Hi,
As a break to the usual writing – if you can call blogging that 🙂 – I’m sat in a café, enjoying the ambience and an oat milk mocha. Being partly Scots means I’m powered by oats and being one of those horrible woke people who care about cows, I’ve trying to reduce my dairy intake over the last few years.
Sometimes, I think there’s a cheeky gift from finding a spot of quiet during the week’s hustle and bustle. Not that things have been difficult or taxing, yet the days have gone quickly of late.
I remember someone saying with a wink, to a colleague who was retiring: “you’ll never be busier”. Perhaps it’s like your monetary budget, in which a person’s needs expand to use that up; so it’s also true for time.
Travel seems to be the thing that eats the hours, but maybe that’s just my mindset. A few errands here & there, and that’s the morning nearly gone. Having been working remotely from home since 2020, it’s a bit of a change. Not good or bad, just different 🙂
Writing
A while back, I rejoined Crossdresser Heaven after a long absence. Like all communities, everyone is at a different point in finding their way and what they need.
Having had a chat with Vanessa – who owns the site – I’m thinking of popping some of the Lessons Learned posts on the site as articles. It will be a learning curve as the interface is different, but making your brain learn new things is a good idea, I feel.
In honesty, I feel – as the radio is currently playing the old track – a bit torn on this. Not that I think anyone will be mean or suchlike, but there’s that keep-your-feet-on-the-floor voice of ‘who am I to say any of this?’
I guess the answer to my inner worry, is, well, why not? Not that I have answers or ‘the truth’. I suppose it’s more a case of, here’s what worked for me and what didn’t. Maybe there’s a difference between a story of your experiences that you share and offer freely; rather than standing up as some authority on a subject.
To be honest, all of that might also be TL/DRed as self doubt and my high levels of cynicism 😁
Not that we should mistrust experts, particularly those who follow the rigorous processes that provide high quality research, engineering, medicine, etc.
Chams
Chams was quiet this time around. Sometimes things align with peoples’ time, and this somehow joins up, so most folk are away. So it was this Thursday, with five of us at the meeting.
As I got changed, I did check my phone to make sure I had got the right night. It’s not like that’s happened before 🙄 Thankfully, that was just the one time and I’m fairly sure I’ve not repeated that mistake. Okay, nearly only once 😁
I decided to play it easy and take two dresses, and the first one out of the bag was the one I stuck with. It’s a favourite, so I was leaning into the Richmond-Jones wisdom 🙂
I did bring extra shoes – partly to vary the look, but also to check one pair’s fit. I think they might have to be donated, as they are a bit lose with nude tights on. I might try padding the toe box with some memory foam. That sometimes helps.
While it was a quieter evening – in terms of numbers – conversation and laughter were just as full and rich. With fewer people, it meant we could discuss a topic as the chat changed. Again, this isn’t better or worse than a ‘full house’ meeting – it’s just different.
After last time’s Cake O’clock due to birthdays, this time Val brought some in to celebrate another orbit around the sun. I think it’s Stevie’s next time, so this seems to have become a habit! 😁 Still, it’s Halloween next time, so a chance for nibbles and silly costumes….. Well, sillier than usual 😉
L x
“As a break to the usual writing – if you can call blogging that” – It is very much writing, and I have seen some outstanding prose, ideas and discussions on blogs. They’re not necessarily as ephemeral as we may think.
“Being partly Scots means I’m powered by oats…” – That made me laugh out loud. And Dobbin here agrees.
“You’ll never be busier” – I think this topic has come up before. (I’d check only I’m too busy flipping through the TV mag and thinking about lunch tomorrow.) Another quote is “if you want something done, ask a busy person.” (i.e. a genuinely busy one!)
“I might try padding the toe box with some memory foam.” I was going to do that but I forgot where I’d stored the foam.
Anyway, totally lovely outfit for Chams which we have seen before and is just perfect. Look good, feel good; it is The Way.
Have a nice weekend.
Sue xx
[Nodding] “This is The Way” 😁 [ sci-fi flute noises 🎵 ]
If you find porridge not bland enough, you can try an old school Nordic version, which replaces the milk with water. 😁
As to TV, I remember the line from the 80s film, The Lost Boys, where Grandpa says: “Got a TV guide? Don’t need a TV.”. I’m not quite sure how he meant it, but we take it in our house as “I’ve had a look and there’s nothing I want to watch” 😁
Thanks for the kind words about the dress. You’re right in that I’ve had that dress a long time. I think it’s a Dorothy Perkins’ item and they’ve been closed since 2020, I think.
Still, rewear and enjoy. This is The Way 😉
That’s a good idea for reposting the Lessons Learned articles on CH. I ought to look in on that site.
I’ve occasionally cross-posted content on Facebook and Blogger but quite often what starts as a quick edit and tidy up ends up as a full rewrite.
As for doubt, If one person finds something in those articles helpful then it will be worth it. And ‘Lessons Learned’ as a title does suggest these come from personal experience rather than written on tablets of stone.
It is a lovely dress. It would definitely be one of my favourites too.
Sometimes adhesive heel grips (maybe even two sets) can help with shows that are just a bit too big. I’ve not tried the memory foam method.
Thanks, Susie. I’m still deciding on how to format the articles, so some testing required. I’m leaning towards a blog section on the site, at they will be more self contained and – fingers crossed – easier to navigate as a topic.
I did spot someone from your neck of the woods, asking about what was on locally. Might be a good shout to have a look, if that’s of interest to you.
Thanks for the kind words about the dress. I’m glad it fits given weight changes over the years.
As to heel grips, I have tried but I think I’ve been using the wrong ones, as they don’t seem to quite fit/help. Where do you get yours from?
Lovely outfit photo as usual Lynn and what a gorgeous dress too. Love the neckline style, the floral print design and the colours. I always find myself on eBay and Vinted after seeing your outfit photos. Definitely a dress that I’d love to own and wear 😊
The Lessons Learned Articles sounds great, it will be great to see those appear on CrossdresserHeaven. Wishing you all the very best with them if you decide to go ahead. I do understand your reservations though but I’m sure they will be well received.
Having travelled down to Syston for my makeover back in August, I’ve been thinking about a venture to Nottingham sometime to put in an appearance at Chams. I did say previously that I’d try to perhaps attend a meeting and the more I think about the idea the more I’m warming to it.
It would of course be Lotte’s first venture outside the safety of her own four walls.
Let’s get this bridal makeover and photoshoot out the way first though.
Anyway have a good week Lynn and speak soon
Lotte x
I dunno, I’m tempting you with photos of heels from New Look, and now the shopping bug strikes again! 😁 I can only apologise, Lotte. 🙂
Whoever designed the pattern and the cut of the dress, I think they did a fab job. I’m not sure when I bought it – certainly pre lockdown – but it’s a dress I always feel good in and it seems to draw the right type of interest from folk like yourself.
Thanks for the vote of confidence around the Lessons Learned on CDH. I do need to get my act together and make a start.
I hope the next Syston adventure goes well. In terms of Chams, the venue is probably 40 to 50 minutes away Leicester. Well, subject to the traffic gremlins 🙂 If you do plan to visit – such would be grand – feel free to check in on what’s on on the night, routes, and/or hotels.