Hello Everyone,

As noted in one of my comments to a comment, Denise and I have finally decided the following material should be presented as a blog. Should Erin’s little Elves decide it would better serve the site as a FAQ or forum topic or ???? then they have permission to move it to that venue.

I almost died the other day, or, in the very least, got seriously injured. That might account something for my pissy mood and the feeling that I am just moments away from yet another calamity.

I know employment is a precious thing and I am lucky to even have a job in these trying times (not going in to politics here). In the last six months my employer seems to be doing their best to get rid of me.

My Brother has died and we can be grateful for his release from misery. News of my daughter is better; she definitely does not have MS but something less threatening; they now have to find what that is. We breathe easier now.

I have just watched a story (11th September 2012)on our national ABC Australian network, called -

Orchids: My Intersex Adventure.

I believe this may be of interest to Top Shelf members who relate to A.I.S.

The link is:

http://www.abc.net.au/iview/#/abc1

It should be there for about a week.

LoL
Rita

Just posted this on facebook where my sister-in-law follows my post:

If you are one of the people who are either conflicted or opposed to my transition, I'd like to tell you a few things.

First, Bless you.

You could have easily decided to just cut me out, have nothing more to do with me, but you're sticking around, and that's an amazing thing.

I'm going to assume you care, or you'd be gone, so let me try to explain the biggest thing about this transition.

I'm a better person for doing this.

I am about to shock you all because I have done something that none of you would ever suspect of me. In years past, sometimes I would get good and smashed on beer and legal drugs and start writing. I've recently found more stories lurking on my hard drive that I had no idea I had written. I thought that "Houston, We Have A Problem" was a fluke, but after finding these others, I wonder what else is hidden on my drive that I have no knowledge of?

This a really impressive (and slightly frightening) Chinese woman. Article in today's Guardian.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/sep/10/jin-xing-chinese...

Robi

Hi
Firstly thank you for all the support, its very reassuring! I am doing my best to finish Nicole in a reasonable time frame without compromising my studies.
As to Ellen Hayes I will say when I wrote this story I Had never heard of Tuck or the author thereof so it's purely a coincidence. I'm working on finishing it well.
Once again thanx for the support!

Sydney Moya

http://www.youtube.com/embed/XRCIzZHpFtY?rel=0

Why I Write What I Write...

Here's the link: http://www.gocomics.com/herbandjamaal/2012/09/10

Not the usual strip to imply something like that which makes it funnier. :)

Hugs,
Erin

As I often do, because I am anal retentive, the first thing I did when I got home was check to see my reads on my latest story, the cure. I notice that it had been removed from the front page. Is there a reason for this or an oversight? I already feel paranoid.

Just finished the season finale. I don't want to spoil it for anyone, but would love to dish about the finale and what it portends for next season. Are there any other fans? I figure a day or two before it would be okay to post what happened, and give fans a chance to watch it. :)

{{Hugs}}

Frank

Hey... guess what... It's raining again. :D

I just thought I would state the obvious and let you know that I posted the next chapter of 300 Rains. I am already working on the next chapter, as I said earlier, so there will be more of this. As you can see, the thot plickens. Who knows what is going on now? What madness is this? Poor Melanie has to wear another hat. Yay! So, clearly I have not been idle in my down time. There will be more, never fear. The end is drawing near and soon Melanie will be able to find out answers to all of her questions.

Snap, crackle and pop may be good sounds to hear in your breakfast cereal, but not so much when its your body making it.

Yesterday, I noticed that my left shoulder makes some ugly noises when I try and rotate the arm, and things only seemed to spread from there.

First it went to my neck, actually causing me pain when I tried to stretch at work, and then my knees started doing it too, almost blinding me with pain.

Thank God for painkillers, but I'd prefer to have not too many days like that if there is a better choice.

Ah, well.

Minnesota Vikings punter Chris Kluwe responds to anti gay marriage Maryland politician. The Guardian gives a link in the blog to the full letter, forthright doesn't quite do it justice.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/blog/2012/sep/07/chris-kluwe...

I've blogged and commented about how some foods, that are greatly enjoyed by characters in many stories, are unhealthy. I've singled out bacon, because of it's additives, it's fat content and it's high heat preparation. I'm not really trying to save American Hogs; I'd rather help out and reduce the suffering of BCTS readers.

Woohoo!!! I am off the whole weekend! We are now fully staffed no more 12 hour days. Woohoo!!! Did I say that already. The family will be gone during the day on both Saturday and Sunday. Woohoo!!! Blessed peace and quiet me time. I want to work on some story ideas to post and take lots of naps! Woohoo!!!

Well, last night we had a new manager (dont know it this is a permanent thing or temporary) and I managed to make a good impression with my speed, my flexibility,, and my willingness to jump in wherever needed.

Then this afternoon I overslept and had to really hurry to get to pick up Sam on time and not ONCE did I berate myself, which would be the norm before. Instead I just did my best, and she was there just before I got there and everything was fine.

I think I'm starting to get some traction, and its all due to liking the person I see in the mirror, both physically and otherwise.

Like many BCTS authors, I work hardest at making my characters' dialogue sound real and unique to each character. Sometimes readers call me on the carpet, the usual complaint being that "real people don't talk that way". I believe they do; I constantly eavesdrop --especially at malls and schools--and listen critically to the word-choice and sentence structure and the general flow of real people speaking.

So it's been a while since I last blogged. Again. Nothing's really changed for the most part recently, even if life ain't the best, when it's all much the same, not much point in repeating myself, is there? Anyhoo. So what's up?

As the years pass, it becomes increasingly painful and lonely to not have a husband/ companion. The need to talk this out and think about the practicality of the idea has grown really clear to me. So, earlier tonight, as I was out riding, I began to consider who that I know could offer the best council.

The Mormon Church has been wonderful to me; supportive, dependable and gentle. But are they my family? They say they are, and in the next months they will have the chance to show it.

Previously, I had thought that "Bondage Discipline Sadism and Masochism" were, creepy, perverted and lewd. However, today I had an epiphany about it, at least some of it.

I have often joked about needing a spanking, and finally understood that being raised in a loveless, brutal childhood, I came to see being beaten as a sort of affection.

Four or five of us have editing priveleges for comments. Usually this is used to prevent comments from destroying the look of the site by editing any bad HTML. If you think about it, you will realize that we have to have this capability. Usually, we leave a note when we edit something like this: [Redacted bad HTML - Editor]

When someone is half awake, as Piper was last night, it is possible to hit the edit button instead of the reply button and then hit the save without realizing that one is not on the screen one thought one was on.

Any interest in eBooks?

So, I decided to make eBooks out of my stories. Originally, my intent was to create them so that I could put them on my tablet for my own use (for reference purposes), but I got to thinking that maybe other folks might like to have copies.

So I guess what I'm wondering is would people be interested in having a copy of my stories in epub, mobi or pdf format?

Went to funeral for my uncle yesterday. Was there crying my eyes out and not really all that able to walk after when my brother makes a fuss over my choice of clothing. Simple pink shirt and black dress pants. So he pushes me outside as he wants me to leave, since I wasn't all that steady I was in no shape to drive.

So after he pushes me I push back when he punches me in the mouth really hard.

Went out for coffee with a friend yesterday, and caught sight of a pretty woman while outside looking in.

Then realized, the pretty woman was me.

I looked good.

When the heck did that happen? When did I start looking so good?

I've even noticed my walk is more feminine now, and its not like I spend a lot of time practising. It just ... happened.

I dont think I've ever been happier, and it wouldn't have happened without the amazing support I've recieved from "team Dorothy."

Thank you. Thanks and beyond thanks.

This morning I was going to my office and a lady... basically kind of street vendor... said near me "Miss, would you like to buy..." (it does not matter what she was trying to sell). I looked around, and yes, I was the only other person in 20 meter radius... Jeans, fleece jacket, not exactly cleanly shaven. In no way trying to look female.
Last time it happened more than 20 years ago, but then I was young, slim, blonde and beautiful ;-)

Our friend Little Katie is coming up to 4 year anniversay with BCTS so lets all wish a HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to LITTLE KATIE

This morning I found one of my stories in Random Solo. I was surprised to see it there because I had previously felt so embarassed with my early work, that I did not want it to be seen.

Reading it took me back more than 10 years to before I transitioned. And yes there were the usual word order problems and awkward sentences.

One thing that struck me was how easily Credence was driven to tears. In the past, I have been critical of other authors in their liberal use of the tear in their stories. Now it looks a bit like the pot calling the kettle black! GAD ZOOKS !

I am currently evaluating my situation and I think I've discovered what is wrong with my life.

I just saw the forwarding page for A Familiar Experience, with a nice graphic thereupon. I realize most people may not see it as a very special thing, but I do, so Thank You to whoever did it. I was impressed! That was very nice of you!

Wren

To whomever it was that went thru many of my stories today and gave me kudo's,

Thanks!

I'd love to thank you more directly, but kudo's being anonmyous, I don't have a clue as to who to thank.

Hugs,

Kristy

Hi everyone I haven't blogged for a while but just had to share my experience I had yesterday, It was fathers day here in Australia and I was invited to my daughters house for lunch, The difference is I am living full time as a woman and I pass without any problem.My daughter took me shopping for make up at the local shopping center. I am still on a high as i write this blog.

Hugs to all Carla (Roo)

Last night when I got to work, I noticed a dispenser beside the gumball machines with the logo "Trendy girl" on it, and since whatever it sold only cost a 2 dollar coin, I figured what the heck.

It was a pair of fishnet style fingerless gloves.

So before work, I decide to put them on, and I had a reaction I dont get very often.

I

Felt

Sexy.

My self-confidence rose, my tiredness lifted, and generally it was an amazing boost, which I really needed after spending dinner at my brother's place and have to listen to my family use male pronouns for me ....

Ah, well.

As I've mentioned in an earlier post.... God Bless The Child is available on Kindle.

If you have read this book, whether or not you liked it or not, I would appreciate a review on amazon.com

http://www.amazon.com/God-Bless-the-Child-ebook/dp/B00929ROE...

Anyone looking to BE a roommate?

I have a short window of opportunity to purchase a Mobile Home from a friend at a low monthly rate direct from him.

It's in North Vernon, IN about 65 miles South of Indianapolis and I can't afford the Mortgage + Utilities and Food on my own. I'd bee looking for someone that could contribute between $300 and $400 per month which would include rent, electric, water + sewer and internet.

I have some wonderful news! I start a new job in 3 weeks working for an organization that provides job training for veterans who are transitioning out of the Military back into Civilian life or have been out of the military for a while, but need re-training to meet the demands of the modern technological job site . I am so excited for this wonderful opportunity!

Balancing on the Mechitza: Transgender in Jewish Community
Dzmura, Noach; Paperback or Hard Cover

I've been living with a lot of pain for the last two years. The rotator cuff in my left shoulder is pretty torn up. I've been able to function, barely. Yesterday I received word surgery to repair it has been approved. Yeah!

September 24 I go under the knife.

This is critical for me. I have at least two surgeries too get through before I can even contemplate SRS. I'm happy this is finally under way! December I should be able to have surgery on my right ankle. That means I'll be on track for SRS sometime late next year!!

Please, keep me in prayer.

Love, Hugs, and Blessings

Had a bit of a tough moment today, where all the stress of my mom's job, our potentially losing this place, and a realization that I might just possibly be attracted to men all hit me at the same time.

Fortunately, Tels was there to talk to me on the phone, and she recommended I get up off the couch where I had been huddling, stand up, and walk with one foot right in front of the other, tightrope style.

It helped.

Not sure how many people here read Murry & Lewy http://www.murryandlewy.com/ but apparently Murry takes after his/her Aunt Greg.

I just got back from going out for breakfast with my mom, and it was a strange experience. Our server was not only a cheerful and talkative young lady, she seemed to want to touch me as often as she could - rubbing my back, my arm, and once actually sitting in the booth beside me.

I have no idea why.

Otherwise, it was an okay day, I got my blood work done, so that's one more step taken care of.

Each step, even a baby one, is a good one, I think.

During my last down period, several Christian friends remind me of the meaning of the name Dorothy - A gift from God. During dark times, its hard to see myself in that light, but every once in a while I get a little bit of a reminder that yes, I'm a gift, a special creation, loved and cherished in ways beyond my meagre understanding.

I dont know if I will ever know all the answers to the "why am I like this?' question, but I can trust that there is a reason, a purpose for me being the person I am, and that said purpose is a good one.

I recently posted a story I had written a couple of years ago. I've been writing part two (probably of three) and am wondering if there are a couple of people who might be willing to give what I've written a read and offer suggestions/comments. I'm not completely done, but I imagine it will be done tonight or tomorrow (part two, that is).

It's current'y about 6300 words, and needs a few more pages to finish up, if that matters.

Anyway, I thought I would put the word out now so that I'll have the addresses once I'm ready to get some feedback, in case there is interest.

Thanks!