I never in my wildest dreams, ever thought I'd be a "wench", much less a "Mac-Wench". Most of the time I don't care to know what's coming up around the bend in life, but then again at times I wish there were road signs that read "Bump in the road" or "Pitstop", "Dead skunk up ahead" or "Go *around* the hole, stupid". I must have missed the sign that said "Wenches up ahead".

This MacWench loves her husband who is my Noble Hero. He has stood by me in the worst of times and the best of times. This MacWench is grateful for two very beautiful daughters of whom I'm very proud (can't you tell). I love music and play guitar and have been singing in the church choir (You know me. Where else would I be singing?) for.........well....... a long time. (Please don't play "Bonny Portmore" again, mother). I call myself the DM GoodWench after one of those car repair commercials I saw on tv late one night. I just thought it was a cute manipulation of their name.

Never did I imagine that one night of silliness would lead to the "Wenches of Duncan MacLeod" and that would eventually lead to "The Clan MacWench". It was a warm summer's eve when I sat down to my computer and signed on and went straight away to the forum. I had just seen "Counterfeit" again and my favorite scene. You know, the "More wine wench" scene? All I could think of was that my husband (and anyone else) better never call me a "wench" but Duncan MacLeod can call me "wench" anytime he wants and then I posted this to the Forum on July 16, 1997:

Looking for serving wenches to wait hand and foot on a certain 6'1" Immortal Smokey-eyed Scot.

Must have the following special skills:

1. Bring the wine (stomp the grapes if necessary) and serve the meal. (don't forget the candlelight)

2. Provide a basin of warm water to wash the Highlander's feet.

3. Laugh at all his jokes and fan his brow.

4. Provide fresh warm water should his bath water get cold.

5. Help him into his jammies

6. Tuck him into bed.

7. Be at his beckon call throughout the night should he not be able to sleep.

8. Watch over him as he sleeps.

9. Cook a hearty breakfast.

10. Follow him on all his travels.

I couldn't help it I had "wench" on the brain after seeing the "Counterfeit" flashback. One of my favorites.

Once in a while there comes a television hero that captures your heart and imagination so completely that you feel you could reach out and touch him. Duncan MacLeod is one such hero who has been superbly portrayed by Adrian Paul. And it is to this hero I owe the title "Chief Wench of Duncan MacLeod" for The Clan MacWench. Just as Duncan MacLeod is one of a kind, so is Adrian Paul. Not many actors could have caused me to become an enthusiastic fan but in this case it was so-o-o-o-o easy. There can be only one..........Duncan MacLeod. There is only one who could have made Duncan seem real.........Adrian Paul. (Prediction: Adrian Paul----many facets and layers of major talent----"BIG STAR" and a big "I TOLD YOU SO" to the entertainment world.)

This internet thing is such a strange animal. For many reasons we feel closer to our heroes and celebrities than we ordinarily would by tv, entertainment reports or movies. It also gives you the perfect excuse to have a split personality. So by day I'm a mild mannered homemaker and by night I'm "Super Wench". Well it's a lot to live up to, but then again, I don't expect something on my tombstone like "Beloved wife and mother" and "Wench of Duncan MacLeod". It's just the internet folks. Don't lose your head.

Oh, but wait. We had to do something special with this wench, serving girl idea so Mistress Rose and I decided that service, peace, hospitality and good times would be the theme of The Clan MacWench. We aren't all public figures working for world peace, but sometimes there are simple things we can do to give peace and live peace everyday right where we are and even in cyberspace. Each day I'm presented with opportunities, if I look for them, to encourage others with a handshake or a friendly word, or small service. I could just as easily encourage hate using a single word, facial expression, gesture or by totally ignoring others. Someone I meet today may need a smile, a friendly word or a helping hand and maybe it will make a difference. Tomorrow it may be me in need of that friendly word.

One of my other obsessions (beside Highlander) is working with junior high school students in my church. Yes, they can be a challenge (okay maybe I'm a little nutty for accepting this challenge) but they also want to learn in spite of their little plots to sabotage the class discussion. They are so full of questions and eager for answers. They are growing up in increasingly violent times where violence with the tongue can be almost as deadly as any weapon used against another. They deserve peace and want it. They just don't know how to go about it sometimes. My heart goes out to them.

My ideas of peace are rooted in my love of God and trying to love others as He has loved me. I can try to do no less than that for His love for me has been tremendous. One of the things that drew me to Highlander besides the charismatic hero of Duncan MacLeod was the brief but effective supporting presence of Darius who is Franciscan and so am I. I am a member of the Secular Franciscan Order. Don't worry you don't have to call me Sister Gemma. (Like one of my friends who knows me to well (faults and all) said, "Don't worry I wasn't about to.")

The Clan MacWench idea has grown to include an appreciation for all the things we love about the Highlander Universe including the people of the Rysher Highlander Forum. It has been a great pleasure for me to have known these people and I will be forever grateful for all of them. It is to the people of the forum now that I raise a glass and toast, "To Happiness".

It's quiet at the moment in Tavern MacWench. The wenches have cleaned up the place and gone home but, it's stone walls are still illumined by the light of many flickering candles. Sometimes I like to imagine the candles are magic and that they can never burn out and that the warmth of many memories fill every corner with the joyful spirit of Tavern patrons. Tis a grand place to be in the quiet, but made so much grander by the presence of friends.

Peace be with you my friends. A candle burns for you at Tavern MacWench.

Gemma MacWench
Chief Wench of The Clan MacWench