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’.
