Everybody needs a chance to grow

If you haven't been to Trans-mission there is only one word I have to say to you - "Go!" It was great. As soon as I walked through the door I felt at home, and could see everybody else was as happy to be there as I was. But lets start at the beginning; it's been quite a weekend. I left home Friday morning for the drive to London which took me 5 hours, managed to do it without stopping. The hotel was easy to find and the drive through town was quicker than expected. My sisterly friend Emma arrived shortly after, so after chatting for a while we set about getting ready to go out. I wore a black silk dress, light, floaty and a dream to wear. We got a taxi and went to TK's wine bar, owned by the same people as the Wayout club. It was very quiet, but a nice place. We sat at a table chatting and sipping wine. After a while we were joined by a guy who offered to buy us a drink. He asked if one of us was Emma so we instantly realised this was Suzy from T-web, who Emma had chatted to a couple of nights before; he'd said he might call in on his way home from work. He was a nice guy, but more of an admirer than a dresser. 2 other T-girls were in over the course of the evening, one who was with a genuine girl, we said hello, and one who was on her own, so we asked her to join us. She was very nice, and it dawned on me how great this felt to be in a place where I could meet and chat with other T-girls. I realised I was incredibly happy, and it wasn't just the wine doing that. In my home town there is only one TS who is out and sadly I don't know her, even more sadly my mates would think it most strange if I was to approach her in the pub, but one day I'm sure I will. Anyway I was in London now and appreciating the big difference between small town narrow-minded farmers, and cosmopolitan city-goers. Towards the end of the night one of the owners, Vicky came in and got chatting to us. I liked her a lot, a very attractive T-girl, who was kind enough to give us a lift back to the hotel. It was about 3am by the time we got to bed, so I was quite tired by then. Needles to say, we skipped breakfast in the morning.

Saturday we had planned to go out shopping, but after a much needed lie-in and a couple of hours making ourselves beautiful we were a little short of time so decided to go straight to Doreen's in East London, Emma drove. The East-end is not the prettiest area of London but it was great to be walking down the street in a little polka-dot skirt and a blue low-cut gypsy top. The first time I'd ever really been out in that sort of environment, broad daylight and very busy - wonderful. I loved Doreen's, my kind of clothes, a lot of party stuff, but as soon as I got to the little black dress in the middle of the rack I knew that was the one. Tried it on, I've just realised actually that was another first for me - trying clothes on in the shop, fitted like a dream, perfect. Had to have it, 25 quid, bargain. Tried a couple of wigs on too, came close to buying one for £100 but it wasn't perfect enough to be spending that sort of money. Also tried another black dress on, really sexy, looked good but dangerously short. It was time to head back by then so off down the street again feeling much happier about what I would be wearing that night. We ate at the hotel then went back to our room to de-femme and become boring and drab again, but not for long!

I drove us to Pandora De'Pledge for our makeover which I was really looking forward to, yet another first. Pandora was lovely and looked amazing, her assistant Mark was in drab (with painted toenails) but was Gorgeous with a capital G. Drab in this case is too unflattering; long flowing blonde locks, great figure - corr! Think I must be becoming more aware of my girly instincts. Anyway all mirrors were covered (a make-up lesson is a lot more expensive) and they got to work on us. After nearly an hour came the grand unveiling. Wow. Emma took one look at me and her jaw dropped, she didn't need to say anything, but did of course, as did I; she was beauitiful, and I couldn't believe the face that was looking back at me in the mirror. We could have been sisters, glamorous and blonde. Pandora had also trimmed my wig and styled it, gone was the straight floppy fringe, replaced by an almost Farrah Fawcett style wave. Was glad I hadn't spent £100 on that wig at Doreen's. I have never felt so good about my appearance and thoroughly enjoyed the drive back to the hotel. We took some pics (of course) some of which are now in my album, and went down to meet the girls in the bar, though we were running a little late. I came out of the elevator to see a group of lovely girls in front of me, and instantly recognised Julie Jules ("That's gotta be Lucy", she said) and Nena from their pics. Hugs followed, then introductions to the 2 Sarahs and Mandy, who I also recognised when I looked twice, sorry Mand, my eyesight is not what it used to be. We all went out to wait for a taxi, attracting a crowd of onlookers, which felt good. More T-girls appeared and more pics were taken. One kind lady offered to take group shots with all our cameras, which was much appreciated. All the onlookers seemed friendly and genuinely interested. Took a while to get taxis but we were already having fun. And this is where I began - we went in to the Extra Time Bar (the TM venue) and the place was heaving with T-girls and their bosoms! This was my kind of place. Drinks all round, and then we were the first to go upstairs; T-web girls are born leaders. It soon filled up, and the place was soon rocking. After a few vodkas even I danced for a while; I like dancing but doing it in public is new to me really, and I would have preferred it with music that I'm familiar with, but I enjoyed it nevertheless. The thing I enjoyed most was as expected, being surrounded by other girls who felt the way I did. I spoke to several of them, some who complimented me on my dress, and some who had their dresses complimented by me. It was wonderful to be there, so wonderful. I wish I could go every month. A voice at the back of my mind is telling me it's time to get out of the countryside and move down south. Small steps Lucy, one thing at a time. Anyway the next TM event is in Manchester in less than 2 weeks, much closer to home. Wild horses would not keep me away, and I hope to see as many of you there as possible.

We went back to the hotel bar and took over the place, causing quite a stir. An Irish gg said to me, "Why are you all dressed up?" I answered with a question, "Why are you?" She couldn't answer me, but I think she understood what I meant. I talked to her quite a bit, she was intrigued, but her 2 friends went to bed, uninterested/unaccepting - who cares. I have to admit I was very drunk (but "nice drunk"), and don't remember everything after that, though I've been reminded of some of my behaviour since then. It's official, I'm a flirty old tart. But I've noticed that a lot of T-girls enjoy a bit of flirting, so I guess it's normal. I felt normal all evening, and that is exactly why I love being out dressed, because I feel myself. After 3 trips out in 2 days it's now feeling more natural than ever, and it won't be long before I can do it again. What's more it'll be at a place I've been before, the Village in Manchester. That must make me a girl of experience!