hello! I'm a newbie Scottish American Stuck in New Mexico...YIKES

**heatherhono** · 21st February 13, 01:16 PM

Hi All!

My name is Heather, My maiden surname is Cunningham and i was blessed to live in the UK for 6 years of my life, during those 6 years, my family made many trips to our native lands in Scotland. That was many years ago from 1986-1992. To this day, Urquhart Castle is my favorate place to be. I LOVE it there. I loved everywhere in Scotland and i found the people there so much warmer, kinder and friendlier than what you typically find here in the states. Truth be told, if i could raise my children anywhere in the world, we'd be living in Scotland as i speak. I've long asked the question "why did my ancestors leave such a beautiful place?"

Anyhow, my married name is Chester and my father in law is a piper. He has been playing for several years now and is trying to get my children to start playing the chanter. Unfortunatly, here in America, the bagpipes are not typically a musical instrument taught in our schools. I really dont want to get into the lack of quality education here because i was lucky enough to get the majority of my education in England and when we moved back to the US, i was years ahead of my peers.

Anyhow, its lovely to be in touch with people who are passionate about my favorite place on earth!

**neloon** · 21st February 13, 02:33 PM

heatherhono,
Welcome from the Northeast of Scotland.
"why did my ancestors leave such a beautiful place?" Probably they had no choice.
Any way there are many pipers on XMTS who may have some ideas about your children piping.

Alan

Alan

**heatherhono** · 21st February 13, 02:43 PM

Thank you for the welcome. That's what several people tell me, that were likely forced out. It's very sad because New Mexico, where I live now, while some find it "enchanting", I find it brown, dusty and dirty. Family is what has me trapped here. I'd move us all back if possible.

**JohntheBiker** · 21st February 13, 02:48 PM

Welcome Heather from Toronto.

**heatherhono** · 21st February 13, 02:49 PM

Thank you!

**tulloch** · 21st February 13, 02:57 PM

Welcome from the highlands of Central Massachusetts. You should start learning the chanter and do it with your children. If your father-in-law is local then work with him - grandfather is a good one to inspire the kids. There are more opportunities for this music than you might imagine. I got started two years ago, my daughter came just to look and she has played snare in our band since then. This summer it looks like I might be allowed to escort her to the world championships in Scotland. So how about that! There are some schools with pipe bands but not many. Check out the Pipe Band Association in your area.

**Father Bill** · 21st February 13, 03:13 PM

Welcome to the "Great Rabble!"

**1oldsarge** · 21st February 13, 03:40 PM

Heather, welcome to the rabble, and I hope you can find peace in N.M. And Scotland is just a flight away....

**heatherhono** · 21st February 13, 03:46 PM

Yeah...but right now it's a flight away with a 13 year old, a 10 year old and an almost 2 year old. That's a long flight to pull off with that many kids in tow. Especially since none of them have flown...one day though.

**heatherhono** · 21st February 13, 03:53 PM

I'd love to play but my fingers don't fit right due to rheumatoid arthritis as a kid. There are only 2 local pipe/drum bands (other than military and police/fire). However we are VERY lucky to have Kathy Lare, (either the first but I think the only kiltmaster in the USA)! So they may not play the pipes but they'll have authentic hand crafted kilts to wear to school and start a new trend!