Thursday, July 4, 2013

What Would Woody Say?

Woody Hayes was an old school legendary football coach at The Ohio State University.  I would suspect he would not have supported this event...Go Bux!!!! and thanks Lynne!


From the Cyrsti's Condo Library

Who is Renee James?  Renee James is the pen name of a Chicago-area writer who lives in two genders. - and has written a book called "Coming Out Can Be Murder"

"Renee's book is the by-product of a fictional journal James wrote on business trips during her magazine editing years. The journal was a reflection on what her life might have been like if she had chosen to become a transsexual woman rather than marry and raise a family as a bi-gendered male. -"

Her effort has been highly praised and you can follow the link above for more information including purchasing.

The Writing is on the Wall- in the UK

In response to my Cyrsti's Condo "Quote of the Day" post which touched on graffiti in men and woman's restrooms, Paula Gee came up with a few "classics" from the UK:



" I am something of a fan of graffiti , our UK version of the "Jesus saves" one is "and St John scores of the rebound" Ian St John being the Liverpool striker of the day, I have fond recollections of "My Mother made me Homosexual" then added later "If I gave her the wool would she make me one as well" and of course the classic during the Irish "troubles" "Free the Heinz 57" My all time favourite involved the old roller towel manufacture Advance who used to make a product called Towelmaster, so the graffiti read ADVANCE TOWEL MASTER "and be recognized""

Love it! Thanks Paula!

On the Cyrsti's Condo Big Screen

I grew more and more transfixed by the ups and downs of Emma in this YouTube video. Quite the in depth no holds barred look at her transition:


Happy Fourth of July!!!!

Justin Vivian Bond
Unbelievable! Here we are at the 4th of July already.

To paraphrase John Lennon, the country is another year older and what have we done?

Actually from his Happy Christmas: "So this is Christmas And what have you done Another year over And a new one just begun" I'm sure you get the point.

 I have decided to not pull  my soapbox out and going political on this occasion. Except to say even though our system does have it flaws, we still are maybe the world's best chance to lead by example.

On this 4th of July, let's raise a toast  and look at the strides our country could be on the verge of making if we keep up the fight!  When we do, our trans cup will indeed be half full. - A tasty enjoyable adult beverage for you on our nation's birthday.

Finally,  be careful not to burn a hole in your new summer blouse with a stray firecracker!!!

Here's hoping you have a safe and enjoyable fourth!



Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Welcome!

On occasion my ADD brain slows down enough to look around  here in Cyrsti's Condo and notice the number of followers we are adding, a couple of link requests and the number of comments I receive here and through my email.

As always I am flattered and humbled when you think enough to stop in!

Speaking of comments, I have a couple to pass along...the first comes from Angel who made me feel a little better concerning my "liquid" eyeliner paranoia from the Three Years of Work post


"Liquid eyeliner? I can hardly blame you! The first time I ever tried using eyeliner, it was liquid, and the result was so horrible that I was scared of it for a long time. Luckily, a girlfriend showed me the error of my ways and introduced me to the crayon type of eyeliner, which is so much more forgiving. I do use liquid eyeliner these days, but only occasionally, like when I want a more dramatic look... and have extra time, in case I make a mistake. Oh, I guess I should also say something about Elladonna. Hubby watched the video with me and we both agree... very nice."

Thanks Angel! After watching Elladonna's  video in what looks like her room- I wonder if she has ever been out?

The next comment comes from my "Bitchdom" post from Pat:
"It seems that more and more of us are getting out and about and mixing with the civilian population on a more and more regular basis. Nevertheless there is still a large level of lack of understanding when civilians encounter someone presenting in their non-natal gender.

There are many folks who think that they are liberal and open minded but their level of pandering and patronizing is just below the surface. My advise is to always work to be comfortable with yourself and let the pretenders wallow in their own thoughts. Keep a smile on your face and perhaps those you meet may learn a thing or two."

A little background on Pat's comment. She is one by her own admission may not present as the most attractive woman in the world but still loves to go out and enjoy herself and engage others. Her words are another very effective way to network your feminine self and open the door to a new circle of friends!!!!

Once again my appreciation to all of you!!!!





On the Road Again

From Billboard
:


"With punk outfit Against Me! returning to the stage this September, frontwoman Laura Jane Grace (left) will warm-up with a mini-tour of her own. Ticket buyers for her north coast dates will get first taste of new Against Me! music.
They’ll receive a download link to two stripped-down versions of songs that'll appear on Against Me!’s upcoming full-length album “Transgender Dysphoria Blues”. The limited edition ”True Trans” recording will be available for purchase at the upcoming acoustic shows. The six solo acoustic shows start Aug. 10 in Philadelphia under the banner “Jane Grace Sings The Transgender Dysphoria Blues” – a name that plays on the artist’s real life turn of events."

Obviously a huge plus for the transgender community and I hope Laura Jane exceeds all her expectations! Oh, by the way- love the T-shirt!

Cyrsti's Condo Quote of the Day

"If it doesn't kill you, it should at least make you smarter!"

Who knows I may have read this true statement somewhere.  Perhaps on a bathroom wall?  It seems the bathroom philosophy is going the way of the dinosaurs. From my lengthy days in the bar business, from an operators stand point- it's a good thing. As I have said here many times, my belief in the "pristine" women's room was shattered early and often as a manager.
Un named graffiti proof women's room.

As I started to transition and began to visit more women's restrooms, I did read with interest the difference in each gender's bathroom graffiti.  I noticed the sexual content was comparable.  Women got the nod for "marking" their guys by name on the wall positively.  If you are a woman and get mentioned on a men's restroom wall 99% of the time it's probably not a positive-unless you want to be sexually active with strangers.

Finally, I do have to give the genetic women the edge in creativity.  I can not say the quote above didn't come from a women's rest room visit.  My "best of" male wall quote comes years ago 1971, from a college bar called Howard's in Bowling Green, Ohio and evokes the unholy alliance between hockey and religion: Someone wrote "Jesus Saves" and someone added "And Esposito (hockey player) slaps it in"! Nice!

All in all, this lost art form did speak volumes on the difference between the genders on a whole different stage!

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Out of My Mind, Into the World

Image from the JJ Hart Archives. There were many times during my transgender transition I was thinking I was somehow out of my mind.  I even...