Outlander

Outlander in the City

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I had the opportunity to attend the event, Outlander in the City, Saturday June 3, 2017.  It was held at the Papillon Bar & Bistro in New York City.  I flew from Jacksonville, Florida to New York City the day before the dinner.OutlanderintheCityImage via Facebook Outlander in the City Event pageThe Outlander in the City event was wonderful! I felt honored to meet so many of the actors from the show, it was a once in a lifetime opportunity.  The unique event was a fundraiser for the charities chosen by each of the actors.  I met fellow fans and friends that I have only “met” previously online.  At one point, I said, “I feel so close to you even though we just met.” Although, it is true we have KNOWN each other much longer. When I first joined Twitter, Pelly @pellicott1, said, “I can “hear” your voice on Twitter.”  I agree.  I was thrilled to meet Cooklander friends, Florida Outlander Fans, ThePeakPosse members, and My Peak Challenge participants in person. I really loved seeing the familiar faces of friends that I met when I marched in the 18th Annual Tartan Day Parade in 2016.IMG_9338(L to R: Kendra, Me, and Kathryn)Image via http://www.terrisquires.comIMG_7914 (2)(L to R: Pelly, Me, Bouton)The organizers did a terrific job! My hat is off to you. I moonlight as a PR Consultant which includes celebrity handling and event planning. This event was a huge undertaking, and I’m so proud of everyone involved in the planning. Thank you again so much Carole Braun, Dorianne Panich, Liz Mercado, Laura Michelle, Lisa Michelle Woody, Bonnie Terbush, Sandhya Dawar, and everyone at Outlander Homepage @OutlanderHome!!! Kathryn Elliott served as raffle ticket saleswoman extraordinaire.Reconciling my PR Girl persona and my Fan Girl persona is still an ongoing process.  My Fan Girl status has been written about in previous blog posts.  If you’d like to read more, check out “To be a fan girl or not to be a fan girl, that is the question…” https://inspiredbyoutlander.com/2014/11/19/to-be-a-fan-girl-or-not-to-be-a-fan-girl-that-is-the-question/ and “To Be a Fan Girl, or a Cougar, or Go shopping for a Billionaire, That is the Question…” https://inspiredbyoutlander.com/2015/08/17/i-am-not-a-fan-girl-a-cougar-or-shopping-for-a-billionaire/.During the event, I realized that everyone does Fan Girl in their own way. Partially due to my personality and partially because old work habits die-hard, I determined that I much prefer to sit back, watch people, and take in everything around me.  I didn’t get photographs with all the actors that attended the event.  It wasn’t for lack of interest, I was entranced with watching them.  I never would have imagined that I would see Stephen Walters, Nell Hudson, and Steven Cree singing songs by The Beatles.Steven Cree, who plays Ian Murray, wore a kilt to the event.  I follow him on Twitter, and in person he is exactly as you would expect him to be based on his tweets and interviews.  He has a clever sense of humor, and is very charming.  The evening was more fun because of him. He talked of his project, The Little Princess.  I read an article from The Herald which discusses his role in Churchill, and other future projects. Check it out at http://www.heraldscotland.com/arts_ents/15340652.__39_I_was_devastated__39___Churchill_and_Outlander_star_Steven_Cree_on_the_day_his_acting_career_nearly_came_off_the_rails/?ref=twtrec.IMG_9239Nell Hudson, who plays Loghaire MacKenzie, was so sweet! She has a beautiful singing voice, truly a highlight of the evening.  In addition to Outlander, Nell can be seen in ITV’s Victoria.IMG_9305(L to R: Deborah, Nell, Patty)Wil Johnson was the surprise guest at dinner.  He plays Joe Abernathy in Season 3 of Outlander.  The guests were delighted to meet him, and he circulated throughout the restaurant.  I saw him outside after the event, and he was quick to offer a smile.Duncan Lacroix portrays Murtagh Fraser.  He received a thunderous round of applause when he was introduced at the event.  Everybody needs a Murtagh.IMG_9243Grant O’Rourke plays Rupert MacKenzie.  He was in front of the restaurant after the event when I approached him. He smiled, and gave me a big hug.  Grant just announced he was nominated for Best Actor (theatre) at the Sunday Herald Culture Awards, and can be seen in August at the Edinburgh Fringe.Gary Lewis is a very genuine and kind person.  He gives the best hugs!  I was so pleased to meet him.  Researching this blog, I realized I have much of Gary’s work to binge watch.  This article from The Herald describes his role in The Level as well as what’s up next for Gary, http://www.heraldscotland.com/arts_ents/14803823.Gary_Lewis_on_leaving_Outlander_and_a_new_role_in_ITV_drama_The_Level/.

 Richard Rankin is incredible!  I was so impressed that Richard stayed late at the event to make sure all 270+ women were able to have their picture taken with him.IMG_9334(L to R: Kathryn, Me, Richard, Patty)IMG_9308Before I share my conversation with Richard Rankin, I’d like to pause and refer back to a blog I wrote, People are People, https://inspiredbyoutlander.com/2016/06/16/people-are-people/. In the blog, I share my relief that celebrities are people just like us.  I can add my conversation with Richard to my list of “open mouth, insert foot” moments relayed in that blog.Richard: Where are all of you from?Me: FloridaR: Do you know that Florida is the only state that begins with an “F”?Me: Really?R: Yes, only one “F”.Me: I really should have known that.  (Proud resident of the state of Florida since 1981)R: You learned something new tonight.Richard also knows how many states start with an “A” (4) and with “N” (8).  I applaud his perceptiveness.  As an educator, I do like to learn something new every day.  I used to think of myself as a Brainy Fan Girl.  In that moment, I didn’t feel very brainy, more like a shy coed talking to the star quarterback.  Richard has been very busy with several projects.  I’ve binge watched Thirteen and I am in the middle of The Crimson Field.Stephen Walters performed songs from his Charity Ditty Album (CD).  You can still purchase the album at www.bathgateregal.org.  It was such a treat to see him belting out tunes with Steven Cree and Nell Hudson.  Stephen took to Twitter after the event to announce his project Humpty Dumpty with Andrew Gower.  For more information about the film or to donate to the Kickstarter project go to https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1840778365/humpty-dumpty-film.
 Bruce Devlin was the emcee for the evening.  I have to be honest, he cracked me up throughout the dinner.IMG_9234 (2)For more information about the charities or to donate to the charities chosen by the actors, please see the JustGiving links below. The links will stay open until December 31, 2017.Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity (chosen by Gary Lewis and Grant O’Rourke):https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/OutlanderInTheCityGCHCSave the Children (chosen by Nell Hudson):https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/OutlanderInTheCitySTCWorld Child Cancer (chosen by Stephen Walters and Duncan Lacroix):https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/OutlanderInTheCityWCCInternational Animal Rescue (chosen by Steven Cree):https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/OutlanderInTheCityIARMacmillan Cancer Support (Chosen by Rik Rankin):https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/OutlanderInTheCityMacThank you so much for reading!  I hope this is the first of many Outlander in the City events that Outlander fans are able to attend.Jenny McJenny Mc @jennymcinspired – Twitterinspiredbyoutlander@gmail.com – EmailJennifer McAfee – Facebook

Barbour The Shirt Department

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As I was scrolling through Twitter this morning, I clicked on the Barbour web site link in their tweet about The Shirt Department.  Barbour is a “120 year old brand defining the essence of true British style.” I noticed the paragraph starting with, “Inspired by Barbour’s countryside credentials since 1894…”, naturally the phrase, “Inspired by” grabbed my attention.  Full disclosure, the paragraph wasn’t the first thing I noticed.  Sam Heughan is Barbour’s Global Brand Ambassador.

http://www.barbour.com/shirt-department?utm_source=social&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=ss17_shirts

The Barbour Blog is very informative.  I did actually read the entire post, “Introducing the New SS17 Shirt Department” as well as other posts that didn’t mention Sam Heughan.  Barbour is the Platium Sponsor of the 2017 Tartan Day Parade in New York City.  I marched in the parade in 2016.  I know the parade will be a success with Barbour providing clothing, accessories, and dog accessories.

Go to http://www.barbour.com for more information about their clothing.  You can also follow Barbour on social media.

Twitter – @Barbour

Instagram – @Barbour and @Barbourdogs

Facebook – @OfficialBarbour

Pinterest – http://www.pinterest.com/officialbarbour

Instagram led me to this video posted on the British GQ magazine web site announcing a partnership with Barbour.

http://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/four-ways-to-keep-smart-and-stylish-with-barbour

Thank you so much for reading! Shirts have never been so inspiring.

Jenny Mc

Twitter – @jennymcinspired

Facebook – Jennifer McAfee

Email – inspiredbyoutlander@gmail.com

Burns Night Supper for Bloodwise

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I’ve been blogging about the show Outlander and its stars for over two years.  In the process, I have learned more about Scotland and Scottish culture.  Wednesday, January 25th is the birthday of Scottish poet Robert Burns.  Burns Night is a celebration of the poet and lyricist.  A traditional supper includes haggis, tatties, neeps, and a dram of Scotch whisky. (Tatties=mashed potatoes, neep=turnip)  For this Florida girl, haggis is a foreign concept.

I’m part of the committee that published the cookbook Cooklander To The Stove.  This wonderful book is a collection of 550 recipes submitted by fans and friends of the show Outlander.  Originally, a recipe for haggis wasn’t included among the hundreds of recipes submitted. I am now dubbed “Haggis Hunter” by fellow committee members because all of the haggis recipes, with the exception of the Vegetarian Haggis, are the product of my extensive search.  I must admit to becoming strangely curious about haggis the more I looked into how I would find a recipe.  Below is the story of my search for the elusive haggis, found on page 323 of the cookbook.

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Hunting for Haggis

1 haggis

A wee bit elusive

The Cookbook Committee received recipes from all over the world, however two weeks prior to the target date to go to print, we still hadn’t received a recipe for haggis. 

Haggis is not an animal.  It is actually made from the innards of a sheep, oatmeal, suet, herbs and spices cooked in a sheep’s stomach.  I messaged a friend from Glasgow and a friend of a friend living in Tampa from Edinburgh.  One reply stated, “In Scotland, people usually buy the haggis ready to go as it is made from all the leftover parts that aren’t used after the slaughter.”  Hmmm…where would a Florida girl buy haggis?  I Googled, and was amazed at what I found.  I read a very interesting article published in “The Guardian” on January 22, 2015 by Adam Gabbatt entitled “The hunt for black market haggis”, http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2015/jan/22/-sp-the-hunt-for-black-market-haggis-us-burns-night.  My mind reeled at the implications of a ban on importing the sheep’s lung, a crucial ingredient in a traditional haggis, in the United States.  Haggis can be purchased on www.amazon.com in the US, however, substitutions have been made for the sheep lung.  Americans can also buy haggis in a can at local Scottish festivals.  I couldn’t believe my own eyes when I saw the cans at the Lannadoo Celtic Festival in NE FL. 

In my quest, I posted on Twitter and Facebook.  I called, texted, and emailed every chef or restaurant owner I know.  I may have even tagged a certain actor from Scotland in tweets enlisting his help.  I knew I was getting desperate when I asked a friend who owns a restaurant that specializes in Baha Mexicana for a recipe for haggis. I might have even promised to make haggis, taste it, and to organize a skirling salute complete with pipe band if I received a recipe. 

A fan sent me two recipes for haggis which appear in this cookbook.  One recipe came from “A Little Scottish Cookbook”, by Paul Harris.  Harris’ book is listed in Diana Gabaldon’s bibliography in “Outlandish Companion.” The recipe’s directions include, “Boil the heart, liver, and lung till tender, hanging windpipe out over the edge of pan so that it drains into a bowl.”  One recipe from the book, “Cooking with Elizabeth Craig”, states, “After cooking, haggis can be hung in a cool dry place until required.  When wanted, boil up again.”  Perhaps my declaration to prepare haggis was premature.  I’ll be honest, I can count on one hand the people for whom I would be willing to make and taste haggis.

When followed on Twitter by Haggis Society, I knew I had officially made it to the big time of haggis circles!  I followed back, however, I’m fairly certain this is a parody account.  As I said, haggis isn’t an animal, and there really isn’t an official hunting season. 

I hope you enjoy all the recipes in this cookbook, especially the haggis.  When in doubt, more whisky is always the answer.

In November 2015, I tried haggis for the first time at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival.  I can honestly say I enjoyed this Americanized version.  It tasted like liver and oats. Glenfiddich whisky was also available at the pavillion, I would highly recommend.

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In January 2016, to celebrate Burns Night, I decided to be brave and attempt to make haggis.  I figured the Vegetarian Haggis recipe would be the best way to go for my first attempt.  I used the recipe on page 167 of the Cooklander To The Stove cookbook.  I made dinner for friends and they said, “It was quite tasty, even without the stuff.” 

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Fast forward to Janauary 2017.  I am proud to be a part of actor Sam Heughan’s My Peak Challenge for the third year in a row.  Participants were given a mini challenge to host a Burns Night Supper to raise money for Bloodwise.  Bloodwise funds research and offers information and support to anyone affected by leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and other blood related disorders.

 

 

Video via  Youtube.com

I’m happy to report that the stars aligned and I am hosting a Burns Night Supper with my friend and fellow Salt Life Peaker Carol Swearingin.  Please join us at Culhane’s Irish Pub on Wednesday, January 25th to have fun and raise money for a great cause! The chef at Culhane’s is creating a haggis special, and their menu features a variety of whiskys.

Culhane’s has generously donated a basket valued at $100 as a raffle prize.  Culhane’s also submitted their Dingle Fish Pie recipe, a favorite of Guy Fieri, to the Cooklander cookbook.

Copies of Cooklander will be available for sale during the evening with all proceeds of sales benefitting Bloodwise.  The cost per book is $25.

If you are unable to attend the supper, and would like to donate, please visit my Just Giving page at http://www.justgiving.com/jennymcinspired.

Burns Night Supper

Where: Culhane’s Irish Pub

When: Wednesday, January 25, 2017 6:30-9:30 p.m.

RSVP:  https://www.facebook.com/events/596585330531357/

For more information about topics covered in my blog, visit the following web sites.

Bloodwise – http://www.bloodwise.org.uk

Cooklander To The Stove – http://www.cooklander.com

Culhane’s Irish Pub – http://www.culhanesirishpub.com

My Peak Challenge – http://www.mpc2017.com

For the Burns Night celebration in 2018, should I try the US Version of Traditional Scottish Haggis recipe in Cooklander that calls for “One leg of a pair of CLEAN panty hose, knotted with top end cut off and open”? Thank you so much for reading!

Jenny Mc

Twitter – Jenny Mc @jennymcinspired

Facebook – Jennifer McAfee

inspiredbyoutlander@gmail.com

 

 

 

Outlander star Sam Heughan announces leukaemia research investment 

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Please read this wonderful blog by Steph Cade, a member of the Bloodwise staff.

https://bloodwise.org.uk/blog/outlander-star-sam-heughan-announces-leukaemia-research-investment

In the tweet below, Caitriona Balfe takes the words right out of my mouth.  I couldn’t have written it any better myself.

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I’m very proud to have been a part of My Peak Challenge 2016.  Thank you for reading!

Jenny Mc

inspiredbyoutlander@gmail.com

Jenny Mc @jennymcinspired – Twitter

Jennifer McAfee – Facebook

Scottish actor Sam Heughan becomes Scotland President for Bloodwise

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Please read this inspiring blog post by a member of the Bloodwise staff.

https://bloodwise.org.uk/blog/scottish-actor-sam-heughan-becomes-scotland-president-bloodwise

The blog states, “It is hoped that Sam’s role at the charity will continue to raise awareness of blood cancers such as leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma.”  I joined My Peak Challenge in 2015 and 2016.  I was thrilled to walk in the Light the Night 5k November 3, 2016 in Jacksonville, Florida benefitting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in the US and Canada.  It was my first time at that event.  Sam’s success as a supporter of Bloodwise encouraged me to find ways to help in the United States as well.  I look forward to My Peak Challenge 2017 and am honored to support Bloodwise from Florida!

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For more information about Bloodwise, you can also follow them on Twitter @bloodwise_uk, Instagram @Bloodwise_UK, or their Facebook page Bloodwise.

Thank you so much for reading!

Jenny Mc

inspiredbyoutlander@gmail.com

Jenny Mc @jennymcinspired – Twitter

Jennifer McAfee – Facebook

My Peak Challenge

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Inspired by My Peak Challenge 

***Updated 2/3/16***

I posted “Inspired by My Peak Challenge” originally in the early morning hours of February 1st EST.  Sam Heughan, Fight Camp, and Bear Strength Clothing Co. created the My Peak Challenge program to motivate individuals to reach their personal goals while at the same time raising money for Bloodwise.  I wish I had waited until the My Peak Challenge Prep Program went live to write this post.  Talk about inspiring!  Wow!  The amount of work that obviously went into creating this program is astounding!  It’s Day 3, there is still time to join if you have not already done so.  I may not go back to Titan Up Fitness.  Nah! I’m just kidding!  The MPC Prep Program complements what I’m doing at Titan Up Fitness, and my trainer says he’ll put on a kilt for Halloween. 

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Image via Twitter

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Image via Twitter

Thanks so much for reading! Jenny Mc

February 1, 2016

I began blogging in October 2014.  After reading the first three books in Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series and watching the first eight episodes of the television series, I was “inspired” to write.  More than a year later, I am still inspired.  I am inspired by Sam Heughan, Bear Strength Clothing Co., Fight Camp, The Box Magazine, and by all of the My Peak Challenge participants.

MLK

Image via sosleadership.com

According to Merriam-Webster.com, inspire is defined as follows.

inspire

verb  in·spire  \in-ˈspī(-ə)r\

Simple definition of inspire

: to make (someone) want to do something

: to give (someone) an idea about what to do or create

: to cause (something) to happen or be created

: to cause someone to have (a feeling or emotion)

Full definition of inspire

in·spired in·spir·ing

transitive verb

a :  to influence, move, or guide by divine or supernatural inspiration

b:  to exert an animating, enlivening, or exalting influence on <was particularly inspired by the Romanticists>

c:  to spur on :  impel, motivate <threats don’t necessarily inspire people to work>

d:  affect <seeing the old room again inspired him with nostalgia>

a archaic :  to breathe or blow into or upon

b archaic :  to infuse (as life) by breathing

a :  to communicate to an agent supernaturally

b :  to draw forth or bring out <thoughts inspired by a visit to the cathedral>

:  inhale

a :  bring about, occasion <the book was inspired by his travels in the Far East>

b:  incite

:  to spread (rumor) by indirect means or through the agency of another

intransitive verb

:  inhale

Synonyms: bear up, buck up, buoy (up), cheer (up), chirk (up), embolden, hearten, encourage, inspirit, steel

According to Merriam-Webster.com, inspiring is defined as follows.

inspiring adjective

: causing people to want to do or create something or to lead better lives

: having an animating or exalting effect

Synonyms: breathtaking, charged, electric, electrifying, exhilarating, exhilarative, galvanic, galvanizing, hair-raising, heart-stopping, exciting, intoxicating, kicky, mind-bending, mind-boggling, rip-roaring, rousing, stimulating, stirring, thrilling

First Known Use of inspiring 1717

in·spir·er noun

Walt Disney quotes

Image via disneyquotes.wordpress.com

Do these definitions and synonyms sound familiar?  Do they remind you anyone you know?  I am reminded of all the incredible people I have “met” through my own My Peak Challenge journey.  I participated in My Peak Challenge last year, and was fascinated by the positive and overwhelming response.  In a blog post from February 20, 2015, I wrote, All of the participants of My Peak Challenge are amazing!  The sense of community, positive attitude, strength, and tireless energy to work together towards the common goal to Beat Blood Cancers are awe-inspiring to me.

There is still time to join My Peak Challenge.  Go to http://www.mpc2017.com. The organizers of My Peak Challenge this year have teased bigger and better, and they have delivered.  I joined the My Peak Challenge Prep Program January 18, 2016.  By joining the MPC Prep Program, you have access to a private Facebook group.  I am not surprised by the bravery and positive energy of this group. To join go to www.mpc2016.com/products/my-peak-challenge-2016.  All profit from the MPC Prep Program and the Supporter Packs goes to Bloodwise.

MPC Prep Program

Image via My Peak Challenge Photos Twitter

If you would like to participate by ordering the Supporter Pack go to http://www.bearstrength.co.uk/collections/my-peak-challenge.

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Image via Bear Strength Clothing Co. Twitter

Personally, I am working on a more specific goal for the challenge.  I reread my posts from last year.  In January 2015, I wrote, My excuse has been that I don’t have time.  I think that as Moms we do tend to put ourselves last on the priority list.  A good friend of mine told me recently that if you give all of yourself away, you don’t have anything else to give to anyone.  With that thought in mind, I made a promise to myself to carve out time for exercise, to recharge.  I still need to carve out time for myself.  I joined a gym this year in Jacksonville Beach, Titan Up Fitness.  I need accountability.  So far, my goal is to “tighten up at Titan Up”.

I completed the first week of their 13 challenge on Saturday.  I attended Boot Camp.  At the end, one of the trainers asked me how I felt.  I said, “Good, it gave me ideas of areas to improve on.” She said, “Are you breathing heavy?”  I said, “Yes!”  She responded, “Then you did great!”  It struck me as I researched definitions of inspire that she was absolutely right.

Origin of inspire

Middle English, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French inspirer, from Latin inspirare, from in- + spirare to breathe

First Known Use: 14th century

I am so grateful to all the My Peak Challenge participants for inspiring me.  I am looking forward to the launch of the My Peak Challenge Prep Program February 1, 2016.  Thank you so much for reading!

Princess Diana

Image via shaunynews.com

Jenny Mc

inspiredbyoutlander@gmail.com

Jenny Mc @jennymcinspired – Twitter

My Peak Challenge 2016

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Happy New Year!  I’m learning I should also wish readers a Happy Hogmanay! I am getting ready for My Peak Challenge 2016. I participated last year, and am very excited to set new goals for myself for 2016, physical and non-physical goals.

Sam Heughan, Fight Camp, and Bear Strength Clothing Co. created a program to motivate individuals to reach their personal goals while at the same time raising money for Bloodwise. The success of My Peak Challenge was overwhelming.

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I went to http://www.mypeakchallenge.co.uk to register my interest to participate in My Peak Challenge 2016. My Peak Challenge launches in January, and I will receive an email alert to the email address I provided to web site when they’re ready to go.

Information for My Peak Challenge can be found on various social media platforms. #MyPeakChallenge is the dedicated hashtag.

Follow: @MyPeakChallenge @BearStrength @F1ghtCamp & of course, @SamHeughan on Twitter To reach YOUR peak.

You can also follow #MyPeakChallenge on Facebook and Instagram.

https://www.facebook.com/MyPeakChallenge?pnref=lhc – Facebook

http://instagram.com/MyPeakChallenge – Instagram

Bear Strength tweeted that welcome packs will be available January 5, 2016 for pre-order. The web site, http://www.bearstrength.co.uk, is user friendly, and converts to your preferred currency. They ship to the United States, and internationally. I have had a wonderful experience every time I have ordered from the company.

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When you order the welcome pack, you receive information, Peak Gear, photos and a % of your purchase goes to charity.  This is last year’s pack. The bears have tweeted there is a new shirt this year.

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I am proud to be repping Bear Strength in Florida.  Through the miracle of Twitter, I met an Outlander Fan that lives in my neighborhood, so I have my workout buddy. You might find some of our FL adventures by following RiverCity Sassenachs @saltlifesassies.

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I look forward to seeing and hearing from all of the #MyPeakChallenge participants!  Bear Strength, Fight Camp, and My Peak Challenge accounts  have teased bigger and better things for 2016.

I’ll just leave this tweet from The Box Magazine here.

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Thanks again for reading!

Jenny Mc

inspiredbyoutlander@gmail.com

@jennymcinspired – Twitter

 

Outlander Fan Searches for a Bit of the Highlands in Florida

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I watched Rob Licuria’s Golden Derby interview with Sam Heughan yesterday on http://www.goldderby.com. The interview was thought provoking, Rob asked great questions.

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Image via Instagram @outlander_world

He asked Sam about his reaction to the Outlander pilot after he first saw it, and Sam said, “People in Scotland were wary. Here come the Americans…they’re coming over here, and they’re going to make a show about Scotland…and they came and they have been so attentive to detail. They’ve really immersed themselves in our world. They’ve employed great numbers of very talented Scottish cast and crew. I think they did a great job.” He continued to say, “I’m really proud. I’m very proud.” To see the full interview, go to http://www.goldderby.com/news/10971/outlander-sam-heughan-caitriona-balfe-golden-globes.html. Sam’s response “inspired” this blog post. It made me wonder, as an American fan of the show, have I inadvertently been disrespectful to the people of Scotland? Have I focused on stereotypes in my blogs and Twitter comments? Is there something Americans have asked, that if you heard one more time, you would scream?

The show and the books have inspired me to reconnect with my Celtic roots, search for pieces of Scotland in Florida, and to start a blog in October 2014. By day, I teach preschool, and I am naturally curious. I genuinely want to know about authentic Scotland.

I have thoroughly enjoyed writing for fun, and writing on behalf of wonderful causes. Looking back on past blogs, I realized I haven’t shared some of my adventures as I attempted to survive Droughtlander. The interview and Sam’s response to the question, reminded me of meeting a family from Glasgow in June. My family and I took a quick trip to Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL.

Sitting at an outside table at the Magic Kingdom, I hear, “No, it’s crook!” from a gentleman, expressing his frustration about a drink machine accepting his money, but not dispensing drink. I have a habit, since I have started watching Outlander, of striking up conversations with strangers with accents in the hopes that they are Scottish. This time I knew I was right, that he was from Scotland, and confidently asked, “excuse me, where are you from?” When he responded Glasgow, I was so excited, I’m sure he thought I was crazy. I met his family, and introduced him to mine. We had a wonderful conversation. Of course, I brought up Outlander, and asked if they had seen the show. He said, “No, where can I watch it?” I explained how to find it, and said, “I think, being Scottish, you would be very proud of it. The first season was filmed entirely on location in Scotland, and it is historically accurate.” We moved on to discuss the Jacksonville Jaguars playing in London and vacation tips for Scotland and Florida. We had a humorous exchange about the correct pronunciation of “Heughan”. I was pronouncing it “HEW-an”, and he kept repeating it the Scottish “HewCH-an”. Sam explains proper pronunciation of his last name in an interview with Christopher John Farley at the WSJ Café, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnHahznt5xI, about 1 minute 28 seconds into the interview. Sorry Sam! I will continue to practice.

My new friend from Glasgow and I follow one another on Twitter. He returned to Scotland after his Florida holiday and binge watched Outlander. He messaged me and said, “The acting was terrific. Randall was a bad yin as we say in Scotland.” He has also taught me what tatties and neeps are, mashed potatoes and turnips respectively, and was generous enough to submit a recipe to Cooklander To the Stove. (Go to http://www.cooklander.com to order your own copy.)

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I inquired about a recipe for haggis before I realized most people in Scotland just go to the butcher to purchase.  On the subject of haggis, I now know far more about haggis than any Florida girl should know in my opinion. I submitted the tale of my “Hunt for Haggis” in the form of a recipe to the Cooklander To the Stove cookbook. You can find it on page 323 of the book. I found myself strangely curious, and wanted to try haggis. I went to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival in November, and tried an Americanized version.

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I have been connecting with people on Twitter, and “meeting” people living in Scotland or from Scotland living in the United States. I posted pictures on Twitter, and friends responded with, “don’t be surprised if when you get real haggis, it tastes vastly different.” I tasted liver and oats. My favorite was the Glenfiddich Whisky I tasted. I have been given rave reviews of haggis purchased at Julie’s British Shoppe located in Melbourne, FL, http://www.britishshoppe.net.

Full disclosure, I sincerely adore the sound of bagpipes, my last name is McAfee, and my husband owns a kilt.

Thank you again so much for reading!  I look forward to your comments, and please feel free to help me clear up any misperceptions or misunderstandings about Scotland.

Haggis Helper

(This is not a real product.) Image via Pinterest

Jenny Mc

inspiredbyoutlander@gmail.com

Jenny Mc @jennymcinspired – Twitter