Beauty in Montreal

[Maria]

Well done, CJ!

Thanks for posting the Montreal links! It must be exciting to see Gracie for the first time!

Hope you and Gracie have a great time in Montreal!

Maria

[Darth_Wolfenbarg]

Make sure to show her this thread.

[CJ]

Hi all,

I will, Darth, I will.

It's sort of cute the way Beauty felt that she had to reassure me that she wouldn't do anything to embarrass us (here, at home). I told her, "Are you crazy? There's nothing you could do that would embarrass us!" "Okay," she replied, "should I bring 'a change of clothes', then?" "Absolutely!" I told her.

I'm not entirely sure we'll be going out en femme all that much (it's a heck of a lot of work--well, for me, anyway) even though Marie, Carole, and Rina are sort of expecting that we'll want to do so. I haven't dressed in over seven months (since what I refer to as my "Disastrous December"). What I really want to do is hang out with Beauty in a more androgynous mode, you know? Lord knows, there'll be tons of us "in-betweeners" come next week, what with GLBT Pride Week and all. We'll see.

As part of the preparations (just in case), I went to my hairdresser's yesterday morning. She gave me a bit of a haircut, decided to keep most of the colour that remained in my tips, but did not give me a feminine hairstyle. Not yet, anyway (I had an activity with clients yesterday afternoon and a feminine "do" might not have gone over well with some of them). For the same reason, we decided that she would put off until Tuesday the waxing of my eyebrows. I'm on vacation for the next two weeks so whatever transformation happens now may be less noticeable when I get back to work (for example, Carole is supposed to be waxing my body when she comes back from her own vacation today or tomorrow).

It'll be a trippy week, I'm sure. I really can't wait to meet Beauty; it'll feel so good to have a "gender ally" in my corner, so to speak.

Love,
CJ

[SharonRose]

CJ, it sounds like you have some nice things planned.

I am lucky enough to have met Gracie in person several times.

She came to our support group meeting a couple of weeks ago, so I got to see the "new" Gracie.

Sharon

[CJ]

Hi all,

A little progress report.

Beauty doesn't know it yet but my friend Rina (who'll be hanging out with us) scored two pairs of tickets to the opening ceremonies of the First Annual International Outgames next Saturday night at the Olympic Stadium! With a capacity of 65,000 seats, the promoters are expecting pretty much a full house. Performing: Diane Dufresne (a local rock diva hugely popular with the gay and transgender crowd), schmoozer k.d. lang, and the Cirque du Soleil, amongst others. Tickets for the three-hour spectacle normally go for $125 each. I guess it pays to be connected!

I spoke with Beauty last night but couldn't focus on the conversation too well as Carole was in the process of ripping hair out of the backs of my thighs. Yep. I got meself hot-waxed again. The whole-body thang (including a clean bikini line)! Last time she did this was in May of last year and you know what? I'd plumb forgotten how painful it is. Ouch! Double-ouch (especially the underarms, chest, and stomach areas)! I've now got baby smooth legs and arms and a baby smooth butt. I'll admit I didn't waste too much time debating what I was going to wear to bed last night; I kept the pair of comfortable pink nylon thongs I was wearing for the "procedure," donned a pair of silky pantyhose, and slipped into a pink twin-layered satin and nylon floor-length nightgown with matching satin robe. I'd forgotten how good these garments feel against bare and hairless skin. I slept like a baby, I swear!

It's sort of strange that I'm giving myself so much trouble (or, rather, that I'm giving my appearance so much thought) given that it's not even certain yet that there'll be any crossdressing going on while Beauty is here. Still, even if I stay in a rather androgynous mode (as Beauty likely will), I find it pretty trippy to finally be, well, crossdressing again after all these months. I missed it. I really did.

I just came back, about a half hour ago, from Rita's, my hairdresser (I saw her last Friday for a wash and a trim of my fairly long hair); this time, she waxed my eyebrows in order to thin them out and give them a more feminine arch. I didn't go to see her en femme (as I did last December)--I didn't have the opportunity, nor was it a good time to do so--but I did wear my women's black polyester slacks; a light blouse; and open-toed sandals (with pantyhose and a girdle, of course!). I'll need to change back into more, uh, appropriate clothes this afternoon as I'm meeting up with Marie, who's taking her two little nieces to see the movie Cars. These kids (now 8 and 13) don't miss a beat; my hairless body and waxed eyebrows will come under scrutiny (as they have before). Good thing I held off on the application of fake nails (something I'll be doing tomorrow).

Anyway, as usual, I'll keep you all posted.

Love,
CJ

P.S.
Right now, seeing as I was already "halfway there," so to speak, I decided to change for the hour or two I'll be here before going to join Marie and the kids; I'm wearing a beautiful black nylon-lined skirt, a red silk blouse, and a pair of 2" high-heeled pumps. I tried putting my wig on but, in this kind of heat, I gave that up in no time flat. Just a touch of lipstick and blush, and here I am.

[Jeannie]

Sounds like great time you have planned CJ. The Hostess with the mostess! One question for you Hon. Isn't easier to shave once in a while than wax? Waxing doesn't sound like much fun. I just jump in the tub a few times each week. I put on my favorite music,light some candles and pour a drink and shave myself silly. It's great fun.Hugs and have a nice time with Beauty. You two foxes will be dangerous! Whoa Nelly!

Love
Jeannie


PS. I know CJ! It doesn't take much shaving for me to be silly! One stroke and I'm there! Gotta go to my daughter Katies tonight.I'm bringing dinner for her and her girlfriend. I put on my favorite red sun dress. Sara just snapped a picture and I will post it in my gallery. I'm such a picture hound CJ I can't stand myself sometimes!
There is one bone I have to pick with Canadians. I live in Connecticut and you guys are always sending those freezing air masses down here every freaking winter. STOP IT! Have a wondeful time Hon. If you want me to crash the party dressed as a guy I'll give you a discount. Usually there's a 25% surcharge for that!

[CJ]

Hi all,

The swan has landed!

Talk to you soon.

Love,
CJ

[CJ]

Hi all,

A quick update.

Beauty got in yesterday morning around 10:00 am. I met her at the airport (I was, indeed, holding a sign that said, "Searching for Beauty"--I didn't really need it as we instantly and immediately recognized each other).

A whole slew of feelings flooded me at first seeing her and talking with her "in the flesh": delight, nervousness, the warmth of friendship, a sense of, well, "protectiveness" towards her (yeah, go figure), anticipation, and curiosity. She's more beautiful than I imagined; her smile is stunning; her eyes carry this sparkle that's a witness to her love of life.

We took a cab back to our place and settled Beauty in; she's using "my" room (I say "my" because I actually don't sleep there as much as I do downstairs where it's cooler). We then had a super fun chat around a cup of coffee, with Marie and Beauty obviously feeling pretty comfortable around each other right off the bat. Then we went shopping at the nearby mall. Surprised? Not me. (Women! ) Later in the afternoon, we came back home and all had a nap; apparently, all three of us, in getting ready for this special visit, had had very little sleep the night before.

Around 6:30 pm or so, we got up and started planning for supper. We invited Carole, who joined us shortly thereafter. In the end, we decided to order out (Thai). It was a great meal; good food, good friends, good surroundings (we were outside, on the patio); jazz saxophones playing in the background. We ended up gabbing until two in the morning, at which point Carole really had to leave (she was working early this morning, whereas Marie and I are still on vacation).

I loved the fact that Beauty got to see the dynamic going on between Marie, Carole, and me. She'd heard about our singular "triangular" friendship but she now got to witness it first-hand. And I was super pleased that Beauty, Carole, and Marie hit it off so well.

It was a bit weird but I felt like I was somewhat "outside" their circle at different points in the conversation. It made me realize that, indeed, Beauty is more part of Carole and Marie's world than of my own (and, yes, she certainly looks the part, too); it was a sweet yet sort of sad feeling at the same time. I did relish that feeling, though. I was glad that Beauty was enjoying herself. We all were.

All in all, a good first day. There's stuff planned for today, too, but Beauty wants us to sort of play it be ear (which I'm totally fine with). In about an hour's time, we'll be going for a leasurely stroll downtown. Again, I'll keep you posted.

By the way, Beauty sends her regards to everyone here.

Love,
CJ

[DonnaT]

Thanks for the update CJ.

Careful you don't need a vacation following your vacation.

[CJ]

Hi all,

Ugh! My mind is here, at the computer, but my body feels like it's still in bed sleeping like a baby (or is that the other way around?--I can't tell just right now )! I woke up feeling a little woozy; methinks we had a little too much wine last night.

We had a great night. Marie, Beauty, and I went to I guess what you could call a "pre-event" event--a huge outdoor party near Old Montreal attended by hundreds of people. Kiosks, booths, stages, and huge screens were set up on Viger Square. There were musical acts, drag shows, lots and lots of 70's disco music. We had beautiful weather; it was hot but the sky was a flawless blue (and then a flawless purple and a flawless black as day turned into night). We hooked up with my friend Rina who'd invited us to the VIP terrace (turns out we didn't go as it didn't seem nearly as interesting there as where we were). Marie and Beauty (and Rina and her friends) danced, drank, laughed, had fun (uh, so did I--except for the "dance" part, that is). We stayed there for about four hours and then ended the night at an Italian restaurant in Old Montreal. We got home well after midnight (we were all very tired, so it was a much earlier "retirement" than the night before).

Earlier in the day, Beauty and I went downtown. We did the underground shopping malls (Beauty was impressed with the sheer number of shops--she plans to come back to Montreal better prepared next time! ). We then had a bite to eat in a restaurant before going down Ste-Catherine St., Montreal's main commercial, uh, drag.

Tonight, we're going to the Olympic Stadium for the OutGames' opening ceremonies. Then, we'll be off to one of the dance clubs in the Village. I plan to ease up on my alcohol consumption this time around.

It ought to be fun. I'll keep you posted.

Love,
CJ

[Loy B(SO)]

WOW Sounds like you girls are having a great time-Enjoy it and keep us all posted

[Jeannie]

Sounds like you are having a ball Hon. It must be nice to live in a city that has so many things to do for everyone. It's nice to have fun isn't it CJ! Hugs.

Love
Jeannie

[CJ]

Hi everyone! Me again.

What a strange, fun weekend it's been! I've just been too tired--waaaaay too tired--to post daily. So here's how it all ended up.

Early Saturday afternoon, Beauty, Marie, and I spent some time around the house, mostly on our little patio, just being easy... chatting over red wine, then doing dishes and laundry, cleaning up a little. We then started planning our evening at the "Big O" (the Olympic Stadium, which many of the locals also refer to as "the Big 'Oh!'" in reference to the taxpayer-supported financial disaster the stadium ultimately turned out to be). While Marie took a short mid-afternoon break by going swimming at the local public pool, I went grocery shopping in order to gather all we needed for an early BBQ supper (on the menu, an American classic: cheeseburgers). In the meantime, Beauty stayed home and worked on our computers for a bit, trying to set up a wireless home network and shared internet connections. As suppertime approached, we started getting ready. I know this already to some extent but it still amazes me how long it takes women to get ready! But it was time well spent; they both looked great.

We'd invited friends; Carole (who was coming with us despite her having worked insane hours at her two jobs over the past couple of days), Rina, and Carmen, one of Marie's friends (and a former roommate of mine--long story). Around 5:00 pm, Carmen arrived, followed shortly by Carole. I fired up the grill and began to cook the burgers. When the table was all set and the food ready (including a great "Greekish" salad Marie whipped up), we sat down and chowed down. Rina arrived a few minutes late but had a (warm) burger with us anyway. We decided to eat indoors as the skies looked uncertain. As we ate and chatted, indeed it started pouring rain out there. But it was a short (yet intense) shower. It was awesome; in no time at all, the skies cleared right up, the humidity all but vanished, and the temperature notched itself down a couple of degrees. Perfect weather to be out and about.

Around 6:30, we all got going, half of us in Carmen's car and the other half in Carole's car. The crowds around the stadium were massive, almost impenetrable. And, because of the way we'd gotten a hold of the tickets (in two separate batches), we had no choice but to split up, with Beauty, Mary, Carole, and Carmen going over to one side of the stadium, and Rina and I on the other. The whole thing lasted about two and a half hours. We all pretty much agreed later on that it wasn't "the Greatest Show on Earth" but that it was, nonetheless, an event worth attending. There were impassioned political speeches to deal with in the beginning but then different acts came on, one after another (the toppers, for me, were the different Cirque du Soleil performers--just mind-blowing the spectacle they put on, these folks! ). The problem with the stadium is that the sound is absolutely horrendous; you can hear the singers' voices well enough but you really have to strain to hear the music--especially above the shouting and clapping of the crowd (estimated attendance: 40,000-45,000). It's for this reason that musical shows and rock concerts are no longer held there (the last one being U2 in the late 80's). I guess this probably didn't matter in the case of k.d. lang whose incredible voice needs no accompaniment, anyway.

We all hooked up again, after the show, meeting at Carole's car. We chatted there, on the sidewalk, for a bit before deciding to head out to the Sky Pub. Apparently, this is the place to be in Montreal on a Friday or Saturday evening--especially during GLBT Pride Week and the first annual OutGames (exceptionally, for this event, they closed down the Gay Village to all automobile traffic, which was awesome even though it made finding parking spots a Herculean task). The Sky was packed, just packed! We got in, though. Personally, I hadn't had such a "crowd bath" (as we say in French) in a very long time. We got there around 11:30 pm and stayed until quarter after three in the am, a few minutes after last call. The girls all danced away, going from floor to floor and from room to room in search of a style they liked. There were techno dancefloors, house, 70's disco, trance, latin, 80's new wave, as well as a roof-wide terrace (which we unfortunately never managed to get to as it was always full--all the smokers hung out there, I guess). We left the club--Carmen, the only parent in our little group, had already left around 2:00 am--and headed out into the streets, where hundreds of people were milling and strolling about in small groups. We walked for a bit just to get a feel for the vibrancy and aliveness of the neighbourhood, even at such a late hour. Eventually, we headed back to Carole's car and drove Rina home. Heh. Gracie always got dibs on the front passenger seat by reason of her long-legged good looks. Heading back across town, around the northern and western slopes of Mount Royal, finally going home (Carole lives a mere five minute drive from our place), the sky purpled with the first light of dawn. It was an awesome moment. Beauty, in the front passenger seat, dozing; Marie, sitting next to me in the back, also dozing; Carole driving, humming softly to the low-volume music of her favorite CD; and I, watching the rosy light slowly coming over the silhouette of the city while Venus shone brighly, low in the sky. Once home (about 5:15 am), and after short, yawning "Goodnight, Gracie," I fell into bed and slept like a log, knowing, without needing confirmation, that the same would be true of Marie and Beauty.

Yesterday, both Marie and I woke up late, close to noon. Beauty had already been up since about 9:00 (how she does it, I don't know). We spent a couple of hours chatting outside under a cloudless blue sky. Then, we phoned Carole and invited her to join us for breakfast at a restaurant by the lakeshore. We ate, talked, laughed, and thoroughly enjoyed each other's company. Around 4:00 pm, we left the restaurant to go hang out a bit by the waterfront before returning home. Carole, still dead tired, left shortly thereafter. Later, around 7:00 pm, we ordered Thai food for ourselves and spent all night talking (I swear, folks, I've never engaged in so much emotionally intense conversations in my entire life as I have in the past four days! ). It was fun. Enlightening. Sometimes a bit corrosive, but always loving.

But all good things must come to an end. Beauty's plane was leaving this morning at 6:00, which required that she be checked through at 4:30 am. So around 11:30 last night, all three of us agreed that we had better call it a night. I set my alarm for 3:00 am, woke up, got out of bed (dragged a comb across my head ). Beauty, hearing me puttering around the kitchen, making myself a cup of coffee and such, eventually got up, too. By 4:00 am, time at which we'd reserved a cab for the airport, we were both ready (Marie slept on, as agreed the night before). At the airport, Beauty and I, hugging, bid each other farewell. We know we'll be doing this again; either she'll be coming back or I'll be going down to Virginia. Either way, we'll be seeing each other in the future, for sure. I stayed at the airport, outside, far enough away from the terminal so that I could better see the airplanes taking off. I stood there until about 6:20, when Beauty's plane flew straight above my head, and then turned and headed home.

You know, there's much I have to say about the days we spent with Beauty--intense, emotional, stuff. But I have a date tonight. I'm tired still. I'm very much needing a nap right now. So it'll have to wait for another time.

All I can say right now is this: I am so glad I finally got to meet her. In my mind, she's now so much more "fleshed out". The goodness in her heart, her--quite literally--gracious soul, her great beauty (as a person and, yes, as a woman--although I'm thinking she'll need to hear this more often before she, herself, is convinced of this truth)... she has so much going for her; I know that wherever she goes on her own path, my own thoughts (and love) will be with her always.

Love,
CJ

[DonnaT]

Yesterday, both Marie and I woke up late, close to noon. Beauty had already been up since about 9:00 (how she does it, I don't know).

She's a Washitonian

Glad to hear y'all had a good time.

[Anita]

Hi CJ-
Thanks for taking the time to write all of that. I got a lot out of your account, and I'll be interested in what came from those conversations between you and Beauty.