The Harvest Fair

[Charlize]

Well yesterday was our local small town harvest fair. We have sold maple syrup there for years and everybody from town goes. The police , Fire dept, shop owners, bankers, school kids, etc. etc. Well i went to. For many in town this was a chance for them to meet Charlie as she sat beside her 52 Chevy 1 ton flatbed "store". It still has Charles on the sign. (Have to change that)

I had a wonderful time chatting with so many old friends and neighbors. I grew up in this little town and have been full time for only 4+ months now. Some folks had met me or a spouse had, many had no idea. I managed to get through a lot of "well this is me and always has been" raps. Almost everybody was really supportive. There was one "NO" and walk away. He came back later with a woman who was extra sweet to me and said i was lovely etc. He scoured in the background. This will all take time. 63 years of being a man doesn't disappear and i really would not want it to. I'm amazed that even my friends at the local African American Baptist church were so accepting.

It is a great feeling to be loved and accepted in ones own town. I was exhausted last night with all the images running through my mind. Oh, i was also pleased that all the groups of teenage girls paid almost no attention to the "old" woman so i guessed that i passed that test. Mostly i just felt like me as i should be and I was accepted for that.

I almost sold out of syrup as well! And got an order from the local tea room and a local restaurant.

I can't say i'm fearless but i'm confronting a bunch of demons! They only seemed big from a distance. Laura's and all my friends here have helped me sharpen my demon killing sword. Thanks for being at my back! I'll be at yours.

Hugs,

Charlie

[Guest Eliza_S]

Hi, Charlie. Sounds like a great day! And having met you, I know you look like a lovely lady with wonderful taste in clothes.

(I've always wanted to see how you tap maple trees. Maybe you could show me some time.)

[Guest Krisina]

Small town, everyone being accepting at the Harvest Fair. The fellow who said no did come back with his gorlfriend, even if he was in the background. I couldn't think of anything better, more positive for as you say, shooting down demons. I'm glad things are going really well for you Charlie.

Krisina

[Guest]

Charlie!

Wow, sounds like a great time was had.

We all tend to create our own deamons. That makes it tough being human.

Sounds like you had an ovewhelming acceptance which is wonderful.

We stand behind you all the way on your journey!

HUGGS,

Joann

[Guest]

Hi Charlie,

I'm happy for you that it went so well! That was the kind of coming-out that can turn a corner, from being cautious to simply being yourself.

It isn't possible to please everyone, no matter what a person does. That's why I have that line in my signature - as a reminder that it's my responsibility to be myself and that I needn't meddle with others. If you're genuine, authentic, most people see that and acceptance follows.

Isn't it about time for fall colors, and the brilliant red of the sugar-maples? I haven't seen them for too long!

Love, Megan

[VickySGV]

Those poor maple trees getting stuck for the drinks!!! No wonder a friend's diabetes monitor malfunctioned yesterday!!!

Sounds like it was lovely, I think that for every horror story we hear, there are hundreds more of good things and loving people. Your own lone detractor there out of the many others who met you is a pretty good picture of that.