Hi,
A few weeks back, we had a family holiday (although Wee Man has moved out, bless him, to his student digs). The time away helped me get away from the usual routine and switch off from a few worries. The slower pace meant that I had more time to write, as much as blogging is writing, I guess. Conversely, this week has been a bit more full on, so come Friday night, I’m flagging a bit creatively. If you can call What Lynn Did Next, creating 🙂
I have not yet made time (or found time?) to create a map, but I’ve had a few ideas of locales and suitable doodles. Maybe the long weekend will assist in that. 🤞 Purging Pass, Circle of Momentary Comfort, Fake Turn to Cisville, etc.
Having missed too many meetings at Chams, I was glad to make it this time. Looking at the backup of photos, there’s a gap of four folders. Has it really been that many meetings since I was last fancy? Numbers are not my strong point.
Talking of meeting, this week, I stumbled upon an article about loneliness in men and it gave me a few things to ponder. I do keep in touch with a few close friends, but my social circle has shrunk due to work, where we live, family needs, people move on, etc. I’m not grumbling about any of the latter, things change and so do we all. 🙂
I had felt that twist of tension on and off during the week. That feeling of… well, as if I could turn around in my own skin. Hopefully that’s not as Hellraiser as it sounds. Oops. 😋
With the weather turning to more tolerant levels, I was out the door earlier than usual. I found I was nervous about getting ready and oddly, that unsettled continued on and off for most of the night.
From a positive point if view, I was really pleased with the colour corrector approach to dealing with my under eye shadows (hint: orange/peach to hide the purple); chuffed with my outfit; and my new sandals were pretty good as well. I may need to pad the foot strapping, as if anything, they’re a little big. Maybe an eight would’ve been a wiser choice, but it’s often pot luck around the fit of a shoe.
Being ready early (unusually) and with the rest of the group yet to arrive, I switched to my trusty Berkies and had a wander into the village. Unfortunately, the corner shop was closed, so it was a gentle wander back, and by then, people had started to arrive.
If it’s the social, a chance to be all of me, or a beautiful mix of both; I’m grateful for last night and I feel a lot more at peace.
L x
Very nice outfit. You look good in it.
Thank you, Susie. Very kind of you to say so. Sorry about the delay in the email, BTW
I, umm, think it may also be the same skirt as the time out before. Why is it I feel the need for something new, when I have plenty of nice things as it is?
Just noticed your nails. They are more obvious in the inset picture on T-Central.
Uh, the walk to the corner shop. In Lynn mode? That sounds nice.
The problem with buying new stuff to make you feel better is that you sometimes forget the older stuff that you bought a while ago for the very same reason. While it’s nice to have two or three items of the same style to mix and match when it gets seriously above that number (fourteen skirts? that’s not so many..) that a lot of them forever languish in the bottom of the box.
I do love a pretty nail colour! 💅 I did look at T-Central after you mentioned it, but maybe the site shows up differently on a mobile. That or I’m not looking in the right place 🤦♀️
Yeah, while having some variety is a good thing and certainly a selection that enables more of a mix n match approach, I’m with you on things being overlooked. I think it was Val who said she would think on how many chances she’s get to wear something and if it would be unfashionable quickly. Cold shoulder tops or that reverse wedge on shoes: both of those seem very much of their time.
Having looked in the wardrobes recently, I think a clear out is in order. That’s things I’ve bought that I thought would go with other items, but on mixing n matching, it’s not gone as well as I’d hoped. Still, my loss may be someone else’s gain.
Sorry, it’s not T-Central but the inset picture used as a header in your YATGB blog.
One of the benefits of restrained dressing down is that jeans, leggings, t-shirt tops and loose cardies can go with pretty much anything as your picture shows.
Still thinking about that map.
Ah, that makes sense then 🙂
As to jeans or leggings, I think things can be dressed up or down, depending on your choice of top, shoes, make-up, and bling 😉
Nice outfit again, hon. Good to hear that you were able to recharge the batteries a bit. Regular doses of girl time are essential. I call it T-time (make up your own jokes about buns).
I find having active social circles essential. Engaging with different groups of people with varying interests or outlooks.
(I’ll see if I can post this. WordPress likes to play up from time to time and previous attempts to post here have been fruitless.)
Sue x
I am now thinking about hot cross buns or fruit load. Yum! 😋
Sorry about WordPress being a bit awkward over comments. FWIW, I still tend to copy my comment to the clipboard, just in case the system plays up.
Yes, you’re right about having time with others, especially with folk who understand you, and where you can be yourself. Oh, and thank you for the kind words about the outfit. Regular T Time does indeed help.
Lynn, what a lovely photo, you look fab and what a great outfit too. Each garment perfectly goes with the rest and I absolutely love the long skirt!
Glad to read you were able to get away for a break and switch off from any worries.
Have a good week.
Lotte x
I can’t quite remember when and where I got the maxi skirt, but I think I’ve had my monies worth 🙂 One of those lucky finds where the item can be mixed & matched with other items. The vest is new this year and a size up compared to my usual. I felt it may be better to have a looser fit for summer. That and avoid the telltale bumps from the corset underneath 🙂
Thanks for the lovely words, Lotte, and here’s hoping the week ahead goes well for us all.
Hello Lynn:
Thank you for posting the link to the “Loneliness In Men” article – for me, it was certainly thought provoking. Sadly I spent a good many years living in a “self-imposed” state of isolation. After going through a divorce I put up “emotional barriers” to ensure no one would ever hurt me like that again. Plus, my former spouse had eluded she might “expose” my secret which made me more fearful of communicating with old friends and reluctant to form new relationships. I had a hard enough time dealing with my internal conflicts of being a Crossdresser and the thought that others might know my secret just fueled the fear.
As I slowly rebuilt my life and found support groups (via the “almighty internet”), I began to embrace a “healthy solo lifestyle.” I began cycling, and hiking and overnight weekend hiking/camping trips which fit in perfectly with being an avid photographer. Years later, my work provided me the opportunity to relocate almost 800 miles and it felt like a new beginning. I’m now about to celebrate 7 years of being married to a wonderful wife. Granted, she still says she doesn’t understand my “CD Site,” and I tell her it’s OK as I still don’t fully understand it either but I know I feel “complete.”
I think it’s human nature to ponder “what if,” and view “life in the rear view mirror,” but now I’m just as excited to see what the next chapter in my life will bring.
I too love the skirt in your photo; it looks very flowy, feminine and fun and certainly versatile! It’s always great when you have a skirt or top that you can dress up or down to fit the occasion, even if the occasion is just enjoying some “me time.” Thank you for another insightful blog.
Wishing you All The Best
Hi Erin. Congratulations on your wedding anniversary. I hope whatever you both five on doing, that it goes well.
Sorry to hear you had a such a difficult time ask those years ago. They’re not pleasant by any stretch, but when we survive then, I think they strengthen us.
To be out in nature – provided you’re safe and warm – can be a great way to recharge. Maybe, even heal if you need that.
Thanks for the kind words about the post and the outfit too.
I have been spotting stands for groups such as ‘Andy’s Man Club’ at a few pride event’s I’ve been to – and also a motorbike show too:
https://andysmanclub.co.uk
It’s primarily aimed at suicide prevention , and I assume aimed at those who do not have a friendship group to rely on for support. I think I mentioned that this was how Trans Barnsley was able to get funding to start up this year.
If I was still in the closet, I may well have given it a go, I certainly didn’t find it very easy to make friends whilst purporting to be a CIS straight male really.
Thanks for sharing the link, Izzy. That does look interesting.
I think it can be difficult to meet new people and hopefully such groups help folk talk about their feelings.
Sorry to hear you didn’t find it easy and hopefully attending T groups – like Chams – can help.
Love the outfit! Looks like I missed a good night!
As for men and friendships – a friend of mine once shared that insight and research, attempting to stay in contact with me and others to avoid the same fate. He found solme local fathers and they hold regular meetings. I was invited once, but vaguely enough that I was never given a time or date, but have never attended. He has a proper group of friends now though.
I think, honestly, that the nature of our lot doesn’t help either. So much of my life I have not shared anything of myself lest it ruin friendships or lead to hurt only to ruin friendships and be hurt anyway. Not sure where I fall on the research parameters but I am painfully aware of my own social isolation and my inability to work out how best to bridge gaps.
Thanks for sharing the above, Joanna. Yeah, it’s not an easy line to walk. Finding folk who both ‘get you’ and accept can be tricky. I do think good friends don’t judge and there’s a period of time in which that level of friendship is built up. Plus, people change with time, so what’s not okay now might alter with reflection.