1.14.2005

A Deep-Rooted "Stubborn Streak"

The Leslies were a stalwart race, strong in body and mind, and in these days of ‘rugging and riving’ contrived to obtain a large share both of territory and influence, not only in Scotland but in several Continental countries. No Scottish surname, indeed, has been more widely known than theirs, or more famous, on the Continent.

I've been told I'm just like all the other "bull-headed Leslies". Well, I get it from a long line of my ancestors. In fact, I'm absolutely head over heels infatuated with anything having to do with Scotland, and especially the Scottish Highlands of Garioch...near the town of Insch & the small village of Leslie.

One of my life's dreams is to spend a couple of weeks basking in the atmosphere of this sacred locale of Bonnie Scotland. I have maps of the region & enough websites bookmarked to fill a small library. I have been seeking penpals from Aberdeenshire, Scotland and read online newspapers from this region of the country. I collect anything of the Leslie tartan to wear. If I had the money, I'd buy a kilt in a New York second. And I'd wear it proudly.

I think everyone ought to get into their family history with this much tenacity. It's so incredibly rewarding to read about the historical events that shaped the person you are today. I've seen in my own family heritage a similar trend in my relatives, myself, and my own children that was a prominent streak in my ancestors.

I am even feebly trying to learn Gaelic. So far, I've maganged to get half way through the first chapter. In just about 1 1/2 years. I've even purchased a book on how to talk in "ScotSpeak"...by using different dialects from the different regions of Scotland. It has a CD to actually hear how the natives speak.

So if I'm told that I'm bull-headed, stubborn, headstrong, "stalwart".... I'll just smile with pride.

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