Friday, December 7, 2012

I'm A Grape!

Objects can mean different things to different people.  We project ourselves onto them and they reflect back who we are.

For most of you, female clothes are ordinary objects in your normal life.  They are items you've always worn.  You prefer some over others but, as a category, they probably have little meaning.

For me, it's different.  From my earliest memory, I craved female clothes; however, I was forbidden from wearing them.  I longed for female attire from afar.  In my mind, the objects acquired magical power.  They represented the life I wanted to lead -- but couldn't.  They symbolized the authentic life I ached for, but was barred from.

Please forgive this maudlin prelude but it's necessary to understand to grasp the significance of what I'm about to say.  One of my dearest friends, Ashley, just sent me some clothes.  Ashley lives in frigid Minnesota.  She was one of the first bloggers to befriend me.  She even posted a profile of me two years ago on her blog.

I received a package of clothes yesterday from Ashley.  Opening it, I came close to crying.  Her act touched me so deeply.  Not only are the clothes items I cherish but her gesture in offering them is a kindness I never expected to receive in life.  For longer than you guys have been alive, I wished for a girlfriend who'd accept me for who I am.  I never thought one would arrive.  I never expected to be seen, let alone understood.

So, you can look at the grape clothes below and see an outfit.  Or you can look at it and see a dream come true.

Thank you, Ashley.  And thank you, guys, for letting me share myself with you.


 

 

35 comments:

  1. How much fun! It's always awesome to have girlfriends. I know I always get a little weepy when my friends send me mail. It really makes me feel like I'm loved. Knowing that someone out there thought enough about me to send something. That sort of thing takes time and effort.

    Congrats Ally! You look awesome. I hope we've all helped you reach your magical world. I know I'm glad you're here and open to our friendships.

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  2. I love your legs. Wrapped in grapes or anything else. They are just the best! I'm a fan of this look as well.

    Ashley is a freakin' gem. What a sweetheart!

    Love you tons,
    Tracy

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  3. I envy you. I'm a loner and I've never found it easy to make friends. I have a hard time with strangers and can't make small talk. The blog is how I add people to my life and I'm always grateful to have people I recognize to learn about. So you are on my list of trusted few.

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  4. just be yourself:D you look good for what you feel good on
    You found an amazing friend!

    jessillesilv.blogspot.com

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  5. all I can say is " I just LOVE you!!"

    grape and all :)
    x oj

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  6. I would so wear that outfit. Purple is one of my favorite colors and I LOVE STRIPES! :-)

    I'm glad you've found a place you can be yourself and people who accept you, honey. You're a lovely person and I'm so glad we "met" (online met).

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  7. I get it- and also feel moved by your friends sweet gesture. She must know you well- as she picked perfect items for you! That top, the flirty skirt and amethyst legs are pure vintage Ally. You look outstanding.

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  8. What a beautiful post, and such a wonderful gift from Ashley. The colour and clothing is well suited for you and your lovely personality.

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  9. Yay Ashley! She sent you a fun outfit that looks great on you. I especially love your pose in the second picture; it reminds me of magazine ads in the '50's. Thank you for writing such a lovely blog...I look forward to reading it. You're a very sweet girl, Ally.

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  10. What a touching, poignant story - and gift from a treasured friend. Thank you for sharing this meaningful experience with us.

    ♥ Jessica

    *PS*

    I'm very sorry that you were barred from baking as a child. I could never imagine not letting my child (no matter their gender) help out in the kitchen if they wanted to. And for that matter, I'd happily let my child wear whatever kind of clothes they desired, even if they weren't the ones society typically assigns to their particular gender. Life is too short to not wear the clothes that bring you the most joy, no matter your age.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Jessica. And I wish more parents were as wise and loving.

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  11. So cool look!
    I'm happy you have such a great friend, and in the other hand I find it difficult to understand why someone wouldn't accept you as you are. We can't all be forced into the same mold and most importantly, we don't need to! Norms are for the ones with no brains >;)

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  12. You look great! Those tights are amazing :)

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  13. You look lovely. What a nice gift! It's so important to have friends that really understand you and will do something sweet for you just because. I think the tights are my favorite part of the outfit.

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  14. YES! You styled these pieces SO well. I could not style those tights at all without looking like the Hulk. I'm so impressed that you pulled them off in a classy way. Not like I ever doubted you, just sayin'!

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    1. Thanks, buddy. Give me a challenge and I'll surprise ya!

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  15. I love this post so much; it nearly brought a tear to my eye! You look amazing and I have to say that it's people like you that live their dreams no matter how difficult are truly my real life heroes.

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    1. Thank you, Lindsay. What a kind thing to say.

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  16. The generous gift of clothing from a friend was very sweet and thank you for sharing your feelings and experiences with us. You are an inspiration to me and I'm always impressed with what you have to say. There is nothing better than a dream come true.

    Great outfit, great poses, great shoes!

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  17. Be who you are. So many of us would be so much better if we didn't stigmatize everything thing that doesn't fall in line with "normal" society rules!

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  18. Thank you for sharing such precious emotions with us. You are able to relay your passion so eloquently. And it did truly make us see not an outfit but your dream. What a great friend.
    Daphne.

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  19. Ally you have killer legs! Love the grape! I wish most of us could feel the passion you have for clothes. I only really had that passion in the 80's, I felt so girly and the styles were ultra feminine, albeit a little chaotic at times, those were heady days and I wish I could find the passion again.

    I am so glad that you have found clothes that make your heart sing and that you are being true to yourself - Brava!!!! Rock those legs baby cuz they are great!

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  20. Oh, Ally! How marvellous to be so open-heartedly moved and exuberant! Thanks for sharing it all with us, from the so-painful past to the the sweet celebrations of the present. You are an altogether gorgeous grape, my dear!

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  21. Wonderful profile on ashley's blog!! You look amazing in your regal pruple. And I still am oh so jealous of your LEGS!!! you were made to rock minis!!

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  22. Being yourself is the most important thing in the world and your shouldnt let others stand in your way of doing that!
    Daisy Dayz
    Cross-Jones-Photography

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  23. Ashley is one of the best bloggers ever. I remember how she kept supporting me and it was when I needed that a ton
    you look cute - this violet suits almost as good as pink

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  24. If I had legs like yours that go for miles, I'd wear nothing but purple tights. This outfit is so flattering and so much fun, and as prior commenters have said, so very you.

    I don't even think I can articulate how much my like-minded style blogger buddies, in all our diversity of experience and style, mean to me, and brighten my day and my life. Blogging has provided me with so many wonderful new girlfriends whom I cherish, including you.

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  25. Love that top! It's so cute.

    Acceptance is a beautiful thing. I'm glad you've found a network of people who can give it to you, and I'm so glad to be a part of it!

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  26. Indeed an act of kindness.
    It makes me very happy every time I read that you are in a way fulfilling your dream .. and you are the prettiest grape around.

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  27. I almost cried reading this post. I just found your blog the other day and am so happy I did. It's very plain to see the joy that women's clothing gives you. Keep being you!

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  28. This is a lovely outfit Ally, and I am so glad it came via a friend, so is extra special. I really appreciate the effort you put into your blog and I am glad to know you.

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  29. You are a very special human being! and I am so happy that you share yourself with us.

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  30. Ally you're so special! You deserve the best friends in life and turns out you have them!! The progress you've made is unbelievable in just a year! Thanks for your X-mas card and wishes, it brightened my day and gave me a big smile! Thinking about you in many occasions and wishing you a happy and full of love 2013! Many kisses and hugs :)

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