tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83920079907975252352024-02-19T07:14:50.216-08:00Linda Marie DanielsLinda Marie Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09235079239322819082noreply@blogger.comBlogger77125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392007990797525235.post-75167550438715457692014-10-11T08:21:00.002-07:002014-10-16T18:21:43.939-07:00No Big DealMy daughter started high school last month. <br />
<br />
The other night she told my wife and me that there's a transgender girl in her homeroom. During the summer orientation session, this student attended as "Gabe" and now identifies as "Heather."<br />
<br />
I was fascinated by this. She told us about Heather in a very matter of fact way. <br />
<br />
I asked if people were nice to Heather. Our daughter said her homeroom is fairly large and she doesn't know Heather very well but it seemed like people were nice to her. <br />
<br />
I don't think she wanted to talk about Heather too much because 1) my daughter is 14 and doesn't want to talk to us about anything too much (except, of course, when she really, really wants to talk to us - often at about 10 PM on a Tuesday night) 2) she and her group are very aware of treating people as people and it would be incredibly uncool for someone to tease or make fun of someone who's transgender.<br />
<br />
My daughter and I were in the car the next day. I told her I thought it was great that people were nice to Heather because life is often difficult for transgender kids. She said it was no big deal.<br />
<br />
I hope people really are nice to Heather and respect her for who she is and that things are changing.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Linda Marie Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09235079239322819082noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392007990797525235.post-74451165219765174302014-08-09T13:06:00.001-07:002014-08-09T13:08:41.776-07:00Trans, um, somethingI have a rare opportunity for some Linda time today.<br />
<br />
I'm wearing jeans, a really pretty sleeveless purple blouse with ruffles and red high heels. It's the kind of outfit a young woman in her 20s or 30s might wear if she were meeting friends for dinner or drinks. It's fun to see my red pumps peeking out from the hem of my jeans. I feel great.<br />
<br />
I'm also feeling a little jealous because I know if people saw me, they would think I look ridiculous. I'm 60, I'm chubby, I don't have cute feminine features, and even if I shave closely and slather on the foundation, my 5 o'clock shadow comes out quickly. I'm wearing an outfit that a "mature" (dowdy) crossdresser of a certain age should not wear to blend in if she were leaving the house.<br />
<br />
Of course, one of the consolations of being pretty much in the closet is that I can wear clothes that are wildly inappropriate for public adventures and pretend that the clothes I'm wearing are what I would be wearing if I were a 20something woman.<br />
<br />
I admire those in our club who have come to terms with being mature ladies. <a href="http://femulate.org/" target="_blank">Stana </a>is a lovely mature woman, who dresses appropriately for her age and looks wonderful. She's beautiful and stylish. If I were a 60 year old woman (even if I were a 50 year old woman), I'd love to look like Stana.<br />
<br />
But I don't want to look like a 60 year old woman. I want to be 26 and pretty and wear cute clothes.<br />
<br />
So for now, I'll enjoy my time to dress cute and fantasize about what I would do if things were different. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Linda Marie Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09235079239322819082noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392007990797525235.post-56952388511810750872014-04-28T00:29:00.001-07:002014-04-28T00:29:26.431-07:00Jacob's New Dress While at the library yesterday, I came across <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Jacobs-New-Dress-Sarah-Hoffman/dp/0807563730/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1398669105&sr=1-1&keywords=jacob%27s+new+dress" target="_blank">Jacob's New Dress</a>, a cute picture story for preschool to early primary school kids. It's about Jacob, a boy who likes to wear dresses. Except for one friend who insists that "boys don't wear dresses" everyone else in the story, including mom, dad and teacher, is understanding and supportive. Of course, the story is simple and optimistic but it's also very sweet. It's a "message book" but very well done.<br />
<br />
Amazon's description: <i>Jacob loves playing dress-up, when he can be anything he wants to be.
Some kids at school say he can't wear "girl" clothes, but Jacob wants to
wear a dress to school. Can he convince his parents to let him wear
what he wants? This heartwarming story speaks to the unique challenges
faced by boys who don't identify with traditional gender roles.</i><br />
<br />
I loved reading the reader reviews on Amazon, too. <i><br /></i><br />
<br />
Linda Marie Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09235079239322819082noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392007990797525235.post-75099111568958240322014-04-23T01:15:00.001-07:002014-04-23T01:16:54.369-07:00CASA VALENTINA Opens on Broadway TonightCASA VALENTINA, the new Harvey Fierstein musical based on Casa Susanna, the 60s Catskills resort and oasis for crossdressers, opens on Broadway tonight.<br />
<br />
The show features an amazing cast including<br />
<ul>
<li>Drama Desk Award winner Reed Birney (Taking Care of Baby at MTC,
Blasted)</li>
<li>Tony Award winner John Cullum (The Scottsboro Boys, "ER", "Northern Exposure") </li>
<li>Tony Award winner Gabriel Ebert (Matilda, 4000 Miles)</li>
<li>Obie Award winner
Lisa Emery (Lonely, I'm Not; Iron at MTC)</li>
<li>Tony Award nominee Tom
McGowan (Wicked, "Everybody Loves Raymond", Kenny from "Frasier")</li>
<li>Drama Desk Award nominee
Patrick Page (Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark, Cyrano de Bergerac)</li>
<li>Larry
Pine (The Royal Family, "House of Cards")</li>
<li>Drama Desk Award winner Nick
Westrate (Loot, Tribes)</li>
<li>Emmy Award winner and Oscar nominee Mare
Winningham (Picnic, "Hatfields & McCoys")</li>
</ul>
<br />
<a href="http://www.femulate.org/" target="_blank">Stana</a> has posted several articles about Casa Valentina (including a great <a href="http://www.femulate.org/2014/04/dos-casas.html" target="_blank">post </a>yesterday) and <a href="http://www.femulate.org/2012/02/cd-b.html" target="_blank">Casa Susanna</a>. Wonderful stuff from Stana, as always.<br />
<br />
I also found an excellent New York Times <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/13/theater/casa-valentina-fiersteins-play-about-60s-cross-dressers.html#" target="_blank">article</a> about the play. Excerpt:<br />
<br />
<i>Boas, corsets and high heels are fun, familiar staples of theater. But
“Casa Valentina” is about a subculture rarely seen onstage —
cross-dressers — and mixes masculinity and femininity in ways that
daunted the actors at first, and may do the same to audiences. The play,
now in previews, is based on a real Catskills resort where husbands and
fathers went in the 1960s to dress and act as women. These were
white-collar professionals hobbling in heels, not drag queens sashaying
in stilettos; men expressing their femininity without compromising their
maleness. </i><br />
<br />
<br />
I'm excited to hear about reactions to the play. Even with the Fierstein's track record, a great cast and what sounds like a top-notch production in every way, there are so many ways for this to go wrong. I hope they get it right.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Linda Marie Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09235079239322819082noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392007990797525235.post-49898542588089254102014-04-12T07:15:00.000-07:002014-04-12T07:15:47.069-07:00I Want Her OutfitI've been browsing through fashion blogs. Not the professional ones with impossibly thin models wearing outlandish runway fashions, but the amateur and semi-professional blogs where women show off their every day style and post pictures of other women looking great in outfits that you could see on real people.<br />
<br />
That's how I stumbled on to <a href="http://iwantheroutfit.com/" target="_blank">I Want Her Outfit</a>. I love most of the posts on this site (although there is a post of a woman wearing <a href="http://iwantheroutfit.com/2013/05/14/pj-party-how-to-wear-pjs-during-the-day/" target="_blank">pajamas </a>and a headscarf on the street that mystifies me - I know how to look dowdy - I don't need help there - maybe it's a joke, but I don't get it). I would love to wear those clothes and, of course, look even half as pretty as the women in the pictures.<br />
<br />
Although I Want Her Outfit hasn't been updated since last May and only has four months of updates, there are enough fun posts to make a visit worthwhile.<br />
<br />
Maybe my favorite thing about I Want Her Outfit is the logo.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIMhTAkObJHiS1JOJXlhcXULzKJ3wglVYCI4Tp3vtF9-ZCS4thfI-hLYqeoAHei_YvGTZ5ulvvxJExCh2g-rUm2POKypuVNCfSZ_fq0OA4F-UgHnhJgMPVtKQvGhx3cB64nQriucyhDfTv/s1600/iwantheroutfit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIMhTAkObJHiS1JOJXlhcXULzKJ3wglVYCI4Tp3vtF9-ZCS4thfI-hLYqeoAHei_YvGTZ5ulvvxJExCh2g-rUm2POKypuVNCfSZ_fq0OA4F-UgHnhJgMPVtKQvGhx3cB64nQriucyhDfTv/s1600/iwantheroutfit.jpg" height="202" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I'd love to look and dress like one of the women pictured, at least for a little while. How amazing to be so pretty.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Linda Marie Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09235079239322819082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392007990797525235.post-27454823270588921732014-02-15T06:39:00.001-08:002014-02-15T06:45:17.843-08:00Brian and Debbie McCloskeyThis week LA Weekly published a profile titled <a href="http://www.laweekly.com/informer/2014/02/13/brian-and-debbie-mccloskey-he-wears-a-dress-shes-fine-with-that">Brian and Debbie McCloskey: He Wears a Dress. She's Fine With That </a><br />
<br />
It's a great story about two people who are very much in love with each other.<br />
<br />
I've been Facebook friends with Brian for over a year. He's smart, funny and crazy about Debbie. I always enjoy seeing a new post from him. It was so nice to see this warm, respectful article about this very special couple.Linda Marie Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09235079239322819082noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392007990797525235.post-30888103274351353842014-02-13T00:26:00.000-08:002014-02-13T00:27:39.507-08:00Pink HeelsThis has been an unusually cold, snowy winter in Chicago. Winter here is often difficult, but this one has been especially challenging.<br />
<br />
Chicago winters are gray. Trees are bare, snow turns from white to gray quickly, days are short and often cloudy. Many of us dress in gray and black.<br />
<br />
When I travel to warmer places during the winter, one of the first things that strikes me is that there are places where there's color in February, red flowers and green trees.<br />
<br />
Yesterday, one of the young women in my office wore pink high heels. The rest of her outfit was very professional, black pants, white blouse, dark blazer, but the pink heels were unexpected and wonderful. I think it was her way of having fun and reminding herself that spring (and the return of color) is coming. I was grateful for her reminder and a little jealous, too.Linda Marie Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09235079239322819082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392007990797525235.post-8040134785657105012013-10-09T01:35:00.001-07:002013-10-09T01:36:27.634-07:00Incident On An ElevatorI was riding down on an elevator with several other people yesterday. The door opened on 4. A really pretty woman in her late 20s got on and pressed 3. She looked great in dress slacks, blazer and classic black pumps.<br />
<br />
"I'm a little embarrassed because you're seeing that I'm only going down one floor. But, the stairway is so loud when you're wearing heels. You guys wouldn't understand."<br />
<br />
At least one of us did.Linda Marie Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09235079239322819082noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392007990797525235.post-4517267447060285022013-08-20T00:38:00.000-07:002013-08-20T00:41:01.199-07:00Diane von Furstenberg Renna Wool & Silk DressI love this <a href="http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524446627080&site_refer=&site_refer=DFA_RMK_NM_DYN_US_WA&CA_6C15C=500002830000206640" target="_blank">dress</a>.<br />
<br />
If you look at the bottom of the picture, you'll see a little "play video" indicator. The dress is so pretty. I love the way it looks and moves in the little video. The model in the video has great classic pumps and a perfect little clutch. It's a great look.<br />
<br />
The page shows the usual kinds of information about the dress.<br />
<br />
There's also a section called Size & Fit. That section says<br />
Model shown is 5'10" (177cm) wearing US size 4.<br />
<br />
So, I guess that's good to know, but a part of me wonders how many women are 5'10" and wear size 4. In the back of my mind, I also wondered if including the model's size info is a subtle way of saying "it's a gorgeous dress but, nyah, nyah, it will never look that good on you."<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Linda Marie Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09235079239322819082noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392007990797525235.post-49327857881997590832013-08-16T01:53:00.004-07:002013-08-16T01:58:56.009-07:00Bradley ManningBradley Manning is a member of the US Army. He was recently convicted of several violations of the Espionage Act for passing classified information to WikiLeaks.<br />
<br />
Testimony during his sentencing hearing revealed that Manning is transgender.. <br />
<br />
From an <a href="http://www.theatlanticwire.com/national/2013/08/portrait-mind-bradley-manning/68341/" target="_blank">article </a>on The Atlantic Wire website <br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">In an <span style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.rmda.army.mil/foia/FOIA_ReadingRoom/%28a%29%282%29%28D%29%20-%20Records%20released%20to%20the%20public%20under%20t/PFC%20Bradley%20E.%20Manning%20Court-Martial%20Trial%20Documents/DE%20QQQ-From%20Lim%20to%20Kerns.pdf">April 24, 2010 email</a><u>
t</u></span>o his supervisor at the time, Master Sgt. Paul Adkins, Manning
confessed he was transgender, and that he joined the Army, basically, to
"get rid of it." </span><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">The subject line was "My Problem." The email said,</span><br />
<blockquote>
<span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">This is my problem.
I’ve had signs of it for a very long time. It’s caused problems within
my family. I thought a career in the military would get rid of it. It’s
not something I seek out for attention, and I’ve been trying very, very
hard to get rid of it by placing myself in situations where it would be
impossible. But, it’s not going away; it’s haunting me more and more as I
get older. Now, the consequences of it are dire, at a time when it’s
causing me great pain it itself…</span><br />
I don't know what to do anymore, and the only "help" that seems available is severe punishment and/or getting rid of me.</blockquote>
<br />
<br />
I thought the author of the article did a good job of summarizing the recent revelations about Manning. Whatever I might think about Manning's actions, I sympathize with the statements in his e-mail. He wouldn't be the first person who tried to "fix" his gender identity issues by going into the military.<br />
<br />
I'm interested to see what public reaction will be. Most coverage I've seen so far has been pretty low-key (although I have seen headlines like "<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b>Bradley Manning: Blond bombshell? Army releases photo of him as cross-dresser</b>").</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I am concerned that casual observers may conclude from Manning's story that all those who find themselves outside "normal" gender boundaries are inherently unstable, I hope that's not the case.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span>Linda Marie Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09235079239322819082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392007990797525235.post-5537817528835352642013-07-17T00:29:00.001-07:002013-07-17T00:29:42.500-07:00Hannah's BlogI recently began following <a href="http://hannahgotta.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Hannah's blog.</a><br />
<br />
Hannah is a married crossdresser with a supportive wife. Hannah's smart and upbeat writing is accompanied by her charming drawings. Definitely worth following.Linda Marie Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09235079239322819082noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392007990797525235.post-6423350336350090142013-06-29T08:19:00.001-07:002013-06-30T07:50:12.711-07:00Motive and OpportunityAs the 72 people who follow this blog may or may not have noticed, I haven't posted a new entry since last August.<br />
<br />
When someone hasn't updated their blog for a while, they usually start with a post announcing they're still around. I didn't want to do that. I've mentioned previously that my experience as a crossdresser seems to be so typical, I sometimes feel like I'm a bit of a cliche. I didn't want to act like one again in a totally expected way. However, the longer I went without posting, the more I thought it would be difficult not to acknowledge it.<br />
<br />
So, I'm still around.<br />
<br />
Like committing a crime, two important aspects to maintaining a blog entry are motive and opportunity. When I've had something I wanted to write, I didn't have the time; when I had time, I didn't feel like writing something. <br />
<br />
Not much has changed. I'm married to an amazing wonderful woman who hates that I want to express myself as Linda and that I'd love to be with other people like myself occasionally. I haven't been out in forever. I miss seeing other girls.<br />
<br />
I still struggle with getting older. The guy side of me doesn't mind too much (except for the usual middle age aches and pains), but my vision of myself as a woman is as someone who's young, beautiful and stylish. Not that I could ever really pull that off, but the best I can do these days is heavy set, slightly dowdy grandmother. I still enjoy dressing but I would love to be able to see someone prettier when I look in the mirror. <br />
<br />
Despite my not posting, I've been following other blogs. I read Stana's and Meg's blogs every day. There are others I enjoy, too. I also want to mention how much I enjoy the comments that Pat Scalesman leaves on others' sites. Although Pat has never felt the need to create blog entries, Pat's comments are always well written, wise and kind (and often funny).<br />
<br />
So now that I've gotten the"I'm back" post out of the way, I may go back to posting the occasional update. I like having a place for my random thoughts and I appreciate it when a reader acknowledges something I've written and adds a comment.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Linda Marie Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09235079239322819082noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392007990797525235.post-50021013339262663082012-08-05T15:58:00.002-07:002012-08-05T15:59:50.390-07:00A little Linda time todayMy family was out for a few hours today and I had the house to myself for the first time in months.<br />
<br />
I took the opportunity to don my cute little lacy dress and gold sparkly platform pumps. Felt so good to be dressed (it's probably been a few weeks but seems like forever). I shaved my legs yesterday and they looked so cute in my dress and heels.<br />
<br />
Now this is definitely not a daytime outfit but I don't know when I'll have a chance to wear it at night. So, I put on a dark t-shirt and shorts over my dress, put my heels in a little bag and walked over to the car. After a few blocks, I pulled over, took my t-shirt and shorts off and put my heels back on. Heaven.<br />
<br />
I drove around for a little while. In this outfit and without makeup, there was no way I was going to go anywhere where people could really see me. Still, I had an urge to get out of the car and go for a walk (partially because it's fun to walk outside and partially because I wanted to see how well I could walk in these 5 inch plus heels).<br />
<br />
I found a deserted parking lot with large dark windows. I got out and walked a bit. I could see myself reflected in the windows and between the windows poor reflection and my own ability to self-delude, I thought I looked ok. 20 pounds lighter and some shapewear would have made things even better, but I still enjoyed myself.<br />
<br />
Wish I could go out tonight in this outfit to one of the t-friendly places in the area (there are now 2 about 5 miles from my house). Unfortunately, everyone will be back soon so I won't be going out. It's been a while since I've been out with other girls. I miss it.<br />
<br />
By the way, I did ok with the heels.Linda Marie Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09235079239322819082noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392007990797525235.post-74991848833338191752012-07-03T10:43:00.000-07:002012-07-03T10:43:48.154-07:00Girl TalkAs I was trying to get some work done today, I heard the director I report to talking with another woman on our extended team.<br />
<br />
I like our director a lot. She's very bright, friendly and easy to talk with. She's only been with our group for a little over 5 weeks and has had to learn a lot about this new area. She picks things up quickly and consistently has good suggestions for how to improve work product. <br />
<br />
I also love the way she dresses. She's in her late forties and dresses just right for the business casual atmosphere at the office. Women in management positions have to dress a little nicer than casual in a business casual environment and she hits the look just right. She usually wears dresses or skirts but her outfits are bright and fun. She dresses appropriately for her age and position but she seems to have fun with her outfits. She's in good shape and her outfits highlight that she is but never in an obvious way.<br />
<br />
The woman our director was talking to is a very smart and nice woman but someone who I think I would be more like if I were a woman. A little shy, a tiny bit awkward (not horribly so, just not smooth), a very sweet and smart woman engineer. She wears mostly skirts and suits and pumps. Very much the way I would dress.<br />
<br />
Today our director is wearing a floral dress that comes to just above her knees, She's wearing a cream colored blouse and wedge slingbacks in a kind of taupe / lightened coffee color. She looks just great.<br />
<br />
She was complimenting the engineer on her cute shoes, admiring how nice they looked and remarking how the heel wasn't too high so they would be comfortable.<br />
<br />
They talked a little bit more about their respective outfits. I wish I could have joined them. As a guy, I pretty much have to pretend to be clueless about what women are wearing. I would love to join in and be able to tell them how nice they look and say how much I admire a certain outfit or accessory.<br />
<br />
Instead, I wind up talking about the weather or the White Sox (who are having a surprisingly not awful season, by the way).<br />
<br />
I really like being a guy most of the time but it would be nice to live more comfortably in my two worlds.Linda Marie Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09235079239322819082noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392007990797525235.post-18911048272069591162012-06-15T17:22:00.002-07:002012-06-15T17:22:51.336-07:00New DressBought a cute new dress today at Kohl's. I was very impressed with their selection. There were loads of cute dresses. Many of the cutest dresses were for younger girls but there were plenty in every style.<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This lace dress is probably designed for someone much younger than me, but I just like it so much.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnyceKUsaWwp0TlM14PVwtVWakY5RezxGLk2MKrW-B-L_icRjcYMmnDF1uQ86QZyfGwukvPlDMjVm-AQFsqx9KgU3giYgFbkVKkR6g-A3nMKihMP_Xc0tL19b7AED6YBe1v9vXCINLpqyi/s1600/1031601_Pearl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnyceKUsaWwp0TlM14PVwtVWakY5RezxGLk2MKrW-B-L_icRjcYMmnDF1uQ86QZyfGwukvPlDMjVm-AQFsqx9KgU3giYgFbkVKkR6g-A3nMKihMP_Xc0tL19b7AED6YBe1v9vXCINLpqyi/s320/1031601_Pearl.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Of course, I don't look anywhere near as good as the model, but it's such a lovely dress. The lace is so soft and feminine. I really like the way I look in it. I'd like it even better if I lost a few pounds, but that's a goal for another day.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It probably seems silly for me to blog about buying new shoes and a new dress, but it's been a long time since I've bought shoes or dresses. It's such fun bringing my purchases home and seeing how they look. This dress works really well with the gold shoes I bought yesterday. I just need an excuse (and opportunity) to meet up with other girls for a nice dinner and a few drinks.</div>Linda Marie Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09235079239322819082noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392007990797525235.post-79277664401617753572012-06-15T01:55:00.001-07:002012-06-15T01:55:26.737-07:00I love this lookI love the way this girl looks. <br />
<br />
All the pieces of her outfit work together so well and it's just such a fun look.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://thrilloftheheel.blogspot.com/2012/06/today-was-one-of-those-days.html" target="_blank">Today was one of those days --- from Thrill of the Heel</a>Linda Marie Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09235079239322819082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392007990797525235.post-26240545749125279812012-06-15T01:23:00.001-07:002012-06-15T01:25:36.692-07:00New Shoes!I love shoes, especially high heels and it's been a long time since I treated myself to a new pair. <br />
<br />
I went to Payless the other day. It was fun just to see what they had in stock in my size. One of the great things about Payless is that most stores have a good selection in larger sizes (I take an 11).<br />
<br />
I found several shoes I really liked but decided not to buy them. I already have plenty of shoes and don't have many chances to wear them. I liked the shoes but buying them just didn't make sense.<br />
<br />
The next day, I found myself wishing that I had bought the shoes. I didn't need the shoes, but I did want them.<br />
<br />
So, back to the store again. Found the two pairs I had seen the day before. I just scooped them up.<br />
<br />
When I went to pay, the sales associate commented that the shoes were very nice and said she thought the color of one pair was really cute.<br />
<br />
Couldn't wait to get home and try them on. I love the way they look and feel. Here are pictures of my new heels.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikisi_uvcUWnlDUykLGeGaleeksEOf9IYsrOo1MMyFloResbPA_XWExtfCbxDpBBzOF_8ss9Mv5kftKrwDSRQOYvbHMFtr34TsBzUIPYE9kdEkPdYvXvkbYMwN5ip7xdRZADpps5ym2q8w/s1600/komet+gold+pump.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikisi_uvcUWnlDUykLGeGaleeksEOf9IYsrOo1MMyFloResbPA_XWExtfCbxDpBBzOF_8ss9Mv5kftKrwDSRQOYvbHMFtr34TsBzUIPYE9kdEkPdYvXvkbYMwN5ip7xdRZADpps5ym2q8w/s320/komet+gold+pump.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGKYw0p-mTU3owJJlR6c8rKGPVxYdlMY69LKOC54zJyb0-GYsxv1O2uZOVXYwjv04IfTcArrxw1BBZnmJ9wMeNuwPzEZVQT-OXjOxrdPyFA0dRiqwYiET2_y4leGuy9buNgTAEf4Vh55gg/s1600/purple+kosmo+pump.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGKYw0p-mTU3owJJlR6c8rKGPVxYdlMY69LKOC54zJyb0-GYsxv1O2uZOVXYwjv04IfTcArrxw1BBZnmJ9wMeNuwPzEZVQT-OXjOxrdPyFA0dRiqwYiET2_y4leGuy9buNgTAEf4Vh55gg/s320/purple+kosmo+pump.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
If I were a woman in my 50s, I most likely would not have bought these shoes. They're silly, not practical, not suitable for a woman of my age...<br />
<br />
However, one of the consolations of being a crossdresser is I get to buy and wear cute, impractical shoes like these. Now, if I can just find some time to wear them with some cute outfits...<br />
<br />
<br />Linda Marie Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09235079239322819082noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392007990797525235.post-16762506575514604822012-06-03T17:57:00.000-07:002012-06-03T17:57:12.707-07:00Tumblr LinksI already spend too much time on-line but I've found a few tumblr links that I like. Instead of joining tumblr, I'm going to put some links here. I suspect I'll wind up joining tumblr at some point, but this is my weak attempt at showing some restraint.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://subtlecluster.tumblr.com/post/7838336276/genderqueer-links-and-books" target="_blank">Clusters and Constellations</a> ok this isn't even a tumblr link but I liked it so here it is<br />
<br />
<a href="http://pflagmom.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">I'm a PFLAG mom</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://tasteful-tg-caps.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Miles Tasteful TG Caps</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://sissylikes.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Ashley Kate's Tumblr</a> so many cute girls in gorgeous outfits<br />
<br />
<a href="http://crossdreamed.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Crossdreamed</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://sidewalkchalkfun.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Boy Princess</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://hipster-teen.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Hipster Teen</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://joannastgcaptions.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Joanna's TG Captions</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://moderngoddesstg.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Modern Goddess</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Linda Marie Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09235079239322819082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392007990797525235.post-89478814245487768982012-06-02T08:50:00.000-07:002012-06-02T08:51:35.652-07:00I Was A Teen-age Be-All Stalker<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I wasn’t really a stalker.
As for teen-age, that ship sailed a long time ago. I did stop by Be-All for a brief time yesterday</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Be-All is a transgender conference held in the spring just
outside Chicago. More information at <a href="http://be-all.org/">http://be-all.org/</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve never officially gone to Be-All but I have visited. A few times during the past few years, I’ve
taken a long lunch, changed in the car and just walked around the hotel. I love going out but between my home
situation and the sad fact that I’m not passable in the least, I never have a
chance to be out as Linda. During the previous years, I did visit, it felt so
great to be dressed and walking around a nice hotel. In the day time and knowing that it was perfectly fine. Staff at the hotels where Be-All has been held have always been very nice.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Be-All usually has a vendor area. One year, I spent about an hour visiting
various vendors. The IslandGirls, a wonderful
Chicago TG group which has since disbanded, had a booth that year. I spent about 20 minutes chatting with the
girls there. It was so nice. When I left, the girls gave me a hug.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Between time commitments and my wife’s very strong
disapproval to my going out as Linda, going to Be-All as an official attendee
is out of the question. We currently
have a kind of uneasy truce and as nice as it would be to attend Be-All, I don’t
want to roil our currently somewhat peaceful waters.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This year, Be-All is taking place at the Downers Grove
Doubletree, a hotel and convention center about 10 minutes away from where I’m
working. Although it’s nice to know that
a conference like this is taking place and other people like me are visiting
with each other and enjoying each other’s company, it’s also very frustrating
that this conference is going on nearby and I can’t attend.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Because work has been very busy, I wasn’t able to work in a
long lunch this week and had resigned myself to not even stopping by. However, I was able to take an hour yesterday
and decided I’d stop by, even though I’d be in my regular guy business casual
clothes.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I arrived at the hotel, girls were lining up to go into a
large conference room for lunch. One of
the cool things about Be-All, at least for me, is that the people who attend
run the gamut in attractiveness and “passability.” I’ve attended a few TG gatherings where I’ve
been intimidated by how good the girls look.
While Be-All attendees generally dress nicely (there’s a general rule
against “bearded men in dresses”), there are many attendees who look like me –
a little older, not as slim as they used to be and with facial features that
aren’t very feminine. And they still
looked great to me. Just stopping in and
seeing these girls helped me remember that there’s a large community out there
that I’m a part of. That felt good.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So I mostly just walked around a little, tried not to look
creepy or stalkerish, trying to look like I was going to a meeting at the hotel
or lunch. I didn’t want to start up a
conversation with any of the girls. What would I say? For some of the girls, this was probably a
very special time out with others like themselves. I didn’t want to make anyone feel
uncomfortable and didn’t want to come off like…well, I don’t know, but I was
happy knowing the girls were enjoying being out and didn’t want to spoil
anything.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, I guess I was a little bit of a stalker. Didn’t mean to be, but I wanted to be there
but didn’t know how to be there. Does
that make any sense?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">I left after only about 15 minutes. Maybe some day, I’ll be able to attend Be-All
as Linda</span>Linda Marie Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09235079239322819082noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392007990797525235.post-43047820278135148592012-04-29T07:23:00.001-07:002012-04-29T07:23:41.711-07:00What Happens When a Quiverfull Dad Becomes a Woman?Interesting story at Jezebel <a href="http://jezebel.com/5905780/what-happens-when-a-quiverfull-dad-becomes-a-woman" target="_blank">http://jezebel.com/5905780/what-happens-when-a-quiverfull-dad-becomes-a-woman</a><br />
<br />
Even better, the Jezebel posts links to the blog of a young woman whose husband transitions. I haven't read her whole story, but what I've read so far is a wonderful story of discovery, love and acceptance. I'm sorry that they didn't find more acceptance in their community and among other Christians, but I hope they find it in their new community. Here's a link to the first part of their story (first of nine parts). <a href="http://ayoungmomsmusings.blogspot.com/2012/04/unwrapping-onion-introduction.html" target="_blank">Unwrapping the Onion</a>Linda Marie Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09235079239322819082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392007990797525235.post-88713663589467246592012-03-11T10:23:00.001-07:002012-03-11T10:24:19.937-07:00Crabby<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPEmcoe4ytSkg0D_Qebo0-MllhzmXum4iqx8vSvR4d19wlqyQJsHwOYDipSBeaZcI_CKTDtRRyYuYCv-nw8aKDOkKjIfng0w-19LWTSGho7GNcLZ9hyphenhyphenYUdp19FhD-gg6QAykBBSDfHD3IS/s1600/Shermans_Lagoon.20120311_small.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPEmcoe4ytSkg0D_Qebo0-MllhzmXum4iqx8vSvR4d19wlqyQJsHwOYDipSBeaZcI_CKTDtRRyYuYCv-nw8aKDOkKjIfng0w-19LWTSGho7GNcLZ9hyphenhyphenYUdp19FhD-gg6QAykBBSDfHD3IS/s400/Shermans_Lagoon.20120311_small.gif" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I know if I don't occasionally dress in something frilly, I get a little crabby.Linda Marie Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09235079239322819082noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392007990797525235.post-89687567811843403812012-01-16T01:34:00.000-08:002012-01-16T01:34:05.543-08:00I Wish I Had Been On This Team in High School<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqL8WffHaTgY7x0STzvpE2KL9V9G7IJnOkA3PwQrqg08bSDBvfRRy5mxcr9p1RNGa_dsx7c8ngTbxkTsN70xKEPKGcXvbEy02XTKx5dACeTuM7u2W9Kq0MhtRgGosBEE_FwZFgU6M1jUky/s1600/high+school+team.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqL8WffHaTgY7x0STzvpE2KL9V9G7IJnOkA3PwQrqg08bSDBvfRRy5mxcr9p1RNGa_dsx7c8ngTbxkTsN70xKEPKGcXvbEy02XTKx5dACeTuM7u2W9Kq0MhtRgGosBEE_FwZFgU6M1jUky/s1600/high+school+team.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Acknowledgement to George Takei who posted this on Facebook.Linda Marie Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09235079239322819082noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392007990797525235.post-4118550548250816322012-01-14T06:58:00.000-08:002012-01-14T06:58:43.731-08:00Power, Confidence, and High-HeelsI loved the way this article from the Anthropology in Practice website started:<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Cinderella got the prince and Dorothy was envied. Why? They donned fabulous shoes. What’s the deal with women’s relationship to their footwear?<br />
<br />
<b>Watch Me Walk Away</b><br />
<br />
Click. Click. Click. Click.<br />
<br />
With each measured step, my heels echoed with a finality that emphasized my leaving, which was important: I was angry and I wanted to be taken seriously. The sound of my three-inch heels striking the tiles spoke volumes—and did so much more eloquently than I would have been able to at the moment.<br />
<br />
I had just had my first turn-on-your-heel-and-walk-away moment. A meeting with a senior vice president at a leading digital agency in New York City had gone horribly wrong: Her team had asked me to consult on a project they were considering, but within a few minutes it became clear that we would not be able to work together. She was rude to her staff and made two disparaging remarks about anthropologists. Annoyed, and believing that her behavior toward her staff spoke volumes about the sort of relationship we would have, I decided I had had enough. So I picked up my coat, turned on my heel, and walked out. It was empowering. It was a moment I’ll likely not forget soon. And it would not have been the same had I been wearing flats.<br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">This part of the article reminds me of the kind of magic effect wearing a great pair of high heels can have.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">The rest of the article is ok, a bit of a rehash of information many of us have read elsewhere, but I really like the opening.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Here's the <a href="http://www.anthropologyinpractice.com/2011/04/power-confidence-and-high-heels.html" target="_blank">link</a> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span>Linda Marie Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09235079239322819082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392007990797525235.post-70499624736877318982011-12-19T23:37:00.000-08:002011-12-19T23:37:29.130-08:00Letting her down gently - link to Large Blooming FlowerJenny had a terrific <a href="http://jennyalto.blogspot.com/2011/12/letting-her-down-gently.html" target="_blank">post</a> recently at Large Blooming Flower. <br />
<br />
Jenny starts her post with 'A little while ago, I found myself in a tricky situation. I came out to someone in my social circle, and after the usual chat about what it all means, she revealed that her boyfriend used to crossdress. "But he's given it all up now we're together, I'd have left him otherwise".' <br />
<br />
I really admire the brave and true way she talked with her friend about her boyfriend. <br />
<br />
I always enjoy Jenny's blog and found this post especially good.Linda Marie Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09235079239322819082noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8392007990797525235.post-71714576010403897992011-10-18T01:16:00.000-07:002011-10-18T01:16:57.656-07:00Christian Louboutin on why his shoes are so popular with womenChristina Louboutin makes incredibly beautiful, incredibly expensive women's shoes. I recently saw a selection of Louboutin shoes advertised where the least expensive pair was $595. In any kind of a practical frame of mind, it seems silly, maybe wrong, to spend that much money on a pair of shoes. However, just from a fantasy, fashion as art viewpoint, his shoes are gorgeous. It doesn't hurt the fantasy that many of the women shown wearing Louboutins are stunning (and would be, even if they were wearing mukluks).<br />
<br />
I just saw an article from <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2050182/Christian-Louboutin-shoes-popular-women.html">the Daily Mail</a> about Louboutin in which he explains why he thinks his shoes are so popular. At one point, in the article <span style="font-size: 1.2em;">The designer recounted a meeting with a French academic to The Sunday Times: 'She said that what is sexual in a high heel is the arch of the foot, because it is exactly the position of a woman's foot when she orgasms.'</span><br />
<br />
I've heard this theory before. It may have some validity but I don't think so. I think it has more to do with the idea that no matter how thin, thick, old, young, confident, shy or whatever, a beautiful shoe looks beautiful and helps a woman feel beautiful. You don't have to lose weight or have Botox to buy and wear beautiful shoes. <br />
<br />
High heels were the first items of female attire I wore. There was something wonderful about seeing myself in heels, right from the start. I still get a special feeling when I wear heels.<br />
<br />
It's a silly but kind of a fun article. Maybe Louboutin actually believes this stuff and maybe he's just having fun. <br />
<br />
I also enjoyed the reader comments. Good way to bring the whole discussion back down to earth. Some of my favorites:<br />
<br />
"The designer recounted a meeting with a French academic to The Sunday Times: 'She said that what is sexual in a high heel is the arch of the foot, because it is exactly the position of a woman's foot when she orgasms." Christian, darling... she LIED!<br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"></div><br />
My feet don't hurt when I have an orgasm<br />
<div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><br />
Thank God orgasms are free! Who can afford Louboutin's in this economy?!?<div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><br />
</div></div>Linda Marie Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09235079239322819082noreply@blogger.com1