Another Kilt Junkie Signing On

**Riverkilt** · 2nd October 04, 09:54 AM

Thanks Blu...the pic came out a bit off centered, but I'm happy I got this far...a real challenge to my besotted brain.

Its my chest tattoo - another addiction that started last year when my little sister pointed out I was in my 60th year, and a very good tattoo artist came to town. Never had a tattoo or a kilt until age 59...

I was recruited up to Page/Lake Powell by the Navajo Nation over three years ago. As part of my work I did sweatlodge with a Navajo medicine man and the clients every week. Was difficult for me, had trouble coping with the heat and the dark and the very very very long Navajo prayers. It took weeks before I could stay in the lodge all five rounds.

But the medicine man - the most spiritual man I've ever met - and the client's encouraged me. They told me if I could do all five rounds with them they would give me a Navajo name. Well I did, and had some incredible spiritual experiences.

The name they gave me, in honor of my working through my fears and my Scottish heritage was Braveheart.

Hence, the tattoo of a heart with the flag of Scotland surrounded by the upside down Navajo rainbow and sun. The arrowhead is used in the Navajo sweatlodge ceremony and the 12 arrowheads represent the 12 steps of AA, a fellowship which saved this old drunk's butt and was an integral part of the work with the Navajos.

Thanks too, T. My old stomping grounds for 30 years in Phoenix, AZ was the metrocenter area...between 35th and 43rd Ave and Dunlap and Peoria.

Thanks for the tip Graham. I have seen the Skye and the Nova Scotia tartans and they're on my list.

Was up to 0230 last night kilt surfing all the manufacturers...I have 8 kilts on order already. Guess its a way to medicate my jonesing. Came up with a list of 8 more "gotta haves."

Thanks for all the welcomes. I'll add pics as the kilts arrive.

**Avonlea22** · 2nd October 04, 11:44 AM

Hello Ron! Welcome to the forum. It's nice to have you here.

**Rob Wright** · 2nd October 04, 04:31 PM

Welcome to the motliest crew on the net!

ROb Wright

**GMan** · 2nd October 04, 05:16 PM

Ron,

WELCOME

And Happy early Birthday to you (a little early I know). Glad that you have found this wacky place

**Hamish** · 3rd October 04, 08:39 AM

Ron, I'd like to add my welcome too. This forum is "something else", as you will find out!

60 eh? That's nothing, my boy, but Happy Birthday anyway! I am now 68 and got rid of my last pair of trousers five years ago (but there are 40 assorted kilts, Utilikilts, etc., etc. in my wardrobe that more than take their place).

Just wait until you get that Leather UK - life will take on a whole new meaning, and I speak from experience!

**Mike1** · 4th October 04, 05:42 AM

Hi Ron! Allow me to add a belated welcome to the list. I hope you will enjoy the time you spend here.

Peace,
Mike

**RockyR** · 8th October 04, 04:09 PM

Here you already have 24 posts and I am just now getting around to welcome you to the Good Ship X.
Glad you came on and are active.
I enjoy your posts. Hope we become good friends. Everyone here is a real trip.. ...

except Bubba.... he's a double trip.

**richardljohnson** · 8th October 04, 04:44 PM

Welcome Ron. I've admired the tattoo for a while. About 15 years ago I served as a regular 'fire chief' for a Cherokee Sweat Lodge Chief. I studied for about 5 years with a Hawaiian Kahuna before this and was asked to 'work the fire' over 15 times in 3 years. I felt very honored to do this and I was the only thing he ever told me was "Good fire." I've missed it over the years but it was time to pass the knowledge and work on to someone else some time ago.

Thanks for the chance to reflect on this and welcome to the forum.

RLJ-