Memo To The Reader

Memo From:

I. Fash Yeken, Ph.D.
NC Delusional Disorders Clinic
1 Je Suis Prest Road
Fraser’s Ridge, North Carolina

To Whom It May Concern:

I wish to inform you that the creator of this website, Beth Pittman, has been evaluated by me and diagnosed with what I can only call a delusional obsession with a series of books written by someone she refers to as “Herself” and a show called Outlander. Upon my first meeting with her, “Sassenach”, as she calls herself, indicated to me that she had fallen through time. She also wildly claimed to have deep emotional and personal ties to some people from the 18th century called Jamie & Claire Fraser along with their family, friends, enemies and even their animals. She calls this Jamie person “The King of Men” and has spoken of something called “Droughtlander” which I can only assume is a terrible state of being as she thrashes wildly about when the word is mentioned. It is quite disturbing to watch and I fear she will only spiral further into this delusion unless something is done. When I suggested she read other books or watch other shows, she gave me the most searing glare and started to mumble about hearing drums in the fall as well as seeing a cross on fire. She states these symptoms are caused by what she refers to as echo in the bone disease. I have never heard or read of such a thing. Whatever it is also seems to cause her to want to breathe snow and ashes and, most terrifying to me, she says she must write it all down in her own heart’s blood. I believe she has reached a particularly irreversible and incurable stage of the disease and I have decided to discontinue treatment for my own safety and sanity.
In summary, please read this blog with extreme care, keeping in mind the delusional state of Mrs. Pittman, pardon me, of “Sassenach”. From a clinical standpoint, I believe this incurable condition may be transferable to others who are susceptible to such myths and fairy tales, books and shows. In fact, I have spoken with other professionals who are seeing the same symptoms spreading to other individuals and groups around the world. This appears to be happening particularly in North Carolina, where this echo in the bone disease originated and is where the patient lives. I am dreadfully concerned this could signal the beginning of an epidemic and I have no idea what this means or what the consequences of this delusional obsession will mean to Mrs. Sassenach, excuse me, Mrs. Pittman, or, for that matter, to the entire world moving forward. Proceed, therefore, with extraordinary vigilence as to your own welfare. In fact, Sassenach’s last words to me were “Sláinte” which I believe may have been a curse as I fear I may have contracted the disease and am now feeling quite odd.  What is that insane buzzing noise?
Sincerely,
Delusionally,
I. Fash Yeken, Ph.D.
James Alexander Malcolm MacKenzie Fraser

50 Comments

  • Reply Linda August 11, 2017 at 1:00 pm

    Sounds delightful! Please count me in for your North Carolina trip.

    • Reply Beth Pittman August 11, 2017 at 1:04 pm

      Thanks Linda! Glad to have you come along!

  • Reply Cheryl Allred Turner August 11, 2017 at 2:41 pm

    Beth, thank you for adding to the fun! Delusional or not I am hooked and have been since I read the first book written by “Herself”

    • Reply Beth Pittman August 11, 2017 at 3:17 pm

      Thank you, Cheryl. I think we need to start having group meetings to discuss our addiction issues!

  • Reply Brenda Gibson August 11, 2017 at 6:56 pm

    This is most amazing!! I’m so happy to on this journey with you!!

  • Reply Margaret Arlen August 11, 2017 at 7:48 pm

    I laughed ALLthe way through…..love your blog, and share your addiction ???? I feel at once, incredible excitement as Season 3 approaches and anxiety that I won’t be able to bear the pain (first few episodes)
    This story has completely consumed me.

    • Reply Beth Pittman August 11, 2017 at 7:54 pm

      Margaret, thank you so much! It’s so good to know that there are others like me (heavens!) out there! I am very anxious for Season 3 and can’t wait for the Printshop episode!

  • Reply Lynda August 12, 2017 at 11:05 am

    Great idea!

  • Reply Tracy August 12, 2017 at 7:17 pm

    Great blog Beth, pardon me, “Sassanach”! I love your diagnosis – verra clever!! Looking forward to following you and learning about NC through your Outlander Obessed Eyes.
    Tracy – Glenmore Park, New South Wales AUSTRALIA ????????

    • Reply Beth Pittman August 12, 2017 at 7:21 pm

      Thank you, Tracy! Or do you insist on being called Sassenach too? Thank you so much for your kind comments!

  • Reply Melissa Royer August 13, 2017 at 8:54 am

    Love this!!!!!

    (can I have the number to your doctor)

    • Reply Beth Pittman August 13, 2017 at 5:17 pm

      LOL!!!! I would share it with you, Melissa, but shortly after he wrote that diagnosis, he went through the stones. I’m assuming he is now somewhere in the 18th century! Thanks for visiting my site!

  • Reply Lesley Broat August 18, 2017 at 9:48 am

    Just read the blog. You are a true Outlander! NC is an amazing state. I’ve been to Asheville and Greenville and drove through Raleigh/Durham. I am from Central/Southern New York so am really, really fond of hills and mountains. Keep Blogging, you’re a natural!

    • Reply Beth Pittman August 18, 2017 at 11:10 am

      Lesley, thank you so much for your kind words. You must come back to NC sometime! It is an amazing state!

  • Reply Elena August 18, 2017 at 12:55 pm

    Hahahaha!
    Love the “medical disclosure”!
    Can you please recommend a good real estate agent. I’m in a desperate search of a good place on the Fraser’s Ridge. Money’s no object, for I’m willing to use what ever savings I will have left after I pay the Craigh Na Dun Travelers Society.
    Jersey Sassenach.

    • Reply Beth Pittman August 18, 2017 at 1:17 pm

      LOL!!!!! That is too funny, Elena (excuse me, Jersey Sassenach)!!! Love it and thank you for commenting!

  • Reply Tom Cox September 5, 2017 at 12:30 am

    Thank you thank you for starting this site! I love it. BTW- everybody, please remember Claire’s poignant plea to Jamie: “Take me home,” – by which she means North Carolina! I’ve always wondered how Herself came to fall in love with our beautiful mountains. –Tom (born in S.C., emigrated to NC about 48 years ago.)

    • Reply Beth Pittman September 5, 2017 at 8:19 pm

      Thank you for visiting and commenting, Tom! That’s a good question and it may be that the history was what led Diana to NC and to the beautiful Blue Ridge. She doesn’t do anything by accident!

  • Reply Tom Cox September 5, 2017 at 1:34 pm

    I just got 2 tickets to hear HERSELF speak at Winston-Salem this weekend! I’m so psyched. Like I was each time I went to hear the Rolling Stones!
    –Tom

    • Reply Beth Pittman September 5, 2017 at 8:16 pm

      That’s awesome, Tom!

      • Reply MARK FRASER February 4, 2019 at 2:31 pm

        Beth,

        50 year old man raised in Rhodesia/Zimbabwe since 6 (father -Ian Munro Fraser) who was persuaded by his daughter to watch Outlander .

        Been hooked and inspired , emotionally moved and wanting to find out more about my family.

  • Reply Barbara October 20, 2017 at 1:57 pm

    Totally obsessed and a fan for nearly 20 years- have read and re-read every book–watch every Season and have the available dvd’s that I watch over and over –can’t wait for the New Bern 11/11 Outlander day with friends

    • Reply Beth Pittman October 20, 2017 at 3:51 pm

      I resemble that remark, Barbara!!! Totally obsessed! Never thought I would be a fangirl again but here I am – being a fangirl again! LOL! I hope to see you in New Bern on 11/11!

  • Reply Cynthia November 1, 2017 at 5:13 pm

    X

  • Reply Mitzi Roadcap November 1, 2017 at 9:07 pm

    Ok, all signed up. And might I say, it is a pleasure to be among fellow addicts.

    • Reply Beth Pittman November 2, 2017 at 7:47 am

      Mitzi, we are so glad you have found your perfect support group! Haha! We must help each other with this wonderful addiction. Glad to have you here!

  • Reply Eugenia Elmo November 4, 2017 at 6:32 pm

    From a Sassenach to a Sassenach, let me tell you that I have been sitting at my computer, and lol with all your funny comments. I want to join this group. I am from Mexico City, but I have lived in Lexington, KY for 23 years. I actually belong here! I share my Outlander addiction with one other group, but you have got me with your witty writing. I’m in!

    • Reply Beth Pittman November 4, 2017 at 7:41 pm

      LOL! Thank you, Eugenia! Please come join our group. You will fit right in!!! I look forward to seeing you there!

    • Reply sandra garcia January 18, 2018 at 12:22 am

      Hi Eugenia, This is kind of a random email, however I came to this site due to my love of everything Outlander, and then I saw that you are from Mexico and have been living in Lexington. I plan on moving from CT to KY in a couple of years and I am trying to get an idea of what it is like down there…I plan on visiting soon, but i was a bit disheartened when I saw that just recently KY was deemed the worst place to go to retire…yikes! That bad? I personally feel that you can find like-minded people anywhere and so am not too worried. Do you like it there?

  • Reply Lucia November 11, 2017 at 10:42 am

    Beautifully writte, I just ADORE your blog, thank you so much for sharing your passion with us, Sassenach sister! 🙂

    Lucia

    • Reply Beth Pittman November 16, 2017 at 2:08 pm

      I apologize for the delay in responding, Lucia! Thank you so much for your very kind comments! It’s so good to know there are others who share my passion!

  • Reply Randi February 6, 2018 at 8:05 am

    I’m reading the series through a second time, the first being before the series ever started on cable, and am currently in Drums of Autumn, of course set in our beloved North Carolina. As a mountain resident and avid hiker of the Southern Sixers, of course I’m going to try and hone in on a location for Fraser’s Ridge (not even thinking that I could have Googled it, but how fun is that??). Taking all the clues from the book, my best guess was that it was near Mt Pilot (I thought the Moravian settlement they were referring to was the Bethabara community, but later I found one further west). So I was excited to finally find Fraser’s Ridge. Unfortunately, I find no information about whether the actual Ridge is hikable public land, or if it is private. OutlanderAmerica refers the reader to activities around it in Asheville, Boone, Grandfather Mountain, the Grandfather Games (which I attend yearly), and other area events, but nothing about hiking the actual mountain identified as Fraser’s Ridge. Any information would be appreciated.

    • Reply Beth Pittman February 6, 2018 at 1:36 pm

      Hey Randi. As you know, there is no actual Fraser’s Ridge and never has been. That’s very hard for me to say – LOL! Anyway, I believe Diana has said that Fraser’s Ridge was in an area north of the Yadkin River within about 10 miles of Boone and/or Blowing Rock. That’s a very large area but I believe Pilot Mountain would be much too far to the east and north. I think it more than likely would have been located in Caldwell, Wilkes or Watauga Counties in North Carolina but that’s just my guess after looking at the map. A lot of people think its Grandfather Mountain but I have my doubts since that wouldn’t be between the Yadkin River and Boone/Blowing Rock. Some of the clues in the book are a little misleading (creative license) in that the distances from one point to another in the books and the time it takes to travel between them are a little off. In the end, Diana is the only one who knows for certain where Fraser’s Ridge actually is – all the rest of us can do is guess. If you’d like to hike Pilot Mountain, you certainly can. It’s a State Park and you can find more information about it here: https://www.ncparks.gov/pilot-mountain-state-park

  • Reply Melissa Staley March 16, 2018 at 11:31 am

    Hi Beth!
    I’m a North Carolinean, born & bred, hailing from Fayetteville but just retired to Harkers Island this past summer. My husband (I’ve got him reading Outlander too!) who was born & raised in Wilkes County has inherited property on the side of a mountain not too far from where the Fraser’s Ridge Homecoming is planned in September. We both look forward to meeting you! Sláinte!

    • Reply Beth Pittman March 23, 2018 at 9:22 am

      Hey Melissa! Sorry I am so delinquent in responding back but just saw your comment. How awesome!!! I can’t wait to meet you both in September!

  • Reply Karen April 5, 2018 at 6:13 pm

    Oh I had such a good laugh reading this!

    • Reply Beth Pittman April 6, 2018 at 8:07 am

      So glad, Karen! Sometimes, its just good to be able to laugh!

  • Reply Diana Akers July 30, 2018 at 10:23 pm

    For years the movie The Last of the Mohicans has been one of my favorites because it was filmed in North Carolina around the Banner Elk area. That site was chosen because of the old forests that would have been un the United states at that time. In my mind the North Carolina mountains are what drew Jamie to settle there because it was as close to home as he could get without being in Scotland.

  • Reply Jessie July 8, 2019 at 3:21 pm

    So i just finished watching Outlander series and you know what? I live in Wilmington, NC!! I was so thrilled to see Jamie and Claire settling down in NC. When i first started watching the series I had no idea of the series connection to NC. What a great turn of event and such a small world!!

    • Reply Beth Pittman July 9, 2019 at 10:22 am

      I know, right?!?! I started watching the series before the books and at that time, J & C hadn’t come to NC. I started reading the books and when I got to DOA, I was like OMG!!! From that moment on, my world has turned completely upside down with Outlander Obsession! Thanks for your comment, Jessie. Nice to meet another Outlander fantatic!

  • Reply Cindy August 8, 2019 at 3:33 pm

    I loved the books and was thrilled when they announced the series (although there is no way to make Jamie flesh Sam does a VERY good job!). I really connected when they came to North Carolina in the books as I am a native to Boone, just a caber’s toss from Grandfather Mountain (Highland Games joke) I was a little disappointed they they wouldn’t be filming in NC but considering the number of devoted fans, they wouldn’t be able to get much done. Thank you Beth for giving us a place to get together and laugh, cry and lament that men don’t wear kilts more often (well, some men)

    • Reply Beth Pittman August 9, 2019 at 10:36 am

      Hey Cindy!!! Thanks for your comment and for stopping by! I became a fan of the books . My obsession is relatively new to compared to many others. Sam is AWESOME and as close to Jamie as I think anyone could portray him. I live in Ashe County – north of Boone and find myself looklng for Fraser’s Ridge from time to time. What a nutcase I am!! So glad you’ve found the blog and if you haven’t already, please join the facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/outlandernorthcarolina/

  • Reply Misty Cosgray November 8, 2019 at 3:36 pm

    Hi, Beth. I came across your MPC story and then I saw your blog and thought I’d stop by. I JUST discovered Outlander AND Sam a few months ago. WHAT??!!!?? Yes, only a few months ago, but I am HOOKED…line and sinker!! I binge watched all 4 seasons in about 3 weeks (maybe less) and now I am going backwards and reading all of the books. I just started Voyager last weekend, and I am ALMOST to Jamie and Claire’s reunion! 😀 One of my goals for 2020 is to join MPC; I just can’t afford it this year, but I’m making plans for the future. I have Type 2 diabetes and I need to get healthy again. I have also researched MPC and think that Sam is such an inspiration for all that he does, and for sharing this experience with the world, and interacting with Peakers all over! I have been thinking recently that it would be nice to find other Peakers in NC, so I guess this is the best place to start. I live, with my family, in Fayetteville (Cross Creek). I was not brought up here, but my husband retired from the Army in 2014 and here we stayed. I look forward to the journey ahead (and maybe meeting Sam one day).

  • Reply Praveen February 6, 2021 at 2:50 am

    Thanks a lot for making this website. I’m a die hard fan from Kerala.
    The Skye boat song humming in ears while typing this ❤️

  • Reply Stephanie Essary September 13, 2021 at 12:42 am

    I’m delighted to have found this sight, quite by accident, while trying to see if Google could fetch up for me an explanation of something glimpsed in Claire’s NC garden in a calendar photo.

  • Reply Linda Bryant July 23, 2022 at 2:48 pm

    Hello,
    Is this site still active? I’ve become a huge fan of Outlander, at the same time as I learned my ancestors lived in what was then Rowan County (they lived in the Burke County), and at least four of my ancestors were Overmountain Men who served in the Wilkes County Regiment at the Battle of Kings Mountain. I am traveling to Burke on 8/17, 8/18 to learn more about where my ancestors lived and cannot believe their lives are depicted in Seasons 4, 5, and 6 of Outlander!!!!

    • Reply Susan Jackson August 2, 2022 at 11:32 am

      Hi, Linda! Thanks for stopping by! The website is not as active as it has been in the past, as we manage our Facebook group, Outlander North Carolina Clan, and are in the meat of planning stages for Fraser’s Ridge Homecoming in October. Hope you looked around the site and found some of our articles informative, if nothing else. Your trip to Burke County will be awesome–NC is so rich in history, more than we thought after read the Outlander book series.

  • Reply Shaye Johns August 27, 2022 at 11:54 am

    This is amazing! Had me literally smiling and laughing out loud. Thankfully I’m currently by myself lol. I’ve never read this before and I’ve been friends on fb with you for years now. You are so awesome!

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