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Hatbox Gifts Needed

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Contributions to the Hatbox continue to be what keeps Piper and I able to keep this website and a dozen others used by the TG community active and running.

Angela Rasch's "Voices Carry Over Water" is now available to contributors to the Hatbox and we will soon have the revised version of "To Alleviate Suffering" there, too. Thanks very much, Angela. :)

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It happened again, back to my dark place :(

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I just lost my current job basically because of disabilities. , I have A.D.D., O.C.D. And depression, I was told in not as few words that because i wasn't noticing the work at the other side and end of the lne, that they didnt want me.
My depression which has been almost managable these past few weeks has flared up since losing another job from some of my problems, I don't envision me really leaving my room for a week, if i can find the motivation too at all, Im having to push myself to even post this

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A Story in Hat box Review

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I just subscribed to Hat Box and read a fascinating Story by Angela Rasch " Voices Carry Over Water" I am not going to tell what the story is about but it is well written. As a recent post op I can relate to the main character and what he/she or she/he goes through. I've always liked what Angela writes and often will read it when I am sure I have nothing else to do. I actually gave up sleep to read the story in it's entirety. If you the reader do not mind adding a few coins to the Hat Box, then you will have the privilege of reading "Voices Carrying Over Water"

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Philomena

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I went to see Philomena, starring Judy Dench and Steve Coogan, based upon the book written by Martin Sixsmith about an Irishwoman's search for her son who was taken from her when he was a toddler and adopted by some Americans in about 1956. It was very good, some funnies and lots of sadness - a chick flick.

Judy Dench was excellent as always and much to my surprise, so was Coogan as journalist/author Sixthsmith who was originally reluctant to get involved with this mad Irishwoman. For those who don't know the story, I won't spoil it other than to suggest you go and see it.

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Fresh Meat

After a year of growing, escaping legal entanglements, divorce,
ETC ETC ETC I have been able to continue the story of Michele's discovery that her freedom is with in reach.
All she has to do is let go of her past and start The Climb up to where she belongs in the sun.

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A note to all the RetCon authors.

Just to let you all know, I am making my way through all of the RetCon stories. It's been a good long while since I read them all and I've been looking for something to occupy my spare time.

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where is Melange

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Has anyone seen or heard from Melange lately. I know she posted that her work and class schedules has changed but I have seen her here a couple of times but not for very long. I hope that she is alright and just having life getting in the way.

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when it rains?

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You ever notice it sometimes feels like once one thing goes great, a bunch of other things start going great as well, and when one bad thing happens, it opens the door to a bunch of badness?

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Pure coincidence, I assure you

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Whilst poor Penny has been prodded, poked, pincushioned and 'photographed' (ok - it starts with a 'p' !!!!), I myself have had some RL projects to deal with, so I have been adding to my air mile accounts.

Julina is not forgotten - it's just a wry happenstance that this one big day of her life has taken longer to post than the descriptions of the few weeks preceding!

I expect to have something for you early next week - as long as this sudden bout of cold/'flu disappears soon.

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Cranberry Sauce

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Thanksgiving's coming up, so time to start sharing recipes. This is one of the recipes I make every year - family tradition and probably the best cranberry sauce I've had. I'll give amounts, but really do all ingredients to taste, vary them up based on whim, whatever...

2 cups cranberries
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup orange marmalade
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 cup brandy

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further clarification on Audio book

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Not a lot of responses so I'm guessing I already know this idea is dead in the water, but I figured I would give further explanation so people know exactly what I'm talking about.

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gauging interest

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I'm taking a straw poll. Would anyone be interested in an audio version of my books. The ones I'm thinking of are God Bless the Child (the whole trilogy), Wrestling Against Myself, and Unreachable. I don't want to start the process if there isn't interest.

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On becoming "Normal".

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The following video shows a wonderfully vivacious transgender woman. And, CNN gave her great and respectful coverage. As to her appearing in the Victoria's Secret show, who knows?

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Need help understanding people

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Well, last night I had one of those occurrences that make me wish I understood how people interact with each other, and I'm hoping you guys will help me.

To make this fun, lets make it a quiz:

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Story Search

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Okay, I've been wracking my tiny little pea brain, trying to remember the title of a multi-part story I read some time ago that I'd like to re-read, if only I could find it. First of all, it is similar in some ways to the story "What Was lost" in that it also involves the purchase of storage lockers for resale, but the one I'm looking for was the story of a mother and son team. At one auction, the son purchases a locker which contained a lot of nice furniture, as well as a large amount of clothing, makeup, etc. The boy starts dressing in the clothes, and so on.

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Been busy, so not been around much

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Been so busy, hard to remember when I last sat and read stuff as I wanted to. Had some time out of the country helping start a school in Africa. That was fun, but fraught. Now I'm already up to 44,000 words for the national novel Writing Contest... write 50,000 words in 30 days (November)... my aim is 100,000 words. It's called IN THE SHADOWS and is a thriller based on a real event that took place NEW YORK in 1933.

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Rebuilding a life after transition....

It's an on-going struggle to re-build my life after transition (and divorce). Each time an important person from my past - whether it be a sports coach or classmates or co-workers/bosses that I can no longer consider references or refuse to acknowledge me, it hurts.

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Thank a VETERAN

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With today being Veteran's Day for my American readers and Rememberance Day for the Canadians. I DO NOT know if this day is honored in other countries and I apologise for this. Please take the time to think about those that fought in in past wars, and thank these men and women. This includes those that made the Supreme Sacrifice. THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO SACRIFICED AND FOUGHT FOR MY FREEDOMS!

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Transgender Day of Rememberance

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Sunday, November 17, 2013 on 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm at Cathedral of Hope, 5910 Cedar Springs Rd., Dallas, TX 75235 is having Transgender Day of Remembrance. Dallas 2013 TDOR is an event memorializing those who have been killed as a result of anti-transgender violence, and acts to bring attention to the continued violence endured by the transgender communities.

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Thinking about death (WARNING, MAY TRIGGER)

WARNING: WHAT IS TO FOLLOW IS A FRANK DISCUSSION OF SUICIDE. PLEASE BE CAREFUL READING ...

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I'm Cursed

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I've come to realize that I have a curse upon me. I don't know which witch doctor from which tribe or perhaps an old Sicilian gypsy that my Great Grandfather stole sardines from, but it has become evident.

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2 for 1 Blog, But they are short reminders for mental health

First off the good news, got a new cat, a grey and dark brown calico kitten that is growing fast.
So, I should be more good natured for awhile, at least until her teething becomes an issues.

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P.D. James 10 tips on writing

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The well knows crime writer P.D. James has a piece on the BBC website. She talks about her 10 tips to becoming a successful author.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-24867584

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Sorry :P

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I'm going to be posting and commenting very infrequently since work's taken a turn for the busy. My boss is out long term and my schedules been adjusted to be a lot busier. I will still try and do what I can within bounds of time and other RL stuff like family and sleep.
*Great Big Hugs ALL*

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Should I continue with this story?

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I have been asked by a number of readers about continuing We Shall Fight Them On The Beaches.

http://bigclosetr.us/topshelf/book/31806/we-shall-fight-beaches

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Informal Poll: Transsexual vs Transgender vs Cross-dresser

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I got to wondering the other day about the terms we use here on BCTS. Specifically Transgender.

Just wondering if my interpretation of the term is the same as others.

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Lies down in dark corner

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Unfortunately, going on my nightly experiences, that probably won't help much... but I'm going to take it easy this week-end. I've spent three days visiting hospitals last week and another rebuilding the house network. Phew!

Each time I go to a hospital it basically uses up a day. If I go to the local hospital for a blood test, it is a mile walk and then a bus ride each way; I can get other things done but you can't get a full run at anything. Going to the Renal clinic is an hour's train ride and a mile walk each end so basically we make it a day out and roam the shops, eat out, etc.

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Transgender Battle in the West

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It seems from my perspective that the battle for rights is joined in a way I have not seen before, at least in the West. I know that in Washington DC there are those who are pressing for a Rights Bill, that this time includes Transgender folk. If you remember the old bill was called ENDA and it threw us under the bus.

To be clear, I think it is mostly the FtM folk who are driving this as they do not seem as easily cowed as most MtF folk, or perhaps I am the only one who is cowed.

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Bike 2200

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As we speed towards episode 2200 of Bike, do I detect people are getting bored with it? It seems comments are fewer than usual and even the kudos are a bit lower than I usually get - or am I being a little hypersensitive? Do readers want me to continue or has it had its day?

As for the number of transgender people in a single dwelling in Portsmouth, I was in a house with six others, which makes seven last week, so perhaps my storyline wasn't quite so preposterous as it may have first seemed, just a tad unusual.

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Recuperation is long and slow, but there is a plus side

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In January of this Year I stepped on the scale at the VA hospital in Philadelphia my weight came out as the last four digits as my SSN but with a period after the first three numbers such as as 123.4.
I decided I needed professional help and got it. Now ten months later I weigh 80 pounds less1425797_709287929082924_1452247874_n.jpg

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TopShelf's Christmas 2013 Three Wise Men Story Contest

Okay, Christmas is just around the corner, and I am still designing the official Contest page. My medical condition has worsened and money is very tight. I am currently offering $400 in prizes as of the moment. It may increase depending on what I can do between now and the end of submissions.

Here are the basics to get you started:

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Openly Transgender Mormon Woman... I NEED help !

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I was extremely surprised to find this on a TV Station in Salt Lake City. Part of the video refers to several transgender women living in Portland, Oregon. I am none of them. Lots of people here know my real name, it is no secret.

This article is also mentioned in a thread on mormondialogue.org. I am really sorry, just reading about it has upset me so much that it is obvious I can not participate in it at all. I think the tactics being used are absolutely despicable and likely to put genuine efforts back years.

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Had a nice conversation with Sigh last night.

I had a nice conversation with Sigh last night, and I just wanted to thank her publicly for talking with me, and tell everybody she is a sweet woman who I am glad to consider a friend.

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Great tool for eBook authors to create cover photo.

I found a great new tool for authors who want to publish eBooks and need to create cover art. It called "Gimp"

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The best years we can have.

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I saw a blog about De-transitioning and read the blog it referred to and the replies. Days later, it finally sinks in that while the circumstances surrounding my coming out and transitioning are dreadfully sad, and painful, the last few years are the best of my life.

It is wrong, just wrong for me to keep trying to be a gate keeper any longer. I just wanted to save people pain. But, what if in trying to save people pain, I just increased their pain?

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Balancing act

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There is quite the balancing act going on with my new post: Unreachable. It seems that there are some who are really enjoying the story and I wish I could just throw it all up at once, but it really is too long (180k+ words). Add on top of that that I'm selling it on Amazon and it leaves me in a bit of a lurch. Of course I want to sell books, it helps with the bills, but I also like sharing my creations as well. I also like reviews and comments and kudos in abundance.

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spare a moment to send a positive thought to Jaci today

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If you would be so kind, take a moment to send a positive vibe to Jaci today, as it is her first day back at work since surgery.

Thanks!

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The Adventures of Crewman Six

In just about any story, whether it be a TV show or a written work of fiction, the writer often finds he or she needs to include a nameless character in the mix in order to make the story more interesting or carry a scene. I used to refer to these as throw away characters since many of the ones I included in my stories shared the same fate of the extra crewman Captain James T. Kirk often included in his away team. You know the guy, (and they were always guys in the early Star Trek days), the one who went behind the boulder and was zapped.

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Too Many Happy Endings

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Every time I try to write about tg stuff it goes wrong. One day I'll get it right, but in the meantime here's Megan Ward.

Someone recently asked 'What Makes You Cry?'

This does.

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Children's book update

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It's been a while. A long while. But finally my illustrator is devoting a whole week to doing the drawings on the children's book "But I'm not a boy." There are two pictures already posted but this will be the complete thing. I've had others turn me down because the girly activity the main character wanted to do was too stereotypical. Oh well. Onward and Upward.

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Detransitioning?

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I found this blog on de-transitioning, and thought I would share it. It bothers me, because of how similar our stories are, giving me fear that should I get the surgery, I'll only end up doing what he's doing ...

http://retransition.org/2013/10/detransition-transsexual-reg...

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Dutch 13year old's perspective of life in transition.

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Here is the POV of a girl and her thoughts of being a teen in transition. They speak in German but subtitles are in English. Thought it might be of interest.

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Tell Me Why You Cry

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You’re at lunch with Megan and Sandra, who both report to you in your department at Sales, Inc. You arranged the lunch because you know that their work has been suffering due to a conflict that the two seemingly haven’t been able to solve on their own.

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Intersex woman interviewed on BBC

Following the German legislation about intersex babies having the option of no sex recorded on the birth certificate, this intersex woman who is also a therapist calls for more legislation in Europe.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-24776168

There is also a link to transgender people seeking election in Pakistan.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-22208601

Angharad

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Jas surprised me this morning

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as she came home sooner than I had expected did not think she would feel upto travelling so soon, or allowed for that matter. But just after the twins left for class my Aunt and Jas arrived at the door it was such a wonderful surprise.

Jas seems so much happier, I guess I was not as observant as I thought.

I is just so great to be in her arms once more.

She has been busy getting her filing information ready for court and will Have a new Birth Certificate with in the next month.

Goddess Bless you All

Love from Desiree

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where are all these tears coming from ?

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Well, last night I was having a conversation with Jaci, when out of the blue I started shaking and crying. I bawled and bawled for about twenty minutes, while Jaci just let me go at it, but finally I wound down enough to regain some control again, at which point I wanted to know why this happened. Jaci thinks this was because of the tension I had going into my physical finally coming out, but I'm not so sure that's the only reason.

Ah, well.

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Now on Kindle 'God Save the Queen'

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Although it is actually the second cooperative effort between Persephone and myself, 'God Save the Queen' is the third of our works to be published on Kindle under the names HW Coyle and Jennifer Ellis. It started as a lark but took on greater importance when Crewman Number Six decided to take a more important role. More on that later.

We both hope you enjoy it.

Nancy Cole
a.k.a. HW Coyle

------------


God Save the Queen

By
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Looking for character information for The Center universe

Hey everyone,

I've been on-and-off poking at a long-format Center story (35k words and climbing) for something like two years now, and was thinking that for National Novel Writing Month (AKA NaNoWriMo), I'd make a stab at actually finishing it and getting it posted. However, I've run into a bit of a snag...

Sometimes Things Work Out Right - Non TG

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I am sure many of you are aware we are part time antique dealers specializing in silver. We had done shows for about 20 years before my prostate surgery. For the last five years we've been doing only on-line auctions; however, a few months ago we decided to rent a showcase in one of the nicer antique malls in the area. It basically is giving us a chance to sell a rather large accumulated inventory. We had aske the operators of the mall about getting a larger showcase, and a couple of weeks ago one became available. Two weeks ago Saturday we moved our inventory into the larger case.

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Sometimes it takes a generator to get the sparks flying....

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Since I finally, after an untold number of weeks, have cleared the sleep deprivation-induced fuzz from my brain, I decided to make use of the writing generators this site links to.

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TopShelf's October 2013 Costumes Contest Results

The 2013 TopShelf's October 2013 Costumes Contest has ended.

But who won?

Muwhhahhaahaaa! *Evil laugh*

... if you really want to know....

"YES! Tell us already!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

then click the title link above... and enter at your own risk!

anime_witch_render_by_bookahz-d4en22a.png
TopShelf's October 2013
Costumes
Story Contest Results

by Sephrena Lynn Miller

No Copyright Intended © 2013
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Reviews: David Levithan and Greg Egan

Every Day by David Levithan (Knopf, 2012) is a novel whose main character, A, wakes up every morning in the body of a different person. "The Safe-Deposit Box" by Greg Egan (Asimov's SF, 1990) has the same basic premise, but a very different plot and tone.

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