Another Michigander here

**Katia** · 13th January 13, 12:11 AM

Greetings, everyone.

A quick intro on why I'm here:
I guess I've always been a bit of a Scot-o-phile. I've been intrigued by all things Celtic anyway, but especially Scotland-- bagpipes, kilts, tartan.

I am not, as far as I know, Scottish at all (my dad tells me no one on his side of the family has any idea where the ancestors are from, but he's pretty sure no one was Scottish). My former partner was Scottish and I "inherited" his sporran and kilt pin (he may've let me have his kilt if I asked as well-- he had it made for his cousin's wedding and never wore it again-- but we are quite different sizes and I didn't imagine the kilt could be re-made to fit me).

I'm a Highland dancer (hence why I own a kilt; it's a great excuse!) and I also like Celtic music (I sing, and play violin and pennywhistle. I'd love to play the bagpipes but I haven't got that much air).

I'm also one of those women who'd rather wear a full kilt with sporran and sgian dubh, than a kilted skirt and a lace jabot, and some folks frown on that (according to my mum, who's more observant than I, I've had a few dirty glares and/or astonished stares at the Highland Games), but oh well.

My coworkers have pretty much gotten used to the fact that I'll be wearing a kilt to the office on Tartan Day, and that they might come upon me practicing dance steps in the hall when I think I'm alone.

Still, it's good to be here with folks who are more likely to "get" it than see me as an oddity.

**Babyvett** · 13th January 13, 02:45 AM

Hi Katia, I'm also new here. What part of Michigan? I lived both in the UP (3 months during the winter in Kalumet) and then down in Coldwater (4 years) before moving to California. I miss Michigan, even the winters.

**McClef** · 13th January 13, 02:53 AM

from South Wales UK!

**KenB** · 13th January 13, 04:21 AM

Welcome from Presqu'ile.

**bish** · 13th January 13, 04:24 AM

Welcome from Kalamazoo!!

**SteveB** · 13th January 13, 06:00 AM

Hello

and a warm Celtic

from Boston, Massachusetts.

**Father Bill** · 13th January 13, 07:29 AM

Welcome to the "Great Rabble!"

**pbutts** · 13th January 13, 07:30 AM

Hi Katia-

Another shout out from Kalamazoo. If you want to play the pipes, give it a try.....I've seen little kids who are amazing pipers and if you get a smaller bag and shorter blowstick you should do just fine. Lots of bands around the state to get involved with.

**Chas** · 13th January 13, 08:56 AM

Hello Katia,

Welcome to XMarks from the other side of the world in Norfolk, England.

Regards

Chas

**EagleJCS** · 13th January 13, 09:02 AM

Howdy & welcome, from Kentucky!

I'll second pbutts. If you breathe, you can learn to play the pipes. It will take some time (it took me about a year to get the basics down), but since you already read music and can wiggle your fingers independently (playing fiddle and pennywhistle), you're well on your way.