NOTE: This is a repeat. Your hostess is at the Sports Illustrated photo shoot.
Let me make something very clear. I am truly blessed. I have friends that to me, have been handed to me by God. My evolution into the woman that I am has been life affirming. I cannot articulate the joy my life has become.
My day, this November 11, 2021, Veterans Day (God bless our veterans) was amazing. As I have said here before, I am blessed to be one of the models for a bridal photo shoot in December to be run in Northeast Ohio Weddings Magazine. I am also blessed to have developed a wonderful connection with my dear friend Lissa. She is an artist, creating vintage and couture wedding dresses and she is ten times the person as she is fabulous at what she does (and she is amazing at that!). I was completely absorbed in my femininity all day. I wore this simple, comfortable and adorable outfit which felt so natural to me.
Lissa is the featured designer in this shoot. Being one of the models (pinch me), I had to get fitted for my dress. When we initially met, there was an almost immediate connection. I cannot explain it except to say it was something I had never experienced. On this day, I tried on two dresses, as well as my own, and I am blown away at how wonderful I looked and felt. We are doing a Bridgerton theme for the shoot, with cotton candy colors. The two dresses she picked for me were spectacular!
Then Lissa and I sat and talked. We talked like woman do. We shared, we laughed. It was something I didn’t used to do as a man and do all the time as a woman. It was awesome! Lissa, you are such a superior human being! Here is a bit of my fun….
Does she look happy? I cannot say it got better, but it got as unbelievable as this was.
Off to Piece Unique and the other gift from God, Lisa. My friend and I got caught up and then this girl took to shopping. Again, me sharing like woman do!
I cleaned off the 90% off rack. I am walking the fashion show at First Event in Boston in January. We have to provide our own outfits and Lisa had the PERFECT dress for the occasion!!!
Long story short, I tried on a few skirts, a few tops, a couple of dresses and it was……no words. I bought the most amazing high-low Calvin Klein gown, the center piece of my walk in Boston and Lisa (I cannot tell you what you mean to me) gifted me a bag of items.
Ladies, GET OUT THERE! We live in an amazing world if you open your heart and allow it to wash over you. I have done that and experienced love and acceptance that I, frankly, do not deserve.
2026 Editorial Comment: Days like this are treasures! But time and again, because I am not the woman you see here 24/7/365, time after time after time, these types of relationships fizzle away. Completely disappear. I cannot drop everything to be Kandi. I am in a 40+ year traditional marriage. I have to work. All of which makes keeping friendships like this alive (friendships take work) almost impossible. But I can look back fondly, knowing I did have this moment.
18 Responses
Kandi,
You get more beautiful each time you post. The center picture on the last ones posted says it all, WOW what a beautiful
lady. You go girl!!!
We live thru your adventures, as we all want to do what you do everyday. You are surely blessed.
Davina
You are very sweet, Davina! Thank you so much for the inspiration!!
Beautiful as usual, Kandi, inside and out. I adore that shorter wedding dress. It looks so different from the normal long gowns. It flows so naturally. Have fun with all your adventures and we will have fun following them with you.
Donna
I agree, a tea length gown shows her femininity and is as flirty and fun as Kandi’s personality!
The love from my friends is remarkable! I truly have so much to be thankful for!!
I love your denim skirt and blue blouse. I much prefer a “simple, adorable look”. You are a natural beauty.
I am so happy for you.
Jocelyn
Thank you darling!! Have a great whatever-they-call-it-in-Canada this week!!
We don’t call this week anything. It is not special at all. In Canada we had Thanksgiving celebrations on October 11.
But, happy this week to our American neighbours.
Jocelyn
☺
Kandi, you look amazing in all the wedding dresses, my favorite is the second one with the bow. I’m looking forward to seeing the results from the photo shoot! ❤
And I am dying for the shoot date to come!!!!
Lovely photos and such beautiful dresses
I do love such feminine dresses, would so enjoy do that
Thanks for sharing your life and adventures
I share because I want others to understand that if I can do this, so can they!!
How fun! All I can say is yippee for Kandi!!!
I was yippeeing myself!!
Kandi,
Sometimes the sad fact of life is relationships do ” Fizzle ” away . I try not to be introspective about that fact , perhaps I’m over sensitive at times and tend to blame myself , I question could I have done more to keep a friendship intact . In hindsight it’s not always the case people change and they move on , or did they do enough to retain your friendship ? While you comment that not being full time could be the problem , I know from my own experience that some people only prefer or accept you as female , the guy maybe well meaning but he’s not always welcome . I do question myself when people drop out of my art groups , I treat everyone the same and offer advice and encouragement BUT have they seen the hidden side of me or are they just not that committed enough to art ? Obviously I hope that the latter is the truth .
I agree that female social relationships are very special , it’s one aspect I really enjoy and cherish , again there is a BUT , not all women are that sociable at times . I have a few female friends who are good to talk to but difficult as close friends , I just have to accept they are kept at arm’s length .
Just…. WOW Kandi you are one lucky girl. You and the dresses you modelled are stunning on you,
😘😘😘