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I've been meaning to do this for a while, but I kept chickening out! First off, thank you so much Erin for setting up this wonderful site and keeping it going for us, you're fantastic! :) Also, thank you to Sephrena Lynn Miller and the other administrator/moderators for helping Erin keep this lovely site going and friendly for us all! I also want to thank all the editors who help so many authors clean up/improve their stories. Finally, I want to thank all the authors and readers who make this such a wonderful to place to be (And who've made nice comments on my stories or voted on them!).
I've been reading stories here since shortly after I started my transition four years ago. I never commented or voted, or opened an account, until a few months ago. I was feeling depressed about my financial situation (It's not bad, really, I just can't get the money together for surgery for a couple years or more). I think it'd been building up for a while, I just didn't realize it at first. Anyway, I got scared, because I've been suicidal before and I didn't want to be there again. I knew I had lots of reasons to live, but I also knew that depression can be insidious in the way it breaks you down until you honestly believe death is the best option.
I talked about it with my therapist and she suggested I join a support group. I'd been involved with an online support group for a while, but they pretty much disintegrated. There weren't any support groups nearby, the closest one was in San Francisco and between the fees and travel expenses, and the travel time (And the fact I hate San Francisco), it didn't seem like a good option.
So, I took a different route and opened an account here and started voting and commenting (Which I have always felt kind of guilty about not doing, though I still have trouble thinking of something to say in comments a lot of the time). That helped a little. Then I started writing. I've thought of myself as a writer for a long time, but I never had the confidence to share it before. My self-confidence had improved greatly since my transition, but I was still terrified!
My fear was unfounded, though, as everyone has been really wonderful here! My stories seem to do alright, and the conversations we get up to in the comments of my and other stories can be a lot of fun! :) All of this has accomplished what I set out to do, which is to get me out of the depression I was sinking into and has also made me a lot happier than I was before. So thank you again everybody! ^_^
Saless
P.S. Just in case anyone misinterprets this as a goodbye message, it's not! You're stuck with me, for the duration. Sorry! ^_~
Comments
Who's stuck with whom, I wonder? ~_^
So, my life story isn't a tenth that dramatic. I was simply introduced to webcomics and stumbled on The Wotch. I got hooked, started looking for more. From transformation webcomics I was drawn to TVTropes (I think it was from some comments), got a link for Whateley, and then it was just a matter of time till I got here. My intro was done sometime ago in my blog, so you can find something about me in there.
The thing is, I love BCTS and the community that exists here. I can and will congratulate you, Saless, with coming here, and bringing everyone a lot of joy with your stories, witty comments and plain presence! So no need for apologising, we strive on you just as you strive on us!
Faraway
Faraway
Big Closet Top Shelf
Where you can fool around like you want to and most you get is some bemused good ribbing!
Isn't it great here? :)
Isn't it great here? :) Thanks Faraway, you're part of the reason this site is so wonderful! (Even if you are too nice to me!)
Saless
"But it is also tradition that times *must* and always do change, my friend." - Eddie Murphy, Coming To America
I was so glad to hear this, Saless.
I have to say, that you are doing your part, I think. It's fun to find out that you
fit right in, in this haven of nuts and weird'ohs, Saints, and angels. I just can't
imagine a better kind of place, or class of people - anywhere.
Sarah Lynn
Thanks Sarah!
I can't agree more about this place and the people here, they're wonderful! :)
Saless
"But it is also tradition that times *must* and always do change, my friend." - Eddie Murphy, Coming To America
I'm glad it worked
for you. I'm sure your stories have also added to the rich tapestry we call BCTS. I'm sure Erin has saved loads of people from insanity and depression (not all of it caused by my writing) but very few tell her, at least publicly.
Welcome to the madhouse, I'm sure you'll fit in nicely.
hugs,
Angharad
Angharad
Thanks Angharad!
And don't worry, if any of your writing leads anyone to insanity, it's only because you show us how much fun it can be! ;)
Saless
P.S. Maybe we should have an official straitjacket, or something? ;)
"But it is also tradition that times *must* and always do change, my friend." - Eddie Murphy, Coming To America
I felt down too
Dear Sales,
I think we all have felt really down during the transition period. It is just not always that common to talk about it openly or with persons that we do not really know. Whether this is part of the of the transition mode or if it is a result of what is happening around us, might be difficullt to find out, but I think it is good that you have one professional to talk about it. I just want you to know that this is a common thng even here in Sweden (sometimes called the Glory Land for Transsexuals) so do not feel alone when the days might seem dark. And for most of us these hard days are something we pass through and come out on the other side, perhaps not stronger, but always with more experience. Perhaps also with a new ability to help those that come after us on this path to the final change
Hugs and kisses from
Ginnie
GinnieG
Thanks Ginnie!
Having such a wonderful place to come to, with such lovely people like you, is a big help and comfort on my down days! :)
Saless
"But it is also tradition that times *must* and always do change, my friend." - Eddie Murphy, Coming To America
Would it help you feel more at home after all the kind words...
if I heaped abuse on you?
Here goes. -- John flexes his adolecent brain stuck in a 51 year old shell --
Your succubus story, well it sucks. The story with the guy cursed by a god into a girl, Venus Envy , no Curse, is like sooo derivative, like you copied The Time Tunnel and Bewitched verbatim. Oh, and your comments are just dreadful bits of fluff. And those are your good points!
There, after all that praise doesn't that make you feel better?
-- snicker --
Saless, you are a gem here. Please keep writing. I know my writing and comments have eased the pain of watching cancer kill my mom and older sister barely six months apart back in 05. I am so happy your activity here has eased your burdens while entertaining us.
John in Wauwatosa
John in Wauwatosa
I like him, he's silly!
Thanks John! No worries, I'm going to keep writing for a loooooooooooooooooooooo(gasp!)ooooooooooooooong time! ;)
Saless
"But it is also tradition that times *must* and always do change, my friend." - Eddie Murphy, Coming To America
Cra* cra* cra* cra* cra* cra*!
I was supposed to be discouraging you.
Man-o-man did I fuc*-up.
What have I done ... Oh the humanity!
John in Wauwatosa
P.S. Nothing to do now but nuke Cleveland. I know you don't live in Cleveland but it's the principle of the thing. Now where did mom hide those V2 rockets?
John in Wauwatosa
Did I mention he's silly? ;)
Wow, really digging into the old WWII arsenal there, aren't you? What did Cleveland ever do to you? ~_^
Saless
"But it is also tradition that times *must* and always do change, my friend." - Eddie Murphy, Coming To America
cleveland
All you have say when thinking why Cleveland is NFL Football and Jerry Springer. That should answer why Cleveland.
Hugs,
Jenna From FL
Moderator/Editor
TopShelf BigCloset
Hugs,
Jenna From FL
Moderator/Editor
TopShelf BigCloset
It is a long road ahead but I will finally become who I should be.
Okay,
Jerry Springer as a reason to nuke Cleveland I get, but why NFL Football? Is that where it originated, or is this about a specific team, or what?
Saless
"But it is also tradition that times *must* and always do change, my friend." - Eddie Murphy, Coming To America
why Cleveland
Many people were upset when they move the Cleveland Browns to Baltimore and still upset today that they tried to do this. I will say the justification of Jerry Springer is enough reason though alone.
Hugs,
Jenna From FL
Moderator/Editor
TopShelf BigCloset
Hugs,
Jenna From FL
Moderator/Editor
TopShelf BigCloset
It is a long road ahead but I will finally become who I should be.
Thanks for explaining that,
Thanks for explaining that, and I agree about Springer! ;)
Saless
"But it is also tradition that times *must* and always do change, my friend." - Eddie Murphy, Coming To America
well its always nice
to be thanked, but to be honest Saless all i ever do is comment and write the occasional blog...If it was'nt for you and the many other talented authors on BC/TS then i would'nt have much to comment about... So if we are handing out thanks then let me join with everyone who reads all your stories and say a very big thank you to you for sharing your talents as an author with all of us.
But most of all we must never forget all the hard work put in by Erin and all her hard working volunteers, Because without them none of this would be possible so thank you Erin and all your staff, Your work is very much appreciated.
Hugs Kirri
You still deserve thanks
You still deserve thanks Kirri! But I agree that Erin and her staff deserve the lion's share!
Saless
"But it is also tradition that times *must* and always do change, my friend." - Eddie Murphy, Coming To America
But why?
would you hate San Francisco? Things could be worse, there's always Oakland. As MIldred Stien once said, "there's no there, there." Funny thing about San Francisco is the influence it has on most of my stories. I guess being a native makes me think differently about the city though. Thank you for sharing your stories with us on this site, Arecee
Okay, I'll give you Oakland
Okay, I'll give you Oakland is bad. My issues with San Francisco is partly practical (traffic, travel time, annoying one way streets, parking, etc.) but mostly has to do with the relative lack of green. It just feels dead to me (except Golden Gate Park, that's okay). What can I say, I love plants, especially trees.
Thanks Arecee!
Saless
"But it is also tradition that times *must* and always do change, my friend." - Eddie Murphy, Coming To America