Scotland Adventure - The Elen Chronicles --Of Love and Blood
My Travel Story
Sharon and James plan to travel to Scotland in September 2025 for hands-on research at Culloden Battlefield, various libraries, and museums. They also plan to follow Elen’s path through Scotland to 18th-century Liverpool, where Elen leaves for America.
Sharon and James are researching and writing the 18th-century American portion of the novel, which is slated for publication in 2026. Donors can follow along on social media and via the blog at www.sharon-brubaker.com.
Updates
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Scotland Just Over Two Weeks Away. Squee!
Please send positive vibes our way. A family crisis has nearly put our trip on hold, but James and I are determined to go. We’re just a little more than two weeks until we fly to Scotland. I have been dreaming about Scotland and dreaming pieces of the Elen story. This weekend, James and I are ‘practice’ packing. I’m trying to pack extremely light this trip, but I’ll also be packing my18th century duds. Next up, checking which buses and trains to get from Edinburgh airport to central Edinburgh and then to our stay in Portobello.
Many thanks to our recent donors. We are so grateful. This has been a sort of ‘wing and a prayer’ trip. It helps so very much. Thank you.
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Old Sayings And Truisms
There’s an ancient idiom about killing two birds with one stone. Cursory answers state that the idiom comes from more than one place, such as the ancient Greek legend of Icarus and Daedalus. There’s also a biblical reference in Romans 14:18 stating, “Your task is to single-mindedly serve Christ. Do that and you'll kill two birds with one stone: pleasing the God above you and proving your worth to the people around you.” Both passages allude to focusing on the goal, even when multitasking. Although I think I’m butchering both the ancient Greek message and the biblical meaning—mea culpa.
With our upcoming trip to Scotland, my main focus is to follow the path of Elen in 1746 as she searches for her daughter and best friend, kidnapped by the redcoats. We’re also visiting two or three gardens that will be featured in upcoming Meadowood Gardens mysteries. Marigold Saille, aka Mari, is the protagonist in the Meadowood series. Her grandparents live in Scotland and own a Cidery. We are planning to feature at least two books in Scotland, and, of course, feature some of the gardens we’ll be visiting this trip.
We plan on visiting The Royal Botanical Gardens in Edinburgh, UK - http://www.rbge.org.uk
Cowdray Castle Gardens: http://www.cowdray.co.uk/event-venues/the-walled-garden
Pitmedden Garden: http://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/pitmedden-garden
And time permitting, University of Dundee Botanic Gardens: http://www.dundee.ac.uk/botanic
At this writing, we’ll be boarding the plane in 26 days. Our plan is to post blogs, and photos and video via Social Media. Join us on our tour as we work to bring books to life.
Photo by Nils Söderman on Unsplash
More Travel Information
Adventure Registry
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Samsonite Luggage
450 -
Airline Miles
5,000 -
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Donate
$ 3,640 USD
Total Donation Received-
62%
Funded -
$ 5,854 USD
Goal Amount -
12
Days Left
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Cost Calculator
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Airfare/ International Flights
$ 1,600
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Accommodation
$ 2,000
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Local Travel Expenses
$ 975
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Books/ Text and Study Materials
$ 500
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Luggage and Equipment
$ 500
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FundMyTravel Site Fee
$ 279
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Donor Rewards
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10 USD
Hand written thank you postcard from the UK.
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50 USD
Hand written postcard from UK and photo from trip.
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100 USD
Handwritten postcard, photo print, signed bookmark from Elen Chronicles-Of Love and Blood
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200 USD
Handwritten postcard, photo print, bookmark, and signed paperback of Elen Chronicles – Of Love and Blood
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500 USD
Handwritten postcard, photo print from UK, bookmark, Character/research map, for The Elen Chronicles – Of Love and Blood
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1,000 USD
Handwritten postcard, photo print, bookmark, research map, character map (book tour) map, signed hardback.
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