A Place To Say Something

[JJ]

That was a morning we will never forget. I have a friend whose husband was an American Airlines pilot flying into New York City that morning and it took her hours to find out if it was his flight or where and how he was. She spoke of it a couple of months ago with tears even after all these years.

So many lives affected. And in that they had a victory sadly. We win every time we go on with our lives and minimize the effect. And every time we refuse to let ourselves be changed or repeal the measures we passed afterward that took away some of our own individual freedoms I think. A natural reaction at the time but not perhaps the best one in some ways.

This was one of those watershed moments in the lives of every American alive at the time that stays with us for the rest of our lives. Just as the Kennedy assassination day is as vivid as when it happened so is 9/11 and I know it will remain so until the day I die.

May those who were lost that day rest in peace.

Johnny

[Guest Cyd]

Amen, Johnny. I am avoiding Facebook today because of all the mindless "patriotic" posts. That day remains a tragic one, with equally tragic consequences in the places we subsequently invaded, and it seems no one has learned a thing, as we are on the brink of once again responding to violence with more violence.

As the Buddhists say: May all beings be safe, may all beings be well, may all beings have peace. This Franciscan prays that peace may prevail in every heart.

[Cyndee]

That day remains a tragic one, with equally tragic consequences in the places we subsequently invaded, and it seems no one has learned a thing, as we are on the brink of once again responding to violence with more violence.

Sad is'nt it ?

Humanity still does not know how to solve this. Violence is not a solution only a deferal till the next event.

True peace someday, will we ever get it ?

C -

[Cyndee]

Sure feels good, hearing someone on the other end of a phone call, remind you that you are female

C -

[JJ]

That it does Cyndi. I have reached a point where when I have to assure people -and sometimes prove-I am indeed the person whose clearly female name is on the account, they acknowledge it is me and go right on calling me "Sir". Still makes me smile.

Johnny

[Guest]

I missed meeting a number of our Members at SCC.

Maybe another time and place in the future.

Huggs,

Joann

[Cyndee]

That it does Cyndi. I have reached a point where when I have to assure people -and sometimes prove-I am indeed the person whose clearly female name is on the account, they acknowledge it is me and go right on calling me "Sir". Still makes me smile.

Johnny

That's awesome JJ, congrats.

Welcome back Joann

C -

[Guest]

It feels wonderful to be home at LP again.

Huggs,

Joann

[Guest Zayden]

Managed to find myself a new job at a restaurant doing dishes and other cleaning. Hard work but it suits me well and all of the guys I work with treat me like a guy.

[Guest]

Way to go, Matt!

Must feel wonderful to be accepted for who you truly are.

Huggs,

Joann

[Charlize]

Love like that is a blessing!!!

Hugs,

Charlize

[Guest Janice24]

It's been a long time since I've visited (I'm sorry ).

Today I went discount shopping with one of my GG friends and mostly picked out some accessories; belts, perfume, a hair curler, and other little things. I tried on some clothes but almost nothing fit (I really need to hit the gym more lol). After that I met up with another friend at the local mall and wasn't planning on buying anything until we hit the small Payless store inside. I immediately bought a pair of black knee-high boots (the last pair on display in my size) and a pair of black flats with a little bow on them (my first pair of flats).

In the end I did not get what I initially sought out (casual clothes) and spent about twice my initial budget, but I got so many things that I lacked and needed to compliment what I already own that I don't regret it at all. I'll probably try again for the clothes when I get paid again.

On that note: is there any place in particular that sells larger women's clothes (like XL+) cheap? The discount store we went to had a rather small selection and the two specialty stores that I know exist locally ("Lane Bryant" and "Torrid") are pretty pricey.

[Guest TracieV3]

Janice, that reminds me. I have a question for everyone.

Male, or female clothing. I have never found anything that actually fits me right, since I was a child, decades ago. I am to the point, the only style of shoes that I can find that fits my feet is one type of tennis shoe that I hate.

And I am too poor to get custom clothing and shoes.

I could live if one gender style, or the other, did fit me. But, it sucks that both styles don't fit me.

Anyone else have this problem?

[Guest ashleynikole]

On that note: is there any place in particular that sells larger women's clothes (like XL+) cheap? The discount store we went to had a rather small selection and the two specialty stores that I know exist locally ("Lane Bryant" and "Torrid") are pretty pricey.

Do you have a DressBarn in California? I have found by looking at their online site they have a lot of good stuff, not THAT pricey, and they seem to always have larger sizes. I have a wide chest but I have a few things in my closet from there that fit nicely.

Good luck

Ashley

[Guest Janice24]

I think there is one within my county. In fact I think I remember walking by it one day when out with a friend, so I think I know where it is. The prices on the website seem reasonable, so I'll check it out next time I have the spare cash. Thanks for the suggestion!

[Guest AshleighP]

It's been a while since I've had the chance to get on here and read some forums. So excited to see so many new people finding this safe place to share feelings and ask questions.

I have had the opportunity to get out dressed again and it was as much fun as the last time. Also had the chance to introduce "Ashleigh" to someone outside the the whole transgender/crossdressing world. I was at a business conference and had of course brought some clothes to wear in my hotel room. I met a young lady who was very open and honest with me about her life, so I took the chance and shared some of my life with her. I told her about my love of crossdressing and she said she would love to meet Ashleigh sometime. I said, no time like the present. We went back to my room where I changed, and very nervously, came out of the bathroom fully dressed. Her reaction could not been better! She had tears in her eyes and told me she thought I looked beautiful. She had lots of questions which I tried to answer as best I could. It was overall a very fun, freeing experience. We have stayed in contact via email and text and she has invited me to come visit sometime and go out " just the girls" . Maybe someday.

That's it for now. Thanks again to all who make this such a safe place to be.

Ashleigh

[Guest TGTrish]

Ashleigh,

Thank you for sharing your experience. I'm in need of a lot of encouragement at this point and you've just given me a bunch!

Trish

[Guest AshleighP]

Trish,

It is absolutely my pleasure. If I can encourage anybody by sharing experiences, I am glad to do it and it makes me a happy person. Best of luck!

[Guest ashleynikole]

That is so very cool Ashleigh. It's so nice when we get that validation from others who don't understand what being transgender means. It helps to show us we are not freaks.

God bless

Ashley

[VickySGV]

Well, you were here when I pulled into town and one of the mob who did pay attention to me in a nice way!! Happy LPBD.

[Guest TGTrish]

Hey everyone, did you notice Ashley Nikole's great new ID picture? She's really getting good at her makeup. Ashley- maybe you will make us a YouTube video for transwomen's makeup/hair styling?

Trish

(Finding I almost need tattoo concealer to hide some of my ugly facial hair

[VickySGV]

Trish -- I have been using Derma Blend for years, it works fine for beard "blemish" control!! Go for it.

[Guest ashleynikole]

Hey everyone, did you notice Ashley Nikole's great new ID picture? She's really getting good at her makeup. Ashley- maybe you will make us a YouTube video for transwomen's makeup/hair styling?

Trish

(Finding I almost need tattoo concealer to hide some of my ugly facial hair

Awe, thanks for the compliment. Wow, I'm all warm and gushy inside now.

Hmm. I do have a video camera setup to do my transition video every few weeks, but I'd prolly have to move it to the bathroom to get proper light and a large mirror for me to see in. My secret is copying what I find on Pintrest. It also helps that my mother actually showed me how to blend my foundation really well (that and actually USING the right foundation for my skin color and type...lol).

As for hair, I can't claim anything other than a good cut by my stylist. I gave my stylist a picture of me in my old wig and said, "make me look like that all the time without the wig (extensions, weave, dead cat ), whatever it takes I'm willing to pay for it." Luckily she said, I can do this with hair color and clip on bangs. Hair has gotten so long in the past year that it's finally playing well, but her cutting it properly so it will style properly is the most important piece. My styling consists of blow drying it while I curl it under with a round brush. Nothing really fancy there.

Now if I could get a girl I know who does AMAZING makeup work (like Hollywood SFX quality) to show you how to contour, that would be way better. I should have her teach me that too.

God bless

Ashley

[Guest TGTrish]

Ashley, I'm glad about your hair stylist being able to do so much for your hair. I've already accepted that clip in bangs will be forever part of my life, in my case most likely hair extensions too. What hair I have is long enough for a Pantane commercial. Unfortunately it only grows from half of my scalp I hope to get into a beauty salon in the next month or two, finally get a proper cut.

Trish

(Trying to figure out how to hide an overly large, angular, hooked nose any goblin would be proud of.)

[Guest MostlySwell]

Ashley, I've been tired like that before. I hope you're able to get some decent rest. This is a hard road, whether you see it as something we've been handed by God or that we've landed here by some other means. Some people say the most hateful things in the name of God. Who are they to judge you? You know who you are and it sounds like you're clear on having a purpose for God. I guess, what I'm saying is, "I see you, Ashley." Maybe that helps lighten your burden? I hope so. ((((((hugs))))))