Tuesday, February 27, 2007

Re: New comment on Casualties of war.

Well, I must say.. for an anonymous person, this person sure says quite a bit.... Since they can't sign their posts to identify themselves, I will respond here. Why don't you step up and identify yourself if you dare, or do you have that much to hide? See below...


Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Casualties of war":

Dear Heather:
I will read what I will read, and as long as I can I will post what, where and what I feel like, for unlike you, I can do this without offending anyone. If you were offended by the beaten truth of my last post, then you Ma-am-wana-be, need a lesson in real life humility.
My reply would have to be a definite "Bite me" (to quote my wife)! Your responses are from your experience, not mine What holds as truth for you may not hold as such for another. I have news for you, your "I'm the only expert" attitude does offend me, so you can post and offend someone...

The issues you present in the last few posts are so self-centered I’m surprised you haven’t had the crap beat out of you yet, or are you hiding that from the blog. I have been a CD for over 20 years, and, yes, I’ve gotten into a few ‘scuffs’ over it. Lessons learned are the most valuable lessons someone can ever have.
Never have. I'll be the first to walk away from a fight if I can. If not, I will be sure to defend myself if forced to. I've been a CD for well over 15 years myself, so you don't have much on me there "anonymous"...

“Compromising your beliefs for a few ‘Friends’?” Give the world a break, and stop making everything so YOU! What beliefs can you possibly be compromising? Offending everyone? Doing what you want without respect for those around you? Or maybe it’s the belief that you can wear what you want, when you want, without fear of reticule or retaliation? Good luck on that one! You will have better luck becoming president of the USA then that. Oh, I know what belief: You can do what you want, when you want, without fear.
I know when to dress as Heather and when not to. I save Heather for where it's appropriate. The issue isn't me being en femme, it is people not accepting that I choose to dress differently. It is really no different than if I chose to go Goth, the issue would be the same.

The fact of the matter is, no matter how your self centered little self-wants to see it, you must abide by the greater majority. You know this, I know this, I believe it, and you refuse to believe it. Would you walk into a Biker bar en-famine? I think not, and I wouldn’t either. There’s a place and time for everything and quite possibly, the friends you are talking about is neither the time nor place.
Would I? Probably not, unless I knew the crowd first... I know there's a place and a time for it, and I keep Heather for those places and times. You're preaching to the choir, "anonymous". If I walked into the biker bar I'd probably be wearing my leather & carrying my helmet actually.. You see, I am a biker (as opposed to a yuppy).

Next little point for you to ponder, young CD: Society decides what you can ware, when you can ware it, and how it’s worn. Society is the doctrine we must all fit into, unless you live in a bubble world. Yes, you are right about the established origins of the heels, but if take a look around the world, you will see that style went out ages ago, and a group of CD’s like us will never bring it back.
Well you are wrong there again. Society does decide what is customary to wear. How does it do this? Its quite simple really, there's power in numbers No single TG will change it, but hundreds of thousands will... And men and heels was in fashion as little as 30 years ago. Cowboy boots still have as much as a 2" heel, so men do wear heels even today. I wear heels appropriate for a guy when in male mode, not spiked or pointy toe... Women couldn't wear pants in public 200 or so years ago but they can now. Why? Because a large number of them stood up and said "No More!". Society can and will change. It is up to us to mold it in our image.

Are you sure they are narrow-minded, or rather not face any outside ridicule, or perhaps something that would originate from within their social circles? Again, it’s not just the “you” here in this debate/ argument you are having, it’s their friends, family and social circles you affect as well. If you haven’t ever read it, try researching ‘6 degrees of separation’, in which it very accurately describes how many people we really affect with our decisions and actions.
I have read this theory many years ago, this is nothing new to me. It is human nature to fear what we do not understand. What we have here is a definite fear of the unknown. The only way to overcome this un-natural fear is through education, not hiding. I will educate those around me so that they no longer fear me. If they are not willing to listen, then it is their loss, not mine.

Next thing: In case you have never known it, your freedoms end when they infringe on another’s freedoms. Our nation has gone to war over this time and time again. You know the nation, the one that gives us all these rights and privileges to exercise these rights. Your freedom of expression ends when it interferes with someone else’s freedom. Remember that! The very nation that gave you that freedom can also remove it (not that it would, just that it could).
You have made my point for me actually. When their freedom of expression (wanting me to dress differently than I do) interferes with my freedom to dress as I choose, THEY are infringing on MY freedoms as well. If you don't like the way I look, don't look. I don't tell them how to dress, so what gives them the right to tell me how to? Freedom of expression does not end when it interferes with someone else's freedom. The other party has the right to express their own opinion in rebuttal, but nothing forces them to agree. That is what makes this country so great! I have every right to say what I want, dress how I want, and do what I want so long as it is within the laws (which my dressing is). That is what freedom of expression is all about. Anyone who would restrict my ability to do so is in violation of my first amendment rights. What you are really describing is mob rule, not freedom of speech.

I honestly believe your being forced to conform to Society’s defined terms, and that’s what you dislike: what society and defined as proper male clothing.
What can I say, I'm a non-conformist... remember this - blacks rode the back of the bus until one sat up front and refused to move. Some of us are content to sit in the back of the bus... I am not!

Maybe, Just maybe, your guns should be holstered and saddled for a while there cowboy. I can emphasize with you, even sympathize with the problems you face, but the bottom line is, your pushing, pushing hard, and these friends you are talking about don’t want to be pushed, so they are pushing hard.

All I can say is if they were my real friends they would bring the issues to me so that we can discuss them and work it out. To date they have not They choose to hide, run away, whatever you like to use to describe it. The rest of them have brought it to my attention. A good example is some friends who's wedding we are helping with. They asked that I be dressed appropriately and I told them I had no intention of doing otherwise. There is a time and a place for everything. I own a suit for just this sort of occasion.
One last thing for today: “What is really sad is when you are placed in a position where you have to choose between a best friend and your wife, both of which are right on many points.” Are they opposite points? Do they have common grounds? I would personally would tell the best friend that this is what he’s done. If he’s a real friend, I bet he’ll back off.

Common grounds? Some, and on others they are both right but from opposite ends. All I can do is stand by y wife and try to smooth out the wrinkles as best I can.

An Old CD



Posted by Anonymous to Heather's Blog at Mon Feb 26, 12:04:00 PM EST
Anonymous... Try standing behind your words and identify yourself. You certainly have nothing to fear from me. I can take criticism from the best of them. Just don't expect me to agree with you or change because of it.

Saturday, February 24, 2007

Casualties of war

Or at least that is what it feels like we're seeing here. It seems I
have been placed in a position where I can choose between compromising
my beliefs for a few "friends" or sticking to my guns and being happy as
who I am. Have I lost a few casual friends as a result of recent
happenings? maybe.. Am I going to lose any sleep over it? Definitely
not! Choices have been made and things have been said that can't be
taken back. I'm sure that over time things will calm down and it will
get better on that front, but it can never go back to where it was
before. What is really sad is when you are placed in a position where
you have to choose between a best friend and your wife, both of which
are right on many points.

On the one side we have the narrow-minded bunch who are stuck on the
"those are girl clothes" thing. Why are they "girl clothes" anyway? Who
decided that only girls can wear stretch jeans or heels? After all, high
heels were invented for MEN originally! So I like to wear a skirt... Men
have worn skirts and dresses (by whatever name they were called.. robes,
kilts, etc) for millennia, why is it wrong in the 21st century to wear
what men have worn since the dawn of time? Men in the Renaissance wore
makeup, British Parliament still wear wigs to this day, so why do the
narrow-minded ones have an issue with what I wear i guy mode? Maybe I
should start having an issue with fat, beer-drinking men, or women with
nails so long they can't function... I find them as much a turn off as
some find my choice in clothing.

On the other side we have the open-minded ones who see no issue with
wearing what is comfortable so long as it is respectable. These are the
ones who don't really care how you look so long as you are a decent
human being.

Let's see.. hang around with those who would restrict the freedoms of
others to make themselves comfortable, or the ones who will accept you
as you are? gee... tough choice... Not!

Don't like what I have to say? Feel free to not read it then. That's all
I can say.. This is how I feel. It sucks that I have to feel this way,
but that is where I have been forced to be by the actions of others. I
will never give up my freedom to be me so that others can be happy with
me. I'll go somewhere else first.

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

life is interesting....

well, life has definitely been proving to be rather interesting lately. We had a good time this weekend with the girls and are trying to arrange a babysitter for saturday night so we can get out again...

When you push the limits, eventually someone will push back. Over the last few days we have been arguing with my best friend over Heather related issues. It seems that people got mad because we decided to go out with our friends instead of going to a birthday party. Honestly I didn't feel like going because it was for someone who is very bigoted, which makes me very uncomfortable. I chose to go have a good time instead of dealing with the drama that was sure to be at the party. Was I wrong to make that decision? maybe... but I made it so what is done is done. Its sad when a "friend" asks another if I will be over before he comes over because he doesn't want to see the way I choose to dress. All I can say is I definitely know who my real friends are. If I have to worry that my stretch jeans might offend someone I would rather find something else to do with my time. What is even worse is when a "friend" won't bring their issues to your face, they have to relay them through someone else. The way I look at it is if they really want to be a friend they will face me and say what is on their mind. If they cant do that then I guess the issue isn't worth overcoming to them.

I would rather surround myself with people who have the guts to face me and tell it like it is. Anyone know someone with the guts to bring up the issues face to face?

I'm moving forward with my life, wherever that may bring me. It's all about the here & now.... I'll deal with tomorrow's issues tomorrow.....

To all my real friends... you know who you are... Thanks for being there through the good and the bad.

Sunday, February 18, 2007

Multimedia message


Multimedia message, originally uploaded by heathercd_2005.

the completed corset


the completed corset, originally uploaded by heathercd_2005.

Friday, February 16, 2007

the back view


the back view, originally uploaded by heathercd_2005.

my corset fits!!!


my corset fits!!!, originally uploaded by heathercd_2005.

a full corset...


a full corset..., originally uploaded by heathercd_2005.

just need gromets and edging...

1/2 a corset... :)


1/2 a corset... :), originally uploaded by heathercd_2005.

1/2 of the busk installed


1/2 of the busk installed, originally uploaded by heathercd_2005.

Thursday, February 15, 2007

Saturday, February 10, 2007

My friday

Well, I had a good day yesterday. I wore jeans, my brown knee high
boots, and my new purple floral top for my outing to NYC with Louise. We
got there a bit early so we stopped into Purple Passion. Oh how I wish i
could afford anything in that store... I looked at a few corsets and I
definitely am on the right track with mine. I wish I had the $1000 for
the leather sleep sack.... I did the initial interview with the
Transgender Project. It seemed very comprehensive and centered around
STD/HIV statistics in relation to upbringing, sexual preference,
poverty, etc. It will be interesting to see what the outcome of the
project is. After NYC we met with a few of the girls at the Palms for
some drinks & karaoke. It was a fun evening and I certainly can't wait
to do it again.

Thursday, February 08, 2007

I love my gel nails.. :)

Well, I just got done wiring a new office yesterday. Keeping in mind
that I was cutting drywall, pulling cables, etc. for 2 days and I didn't
split a single nail! I know for a fact that if I had done this without
the gels I would have taken out at least 4 or 5 nails in the process.. :)

Corsets are fun

I have to admit, I am really enjoying wearing this corset on a daily
basis. Not only is the tightness of it a great feel, but it is
interesting to feel the difference when I take it off at night. I
ordered the parts I need to finish off my corset and I hope to have them
in my hands by the weekend. I won't actually have time to finish the
corset until probably Sunday or Monday though. I have the inner layer
completed and have laid out the outer brocade layer. I'll cut it out
tonight I think and then move on from there. I can't wait.. :)

Wednesday, February 07, 2007

the inner layer


the inner layer, originally uploaded by heathercd_2005.

Here is the inner corset layer... 2 more to go

Monday, February 05, 2007

A busy weekend

I had quite the busy weekend and didn't really get the time to blog much. On Friday I went to Louise's for some much needed play time. On Saturday I had a Heather day all day. I got up, showered, and dressed casual for my day out & about. I wore my jeans with the X lacing, my new 2" heeled boots, cami and a blue frilly sweater. My wife & daughter went with me to the nail salon and I had my nails filled. My wife had hers done as well and I think she will be using the same salon from now on. After the salon we got together with another cross dresser who is pretty new to it and I took her out thrift shopping. We had a good day out and she got some good stuff to expand her wardrobe. I think next time we'll take her for some makeup. On Sunday we went to Louise's for dinner and had a good time.

In between all of this I put together the inner layer of my new corset and figured out what I was going to need as far as boning is concerned for it. I hope to order the stuff today or tomorrow. The cheap corset I have been wearing won't last much longer.. The material is letting loose all over. It definitely was not made for regular wear.

Sunday, February 04, 2007

Multimedia message


Multimedia message, originally uploaded by heathercd_2005.

the mock up...

Thursday, February 01, 2007

the mock up


the mock up, originally uploaded by heathercd_2005.

the pattern


the pattern, originally uploaded by heathercd_2005.

corsets...

Well, I got annoyed when the cheap coret started to let loose yesterday so I decided to look into replacing it. In the procedss, I found some great info on corset making and a supplies for the parts to do it. I am going to attempt to make my own corset. Last night I took the measurements and made the pattern for a 10 panel under bust hourglass corset that should get me 4" reduction... I'm going to make it 3 layers which should be much stronger than this flimsy satin corset. I think we have some brocade fabric downstairs for the outer layer, maybe even some purple left over from my wedding garb. I'll probably buy some denim for the inner layer since this is where most of the strength will come from. I have to dig through the scraps in the basement and see what we have. I'll make a.mock up out of scraps to see if my pattern is good first. This should prove to be a fun project.

My wife looks at me a litte funny when she sees me put the corset on in the morning for work. I just love the feel of it. If mine turns out good I will probably wear it almost daily.