New Shoes (Sept' Trip 2011)

Friday

 I met up with Diana and we went for a walk on along the canal. I love exploring and Manchester is a very interesting city and you never know what you are going to come across. At one point for some reason we ended up in a underground car park and nearly got lost.

Above are some pictures from our trip along the canal.

We decided to take a walk back into the city centre. I did something unusual for me. I bought a pair of ankle boots and two pairs of shoes. When I'm out I am lucky if I find one pair of shoes that I like and actually fit.

In the evening we had a quiet night out. The Village was not that busy for a Friday.

I had two days left, but Diana would be returning home in the morning. As usual time was passing to quick. 

Saturday

I met Diana for breakfast in the Retro Bar before she went home. As we were eating Emma turned up. It was good to see her as she would be soon leaving for a warmer climate for a few months.

We said goodbye to Diana and I took Emma up to Afflecks Market. I wanted to go to the Crystal Emporium stall and see what new stuff was in.

With my beliefs I love visiting it and the owner is a lovely man and we always have a good chat.

We visited a couple of other places. Emma decided she had to get back to The Village so I went into the Arndale Centre where I got some loud comments I guess that were meant to embarrass me.

I know I'll never pass, but at least I was on my own. At six foot and with my build I am in no way feminine, just a bloke in a dress. Strange thing is I very rarely wear a dress. I never  want to embarrass anyone else. I don't post on any T Forums anymore. Other girls blogs I'll read but I am now reluctant to comment. I am not the most confident person in the world and at times I wonder what I am doing. I can't be who I want to be.

I am really thankful for the friends I have they never judge and have helped me get over some big obstacles. I sincerely hope that I continue to be able to see them.

In the evening I met up with Emma again and there were quite a few other girls out for her last night out in The Village.

It was wonderful to  see Kate and Kitty again plus Mandy and Tina. We had a great night out which ended with some dancing in Naps.

With Emma in Eden

Sunday

My last day out of what had been a wonderful time out. I wonder with the way things are going how many more times I can go to Manchester and catch those brief times when I can be myself. I have my next outing planned, but for now I'll leave with a final picture outside Eden taken before I set of for my hotel and a sleep before I would set off for home the next morning.

The sign in the picture below says it all.

Love and Light

Karen

xxx

  

Top of the World (Sept' Trip 2011)

Thursday

I met up with Diana and we made our way to Oxford Road train station stopping for a coffee and breakfast on the way. We were hoping to catch the same train to Blackpool as Kate and Kitty were on.
It was my birthday I for a change had been looking forward to it.
We caught the train and did see Kate and Kitty get on, but we decided to stay in our seats as the train was a bit busy.
When we got of the train in Blackpool  we went to a bar called The Flying Handbag in the gay area for a drink.
After a drink we went down to the front where Diana and myself went up the Tower. Kate and Kitty decided to go for a walk along the Prom.
Before Diana and myself went up the Tower we saw a 3D movie about it. I had never seen a 3D film before and was impressed.
We proceeded then up the Tower. I had been inside the Tower complex many times, but never been up the Tower itself. I was having a fantastic time.
Later on after we left the Tower we met up with Kate and Kitty and went on to the Central Pier for some cake and a coffee. Then it was back to the Flying Handbag for a drink and the train back to Manchester.
Diana, Kate and Kitty had given me the most memorable birthday ever. There are real high points in your life and this was one of mine. It's taken me some time to write about this trip, because I didn't think I could do it justice and it brought tears to my eyes remembering how happy I was knowing that was a day that can never be repeated. I can't thank my friends enough.
I had 3 more days left and I'll write about them soon.
Below are some pictures I will always cherish.

Up the top of the Tower.

Outside the Winter Gardens.

Diana, Kate and myself inside the Winter Gardens.

Myself and Kate

Sitting on the floor.

Diana and myself.

Me trying to stoop to make myself seem smaller.

Looking South.

On the Prom

On the Central Pier

Back in the Flying Handbag looking at some photos of a wonderful day I'll won't forget.

I still had 3 days left and I'll write about them soon.

Thank You, Diana, Kate and Kitty for the best birthday ever.

Love and Light

xxx    

 

Close to the Edge (ST1)

Was trying to think of a title for this post and decided to go with one inspired by this photo of my feet while out. I wasn't close to the edge. I am standing on a glass floor up Blackpool tower, but I thought the photo turned out well. More about that later.

Wednesday

I got into to Manchester and met Kate in Taurus. She gave me a very pretty bag. An early birthday present as the next day would be my birthday. I opened the bag to find a beautiful handbag and card. I was lost for words. I gave her hug and thanked her for the gift from herself and Suki. I must admit I felt some tears welling up but they were ones of joy.

We had a couple of drinks and something to eat while Kate recounted some of the events during the riots in Manchester. Unfortunately The Village did not escape. She also told me about Pride which sounded amazing.

It came time for me to check into my hotel and get changed.

I didn't get any photos with my new handbag when I was out so the one below was all I managed to take.

We met up with Diana who was staying over and I had a great first night out with 2 of my best friends. We didn't stay out to late as Kate, Diana and Suki had plans to take me to Blackpool for a birthday treat on Thursday. It would be a wonderful day that I won't forget..

Left Over Sparkle

Picked up a handbag I had at Sparkle which had some jewellery I left in it, but also a £20 note which really cheered me up.
Should really check things when I get home after a trip out. I'll take this as a good omen and quit my slow purge.

Wednesday (ST7)

My last day out so I went for a wander round Manchester city centre. Down by the Avenue I found what looked like cut outs of famous people. A couple of photos are below.

                                                                             (Kylie)

                                                                      ( Roberto Mancini)

After a coffee I had a wander round the shops and bought a book I had been looking for. It was a really nice sunny day. As the day went on in the afternoon I went back to The Village and had a couple of  drinks before going back to my room and got changed for the evening.
That evening I went to  Eden for a pizza. I met Mary who runs Manchester Concord the local support group that meets every Wednesday. I over joyed when I got texts from Diana and Kate that they would be out later.
At Manchester Concord Mary took a picture of  Kate, Diana and myself which is below.

After Concord we went to Naps and had a couple of dances.  We didn't stay to late as both Diana and Kate had work in the morning. Seeing them going and knowing I had to also depart in the morning made me feel so sad. I hope I will see them again as I never take anything for granted.
I had an absolutely wonderful time, but sadly my Sparkle Trip came to an end.

 12/08
Sadly since my trip, there have been riots in some of the major cities in England. Manchester and Liverpool were caught up in the wanton destruction. It all started in London. There has been much debate about the riots and why they happened. I have my own thoughts, but there is not much point to me recording them here. What I will say is I have never lived in Manchester or Liverpool, but both cities have had a profound influence on my life since I was a teenager. I did once live in London and that had it's own influence.
Cities being wounded  by their own residents  was horrible to see on the telly.  Hearing some people had died made it even more sickening,  but on the other side the clean up by decent people was heartening to see. I sincerely hope something positive emerges in the aftermath.
Next month hopefully I'll be back in Manchester where I  will hopefully be able to celebrate another first for me.
Until then may Love and Light Fill Your Days.

Karen xx

Monday, Tuesday, (ST6)

Monday

Diana would be making her way home but that would not be until the evening. She checked out of the hotel and I helped get her luggage to the car. After breakfast we went for a wander and a bit of shopping.
I got a really nice top and jeans. There was a particular pair of shoes Diana was looking for, but unfortunately we didn't find them except for a pair which were very expensive.
That evening I could resist wearing my new purchases when we went for a meal in Eden.

(Above a  picture of Diana, looking great with that beautiful smile)

It came time for Diana to head for home which and that would leave me on my own. I was sad to see her go, but she would be back out on Wednesday.
After seeing Diana off. I would attempt to remove my nails which would cause me some problems and and quite a bit of worry.

Tuesday

I had decided to take a trip to Leeds on the train.  I had an uneventful journey. The train was quite busy which does make me a bit nervous, but I really had no need to be. I did do quite a bit of shopping and got some good advice at a busy MAC concession.
Lunch was at a very quite Fibre in the gay quarter.

  (Outside the Corn Exchange Leeds)

I decided to try and beat the rush hour and headed back to Manchester.
Back in Manchester I took a wander along to Afflecks Market and found a stall that sold crystals and such like. I had a really nice chat with the man who owned it. I bought a really nice bracelet and heart shaped quartz pendant.
When I got back to The Village it was very quiet almost empty. I decided to just have a couple of drinks and an early night.
Wednesday would be my last day, but I'll leave that for one last post on this trip out.

Sunday (ST5)

Sunday Afternoon

Sunday the last day of Sparkle. Most people would be departing for home. There wasn’t really any hurry for Diana and myself. I’ve realised in previous posts that I’ve said I was up and out before Diana. The reason being it takes me longer to get ready and I don’t like to keep people waiting if they are ready to go out, plus for me being in Manchester is like waking up on Christmas morning when I was a kid. I love getting up, getting ready and going out in the morning. Sorry Diana if you read this I wasn’t inferring anything.

We spent some time with Kate S, Diana’s friend I had met on Saturday evening. Kate had to get home in the afternoon. It really was a pleasure to meet Kate and Diana’s other friend Jen on the Saturday.

After Kate left we went to Suki and Kate C’s house for a barbeque. This is getting confusing with more than one Kate.

We had both been out to Kate and Suki’s house a couple of times. They are both wonderful friends and it’s always a pleasure and a honour to be invited to their home.

Emma and her wife were there when we arrived. It was nice to see them.

The rain held off and we had a lovely afternoon in the garden with Kate in charge of the barbeque and doing a great job.

Unfortunately the afternoon came to an end. Emma and Mrs E had to make their way home. Emma’s trip round England had come to an end which must have been amazing.

We then had to say our goodbye’s to Kate and Suki and make our way back to The Village.

Sunday Evening

The Village wasn't as quiet as we thought it might be. Naps was open and what was surprising upstairs was open. So it was up for a dance.
We didn't stay to late.
It had been a really nice way to end Sparkle. Writing this I must admit I feel a bit down remembering. I still had 3 nights left which I will record here despite it now getting a bit difficult, but I'll regret it if I don't

Saturday Evening (ST4)

Saturday Evening

After the park event Diana met up with 2 friends of hers Kate and Jen and we had a meal in Taurus. It had certainly been a busy day. We decided to eat early to try and miss the crowd and rush. Afterwards it was back to the hotel for a change. This would be the third night in a row I would wear a dress. Very unusual for me. Back in the Village Diana, Kate, Jen and myself had a wander up Canal St. In The View looking out the window someone made a comment about all the straight people sitting outside taking sneaky pictures, laughing and staring at the various Tgirls who passed by.

There was a suggestion that Tgirls should start taking pictures of straight people on Canal St and start a group on a social networking site with the best pictures.

Could imagine going up to one and saying.

‘Excuse me are you straight. We don’t get many down here. Can I take your picture.’ Perhaps turn the tables.

I think it’s quite sad when someone takes a sneaky picture without your permission. Are their lives that sad. Perhaps turning the tables like that would not be a good idea and only cause problems.

After we left The View we met Emma and her wife. Emma had be out for a week and with her wife and had been touring Southeast England

It had been a long day and coupled with the past few days it was starting to take it’s toll on me. I wasn’t feeling to good and in a bit of pain.

It was getting busier and when we went to Baa Baa I decided it would be better if I went back to the hotel and got some sleep.

I found out later that the queue for Naps went round the corner and inside you could barely move.

I was glad in the morning I’d turned in early as I got a really good sleep.