XMTS Fellowship is kindler and gentler than reality.

[ChubRock]

Thanks for the advice about changing it from within. Maybe everybody is a little tired and I might be getting caught up in the mean season. I'll chill and give it another try. I just hope the Mrs can change her mind about getting involved in future events.

[ChubRock]

As a fellow Minnesnowtan, I highly recommend you do not give up on a one-time experience. I have been involved with the MN Scottish community for years, and they are a wonderful bunch!
I totally spaced on the opening today. Wish I had read your post earlier.

If you want to get connected with a good group of MN Scots, there is an event coming up you might like put on by the RSCDS dance group:

Event: Bring A Friend Night
"or come alone! Just come dancing!"
What: Opening
Start Time: Monday, September 21 at 7:30pm
End Time: Monday, September 21 at 9:30pm
Where: Tapestry Folkdance Center

Great bunch of folk!

And of course there is the MN Scottish Fair in May...

Julie

Thank you so much for the invitation. Unfortunately we have a gig already on Monday. See here is a Minnesotan inviting me...maybe I was misinterpreting "the look."

[beowulf67]

Scottish American center in the Danish American Center?
What a country!!!
Seriously, (and trust me seriously won't last long) If they give you some S%$t they aren't worth your time, I don't care what they are promoting. Most of the Scottish/Celtic people and groups I know are glad to have anybody thats interested. Maybe it's a Southern thing, I don't know.
There are always small minded people that are unwilling to welcome new and/or different people into their groups. I'm from Alabama supposedly one of the most backward a$$, redneck racist places in the entire universe and honestly I've met more small minded people when I've traveled outside of my state. For what that's worth.

So Chubrock, if you are ever in the Alabama/Tennesse area let me know and we'll get the DEKS together and show you what Southern hospitality is all about.
Anyone else, that goes for you too. Let us know when you're here and we'll make sure you have a good time.


SteveB-- Good job. We should recognize those that welcome everyone that are interested in what we like.

[Howard Clark]

One has to remember that ALL volunteer organizations are populated with people, who are all doing the best they can with what they've been given, both in terms of the organization it's self, and it's structure/foibles, and also as human beings. We are not all possessed of the same talents and gifts (thank God).

The only way to effect real change in any organization is from within. The one person giving you "the look" may have had a bad day.

[macwilkin]

One has to remember that ALL volunteer organizations are populated with people, who are all doing the best they can with what they've been given, both in terms of the organization it's self, and it's structure/foibles, and also as human beings. We are not all possessed of the same talents and gifts (thank God).

The only way to effect real change in any organization is from within. The one person giving you "the look" may have had a bad day.

Well said, Howard.

Todd

[macwilkin]

Scottish American center in the Danish American Center?
What a country!!!
Seriously, (and trust me seriously won't last long) If they give you some S%$t they aren't worth your time, I don't care what they are promoting. Most of the Scottish/Celtic people and groups I know are glad to have anybody thats interested. Maybe it's a Southern thing, I don't know.
There are always small minded people that are unwilling to welcome new and/or different people into their groups. I'm from Alabama supposedly one of the most backward a$$, redneck racist places in the entire universe and honestly I've met more small minded people when I've traveled outside of my state. For what that's worth.

So Chubrock, if you are ever in the Alabama/Tennesse area let me know and we'll get the DEKS together and show you what Southern hospitality is all about.
Anyone else, that goes for you too. Let us know when you're here and we'll make sure you have a good time.


SteveB-- Good job. We should recognize those that welcome everyone that are interested in what we like.

With all due respect, it's not just a "Southern thing". If you were to come and visit my Scottish relatives in Iowa, you would be warmly welcomed with traditional Midwestern hospitality. I've met rude people in all parts of our country, even in the South.

Regards,

Todd

[cavscout]

Sorry to hear about the negative impression presented to you and your wife.

As a bit of encouragement though, my family and I visited family up in Apple Valley back in January (-22 ROCKS!!!) . In anticipation of missing a Burns Dinner here in GA I contacted the SAS up there and asked if I would be able to attend their Burns Dinner or if it was Members Only. I received a very swift response from one of the coordinators enthusiastically welcoming me to join them. I regret that I was not able to fit it into my schedule as I would have loved the chance to meet some folks up there considering MN has Stillwater, Celtic Croft and Frugal Corner relatively close together.

Bottom line, "Minnesota Nice" is a cute expression but I found it to be very accurate during our visit. I'm sure there are those around who don't reflect the expression and it's aggravating when they are in positions of leadership but I met so many great folks up there in my short visit that the odds are in your favor of meeting some great folks. I encourage you both to attend the Burns Dinner, especially if you have never been to one. There will be many folks there to share the common event.

[Kiltman]

Sorry that that happened to you. I was president of the Inland Northwest (Spokane) St. Andrew's Society for four years and can tell you that most St. Andrew's Societies are happy and open and welcoming. There are a few except but not many. Give them another chance and do go to Burns' Night. I bet they would be happy to have you and the Mrs get involved in their activities.

[beowulf67]

With all due respect, it's not just a "Southern thing". If you were to come and visit my Scottish relatives in Iowa, you would be warmly welcomed with traditional Midwestern hospitality. I've met rude people in all parts of our country, even in the South.

Regards,

Todd

Hence the "I don't know" in my original post, that's just where most of my experience lies. If I'm ever going through Iowa I'll stop by.

[ForresterModern]

To address your original comments I liken it to a recipe:

1 kilt, add internet to xmarks, post a few times, stir and voila'--yields instant second family.

No matter how many more kilts you add, though, you still have the same size second family, although many of them may envy you a bit more.