By Sherry Greer (YAY!)
For those who remember watching ABC’s Wide World of Sports this was the opening line to each episode. I asked multiple people if they wanted to do something on Saturday 1/10, but no one could/wanted to go out. I didn’t let this discourage me and decided to go out solo. I usually don’t like to do this, but it can be advantageous as Kandi has documented. This night overall was wonderful!
It started with going to a little boutique/marketplace and getting a quick drink and nachos. The area in Akron is very lgbtq friendly and extremely welcoming. Nothing much to write about here but just nice to be out and about enjoying the (rainy) day. I then traveled to a local thrift store because I am looking for a 70’s outfit for the upcoming Mix event at the Cleveland Museum of Art. The place was packed as everything was 50% off. I was just another person shopping, and no one said any different. I didn’t find a retro dress, but I did buy a pair of jeans with a wider pant leg since those are back in fashion. From there I went to a mall that Kandi and I frequent on a regular basis. Usually when I go to this mall I am relaxed because I feel no one is really paying attention to me. This night I felt a lot of looks and at one store I was in a teenage kid who was with his family looked right at me and laughed in my face 😡! (The temporary Agony of Defeat) This honestly made me mad but I assume he needed to make fun of me to cover up his own insecurities.
So…to make me feel better I went to the Bridal store in the mall and tried on some dresses! The women in the store were so nice and the manager remembered me. I really liked both dresses and they fit perfectly! It’s amazing the feeling you get, and you can feel yourself light up and get goosebumps 🤗! In a matter of 20 minutes, I went from anger to complete joy and the feeling of femininity pouring through my bones! It only gets better after this!! (The Thrill of Victory)
I then went to the Italian restaurant that Kandi and I have been to numerous times. The food is amazing, but the bartenders and servers are even better. The place is so welcoming and everyone at the bar area seems to be regulars. No matter when I go there everyone seems to know each other. As I walked in there was a seat available one down from the corner. I sat down and the one bartender, Karen, said “Hey stranger” like she always does. I ordered a glass of wine, and we exchanged how the holidays were. As I got my wine the couple that was on the other side of the corner left. Almost simultaneously a couple replaced them, and another sat next to me. It was really nice because both women sat close to me for easy conversation. We instantly introduced ourselves and started talking. I showed the one who’s name is Amy the dress I want and the makeup and hair I want to do for Mix. The other woman is a hairdresser, Jennifer, evidently, I had a hair out of place, and she fixed it for me! We ordered more drinks and our food. I went back and forth with each couple in conversation, and it was wonderful.
At one point Amy asked me if I ever had the Chocolate Martini they make. I told her I hadn’t and before the night ended she bought me one! I did make eye contact with another woman sitting down the bar and she eventually came over and introduced herself. She was wonderful and told me how beautiful I am and how proud she was that I was living my life. Obviously, I didn’t fool anyone but people with respect showed respect towards me! The woman who came started to get a little drunk and was asking me questions respectfully about how I came to where I’m at. I was okay with it because I do want people to know and understand what we go through. As the night came to an end, we said how nice it was to meet each other and gave hugs to one another! The moral of the story…get out there, you never know how the night will go! Hope you like the pics!
As always…
Stay beautiful, Sherry
Editorial comment: The experience at the restaurant never happens if you had gone out with a friend or friends. Just sayin’.
15 Responses
Sherry ,
I’m not sure if you call it an advantage or disadvantage but being full time many things in my daily life are done alone . I do miss one or two friends that have fallen by the way side . One I would collect from the railway station and then head off for some shopping and a light lunch before she had to catch her return train , it felt slightly romantic and of course we had some fun especially with SAs .
I don’t mind my own company , I feel I’m freer to explore , I love my holidays and my recent cruise , it’s a lovely feeling to be accepted and treated as a travelling companion .
Sometimes I do have to push myself but they soon pay off with my twice weekly art groups and National Trust meetings . I admit at first how much I would be able to integrate into society and be a normal part of it but it’s happened . I don’t go looking for complimenst but it is nice when I receive them because they are based on being seen as a woman .
Confession time I do adore slipping into a wedding dress but when I was a photographer I was more envious of the bridesmaids , I loved the style and colour of their outfits and they had so much fun at weddings .
Sherry,
Great story, and a fabulous day for you.
I really love the jeans, sweater and boots outfit. You look so feminine and beautiful.
Restaurants are always fun to meet people and “let your hair down”.
Love you and miss you,
Jocelyn
Miss you too!
Sherry, I love that you went to the bridal shop to immerse yourself in that feminine experience after the rudeness of that youngster. The white gown is gorgeous!
A restaurant is the best place to have wonderful food and good company. It feels so natural to chat while sitting at the bar. Sometimes it’s just as meaningful as going out with friends, like Kandi said in her editorial comment.
Hugs, Tina
It definitely is!
Everything turned out lovely!
Looking good Sherry, really have no idea why the brat would laugh at you your quite lovely in your attire but oh well as you said his problem
Sounding like a lovely day indeed
Thanks! ☺️
bet the “brat” was tuned up by a parent. don’t know if I could have kept my mouth shut like you did.
The acceptance of women like you described continues to amaze me although asking personal questions is a new one.
you looked lovely in that gown
Thanks! I actually didn’t mind the questions, I look at it as an educational opportunity!☺️
Great story Sherry! It’s so nice to hear about your experience and that there are nice respectful people out there. I’m yet to venture out in public but I’m working up to it! I’m possibly hoping a support group here in Melbourne and that will be my first time in public all be in a private group. I’m hoping this will lead to further outings and making some friends with other likeminded people. I’m nervous and excited at the same time.
I think you look amazing and I love the photos. I hope I look as good 😘👗❤️
Chris,
I abviously understand your anxiety. My first time out I went to a beauty supply store 30 minutes from my house. I spent about 20 minutes in the store and bought a sticky bra. The more you go out, the more confidence you gain! Please get out and be you! ❤️
Sherry
Thanks Sherry, it’s lovely people like yourself giving me the encouragement and confidence. It’s so nice to be able to talk to you Sherry. 😘
Great story Sherry!
I am glad that the outing end on a high. I must admit that the adverse reaction could have ruined the night and made you question your decision, but it is great that you carried on and had a great evening.
It was definitely fun!