I'm on my way!

[ohiopiper]

Well, I've been playing the pipes for quite a while, was in a band in my late teens. Left off for a few years whilst I mis-spent my youth in the U.S. Navy. Picked up the pipes again at the suggestion of my lovely wife several years ago.

I've played some very informal occasions where nobody questioned my lack of "kiltedness". That's about to change. I've just been tapped by the local Girl Scouts to play the pipes and represent Scotland (talk about poor representation) during their World Friendship Day ceremony/event/whatever it actually is. If I'm not kilted in February, there will be sad looks and sorry excuses all around.

So, I've already purchased my first few items for my complete "official" kilt outfit. Another couple months and I'll be about set. The kilt will be ordered well before then to allow for lead time and should that fail there's always a one-day rental.

One of the items I purchased was a little nugget from The British Shop. An ex-rental rabbit fur sporran for fifty bucks. I'm not too proud to go "used" if it allows me to get stuff together well ahead of time!

Besides, I get asked about the kilt almost half the time I play in parks and such, so I may as well wear one.

Ooh, my poor bank account. This is going to get expensive.

[cloud]

Represent ohiopiper....represent!!! Best of luck to ya...and yes I have to agree that this can get expensive, but in the words of Pres. Abraham Lincoln speaking to a Cherokee delegation..."Endeavor to Persevere"!

[Mike_Oettle]

Great news, Piper. I look forward to seeing the pictures.
Regards,
Mike

[Tobus]

I'm not too proud to go "used" if it allows me to get stuff together well ahead of time!

As Jock Scot has pointed out, many Scots wear hand-me-down kilts and accessories, so there's absolutely nothing wrong with "used". In fact, it's in good keeping with Scottish traditions of thriftiness!

If I may ask, what else is involved in "representing Scotland" at this function besides playing the pipes? Are you expected to deliver a speech on Scottish history or culture?

[denmcdough]

Oh yes, this will get expensive. And, your bank account will only proceed to get worse..this kilt think becomes addictive. But, life is short! Why not go for it!!! Good luck, and have fun.

Let us know how the used sporran turns out.

[macwilkin]

Represent ohiopiper....represent!!! Best of luck to ya...and yes I have to agree that this can get expensive, but in the words of Pres. Abraham Lincoln speaking to a Cherokee delegation..."Endeavor to Persevere"!

Actually, I think that was Chief Dan George.

T.

[Jock Scot]

As Jock Scot has pointed out, many Scots wear hand-me-down kilts and accessories, so there's absolutely nothing wrong with "used". In fact, it's in good keeping with Scottish traditions of thriftiness!

If I may ask, what else is involved in "representing Scotland" at this function besides playing the pipes? Are you expected to deliver a speech on Scottish history or culture?

Absolutely, there is nothing wrong with "used" kit as long as it is appropriate. In fact, I am very thankful that I have not had to buy all my attire from new. Good luck with the task.

[jeremy j starche]

Hello from just about an hour or so west in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. [Just a stones throw from Akron.]

Sounds like you are well on your way.

Be sure to check with the leaders about any rules, etc, about having a small knife with you or search the forums for what people have begun calling "sgian don'ts."

You might want to order a couple bottles of Irn Bru (A soft drink, often referred to as the Second National Drink of Scotland) that you can give the kids for an easy 'taste of Scotland.'

Depending on the age of the kids, there is a chance they are going to want to pet your sporran -- might wanna give some thought to that before hand to save the awkwardness.

I've done couple of these in the past .. I've found them great fun.

[ohiopiper]

Thankfully this is not a information-laden event. I stink at public speaking. Singing and piping, O.K. Speaking? You've all seen a deer in your headlights, right?

It's primarily a ethnic based show and tell. Stuff like "Grandma is from Czechoslovakia and here she is to say six words of Czech". At least that's what I've been given to understand so far. I'll know more when I talk to my sister-in-law. She's the local chieftain for these little savages. I mean little darlings.

This just came about Saturday afternoon when I was playing for my own enjoyment in a corner of the public park. My niece and a few of her friends popped over to ask if I'd be willing. I'll keep you all posted as details evolve. You never know, you may get involved in this one day and need to know the same details. Misery does love company, after all.

I'd joking, of course. I love my nieces dearly and would do anything for them. I'm just not looking foreward to being surrounded by the Twilight and Jonas Brothers crowd. Of course if the vampire were to bite the Jonas Brothers...

[ohiopiper]

That was quick. Ordered the sporran Sunday night and it came Tues. by UPS. I'll post pics if and when I can figure it out. Or I'll just have my wife do it for me. She's the gizmo-inclined one in our household. Two weeks ago our computer was acting funny. She took it apart, put it back together and it works fine now. Me? On a good day I can find the power button.

Anyway, back to the sporran. It looks very nice, seems to have been well cared for during its life as a rental. . Leather back, fur front, silver colored cantle. Three rabitts' feet (or maybe tails, I see no claws) hanging from small silver chain down the front.