August 2014 - Ah yes, Sparkle has come and gone again! (Part One)

Well, its been a month since “Sparkle” has been and gone but not had the inclination to write about the weekend until now! Why, no particular reason just not a priority over the last few weeks until now. 

This year was the 10th Anniversary of “Sparkle” and surprisingly this was my 6th one I’ve attended, not bad considering I said the event is not for me! However, I will admit the reason I go is to meet girls far and wide who have become friends via the internet forums and chatrooms. Sparkle is one of those occasions, we can meet live so to speak. Interestingly there are attractions, talks and live music put on by the organisers of Sparkle but they are just side attractions at best for me personally. I’m sure many other girls may think the same too?

As usual, my two nights accommodation was booked in advance for Friday and Saturday with provisional arrangements already put into place to meet some friends over the weekend. This year, I had already arrange to team up with Sarah from Ashington who I’ve become friends with since we met at Leeds First Friday earlier in the year. As part of the Friday evening arrangements, a meal had was booked for four of us including my very good friend Sue from London and another new 2014 friend, Alison from Kent as she indicated she would be at Sparkle all weekend. So the initial meeting arrangements were put into place, which left me to pick my clothes for the weekend  and head to Manchester on the Friday dinnertime. 

I had already decided that on my way to Manchester, to book an appointment at a beauty salon in Warrington to get my nails painted and get false eye lashes for the weekend, it was sort of a treat to myself with a little bit of pampering thrown in too! Friday morning arrived, got ready and packed the car, then on my way to my 12.30hrs appointment but unfortunately arrived a little late but no worries, staff were chatty and friendly, while they also served other customers having their nails done amongst other things. My nails were done first, then elected to have medium length lashes, these were the semi-permanent type but was advised they would come off without too much of a problem. Mmmmm more about this later! :-)  Being in the area, I visited the local retail park afterwards and I made a surprise visit to see my ex Store Manager who moved to another store for personal reasons. We had a nice chat but was not surprised to see me interestingly although had mentioned it was not Wednesday! Having explained I was away for the weekend, she understood the Friday visit. After a walk around the some of the stores, I finally headed to Manchester. 

Arrived at my hotel room at the Weston Halls of Residence, yes it is cheap accommodation but its  clean, good shower room, light and mirror and comfy bed - what more do I need as it is only a base for my weekend in the Village, I unpacked and then just about to leave the hotel, I bumped into Sarah who only just arrived and was not ready, so agreed to meet later on prior to our booked meal at Velvet. Then headed to the Village and attempted to find Sue at Taurus but first person I met was Jane Owen, just like the previous two years - co-incidence I suppose and a good natter was had catching up on the previous year activities. Eventually, I noted Sue sitting down with Zazoo outside Taurus, with another girl, who I got introduced too by Sue, this being Amanda and also Zazoo’s friend, Dave (yes a bloke). We all then caught up on each other’s activities since we last met when eventually Joanne arrived after her difficult long journey from the West Country but she is here. In the meantime, Kate and Anna walked past and another natter was had. By now it was time to leave each other and get change for our pre booked meal at Velvet which initially was for four people but eventually was for nine with Alison and Mrs Kate also joining in too. Fortunately, the staff at Velvet although clearly busy, managed to squeeze us all in for a later time. Phew! 

Having got change again at my hotel room, I met up with Sarah but not before I had to zip up her lovely black leather dress! By then, we were running a little late but we all (Sarah, Sue, Zazoo, Joanne, Amanda, Alison, Mrs Kate, Dave and of course moi!) finally arrived at Velvet for our meal which was enjoyable and plenty of chat/laughter was had. After that we all went our separate ways including some of us going to the Molly House which surprisingly was not as busy as expected. Sarah, Alison, and myself after a couple of drinks having watch the “Irish” TGirl entertainment who sounded good then headed to Naps were we finished our evening out but eventually hitting our beds for some well deserved sleep! 

Now late Sat morning, eventually got up / changed and met Sarah, then headed to the Village once again and met up with Sue again at Villagio’s for lunch. The original idea was for an open invitation to all girls to join in but unfortunately only 9/10 of us turned up including Emma and Mrs Emma, who it was nice to see again. After that Sarah and I headed to Sackville Gardens to see what was going on in regards to entertainment and who else was around. Having mingle with the crowd, met a few familiar faces including a couple of girls from the past much to my surprise! One I noted at least four times previously but convincing myself it was not who I thought it was as it had been over 7 years since I last saw her thinking surely not! In the end I bit the bullet and I approached this girl either going to be right or be embarrassed and said are you Cerys? Much to my pleasure, it was, so for the next hour or so, we played catch up on 7 years! It was really great seeing Cerys who lives in South Wales and such a shame that Mrs KD was not about to meet her either, as they both got on like a house on fire. May be another occasion but at least we can keep in contact occasionally now. Not long after, I literally bumped in to Becky (Blackpool) who I had not seen for at least two years and another prolonged natter was had. 

One thing that became apparent, if you wanted to walk up or down Canal St, it was crowded as expected but bumping into friends you had not seen for a while, it would take you 3 hours to transverse the whole street were it would normally take you 5 minutes!! :-)) As for what entertainment was going on in the park, I have really no idea, yes there was music etc but it went straight over my head along with the various stalls there too. My apologies to those people who man those stalls but I don’t go to Sparkle for them, it is to meet friends far and wide. Anyway, it was now 6pm and it was now time to head back to the hotel room to get change for the evening for our booked meal at “Try Thai” restaurant in Chinatown. While getting change, I had received a text off Sue, who sadly had to make the decision that she could no longer take any more discomfort with her facial skin and was going to revert back to “bob mode” in the interests of her long term welfare. Fortunately with a little persuasion, Sue was still coming to the evening meal which I was happy about but I knew it would be hard for Sue regardless. 

Finally, I was ready and on time, agreed to meet Sarah, Amanda and her friend Tina in the Hotel Lobby at 8pm. Tina was coming out for the very first time as Tina although she had been a TV for a number of years but understandably she was nervous, which in consequence she was late getting ready and meeting us in the lobby. In fact even Sarah was late too, and added to the fact it was raining too, we decided to get a taxi and ultimately arrived about 45 mins late at “Try Thai” were Sue, Zazoo, Dave and Joanne were already there waiting patiently. As expected the restaurant was busy with “joe public” as we seem to be the only TGirls there. Interestingly for me personally, it was the very first time I had seen Sue in “bob mode” and sort of a reversal of last year’s Sparkle so to speak but your real “friends” are always friends regardless how they appear and Sue was no different, although I could see she was not wholly comfortable with herself, which i could relate too. Anyway, eventually, we all had a nice meal - some of the food was lovely but for me personally, just a little too much although excellent value for money. By this time, the rain had almost stopped and fortunately we could all walk back to the Village including Tina who had done well so far, by the fact her first outing was really in the outside world rather than initially the village world! Alas though Sue, had decided that it was time to go back to the hotel as she felt a little bit out of it - well not being Sue as such, I could understand her thoughts and I really felt for her - oh so sad. :-( 

For the rest of us, it was hitting the Village, enjoying ourselves visiting the Via, Molly House and ultimately Naps until the early hours of the morning were the coolest place to be was the dance floor in Naps were the Air Con was on. Standing / sitting anywhere else, the sweat was pouring off which is not good for make up or hair to say the least. We all eventually headed back to our hotel rooms for some well deserved sleep, albeit for a few hours only! 

June 2014 - Wasted time and Quality too!

Hello my little blog, I have not forgotten you but don’t always get the time to keep it updated but I’m now here!  My last entry was written in mid May and since then some things have happen, some have not or more to the point wasted time! 

The last couple of weeks have been a little tiring due to parent matters were alas they cannot be avoided. On the bright side, now’t to do with KD though but knowing your parent is still there physically but mentally, sadly not! Basically, your parent knows someone is there but don’t recognise its you which means you have lost your parent although they are still here! That is hard and life is cruel sometimes, but that is reality sadly.

With the above in mind, my brain has been in overdrive, not helped by the fact that I’m trying to fit in work, home matters, a couple of concerts including two days away and also some KD time too. It is a wonder, I’ve had time for sleep. Currently not enough hours in the day but life gets like that on occasions so I’m sure things will calm down again in time. 

So what has been going on in KD’s world then? Not a lot but then again there has been 4 outings and 2 non events in that time, the latter causing much frustration to say the least! One of the non events was just pure time wasting from a “new” girl (Suzzie) I had been chatting on a forum, were agreed to meet in Manchester and at the last minute when I was already there, she text to say she cannot come due to family matters! Sadly I did not believe her and told her not to contact me again, yes I was most annoyed! Ironically this same girl done exactly the same thing to another friend of mind 10 days later, so clearly the girl in question is a serial time waster!! Why oh why do they do such things? Do they get a kick out of it wasting people’s time? Anyway this girl’s card is now clearly marked! The second non event was a genuine cancelation by Bea Groves due to health reasons but I was looking forward to meeting her in Manchester as I’ve sort of known her for a few years now. May be we get another opportunity to meet in the future? 

As for my four outing’s, I think I can safely say they were quality outings, meeting good friends and nice people - always a good combination for an enjoyable time. First outing was with Kate, Anna (Kate’s girlfriend) and Lisa and we had a meal in Chinatown, Manchester along with a couple of bars in the Village. Anna I found was a lovely attractive girl from Birmingham and we seem to get on well with each other, therefore I can see why Kate likes her. Lisa I’ve met on a few occasions but this was the first time we had actually chatted to each other and hopefully not the last. The second occasion was beginning of the month, agreed to meet up with Sophia for an outing in the Village and by default, met up with Kate again as the girl she was meeting not turned up as mentioned previously above! Always a pleasure to see Sophia but clearly it is the only time she gets out when she meets me but hopefully Sophia gains confidence to get out more often.

The next two outings was only last week, with the visit of Sue Richmond to Manchester for two days after her break in the Lake District with other friends. Sue was doing a short tour of England as after Manchester was Nottingham. Last time I met Sue was Sparkle last year so seeing her was long overdue and I appreciated her making the time and effort to stop off at Manchester. We had agreed to see each other both days for particular reasons. I met Sue in the Village on Wednesday evening in the company of Kate and Mrs Kate, were we had a nice meal in Velvet, which much to our surprise, was Sue’s first taste of the Velvet Restaurant. After that, a short walk to the Molly House for further drinks. However, by this time I was unusually sadly lacking energy and bedtime was calling being probably over tied, so called it a day. As I headed home, Sue, Kate and Mrs Kate headed to Naps. 

The following day was a little special although I agreed to meet Sue again, the main reason for this was simple, it gave a nice opportunity for M.R. to see Sue, so therefore for the first time in 15 months, M.R. came out with her special friend. M.R. have always stayed in contact with Sue so being in Manchester there was no excuse in not meeting. Although this meeting was always about Sue and M.R., it was nice for me personally to be out again with M.R. - a shame we can not do it more often but understand M.R.’s reluctance in doing so. As a bonus, we met up with Diane, another long standing friend were we headed to the Richmond Tea Rooms for desert first, prior to our main meal at Taurus. Yes I know desert before main meal but the Tea Rooms do close early so did not wish to miss out! It was really nice to see Sue and M.R. together again, they were getting on great, with me just being the side attraction which I did not mind. Then again I was out two days running so no complaints from me. My personal thanks to Sue for the visit and clearly you are a special person in M.R.’s eyes in getting her to come out with me again. 

So these last four outings have been “quality” to say the least which makes up for the lack of frequency. As for future outings, may be one next week and after that is Sparkle weekend, were I will be there for three days meeting up with some friends including Sue again! As things stand, I know what clothes I’m taking with me which is unusual but the theme is “dresses”. As part of the plan, I’m hoping to get my nails and eye lashes done at a beauty salon prior to my arrival in Manchester. Well a girl has got to look at her best with so many other girls and people in attendance! :-)) 

So anything else to write about? Mmmm oh yes heard from a long standing friend Julia by quick text. Yes she is alive and seems to be enjoying her new life - good for her but I’m not sure if we will ever see each other again sadly given the lack of frequency of contact between us, but fingers cross never the less. Still attempting to make contact with new girls and on a couple of fronts, making some headway so may an opportunity to finally meet one, let alone anymore. Sadly, with other friends, sadly no contact or they are just disappeared without any explanation which is a shame but that is the nature of being a TGirl - all our personal circumstances are different so with some girls, they will always flirt in and out of the scene. The only constant factor in all this, I’m still here and not going anywhere, so they can always contact me again! 

Finally, more clothes purchases, when will I stop? Recently bought a maxi dress, well one can hope a nice day and occasion will arise to wear it - may be Sparkle? Other purchases include a couple of tops, yet another skirt and a pair of snakeskin flatties (shoes). Still need to have a mini clear oout but when do I get time? Well on that note, time to go as work beckons and yes again not enough hours in the day to do what I wish to do! 

May 2014 - Thoughts elsewhere!

It has been a few weeks since my last entry and in someways that tells a story or may be lack of one. Really now’t to write about! Things in general have been quiet or may be more to the point lack of any activity. I seem to be stuck in the middle, wanting to go out and no one to go out with as been let down or people are busy doing other things. Since last blog entry, I have been out once and then I was taking a chance, as not meeting anyone in particular but been that long since I was out, that needs must. Anyway, went to the Village on 23rd April and see how things would pan out. Had a billy no mates meal at Taurus, visited the Knitting Club twice and by half nine I was ready to go home - yes it was that quiet! Anyway, while in MC, a girl approached me and introduced herself as Alison from Kent - well that change the night completely, we spent the rest of the evening chatting and visiting various bars in the Village and consequently an enjoyable  evening was had. Alison was on business in the area and could not resist a night out in the Village, I’m glad she did and now we have become friends. Just such a shame she did not live local but hopefully we will see each other soon again but definitely at Sparkle. It is strange how things can change literally in a minute and being on the verge of going home! However, I must say the first part of the evening in my opinion was a disaster especially being on my own as that is what it is not all about. Would I do it again, I’m really not sure as would I be so lucky again in meeting up with another nice girl out of the blue. I don’t think so.

As the title of this entry is entitled “thoughts elsewhere”, I need to explain why. Simply, a good friend of mine, Sue Richmond is having a difficult time especially with her face, which is the last thing any TGirl wants to happen. Although I’m moaning about lack of opportunities in getting out, at least I can get out without undue worries about my appearance. See Sue’s latest blog entry which will explain all - http://suerichmond.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/bad-face.html I am sure like myself, you must feel for her and sincerely hope, a solution is found or better still, it disappears in the same way it arrived. 

Some weeks ago, I made what turned to be my last entry on the Angels Forum as it seemed that either the Forum has lost its way or it did not cater for my needs anymore - probably a combination of both. My last entry was simply covering those issues and the responses I received from other members were mixed but never the less interesting. However, bottom line, nothing has or will change in the future on the forum so no point in participating. Unfortunately, the Angels Forum simply does not cater for girls who are in the middle so to speak rather than those are new / still in the closet or wishing to go full time which the forum seems to cater for. May be one day, something will change on the forum and will cater for girls like myself again - so I remain a member and may be look in from time to time. 

Well anything else to write about? Mmmm not sure, certainly don’t need any more clothes although I did purchase a dress yesterday in the M&S Sale. This one is for the summer as I don’t have many summer clothes to begin with. Given the amount of opportunities I get out over recent months, may be I should have a good clear out of my clothes as it seems I don’t get the chance to wear them sadly! Regardless, a mini clear out must be due one way or another. The one thing that is keep me going at the moment is the “Sparkle” weekend in July and scheduled to meet up with a few friends there. I just hope nothing changes for that weekend otherwise, I’m not sure how I will cope mentally if it goes pear shape but it won’t - stay positive girl! I am hoping to get out tomorrow night but nothing is set in stone, so again, simply not sure it will happen. Well fingers cross. Right that is enough for now as I need to get ready for work! :-) 

In the meantime, if any girl is looking to get out during the day and / or evening in the North West, please get in touch and see how things transpire. I can't be the only one in this situation? 

March 2014 - All mixed up (not for the first time)!

Been a couple of months since my previous entry but really no point in writing if there is nothing to write about, well almost nothing but a few lines is not worth making an blog entry! At the end of my last blog entry, I mentioned about visiting MAC to restock up on my make up and so this was done. Total cost including make up for MR too, just on £175.00!! Things we do to attempt make ourselves look better but does it though? Answers on a £50 note please. 

Currently on two weeks holiday from work so playing catch up on a few domestic chores at home while I can along with taking some time out to be “me” too. Already managed to get out last Wednesday and met up with Kate for a few hours including a nice meal and catch up chat. Since then, it got me thinking about my outings and concluded, the last 18 months has been all mixed up for numerous reasons, some of which I have written about before in my blog. One of the reasons for this, I spent most of my outings in the company of different people were no two outings are the same or with the same person with the exception of Kate (Kat). But most of the outings have been to the Village, Manchester and I think that is were the problems lies. I enjoy visiting the Village and will continue to do so but I do enjoy going out to other places but that has not happened - this needs to change and must find ways of doing so. But whose company can I do that with, now that is the real question and one that needs to find an answer. May be part of the answer, is to visit other places in the UK to meet other girls but this would be on the basis of quality time rather than quantity - will that work in my head though? May be I need to give it a try? Certainly trying to get out in the normal world with local girls is also impossible as most of them, for numerous reasons, still shy away from such adventures, whether it is because of personal circumstances, still in the closet or just don’t have faith in them selves (nor the appearance) to blend in with their surroundings. Am I so different to other girls or am I at a more advanced level then most girls could ever aspire too for again, numerous reasons? 

Talking of friends, always interesting when you find out about something about people from the past, especially those who you met and then disappear - not to be heard of again but you do though! :-)) Some friends disappear but it is funny how they reappear again but don’t make contact with you - why? Is it a form of embarrassment, they don’t wish to admit they were wrong and could not help themselves to come out again? Or is it may be that the reality of the situation, you were not such a good friend in the first place although you thought you were and left the door open to make contact again? I suppose we may never know but I certainly view the situation that it is nice for them to get back out but why not make contact again? May they used you first time around and not value your friendship in the first instance? Mmmmm what ever the reasons are, it is not a nice feeling to have when you find out though that has happened. Aren’t some people (un)intentionally cruel and no consideration for others?   

Outings over the last couple of months have been minimal with the only one in February was to Leeds First Friday for the second time and another good evening was had. Met up with some girls (Belinda and Sarah) I had been chatting on a forum which was nice and hopefully the basis of possible future friendship. Another girl who I had been chatting on a forum, I had arranged to meet which I did, but it became clear to me, she was not interested in my company what so ever and in order to protect her identity (because I’m nice like that), I concluded her head was far up her own arse not warrant any future friendship what so ever. Sadly you get people like that in everyday life but just find it so unnecessary. Yes I do speak my mind sometimes! Best part of the evening was literally bumping into Diane (& her friend Ashley) in Fibre, so unexpected for both of us as we were asking the same question “what are you doing here”. Regardless, it was nice to see Diane, she was looking well and content especially being with her friend Ashley too. Hopefully it wont be too long before we meet again. :-) 

A couple of weeks ago, manage to get out to the Village (again) and met up with Sarah, which was nice and always a pleasure although it don’t happen often enough sadly. Also, another girl, Jennii came out with us too. I had been chatting to Jennii previously on a forum, and found she a local girl, so close only 10 minutes away in the car. So for convenience and to assist her, I collected  and dropped off at her home. Jennii I found was a nice but quiet girl, who as we found out had some things in common with each other. All in all, that was another nice evening and hopefully I will see Jennii again. Well fingers cross. 

Well, I think that is enough for for this entry, time for bed and plan the rest of my second week’s holiday. 

January 2014 - The long and short of it all!

Happy new year little blog and it has been a while since my last entry. Well, Christmas and New Year is always a quiet time for me as I seem to go back into the closet because of other priorities and also opportunities to get out is almost impossible. However, I accept that and don't worry about it though, just a fact of life. 

My last entry in November, I was clearly not in a good place but remarkably a few days after that entry, things changed yet again and life was a little brighter. Just proves you never know what is around the corner and therefore don't give up hope! On this occasion, Amanda Parnell contacted me as she was in the area and would I like to meet her in Chester? However, this was not an easy meet as I was rostered in work on the day we met, so I had to figure out the logistic’s of how to meet Amanda and also get into work later. The only way I could do it was to arrive in work as “me” but fortunately my colleagues are aware of me / seen me but clearly wont be expecting to see me arrive in work as “KD”!  Well cut a long story short, I met up with Amanda in Chester City Centre, had a walk about around the centre, had coffee in the Grosvenor Centre, visited the Cathedral, plenty of chat and last but not least was the video operator for Amanda’s Mystery City series which was amusing on my part. I have seen Amanda’s other video’s in this series but it seem strange for me watching her doing one live - so surreal! Regardless it was nice to meet Amanda and a good time was had but now had to get to work which was interesting to say the least arriving as KD! My colleagues reaction was quite amusing in the nicest possible way and loved the look but clearly things could not stay as they are due my customer facing duties. Well it was a good day regardless and certainly helped to change my outlook after my previous blog entry.

My next but as it happens my last outing of the year was on Wednesday, 11th December were I met up with Kate in the Village and yet another nice evening was had with her. Unusually on this occasion, I was wearing a gold / black dress that was shorter than Kate’s which was amusing to day the least as its always the other way around! A sign of the times perhaps? :-))) Interestingly, I had pencilled in 11th December as an evening out with M.R. and possible with another couple too to the Village as it had been a little while since M.R. had been out with me. What came next took me by surprise and a little shocked too, M.R. decided she did not want to come and had no further desire to come out with me in the future. Although we had further communication on this matter, it became clear M.R. wanted the real me as she put it - who can blame her though but was accepting of who I am and better for me to continue with KD’s life as and when as she no problem with that. Sadly for me, it not what I wanted as I enjoyed M.R’s company when she came out with me especially after our London trip. However, I won’t give up and keep fingers cross, that M.R. will come out me in the future, I certainly hope so! 

As previously stated Christmas and New Year is a dead part of the year so it becomes forgetful from my point of view and just look forward to the new year, so always attempt to plan an outing so I had something to look forward too. In consequence, manage to get out to the Village on 8th January, meeting up with Kate (& briefly Paula P) in Taurus. Kate was impressed with my leather coat but was not prepared what I had on underneath! I had decided to be very daring and unlike me, wore a very short black leather skirt! When I mean short, I mean short as length was only 13” which gave the opportunity of showing my legs off - yes i do have them too! Kate I think was impressed, but although it was nice to wear (with red top and boots), I don't think it will become part of a new image for me, just a little bit of fun and no harm done. Will I wear a short skirt again? Who knows! 

Being sale period and with not much money available, I limited my purchases to a M&S long black leather handbag and a Laura Ashley silk dress I’ve been keeping an eye on. The latter I got for £54 from £150 but as yet no definite plans to wear it but something will come up to give me the excuse to wear it which leads me onto future plans for this year. In the light of M.R’s decision to let me do my own thing so to speak (unless and hopefully a change of mind), my initial thoughts are clearly Leeds First Friday on a couple of occasions (may be soon?), Sparkle weekend and may be Erotica in November. Besides that hopefully some day outings in normalville which I always enjoy, along with visits to the Village and may be visit to London to see my lovely friend Sue again? 

Well I think that is enough for now but need a visit to MAC for some new make-up in the meantime. Oh yes, a little late maybe but a Happy New Year to everyone.