It's been a busy couple of months. My muse hasn't dried up. But it's been hard to find time to sit down and bang out some words.

The idea for this story occurred to me a couple weeks ago on a visit to a couple friends.

So I've been kicking it around in my head for a while. But somehow when I sat down tonight, it just flowed.

I tried to keep it a bit minimalistic. But I hope some of you enjoy it.

I remember watching the movie Moonstruck starring Nicholas Cage and Cher in 1987 when it first was released, probably by streaming. It remains a very good movie. And a key part of the plot is when after an over-night fling Ronny (Nicholas Cage) promises to never bother Loretta (Cher) again if she attends a performance of La bohème at the Met with him. Loretta is deeply moved by the opera and eventually breaks up with Johnny (Danny Aiello) and accepts Ronny’s proposal.

Today, November 20, 2023 is the Transgender Day of Remembrance.

I have long had a concern for the rights and protection of Transgender individuals, including those who are gender-nonconforming and others in the LGBTQ community. But I think it's become more personal and important in the year since I began my own transition. So this year I decided to do something specific.

I am a very amateur cyclist. But I have some friends who are serious cyclists. And many of us on this blog have perhaps become fans or at least gained a deeper understanding of the sport from reading the many Gaby novels.

So I think perhaps we can all mourn the death on Saturday of 17 year old U.S. cyclist Magnus White. He was hit by a vehicle and killed while training for the upcoming world championships in Scotland.

R.I.P. Magnus

For the last year and especially the last six months I’ve been more out and open with my presentation. I got my ears pierced (it took 3 tries for the left one!), usually have my nails painted, and have been letting what’s left of my hair grow out.

I dress as femme about 80% of the time, while presenting as male when necessary ex officio.

A few days ago, someone commented about how scary Steven King novels and I was reminded of the story “I have no mouth and I must scream” by Harlan Ellison.

I think even King’s stories pale compared to the horror at the end of that story.

And then yesterday I learned that he had died last week.

I don’t think he wrote any TG stories, but his Dangerous Visions collection definitely broke many barriers and helped allow the wealth of TG fantasy and science fiction that we enjoy today.

And I found this quote especially inspiring.

As a technophile, the annual CES in Las Vegas in January is always fun to follow, although my new job has interfered a bit.

But, I thought this article about some of the side activity this week was very funny!

http://recode.net/2015/01/08/this-is-the-unofficial-brothel-...

And since working girls sometimes feature in our stories, it also provides some interesting background material.

All the best!