Those of us who are keen readers of Angharad's saga 'Easy as Falling off a Bike', will be thrilled to see that a dormouse appears on the new 1p British coin. Not only is the heroine Cathy Watts (Lady Cameron) an expert on dormice, so is author Angharad.
Is it possible that news of Bigcloset's longest saga has reached the Mint, or even Buckingham Palace? One never knows.
It is with great sadness that I have to report the death of Karen Lockhart, the pen name under which Kevin Solime posted stories here on Bigcloset. I had the pleasure and privilege of helping him out with proofing his stories. Kevin had not been at all well in the last couple of years but amazingly he kept reviving when his cousin Sue and I were sure he could not come back. We always said he had 99 lives, but alas eventually they ran out. It is a consolation to know that he is now at peace. I recommend his entertaining stories to all readers here at Bigcloset.
"It was the best of times; it was the worst of times" Never have Dickens' words been more apposite. Crises like this bring out the best and the worst in people. I would like to express my thanks to the other authors on this site. A small silver lining in this big black cloud is that I have more free time to read some of the magnificent stories which continue to be posted and provide a welcome distraction from the continual bad news as the virus spreads around the globe, and so many of us are confined to our homes. We all appreciate your work.
Any Australian readers might be interested in a four-part tv program on ABC Me, yes that's the children's channel, at 4.30pm, Monday 30th March through to Thursday 2nd April in 30 minute episodes. It's about a young trans girl starting high school and doing her best to fit it and not stand out. Despite being told the school is inclusive, she had to use the sick room toilets since parents of other girls mightn't like her using the girls' ones. I'm guessing that might be just one of her problems. The lead character is played by a transgender girl.
It was kindly brought to my attention by the Cropredy Kid that there seemed to be something missing in Chapter 1 of 'Antonette's Story' and to my surprise and chagrin, I discovered that quite a bit of text at the end of the chapter wasn't there, although I distinctly remember writing it. I have now written it again and inserted it in the last part of the chapter. I hope that makes Chapter 2 have more sense.
Bron
Following on from my blog posts about Georgie Stone, it's sad to read that South Dakota House of Reps has passed a bill making it a criminal offence for doctors to treat transgender youths under the age of 16 with puberty blockers. Rep Fred Deutsch originally compared the treatment to medical experiments in Nazi concentration camps, although he's now backed off after widespread criticism. Many medical associations have expressed their dismay at the bill since untreated transgender youths are more at risk of suicide.
Georgie Stone, 19-year-old transgender rights advocate and her mother Rebekah were both awarded a 'Medal of the Order of Australia' (OAM) in this year's Australia Day awards. Georgie was the youngest recipient this year. Identifying as female at the age of two, Georgie and her mother were instrumental in having the Australian law changed so that transgender children no longer have to apply to the Family Court to start receiving stage 1 hormone-blocking treatment. Georgie started to receive hers at the age of 10.
Just a brief note to let you know that I've just published the final chapter of "There is Nothing Like a Dame", the third novel in the 'Harriet' series. I tried to put 'Final' on the chapter number but whether this was the problem or something else, it didn't want to go onto the site. I've decided after all that it's not the last you will hear of Harriet. I feel sure there is one more book in the saga.
This is a follow-up to my blog item about Georgie Stone the trans teen who has recently played a small part in 'Neighbours' Her mother Rebekah Robertson has just published a book 'About a Girl' in which she recounts the story of bringing up Georgie who was one of twins originally both designated male. Georgie, however, was very certain she was a girl even from the age of two.
The book is published by Penguin Australia but I think it is available to download as well.
The groundbreaking and highly successful soap opera 'Neighbours' produced in Melbourne Australia for the last 34 years, will introduce its first trans character in September. What's more, the character is played by 19 year old trans actress and activist Georgie Stone. Stone pitched the character to the show's producers and worked with the writers on her guest appearance as a trans schoolgirl.
British football journalist Nicky Bandini (previously known as Paolo) has come out as transgender and announced that she intends to keep writing as a sports journalist under her new name. I find it very encouraging that someone in her position feels comfortable in making this announcement. I know it's not for everyone to announce their change publically, but for those who do, I say 'well done'.
Hi Everyone,
To all that are following Harriet's story, I am currently recovering from surgery for glaucoma and it's hard to read and write since my vision is fuzzy. I'll post again as soon as I can. My advice is get your eye pressures checked even if you have no symptoms. Increased fluid pressure in the eyes damages the optic nerve and the change cannot be reversed. The changes are slow and pain-free, you won't know it's happening. I've been on eye drops and laser treatment for years, but finally an operation was the only option.
Best wishes to you all, Bronwen
I received a report from Karen's cousin Sue today and I'm pleased to report that she is improving in health and has been moved to a rehab hospital. Sue will be taking in her laptop and cell phone on Thursday so she should soon be able to contact her friends again. We can hope that our thoughts and prayers have been answered
Bron
I'm sorry to report that the news on Karen Lockhart (Kevin) is not good. He is still in Intensive Care in hospital. After a brief time out in a general ward he had to go back to ICU. As before, your prayers and thoughts are appreciated. He knows that his friends in BC are thinking of him, and appreciates the good wishes you are sending.
Hi Everyone,
I'm sorry to report that after a few days at home, Karen is back in hospital again. I'm getting regular updates from her cousin. I'm sure she would appreciate your thoughts and prayers. I'll post again as soon as there is any news.
Bronwen
Hi Everyone, Karen is still in hospital, having had a few problems which I'll leave to her if she wants to share with you (medical confidentiality you know). She's hoping to be out in three weeks and start posting again. She also sends her thanks to everyone who has sent their best wishes for her recovery.
Bron
Hi Everyone,
If' you've been wondering about Karen Lockhart and her current novel 'Ginny's Story', I'm sorry to inform you that she is currently in hospital after a fall. I am in touch with her cousin and will post any news. There are no chapters of Ginny available to post at present. Some of you know that I do the proofing, so as soon as I get another chapter I will proof it as soon as possible. I'm as keen as everyone else to know what happens next.
Regards, Bronwen Welsh
To all who kindly read my stories and might wonder why they haven't seen a chapter about Harriet's adventures in a while - I fell over (sober I must add) and broke my arm - my first ever fracture. I can still type but the arm aches if I do too much. It's my prefered (left) arm. I've found that showering is especially difficult and I'm a very bad car passenger - there's a dent in the floor where I keep pressing an imaginary brake! If my marriage survives this it will survive anything.
Bron
I've read the book, it's hilarious and I'd like to thank whoever put me onto it. As an autobiography of an actor (best known for 'The Avengers' on television) it records his extraordinary life, from his very eccentric parents to his education, war years and life on the stage with all his adventures and misadventures. Highly recommended. It's called 'Blind in One Ear' by the way and that's not a typo. The book explains why.
With a name like mine, I could hardly avoid mentioning the great news that a Welshman has won the Tour de France! The only problem was that in Australia, the telecast ran until 2am most nights and 4am the final night! I confess I cheated and recorded the last two hours, but it was great to watch today. What a pity that they didn't play 'Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau' ('Land of my Fathers') at the closing ceremony, but with Geraint proudly displaying the Welsh flag, there was no doubt about where he came from.
I'm wondering if anyone who had worked as a solicitor or in a solicitor's office in England can help me get the facts straight for a proposed storyline in my latest novel "There is Nothing Like a Dame". I know it's only a story but I do like to get things as accurate as I can. Any assistance will be gratefully acknowledged.
Regards, Bronwen Welsh
My apologies to everyone following Harriet's latest story. There will be a delay in posting the next chapter, just a few days I hope. Sometimes other matters take up writing time, annoying though this is.
My sincere apologies. At least you weren't waiting for the resolution of a cliffhanger.
Best wishes, Bronwen welsh
Today was a special day in Australia. The same-sex marriage debate has been going on for years. Despite the fact that our Federal Parliament has to pass legislation to allow it, they insisted on a $120million voluntary postal vote of everyone on the electoral roll, and today the results were announced. 80% of eligible people voted, 61.6% voted 'Yes' and 38.4% voted 'No'. The Prime Minister has promised that legislation will be passed through parliament before Christmas. Finally, we have caught up with the rest of the Western world.
I was so pleased to read that 17 year old Georgie Stone has just been announced as the State of Victoria's nominee for 'Young Australian of the Year'. At less than eleven years old she was granted permission by an Australian Family Court to take hormone blockers. As a result, and her subsequent appeals for people like her, young transgender Australians no longer have to go through the expensive court process to take blockers, although they still need to do so to get hormone treatment.
Ridiculous though it sounds, my heart rate is raised as I write this. Quite frankly I'm suffering from author's nerves. After my first two novels about Harriet Stow, namely "The Might- Have-Been Girl" and then "All the World's a Stage", I took a few months off writing. However, Harriet and Reggie's story was not finished, so now I've embarked on Episode Three, "There is Nothing Like a Dame", thus publishing my first trilogy.
OK, this is just a bit of my warped sense of humour. I recently bought a copy of the original 1943 film 'Lassie Come Home' and decided to do a Google search about it. First, although it's set in northern England and Scotland, it was actually shot in the USA - not surprising I guess as Britain was a bit preoccupied with World War Two at that time and America hadn't yet signed up. Secondly, the title role which from the name is obviously a female dog (I won't use the b... word) was played by a male dog called Pal of the breed called a Rough Collie.
An apology to the loyal readers of "All the World's a Stage" - I'm not trying to drag out the suspense (promise!) but I may not post Chapter 51 today as it's not finished nor checked over. I'll try to post in a day or two, or by some miracle it might still appear today!
Bronwen Welsh
Jazz Jennings, now aged 16 who was one of the youngest children to be documented as transgender at the age of about five is the inspiration for a new doll to be made in limited edition by the Tonner Doll Company of Kingston N.Y., with the full support of Ms Jennings. You can read the full article in the New York Times here: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/17/business/transgender-doll...
Karen is still in hospital and doesn't have internet access so asked me to let everyone know that she is much better and hopes to go home this Tuesday. She's looking forward to seeing her cat; also catching up on various BC stories and starting to write again. I know we are all looking forward to reading more about the adventures of Ellen and Ginny in the sequel to "Gene's Story".
Bronwen
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