Julie - Out and About

Friends are people who enjoy getting together just to get together.  A nice meal, good wine - those are extras.  When friends get together and share what's been going on in their lives - the ups AND the downs - and they all are genuinely concerned about and for one another, THAT is friendship. Sunday night I invited Sarah and Linda over for a home cooked Chinese meal.  It had been a month or more since we'd been together, so we had a bit of catching up to do.   Sarah brought the wine And Linda brought the cheesecake We enjoyed a nice Chicken Stir Fry meal (even if I do say so myself! ~~giggle~~) and lots of girl talk.  We talked together, ate together, and prayed together. All in all, a WONDERFUL evening that ended too soon. (Unfortunately, the effects of the wine and cheesecake DIDN'T end too soon.) The next morning was Aug 21st - Eclipse Day.  I busied myself around the house while waiting for the event. Here in Spokane we experienced ...

Dictionary.com defines Addiction as - " the state of being enslaved to a habit or practice, or to something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming, to such an extent that its cessation causes serve trauma ." Welcome to the world of a cross dresser.  You get that first small sip, and you want a taste.  You get a little more of a taste, and you want a mouthful.  After a couple of mouthfuls you want dinner! And on it goes.   My experience last month (see SISTER FRIENDS  http://juliemshaw.blogspot.com/2017/07/sister-friends.html - and it's sequel entry, SISTER FRIENDS DAY 4 (a very long day)   http://juliemshaw.blogspot.com/2017/07/sister-friends-day-4-very-long-day.html ) was heavenly.  Spending a whole week as Julie and sharing it with two wonderful and supportive ladies put me over the moon.   But now I feel like I've had the 5 course dinner, and I want the All-You-Can-Eat Buffet. I'm hard pressed to say ...

Here's to the Ladies Who PARTY! So, on to Day 4 - the Highlight of the week.  Linda and I drove over to Coeur d'Alene and indulged in a little shopping (surprise!) before meeting Sarah at the hotel.  We checked in, got primped a bit, and then walked down the street to dinner. Henry's Angels (you'll understand later) We settled in at Tomato Street, a fun place where they let you draw on the table - well, on the paper they PUT on the table.   Waiting for our 4th Sarah's significant other, Henry, joined us for dinner.  Sarah commemorated the event on the table top. Henry, Sarah, Linda and Julie After a fine meal, we returned to the hotel and got dolled up for some dancing at a local club.  Looking back, I think I was overdressed for the location, but who cares!  I felt pretty, Oh so pretty. We arrived a bit after 9 PM and the place was rather quiet.  The DJ was hard at work, but we were the only ones there.  We decided to star...

Julie, Sarah and Linda - feathered and fancy! Get comfy - this might be a long one! So much happened this past week that I am torn between giving you the highlights all in one post, or splitting it over a few posts and going into details.  Let's see where this goes. As some of you may have read, this past week (due to circumstances too numerous to mention) I had a full week of Julie Time that I got to share with my two best girl friends.  The highlight was a road trip on Thursday that included dinner, dancing and a stay in a hotel -- all of which were firsts for Yours Truly.  As I stated in my previous blog, I took absolutely NO boy clothes along on this trip -- not even jeans.  Now, not every day was filled with adventure and excitement - unless you count going to Jiffy Lube and chatting with the gal at the counter about where she got her cute shoes as an adventure (see Day 3) - but it was pretty much Julie 24/7, and to me that WAS excitement.  HIGHL...

Due to many circumstances, I have the opportunity to live as Julie nearly 24/7 for the next 6 days.  This event has been in the planning stages for almost 3 months - and as usual, back then it looked like it would be 6 days of heavenly bliss.  But as it draws closer, some of the realities of life sneak in.  Like, I couldn't get out of work on Monday or Wednesday (late afternoon thru mid evening).  Like some friends (who don't know Julie) needing to use my kitchen for a video shoot for a few hours one day.  But I insist on looking on the bright side, and in spite of all the potential negativity,  I am not getting depressed, I am not feeling that cloud of despair hanging over my head.  Because the highlight of the week is still moving forward as planned - an overnight get away with my 2 Gal Pals.  This will be the FIRST time I go away overnight with NO boy clothes packed.  Nothing.  Nada.  Not even "Hanes Boyshort" panties! ...

I have an event coming up in mid-July - a Day Out with the Girls.  Being the very organized (read "obsessive") gal that I am, I have already started planning my wardrobe.  And this brings me to the big question: Do I wear what I WANT to wear, or do I wear what will fit in with the circumstances and places I will be? Now, when I say "wear what I want" I don't mean that I'd be sporting formal silks and pumps for a picnic at the lake.  Contrary to popular belief, I'm not a fool. But my personal preference DOES run to hose and heels.  July, however, is more shorts and sandals kind of weather, and I have yet to venture out of the house with bare legs.  The other problem here is that I have a VERY mediterranean heritage -- which means my arms, shoulders and back are rather . . . . well, you know.  My life circumstances make it difficult to remove that much body hair, so I usually just wear long sleeves and stuff.  But will I survive (let alone Be Comfortab...

Feel like a woman. Wear a dress! –  Diane von Furstenberg The question came up the other day -- why do you always wear skirts and not nice slacks or jeans?  Let's examine the answers. I enjoy wearing clothing designated as "women's" or "feminine" for many reasons -- the variety they offer in colors and fabrics, the desire to look pretty, the comfort and relaxation I feel when dressed.  Now, if I was able to walk out my front door simply in a dress and pumps, I would adore it.  But to avoid stares, taunts and possible harm, I add a wig, make up, and "body shaping" foundation garments.  Presenting as a woman (or "passing") makes me feel more comfortable when out, hoping that I can avoid any unwanted confrontations. (and yes, it doesn't always work, but it sure cuts down on the incidents) Ready to hit the town As a result, dresses and skirts help me feel more female than pants.  I can walk out the door in jeans and a t-shir...