One great thing about Xmarksthescot

[tulloch]

I have been a member here for some time and I enjoy it greatly. I have learned a lot and may have contributed something that others find useful. During the summer of 2011 I encountered another X'er at the New Hampshire Highland Games and he introduced me to his wife. She seemed to have a sense that there was some negative aspect to his association with this site. He introduced me to her as if to say, 'see, there are other people, just normal people, like me who like it too.'

I know that some are worried if we spend some time each day or week interacting in this way. I have to say it has been great for me. Look at this:



Tartan Tess did the jacket.

Rocky at USA Kilts did the 5-Yard 16 oz kilt.

Pascs sold me the hose, used.

I learned much of what it takes to make that bonnet here.

Jock Scot gave me the lead on McRostie of Glasgow where I obtained the sporran.


I have been greatly affected by this association and very enriched by it. Thank you all.

[Father Bill]

Well, comments like that are a blessing to all of us, even the "lurkers." Thanks for making the point!

[Mikilt]

Thanks, Tulloch

Though I am still a newbie, I too have learned much. I have found many here who have helped me choose how I wear the kilt.

I get little support from my family, but they are getting used to it. It's very good to have a community like XMarks for support, advice and knowledge.

Thanks to all!

[Nile]

Thank you for that Tulloch; you hit the nail on the head! Sometimes our wives and others don't understand our interest. My wife just now walked in and commented "Are you on there again?".
There is much to be gained here besides the camaraderie and support.

[TheOfficialBren]

Guys, I am with you on this.

My family doesn't have a kilting tradition. We have Scots ancestry but don't practice any of the traditions.

At first my family though it was daft for me to wear the kilt. They are very slowly warming up to it.

I love that we can all come together and share our interest in kilts and our commaraderie.

XMarks is truly a unique place.

[Father Bill]

I guess I'm lucky. My wife is accepting although not enthusiastic about my kilt, but she appreciates the friendships I have with all of you and enjoys your delightful comments - serious, inane, goofy, caring. It's good to have friends!

[Laird_M]

I'll second all of the above.

Maybe a new self help group needs to be created - Kilts Anonymous - "Hellos my name is Martin and I'm addicted to kilts, oh and sporrans, oh and kilt pins, and..."

[JohntheBiker]

My wife gets the interest in kilts and is supportive of my "hobby" - I get very little grief over additions to my kilted wardrobe (we all know how expensive hobbies can be). Scottish ancestry on both sides, she enjoys the Scottish functions and encourages me going appropriately attired, even though there isn't a kilted tradition in her family.

What she doesn't get is the interest in this site, even though I've explained that it is a real source of learning and it's great to belong to a community of interest.

You can never have it all.

[ctbuchanan]

I certainly hope is wasn't MY wife! I know we've met at the NHHG, but my beloved (who is 100% Polish) has always tolerated my love for the kilt with good natured humor. My appreciation for this forum and the many members of the rabble with whom I have become acquainted,is the same as you admirably expressed.

[Babyvett]

From a wife's perspective, I honestly don't see what other women get so hung up about.. Just about ever woman I know has had to pick up their chin and wipe the drool away while watching Mel Gibson in Braveheart. Women seem to like men in kilts - what I'm finding is that that attitude applies to every man EXCEPT their husbands.. LOL Me personally, I guess I'm a bit more laid back about things.. I try to be very supportive towards what my husband wants to pursue.. (Even though it seems all his hobbies are pretty expensive.. we're buying a third telescope next month - this one to the tune of $3500). If he wants to wear a kilt, I'm all for it, so long as he doesn't dishonor Scotland and her people by doing so.. When we told his family that he was going to buy and wear a kilt, they laughed and joked, but as we explained his reasoning, they became very supportive and accepting, which is a plus.. And luckily, he works with a guy who is into wearing "renaissance costumes" (Charles isn't planning on wearing a kilt as a costume, he's doing it for his heritage) so the idea to his coworkers isn't far fetched and is accepted..

and as for this site, well, right now I'm the one currently posting to it, so I don't think I'll have much problem when he does start posting on his own..

Just my 2 cents