By Norah Blucher
No, no name change here. I’m still just Norah Blucher, but I did recently have an out and about adventure that I deemed inspired by Stana and Paula G., as I took a recent business trip to Hartford, Connecticut, and went out en femme in Stana’s Nutmeg State stomping grounds. Mine was certainly not the most exciting outing in the wide world of femulation, but was a huge milestone for me and included many “firsts.”
Just for background, I was always primarily adomestic femulator. Leaving the house was rare and the goal was to avoid social interaction. As in zero! Try not to be seen at all and if so, just blend into the background or move away.
But I decided to change all that. Following the dissolution of a rather unhealthy relationship, I realized many things and perhaps more significantly, chose to end a long career whose benefit package included depression, anxiety, gas lighting and trust issues. I was in a bad place and closer to a breakdown than I realized. I did not femulate, even in the confines of my home, for over a year. I didn’t do much of anything for over a year really.
As I pieced together a new life though, I realized I had been handed a gift few ever get: the chance to start completely over, no strings attached and with more building blocks than I started with. With much trepidation, I took a new career that was totally out of my element in many ways and though it was difficult, whatever was thrown my way, I just went with it and I began to explore the world again as a new person almost. I felt I had missed out on so much of life for quite a while.
And I started femulating again. I guess I could not break that little thread; the urge was just there and was just part of me I had to accept. If I was to start life over though, Norah was to become an integral part of it and something I would not just accept, but embrace!
Here’s the naughty little problem though: if you want to get out in the world, but you are a very closeted femulator, you are always pulled in two directions. One part of you is always missing out. I looked in the mirror one day and told myself, “Girl, you get dolled up every chance you get and sit home or hide from view. You are not living to your full potential. This is not good, dear.”
So I joined a blog called Femulate.org looking to gain some pointers on getting out more and was floored reading about Stana’s journey, then again hearing how Paula G. would go on trips and go out en femme, as well as the exciting stories and information shared by everyone here. I did not know how just yet, but I was determined to femulate these accomplished femulators that inspired me. Not only did these people get out and about, they were living life, as much as possible as their femme selves! I learned so much, and met so many amazing and inspiring sisters and surprisingly found I had something to offer as well. I also read older posts and the one that hit me the most was an old one called “Don’t Let This Happen To You.”
And that was it. Emboldened by the trail blazed by others, it had come time for Norah to enter society. Not as a house sitter or a mute and nameless shadow that quickly vanished. An actual person that people saw and spoke to and interacted with. Not full-time by any means, but out and about when possible in a meaningful way. I did not feel ready in a lot of regards, but if I waited until I felt ready, I would wait forever. I waited anxiously for an opportunity to present its self.and when I arranged my trip to Hartford, I decided now was the time.
Hartford Get Ready!
I had hoped to go to a museum, dine, and do some shopping. It was raining much of the way, and traffic was slow, so I got to Hartford later than intended. The museum was also closed that day anyway, so it looked like get ready and go straight to dinner.
This was still ambitious to say the least. Navigating a store en femme is one thing, as you can move around, avoid people and even pay at a kiosk at times. You can interact with others if you want or just become part of the faceless matrix. You have options.
Dining at a restaurant is different. You have to talk to waitstaff if you want to eat. You can be surrounded by people who may stare and you are stuck there. Keep in mind I have never been to a support group, crossdressing event or even a therapist for trans issues. This was a rather bold step for me and I was skipping the warm up of wandering the museum alone.
Packing was done thoughtfully and I only brought what I needed to avoid any last minute indecision. I hope I do not disappoint anyone here, but I did not choose a nice dress or skirt. I had too much on my mind to worry about a run in my hose or my skirt riding up at the dinner table. I went with jeans, a nice top and lower heel Mary Janes. This is not out of place for me anyway as I’ve always worn a variety of styles. I’m just sort of easy breezy with a touch of glam and eccentricity. My goal was to interact with civilians, but not stand out too much.
It took three hours to get ready! An hour longer than usual. Partly because I wanted every detail to be perfect and mostly because of plain old procrastination. I also further delayed things by making the mistake of trying fake nails for the fist time and putting them on too soon. A note to the wise: put your nails on last! And don’t try something new the day you are going out. Fake nails are a hobbling experience until you adjust to them.
Finally ready and dressed, I procrastinated some more as I stalled and thoughts raced through my head:
“Oh God Norah, you’re sweating. Not a good look, dear. Let’s add more perfume. Yes, better to smell like a tarte than a locker room.”
“Okay, let's practice the walk again… No you bloody bimbo, you’ve practiced for years, you’re just stalling! Get on with it already!”
“Alright, this is it. Deep breath Norah. One… two… three…”
And out the door I went. I heard the latch click behind me and paused for a second. The stairs and side exit were right across the hall flirting with me, calling like a Siren to take the easy way out. It was tempting. But no. No, no, hell no! I’ve been beaten down and treated like a piece of trash too long. This girl was going out the main lobby like anyone else! So, with my head held high, down the elevator it was, through the lobby and out the front door, as I drive off into the waning sunlight...
Does She Make It?
That’s enough for now I think. Questions and comments are always welcome below or e-mail me at nblucher at-sign proton dot me. Just don’t ask me the ending! You can read the rest next time and when that will be is up to Stana. I guess you’ll just have to read the blog daily to see when that is!
April Jones stopped at Victoria’s Secret on the way home from the office and encountered a live-stream of the Victoria’s Secret fashion show from NYC and the staff at Vickie’s snapped April’s photo.. |
Norah, you really look beautiful en femme. Yes, it does take nerve to go out presenting as a woman. But with your appearance you shouldn't have any problems.
ReplyDeleteI flew up from the DFW airport to Chicago Midway and back wearing dresses and there was no problem. When I arrived in Chicago I had to use a restroom, but there was no way I could use the men's restroom with my appearance so I used the women's.
If you are like me you might have a deep masculine voice. I do as I'm a bass singer. But with some effort I learned to sound like a woman when I speak.
Norah, I encourage you to go out en femme. I do when I go shopping, to doctor appointments, and even to church. I have never been harrased with my appearance or my usual attire of dresses.
John
Thank you for your kind words John, you are very sweet.
DeleteMy natural voice is not particularly deep, but definitely still masculine. It took a bit of practice to soften it, and I'm always practicing though.
Norah
Congratulations Norah for taking the plunge into the world of out and about. We now need an after OAA report. I have been to Hartford many many times and have enjoyed visits to Target and museums several times enFemme but never gained the courage to have a sit down meal which would have been solo. I once saw a co-worker that changed his hotel to mine in the hallway (WTF is he doing here) to the exit and I did a 360 back to my room and I was in a pinch to stay inside or go out. Yeah well after several hours of getting ready I did not want to watch TV so I waited and waited and looking at the hotel map on the door I decided to try the other entrance. I was so nervous but calmed done once I click clacked to my rental car. I was paranoid he might see me from his window but with the darkness would offer some cover. Off to Target to buy stockings, Press On nails, and Cereal. Who calls my cell? The coworker to tell me he switched hotels and was in the lobby bar having a drink (or 5 for him). Thanks for the invite (if he only knew) and warning. Now what? I knew I could enter from the-side entrance and the hallway would end into the lobby area but if I had my room card ready I could slip into my room quickly. OK OK Brenda you are passing (or feel like you do and the cashiers never said Boo so you are going to be fine). I made it to the entrance but forgot my purchases so I went back to get them and ventured across the parking lot again enjoying the moment and realized I was relaxed. I felt totally myself in the sea of potential panic and purposely made my way to my room eyes wide open. Another business woman pops out of her room with her roller bag coming towards me and looks up from her Blackberry to say Hello and I just kind of whisper “have a great flight home”. I triple checked my make up removal and slipped into my new night gown for some TV watching and reflection on my out and about. 2 days later I was in Boston and I really wanted to enjoy a walk and a Lobster Roll by the Aquarium and had no fear of coworkers spotting me and most tourists dont see the woman in the 2 piece suit. Yes I was smart to choose a lower height shoe recommended by flight attendants. Hugs Brenda……Norah rock on girl with the new door opened in your life allowing you to explore the world as yourself with positive energy
ReplyDeleteThank you kindly Brenda! The conclusion will follow...... : )
DeleteThanks for sharing your story, and sorry your work mate ditched you, but he does not sound like a smashing person to be with anyway. Most of my travels are solo, but if not, we usually do something together.
I don't think I could be so bold as to still go out with people I knew around, as you did! I bet most of us look so different en femme that no one would suspect us, no matter how much we may fear it though. Sitting down with them may be a different story, but with the inattention we usually give strangers, probably not.
Hugs
Norah
Wonderful story, Sweetie. I'm reminded of that old admonition, "Life is short - eat dessert first." As a crossdresser I have adapted it to, "Life is short - get out of the house, Sweetie!" Yes, that first step can be daunting, but once it's been taken, there's no way to go but up -- and further out! I can't wait for the next installment of Norah's Journey.
ReplyDeleteJulie, thank you so much hon! Being the anonymous crossdresser in the distance truly is so much different than being face to face and saying "Hello, I'm Norah!"
DeleteNorah
JJ here - Great post Norah! Sounds like a great outing and I hope you get a chance to repeat it soon.
ReplyDeleteAlso, a really good example for those who are still deep in the closet to go ahead and step out the door. Its fun out there!
Thank you JJ! Your support has meant a lot to me, and don't underestimate your encouragement to write about wigs helping to drive me out the door. More plans are in the works!
DeleteNorah
Congratulations Norah! It's wonderful that you have built a new and rewarding life. You took a brave step by just going out there cold turkey. It took me a number of baby steps before I got to the point where you are now. I look forward to hearing more of your story. You are an inspiration to all who have yet to walk out that door and really live!
ReplyDeleteLauren
Thank you Lauren. I do hope more of us get out in the world. I do feel fortunate for Stana's blog here, and all the examples I had to follow. I can not imagine what it was like years ago for those of us who stepped outside thinking they were all alone. The ones who made the early trail are the truly brave ones.
DeleteNorah
Norah it’s great to see that you broke the ice, your photograph of the bathroom sink filled with make up, reminded me so much of my times out and about, I always wondered what the hotel maids thought
ReplyDeleteThe more you do this the more you will do this. It comes down to getting over your fears like taking training wheels off a bike eventually before you know it you’re Poppin wheelies and going over jumps. Just enjoy this wonderful gift that we have looking forward to part two hearing about how things went I am also looking forward to emailing you and finding out more about, your personal struggles sharing and supporting with you all the best your sister Paula, G
Paula dear, I think it was one of your posts and pictures that inspired my own messy bathroom photo! I doubt the maid suspected anything. My old life taught me well how to hide the "evidence". Perhaps a post for another day. : )
DeleteHmmm, not sure I like the bicycle analogy. Jumps and wheelies wrecked a bike and gave me a concussion. I do hope continued outings do not lead to such results! Lol
I'm always thankful for your support and happy to do the same.
Your little sister, Norah
Dear Norah, I adore this story of your adventures in the real world and I admire you for making it through those struggles to a peace of beauty. I appreciate you sharing your story with us and I anticipate part 2! (Apparently I find this post to be an A+!)
ReplyDeleteElise dear, thank you, and I'm glad you enjoyed my story. You always have such kind words, and I love that sometimes we can just be a bunch of silly girls for no reason too. : ) You have definitely helped fuel my encouragement.
DeleteNorah
Personally, I have found restaurants to be more relaxing than being in a store. Indeed you are trapped. But, people cannot see your outfit once you are seated. Also, you are only interesting when you are new. After that, you are just that person over there.
ReplyDeleteHowever, the first time going to a sit-down restaurant with a server was scary and it took me a long time to build up to that...
Interesting observations Joey. I guess a lot has to do with the how of your presentation. Full on clothes, wigs, makeup, etc. and we just sort of blend from a distance, but maybe not up close. If we just have a skirt and some heels, it is hidden under the table, and few people probably start investigating under tables.
ReplyDeleteI do agree about being interesting only when new. Sometimes people do get a burr up their bum, and won't let it go, sadly, but I think a lot of people have short attention spans, and unless other actions of ours draw attention, we blend better than we realize.
Stay well,
Norah