Happy New Year to you and yours! I pray that you all will have a happy, blessed 2018! For me, every new year comes with hopes for a year a little better than the last, but mostly, for good health and happiness for my family and my friends (that includes you!) and myself. It’s also a time to reflect on the happenings of the last year. The good and the bad, the sad and the happy moments, the things we might would change if we could and the things we wouldn’t change for the world. One of the things I wouldn’t change for the world is starting this blog and the companion Facebook group. I have met so many wonderful friends who share my love and obsession for Outlander! (It’s nice to know there are other Outlander crazies out there who get it. Wink, wink.) Of course, there have been some challenges as they come with every new venture but the challenges have paled in comparison to the blessings of you all allowing me a few moments of your lives to read the stuff I write – some of it being downright silly! Yet, you have stuck with me and I so appreciate that. The blog went live on August 5 with my first post and the Facebook group was created two days later. We now have 669 wonderful members in the group…and growing almost daily! I am completely overwhelmed and humbled! It has been an honor to make your acquaintance!
Just as no man is an island, certainly no woman is either and none of this could have happened without the encouragement and support of some very special people. First, my husband. He got dragged into my Outlander obsession and although he doesn’t completely understand it, he does completely support what I’m trying to do. He even re-watches episodes with me and asks some pretty good questions from a strictly show watcher standpoint – he doesn’t read the books. He’s my Jamie and I so appreciate his love and support. Also, I have received a lot of encouragement and helpful advice from my good friend and group administrator, Susan Holmes Jackson. Susan has even written a couple of blog posts for me and has been by my side in the group since the beginning. What a blessing she has been! Susan also makes Outlander jewelry as well as other beautiful items (I know because I have some of her pieces). You can find her jewelry on Facebook here. Another big thank you goes to another administrator, Traci Wood Thompson, who has also contributed a blog post and has another one completed and waiting in the wings to be published very soon. More on that in just a bit. I also want to thank my other two administrators who have helped me keep things running smoothly in the group, Blair Beard and Nancy Roach (a/k/a The White Sow). You can find The White Sow on Facebook here or on Twitter @WhiteSow1. All in all, Outlander North Carolina is an ongoing team effort and I am so thankful for my team! Lastly, but certainly not least, I couldn’t have done this without all of you who are reading this post right now, those of you who have subscribed to my blog, commented on and shared my silly posts, and joined and contributed to the Facebook group! You are what makes the wheel go round and I appreciate each and every one of you.
So, now that 2018 is here, what can you expect and look forward to from Outlander North Carolina in this New Year? Well, here are few things you can keep an eye out for:
- Season 4! Need I say more! If you are a book reader, you know Claire & Jamie make their way to North Carolina! Because of that, it’s going to be an exciting year for us here at Outlander North Carolina! There will be much to discuss as filming progresses, the premiere draws nearer and as the new season begins. I can’t wait to have The Frasers as neighbors! I’ve been waiting for them for a long, long time!
- Group Gatherings! Yay!!! We are hoping to have some gatherings throughout the state. If you don’t live in North Carolina but plan to visit, we’d love to meet you and plan a meet up around your visit. If you already live here or even if you don’t, we hope to plan gatherings in some key Outlander North Carolina locations – Wilmington, Edenton, New Bern, Hillsborough, Old Salem, Boone/Blowing Rock (a/k/a The Ridge) and perhaps, Fayetteville (a/k/a Cross Creek).
- A new series by Traci Thompson which will delve into the topic of Scottish Immigration to North Carolina which should be very informative for all of us history buffs and Outlander lovers.
- A new series by Susan Jackson on the Outlander North Carolina location of Edenton. You’ll recall Edenton from Drums of Autumn and subsequent books. This should be a very interesting look inside the colonial Edenton of Jamie & Claire’s time.
- More Guest Posts! You may even hear from The White Sow herself!
- An Outlander North Carolina Travel Guide. We’ll be working on a travel guide so you can visit all the Outlander locations plus some in North Carolina. This will be offered as a free printable to group members and those who subscribe to the blog!
- An Outlander North Carolina T-Shirt Design Contest. We’ve got to have an awesome T-shirt and we’re going to need your help to design it!
- A Listing of Outlander Events and Appearances for 2018. Conferences, charity fundraisers, and gatherings – anywhere Outlander is celebrated or appearances are made by the cast and show runners, we will try out best to list them all.
- A Scotland Travel Forum. I want to go to Scotland SO much and I know many others who want to also. Since some of you have already been, we’d love to tap into that knowledge bank and have a place where questions can be asked and answered plus where important Scotland travel information can be shared.
- More Giveaways! Yes, stay on the lookout for more of these throughout the year. We’ve had a lot of fun with them so far. In fact, keep reading below for a chance to win in our newest giveaway!
- Any number of things that just randomly pop into our brains!
Whew! I’m tired already just thinking about all of this but very excited too! Of course, there will be a roll out so don’t expect everything all at once. Patience, Grasshoppers! These things do take time. Also, in order not to miss anything, you’ll want to make sure you are a member of the Outlander North Carolina Facebook Group (not to be confused with NC Outlander Fans which only accepts members who live or have lived in NC.) Hop on over now to make sure you’re a member of the Outlander North Carolina Facebook Group since announcements will more than likely be shared there first. Here’s the link to the group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/outlandernorthcarolina/ If you’re not a member, we’d love to have you join in the craziness!
A Happy New Year Giveaway
As I mentioned above, we’re having a giveaway right now to celebrate the New Year and all the good things we hope happen here at Outlander North Carolina in 2018! Facebook group member, Jennifer Pittman (no relation), who has her very own jewelry design business, has graciously contributed this gorgeous bracelet which will be given away to one lucky person.
For more of Jennifer’s designs, you can find her on Facebook at JenuineDesignsbyJP https://www.facebook.com/JenuineDesignsbyJP/
Now, to enter for a chance to win, you must leave a comment to this post. One winner will be randomly selected from everyone who comments. What should you comment about? Well, tell me what you’d like to see on Outlander North Carolina. Do you have an idea that I haven’t mentioned? Would you like to write a guest post? Would you like to contribute towards a giveaway? Would you like to help organize some events and gatherings for the group? What are you most looking forward to in 2018? How can we make Outlander North Carolina better? Want to simply say hello? See, there’s plenty to say so just say it! Je Suis Prest! Are you? Get to it then and good luck!!! And as always, thank you for reading Outlander North Carolina.
Happy New Year Giveaway Rules
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY AND A PURCHASE DOES NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. In order to enter for a chance to win the Sassenach bracelet by Jenuine Designs by JP, you MUST comment on this post. One comment and one entry per person. More than one comment by the same person will be automatically disregarded as an entry. This giveaway begins on Monday, January 1, 2018, at 12:15 PM EST and ends at 11:59 PM EST on Thursday, January 4, 2018. The winner will be announced on the blog and on the Facebook group. You must be 18 years of age or older to enter and must be a resident of the United States. (Apologies to our international readers. Giveaway laws vary widely in different countries and giveaways are totally prohibited in some.) Selection of the winner will be made by random drawing from qualifying entries within 48 hours of the end of the giveaway. Prize will be mailed directly to the winner by Jenuine Designs by JP. Questions regarding the giveaway can be directed to outlandernorthcarolina@gmail.com.
55 Comments
Thank God 2017 is over. I’m exhausted. So, onward. I make no predictions, promises or resolutions. And I ask only that we try to be just a little bit kinder to each other this year. Since we seem to have very few examples to look to in public life and it really is tough sometimes to do anything more than lash out, I offer the 3 simple rules I try to keep in my head. 1. Be nice to people. 2. Keep your word. 3. Have a sense of humor. Stop snickering and snorting and huffing. I said simple, not easy. Have your Jamie remind you. Mine does, without prompting. (Insert Scottish noise here.)
I look forward to a year of enjoying the wonderful world Diana created, and the people who love it. I’ve never been a fangirl before, so I’m still trying to figure out how to do it right. Patience, please.
Beth, if you can, please let me know your guidelines and desired topics for a guest post. Keep doing what you do. We’ll be here.
Thank you, Andy. I’ve never been a fangirl either until now. It’s been an adventure to say the least. I love your three simple rules. If we could all follow them, the world would be a much kinder place. My husband does remind me to be nicer since I sometimes flip a lid and say things I shouldn’t say – not all that frequently but it happens. My patience has grown shorter as I’ve gotten older, I’m afraid. 🙁 I will send you an email regarding the guest post. Thanks Andy!
Very well put, Andy. Those are excellent words of advice.
Oh, I love some of the things that you will be doing in 2018 for the group. The Outlander North Carolina Travel Guide, the Scotland Travel Forum (I am dying to go!), the listing of Outlander Events and Appearances, and the Giveaways are awesome. I would be willing to contribute to a giveaway. Thank you for your posts. I always read them and highly enjoy. I am your Sassenach neighbor in Georgia!
Thank you, Kelly! I’m excited about 2018 and the things we have to look forward to. I will send you an email regarding the giveaway item. I appreciate that! Giveaways make the Droughtlander a little more bearable.
Thanks so much. A happy and healthy new year to you and yours!
Oops. This was meant for Barb. But, happy to you too, Kelly.
So enjoy your posts! Thank you thank for delving into this awesome adventure! Because of Outlander North Carolina, I was able to take an inspired trip to your fine state with my mom and two cousins this past October. We did our best to find Outlander locations around Boone and Blowing Rock and enjoyed time at the historic Moravian village too. Looking forward to your official travel guide as we all want to come back for more. I wish we had organized meet up with you! That would have been a wonderful idea so thanks for proposing it in the future. Also, looking forward to your listings of other Outlander events and the above mentioned blog contributions! So much to cover and I’m grateful to you and your team for sharing it all in this one great location! Thank you and Happy New Year!
Lisa, thank you so much for your comment! I wish I could have met up with you and your family! I was up in the mountains most of October. I live part-time about 30 minutes from Boone and the other half of my life is spent in Eastern NC. Maybe we can get together the next time you come up? Keep me posted and stay tuned!
Travel forum to Scotland would be awesome. Someday I hope to contribute to that!
Me too, Minnie!
Hi Beth! I love being a part of this group and I’m a Charlotte native. I’m very willing to help out in any way I can. I can guest post, help organize and work on events or anything else you can use. I’m a stay at home mom….can I still say that if my child just turned 19. Hmmm. My Outlander obsession makes my world turn. Anyway, I love all the things to look forward to in 2018! Happy New Year!
Thanks for your comment, Amy!!! Yes, I think these days having a child aged 19 still qualifies you as a stay at home mom! Don’t you just love Outlander? Geez! I’m so obsessed! Thanks for being willing to help. We could actually do a meet up in the Charlotte area too!
Outlander has captured me like nothing I’ve ever watched. It has such an outstanding cast, production staff and my goodness the fans are amazing. A meet up in the Charlotte area would be fantastic.
We’ll see what we can do! Outlander has captured me too. I don’t know what makes it different from any other books I’ve read or show I’ve watched but I am completely captivated by it! Thanks for your comment, Amy!
So love this group and _totally excited at the possibility of an event in NC with our Jamie! Thank you Beth and “Admin” for all that you do!
You’re very sweet, Sunni! Oh, to get our Jamie and Claire – I mean, Sam & Cait – to NC would be a dream come true. Sometimes, I think they really are the characters. So delusional! LOL!
Keep doing what you’re doing. I love seeing pictures of where Jamie and Claire might have lived or explored. Happy New Year!
Thanks Cathy! I have a new camera which I’m learning to use so I hope to put it to good use this year taking and sharing the very pictures you are speaking of. Happy New Year to you too!
Even though I am thoroughly glad 2017 is done and dusted I do look back to a couple brilliant decisions made on my part and one of those was discovering your blog and Outlander North Carolina (in addition to a few others) that have fed my Outlander addiction to new bounds. I love reading about all things Outlander and about it’s coming connections with North Carolina. It’s in that that I am most excited. My interest in local history has renewed and I would love to see more posts about Outlander events and gatherings planned at some the historic places that toggle Outlander passages. For example I was just reading yesterday about Alamance Battleground hosting an event called “Fight for the Backcountry” that will happen in May and a wreath laying ceremony at the monument for the hanged Regulators in June in Hillsborough. Also in Hillsborough there will be a Scottish gathering called Ceilidh Scottish Festival at Ayr Mount in Hillsborough in October. I, like so many others, got a new Outlander calendar for Christmas and I have been jotting down any and all events I come across that will be happening in 2018 in our great state of NC that relate to Outlander. I’m very new to this whole fangirl life too and may never have the time or means to find myself in Scotland anytime soon but I sure do love reading about everyone’s adventures to all of the Outlander locations over there and continue to dream of finding myself there one day. Thank you for sharing all that you know and are too learning about this wonderful world of Outlander. These giveaways are also so generous and so much fun. Perhaps one day a very generous sponsor will provide a trip too Scotland! One can hope right? 🙂
Thank you so much for your kind words, Mitzie. I’ve always enjoyed history but when I read the Outlander books, my hunger to learn NC history grew three sizes that day (that sounds like something from The Grinch, doesn’t it? These random things just pop into my head.) Anyway, your comment has really got me thinking about adding NC Outlander-related historical events, such as the ones you mentioned, to my blog and the FB group. I would definitely welcome your contributions to that list since you are in the thick of it already. Would you be willing to send me an email at outlandernorthcarolina@gmail.com with the events and dates you already have? Oh, and on the donation of a trip to Scotland, that would be mind blowing!
I have never been to the mountains of NC, and would love to plan a trip to Boone/Blowing Rock/Grandfather Mountain and check out “the Ridge”. I’d love to rent a cabin for a few days. I’d love to see in your trip planning section where to stay, eat, and things to do.
Also, if Sony just HAPPENS to do any S4 premiere activities in NC, I’d love to travel and meet others in the group that want to attend as well.
Hey Lanie! Thank you for your comment. The Outlander North Carolina travel guide will definitely include those things so stay tuned. I’m keeping my fingers crossed on the S4 premiere – it’s a long shot, I think, but I love the idea. Even if we can’t get the stars, show runners, etc. here, we might be able to do something as a group for the premiere if there is an interest. Thanks again for your comment!
Looking forward to Outlander in NC. Don’t forget the Tartans Museum in Franklin!
Hey Tracie! Thanks for that reminder because I had forgotten about it! That’s something I actually want to do myself. Now, I’ve got it written down so I won’t forget it. Thanks again!
This all sounds wonderful! Especially the map of NC Outlander sites. Come the summer, if be happy to help do some research or picture taking or writing for the sections in the Piedmont. I’m outside Winston-Salem.
Yay! Thanks Aimee! I’ll be in touch with you!
I’m looking forward to S4 also! I was born in Wilmington, North Carolina and when Jamie and Claire arrived there I was very excited. Now after many years of living in Michigan, I would like to plan a trip to NC to visit all the places mentioned in the books. I know it is beautiful country but haven’t been there for a very long time
Hey there, Jacqueline! We’d love to have you come back for a visit and a meet up! The travel guide should include all the places mentioned in the books. It will be a work in a progress as there is a lot to cover but I’m hoping to really start focusing on that now that the holidays are over. Let us know when you have nailed down some dates for a visit and we’ll try to plan something!
I am so happy to be part of this FB group. It is so much better than any of the other Outlander groups I am a member of. I look forward to going through this next Droughtlander with you. It will make the time go much more quickly. Happy New Year all!
Virginia, your kind words almost made me want to run around the house in the 15 degree weather we are having right now. Almost! LOL! That is very, very kind. I appreciate you and look forward to sharing Droughtlander with you too! Happy New Year!
I am so happy to have found this wonderful FB group and your blog. I am new to the Outlander world, and my obsession has taken me completely off guard. It’s really nice to meet others with the same fan girl phenomenon as me! It’s so interesting to me how much NC history I’m learning. I’ve lived in this great state for 23 years and love it very much. I’m really interested in the travel guide and participating in any get togethers. Thank you for all you and your admins do. Happy New Year!
Lisa, we are so glad you found us!!! Believe me, I know about the fangirl thing – I had no idea until I discovered Outlander just about two and a half years ago. World got turned upside down and sideways when I made that discovery and I haven’t been the same since. I, too, have learned so much about NC History from Diana. She made me “want” to research and learn things about my state I never knew! How crazy is that! Anyway, thank you for your kind comment and Happy New Year!
I love all of the things you have planned for us! I haven’t had a chance to travel to any of the other story related places, except Winston-Salem, and I look forward to some in-state travel this year. Beth, where do you find all of your energy?!?!? Thanks for all you do!
Hey Alice!!! Well, maybe we can get you to some other places this year! As far as energy, my husband will tell you that when it comes to Outlander, I am bubbling over with it! He puts up with me and my obsession regardless!
The bracelet is lovely, and I would love to offer a corded bookmark with Outlander charms as another give away!
Hey Mary! My maiden name is Ellis – my mother and father were both Ellis’ so I have a double dose. Wonder if we are related down the line somewhere? Thank you so much for your offer of the bookmark with charm! That would be awesome! Also, I look forward to hopefully planning an Outlander event with you for later this year!
I love Outlander NC and enjoy this blog. I have learned so much about NC history despite living here my entire life. I look forward to attending some “gatherings” and meeting some of my “sassy sisters”.
Hey Kathy! Thank you so much! I’m learning too so we’ll learn together! I’m excited about getting some meet-ups organized. It’s good to be around other people who understand the obsession.
All of the proposed ideas sound great…the NC travel guide, the genealogical aspect, the gatherings, travel tips to Scotland…..everything one could want on one site! It sounds like you have some great folks working with you. The upcoming season can only mean greater interest in the state (NC tourism). I’m excited to learn more from this group!
Hey there, Dawn! We are so glad you found us!!! I think NC tourism is really going to benefit from S4! I hope you find the group and blog meets your expectations. I’m learning right along with you. It’s kind of sad that Diana knows more about NC history than I do. She is amazing!!! Thanks for your comment, Dawn.
Beth, am thrilled by your energy, your cohorts and my good fortune to find the blog and group. You must be pretty busy and get tired! Have been a fan from the early days—Gabaldon and the Fraser’s grabbed me at the first book and haven’t let go. I could, would guest blog if invited????????but will totally enjoy the meantime. Blessings in 2018 and thanks for creating the incentive to get my own self in gear— my long time writing project needs to see the blog light of day.
A prediction for this year??: A date for coffee somewhere sometime when I roll thru NC And yes, I can, will share what I know from traveling beautiful Scotland
Hey Jan! Thank you for your comment! I would love to do coffee with you – just let me know when and where! And I would love for you to write a guest post or posts. I will email you to see what you might be interested in writing about! I understand the procrastination about writing and blogging. It’s hard to sit in front of a blank computer screen wondering what your first words will be and where it’s going to go. I fly by the seat of my pants most of the time – as you can probably tell. Can’t wait to see your advice on Scotland travel. I envy anyone who has been!
I’m new to this group and just discovered Outlander in September. My husband actually started watching it from the beginning and told me it was good, but I thought it sounded strange and didn’t watch it. Starz must have done a good job promoting the 3rd season, because I decided to try binge-watching the first 2 seasons. Needless to say, I was hooked from the beginning. I talked to my sister in another state about it, and she said I sounded so giddy about it that she watched it and was hooked! We now schedule regular talks to discuss new episodes. My husband thinks I’ve gone off the deep end. He likes the show but is not obsessed:) I’m trying to get my daughter watching it, and we started watching together during the holidays. She lives in Greensboro, NC, and I told her about this blog. I’m looking forward to all the NC info!
Hey Linda! Aren’t you glad you finally watched?!?! Outlander is the most amazing thing! Do you plan to now read the books? They are even more amazing if that’s possible. So glad you found our group! My husband doesn’t just think I’m obsessed – he KNOWS it but tolerates me anyway. LOL! He re-watches with me and we have some good discussions since I can bring the perspective of the books to the show. I want to get my daughter started on the show. She’s not that much into historical pieces so I’m not sure she will go for it. But how can anyone resist Jamie & Claire’s love story and who can resist looking at Jamie!!! Thank you so much for commenting and I look forward to seeing you in the group (and your daughter too!)
I’m so thrilled to have joined this group! I didn’t know it existed until I went to the speech and book signing of Diana (Herself) in Winston-Salem. I had the best time meeting everyone before they let us inside.(and even one amazing woman in the ladies room) I knew I was with “my people!” So, thank you for having me.
Hey Pam! I’m so glad you have joined the group! I was at the book signing too – wasn’t it great?!?! Diana is a born entertainer and she sure entertains me with her books. All other books just pale in comparison.
Love the blog…hope this is the place for comments…doing a great job…keep it up????
Well, hey Diane!!! Yes, girl, you did good! Thank you for your kind comment!
So very happy to be a Lassie in the Outlander Clan.
And thoroughly enjoy these blogs. Living in NC was a dream — it has now come true.
Thank you!
Yay, Jackie! I’ve lived in NC all my life so I think I sometimes take it for granted. When I started reading Diana’s books and realized Jame & Claire came here, I got a lot more interested in my state! Sad that it took a “Sassenach” (LOL) to open my eyes to all that is North Carolina and its wonderful history!
I always thoroughly enjoy reading your posts. They are entertaining and educational all at once.
We are excited for 2018 as my older daughter will be married in June. So much to do between now and then.
My younger daughter will graduate with her MSW and wants to find a position in NC. We will probably visit in July so we can attend the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games and also begin putting out feelers for jobs and housing. It will all depend on God’s timing.
Thank you for your wonderful blog.
Michele Latta
Wow! You do have a lot going on, Michele! Will you be moving to NC too or just your daughter? Thank you so much for reading my blog and for your very kind comment!
So happy I found your website! I grew up in Wilmington and remember my excitement – and surprise – the first time I read the books and realized that the series was heading in our direction. It will be fun to see on the show as well. I’d love to read articles about the historical accuracy (and inaccuracies) contained in the books and shows.
Hey Sara! So glad you found us! I was the same way when I realized Jamie & Claire came to North Carolina in the books and I’ve been patiently waiting on them to arrive on the show ever since! It will be an exciting year for us Outlander fans who live in North Carolina! We hope to cover a lot of the historical elements of the books on the blog and in the FB group so stay tuned! Thank you for reading and commenting!