luck in your ventures.
Your ob’t. serv.,
Ian Murray
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Replies:
- I love how this is all in full view,- 'cousin', 'bear-killer', but Willie doesn't see it (NT) -- Swarl, Thu, July 06 2017, 18:07:42
- What dd Jamie leave for Willie to wear? (NT) -- TheresaB., Fri, July 07 2017, 5:38:38
- I hope they will eventually become close. (NT) -- kgp, Fri, July 07 2017, 8:09:33
- I think that William & Ian will become friends eventually. Both are men of honor, though Ian's sense of "justice" can be swift & violent, due, perhaps, to both his Scots upbringing & time with the Mohawk. They are both "sons" to Jamie as well, Ian of the heart, and William biologically. (NT) -- DianaH, Fri, July 07 2017, 9:14:05
- HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! -- Judie, Thu, July 06 2017, 15:05:46
.
.
.My apologies for being late.
Belated Birthday Wishes to:
July 2 - Milady M
July 2 - Gayle
I hope you had wonderful birthdays!!!!
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Replies:
- And I hope you have a wonderful year ahead filled with health and happiness, lovely Lallyladies! (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Fri, July 07 2017, 13:52:15
- Happy birthday!!! (NT) -- LindaT, Sat, July 08 2017, 8:36:47
- Late to the party, hope all birthdays were happy! (NT) -- CarolE, Sun, July 09 2017, 10:36:17
- QOTD for Thursday, July 6, 2017 -- The following quote is taken from 'An Echo in the Bone,' by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter 19, "Ae Fond Kiss" Copyright © 2009, by Diana Gabaldon. All Rights Reserved -- swarl, Wed, July 05 2017, 18:48:09
“I have not stabbed you!”
“Ye did too,” he informed me. “Ye stabbed me in the backside wi’ your nasty wee needle spikes — fifteen times! I counted — and then a dozen times or more in the leg with a rattlesnake’s fang.”
“I was saving your bloody life!”
“I didna say otherwise did I? Ye’re no going to deny ye enjoyed it, though, are ye?”
“Well . . Not the rattlesnake so much. As for the hypodermic . . .” My mouth twitched, despite myself. “You deserved it.”
He gave me a look of profound cynicism.
“Do nay harm, is it?”
“Besides, you were counting what I'd done to you in bed,” I said, neatly returning to the point. “You can't count the shots.”
“I was in bed!”
“I wasn't!”
“Aye, ye took unfair advantage,” he said, nodding. “I wouldn't hold that against ye, though.”
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- NEW POSTERS NEEDED,!! There are no quoters for the next two (2) weeks. This is a fact. Not only that it requires a remedy. It is fun and very easy. If you have not done it before, I am happy to tell you my secrets to easy posting. -- Swarl, Wed, July 05 2017, 14:35:57
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- QOTD for Wednesday, July 5, 2017 -- The following quote is taken from 'An Echo in the Bone,' by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter 8, "Spring Thaw" Copyright © 2009, by Diana Gabaldon. All Rights Reserved. -- Swarl - with deep apologies for the lateness of the hour., Wed, July 05 2017, 14:32:53
I laughed, and without further ado, stood up and pulled the ribbon tie at the neck of my shift. Wriggling, I let it fall in a puddle around my feet.
He closed his eyes. Then breathed deep and opened them again.
“I'm blinded,” he said softly and held out his hand to me.
“Blinded as in the sun bouncing of a vast expanse of snow?” I asked dubiously. “Or as in coming face to face with a gorgon?”
“Seeing a gorgon turns ye to stone, not strikes ye blind,” he informed me.
“Though come to think of it — he prodded himself with an experimental forefinger — “I may turn to stone yet. Will ye come here, for God’s sake?”
I came.
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- QOTD for Tuesday, July 4, 2017 -- The following quote is taken from 'An Echo in the Bone,' by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter 39, "A matter of Conscience" Copyright © 2009, by Diana Gabaldon. All Rights Reserved. Today is our Independence Day, so we get not one, but two quotes. -- Swarl, Mon, July 03 2017, 17:38:18
“Denny said that it was made clear to him that liberty, whether that of the individuals or of countries, is a gift of God, and that it was laid upon him that he must join in the fight to gain and preserve it. So we were put out of meeting.”
The following quote is taken from 'An Echo in the Bone,' by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter 60, "Deserter. Round II" Copyright © 2009, by Diana Gabaldon. All Rights Reserved.
“If ye came for money and girls, man, ye joined the wrong army,” Jamie said dryly, and Kościuszko laughed.
“I say first money,” he corrected. “I come to Philadelphia, read there La Declaration.” He pronounced it in French, and bared his head in reverence at the name, clasping his sweat-stained hat to his breast. “This thing, this writing . . . I am ravish.”
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- QOTD for Monday, July 3, 2017 -- The following quote is taken from 'An Echo in the Bone,' by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter 9, "A Knife that Knows my Hand" Copyright © 2009, by Diana Gabaldon. All Rights Reserved. -- Swarl, Sun, July 02 2017, 17:50:55
“You remember that other line I told you? I asked him. “When we came back to Lallybroch from Edinburgh, after I . . .found Jamie again. 'Home is where, when you have to go there, they have to take you in.'
Ian raised a brow, looked from me to Jamie, and shook his head.
“Nae wonder ye’re sae fond of her, Uncle. She must be a rare comfort to ye.”
“Well,” Jamie said, his eyes fixed on his work, “she keeps takin’ me in — so I suppose she must be home.”
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- QOTD for Sunday, July 2, 2017 -- The following quote is taken from 'An Echo in the Bone,' by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter 8, "Spring Thaw" Copyright © 2009, by Diana Gabaldon. All Rights Reserved. -- Swarl, Sat, July 01 2017, 18:47:15
The White Spring, so called for the big pale pale boulder that stood guardian over its pool, had something more — a sense of inviolate peace.
The closer I came to it, the surer I was that that was where I'd find Jamie.
“There is something there that listens,” he'd told Brianna once, quite casually. “Ye see such pools in the highlands; they’re called saints’ pools - folk say the saint lives by the pool and listens to their prayers.”
“And what saint lives by the White Spring?” She'd asked, cynical. “Saint Killian?”
“Why him?”
“Patron saint of gout, rheumatism, and whitewash.”
He'd laughed at that, shaking his head.
“Whatever it is that lives in such water is older than the notion of saints,” he assured her. “But it listens.”
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- QOTD for Saturday, July 1, 2017 -- kgp, Fri, June 30 2017, 18:07:46
The following quotation is from Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2007. All Rights Reserved. Chapter 27 –The Honorable Thing
“Perseverance,” Grey said, very softly. Percy halted abruptly. After a moment he rubbed a hand over his face, once, twice, then swung round to face Grey.
“What?”
“What do you want of me?”
Percy looked at him for some moments, unspeaking. At last he shook his head, one side of his mouth turned up in what was not quite a smile.
“What I wanted, you couldn’t give me, could you? Couldn’t even lie about it, honorable bloody honest bastard that you are. Can you lie now? Can you tell me that you loved me?”
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- QOTD for Friday, June 30, 0017 -- kgp, Thu, June 29 2017, 18:04:47
The following quotation is from Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2007. All Rights Reserved. Chapter 27 –The Honorable Thing
Without speaking, he picked up the haversack he’d dropped by the table, and withdrew a pistol. It was an old one, of German manufacture.
“I want you to go and see him,” he said.
“What?” Grey said, disbelieving.
“Do you know what happened to . . . Wainwright’s . . . “ Hal searched for a word. “ . . . accomplice?”
“Yes, I do. Von Namtzen told me. Are you seriously suggesting that I call upon Percy Wainwright and murder him in the gaol?”
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- QOTD for Thursday, june 29, 2017 -- kgp, Wed, June 28 2017, 17:54:52
The following quotation is from Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2007. All Rights Reserved. Chapter 21 –Cowardice
“It was the woman,” he said, resigned to complete humiliation. “He threatened her. And I – idiot that I was – spoke, in order to save her.”
“Well, what else could you do?” Percy said, his tone so reasonable that Grey opened his eyes and stared at him. Percy smiled a little.
“Of course you would protect that woman,” he said. “You protect everyone, John – I don’t suppose you can help it.”
Astonished, Grey opened his mouth to contest this absurd statement, but was forestalled when Percy leaned forward and kissed him softly.
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- QOTD for Wednesday, June 28, 2017 -- kgp, Tue, June 27 2017, 18:35:30
The following quotation is from Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2007. All Rights Reserved. Chapter 21 –Cowardice
“Wait, let me get that down. Primum: save . . . men. Secundo: do not . . . drop . . . weapon. Tertio- what’s the third thing on this list?”
“Suck my prick,” Grey said rudely. “Ass.”
Percy promptly flipped the sketchbook shut and came toward him, eyes brighter still.
“Wait! I didn’t mean it!”
“Just following orders,” Percy murmured, pinning him to the bed with a deft knee on his thigh, and getting a hand on his flies. “Sir.”
The brief and undignified struggle that followed – filled with muffle accusations of insubordination, high-handedness, disobedience, arrogance, contumacy, despotism, mutiny, and tyranny – ended in a truce that left the respective parties on the floor, breathless, flushed, disheveled, panting, and entirely satisfied with the negotiated terms of surrender.
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- QOTD for Tuesday, June 27, 2017 -- kgp, Mon, June 26 2017, 17:53:20
The following quotation is from Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2007. All Rights Reserved. Chapter 17 –Which a Marriage Takes place, Among Other Things
“Shall I fetch someone? A Doctor?” Percy made a tentative motion toward the door, but was forestalled by Olivia’s seizing the skirt of his coat.
”Just . . . wait,” she said, sitting up and panting. “It’s all right. It’s – “ Her face went quite blank, and then suddenly assumed a look of the utmost concentration. Her hand fell from Percy’s coat and went to her belly. Her eyes went round, and so did her mouth.
If she screamed, it was drowned by a blast of organ music.
“Oh,God.” Grey was on his knees, pawing through an unending mass of yellow silk. Now there was blood, though not a great deal. “Oh, God, are you all right, Olivia?”
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- QOTD for Monday, June 26, 2017 - decided to go a different direction, so you get a twofer. -- kgp, Mon, June 26 2017, 7:00:44
The following quotation is from Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2007. All Rights Reserved. Chapter 15 – A delicate Errand
Wainwright rubbed a thoughtful finger below his lip, and glanced at Grey.
“Would you trust me to do it? I am commissioned, but my service does not become effective with the regiment for ten days yet; I presume you could give me leave?” He smiled, eyes dancing. “And I can assure you of my discretion.”
Grey’s heart lightened at once, though he protested.
“I cannot ask such a thing of you. The danger – “
“Oh, I don’t see how you can expect me to resist such an opportunity.” Percy’s smile grew wider. “After all, if there is one thing I never expected to do in life, it’s to abscond with a man’s wife!”
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- QOTD for Monday, June 26, 2017 -- kgp, Sun, June 25 2017, 19:27:00
The following quotation is from Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2007. All Rights Reserved. Chapter 3 – Pet Criminal
“God rest her soul,” he said. His lips felt numb, in spite of the tea. “How?”
The countess closed her eyes for an instant, looking suddenly her age.
“In childbirth,” She said, drawing a long breath, and opening her eyes. “The child has survived, so far. A son, Lady Dunsany says.” The color was beginning to seep back into the countess’s face, and she picked up the letter again.
“Here is something remarkable, though terribly sad,” she said. “She says that the child’s father – that would be Ellesmere, old Ludovic, you know – died on the same day as his wife.”
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- QOTD for Sunday, June 25, 2017 -- kgp, Sat, June 24 2017, 18:29:57
The following quotation is from Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright 2007. All Rights Reserved. Chapter 1 - All In The Family
Percy’s long, dark lashes rested for a moment on his cheek, and then swept up, so that his eyes met Grey’s.
“Perhaps you would be interested to come with me to Lady Jonas’s salon – Diderot will be there. Saturday afternoon, if you are at liberty?”
So, shall we be lovers, then?”
“Oh, yes,” said Grey, and touched his linen napkin to his mouth. His pulse throbbed in his fingertips. “I think so.”
Well, he thought, I don’t suppose it’s really incest, and pushed his chair back to arise.
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- QOTD for Saturday, June 24, 2017 -- LisaW, Fri, June 23 2017, 20:42:24
The following quote is taken from 'Written in My Own Heart's Blood' by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter 60, "QUAKERS AND QUARTERMASTERS" Copyright � 2014, by Diana Gabaldon. All Rights Reserved.
" "Fuirich, a choin," Ian said, leaning over and scratching Rollo behind the
ears. "I'll be back, aye?" Taing, Uncle!" And with a brief nod to Greene, he
was away, his own horse clearly wanting to put as much distance between
himself and Rollo as possible.
"Dear Lord," Green said, wrinkling his nose at the dog's reek.
"Aye, well," Jamie said, resigned. "My wife says ye get used to any sort of
smell after a bit of smelling it. And I suppose she'd know."
"Why, is she a cook?"
"Och, no. A physician. Gangrene, ken, festering bowels and the like."
Greene blinked
"I see. You have a most interesting family, Mr. Fraser." He coughed and
looked after Ian, rapidly vanishing in the distance. "You might be wrong
about him never becoming a Quaker. At least he doesn't bow his head to a
title." "
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- QOTD for Friday, June 23, 2017 -- LisaW, Thu, June 22 2017, 19:37:39
The following quote is taken from 'Written in My Own Heart's Blood' by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter 29, "RETURN TO lALLYBROCH" Copyright 2014, by Diana Gabaldon. All Rights Reserved.
" "Are ye quite well, sir?" Brian Fraser was looking at him, thick black brows
drawn down in concern. He reached out a hand. "Come into my study and
sit. I'll maybe fetch ye a dram?"
"I--thank you," Roger said abruptly. He thought his knees might give
way at any second, but he managed to follow the master of Lallybroch into
the speak-a-word room, the laird's office and study. His own study.
The shelves were the same, and behind his host's head was the same row
of farm ledgers that he'd often thumbed through, conjuring up from their
faded entries the phantom life of an earlier Lallybroch. Now the ledgers were
new, and Roger felt himself the phantom. He didn't like the feeling at all.
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Replies:
- This was a very, very strange and eerie aspect of TT for me. I was so glad to hear Brian speak, but hard to wrap my head around it. I'm still really hoping for Brian and Ellen's story. LOVE your pictures 👍 (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Fri, June 23 2017, 4:42:43
- Great quotes this week, I am SO due for a re-read of MOBY. Unlike the first 4 books, I've only read this once. And I agree, this part was a shock. Where would Roger end up next? (NT) -- DianaH, Fri, June 23 2017, 7:40:26
- QOTD for Thursday, June 22, 2017 -- LisaW, Wed, June 21 2017, 18:56:25
The following quote is taken from 'Written in My Own Heart's Blood,' by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter 82, "EVEN PEOPLE WHO WANT TO GO TO HEAVEN DON'T WANT TO DIE TO GET THERE" Copyright 2014, by Diana Gabaldon. All Rights Reserved.
" VOICES . . .I heard words, disjointed, coming out of the fog like bullets
striking randomly.
". . . find Denzell Hunter!"
"General--"
"--but you're needed at--"
"No!"
"--orders--"
"NO!"
And another voice, this one stiff with fear.
". . . could be shot for treason and desertion, sir!"
That focused my wandering attention and I heard the reply, clearly.
"Then they'll shoot me where I stand, sir, for I will not leave her side!"
Good, I thought, and, comforted, lapsed into the spinning void again. "
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- QOTD for Wednesday, June 21, 2017 -- LisaW, Tue, June 20 2017, 20:42:41
The following quote is taken from 'Written in My Own Heart's Blood,' by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter 16, "ALL MY LOVE" Copyright © 2014, by Diana Gabaldon. All Rights Reserved.
"Don't--I repeat, don't--go anywhere near the Service or anyone con-
nected with it. At best, they'd think you insane. But if you are indeed
what you may be, the last people who should ever know it are the funny
buggers, as we used to be known during the war.
And if worse should come to worst--and you can do it--then the past
may be your best avenue of escape. I have no idea how it works; neither
does your mother, or at least she says so. I hope I may have given you a few
tools to help, if that should be necessary.
And . . . there's him. Your mother said that Fraser sent her back to
me, knowing that I would protect her--and you. She thought that he
died immediately afterward. He did not. I looked for him, and I found
him. And, like him, perhaps I send you back, knowing--as he knew of
me--that he will protect you with his life.
I will love you forever, Brianna. And I know whose child you truly are.
With all my love,
Dad "
Last edited by author: Wed, June 21 2017, 18:38:42
Edited 1 time.
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- QOTD for Tuesday, June 20, 2017 -- LisaW, Mon, June 19 2017, 22:07:36
The following quote is taken from Written in My Own Heart's Blood by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter 54 "IN WHICH I MEET A TURNIP". Copyright (c) 2014 by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.
" "Maybe that,' I said. "But what if you'd been born elsewhere, maybe to a
different family?"
"Well, I wouldna be who I am, then, would I?" he said logically, and
smiled at me. "I may quibble wi' what the Lord's called me to do now and
then, Sassenach--but I've nay argument wi' how he made me."
I looked at what he was--the strong, straight body and capable hands, the
face so full of everything he was--and had no argument, either.
""Besides," he said, and tilted his head consideringly, "if it had been differ-
ent, I wouldna have you, would I? Or have had Brianna and her weans?"
If it had been different . . . I didn't ask whether he thought his life as it was
had been worth the cost.
He leaned over and touched my cheek.
"It's worth it, Sassenach," he said. "For me."
I cleared my throat.
"For me, too." "
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Replies:
- There are so many things in this book that I just love, big and small. This is one of those small moments that makes me smile. (NT) -- TheresaB., Tue, June 20 2017, 3:13:15
- So sweet! (NT) -- Piper-Mom, Tue, June 20 2017, 7:31:39
- I know they often have conversations like this, but what stands out me is the end when Jamie always reassures Claire that everything they have gone through will always be worth the time thay have together. (NT) -- LisaW, Tue, June 20 2017, 9:48:05
- HAPPY BIRTHDAY! -- JudyL, Mon, June 19 2017, 2:34:30
JUNE 18
AmandaB
JUNE 19
Florence
JUNE 20
ErinMcN, HeatherLeigh
JUNE 22
Alicat
Best wishes for a wonderful year ahead.
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Replies:
- Happy Birthday to all! (NT) -- LadyDuBois, Mon, June 19 2017, 3:13:35
- Happy birthday!!! (NT) -- LindaT, Mon, June 19 2017, 11:38:57
- Happy Birthday, Ladies!! (NT) -- kgp, Mon, June 19 2017, 16:17:49
- Happy Birthday, Lallypals!! (NT) -- Piper-Mom, Tue, June 20 2017, 7:31:54
- Happy Happy Birthday Lallys!!!💙🎂 (NT) -- LisaW, Tue, June 20 2017, 9:48:59
- Happy Birthday, Lallypals! (NT) -- SueW, Tue, June 20 2017, 20:54:44
- Happy Birthday, ladies! :) (NT) -- Judie, Mon, June 26 2017, 1:22:18
- QOTD for Monday, June 19, 2017 -- LisaW, Sun, June 18 2017, 16:47:59
The following quote is taken from Written in My Own Heart's Blood by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter 41 "IN WHICH THINGS CONVERGE". Copyright (c) 2014 by Diana
Gabaldon. All rights reserved.
" "I don't know what's going on," she said. "I don't know why Rob Cam-
eron should have kidnapped Jemmy--"
"Yes, you d--" Jem started, and she whipped her head round and glared
at him. He glared back, red-eyed and clench-fisted, and with a jolt of alarm
she recognized the Fraser temper about to go off with a bang.
"You do so know! he said, loudly enough that a couple of truckers at the
counter turned round to look at him. "I told you! He wanted me to--"
Mandy, who had started to drop off again, jerked awake and started to wail.
"I want Daddeeeee!"
Jem's face was bright with fury. At this, it went white.
"Shut up, shut up, shut up!: he shrieked at Mandy, who yelped in terror
and screamed louder, trying to scramble up Brianna's body.
&Nbsp; "DADDEEE!"
"Jem!" Lionel Menzies was on his feet, reaching for the boy, but Jem was
absolutely beside himself, literally hopping up and down with rage. The en-
tire restaurant was gaping at them.
"Go AWAY!" Jem roared at Menzies. "DAMMIT! Don't you touch me!
Don't touch my mam!" And, in an excess of passion, he kicked Menzies hard
on the shin. "
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- QOTD for Sunday, June 18, 2017 -- LisaW, Sat, June 17 2017, 12:15:05
The following quote is taken from 'Written in My Own Heart's Blood,' by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter 16, "ROOM FOR SECRETS" Copyright © 2014, by Diana Gabaldon. All Rights Reserved.
" "Oh good,"Rachel said, half under her breath. He glanced sideling at
her but couldn't tell if she meant this ironically or not, so he coughed and
went on, telling how they had instead given the man to the Tuscarora, who
in turn had sold him as a slave to the Mohawk farther north.
"We didna want to risk him ever comin' back to trouble Brianna, aye?
Only then--" He swallowed, reliving in memory both the terror of asking
Brianna to marry him and the utter horror when cousin Bree had drawn a
picture of the man she loved, the man she was waiting for--and the strong
dark features of the man they had given to the Mohawk sprang into view."
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Replies:
- Great start! That moment when you say to yourself, "Oh shite, this isn't going to end well." (NT) -- LadyDuBois, Sun, June 18 2017, 5:36:44
- I had forgotten this part, but it strengthens my love of Rachel and Ian as a couple. They are so honest and true with each other; they bare their souls trusting in the love each has for the other - and it's totally working. I echo Lady DuBois comment, "Great start!" (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Sun, June 18 2017, 6:29:39
- QOTD for Friday, June 16th, 2017 -- Betsy Barefootspinner, Fri, June 16 2017, 23:02:41
YOOOHOOOO, Lally Land!
It's Friday, 9:30PM and I'm home, sitting in a long flannel nighty and a flannel bathrobe, sloppy over-run Instead of a drinking Black Russians I am sipping caffeine -free tea and munching on a nice slice of some yummy organic whole grain toast. Real homemade butter, of course.Hmmmmmmm- What's wrong with this picture? Where are my skinny jeans? All of my "natural beauty" makeup? Perfume? Where's the gorgeous, perfectly varnished and polished to a perfect shine? Where's the band? And the guy with the long curly dark brown hair?
Well, I gave up drinking for the most part. Oh, I will have the VERY occasional drink,-- Atholl Brose, Crabbies Scottish beer, or a good shot of single malt, preferably Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban-- It took up too much time to drink and dealing with little children with a hangover was excruciating. Besides, when I drink now I do very interesting things. The last time, after just one shot of single malt, another LOLer and I spent a considerable amount of time being taught by the sixteen year old daughter of another LOLer how to dance and jiggle ou bums up and down, side to side. We were quite the sight.
The skinny jeans? Well, a few months ago my dear son told me "Hey, Mom. Your ass fell off." Bless his addled little brain. The jeans don't quite have the same affect. The bar? I fall asleep any time, any where. The picture of me standing, head face- planted on the shiny piece of wood, snoring and drooling and oblivious to the peanut shell stuck on my cheek just isn't a pleasant sight. People tend to give me a wide gerth. I wonder if it might help to put some baling wire in a circle around me so people wouldn't have to worry about getting too close.
The kids used all my makeup playing Beauy Shop and all the dollies and a good amount of the dump trucks smell quite nice.
Tea and toast and flannel work well for me now. Plus, if I'm home I get to be delighted by flinging arms and legs that belong to a rogue child who has quietly wiggled up the bed and is the line of demarkation between Grampy and Gummy. Even when we don't WANT one.
This will be the last time I'll be able to do QOTD for a couple of months or so. Reception is spotty at camp and my only means of communication is my phone. Typing on those little letters is painful. I just can't see those wee little buggers, And I always hit three wrong keys before I get the right one. There's nothing so humbling than being felled by your own phone. I'll get online when I can and I hope to be able to read each QOTD. I am appreciative of those who take the time and make the effort to keep QOTD alive. It MAY be the only connection to the outside work for someone. We don't know everything about everybody who comes here . I've learned not to assume anything.
I will be saying goodbye to my granddaughter in 10 days. David will be gone for 20 days. I'll be driving back and forth two days a week to be here for the two children I care for. It will be rather stressful but how can I ask the Mama to find care elsewhere for the summer. They're a young family and live on a shoestring. She's expecting baby no.3 in August (No, they DID NOT want another one. Despite TWO forms of birth control here they go again. Dad has his appt. with the snip-doc) and I just can't bring myself to leave her hanging..
Thank you, Everyone, for reading QOTD. Thank you for your supportive messages. It's helpful to me to be able to share with my Lallybroch Home.
The Main purpose is the Quotes. I don't intend to hijack the quotes with my blathering.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The following quote is taken from 'Written in My Own Heart's Bloood,' by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter 57, "Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night." Copyright
© 2014, by Diana Gabaldon. All Rights Reserved.
"Aye," said his uncle, wry as a lemon. "And I was given any amount of advice beforehand, too, by my uncle Dougal and his men."
Dougal MacKenzie had died before Ian was born, but he'd heard a great bit aa..bout the man, one way and another. His mouth twitched.
"Would ye care to pass on any of it?"
"God, no." Jamie stood up and brushed bits of bark from the tail of his coat. "I think ye already ken ye should be gentle about it, aye?"
" Aye, I'd thought of that,"Ian assured him."Nothing else?"
"Aye, well." Jamie stood still considering. "The only useful thing was what my wife told me on the night. 'Go slowly and pay attention.' I think ye canna go far wrong wi' that." He settled his coat on his shoulders. "Oidhche mhath, Ian. I'll see ye at first light-- if not somewhat before.
"Oidhche mbath, Uncle Jamie."
As Jamie reached the edge of the clearing, Ian called after him.
"Uncle Jamie!"
Jamie turned to look over his shoulder.
"Aye?"
"And was she gentle with ye?"
"God, no," Jamie said, and grinned broadly.
.
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Replies:
- Thanks for sharing your family with us. Having your g'daughter move so far away sounds heartbreaking. Thank goodness for skype. (NT) -- Swarl, Sat, June 17 2017, 5:59:30
- Thanks Betsy, your QOTD picks are always a pleasure to read. Have a lovely summer and we will all be here when you return. (NT) -- LadyDuBois, Sat, June 17 2017, 6:16:05
- I will be thinking of you Betsy these next few weeks. I'm glad you will be busy. 💙💙💙💙 (NT) -- LisaW, Sat, June 17 2017, 9:55:53
- QOTD for Saturday, June 17th, 2017 -- Betsy Barefootspinner, Sat, June 17 2017, 10:03:43
- Thank you for your entertaining posts, Betsy! Keep on blathering. :) And thanks for doing QOTD. Have a great summer! (NT) -- Judie, Sat, June 17 2017, 13:03:06
- QOTD for Friday, June 16th, 2017 -- Betsy Barefootspinner, Thu, June 15 2017, 21:59:14
Lallypeople! "Have I told you lately that I love youuuuu?",
Sorry. It's been rattling in my brain all day. Tomorrow is the last day of school here in Maine. My granddaughter will be ending her year of first grade festivities. On Saturday we leave for camp. When my kids were young I did camp nursing every year, just for two weeks, and all of my children could go to camp for a week each. It was a wonderful camp, full of wonderful people who were all dedicated to assuring that each child had a good experience and have a week of happiness. It was run on a shoestring. Not a camp that had financially blessed families. Our out-of-state kids usually came from the Department of Human Services. I looked forward to my weeks at camp each year. It was a huge difference from the job I held at the hospital. And it was usually low stress. Oh, there was the occasional badly sprained ankle or knee, once in a while there was a broken arm, but mostly it was what I used to call "Advanced mothering". Lots of homesickness, tummy aches (by mid-week I started doling out prunes and had the kids sit in a rocking chair and hold a warm pack on their bellies as they rocked back and forth), sun burns, ear aches from swimming in the lake, beestings...that sort of thing. It was usually a lovely week.
.
My days of camp nursing are over. My children have grown and have kids of their own now and I have hung up my nursing cap. Then last year I got a phone call from the director. The nurse who had been doing the job for the entire summers had a medical issue and had to leave. Could I help out? So off to camp I went for seven weeks, granddaughter in tow. It was a fabulous summer for both of us. I'll be there again this year, granddaughter in tow again. But this year, Jai will be with me for just a week and a half. Her mother's deployment is over, she has been transferred to California, and Jai will be moving across the country.
Jai's been living with us for the past two years. I've been down to Virginia, where they were living, and Grampa has been down there as well. She has lived with us for up to eleven months before but this is the longest time by far. Two years. I have been her mama for two years this time. It has been a time of trying to find the bag of energy I had hung up, hiding it so it couldn't get stolen. I never have found it. I had to build another one. It's been two years of dealing with a little girl who has had to say goodbye to her mama W-A-Y too many times. Two years of teaching and enforcing manners, helping her develop kindness and compassion, helping her learn how to advocate for herself, politely , and to know when to ask for help. Two years of frustration and exhaustion , laughter and tears. Two years of untangling where the truth REALLY is, how to understand the difference between right and wrong when those lines wiggle-waggle in circles. Two years of correcting grammar and having her correct the sentence before leaving. Two years of getting up too early because I make better poached eggs than grampa and I can comb her long hair without making her cry. Two years of hearing a wee small voice, asking if she could come sleep between us because she doesn't feel good and is lonely and she would feel better if she was surrounded by TWO people. Hugs, kisses, holding hands and helping her push when she was having trouble pooping, holding hands walking down the street. teaching her that walking barefoot connects her to Mother Earth and if she stays quiet and still, she can feel the hummmm of the Earth's energy running through her body, nourishing her spirit. Two years of trying to think of ways to get vitamin D and calcium into her because she hates milk and anything made with milk. Two years of squealing little girls, sleep-overs, cheese pizzas, doing hand sewing during all her dance classes.
Her grampa is flying her to her mother, flying her to California. Flying her to her mother. To California. She'll be coming to camp with me for a week and a half. Then she leaves. To join her mother. To live in California. I will sleep in the mornings, sleep without knees and elbows punching me all night long. My life will finally be normal. I can take up adult conversations again. Oh, Lordy! I will have my life back!!!
I don't want it. I want two more years.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The following quote is taken from 'Written in My Own Heart's Blood,' chapter 55, "Vestal Virgins", by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright © 2015 by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.
"...and if he says, 'Oh, God, oh God,' at some point", I advised, "take note of what you were just doing, so you can do it again next time."
Rachel laughed, but Dottie frowned a little, looking slightly cross-eyed.
"Do you--does thee-- think Denny would take the Lord's name in vain, even under those circumstances?"
"I've heard him do it on much less provication than that," Rachel assured her, stifling a burp with the back of her hand. "He tries to be perfect in thy company, thee knows, for fear thee will change thy mind."
"He does?" Dottie looked surprised but rather pleased. "Oh, I wouldn't, thee knows. Ought I to tell him?"
"Not until he says, 'Oh, God, oh, God,' for thee," Rachel said, succumbing to a giggle.
"I wouldn't worry," I said. "If a man says 'Oh, God,' in that situation, he nearly always means it as a prayer."
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Replies:
- (((((Hugs))))) to you and your family. (NT) -- TheresaB., Fri, June 16 2017, 3:08:30
- You broke my heart today. Betsy. All the way to California......... all I can say is you've created a place in your granddaughter's heart that is HUGELY special and will last forever. You are totally bonded and sounds like you've done a lot to raise a lovely little girl and teach her skills that will carry her through life. I'm so glad you get that week and a half of camp with her. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Fri, June 16 2017, 3:38:01
- What wonderful memories you've blessed your granddaughter with. Those special times will never be gone. (NT) -- JanetP, Fri, June 16 2017, 5:05:16
- Your daughter is blessed to have a Mother who can take over the most important job, do it well, then give it up. You have made a lasting impression on your granddaughter, whether she remembers it or not, and you have made a difference in her world. Hugs to you and Grandpa! (NT) -- Janet D, Fri, June 16 2017, 8:17:26
- Oh Betsy, it must be so hard for you. Where in California is she moving too? (NT) -- LisaW, Fri, June 16 2017, 9:10:20
- I'm crying and I don't even really know what to type - hugs to you, Betsy - I have never met you, but I think you are wonderful and amazing - thank you for sharing your thoughts and DG's words - Claire is, indeed, a marvel and these young women are lucky to have her to discuss such matters with - and your little Jai is blessed beyone measure with you! (NT) -- lori v, Fri, June 16 2017, 9:25:13
- Betsy, I enjoy your posts and life lessons. I was touched reading this entry today. Your granddaughter is so lucky to have you. (NT) -- CarolSR, Fri, June 16 2017, 11:22:56
- Bless yer heart darlin'!!! All the way to the other coast!! My heart is breaking for you! (((Betsy))) (NT) -- CarolE, Fri, June 16 2017, 20:31:08
- Great bit of Hmmphing, no? Your granddaughter will always be in your heart and the two years will be ones that she will cherish as much as you will. (NT) -- LadyDuBois, Sat, June 17 2017, 6:21:09
You brought tears to my eyes, Betsy. Enjoy camp and hope you get to visit your daughter and granddaughter in CA soon. :) (NT) -- Judie, Sat, June 17 2017, 13:06:53
- ((((Betsy)))) (NT) -- JudyL, Mon, June 19 2017, 2:31:51
- QOTD for Thursday, June 25th, 2017 -- Betsy Barefootspinner, Thu, June 15 2017, 7:33:11
Good Time-zone, Lallylanderians,
I sat down to write my QOTD last night, wrote a bit, and then woke almost three hours later, asleep, head bent forward, snoring, teeth dangerously close to exiting their abode. I may have been drooling. Go to bed, said my Guardian Angels. But I need to write my QOTD. It's the reason I sat down in the first place. Hey, said Those who Protect me from Disasters, We saved your keyboard once. Next time, we'll let nature take it's course and God/dess help the letter B. GO TO BED. Never one to argue with Those who save the World from the plights of Betsy and various keyboards, I did.
I did want to tell you about Ben. My other son. He and Bio-boy (that's the one with the biologic link) had been creating havoc and mayhem since they became best friends in second grade and causing this mother to spend countless days in a halter monitor, measuring my cardiac output to determine if I was having true cardiac-arrhythmias or I was meerly being pushed over the edge by two hellions.
Ben had access to limitless financial support. Father had lucrative business, mother was born into money--lots of money-- and parents who didn't notice much until the police were involved. He went to four different high schools, being lucky enough to have parents who could and would buy his way into another school when he was told, repeatedly, that his attendance was no longer a positive experience. Ben. The son of my heart. Smart as a whip Ben. Gorgeous, fun, funny Ben. Ben and I had spent hours and hours and HOURS discussing his issues. Ben who always hugged me, at least twice, when he walked in the door and again when he walked out of the door.. Ben who sat, head on my shoulder and cried because life was too difficult and unfair and he just couldn't do it any more. Ben. Ben made my own Bio-boy look like a choir boy, and that's saying a lot because Hal was Horrific to the max. I'm still finding out some of the antics the two of them created.
Well, Ben's drinking, drugging, prison-dodging, self-destructive lifestyle came to a screeching halt three years ago when, in an state of extreme inebriation and full of heavy-duty drugs, decided while driving to wrestle with a tractor-trailer. He was driving a small honda. How he survived, nobody knows. The car was beyond totaled. Way beyond. Ben almost achieved his self-destructive goal.
But he didn't. The surgeons reattached and sutured and fought the infections that couldn't wait to assist him in the self-destruction part. He dried up from the alcohol, detoxed from all the drugs, and went back to school. Achieved a BA in not-quite three years, (at the top of the class), and is almost done with his rehab councilor degree. He's been working with kids, mostly. And he cares. Cares so much. He ended a toxic relationship and after he sobered up ran into a girl from high school, one of those sweet, beautiful, nerdy girls who are never noticed by the opposite sex. This time, he noticed. I've known this girl since birth and she is a GEM. Happy, excited, devoted and proud of each other. Almost fairy-tale ending.
Now he is coming to terms with his behavior. He will probably be facing prison time for his final act of drunk and drugging driving. He knows, as he prepares to travel back to the state of the accident, that he will almost definitely be taken to prison. He is dreading it. He is terrified. But he also knows now that his choices affected everyone else he ever came in contact with. The tractor trailer could easily have been a van of children. Self-destruction rarely involves just you. There is a price to pay for the pain of his own growing up. He knows.
I am proud of him. I am so proud. Yes, I'm proud of all he has accomplished with his life, of course, but mostly, my pride is for his acceptance of his fate and his willingness to accept the price, too. I am so proud. I am so grateful SO SO GRATEFUL that in all the years that he chose to ignore the possible affects on all others, no one was harmed beyond repair. No lives were lost.
My mother always said God protects babies and drunks.
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The following quote is taken from 'Written in My Own Heart's Blood,' by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter 55, "Vestal Virgins." Copyright © 2014, by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.
"Mrs.--I mean Friend Claire was just telling me some very interesting things. Regarding...er...what to expect on one's wedding night."
Rachel looked up with interest.
"I should welcome any such instruction myself. I know where the...um...parts go, because I've seen them go there fairly frequently, but--"
" You HAVE?!?" Dottie gawked at her, and Rachel laughed.
" I have. But Ian assures he that he has more skill than the average bull or billy goat, and my observations are limited to the animal world, I'm afraid." A small line showed between her brows. "The woman who cared for me after the death of our parents was... very dutiful in informing me of my womanly obligations, but her instructions consisted largely of 'Spread thy legs, grit thy teeth, girl, and let him.'"
I dat downon the packing case and stretched to ease my back, suppressing a groan. God knew how long it might take Ian to find Jamie among the teeming hordes. And I did hope that Denny hadn't been knocked on the head or trampled by a mule.
"Pour me another cup of beer, will you? And some more yourselves. I suspect we may need it."
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Replies:
- So glad Ben turned his life around but so sorry he is headed to the slammer! Why did it take so long? (NT) -- CarolE, Thu, June 15 2017, 8:31:21
- This scene is so like the scene where Marsali talks to Claire about how to enjoy the marriage bed. She had seen, in that brief moment after she opened the bedroom door and found Jamie and Claire in the throes of passion, Claire's face and noted a starck difference between what she saw in that moment and what she heard at her mother's home. Claire, bless her heart, can't hide ANYTHING with that face of hers! So now we have two-for-the-price-of-one!! Two totally different women, both seeking information about the same thing and both deeply in love with their soon-to-be mates. Who better to ask then the woman who knows it all? (NT) -- Betsy Barefootspinner, Thu, June 15 2017, 18:20:33
- I loved this scene too. How very, very fortunate to have Claire be the one to explain the physical joys of marriage to Dottie and Rachel. I thought it interesting that Rachel and Ian have already discussed it. They are such a perfect match and I can't wait to read more of their lives together. I'm keeping your son Ben in my prayers. Sometimes, just sometimes, especially since no one was seriously hurt, he might be able to avoid prison time because of how he's turned his life around. I hope he can afford a good lawyer. Sad to say but a lot of our justice is based on money or the lack there of. I just love reading your back stories. Thanks for sharing and helping us realize we're not the only ones with crazy lives, kids, husbands, relatives, situations and on and on. 😳 (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Fri, June 16 2017, 3:29:26
- Prayers for Ben. Keep us posted, Betsy. (NT) -- Judie, Sat, June 17 2017, 13:10:57
- QOTD for Thursday, June 25th, 2017 -- Betsy Barefootspinner, Wed, June 14 2017, 22:26:11
Greetings, my Lallylandians!
It's been a long, busy, fun and funny day and evening. It's late and I am very very tired so my blethering is short tonight. After caring for my wee ones--I care for 2 young children twice a week, sometimes three--as they were driving out of the driveway, my phone rang and my son tells me he's coming over to cook burgers and chicken on the grill and bringing our 1 year old grandson with him. The house looked like a pack of two year olds had attacked it, probably because they had. I picked up all the toys in the yard and came inside to paw around and see what I had that could be transformed into something edible. It couldn't look like anything that had been recycled three times already and is now disguised as a different food-group all together. Head stuck in the frig, bent over doing the sniff test on all identifiable dishes, my husband said "Ben and Francesca are coming over too. They're bringing an apple crisp" Apple crisp?? That takes a bit of time to make...hmmm...which means they knew they were coming over for dinner long before I knew. DS Hal already had bought the hamberg and buns, He knew earlier, too. No one told the Mother!!!!! NO ONE TOLD THE MOTHER!! I suspect that part was calculated. If Hal had told me sooner, especially if I knew that Ben and Francesca had been invited, I would have made myself sick running arould like a chicken with it's head cut off trying to straighten up. Keeping me in the dark until the last minute saved me from making myself sick with stress.
We had a wonderful dinner, laughed so hard we were in tears. What a wonderful gift! Ben has been m son's best friend since second grade and the two of them were HORRIBLE! I love Ben with all my heart and have since the day I first met him. His childhood was Very Privaledged ( his personal suite had its own entrance so that he didn't have to bother the parents...since he was FIVE YEARS OLD!)" He's a wonderful man andit was a great gift to spend time together.
I am so tired I can't see the keyboard. I will post the quote tomorrow AM. Life has been too full today. Nighty night.
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- Posting a message on the Kirk -- Judie, Wed, June 14 2017, 14:59:00
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- Big Happy Birthday Wishes to JudyL. You are a wonderful. loving lady. -- Niseold, Wed, June 14 2017, 3:18:21
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- 💙💙Happy Birthday JudyL!! 💙💙 (NT) -- LisaW, Wed, June 14 2017, 8:15:19
- Happy Birthday, Judy! (NT) -- AngieLass, Wed, June 14 2017, 9:05:36
- Happy Birthday! (NT) -- CarolSR, Wed, June 14 2017, 10:53:36
- Happy Happy Birthday, Judy! You're such a wonderful Lady! (NT) -- Betsy Barefootspinner, Wed, June 14 2017, 11:56:24
- QOTD for Wednesday, June 13th, 2017 -- Betsy Barefootspinner, Tue, June 13 2017, 22:16:28
Grand and Great Day and Night to my Lallylanders!
When my oldest child was going into 1st grade, our school system was actively expanding the choices of classrooms. Actually, it was bringing back the concept of a one-room schoolhouse. The new classroom would incorporate just two grades: first and second. The parents who were interested in considering the new classroom had a big meeting in the auditorium to explore the practicalities, the positives and negatives, and how to transition from the Traditional Classroom set up to the more "progressive" model. The leader of the meeting (I don't remember who it was) asked us all what we wanted for our children as they traveled along their educational road. People shouted out Very Original Ideas like Creativity! Happiness! Love of Learning! Imagination! Positive Self Esteem! Life-long Learners! I don't remember shouting out anything. I guess I was trying to figure out how these New Ideas were any different from the Old Ideas that the non-progressive teachers were teaching. Did the parents sitting in THOSE meetings shout out "Non-readers!, Boring thought patterns! Rotten self esteem!" That sort of stuff.
Even though I must not have been too progressive- it took me the whole evening to figure out how 'Old that was really new' was different from 'New that was really Old'- I did like the concept of multi-age classrooms (for many reasons, none of which included obnoxious platitudes) and all of our children attended the multiage class. To assure the children got the total benefit to the full-experience each parent was "invited" to attend one day a week assisting in the classroom. Now, I'm not downplaying the benefits of parents who volunteer in the classroom. Heaven only knows, the schools couldn't operate without them. Nor could hospitals, nursing homes, Head Start, and a TON of other schools, etc. But I was in school full-time and working full-time, I had four small children, my husband was in and out of cardiac ICU with multiple cardiac "events". No one WANTED me to volunteer! I'm sure I could have helped the dearies with their vocabularies but I'm equally sure it wasn't the sort of help any of the parents were looking for. So my poor wee ones didn't get the Full Benefit of their multi-age education because their mother was too busy working, going to school, running the 100 miles, each way, to be with their Daddy in the hospital, and feeding my brood. Most of the other mamas had set their careers aside while their children were in school. I suppose THOSE kids got the full benefit of lots of stuff. My poor chilluns just had to be terribly smart all on their own.
Speaking of unconventual upbringings, our family must have won a prize for SOMETHING. We built most of our house ourselves. There are three parts to our house...the old part, over 100 years and still has the original flooring. That's not bragging. It's about building as we could find the money. It's about having a toilet that flushes down rather than up (thank goodness!). It's about having no door on the bathroom for 10 years. We DID have a large sheet that we made a tent out of for privacy and a boom box to play....loudly....when bathroom noises got too rigorous.
But I digress. I seem to do that a lot. Our family and our home was, ummmm, interesting. I came home from work one day to find my three wee lasses sitting in the big over-stuffed chair with their daddy, the four year old riding one of the arms and my five year old draped across the other one. My three year old sweetie, cuddled in Daddy's arms, upon hearing me gasp in horror and say "You're watching PRETTY WOMAN with our daughters??? reply, "It's ok, Mama. We know what a hooker is!" I can still see her blond ponytails bobbing up and down and her eyes wide, proud of her new vocabulary word.
I think it was just as well that David didn't volunteer at school, either.
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The following quote is taken from 'Drums of Autumn," by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter 14, "Flee from Wrath to Come", Copyright © 1997 by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.
"Uncle, Mr. Myers has been kind enough to invite me to go with him and Mrs. Polly, to see the Indian village. I shall be sure to see that she finds good treatment there."
"You--" Jamie started, then broke off. He gave his nephew a long, hard look across the fire. I could see the thoughts racing through his mind.
Ian hadn't asked permission to go; he'd announced he was going. If Jamie forbade him, he must give grounds-- and he could scarcely say that it was too dangerous, as this was admitting both that he was willing to send the slave woman into danger and that he didn't trust Myers and his relations with the local Indians. Jamie was trapped, and very neatly too.
He breathed in strongly through his nose. Ian grinned.
I looked back across the fire. Pollyanne was still sitting as she had been, not moving. Her eyes were still fixed on Myers, but a slight smile curved her lips in invitation. One hand rose slowly, cupping a massive breast, almost absently.
Myers was staring back, dazed as a deer with a hunter's light in its eyes.
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- Most of the other mamas had set their careers aside while their children were in school. I suppose THOSE kids got the full benefit of lots of stuff. My poor chilluns just had to be terribly smart all on their own.". And I bet they are, and also terribly proud of the example Mom set. They might not have realized it then, but I'll bet your brood has grown into a self reliant, accepting, common sense, loving bunch of human beings. As for Mr Myers, I'll bet he was never so glad to escort someone into the "wilds,". He won't be lonely for a few days 😜 (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Wed, June 14 2017, 3:04:21
- Very crafty of Ian, but then he learned from the best! And Betsy, every time I post on one of your threads, I say it - you are a treasure! The contents of your stories are wonderful, but the manner in which you tell them is just SO fabulous!!! Thanks for sharing :o) (NT) -- lori v, Wed, June 14 2017, 4:44:01
- QOTD for Tuesday, June 13th, 2017 -- Betsy Barefootspinner, Mon, June 12 2017, 22:33:18
Good Time-Zone, Fellow Lallybrochians!
Times are so different than they were when I was growing up. Some for the better, some not so much. I was always the, errr, chunky girl. Chubby. Just a bit "over-weight".You know the one. Really nice, funny, pretty face, usually beautiful eyes. Everyone wanted to talk to her-she was a great listener and had wonderful insight. She was the only one who never had a date, never had a boy
friend. Well, that was me. I even had a ton of male friends. I was a Great Listener and had good instincts and was blessed with superior insight.
It was the days before Fat shaming was a thing to be ashamed of, or Body Shaming. It was the days of name-calling and Really Bad Self Esteeming.
Then I found the late sixties and early seventies. Or maybe they found me. I'm not sure which, but I found a New Nitch in life. There was a new word in my vocabulary.... Willing. No longer the Best Friend. No longer the chubby tag-along. Aha!!! A new power! A new opportunity!!! I didn't have to represent the Best Friend role anymore. I had my very own role. Willing. Yippee!
During the spring of my sophmore year a bunch of us were studying in the Study Room. The end of the school year, we had all had enough of school and schoo work. It was fairly late at night, maybe 1AM-ish, when we heard out on the lawn below our second-floor window, a roudy group of half ((full, even) drunk young men, hooting and howling and mooning all of us. We squealed and we acted affronted and someone actually suggested that we moon them all back. Ummmmm.... maybe not. Willing (my new word) or not, I had my limits. Oh, come on, Cleaveland. It's dark, we'll turn the lights off from the inside. No one will ever see anything. No one would be able to tell who's was who's.No one will SEE anything. Except our wiggling, waggling bottoms. After a bit of cajoling and persuading, I agreed to present my dimples in giggling silliness. On the count of three, we all threw our nighties up over our heads, then bent over, wiggling and giggling. Then I hear "Hey, I know that ass! That's Cleaveland!!" I was throwing my nighty over my head, too late to stop, so I just kept going. I just kept bending until I was flat on the floor. I'm not sure which end of my nakedness was the reddest in embarrassed. It may have been a tie.
"Willing" had it's drawbacks, too.
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The following quote is taken from 'Drums of Autumn,' by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter 14, "Flee from Wrath to Come." Copyright © 1997. All rights reserved.
"What will the Indians think of her, I wonder?" Ian asked. He glanced at Pollyanne, interested. "Will they have seen a black woman before?"
Myers laughed at that.
"Lad, there's a many of the Tuscarora ain't seen a WHITE person before. Mrs. Polly won't come as any more a shock than your auntie might." Myers took a vast swig of water and swished it around his mouth, eyeing Pollyanne thoughtfully. She felt his eyes on her, and returned his stare, unblinking.
"I should say they'd find her handsome, though; they do like a woman as is sweetly plump." It was moderately obvious that Myers shared this admiration; his eyes drifted over Pollyanne with an appreciation touched with innocent lasciviousness.
She saw it, and an extraordinary change came over her. She seemed scarcely to move, and yet all at once, her whole person was focused on Myers. No white showed around her eyes; they were black and fathomless, shining in the firelight. She was still short and heavy, but with only a slight change of posture, depth of bosom and width of hip were emphasized, suddenly curved in a promise of lewd abundance.
Myers swallowed, audibly.
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Replies:
- I LOVE this quote. Woman power - it's so much more mysterious, deep, alluring, practical, brilliant ( I could go on and on - help me Ladies? ) than purely physical brawn, doncha think? 🤔 (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Tue, June 13 2017, 4:14:20
- I don't know how to add to the end of a post if I preview - I can't get to the end - so here's my thought on today's interesting, personal story you so generously share with us: that little shit!!! Hope your girl friends said the same. You were just ahead of your time with a Ruebenesque butt - girls pay for those today 😉 (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Tue, June 13 2017, 4:20:57
- I love this quote, too. I love the imagery, the power in those black eyes, the sudden realization that she shares that intimate, deep "knowing" with her prey, but he hasn't QUITE realized it yet. But he will. She spins her web of pheromones that seal his fate. Oh My Goodness! Those eyes!!! Stay tuned for part two. (NT) -- Betsy Barefootspinner, Tue, June 13 2017, 7:55:54
- QOTD for Monday, June 12th, 2017. -- Betsy Barefootspinner, Sun, June 11 2017, 23:04:46
When I was growing up it was important to honor the Family. All of them. We had three sacred Gatherings which we all attended. It never occurred to me NOT to be there. My Great Aunt Betty hosted Thanksgivng, my Grandmother, the Matriarch of the Family, hosted Christmas, and the youngest of the Three Sisters, Aunt Mary, hosted New Years Day. Aunt Mary's shindig was the best. She knew how to through a great Gathering. All within Very Victorian Lines, of course.
I always was the "cheeky" one of the youngest generation. Apparently, I didn't know wha a "filter" was, nor would I have cared much about using it if I DID know what it was.
Once I asked Gram if old people had sex. One time I asked Great Aunt Mary how she had managed to continue on after all the losses she had suffered. Her third child, a baby girl, lived two days and then passed on. Six months later, her ten year old son died of pneumonia.Six months after that, her thirty two year old husband died. Six months later, she gave birth to First Cousin-once removed , Emily. I don't think I could have stood all that heartbreak. How did she stand it? Her responce? She sniffed and then said "We didn't expect all our family members to live." I believe that my Gram's generation was stronger in many ways then we are now. We take so much for granted.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The following quote is taken from"The Fiery Cross,' by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter53, "The Frenchman's Gold." Copyright © 2000, by Diana Gabaldon. All Rights Researved.
Jocasta drained her own cup, set it down with a small thump, and opened the case in her lap. A gleam of gold and diamonds showed inside, and she lifted out a slender wooden rod that held three rings.
"I had three daughter, once," she said. "Three daughters. Clementina, Seonag, and Morna." She touched one of the rings, a wide band, set with three diamonds.
"This was for my girls Hector gave it to me when Morna was born. She was his, Morna-you know it means 'beloved'?" Her other hand left the box and stretched out, groping. She touched Bree's cheek, and Bree took the hand, cradling it between her own.
"I had one living child for each marriage." Jocasta's long fingers probed delicately, touching each ring in turn. "Clementina belonged to John Cameron; him I wed when I myself was little more than a child; I bore her at sixteen. Seonag was the dauhter of Black Hugh- she was dark, like her sire, but she had my brother Colum's eyes." She turned her own blind eyes toward Jamie, briefly, then bent her head back, touching the ring with there diamonds again.
"And then Morna, my last child. She was but sixteen when she died."
The old woman's face was bleak, but the line of her mouth softened, speaking the names of her vanished girls.
"I'm sorry, Aunt," Bree spoke softly. She bent her head to kiss the knuckles of the hand she cradled, knobbed with age.Jocasta tightened her hand a little in acknowledgment , but did not mean to be distracted from her story,
"Hector Cameron gave me this," Jocasta said, touching the ring. "And he killed them all. My children, my daughters. He killed them for the Frenchman's gold."
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- HOW CAN I PROOFREAD AND CORRECT? I know how to when I am writing here, under the Message Subject, but when I write where it says Next thread I can't edit anything. I am feeling like the Weakest Link!! (NT) -- Betsy Barefootspinner, Sun, June 11 2017, 23:16:12
- Betsy - the formatting looks like you copied/pasted it from Word? Did you actually write the message in the Voy whilst logged in? If you copied/pasted, it might be viewing it as an object/picture rather than a message with text to edit. (NT) -- Lady_Jane, Mon, June 12 2017, 6:36:04
- No worries Betsy! This is so sad, mostly I don't like Jocasta, I feel like she is such a manipulative person. But then I remember hat she was used by her family to secure relations with other clans. And she is a MacKenzie!! (NT) -- LisaW, Mon, June 12 2017, 8:07:20
- When I do QOTD, I click on Post a New Message at the top of the page and write everything there, then preview. But I can't correct anything. It is just so frustrating. (NT) -- Betsy Barefootspinner, Mon, June 12 2017, 18:59:38
- HAPPY BIRTHDAY! -- JudyL, Sun, June 11 2017, 5:38:52
JUNE 12
Jayn
JUNE 13
MelvaT
JUNE 14
JudyL
JUNE 15
gramybeth
JUNE 16
Maria
Best wishes for a great year!
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- Happy Birthday Lally!!!🎂🎉💕 (NT) -- LisaW, Sun, June 11 2017, 8:48:06
- Happy birthday, friends! <3 (NT) -- LindaT, Sun, June 11 2017, 10:42:31
- Happy Birthday!!!! I hope you all have a great week (NT) -- LadyBelle, Sun, June 11 2017, 12:58:03
- Happy Birthday everyone!!!!! (NT) -- LadyDuBois, Sun, June 11 2017, 15:05:23
- Happy birthday to all! (NT) -- kgp, Sun, June 11 2017, 15:37:11
- Happy Birthday, Lallypals!! (NT) -- Piper-Mom, Mon, June 12 2017, 7:38:42
- Happy Birthday, ladies! :) (NT) -- Judie, Tue, June 13 2017, 20:36:49
- Happy Birthday, Lallypals! (NT) -- SueW, Tue, June 13 2017, 20:56:46
- HAPPY BIRTHDAY LADIES---AND FAIRIE JudyL....xx (NT) -- Niseold, Wed, June 14 2017, 3:16:05
- Hope you all have a warm, wonderful Happy Birthday (NT) -- JanetP, Wed, June 14 2017, 5:21:51
- Happy Birthday to all!!! (NT) -- CarolE, Wed, June 14 2017, 8:35:00
- Happy Birthday, Ladies! (NT) -- AngieLass, Wed, June 14 2017, 9:04:58
- QOTD for Sunday, June 11th, 2017 -- Betsy Barefootspinner, Sat, June 10 2017, 23:39:02
Blethering tomorrow. Tonight I'm just too tired.
The following quote is taken from 'Written in my Own Heart's Blood,' by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter 136, "Unfinished Business". Copyright © 2014, by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.
"I have come to take my farewell," William said, very formally. His voice was less firm than he liked, and he cleared his throat hard.
"Aye? Where is it ye mean to go?" Fraser was wearing his plaid, the faded colors muted further by the dimness of the light, but what light there was sparked suddenly from his hair as he moved his head.
"I don't know," William said, gruff. "It doesn't matter." He took a deep breath." I--wished to thank you. For what you did. Even though--" His throat closed tight; Try as he might, he couldn't keep Jane's small white hand out of his thoughts.
Fraser made a slight dismissive motionand said softly, "God rest her, poor wee lass."
"Even so," William said, and cleared his throat again, "But there is one further aver that I wished to ask."
Fraser's head came up; he looked surprised but nodded.
"Aye, of course," he said. "If I can."
William turned and pulled the door shut, then turned to face the man again.
"Tell me how I came to be."
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Replies:
- Holy Hannah, I need to do a re-read! (NT) -- Judie, Sun, June 11 2017, 1:17:41
- Whhooo. A true Fraser. Face the music. Ask the question. Go for it Willie. (NT) -- Swarl, Sun, June 11 2017, 4:00:35
- I'm so glad he asked Jamie this. It can be the first step in understanding himself and his parents. (NT) -- LisaW, Sun, June 11 2017, 8:51:28
- Such a tense moment (NT) -- LadyDuBois, Sun, June 11 2017, 15:06:42
- Looking forward to a developing relationship between them. I'm hoping for at least a cordial accord. (NT) -- kgp, Sun, June 11 2017, 15:36:35
- WARNING! WARNING!! If I have shared this before, I apologize. Forgive my muddled brain. Last year my brother got an email, out of the blue, that started "I may be your sister." I won't relay the whole story, but I knew immediately she was. After much back and forth, meeting for the first time, and continued relationship, at the age of 64 I found out I had a sister. >>>>>> -- Betsy Barefootspinner, Sun, June 11 2017, 21:34:02
- Quote of the Day for Saturday, June 10, 2017 -- Judie, Fri, June 09 2017, 19:30:14
.
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The following quote is taken from Dragonfly in Amber, Chapter 22, The Royal Stud, by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright © 1992 by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.
"Claire, ye know what it cost me to do this for you---to spare Randall's life. Promise me that if the time should come, you'll go back to Frank."
His eyes searched my face, deep blue as the sky in the window behind him. "I tried to send ye back twice before. And I thank God ye wouldna go.
But if it comes to a third time---then promise me you will go back to him---back to Frank. For that is why I spare Jack Randall for a year---for your sake."
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- Great week Judie! (NT) -- LadyDuBois, Sat, June 10 2017, 4:55:15
- What a man!! Having the foresight to know that Claire may need someone "safe" to go to if (when) things got really bad. I would probably be caught in the moment and not be able to think beyond right now! (NT) -- Mia, Sat, June 10 2017, 6:40:01
- Great week! (NT) -- kgp, Sat, June 10 2017, 9:17:29
- Thanks, gang. :D It was fun - kept me in the loop. :D (NT) -- Judie, Sun, June 11 2017, 1:14:56
- I'm not sure that I could have let him live. It's amazing that Jamie thought far enough ahead to realize that. (NT) -- Piper-Mom, Mon, June 12 2017, 7:40:36
- Quote of the Day for Friday, June 9, 2017 -- Judie, Fri, June 09 2017, 0:35:03
.
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The following quote is taken from Voyager, Chapter 16: Willie, by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright © 1994 by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.
Willie started for the door, but stopped halfway, suddenly distressed again, with a hand pressed flat to his chest.
"You said to keep this to remember you. But I haven't got anything for you to remember me by!"
Jamie smiled slightly. His heart was squeezed so tight, he thought he could not draw breath to speak, but he forced the words out.
"Dinna fret yourself," he said. "I'll remember ye."
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- Just crying into my tea - carry on (NT) -- kgp, Fri, June 09 2017, 4:26:31
- Stinking papist. I cried when I read this part. (NT) -- LadyDuBois, Fri, June 09 2017, 4:41:27
- This is a moment made bearable by what we learn in future books. First read - tears and heartache for Jamie. Now - you'll meet again and I do believe things will work out between them. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Fri, June 09 2017, 5:10:59
- So sweet! I just hope that William can come to love Jamie as much as Jamie loves him. (NT) -- LisaW, Fri, June 09 2017, 7:36:22
- A real tear jerker! (NT) -- Judie, Fri, June 09 2017, 19:25:41
- My heart squeezed tight too! (NT) -- Piper-Mom, Mon, June 12 2017, 7:41:18
- Quote of the Day for Thursday, June 8, 2017 -- Judie, Wed, June 07 2017, 22:15:58
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The following quote is taken from Drums of Autumn, Chapter 19, Hearth Blessing, by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright © 1997 by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.
"If I am to live as a man, I must have a mountain," he said simply. His eyes were open wide, searching mine for understanding.
"Will ye trust me, Sassenach?" he said. His nose pressed against mine, but his eyes didn't blink. Neither did mine.
"With my life," I said.
I felt his lips smile, an inch from mine.
"And with your heart?"
"Always," I whispered, closed my eyes, and kissed him.
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Replies:
- I love reading about their time on the ridge, from this lovely first finding to ultimately building a home and community. My heart sang for Jamie when he found his place. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Thu, June 08 2017, 4:24:15
- They have so few moments like this that we get to see. Sometimes I do wonder, though, what Jamie's life would have been like if Claire hadn't found him again. (NT) -- kgp, Thu, June 08 2017, 4:31:04
- Way back in middle school, my son had to do a Social Studies project on Smoky Mountains National Park, including designing a ranger station. He had a couple of quotes on it about mountains, and I insisted he include this first line! (NT) -- DianaH, Thu, June 08 2017, 6:33:39
- I love her answer..."Always." (NT) -- Mia, Thu, June 08 2017, 9:54:53
- If he is to live as a man he needs a mountain And Claire! (NT) -- LisaW, Thu, June 08 2017, 12:33:04
- I'm so happy that they had some quiet time! (NT) -- Piper-Mom, Mon, June 12 2017, 7:42:13
- Quote of the Day for Wednesday, June 7, 2017 -- Judie, Wed, June 07 2017, 3:12:13
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The following quote is taken from The Fiery Cross, Chapter 85 - Hearthfire by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright © 2001 by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.
"You're beautiful to me, Jamie," I said softly, at last. "So beautiful, you break my heart."
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- Quote of the Day for Tuesday, June 6,, 2017 -- Judie, Mon, June 05 2017, 23:14:15
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The following quotes is taken from A Breath of Snow and Ashes by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter 118, Regret. Copyright © 2005 by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.
"He realized suddenly that every fragment of Fraser’s being was focused on the scene outside.
Of course; he had not seen Willie since the boy was twelve. And to see the two together—
his daughter and the son he could never speak to or acknowledge. He would have touched Fraser,
put a hand on his arm in sympathy, but knowing the probable effect of his touch, forbore to do it."
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Replies:
- This was so poignant (NT) -- LadyDuBois, Tue, June 06 2017, 3:44:45
- Overwhelming emotions---all at once.. (NT) -- Niseold, Tue, June 06 2017, 4:36:08
- Love all 4 characters in this vignette. Great quote (NT) -- Swarl, Tue, June 06 2017, 5:58:33
- To see his children together must have made his heart happy and ache all in the same instant. (NT) -- LisaW, Tue, June 06 2017, 6:01:20
- *Heart squeeze8 (NT) -- Mia, Wed, June 07 2017, 9:01:27
- Quote of the Day for Monday, June 5, 2017 -- Judie, Mon, June 05 2017, 8:02:06
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The following quote is taken from A Breath of Snow and Ashes by Diana Gabaldon, chapter 74, So Romantic. Copyright © 2005 by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.
"I wrote my name! Grandda showed me!"
"Oh, you did? Well, good for you!" Brianna beamed at him, then her brow furrowed. "What—just now?"
"Yes! Come see afore it's covered up!"
She looked at Jamie under lowered brows.
"Da, you didn't."
He took a piece of fresh toast from the platter, and spread it neatly with butter. "Aye, well," he said, "there's got to be some advantage still to being a man, even if no one pays a bit of heed to what ye say."
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- Quote of the Day for Sunday, June 4, 2017 -- Judie, Sat, June 03 2017, 21:20:05
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The following quote is taken from A Breath of Snow and Ashes, Chapter 3 - Keep Your Friends Close by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright © 2005 by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.
Ian opened one eye a slit.
"Has anyone ever told you what a comical fellow ye are, Uncle Jamie?"
"No."
Ian closed the eye.
"That's as well, because ye’re not."
Last edited by author: Sat, June 03 2017, 21:20:38
Edited 1 time.
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Replies:
- I love their relationship (NT) -- kgp, Sun, June 04 2017, 6:34:29
- Jamie practically raised young Ian (NT) -- LadyDuBois, Sun, June 04 2017, 9:34:27
- Such wonderful comedic bits that Herself writes. :) (NT) -- DianaH, Mon, June 05 2017, 6:36:12
- Funny! (NT) -- Piper-Mom, Mon, June 05 2017, 8:30:45
- QOTD for Saturday, June 3, 2017 - sorry, I thought I posted after my class last night. Brain fart! -- kgp, Sat, June 03 2017, 13:51:34
The following quotation is from Written In my Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon, Copyright 2014. All Rights Reserved. Chapter 84 Nightfall
He sat up, very slowly, hands shaking as they pressed a fold of his shirt to the shallow cut across his throat, and said, in an almost conversational tone, “You will regret that, Mohawk.”
Murray was breathing like a winded horse, his ribs visible with each gasp. Most of the paint had gone from his ace; ere were long smears of red and black down his glistening chest, and only a horizontal streak of some dark color remained across his cheekbones – that and a smudge of white on the point of his shoulder, above the arrow wound. He nodded to himself, once, then twice. And, without haste, stepped back into the circle of firelight, picked up a tomahawk that was lying on the ground, and, swinging it high with both hands, brought it down on the Indian’s skull.
The sound froze Grey to the marrow and silenced every man present. Murray stood still for a moment breathing heavily, then walked away. As he passed Grey, he turned his head and said, in a perfectly conversational tone of voice, “He’s right. I would have,” before disappearing into the night.
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- HAPPY BIRTHDAY! -- JudyL, Fri, June 02 2017, 4:42:54
JUNE 1
CarolE
JUNE 2
TeddieP, BrandyC
JUNE 7
Kathy in PA
JUNE 10
AnnieL
Best wishes for a great year ahead. (See the bees? Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone)
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Replies:
- Happy Birthday, Lallypals! (NT) -- SueW, Fri, June 02 2017, 6:40:15
- Happy birthday!!! (NT) -- LindaT, Fri, June 02 2017, 10:52:02
- Happy Birthday, Ladies!! (NT) -- kgp, Fri, June 02 2017, 11:22:24
- Happy Birthday (NT) -- LadyDuBois, Sat, June 03 2017, 4:40:55
- Happy Birthday Lallies!!! (NT) -- LisaW, Sat, June 03 2017, 10:16:11
- Happy Birthday, ladies! Have a great birthday! (NT) -- Judie, Sun, June 04 2017, 3:17:51
- Happy Birthday, Lallypals!! (NT) -- Piper-Mom, Mon, June 05 2017, 8:31:13
- Happy Birthday fellow Geminis and Lally Ladies! I wish you health and happiness! (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Tue, June 06 2017, 5:45:10
- QOTD for Friday. June 2, 2017 -- kgp, Thu, June 01 2017, 18:34:44
The following quotation is from Written In my Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon, Copyright 2014. All Rights Reserved. Chapter 73. Peculiar Behavior Of A Tent
“And where do you come into this?” he said, voice level and cold. “Why are you telling me all this?”
Percy drew breath, but didn’t jerk away. He returned Grey’s stare, brown eyes clear and direct.
“Where I come in doesn’t matter,” he said. “And there isn’t time. You need to find your son quickly. As to why I tell you . . .”
John saw it coming and didn’t pull away. Percy smelled of bergamot and petitgrain and the red wine on his breath. John’s grip on Percy’s arm loosened.
”Pour vos beaux yeux,” Percy whispered against his lips – and laughed, damn him.
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HAPPY WORLD OUTLANDER DAY! -- ladyphantom, Thu, June 01 2017, 7:35:39
Thanks to Diana, I never would have met this amazing group. You have all become such dear friends... I thank God every day for the love and support you've shown me.
I will go home tonight and toast each and every one of you. Slainte mhath!
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Replies:
- I was eflecting this morning on how poorer my life would be without all of you. Thank you, Diana, for remarkable stories. Thank you, Judie, for giving us a home. (NT) -- kgp, Thu, June 01 2017, 8:25:27
- The gift of all you Beautiful Lallys, is one a treasure everyday! (NT) -- LisaW, Thu, June 01 2017, 10:33:51
- Late to the party! Lallypals are the best! :) (NT) -- Judie, Sun, June 04 2017, 3:18:41
- QOTD for Thursday, June 1, 2017 -- kgp, Wed, May 31 2017, 18:12:14
The following quotation is from Written In my Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon, Copyright 2014. All Rights Reserved. Chapter 69. Sparrow Fart
It was perhaps four o’clock ack emma. Or before sparrow fart, as the British armed forces of my own time used to put it. That sense of temporal dislocation was back again, memories of another war coming like a sudden fog between me and my work, then disappearing in an instant, leaving the present sharp and vivid as Kodachrome. The army was moving.
No fog obscured Jamie. He was big and solid, his outlines clearly visible against the shredding night. I was awake and alert, dressed and ready, but the chill of sleep still lay upon me, making my fingers clumsy. I could feel his warmth and drew close to him, as I might to a campfire. He was leading Clarence, who was even warmer, though much less alert, ears sagging in sleepy annoyance.
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- QOTD for Wednesday, May 31, 2017 -- kgp, Tue, May 30 2017, 18:47:09
The following quotation is from Written In my Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon, Copyright 2014. All Rights Reserved. Chapter 45. The Cure Of Souls
“My younger brother is a clergyman. Ah . . . Church of England, of course.” There was the faintest implied question there, and Roger answered it with a smile.
“I am a minister of the Church of Scotland myself, sir. But if I might . . . will ye allow me to offer a blessing? For the success of my kinsman and myself – and in thanks for your kind help to us.”
“I – “ Randall blinked, clearly discomfited. “I - suppose so. Er . . . all right.” He leaned back a little, looking wary, hands on his blotter. He was completely taken aback when Roger leaned forward and grasped both his hands firmly. Randall gave a start, but Roger held tight, eyes on the captains.
“Oh, Lord,” he said, “we ask thy blessing on our works. Guide me and my kinsman on our quest, and guide this man in his new office. May your lights and presence be with us and with him, and your judgement and compassion ever on us. I commend him to your care. Amen.”
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- QOTD for Tuesday, May 30, 2017 -- kgp, Mon, May 29 2017, 18:34:57
The following quotation is from Written In my Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon, Copyright 2014. All Rights Reserved. Chapter 20. Of Cabbages And Kings
That thought reminded him of John Grey – who had been mercifully absent from his mind for several hours. Jamie ruthlessly pushed him out again, muttering, “Aye, stay gone,” under his breath. But a reluctant second thought occurred to him – what if Grey had been released by the militia at once and had already made his way back to Philadelphia? On the one hand, he would see to Claire’s safety; he could trust the man for that. But on the other . . .
Aye, well. If he walked into the house and found Grey there with her, he’d just take her away with him and say nothing. Unless . . .
“Does thee still suffer from the horseradish, Friend Jamie?” Patience asked politely. “Thee snorts quite fearful. Perhaps thee had best take my hankie.”
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- QOTD for Monday, May 29, 2017 -- kgp, Sun, May 28 2017, 18:32:34
The following quotation is from Written In my Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon, Copyright 2014. All Rights Reserved. Chapter 4. Don’t Ask Questions You Don’t Want To Hear The Answers To
The hands wrapped themselves in his shirt and jerked him to his feet. He managed to stand, and a wisp of air seeped into his lungs. Fraser’s face was an inch from his. Fraser was in fact so close that Grey couldn’t see the man’s expression – only a close-up view of two bloodshot blue eyes, both of them berserk. That was enough. He felt quite calm now. It wouldn’t take long.
“You tell me exactly what happened, ye filthy wee pervert,” Fraser whispered, his breath hot on Grey’s face and smelling of Ale. He shook Grey slightly. “Every word. Every motion. Everything.”
Grey had just enough breath to answer.
“No,” he said defiantly. “Go ahead and kill me.”
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Replies:
- Oh John, you're so brave and honorable......... (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Mon, May 29 2017, 4:19:32
- I hadn't really thought of this before--I know, I know-how shallow of me-- but John is honoring Claire here. Maybe Jamie a bit, too, but it's Claire's honor and her right to privacy he is respecting. No, he won't disrespect Claire by describing her desperate choices during the horrid, black days of thinking Jamie had died at sea. These are the two people who mourn him the most at this level of intimacy, drinking to oblivion trying to stamp out the their hearts' being torn in two, coming together in drunken numbness. I think it honorable and brave of John to tell Jamie about it but what actually transpired isn't Jamie's right to know. The deed is his to know, the actual intimacies are between John and Clair. (NT) -- Betsy Barefootspinner, Mon, May 29 2017, 8:03:23
- Quoters Needed -- Judie, Sun, May 28 2017, 14:45:12
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Hey, gang.
Thanks to all the quoters who keep this place alive. :)
We have some openings, if you find yourself so inclined. Many folks lurk, even if they don't post. :)
Hugs,
Judie
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Replies:
- HAPPY BIRTHDAY! -- JudyL, Sun, May 28 2017, 4:10:57
Big, huge, belated birthday wishes for the Boss, for Judie, our fearless leader,
our guiding light for the past umpteen years. Judie's birthday was May 16
but the Birthday Faerie was out of town. Please join me now in wishing a
great year ahead to one of the finest people in Outlander land.
JUDIE ROUSSELLE
WE LOVE YOU!
Last edited by author: Sun, May 28 2017, 4:11:33
Edited 1 time.
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Replies:
- Belated birthday wishes, Judie! Hope this year is the best yet! (NT) -- Wee, Sun, May 28 2017, 5:00:57
- Happy Birthday to am amazing friend!! You rock! <3 (NT) -- Astrina-Brenna, Sun, May 28 2017, 6:11:05
- Happy Happy Birthday Boss Lady!!!!!💕 (NT) -- LisaW, Sun, May 28 2017, 8:24:58
- Happy, happy Birthday, Judie! Wishing a funtastic year ahead, my friend, and thanks a lot for being so nice and funny! Hugs! (NT) -- Cova, Sun, May 28 2017, 9:48:29
- Happy Borfda Judie xxx (NT) -- Ali Cat, Sun, May 28 2017, 10:10:11
- Happy birthday, my friend! <3 (NT) -- LindaT, Sun, May 28 2017, 10:24:34
- Birthday blessings to ye, Judie!!! (NT) -- kgp, Sun, May 28 2017, 12:09:50
- Oh, my! Thanks, pals! Quite a surprise this is. :) I'm glad we still all hang here every now and then. It's very calming. :) All the best to all of you, my friends! Thanks, Birthday Faerie. :D (NT) -- Judie, Sun, May 28 2017, 14:42:17
- Happy Birthday, Judie! Calming is right- so very glad we can still come here. (NT) -- SueW, Sun, May 28 2017, 15:01:52
- Happy Birthday, Judolf. Thanks for keeping us all together. Mwaaah (NT) -- Swarl, Sun, May 28 2017, 16:03:13
- Happy Birthday, Judie!!! May you have a year filled with health and happiness. Thank you so much for keeping us connected in this wonderful place😘😘😘 (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Mon, May 29 2017, 4:18:18
- Happy Birthday, thou herder of cats! (NT) -- Betsy Barefootspinner, Mon, May 29 2017, 8:05:01
- Happy happy birthday Boss! (NT) -- MaryC in KY, Tue, May 30 2017, 6:30:07
- Happy Birthday, Judie!! Thanks for all you do!!! Hugs! I hope your day was fantastic! (NT) -- Piper-Mom, Tue, May 30 2017, 8:50:05
- Happy Belated Birthday, Judie! Sending you much love and gratitude! (NT) -- AngieLass, Wed, May 31 2017, 10:10:29
- QOTD for Sunday, May 28, 2017 -- kgp, Sun, May 28 2017, 3:43:55
The following quotation is from Written In my Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon, Copyright 2014. All Rights Reserved. Chapter 3. In Which The Women, As Usual, Pick Up The Pieces
“. . . so Jamie taps on the door at the back, and there’s no answer, though we can see the light of a fire comin’ through the shutters. He knocks again, makin’ a wee tune of it –“ She rapped her knuckles lightly on the table, bump-ba-da-bump-ba-da-bump-bump-bump, and my heart turned over, recognizing the theme from The Lone Ranger, which Brianna had taught him.
“And after a moment,” Jenny went on, “a woman’s voice calls out fierce, ‘Who’s there?’ And Jamie says in the Gàidhlig, ‘It is your father, my daughter, and a cold, wet, and hungry man he is, too.’ For it was rainin’ hammer handles and pitchforks, and we were both soaked to the skin.”
She rocked back a little, enjoying the telling.
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- QOTD for Saturday, May 27,2017 -- CarolSR, Sat, May 27 2017, 15:01:09
Looks like we're missing a QOTD, so here is a short one for you. So much emotion, in just a few words.
The following quote is taken from Written In My Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter 83, Sundown. Copyright (c) 2014 by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.
“Don’t leave me, Claire,” Jamie whispered, very close to my ear. “This time, I’ll beg. Dinna go from me. Please.”
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- QOTD Friday 5-26-17 , chapter 24 The following quote is taken from Voyager by Diana Gabaldon, chapter 24 A. Malcolm, Printer. Copyright (c) 1994-all rights reserved -- Niseold, Fri, May 26 2017, 4:19:15
"It isn't Geordie," I said. My voice higher than usual, "It's me," Ï said. " Claire."
He straightened up very slowly. He wore his hair long; a thick tail of a deep, rich auburn sparked with copper. I had time to see that the neat ribbon that tied it back was green, and then he turned around.
He stared at me without speaking. A tremor ran down the muscular throat as he swallowed, but still didn't say anything.
It was the same broad, good-humored face, dark blue eyes aslant the high, flat cheekbones of a Viking, long mouth curling at the ends as though always on the verge of smiling. The lines surrounding the eyes and mouth were deeper of course. The nose had changed a bit. The knife-edge bridge was slightly thickened near the base by the ridge as of an old, healed fracture. It made him look fiercer, I thought, but lessened that air of aloof reserve, and lent his appearance a new rough charm."
I love her detailed description of how she recalls her "heart's face" then and 20 years later.
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Replies:
- Great qoute Niseold!!! You should think about doing it again, sometime. (NT) -- LadyDuBois, Fri, May 26 2017, 4:36:47
- My very favorite part of all of the Books. I remember reading this the first time very slowly to savor each detail, then re-reading it again and again. (NT) -- DianaH, Fri, May 26 2017, 8:09:22
- Be still, my heart! Great choice, Denise! (NT) -- Cova, Sun, May 28 2017, 9:52:00
- I have an extra copy ... -- ErinD, Thu, May 25 2017, 18:07:48
of The Fiery Cross. It's hard cover, picked up at a library sale. Many years ago, the lovely Melva gifted me with a copy of Voyager when mine had literally fallen apart! I don't see Melva posting anymore, but in the spirit of her generosity and kindness. I'd like to offer this copy of FC to someone who may need one. Let me know, and I'd be ever so pleased to forward it on! 😊
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- QOTD for Thursday, May 25, 2017 -- CarolSR, Wed, May 24 2017, 15:18:48
The following quote is taken from Written In My Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter 47, Something Suitable In Which To Go To War.. Copyright (c) 2014 by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.
“I turned my face to the side in order to breathe, and all of a sudden began to cry, quite without warning. “I’m sorry,” I gasped. “I don’t mean – I don’t want t-to make it h-harder for you. I—I –oh, Jamie, when I knew you were alive—I wanted so much to go home. To go home with you.”
His arms tightened hard round me. He didn’t speak, and I knew it was because he couldn’t.
“So did I,” he whispered at last. “And we will, a nighean. I promise ye.”
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- QOTD Wednesday 5/24/2017 -- Miss Michele, Wed, May 24 2017, 8:11:20
The following quote is taken from Outlander by Diana Gabaldon, chapter 23. Copyright (c) 1991 by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved. "Oh, no, you don’t,” I said, pulling back. “I can’t possibly; I’m too sore.” James Fraser was not a man to take no for an answer. “I’ll be verra gentle,” he wheedled, dragging me inexorably under the quilt. And he was gentle, as only big men can be, cradling me like a quail’s egg, paying me court with a humble patience that I recognized as reparation—and a gentle insistence that I knew was a continuation of the lesson so brutally begun the night before. Gentle he would be, denied he would not.
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Replies:
- And I think Claire could do the same to Jamie and he would let her (NT) -- LisaW, Wed, May 24 2017, 8:30:07
- "Gentle he would be, denied he would not." One of the Gabaldonians seared into my brain 🔥🔥 (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Thu, May 25 2017, 4:19:35
- Ahhhh to be cradled by Jamie...what I picture you can imagine for yourself... (NT) -- Niseold, Fri, May 26 2017, 4:25:19
- QOTD Wed May 24, taken from A Breath of Snow and Ashes, by Diana Gabaldon, copyright 2005, all rights reserved. -- Swarl, Wed, May 24 2017, 6:48:27
From Ch 44, Scotchee
Bird made the hm-hm-hm sound he used when startled.
"So it may be that some will not go?" Cameron asked sharply. "They might escape?"
"I hope so," Jamie said simply.
They sat in silence for a bit, each man staring into the fire, each seeing his own visions - of the future, or the past.
"This wife you have," Bird said at last, deeply contemplative, "did you pay a great deal for her?"
"She cost me every penny I had," he said, with a wry tone that made the others laugh. "But worth it."
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- Quotes Needed -- Judie, Tue, May 23 2017, 18:18:00
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Yikes! I didn't realize we were out of quoters!
Anyone want an upcoming week?
And thanks Lady Dubois and Swarl for filling in!
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- QOTD for Tuesday, May 23, taken from Ch 40, Duncan's Secret, in The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon, copyright 2001, All Rights Reserved. -- swarl, Tue, May 23 2017, 8:00:46
A cold breeze had sprung up, and was wafting the folds of my skirts about my legs. The scent of smoke and food drifted through the cool spring air, along with the rumble of talk and laughter from the lawn. I could dimly hear it, under the slow, loud thumping of my heart.
"Come to think of it," Jamie remarked, releasing me, "Duncan has still got the one good hand." He set me gently on my feet, keeping hold of my elbow, lest my knees give way. "Ye might mention that to my aunt, if ye think it will help."
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Replies:
- What the heck happened to everyone who said they would take a day? Thank you Swarl for stepping in. (NT) -- LadyDuBois, Tue, May 23 2017, 9:57:50
- I originally offered to post today but saw that there was already a volunteer for each day this week. Would have been happy to fill in. (NT) -- Lady Linda, Tue, May 23 2017, 11:14:51
- This is really a hump day quote, but I love the understated humor after Claire begged him to finish. ;-))) (NT) -- swarl, Tue, May 23 2017, 14:26:20
- Oh Jamie was definitely in charge here - but we all know Claire - and her revenge WILL be coming! (No pun intended 🤗) (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Wed, May 24 2017, 4:13:12
- This quote is in Ch.28, Brownsville, from The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon, 2001, all rights reserved. -- Swarl, Mon, May 22 2017, 5:08:10
At this point, Fergus strolled into the house, an enormous horse pistol in his hand. He pointed this negligently at the man with the gun.
"Be so kind as to put that down if you will," he said, raising his voice to be heard above the racket. "And perhaps, madame, you could pour some water upon this young woman? or slap her briskly?" He gestured toward the screaming woman with his hook, wincing slightly at the noise.
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Replies:
- Fergus does know how to command a room. Not a tall man but a man that doesn't take $&!@ (NT) -- LisaW, Mon, May 22 2017, 9:52:47
- Thank you, Swarl! I got distracted by electrical issues an forgot. I love how Fergus has such attitude. (NT) -- kgp, Mon, May 22 2017, 10:20:42
- It's amazing how attractive confidence can be - and being a handsome French man doesn't hurt either! (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Tue, May 23 2017, 3:48:10
- I see that there is no qouter listed for this week, so might I suggest that a different person take up QOTD each day this week. I'll start but I am leaving for Boston later in the week snd will not have time to do more than. today. -- LadyDuBois, Sun, May 21 2017, 6:30:08
Sunday, May 21,2017. The following quote is taken from Echo In The Bone, Chapeter 18. Pulling Teeth.Copyright (c)2009 By Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.
"For a long time," he said at last, "when I was small, I pretended to myself that I was the bastard of some great man. All orphans do this, I think" he added dispassionately. "It makes life easier to bear, to pretend that it will not always be as it is, that someone will come and restore you to your rightful place in the world."
He shruged.
"Then I grew older, and knew this was not true. No one would come to rescue me. But then----" He turned his head and gave Jamie a smile of surpassing sweetness.
"Then I grew older still, and discovered that, after all, it was true. I am the son of a great man."
The hook touched Jamie's hand, hard and capable.
"I wish for nothing more."
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- Hi, I'll do tomorrow. Good idea, for emergencies. (NT) -- Swarl, Sun, May 21 2017, 7:10:08
- I'll do Tuesday as I am leaving Wednesday for a long holiday weekend. (NT) -- Lady Linda, Sun, May 21 2017, 7:31:47
- I can do Wednesday. (NT) -- CindyG, Sun, May 21 2017, 10:29:50
- Thank you everyone for pitching in :D (NT) -- LadyDuBois, Sun, May 21 2017, 12:35:30
- Late to the party. Next time this happens, I'd love to take a day for QOTD! Thank you to all you lovely ladies for stepping in. What would I do without a little Outlander in the morning??? (NT) -- Mia, Sun, May 21 2017, 16:06:09
- This is such an emotional scene. Such love for Jamie.. (NT) -- Niseold, Mon, May 22 2017, 4:38:03
- Happy Birthday! -- Judie, Sat, May 20 2017, 16:05:01
.
.
May 22 – DonnaS
May 24 – FloraMac, JanetP
May 25 - Helka
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- Happy, Happy Birthday Lovely, Lally Ladies! Hope the year ahead is filled with health and happiness! (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Sun, May 21 2017, 3:51:17
- Happy Birthday everyone (NT) -- LadyDuBois, Sun, May 21 2017, 5:13:29
- Happy birthday!!! (NT) -- LindaT, Sun, May 21 2017, 11:50:10
- QOTD for Saturday, May 20, 2017 -- CindyG, Fri, May 19 2017, 22:04:06
I've always found Claire's visit to Faith's grave very poignant, and Mother Hildegarde an apt, if unlikely, counselor.
The following quote is from 'Voyager", by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter 40, 'I Shall Go Down to the Sea.' Copyright © 1994, by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.
"I took a deep breath and wiped my cheeks with a corner of my cloak. 'It was a long time ago, though.' I rose slowly to my feet and turned to find Mother Hildegarde watching me with an expression of deep sympathy and interest.
'I have noticed,' she said slowly, 'that time does not really exist for mothers, with regard to their children. It does not matter greatly how old the child is—in the blink of an eye, the mother can see the child again as it was when it was born, when it learned to walk, as it was at any age—at any time, even when the child is fully grown and a parent itself.'
'Especially when they’re asleep,' I said, looking down again at the little white stone. 'You can always see the baby then.'"
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- We can always see the infant when they are asleep (NT) -- LadyDuBois, Sat, May 20 2017, 4:17:17
- Hi Cindy, thanks for a great week of motherhood. (NT) -- Swarl, Sat, May 20 2017, 6:03:34
- Thanks for all your comments this week. I've been battling a bad cold so I haven't been at the top of my game (I think I lost some brain cells while blowing my nose--how else do you go through 1 1/2 boxes of tissues in less than a week!). Thank you for your patience. (NT) -- CindyG, Sat, May 20 2017, 21:27:57
- QOTD for Friday, May 18, 2017 -- CindyG, Thu, May 18 2017, 21:58:09
The following quote is taken from "Drums of Autumn", by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter 64, 'Bottom of the Ninth.' Copyright (c) 1997, by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.
"I found myself nose to nose with a waxy-white head with a face like a fist, that grimaced at me in utter fury.
'What is it? Is it a boy?' Jamie’s hoarse question cut through my startlement.
'I hope so,' I said, hastily thumbing mucus from nose and mouth. 'It’s the ugliest thing I’ve ever seen; God help it if it’s a girl.'
Brianna made a noise that might have started as a laugh, and turned into an enormous grunt of effort. I barely had time to get my fingers in and turn the wide shoulders slightly to help. There was an audible pop, and a long, wet form slithered out onto the soggy quilt, wriggling like a landed trout."
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- Ahhh, that special moment when a woman becomes a mother and her life is changed forever with a love you never could imagine existing. And I guess Claire just shattered the image that all babies are beautiful.🙄 (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Fri, May 19 2017, 3:31:26
- I love going back to these scenes- feels like family history :) -- Stephanie Jane, Fri, May 19 2017, 4:13:10
- So enjoying this week's theme and quotes. Thanks CindyG! (NT) -- Mia, Fri, May 19 2017, 7:56:58
- Have been MIA for awhile and just catching up. Had to laugh at Claire's remark about the "ugliness" of this baby. It reminded me that when my first son was born, I looked at him in the delivery room and said, Oh My God, he looks just like Hubert Humphrey. Now, I know I am dating myself but I am sure a few of you out there recognize that name. LOL! (NT) -- Lady Linda, Fri, May 19 2017, 15:40:32
- QOTD for Thursday, May 18, 2017 -- CindyG, Thu, May 18 2017, 10:19:44
The following quote is fromVoyager", by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter 22, 'All Hallows' Eve.' Copyright © 1994, by Diana Gabaldon. All rights researved.
“'It’s like—there are all these things I don’t even know!' she said, pacing with quick, angry steps. 'Do you think I remember what I looked like, learning to walk, or what the first word I said was? No, but Mama does! And that’s so stupid, because what difference does it make, it doesn’t make any difference at all, but it’s important, it matters because she thought it was, and … oh, Roger, if she’s gone, there won’t be a soul left in the world who cares what I’m like, or thinks I’m special not because of anything, but just because I’m me! She’s the only person in the world who really, really cares I was born, and if she’s gone …' She stood still on the hearthrug, hands clenched at her sides, and mouth twisted with the effort to control herself, tears wet on her cheeks. Then her shoulders slumped and the tension went out of her tall figure.
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- QOTD for Wednesday, May 17, 2017 -- CindyG, Tue, May 16 2017, 21:35:30
This is a little long, but it fits my theme and also is a good "humph" day quote.
The following quote Is from "A Breath of Snow and and Ashes," by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter 35, 'Laminaria.' Copyright © 2005 by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.
"We heard footsteps, and the door to the surgery swung open. Fergus stood there, dark hair disheveled, shirt half-buttoned, and his handsome face deeply flushed under the shadow of beard stubble. He saw us, and the most extraordinary look flitted across his face. Pride, embarrassment, and something indefinably . . . French. He gave Jamie a lopsided smile and a one-shoulder shrug of supreme Gallic insouciance--then firmly shut the door. We heard the grating sounds of a small table being moved, and a small thump as it was shoved against the door.
Jamie and I exchanged looks of bafflement.
Giggles came from behind the closed door, accompanied by a massive creaking and rustling.
'He's no going to--' Jamie began, and stopped abruptly, looking incredulous. 'Is he?'
Evidently so, judging from the faint rhythmic creaks that began to be heard from the surgery.
I felt a slight warmth wash through me, along with a mild sense of shock--and a slightly stronger urge to laugh.
'Well . . .er. . . I have heard that. . . um . . . it does sometimes seem to bring on labor. If a child was overdue, the maitresses sage femme in Paris would sometimes tell women to get their husbands drunk and . . . er-hmm.'
Jamie gave the surgery door a look of disbelief, mingled with grudging respect. 'And him not even a dram taken. Well, if that's what he's up to, the wee bugger's got balls, l'll say that for him.'"
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Replies:
- For all that Jamie & Claire have a rich and varied sex life, he's still a bit adorably prudish about some things which amuses me greatly! :o) (NT) -- lori v, Wed, May 17 2017, 4:37:12
- Jamie is so adorable when he is caught off guard! And Fergus! You Rock Man!! (NT) -- LisaW, Wed, May 17 2017, 9:38:26
- :D (NT) -- Piper-Mom, Wed, May 17 2017, 10:58:18
- I love how Fergus is totally masculine but understands womanly ways and how to handle feminine issues with aplomb. Poor little guy growing up in a brothel, but it sure helped him later on. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Thu, May 18 2017, 4:49:23
- When it was coming to my due date with my first pregnancy, my dear friend (who was also an OB nurse) counseled to eat Chinese food and have DH "ride the bump." (NT) -- DianaH (laughing), Thu, May 18 2017, 6:50:32
- QOTD for Tuesday, May 16, 2017 -- CindyG, Mon, May 15 2017, 22:10:32
"Brianna burrowed into the front of my red chenille dressing gown, making small voracious grunting noises.
'You can’t be hungry again,' I said to the top of her head. 'I fed you not two hours ago.' My breasts were beginning to leak in response to her rooting, though, and I was already sitting down and loosening the front of my gown.
'Mrs. Hinchcliffe said that a baby shouldn’t be fed every time it cries,' Frank observed. 'They get spoilt if they aren’t kept to a schedule.'
It wasn’t the first time I had heard Mrs. Hinchcliffe’s opinions on child-rearing.
'Then she’ll be spoilt, won’t she?' I said coldly, not looking at him. The small pink mouth clamped down fiercely, and Brianna began to suck with mindless appetite. I was aware that Mrs. Hinchcliffe also thought breast-feeding both vulgar and insanitary. I, who had seen any number of eighteenth-century babies nursing contentedly at their mothers’ breasts, didn’t."
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- I'm so sorry, I left out the reference!. -- CindyG, Mon, May 15 2017, 22:47:10
- Breast fed both of mine, and although in my family & friend circle I was more the exception than the rule, I wouldn't have traded a single moment of it! I even loved those feedings in the wee hours - it felt as if my tiny bundle and I were the only ones in the whole big twilight of the world - it was magical and very special to me! (NT) -- lori v, Tue, May 16 2017, 4:32:20
- Watching my DD with her son, breastfeeding, I am so overwhelmed with the absolute love given to her sweet boy. (NT) -- LisaW, Tue, May 16 2017, 8:59:25
- I love reading the breastfeeding parts. It was one of the most fulfilling times in my life - being able to totally nourish my babies made me feel so close to "the way things are supposed to be." My first, Sarah, was like Bri; she nursed with gusto! Guzzling, sighing with contentment and basically making it so easy for me to love this bonding time. Not to mention - it's free! And freeing, grab a diaper and you're on the way. Second baby, nursed well, but by 12 months was totally done. Difference between boys and girls? (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Thu, May 18 2017, 4:47:12
- QOTD for Monday, May 15, 2017 -- CindyG, Sun, May 14 2017, 21:40:00
The following quote is taken from 'Outlander', by Diana Gabaldon, chapter 32, "Hard Labor,". copyright c 1991, by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.
"I put my hands above Mrs. Martins’s on Jenny’s belly, and at her signal, all three of us pushed together. There was a deep, victorious grunt from Jenny, and a slimy blob swelled suddenly between her thighs. She straightened her legs against the mattress and pushed once more, and Margaret Ellen Murray shot into the world like a greased pig.
A little later, I straightened from wiping Jenny’s smiling face with a damp rag and glanced out the window. It was nearly sunset.
'I’m all right,' Jenny said. 'Quite all right.' The broad grin of delight with which she had greeted the delivery of her daughter had turned into a small, permanent smile of deep contentment.'"
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- Happy Birthday -- Judie, Sun, May 14 2017, 10:36:24
Sorry I'm late but I'm out of town and I forgot the list. But found it.
Happy Birthday to:
May 13 – Sassy, leeleeS, Niseold
May 14 – ErinD
May 15 – Madame Cordoza, Patricia, Isabelle Kiltup
May 16 – Judie, Margy
May 19 – Hedy, Syl
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- Happy birthday, friends! <3 (NT) -- LindaT, Sun, May 14 2017, 11:43:11
- Happy Happy birthday from me to all of you! Hugs! (NT) -- Marcie, Sun, May 14 2017, 22:26:36
- Happy Birthday Lally Lovelies!!!! (NT) -- LisaW, Mon, May 15 2017, 9:49:16
- Happy Birthday, Lallypals!! (NT) -- Piper-Mom, Mon, May 15 2017, 10:29:38
- Happy Birthday, Lallypals. (NT) -- Judie, Mon, May 15 2017, 12:49:29
- Happy Birthday, Ladies! (NT) -- AngieLass, Mon, May 15 2017, 12:50:31
- Have wonderful fun filled day (NT) -- JanetP, Mon, May 15 2017, 17:03:38
- Happy Birthday Lallyland! (NT) -- CarolE, Mon, May 15 2017, 20:11:28
- Wishing everyone a wonderful birthday!! (NT) -- Cherie, Tue, May 16 2017, 7:45:14
- Happy Birthday, Lallypals! (NT) -- SueW, Wed, May 17 2017, 6:05:40
- Happy Birthday, Lally Ladies! May the year ahead be filled with health and happiness! (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Fri, May 19 2017, 3:49:01
- QOTD for Sunday, May 14, 2017 -- CindyG, Sat, May 13 2017, 21:31:10
Since this is Mother's Day, in the U.S. anyway, thought I'd do mother related quotes this week. I lost my mom 2 years ago and I still miss her terribly. I'm also far away from my son and only get to see him once or twice a year, so motherhood is an important topic for me. Sorry, that sounded more pitiful than I meant it to. Like Betsy, my musings can get that way. But I think motherhood is the greatest calling, even though we all just muddle through trying to do the best we can.
The following quote is taken from "Dragonfly in Amber", by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter 1, 'Mustering the Roll'. Copyright c 1992, By Diana Gabaldon. All Rights Reserved.
"The impulse to touch a sleeping child never fades, no matter that the child is a good deal larger than her mother, and a woman—if a young one—in her own right. I smoothed the hair back from her face and stroked the crown of her head. She smiled in her sleep, a brief reflex of contentment, gone as soon as it appeared. My own smile lingered as I watched her, and whispered to her sleep-deaf ears, as I had so many times before, 'God, you are so like him.'"
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- Happy Mother's Day to you, Cindy - lovely start to your week! And I agree that the greatest calling comes with no instruction manual and LOTS of on the job training,some of which is bound to be more miss than hit ;o) And at the end of the day, it's those little moments, like smiles in their sleep, that let us know our muddling was more than alright! (NT) -- lori v, Sun, May 14 2017, 3:46:25
- I was just reading some Outlander related quotes on Karen Henry's blog. I love them! (NT) -- LadyDuBois, Sun, May 14 2017, 4:13:40
- Happy Mother's Day to All of us.....furbaby Moms and kid Moms too. Thank you Cindy. And yes, it's hard for a mother of children of any age to not stroke their hair a wee bit when they are asleep. DG knows how to write to hit us in the heart. (NT) -- Marcie, Sun, May 14 2017, 22:29:55
- QOTD for Saturday, May 13th, 2017 -- Betsy Barefootspinner, Sat, May 13 2017, 3:58:24
Happy Day, to All Time Zones!
This week I didn't really have a theme. I sat and wrote my blatherings, no plan for what to write. I figure whatever comes out is what I get. Then I took each book, in sequence, closed my eyes and opened to a random page and took a quote from that page. I held the books with the pages hanging down because they ALL have places they open to automaticly, they've been read so many times. So I hung them upside down and TaDa! There's my quote.
It was eerie to see the pattern. Most of the days the quotes were connected to my blathering. Maybe it was just connectd for ME, and not to others, but it was quite amazing to me. But Wednesday's quote blew me away. I lost my first baby. This is the week she (don't ask how I know it was a she...it was too early to tell) she would have been born. I don't dwell on her loss, it's become part of me, and I don't mourn the way I did at the time. There's a chink in my heart, I know it's there, but the chink has been become moss-covered with a live, soft, vibrant cloak of peace and love. It's a part of me and always will be. I had been thinking about her, talking to her and telling her how I was doing, which I do here and there over the course of the year, but on the week of what would have been her birth the talk takes a bit of a different turn. I allow myself to actively mourn, I climb into that chink and feel the moss, run my fingers over the lovely soft beauty and tell her how much I have loved her.
It has been a wonderful week with all of you. Thanks again for the therapy; wish I could reimburse you all the cost of a therapist but I can't. Thanks to the people who commented. I know I don't respond to everyone but that doesn't mean I didn't read each response and wish I had the energy to write to each of you.
Let's go see what Echo gives me for a quote. At least I'm beyond the part in the Books where we meet LeRoi (I hope I spelled that correctly). It makes me gag.
"Happy Trails to you, until we meet again. Happy trails to you. Keep smiling until then. Happy Trails tooooo you!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The following quote is from "An Echo In The Bone," by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter17, 'Wee Demons.' Copyright © 2009, by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.
Mrs. Sylvie was giving the Indian girl brisk instructions, pointing at Hermione and Trudy. The girl's black brows rose briefly, but she nodded, and smiling at the girls, invited them to accompany her to the kitchen for some food.
The little girls promptly disentangled themselves from the curtains; it had been a long time since breakfast, and he'd had nothing for them then save a bit of drammach and some jerked bear meat, hard as shoe leather.
They followed the Indian girl to the door of the room, sparing him not a glance. At the door, though, Hermione turned, and hitching up her baggy-seated breeches, fixed him with a glare and pointed a long, skinny finger of accusation at him.
"If we turns out to be whores after all, you fucker, I'm gonna hunt you down, cut your balls off, and stuff 'em up your arse."
He took his leave with what dignity he could, the peals of Mrs. Sylvie's laughter ringing in his ears.
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- Honest! I didn't plan that quote. It's what I got. The Universe has quite a sense of humor! (NT) -- Betsy Barefootspinner, Sat, May 13 2017, 4:03:08
- Oh Betsy, thanks for your therapy! You see how many of us respond with nodding heads and "me too"? You are an amazing, strong, creative, but mostly loving woman who has crafted a lovely life- in spite of all the ups and downs. Your granddaughter was so lucky to have her Gummy during these early, formative years. You are imprinted on her heart forever. The relocation will be really, really hard but hopefully modern technology will help keep you "face to face." For today's quote - I love every bit of it, Mrs. Silvia's wisdom, Ian's true caring for Herman and Vermin in spite of his discomfort at bringing them to Mrs. Silvie, and especially Herman's heartfelt threat to Ian. I'm so glad we see them later. (NT) -- Kathynin PA, Sat, May 13 2017, 5:02:50
- I feel like a bit of a broken record posting what a treasure you are, Betsy - but it is so true. Your postings are always a balm for my heart and usually good for a chuckle too - doesn't get much better than that! I also lost a baby, but mine was between my two kids. When people comment, "oh, you have two", I always think, "yes, but I was pregnant 3 times", and it is a bittersweet thing to touch and recall. Your quote choice is awesome - we should all keep that bit of spunkiness about us and call it up when life demands!!! :o) Thank you for an amazing week. (NT) -- lori v, Sat, May 13 2017, 5:25:37
- Thank you Betsy!! I'm sorry I was a little absent this week! Your weeks are so awesome!! Thank you for sharing your lovely life with us. (NT) -- LisaW, Sat, May 13 2017, 18:35:30
- Thank you Betsy. I'm always catching up here but I do read all the Quotes. Your week has been so entertaining. I love your way with words. You make even the simplest things interesting. I'm sorry about your little girl but I do thank you for the lovely description of her in your heart. Loved the way you selected your quotes. Come back and do it again soon ok? (NT) -- Marcie, Sun, May 14 2017, 22:39:34
- Sorry that I missed your week of quotes. I need to go back and read them. I was sick for a week; I don't know if it was food poisoning or a virus. UGH!! (NT) -- Piper-Mom, Mon, May 15 2017, 10:31:54
- Your story about your little baby brought tears to my eyes, Betsy. ((((((((((( Hugs to you )))))))))))) (NT) -- Judie, Mon, May 15 2017, 12:49:13
- QOTD for Friday, May 12th, 2017 -- Betsy Barefootspinner, Fri, May 12 2017, 3:04:44
Howdy, Lallylanders,
Thursdays are both my favorite and my dreaded day. My granddaughter takes dance lessons Thursdays. That requires my entire afternoon. I hate wrangling for a parking place at her school because there's room for about half of us to park and those who aren't there way too early have to double park and hope their kid comes out in the early crowd. Then we run hell-bent-for-fury to get to our car and hop in so our double-parked car doesn't block someone else for too long. We race home, get her dance shoes in the dance bag and speed to her dance studio for her three lessons. Ballet, jazz, and tap. Then off to home and try to imagine something short, sweet, and nutritious for a late supper. I TRY to bring her home to a good home-cooked meal but TRUE CONFESSIONS: Almost always we run through Micky D's. I wince to admit that. I want to tuck my head under my wing and hide. Bad Gummy! Bad Gummy!!
Well, Bad it might be, but it also saves my sanity, which trumps nutrition. Every other Thursday if we get a four piece chicken nugget Happy Meal I honestly don't think she will be terribly nutritiously deprived. Saving my sanity, to me, is of utmost importence. I prefer not to live out the rest of may days in a straight jacket.
Yes, Thursdays are devoid of much productive activity. And then I look at this child who I have been mother to, watched grow, listened as she learned to read, proudly seen her math skills grow and blossom, and witnessed her social skills grow. She is becoming a kind, thoughtful, caring child and I when I start feeling grumpy about all the Time it seems like was lost I look at beautiful, funny, silly, goofy child who has trusted my husband and me to care for and love her. My whole life orbits around this chilld. I wasn't thinking that parenting another little girl was my favorite idea of a good time. But oh my God!!! Whatever will I do when she leaves? Her mother has been transfered to California and all of her family is on the East Coast. I have no idea when we will see each other again. I am DREADING the day she leaves us and it's coming up quickly. What will David and I do all day? Talk??? Ummm. Maybe not. Maybe I'll weed all these gardens that seemed like a dandy idea when I planted them thirty-forty-fifty years ago. I'm pretty sure my knees won't allow the rest of my body to do that. Oh well. I'm sure I'll find plentry of "stuff" to do, after I stop feeling like my heart has exploded.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The following Is taken from "A Breath of Snow and and Ashes," by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter 30, 'The Captive.' Copyright © 2005 by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.
"You'll need to have fresh salve put on every day,' I said, resuming a businesslike tone. "I'll make up some more; you can come, or send Malva to fetch it."
He nodded, but said nothing, having evidently exhausted his supply of sociability for the day. I saw his eye linger on the cover of the book, though, and on impulse offered it to him.
"Would you like to borrow it? You should really read it for yourself; I'm sure Jamie can't have recalled all the details."
"Oh!" He looked startled, and pursed his lips, frowning, as suspecting it was a trap of some sort. When I insisted, though, he took the book, picking it up with an expression of guarded avidity that made me wonder how long it had been since he had had any book other than the Bible to read.
He nodded thanks to me, and donned his hat, turning to go. Upon a moment's impulse, I asked, "Did you ever have the chance to apologize to your wife?"
That was a mistake. His face tightened into coldness and his eyes went flat as a snake's.
"No," he said shortly. I thought for a moment that he would put the book down and refuse to take it. But instead, he tightened his lips, tucked the volume more securely under his arm, and left, without further farewell.
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- I don't believe any food is "bad", there is just bad amounts and frequencies! And an occasionaly McDonalds is a joy to you and your granddaughter. Never let guilt interfere with joy. I am glad your granddaughter has such a caring and loving grandmother to care for her. Weeds, spiderwebs, and dust bunnies will still be there, the moments when she is with you as a child are fleeting. Enjoy them! (NT) -- Janet D., Fri, May 12 2017, 7:24:47
- I think a McyD's meal once a week is perfectly fine when you are running around! You are going an honorable thing! (NT) -- LisaW, Fri, May 12 2017, 11:08:28
- Sanity is much more important than home cooked meals on a day like that. Sorry to hear they will relocate - that's going to be a major adjustment all round. (NT) -- kgp, Fri, May 12 2017, 13:50:24
- QOTD for Thurs. May 11th, 2017 -- Betsy Barefootspinner, Thu, May 11 2017, 6:24:21
Happy Day/Night to All Lallylanders,
I've been pondering (I ponder all the time while I dance my crazy Surviving Life dance--it's the only time I have to ponder) why I get stuck and unable to figure out my path if something doesn't go according to plan. I'm the queen of alternate routes for everyone else and every other situation, but when it comes to ME, I'm totally thrown for a loop if there is an unexpected change in direction. Now, we all know oh-too-well that Life is nothing but unexpected curves, one-way-roads, huge blocks in every way we turn, and for me, my day never goes according to plan. Ever. The other day I had a ton of things I felt I HAD to get done and I spent 10 hours--yup, you read that right..TEN HOURS on the phone with two adult children and one dearest friend from college, all having legitimate personal crises. Yes, I know that I need to speak up for myself and give each person five minutes and then say I'm busy with something I need to tend to, but I'm not wired to be able to hang up on hysterics. If these were people who did these things daily, that would be different. I've had that happen and I've seen the issue (MY issue with that) and I think I've learned my lesson in handling it. But these were three stable (mostly...the friend from college lives in utter chaos and has daily disasters but this one was an honest to goodness life-threatening emergency) so my entire plans for getting down to my own business just didn't happen. I've had my share of personal sink holes so I understand when that happens. The ten hours weren't lost, they were just re-directed. I am NOT...emphatically NOT...addicted to being needed nor am I an adrenaline junkie. I don't believe that I am The Only One who can help. I don't even WANT to be. Ever.
When my agenda gets torn asunder (I've love that word---asunder...and have waited for the opportunity to use it...hehehe) I see myself getting more and more annoyed. Noone else would ever know that was what I was feeling. But it is. I get frustrated and annoyed that my plans don't seem to matter to anyone else. Well, of course they don't. When someone is in crisis they are too emotionally frantic to think of much beyond their own needs. The only way anyone knows I have some priorities that I need to tend to is if I tell them so. Ahhh, so there you are. I am the only one who cares much about my agenda. Every mother/wife/grandmother knows this. It's just a fact of life.
I am now working on, again, that the frustration and annoyance I feel when my energy is sucked up by surprise changes in the plan can evolve into gratitude. Gratitude that I can be there for someone, even if all I do is lend a loving caring ear. Gratitude that there are people who trust me to keep confidences, which is no small thing. Gratitude that how I handle my reactions to the situations that punctuate my life and set my agenda flying are all up to me. Frustration or gratitude. Science knows that positude attitudes change our chemical makeup in a very possitive way. Likwise, frustration and anger do the opposite. It's my choice. The hard part is that it's not a one-shot deal. I find that every situation that shoves my plans out of the nest is a new decision....anger or joy. Can't I just choose and then that's it? Lesson learned? Enough of this. Bring on the next? lesson.
But my children and my friends, please please keep calling. Ten hours if necessary. It's been a hard lesson for me but the Largest Lesson is that those I love are a million times more important than my silly plans.
Or maybe I'm just slow and unable to multitask anymore. Welllll.....
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The following quote is taken from "The Fiery Cross," by Diana Gabaldon, chapter 19, 'The Devil Ye Ken.' Copyright c 2001, by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.
"Tha nighean na galladh torrach!" he said, with a ferocious scoul and a brief gesture behind him.
"White daughter of a bi--oh! You mean that blasted sow has done it again?
The big white sow, while possessed of superior fatness and amazing reproductive capacity, was also a creature of low cunning, and impatient of captivity. She had escaped her brood pen twice before, once by the expedient of charging Lizzie, who had--wisely-- screamed and dived out of the way as the pig barged past, and again by assiduously rooting up one side of the pen, lying in wait until the stable door was opened, and knocking me flat as she made for the wide open spaces.
This time, she hadn't bothered with strategy , but mearly smashed out a board from her pen, then rooted and dug under the palisades, making an escape tunnel worthy of British prisioners-of-war in a Nazi camp.
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- QOTD for Wed. May 10th, 2017 -- Betsy Barefootspinner, Wed, May 10 2017, 4:42:12
Hello to All Lallyland,
Well, I dodged the birdshot. It was a close call, though. Sometimes I amaze myself at how long it takes me to step back, see the need for a change of plan, and rearrange the expectations of myself. Odd..I've spent my entire personal and professional life changing "the plan" in a nanosecond. It's awfully hard to function as a mother and wife and virtually impossible to be a nurse if you can't change on a dime. When my kids were wee ones, I always had plan1, plan2, and plan 3 and sometimes I just had faith that if I threw the whole mess up in the air, it would land just as it should.
Not so with my own expectations of myself. I have a difficult time "seeing" how to modify my plan. I'm not sure why. Hmmmm. Food for thought.
It's a very short blather today. I need to change my own angle on things and the rusty, creaky hinges have opened far enough for me to squash myself through the gate. I do, no matter WHAT path I'm plodding along, have Lallybroch held dearly in my heart. I worry about you, I fuss over you -even though I seldom post elsewhere...I'm actually intimidated by the technology and a couple of other things. So have a grand day. Take a few minutes just for you, even if you have to grab it and rip it away from all that "stuff" we can't NOT do. Yes we can. It's good for us.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The following quote is taken from "Drums of Autumn", by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter 42, 'Moonlight'. Copyright c 1997, by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.
"I'm sorry that you never saw her," I said at last, and felt him sigh. He turned toward me and put his arms around me, his lips brushing my forehead.
"It doesna matter, does it? Aye, it's true, what ye say, Sassenach. She was- and we will have her always. And Brianna. If-when she goes-she will still be with us."
"Yes,. It doesn't matter what happens; no matter where a child goes- how far or how long. Even if it's forever. You never lose them. You can't
He didn't answer, but his arms tightened round me, and he sighed once more. The breeze stirred the air above us with the sound of angels' wings, and we fell slowly asleep together, as the moonlight bathed us in its ageless peace.
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- I don't post often - in fact, the last time may have been during your last quote week, Betsy, but the thoughts you share and the quotes you pick just resonate with me so very much that I feel the need to say thank you! Thank you for sharing yourself and your heart, thank you for such amazingly timely choices, and thank you most of all for just being you! J & C's conversation here of children is hitting me right square in the major feels today - young adult children with mental health issues can be SO draining - I just really need a safe place to say that today. I love them both, but my word, I do get tired of carrying the weight of all their issues sometimes. For some reason I am thinking you will understand and not judge me - I appreicate it :o) You keep dodging - I'll keep carrying, and life will go on! (NT) -- lori v, Wed, May 10 2017, 5:14:43
- Clair speaks in some of the books about a moment of perfect peace. She doesn't know where it comes from, but she knows it when it's there. We all need those moments to get us through the tough times. So never feel guilty about grabbing a moment or two for yourself, you (and we all) deserve it! (NT) -- Janet D., Wed, May 10 2017, 7:40:01
- Non-quote of the day. -- Betsy Barefootspinner, Tue, May 09 2017, 19:05:42
Family needs are calling, squawking really, so my QOTD will be posted in the AM. I am sorry because I know how difficult it is for some who live in different time zones but you'll just have to take my word for it that I'll be dodging and removing birdshot from difficult to reach body parts.
Hang on and have aa great evening/night/sun-rise,/...you know the drill,
Blessings, Betsy
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- QOTD for Tues. May 8th, 2017 -- Betsy Barefootspinner, Mon, May 08 2017, 18:23:40
Hola, Lallillians!
I have yanked the fork out of David's head and spent some time doing personal reflection. Somehow, I had the erroneous idea that as I "grew up", somewhere along the line I actually WOULD do just that....grow up. I have no idea where I got that silly notion. I certainly have never seen that to be true, at least for any of the women I've known along the way. Aren't we supposed to turn into little elderly ladies, cute, smiley, with a batch of cookies available at all times, who lovingly knew all the answers to all the painful questions we have as WE grow up, could always make life better by sharing our own experiences as our offspring sit below us, arms around their drawn-up knees and their heads resting in our laps That particular senario has never unfolded in my home. No one has ever asked me for the answers to the problems of the universe. They don't look to me for much more than medical advice and are rather pouty if I can't diagnose and treat their ailments when confered with by phone. My admonitions of the differences between RN's and MD's make no difference. I'm the mama and that means I should have all the knowledge worth knowing. It's important for mama to have all the answers because the more you get to ignore the more you think you know yourself. Doesn't that make sense? No, it doesn't to me, either.
I had PICTURED myself as an adored, treasured lady. I had PICTURED myself as content, warm, happy with myself, spending hours every day in my gardens, or at my sewing machine, or spinning and knitting, or reading all the books I have been wanting to read, learning to ball-room dance...Oh, I had PICTURED a whole lot of things.
None of them happened. I waited and waited and wished and wished. I've even cried on occasion...well, maybe more than on occasion over the last couple of years...that my Picture of Myself isn't what I had WANTED. I occasionally feel like ranting at how unfair it is (I don't really rant. I DO know I'm not sixteen anymore, but I feel like it. Shouldn't I have stopped feeling like this by now?)
What I have been neglecting to factor in, among the wishing, waiting, ranting, crying, self-pity, is that all the Pretend Stuff --what I should look like and feel like and be treated like... is that all those things only become to be with a lot of work...a lot of REPEATED work. I can't just assume that I earned it all, even if I HAD earned it because they aren't, any of those things, a Red Badge of Courage that I can slap on my chest for all to see and then sit back on my laurels to reap the rewards. And the work doesn't get easier, at least for me. It gets more and more of a challenge. It gets harder and harder (maybe because I get deafer and deafer and can't hear much..hehehe) and when it STOPS being hard, then I'll know I'm ready to leave--- Either to the funeral home or to the padded cell I'm pretty sure has my name emblazoned over the door.
Nighty night and Blessings to You All,
Betsy
~~~~~~~~~~~
The following quote is taken from "Yoyager", by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter 50, 'Land Ho!', Copyright © 1994, by Diana Gabaldon. All rights researved.
"Jump," she said simply.
"You're crazy!" I said in horror.
She chuckled in deep satisfaction at my understanding. "Ja," she said. "But it vork. Vater move you." She pointed to the end of the Mouchoir Passage, to the coast of Hispaniola, and stirred the water in the pan once more. We stood side by side, watching the ripples of her manufactured current die away.
Annekje glanced thoughtfully sideways at me. "You try not drown, ja?"
I took a deep breath and brushed the hair out of my eyes.
"Ja," I said. "I'll try."
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- Oh Betsy, you DO make me smile! And laugh, mostly at myself as I sit nodding along with your comments about David, kids and what we thought life would/should be. Our DH's should NEVER question our judgement; look who THEY chose to marry, after all. ;) The re-telling of your granddaughter's birthday party was hysterical and so relatable. This quote reminds me that if we really want something, we might need that leap of faith. And we "try not drown, ja?" Thanks for the giggles, insight, and reassurance that we're all still wondering what we'll be like if we finally "grow up." I, myself, have decided against it! (NT) -- DianaH, Tue, May 09 2017, 6:52:23
- HAPPY BIRTHDAY! -- JudyL, Mon, May 08 2017, 5:20:06
MAY 9
oorjanie
MAY 12
JoyceM
MAY 13
Sassy, leeleeS, Niseold
Best wishes for a great day!
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- Happy Birthday, Ladies!! (NT) -- kgp, Mon, May 08 2017, 7:40:44
- Happy birthday, Hosers! (NT) -- LindaT, Mon, May 08 2017, 10:54:35
- Have a wonderful day Happy Birthday (NT) -- JanetP, Mon, May 08 2017, 17:37:56
- Happy Birthday, ladies, and all the best to you! (NT) -- Judie, Tue, May 09 2017, 9:49:52
- Happy Birthday everyone! (NT) -- LadyDuBois, Tue, May 09 2017, 10:42:03
- Happy birthday Lallypals! Have a wonderful day. (NT) -- Marcie, Tue, May 09 2017, 21:42:39
- Happy Birthday, Ladies! (NT) -- AngieLass, Wed, May 10 2017, 8:49:24
- QOTD for Monday, May 8th 2017 -- Betsy Barefootspinner, Sun, May 07 2017, 22:17:05
Happy sun/moon time, my Sweet Lallybrochians,
It's a fork night tonight. You know---those times you daydream about throwing a fork as if it were a hatchet right between your DH's perfect little pin-head eyes. I wonder if the end sticking out would go Boy-yoi-yoing and I could get to hear the thing twang . Hmmmmm....I sense a science experiment coming on.
All this for a comment I insisted was designed to be mean and he said no one can design something to be anything when it was true'- I said Truth is a point of view and depends where you're sitting when you look at it. He insisted right is right and wrong is wrong. And that Tenet was the Rock of our lives. Oh no it isn't. He is the rigid "right is right..etc. I, on the other hand, taught our tribe that angles change the game and you should always remember that not every side viewed things from the same vantage point. This stance can modify our system of ethics and should always be appreciated when passing judgement. We should always use glasses with wide-sweeping view lenses. We should be considerate, openminded, compassionate. Our household has ALWAYS operated like this, with a basis of compassion, etc. Uh uh., says He who has sunk to a new low...doesn't matter. Right is right and wrong is wrong. Is not. Is so. We're being quite polite to each other at the moment...or we would be if we were speaking. Bah hurumph. The rest of the conversation went along those lines. My Land of the Grey vs. his Black and White world.
Please don't ask what started this clash in principles . Whatever it was, I was right, I don't remember just what started it all. I stand on the Rock of Rightness. Yessirree I do.
~~~~~~~~~
The following quote is taken from "Dragonfly in Amber", by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter 31, 'Mail Call'. Copyright c 1992, By Diana Gabaldon. All Rights Reserved.
I sat still, breathing slowly, feeling languorous and heavy as thought I had just risen from the act of love. My skin felt thin, my lips slightly swollen, and the pressure of my clothes was like the touch of Jamie's hands. It was no random choice that had invoked his name to cure me. Whether it was health of mind or body, the love of him was necessary to me as breath or blood. My mind reached out for him, sleeping or waking, and finding him, was satisfied. My body flushed and glowed, and as it came to full life, it hungered for his.
The headache was gone. I sat a moment longer, breathing. Then I got to my feet and walked down the hill toward home.
\\\\\\
-
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- Of course you are right. Remind him of what Obi Wan said to Luke - "So, what I told you was true . . . from a certain point of view." I'm going ot have to look up this quote, I don't remember the context. (NT) -- kgp, Mon, May 08 2017, 7:40:23
- I agree, you were right whatever it was. I saw a cartoon once that is the perfect example. Two men are standing across from one another looking down at a number on the ground. One swears it's a 6, the other swears it's a 9. Point of view, life experiences, basic beliefs all play a part. (NT) -- Janet D., Mon, May 08 2017, 8:19:25
- I also think sometimes I forget that Jamie and Claire are looking from different angles. I am amazed that there aren't more butting of heads than there are. Is it a testament to their love? commitment? Claire's ability to re-align her vision? Jamie's faith in Claire's ability to adapt? All of the above? (NT) -- Betsy Barefootspinner, Mon, May 08 2017, 11:01:10
- QOTD for Sunday, May 7th, -- Betsy Barefootspinner, Sat, May 06 2017, 23:30:52
Good Time (whatever that may be to you), my Lallyites,
Good Gravy, am I tired this evening! My granddaughter is now officially 7 years old, which means , apparently, that I am obliged to host a recently-turned-seven-year-old-party for her. I hated having parties when my kids were children and apparently the Love-Throwing-Parties-Fairy still hasn't smacked me on the top of my head with that stupid wand of hers and shoveled some magic sprinlkes to toss about in a cloud of pink and lavender Happiness. I still hate these blasted parties. I feel totally lacking in creative juices and inept at setting up the stuff to amuse a pack of rabid little girls.
But, because I try to be a Good Gummy (that's what my grandchildren, all their friends, and even a significant number of adults call me--don't ask why)- I tried valiantly to put on a cracker-jack birthday party for a 7 year old. Jai loves Fancy Nancy books and so do I so we decided that, AHA! I had a theme!! Thankfully, her days of singing the Frozen libretto 24-7 have mostly faded ino the sunset. Let It GOOOOO! Let it GOOOOO!!! Honestly, I'm afraid I may have jumped on the next train and rode off into the sunset singing Happy Trails to you. CONFESSION TIME: I was enamored with Roy Rogers and Dale Evens as a youngster. Every day I reminded my kindergarten teacher that they were my REAL parents, I was just on loan to the people I lived with. So I understand her Let it GOOOOOOOO!!!!! fixation. CONFESSION #2: I adore Dolly Pardon. Not too many people in this world know that interested factoid. I'm sure you All feel blessed to be among the lucky few who know that. But I digress:
In keeping with Fancy Nancy I visited the three thrift shops in town to boost my impressive array of pretty impressive dress-up-cloths. Shoes, hats from the forties and fifties, dance recital outfits, some jazz, some ballet, a LARGE collection of opera gloves old but very fun costume jewelry ...I've got a nice collection that has entertained many a child for hours. I set up a foot soak with a pedicure. It was really neat, actually. It's filled with those jelly-like balls that you submerge in water and they grow into squishy orbs. I had a makeup table with a ton of Mary Kay samples and out-dated makeup. And last but not least, I made a plastic wrap ball with "stuff" inside. A LOT of stuff inside. Wound the saran wrap in a ball, putting a treasure in layers of the clingy stuff as I wound. Took 3 hours. But the thing was HUGE and held about $75 worth of fun things. If you've never done it, it's a game that involves dice and gradually unwinding the ball of clingy wrap tip a treasure drops out.
Well, They DID like the foot soak thing for about 15 minutes. The dress up cloths took another 15 minutes. The makeup was a huge success. That entertained then for 17 minutes. "This is a rotten party, Jailyn. Only two of us showed up. What's there to do now?" "This house is creepy." "That clock is driving me crazy. Can you stop it?" The party started a 4:00 in the afternoon (it was a sleep over). At 4:45 they all started chanting "Where's the cake and ice-cream! Where's the cake and ice-cream?" "We're starved. We need to eat NOW." So I ordered $50 worth of pizza. The "starving" darlings each ate 1/2 a slice.
I marched in with the cake and ice cream and gave each one a HUGE piece of cake and two big scoops of ice cream. I hope they get belly aches.
I think I flunked the chapter on how to be a Good Gummy Party Hostess.
PS. Have I mentioned that I hate children?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The following quote is taken from 'Outlander', by Diana Gabaldon, chapter 23, "Return to Leoch", copyright c 1991, by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.
"Will ye wear it, Claire?" His voice was gentle now, and his use of my name, mostly reserved for occasions of formality or tenderness, nearly made me break down again.
"You needna do so," he said, looking at me seriously over his cupped palm. "The marriage contract between us is satisfied- it's legal. You're protected, safe from anything much save a warrant, and even from that, as long as you're at Leoch. If ye wish, we may live apart-if that's what ye were trying to say wi' all yon rubbish about Laoghaire. You need have little more to do wi' me, if that's your honest choice." He sat motionless, waiting, holding the tiny circlet near his heart.
So he was giving me the choice I had started out to give him. Forced on me by circumstance, he would force himself on me no longer, if I chose to reject him. And there was the alternative, of course: to accept the ring, and all that went with it.
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- The little ingrates!!!! For someone who hates parties you sure went to a lot of trouble, energy and expense to provide a super party. Personally I think these "kid parties" have gotten WAY out of hand. Except for my own, and a very select few others, I have to admit I agree with your last sentence of ruminations. Your quote choice - beautiful - Jamie was still so young but so earnest. Claire, older and wiser, realized finally just how much Jamie loved her and honored their marriage. And thank goodness, let her jealousy go and accepted this simple token with open heart and arms. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, Sun, May 07 2017, 4:57:58
- JUDIE outlander Starz board needs attention it's been hacked. (NT) -- PD, Sun, May 07 2017, 8:30:03
- Oh my! I laughed through your whole monologue! I am exactly the same way. I have friends who just LOVE kids and parties and the whole She-Bang! Not me. I can do it, but there's a lot of faking it. You certainly did an awesome job! Love your ideas- make up, dress up and the Saran Wrap ball! I would have had a good time! (NT) -- Mia, Sun, May 07 2017, 12:07:22
- PS. I think this is one of the most important things Jamie asks Claire. He gives her the choice. Will you marry me? Not marry me because you have to. (NT) -- Mia, Sun, May 07 2017, 12:10:04
- Thanks Judie for the Spring-y buzzy wallpaper! (NT) -- TeriB, Sun, May 07 2017, 12:40:28
- One of my favorite scenes in Outlander. Betsy, I am your kindred sister. Raising my sons, I had absolutely no creativity nor desire for some fancy, themed birthday party. McDonald's it was! My idea of a fancy Halloween costume was a paper bag with two eyes, a nose, and a mouth cut out. Yep, my kids always went as a "ghost." I failed supermom totally! LOL! (NT) -- Lady Linda, Sun, May 07 2017, 15:53:34
- So happy I've never had to host one of those!! I, too, laughed all the way thru. Sorry lass! Seems like parents today have to out-do all their friends on the kid parties. My steps and their families lucked out with 2 birthdays in the summer and they can be held outside in the backyard with water toys! It's not cheap to rent a place with play equipment! Our parents sure never did that. All I remember is having a few friends over for a cookout and cake and ice cream. All part of the entitled generation I guess!! (NT) -- CarolE, Sun, May 07 2017, 17:32:05
