Sunday, October 31, 2010

Halloween 2010

Boo y'all!

And happy Halloween!

We actually made it out last night to the block party in Dallas. Our "party" ended up being a bit of a bust, but we still had a good time. We walked the runway and earned our share of catcalls and hoots. We did a lot more walking than I expected, so my feet were killing me by the time we left! Other than that, it was awesome. ;)

Here are a few pics from the evening. Enjoy!

Almost Ready:

All I need now is the iconic hair.


More "pre-wig" photos:



The finished product (I GOT YOU BABE!):

Making a Cher Face
(It's perfect!  I just never realized Cher made faces like that!)


The Full Body Shot


Nostalagic Frame



Thursday, October 21, 2010

Not for Resale, Do Not P...

I am struggling.  I've seen so much "proof" that it is possible to live happily in this world regardless of the dichotomy of one's existence.  Girls who have forged through the gray that separated their lives along lines of physicality are everywhere, and they are not only surviving, but thriving.  One cannot deny that happiness is possible.  Women, born with penises, living happily as women should be a source for inspiration, right?  So, why does it make me so sad?

Why does every look at happy femininity remind me of the path I did not take?  Why does it have to be so damn hard?!

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Stuff and Nonsense

I haven't been reading (or writing... obviously!) much at all lately.  This is unusual for me, and is something I hope to correct soon.  In recent months, my reading has focused on the practices and philosophies of Yoga.  My interest in the discipline is recent, but I must admit that I am fascinated.  Never have I so instantly seen truth in a set of beliefs and principles.  It is absolutely amazing.

As often occurs, a recent reading yielded some wonderful nuggets for consideration, and some powerful thoughts for deeper reflection.  The article in the October issue of The Yoga Journal, titled "Branching Out" was written by Sally Kempton.  It explores the complex nature of family relationships and offers significant insight into living with the many dynamics involved.  I encourage you to seek it out.  Even though the article has absolutely nothing to do with gender issues, it addresses a key area of stress and difficulty for many of us in the gender variant community: family.

The article offers some real wisdom for turning family relationships into positive experiences, or at least into situations that do not create negative energy in your life.  One statement stood out that I would like to share.  "If the meaning of your relationships... is to learn, then no encounter is ever negative."  I love that thought.  I have often suggested that everyone has something to teach me, and what a wonderful way to create a positive out of a potential negative.  Remember - in every situation, there is an opportunity to learn and grow.

Peace out, sisters!

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Newled

Hello to you all again!

Did you hear the bells ringing last Friday?  That's right, yours truly has officially tied the knot!  It was very nice, if very quick and convenient.  Given my travel situation this year, we had no time to plan a proper event, so we instead ran off to the courthouse and drove to New Orleans for a weekend of fun!

NOLA - It means New Orleans, Louisiana... took me the whole weekend to finally get it!

It was such a wonderful weekend, and while it would have certainly added a little spice; I don't regret not taking a single skirt with me.  We had plenty of fun without the costume changes.  We arrived in the afternoon on Saturday and checked into a lovely room at the Embassy Suites near the convention center.  It was a long drive, so we let our (my) age get the better of us and took a nap before heading for the French Quarter.  We spent Saturday night exploring Bourbon Street, listening to some great jazz / blues, perusing a few of the open galleries, and generally getting silly.  On Sunday, we strolled the galleries, walked the river front, napped some more, and headed back to Bourbon Street to round out our weekend.  So much fun!

Hey, did you know that on Labor Day weekend, the Big Easy plays host to the annual "Southern Decadence" celebration?  Me neither!  Imagine our surprise at learning we were NOT the only unique couple in New Orleans (kidding, we knew we'd be pretty "white bread" by comparison, even under "normal" circumstances).  Aside from a slightly unpleasant mauling experience while trying to wade through a mob on Saturday night, we really enjoyed being surrounded by so many people who made us feel, well, normal.

Being among such a large group of LGBT people was such an uplifting experience.  We knew we would have fun; we never imagined we'd find ourselves in such an appropriate surrounding.  I did come to one conclusion though - I will NEVER again go to New Orleans without my mascara and heels! 

We enjoyed it so much that we're already planning our "reunion tour" for next Labor Day weekend.  Who's in?

Monday, August 23, 2010

Self Helpfulness - Not Another Whiny Queen!

Greetings again.


It's interesting (to me, probably not to you) that I used to write so prolifically on multiple blogs and now struggle to make regular updates on just one.  More interestingly, it seems like a gradual degradation of creativity that began years ago.


I actually used to write poetry and numerous short-stories as a child.  Later, my creativity branched into music composition.  I seem to have peaked and started regression in my twenties.  It's like some sad-ironic life-long telling of "Flowers for Algernon."  Over the last couple years, though, I have to admit that my extended creative block seems less a loss of my super-powers and more like the recognition of a rut.


In my early blogscursions, I covered everything from movie reviews to political and religious commentary.  I dabbled in humor and did a little dramatic writing.  I even put the poet hat back on once or twice.  Over time, my creative juices seemed to settle into self-analysis and lament.  Eventually, the constant examination of self began to nauseate even me.  At the same time that I was beginning to realize my own whiny nature and to loathe my self-loathing self for it, I began to realize that it seemed to be a pretty common trend among us trans-folk.


This evolution of understanding slowly soured my desire to blog, and even more so my desire to read and participate in blogs.  My presence became scarce.  Now my desire to write, and to hopefully write professionally someday has brought me back to the blogosphere.  The question remains; is this the next step in my personal evolution, or just another spin around a well-worn block?  The coming months (and you, my friends) will have to judge.  I encourage your honest feedback.


This is my battle-cry:  I will post compelling content with an honest and forthright approach.  I will not wallow in the mire of self-pity, but will examine and share the experiences I encounter with an eye toward my eventual sense of self and self-worth.  I will not lament my station in life, my dress size, or my overambitious follicles.  I will not obsess over how the world sees me, who likes me, or how I got to this place in the world.  I will use my words to create my universe.  I will paint my self in my own light and reflect the light of the world - the good light - upon my existence.  I will construct the image that others take away with them.  Upon these pages, I will define myself - not as I was, but as I will be.  And as I understand who I will be, who I am will emerge.


Who's with me?


***WARNING: SHAMELESS COMMERCIALIZATION AHEAD!!***





In the meantime, I'd love to introduce another title for your consideration.  I'm sure a vast majority of you in genderland are familiar with the name Calpernia Addams.  In her beats the heart of a creator, and that heart is laid bare for you in her stellar work, "Mark 947."  If you haven't already read it, be a dear and click the link.  You won't be sorry.  Her narrative flows like the brushstrokes of an artist painting a masterpiece.

If you have read it (or after you do), please share your thoughts about the work.  I'd love to know whether you agree.


Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Somuchtodo Andsolittle Thyme

Greetings kids!

Things have been soooo crazy. If I survive this year, it's a pretty safe bet that I am immortal. :o) I have made so many changes in the last six months, and have so many major milestones projected to occur this year, that I may quite possibly be dizzy for another decade. I am happy.

I really want to tell you all about all of it, but I've just not been able to spend the time. I will get there. In the mean time, I hope you are all doing well, and I'd love to hear what's going on with you. Leave a comment. Tell me how you are.

Peace, and hope to chat at you soon!

Love,
Kate

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Hi I'm Here

No great revelations. Just stopping by to say hello.

Hello. Things are good; I am good. Just way too much going on to even breathe, much less create blog posts. I will be back, I promise.

After all, I have to tell you about the upcoming wedding (YYAAAAAAYYYY!!!!), and about my wedding dress. :) [floating amid fluffy clouds]

Take care!
Kate