#john bell

SAM HEUGHAN in OUTLANDER (2026) 810 Bonus Official Stills!

Starz just posted these last official stills, which were obviously missing from the previous set due to massive spoilers. I was starting to think they were saving them for something else, oh well.

I’m not done with Outlander yet, more to come! Thanks so much for reading this blog! ❤️🤍💙

@ breegwenevere

My recap of the Outlander premiere! I honestly didn't want to go at first. After the whole storyline of Claire and John 😡 and then Sam and his shit show circus, I felt really burnt out and just tainted a bit from Outlander.

Don't get me wrong I still love it, but I am a fan who can see the shows extreme flaws from season 3 on and how Diana is a bit full of herself knowing she could put anything in the story (and has 🙄) and her diehard fans will eat it up and defend it to the death..

The books should of stopped at 3 but that's a whole other topic I won't get into. Plus after my trip to Scotland and taking an Outlander tour which was amazing! I will always go back to Scotland!

However then I went to Landcon which legit hemorrhages money out of people, and was also badly executed and planned. I saw it as a business scam and it put a bad taste in my mouth. Aside from all that, my friend was super excited and put me as her +1, with no certainty that we would even get in!

However, it's New York and I do go almost every year for fun, so why not? Plus I really only wanted to see the Red Carpet.. I didn't care about the showing at all. And I wanted to see Cait. She is the only one I haven't seen or met and I just adore her. She is so classy.

So we stood outside for HOURS in 20 degree weather, (I had just come from 80 degree weather at home in California 😭) we get to the front finally, there are hundreds behind us, and we hear that this is now the standby line. We have to come back at 6:30 to stand in yet another line to see if we even make it in for the showing. My friend was so bummed. I really thought we would get in so I didn't stress it.

We came back at 5 and stood in a perfect spot where the cameras were and everyone would enter. Everyone looked amazing and waved to us when we waved! Charles was the sweetest! He's so adorable! John doing his cute growling to me 😂😂. Richard... *sigh* 😍😍🫠🫠 when he came in he looked sooo good! Idk if you guys know but I love Richard 😂😂 after meeting him at Landcon.. Oh he is so great.

Anyways 😂😂 then Sam came with his whole circus pr bs and beard 🙄🙄 and then Cait.. Oh she was so sweet! She ran up to fans and hugged them while Sam didn't even come over, instead he promoted his new whiskey Jamie box by the stones 🙄🙄🙄 fans were screaming for him to come over! He was the ONLY one who didn't... Cait tho was so sweet. She even waved to me! ❤️❤️ I know fangirl moment! 😂 Oh and Sam waved after..

So then we get back in line at 6:30 to see if we would make it inside. Now this was badly managed as well. It was a mess. The people were rude and yelling. There were alot in front of us. I kept my spirits high though.

Even had a lady behind us who was super negative. "nobody is getting in! We aren't making it." I looked at my friend and said " Nah we got this, watch. " Then some event people came and gave us outlander posters which was cool.

Then the guy who picked people said "OK 14 people that's it.. ' He counted and we were close.. Then he said 13, 14 to us! Michelle and I ran and obviously screamed! We were the LAST to make it in!!

We went to the little booth and they gave us our tickets, I saw a bunch of bags, I asked the lady giving us our tickets what those were. "Those are goody bags for the rest who didn't make it in.." There were like 50 people or more still waiting.

By this time I was shivering really bad.. It was so damn cold. So we were escorted into the theater where we got popcorn and water. We sat down totally in shock when all the stars come in the side and sat down in the upper section. Everyone screamed and waved. Richard was hyping us up for like 5 min 😂😂😂

Then Matt came on stage and made a speech about the end and the show overall. It was a bit sad. Diana stood up and waved. She was sitting like 10 people to me! Then Cait and Sam came on stage, it was really surreal. They made a speech and then the show started.

The show.... Underwhelming and super phoned in. It didn't even seem like Outlander. The Faith storyline is AWFUL and so horrible. To think Master Raymond and Mother Hildegrade would do that to Claire, Wtf?

Then the whole return to the ridge and the sappy return of Roger and Bri. It was just off.. Don't get me started on how Claire just brushes off Jamie's trauma, by excusing being with Frank EVEN tho he looked like Black Jack.I never liked that story. Yes I know he looked similar in the book but no. It's weird.

Overall it just seemed like everyone was done and checked out, they are ready for it to be over. I felt that way at the premiere too. Especially at the 92 NY interview. Poor David seemed so done and bored. It's over... The stars are ready to move on...

So after, everyone left and that was it. They didn't let us take pics by the stones, but I got pics by the posters they set up of all the seasons promo shots.

It was fun. However I am so underwhelmed by the whole thing. For the last premiere, I really thought there would be more of a send off. Like bringing back all the stars that were in the show from the beginning. Even some bagpipes, or people dressed in Outlander garbs, kilts, dresses?

It was sort of cheap looking and the stars just seemed off. I get it 14 years is ALOT, even if you are sick of it, you have to pretend to love it and everyone. It can be super grating. Plus if you hate the storyline you have to act like you love it.

I could never do that 😂😂 I'm way too blunt. Maybe since they do know the ending they really hated it? Oh god if it's like GOT... ugh.

So overall Richard looked amazing! 😂😂😂😍😍 Seriously tho, it was a once in a lifetime experience. I am happy I did it. Will I do it again... No. I'm taking a long break from anything Outlander event. ESPECIALLY Sam! 🙄 I'm sooo over seeing him, I may scream if another friend asks me to go to an event of his...

It's funny even my friend was like "I am over Outlander events now, I'm good for a long time." Girl I was over them 3 EVENTS AGO! Richard tho... Yes I'll go to an event if he is there! 😂😂

Outlander 8.01 - Soul of a Rebel Quality : HD screencaptures Amount : 1050 files Resolution : 1280x720px

"A very, very special thank you and congratulations to our fans who have been with us through thick and thin… We are so grateful that you've stuck with us and given us all your love and support."

EXCERPT from A BLESSING FOR A WARRIOR GOING OUT, Copyright 2026 Diana Gabaldon

Dear All--

I've been going through the manuscript (partial) of BLESSING, picking out possible short excerpts that might be suitable for reading during my turn at the Edinburgh Book Festival on the 19th (they have to be brief, since the author's slot is an hour, and includes both and interview with a Festival person and (probably) some questions for the audience.

I don't know whether I'll read this one at the Festival (there are a couple of other good candidates--but I should have alternatives, to fit the available time and/or the mood of the audience (I've done this Festival two or three times before, and it was somewhat lively, so don't want to bring the mood down--though it's OK to use a slower piece, as long as it's short _AND_ you have a livelier (but still short) one to follow.

In the meantime, though, it occurs to me that I haven't posted any excerpts here or on Facebook lately, so thought I'd put this one up. Hope you enjoy it!

EXCERPT from A BLESSING FOR A WARRIOR GOING OUT, Copyright 2026 Diana Gabaldon

[In which William goes to the stable (on Fraser’s Ridge) to check on his horse, before leaving with Jamie on their quest to rescue Lord John,

and finds Fanny, who has been readying his horse for the journey. (The horse’s original name is Dandelion, though William’s renamed him Trajan.)]

“There.” She arranged a strand of straggling mane, and stepped back, curry-comb in hand. “He’s ready.” She was keeping a calm expression, but her

fingers were squeezing the handle of the comb as though it was a snake.

“He looks splendid, Frances—a regular dandy.”

She ignored the feeble jest and gave William a side-long look.

“You’re not going to kiss me goodbye?”

Mildly surprised, William nevertheless bent courteously toward her, only to have her step back.

“Not on the cheek,” she said. She sounded slightly breathless, but determined. “I’m not a little girl.”

He realized, with an odd feeling that ran down his backbone like quicksilver, that she wasn’t. He took her hand, and bowed over it.

“My apologies, Miss Pocock.” Her hand was quite warm in his, and surprisingly larger than he’d expected. Her fingers were long, supple

and well-shaped—and they turned, moving between his own and grasping his hand.

“And not that, either.”

He’d straightened up in surprise, but didn’t—not yet—pull his hand away.

“I’ve kissed men before, you know,” she said.

“Who?” he asked, not at all sure he wanted to know, but unable not to ask.

“I’ve been kissing men since I was five years old,” she said boldly, and he realized suddenly that while Jane had saved her sister from violation

and defilement, there were other services a very young girl might be required to perform in a brothel.

He concealed his shock, though, asking lightly instead, “Oh? What about the tall Scottish chap that’s been skulking about looking daggers at me?

Hasn’t he tried to kiss you?”

“Cyrus can’t skulk,” she said, without offense. “He’s much too tall. He didn’t have to ask. And you should be pleased it’s only looks. He’s a Highlander

and a fisherman and he hasn’t punched you yet because I told him not to.”

“I appreciate your forbearance, Frances,” he said gravely. And not so gravely, took his hand from hers, and lifting her chin with a forefinger,

bent again and kissed her lightly on the lips.

It lasted no more than a second or two, but long enough to leave a sense of softness and warmth.

“Goodbye, Frances,” he said, meeting her eyes, the soft yellow-brown of uncured tobacco. “I’ll see you again.” And picking up his saddlebags,

took Trajan’s rein and led him toward the daylight.

At the open door, though, he turned for a moment.

“Why did you do that?” he asked.

She was standing quite still in the shadows, the curry-comb hanging from her hand, and her eyes still on him.

“In case you don’t come back,” she said. “Often people don’t.”

****************************

[end section]

[Image of a curry comb (approx. 1771) is copyrighted to the Victoria and Albert Museum Collections. [Link: https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O91488/curry-comb-unknown/?carousel-image=2006AK9920]]

The photo of drying tobacco leaves is from the University of Kentucky Extension website, which states:

'You can view educational photos and diagnostic guides of tobacco leaves through the University of Kentucky Burley Tobacco Extension." (there's an active link to this on their site)

Cari tutti

sto leggendo il manoscritto (parziale) di BLESSING, cercando di individuare alcuni brevi estratti che potrebbero essere adatti alla lettura durante il mio intervento all’Edinburgh Book Festival del 19 (devono essere brevi, perché lo spazio dedicato all’autore dura un’ora e comprende sia un’intervista con una persona del Festival sia, probabilmente, alcune domande da parte del pubblico).

Non so ancora se leggerò questo brano al Festival (ce ne sono un paio di altri altrettanto validi), ma è meglio avere delle alternative, per adattarsi al tempo disponibile e/o all’umore del pubblico. Ho partecipato a questo Festival due o tre volte in passato ed è stato piuttosto vivace, quindi non vorrei smorzare l’atmosfera — anche se va bene usare un brano più lento, purché sia breve E che ne abbia uno più vivace (ma comunque breve) da leggere subito dopo.

Nel frattempo, però, mi sono resa conto che ultimamente non ho pubblicato estratti né qui né su Facebook, quindi ho pensato di condividere questo. Spero che vi piaccia

ESTRATTO DA A BLESSING FOR A WARRIOR GOING OUT

Copyright 2026 Diana Gabaldon

[In cui William va alla stalla (a Fraser’s Ridge) per controllare il suo cavallo prima di partire con Jamie alla ricerca di Lord John, che intendono salvare, e trova Fanny, che ha preparato il cavallo per il viaggio. (Il nome originale del cavallo è Dandelion, anche se William lo ha ribattezzato Trajan.)]

«Ecco.» Sistemò una ciocca della criniera spettinata e fece un passo indietro, con la striglia in mano. «È pronto.»

Manteneva un’espressione calma, ma stringeva l’impugnatura della striglia come se fosse un serpente.

«È splendido, Frances — un vero damerino.»

Lei ignorò la battuta poco riuscita e gli lanciò un’occhiata di sbieco.

«Non hai intenzione di baciarmi per salutarmi?»

Leggermente sorpreso, William si chinò comunque cortesemente verso di lei, ma Fanny fece un passo indietro.

«Non sulla guancia», disse. Aveva il fiato un po’ corto, ma la voce era decisa. «Non sono una bambina.»

Con una strana sensazione che gli percorse la spina dorsale come mercurio liquido, si rese conto che non lo era.

Le prese la mano e si chinò per baciarla.

«Le mie scuse, Miss Pocock.»

La mano di lei era piuttosto calda nella sua e sorprendentemente più grande di quanto si fosse aspettato. Le dita erano lunghe, flessuose e ben formate — e si mossero, insinuandosi tra le sue e stringendogli la mano.

«E neanche così.»

William si era raddrizzato, sorpreso, ma non le lasciò la mano — non ancora.

«Ho già baciato degli uomini, sai», disse lei.

«Chi?» domandò lui, per niente sicuro di volerlo sapere, ma incapace di non chiederglielo.

«Bacio uomini da quando avevo cinque anni», disse con audacia.

E all’improvviso William comprese che, se Jane aveva salvato la sorella dalla violenza e dalla degradazione, c’erano altri servigi che una bambina molto giovane poteva essere costretta a prestare in un bordello.

Nascose il proprio sgomento e domandò invece con leggerezza:

«Oh? E quel lungo scozzese che se ne sta in disparte a guardarmi in cagnesco? Non ha mai cercato di baciarti?»

«Cyrus non può stare in disparte di soppiatto», disse lei senza offendersi. «È troppo alto. Non ha avuto bisogno di chiedermelo. E dovresti essere contento che si sia limitato a guardarti male. È un Highlander ed è un pescatore, e non ti ha ancora dato un pugno solo perché gli ho detto di non farlo.»

«Apprezzo la tua clemenza, Frances», disse lui gravemente.

E, con un tono meno grave, tolse la mano da quella di lei e, sollevandole il mento con un indice, si chinò di nuovo e la baciò leggermente sulle labbra.

Durò non più di un secondo o due, ma abbastanza a lasciargli una sensazione di morbidezza e calore.

«Addio, Frances», disse, incontrando i suoi occhi, del morbido colore giallo-bruno del tabacco non conciato. «Ci rivedremo.»

Poi prese le bisacce, afferrò le redini di Trajan e lo condusse verso la luce del giorno.

Arrivato sulla soglia della porta aperta, però, si voltò per un momento.

«Perché l’hai fatto?» chiese.

Lei era immobile nell’ombra, la striglia che le pendeva dalla mano, gli occhi ancora fissi su di lui.

«Nel caso tu non tornassi», rispose. «Spesso la gente non torna.»

⸻

[Fine della sezione]

[L’immagine di una striglia (risalente approssimativamente al 1771) è protetta da copyright ed è tratta dalle collezioni del Victoria and Albert Museum.]