In one hand I carried this huge vegetable tray and in the other I had my purse while wearing this full-length fur coat. The guest of honor was also there and asked to take my coat. For a minute I was undecided as to what to do first…. Put down the tray, put down my purse, or just act stupid. Heelen then realized my predicament and directly took the tray told me to put down my purse and then took my coat. There I stood in the kitchen with 4-5 others and all of a sudden I felt naked and not knowing what to do next. I didn’t realize that they were admiring my 25” corseted waist and form fitting dress and were almost speechless. I am not bragging here but I didn’t know what to do. Then one of the girls piped up and asked me if I was wearing a corset and where I purchased it. Surprisingly enough we both used Wasp Creations. This was the icebreaker and it seemed everyone wanted to touch my thin waist. Having the girls’ oogle over you is quite a rush. I enjoyed the attention and realized that this was one of the most important ways to gain self-acceptance. Immerese yourself into the community and take part. I was beginning to feel whole again and that there is a reason for my being.
Minutes later one my good friends Paula arrived and we chatted away and soon inquired the girl at the door about her rennassance costume. She informed us that she attends the ring fairs and has done so for many years and that the sword that was part of her costume was getting in the way. She asked us to come back and proceeded to show us the entire attire with the sword and in doing so informed us how she used to participate in these events as a guy and still does so as a girl. Little did I know she once once was a guy like me? This I found out by mere accident by assuming she was just another CD and was immediately corrected for my mistake. I cannot begin to tell you that my appologies were not enough for this mistaken identity.
A big hug from her brought forth the true acceptance of how wonderful this community is. She declared that this identity crisis happens all the time and that I shouldn’t feel bad for her. 
I still felt like a heel! Such a nice person and lives not far from me either.I continued my journey through main floor only to find the house finely detailed in art and paintings. As I went along I tried to meet as many of the girls as possible. It’s always fun finding out how everyone else lives and what he or she does. For me it puts things into perspective. It always amazes me how I am not the only one. It seems I need to relive this part over and over as others tell of their lives.
Later on I toured the house and was surprised to find that the entire basement was turned into a multievent entertainment complex…And the place wasn’t that big! There was a bar, a place for professional photography, a huge mirrored makeup area, a dance floor, a pool table, and a bullshit area. All night long people were changing clothes, taking pictures, talking and chatting. So many wonderful people under one roof. Heelen puts on quite a party!
As I drove home that night it hit me that I do fit in and I need the company of thes efolks to keep me on track. Getting out and seeing the real world in all it’s glory with these folks makes it all worth while. I now understand what the meetings are all about. Weather you attend structered triess meetings or just going out clubbing it all works the same. It is what you make of it! This is a major piece of the puzzle. We all need to get out and mingle. It makes life fun and something to look forward to.
For me, I love getting out and interacting with GG's, going to lunch, shopping tht sort of thing. I've wondered what it would be like to do something like you did...By the way, your pictures look great (I probably would have been speechless, too).