Your Innvestment

Vol. 7, No. 9

June 1999

PAGE INDEX

 

June - Last Meeting of Current Season

   Monday evening on the 7th of June, Innvestments met for their last official meeting until September. Folks gathered at the Ramada Inn at 7 p.m. where Julie had her television gear set up to video tape everyone in a walking scenario. Members walked across the room, pirouetting and walking some more. When watching it in the television monitor you could see many different stances, walks and wiggles...everyone had their own style of doing things. Also what the girls wore had a big influence on how they moved and what the outcome of their walk looked like. Long flowing dresses gave one impression while tight skirts gave yet another and slacks and blue jeans gave still yet one more. All in all it was a rather interesting experiment.
   The discussion for the evening centered on some television programs, such as Rikki Lake, etc., that had featured transgendered folks in one style or another, and if they had or had not contributed to what was called the general acceptance of transgendered folks in everyday life. Again, opinions differed widely, but it was a good discussion.
   As this was the last official meeting we all adjourned to Kelsey Lynn's, a restaurant located adjacent to the airport. We learned of Kelsey Lynn's from Joey at Mallory Dock when we had our birthday party so we checked it out one day. Elaine and I stopped by one noon and had lunch. The meal was truly superb. I also spoke to the owner, Nancy O'Neil and she assured me that everything would be just fine and we were all welcome...which we were. When we first went in we gave everyone in the lounge somewhat of a jolt, but everything soon settled down. At first things were a bit of a madhouse and Nancy worked her buns off waiting tables to take care of our group. She had a small staffing problem that evening but everything worked out just fine...and the food...absolutely fantastic. This is one of the best and least known eating establishments on Cape Cod, guaranteed. Our compliments to the chef.
   Our next event, although not a regular meeting, will be our bar-b-q and pool party in July at the Randolph Country Club off Cape. We invite you all to join with us at pool side where you can parade that new one piece or that skimpy bikini to your hearts content.
   The Tiffany Club invites us at 6:30 p.m. on the 25th of June to attend their Annual Spring Prom, also being held at the Randolph Country Club. See flyer on page 10.

Please...

Have a SAFE and SANE summer!

We want to see you periodically throughout

the summer and definitely in September.

2 Your Innvestment June 1999

About Innvestments
and Your Innvestment

Your Innvestment is a publication of Innvestments, P.O. Box 2194, Orleans, MA.0 2653-2194. Innvestments is a non-sexual service organization founded to support and to provide a socially acceptable outlet for the crossdressing, transvestite, transsexual, transgendered community located primarily in Southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod and the Island. All rights reserved. Permission to reprint any article appearing in Your Innvestment is hereby granted to non-profit similar organizations provided that publication and authorship credit is given. Any commercial use of Your Innvestment material is hereby prohibited. Some material may have previously appeared in print. Publication and authorship rights of material reprinted from other sources remain with its originator. The editor/s of Your Innvestment are not under any obligation to accept information and advertisements. Information and advertisements may be published in any form deemed acceptable. Any information about services, products or sympathetic locations published in Your Innvestment is not considered an endorsement of such by the staff of Your Innvestment or the Board of Directors of Innvestments. Innvestments is also know in open source publications as Cape Cod Cross Dressers.

OFFICERS

Liz W.....................................................President
Julie W..(stimpyl@capecod.net)...Vice President
Brenda L. (Brrendaa@aol.com)...........Treasurer

BOARD OF GOVERNORS

Judy T.........................................................Board
Candy Scott.................................................Board
PO Box 354
Sagamore, MA 02561-0354
Tel.: 508+563-3160 (Keep trying)
Fax.: 508+563-1240
email: candyscott@capecod.net

DUES AND SUBSCRIPTIONS

Membership (including newsletter) is $30.00 per-year (pro-rated after January) with a $15.00 meeting fee. Meeting fees payable only for those attended. This pays meeting location fees charged to e group, and for pizza and soda for all. Subscription only rates are $10.00 per year.

ADVERSEMENTS

Advertising is placed in newsletter free of charge at discretion of the editor/s and is not considered an indorsement by Innvestments.



June 1999 Your Innvestment 3

computer.com

By Ms. Iwillgetthere.someday


   
I'm sure that those of you who have been surfing the net until the wee hours have found all sorts of web sites that have aroused your interest. In some discussions with several surfers, it seems that very few look at the same sites. With the exception of IFGE, Tiffany Club, Fantasia Fair and some of the other key organizational sites, everyone has their favorites. We would like to make some of those sites known to the membership as everyone seems to be looking for much of the same information but is searching all over the place to find it. If you would like to help your sisters, please send some of your favorite sites and perhaps a comment or two about them so we can put them in the newsletter. Just email them to candyscott@capecod.net and we will include them in future issues.
   
This months review is http:// women.com/.
   This is a web site that is chock full of tips for every imaginable situation. And it keeps changing with updates and new information for many of our favorite subjects. The current web as of the first of June includes the following key subjects: Careers; Cars; Entertainment; Fashion and Beauty; Fitness; Food; Garden; Health; Home; Horoscope; Money; News and Travel; Pregnancy; Relationships; Shopping; Small Business; Tech and Internet; Travel and even Weddings.
   Under subjects like Fashion and Beauty, there is a plethora of pages with different subject that will keep you busy for a long, long time.
   This is the official site of Hearsts portfolio of women's magazines which you can find on most newsstands. Having had to read 50 to 60 magazines, pamphlets and briefs each week for most of my adult life, I personally find the web much better.
   This site is highly recommended. Check it out. I don't think you will be disappointed.

OTHER WEB SITES YOU MIGHT

WANT TO CHECK OUT

ANNA'S TRANSGENDER AND TRANSSEXUAL LINKS

www.geocities.com/WestHollywood/4114/index.html

   
This was just an interesting site to peruse. It is a link to many, many websites. Links cover subjects from "My name is Ann and I'm a crossdresser." type of biography to items written by wives and significant others, medical articles, people's journeys down the road of transition, etc. It is a single location where ou can link up with many other sites without continually typing in a new URL and manually searching. Beware, some of the sites have been closed down. Even so, there is enough here to keep you busy for several hours.

CANDY'S SPOUSE PAGE

www/ruralamerica.com/candy2b.html

   Another location with links to many various web sites. Each of the web sites has information of interest to spouses, families and significant others. A bit more updated than Anna's site. Again, it will keep you busy.



4 Your Innvestment June 1999

GROUPS AND MY OPINION

By Candy Scott


   
I have read a lot lately in various group newsletters and even on some of the transgendered talk groups on the net that at various times leadership becomes very frustrated with their group or net. The crux of the complaints is that at various times the groups seem to loose their momentum and spark and just fall by the wayside. Various events are planned but no one shows or no one volunteers to help. Speakers are invited but then very few members attend the meeting, etc., etc.,
   
Much of what is said is true but I personally feel that we the leadership of transgendered groups sometimes ask, or at least expect, too much from our membership. We need to look at our groups very realistically and without blinders. The question we must first ask ourselves..."Is our group/organization and the people in it capable of doing what ever it is that they want to do?" "Of course they are" you may say. Just look: "In real life, Anne is a top executive of a local bank; Barbara owns her own company; Carol is etc., etc.," and we go on as to how successful our members are in their own right. But, when you put these same folks in a skirt or dress, etc., they seem to become immobilized. They do not function as certain members of the group leadership expect. And why is that?
   People come together in a transgender group for many reasons. No two individuals have the same motivation for joining the group. The only common thread is that each person likes to wear the clothing of the opposite sex. Some because they feel they are trapped in the wrong body and want to change sex. Others because they feel much more comfortable reflecting their feminine (or masculine) side. Yet others just like to wear the clothes of the opposite sex. At first, the majority, all come together because they have not had the opportunity to go out "en fem" or to meet others. The group gives them the opportunity to do both, in a safe environment. Regardless of their backgrounds, it generally takes them one to two years to feel comfortable enough to start doing things on their own and/or to make friends with others. After this two year learning curve they generally spend about one more year with the group and then cut the ties and move on. By this time they now feel comfortable in their chosen gender role and have made friends with similar folks that have much more in common with their interests than the group at large.
   In order for the group to be effective in providing this learning experience, the group must have strong leadership and must have a program that helps the individual both grow and validate themselves. To do this, the leadership of any successful group must be both compassionate and caring as well as assertive. It cannot say to the group: "O.K. What does everyone want to do?" and then try to satisfy everyone request. The leadership must establish a program to include some instruction (beauty, hair, clothes, etc.); some reflection (speakers with a counseling background); some education (speakers on where the community has been, is currently and where it seems to be going) and; entertainment (fun).
   Not everyone in the group is up to working in a capacity to provide this type of a program. Either the threat of disclosure is too great; they are not comfortable with their chosen gender to undertake this type of activity or in

June 1999 Your Innvestment 5

My Opinion....Continued
some cases they know the mechanics of how to do something but are not be familiar enough with the subject to know how to make everything work. The leadership must recognize this and be willing to put that extra high heel forward to ensure the task is accomplished and even more so, that it is accomplished in a worth while and positive manner. To have the outcome be sloppy or not professional does credit to no one. It then lowers the expectations of the group and the standing of the group among other groups. This in turn hurts any referrals that may come the groups way from other members in the community.
   It is not an easy task to ensure that a group has a valid program. It is much different being a larger group that has their own facility. When you have your own facility you can have a clubhouse atmosphere while at the same time in another area of the facility, you can conduct demonstrations, have speakers, or whatever. For a group that utilizes a private home or a rented hotel space, the program must be planned properly to ensure proper execution. And as I alluded to above, you can please all of the members some of the time; and some of the members all of the time but you cannot please all of the members all of the time...so please do not loose sleep over what some may consider, a program that does not work as expected.
   We do what we can to provide everyone who wants it, a safe environment to do something they enjoy. We also provide some extras that can hopefully assist all of the members at one time or another. All in all a good organization provides needed friendship among kindred spirits. In this day and age, that in itself is a blessing and a half. You can't always get that elsewhere. We should all stop our complaining and count our blessings.

New Year in September
   
September starts our new season. Several things will take place at our September meeting. First will be an annual report by Liz reviewing the past year, highlighting what she feels have been accomplished. A financial report will also be presented by Brenda. Any proposed changes to the by-laws may also be brought up by the membership in addition to any other subjects the membership would like to have discussed.
   Election of new officers for the coming year will also take place. A slate of officers will be put together for proposal and motions from the floor will be entertained.
   These two items should be taken very seriously by the group as we will be entering the new millennium. The things the group will do not only in the coming year but the way the group will function in the future are at stake.
   The September meeting is also the time for annual dues to be paid. The fiscal year runs from September through the end of August. This is why anyone new joining the group after January has their dues pro-rated until the end of that year. At this time we do not anticipate any changes to our dues structure. We do not try, nor do we make, any money from our dues and fees structure or from any of the parties that we host. At the beginning of the new fiscal year, if we have $100 left over, that is some sort of minor miracle. Any monies earned throughout the year goes back into the organization. Depending upon the numbers in our membership base is the key factor in determining if we will give individual Christmas presents or not at our Christmas on Cape Cod event in December. Other than that all monies goes into our newsletter, stamps, facilities rentals and the picnic.
   With September just over the horizon, please keep in mind your membership renewal.

   We cannot do it without you!

The Right Neckline for Your Face


Ever notice how much difference a neckline makes? The right one can create a beautiful swanlike gracefulness -- the wrong one can make you look like you've put on weight. Here are some guidelines:


Heart-Heart-Shaped Face
Best: Boat, jewel, square, or scoop necks -- even high, halter necklines.
Worst: V necks, or blouses unbuttoned at the top.
Oval Face
Lucky you! You look good in all types of necklines, from V to square. You can even play with different combinations, like a collared shirt under a crew neck.


Oval Face
Lucky you! You look good in all types of necklines, from V to square. You
can even play with different combinations, like a collared shirt under a
crew neck.


Long Face
Best: Turtlenecks; jewel necks; Peter Pan, Nehru, and buttoned-up collars; scarves tied near the face. (Wear a crew neck under an open shirt to break the space.)

Worst: V necks, blouses and shirts unbuttoned at neck and not worn over a tee.

Wide, Round Face
Best:
V Necks, scoop necks, unbuttoned collars. If your neck is short: jewel necks or mock turtlenecks.
Worst: Turtlenecks (especially if you have a double chin) and scarves tied tightly around the neck.



June 1999 Your Innvestment 7

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND INVENTORY

as posted by Noelle Rose

   Noelle Rose took a clothing inventory over the weekend and this is what she posted on the internet. (I never want to hear Tracy say agin that I have three closets full of clothes and nothing to wear. I may equal Noelle in some things but popular opinion not withstanding, except for wigs, 10 plus 2 wiglets, each with their own stands, and a few personal lingerie items, I do not exceed her. - Candy) If anyone ever wants to go shopping, you now know who to call. (Yes! Shop till you drop.)


10 shirt dresses
35 dresses/suits/skirt+top combinations
 2 formal dresses
 4 dressy jackets
22 skirts
13 blouses
 4 leggings
 4 slacks
 4 tank tops
 2 sweaters
 4 shorts
 9 tops
 6 casual sandals
 8 dressy sandals
 3 boots
 1 sneakers
 5 slippers
 1 maid outfit
 4 lounging PJ's
 7 robes
 7 nightgowns
 5 rain/winter coats
 2 gloves
 2 hats
 5 scarves
15 panties

36 tights/pantyhose
 9 socks/stockings
 1 garter belt
 1 crinoline petticoat
 1 full slip
 1 pants slip
 2 camisoles
 2 misc. lingerie
 8 bras
 2 body shapers
 1 corset
 1 waist cincher
 1 Diva
 2 Veronicas
 1 FOH hip padding
 1 Jayne Belt gaff
 5 wigs
 1 wiglet
In addition to this I have
 4 wig forms
14 purses
cosmetics
jewelry
etc., etc.

Can this girl shop or what!
J It's getting a little hard to hide the "stash" though. J Just kidding. J

Hugs

Noelle Rose

8 Your Innvestment June 1999


Candy's Cupboard


J
I think I'm catching on to this program. If I don't do what it wants, it tells me I completed an illegal operation and then shuts down. I just love it. L

J
GOOD NEWS. Dawn came home from the hospital. Also Dawn and Terry got married. They requested at 9 a.m. the hospital help them and they were married with cake and all the fixings by 3 that afternoon. WE WISH THEM HAPPINESS AND JOY FOREVER.

L We made a mistake in last months newsletter with Julie's email address. The correct email address is stimpy1@capecod.net.

J
During the May meeting, Noelle Rose said she would pass on the URL where she sent for and received her Covermark concealer. It is as follows: http//www.
skinsite.con/info_covermark_cosmetics.htm.

J One of our girls told me the other day that someone had called her a two-bit street walker. She then told me she hit him over the head with her purse full of quarters.

J Under the headline: Throw that chest out soldier!, the following item recently appeared in one of the Boston newspapers: "The Danish Army purchased 500 brassieres - all the same size - for its female soldiers, after being convinced by the manufacturer that the C-cup European size 100 fits 90 percent of Danish women. Nothing, it seems, could be further from the truth. The women who measured either above or below the so called average size in that department are said to be furious. (Of course, wouldn't you!) L

J
Testing lipstick on the back of your hand may be a tried-and-true tradition, but makeup artist Mary Greenwell says to smear it on your fingertips instead. The texture and color of the skin on your fingers in more akin to your lips.

J Wedding bells also rang for Sara and Beth this month. The wedding took place outside in Rhode Island and was well attended. WE WISH THEM BOTH BLISS AND JOY.

J Who says airline pilots do not have a sense of humor. Overheard on the loud-speaker on a recent Southwest Airline flight: "The weather at our destination is 50 degrees with some broken clouds, but they'll try to have them fixed before we arrive. Thank you, and remember, nobody loves you, or your money, more than Southwest Airlines."

J
The "Be Nice To Yourself" tip for this month is Soak in the tub! Four good reasons include: It beats stress and helps you sleep better; It can rinse away headache pain; It drowns out colds, flue and sinus trouble; and current research shows that it helps do battle against cancer. It is recommended drawing a bath of 104 degrees (you can use a weather thermometer to gage it) and stay in for 30 or 40 minutes. Use a cool cloth to wipe your face if you need it. By adding bath oil or bubble bath and having some scented candles burning can also make you feel very luxurious. After all, we certainly deserve it!

J
Life's battles don't always go.
To the strongest woman.
But sooner or later, the woman who wins
Is the woman who thinks she can.



June 1999 Your Innvestment 9

your fashion style


by Kim Bonnell

The Daily Dilemma


Q: I'm a bit of an athlete: 5'1", 130 pounds, with broad shoulders, narrow hips and muscular all over. I'm in great physical shape but I always feel bulky, stocky and never as feminine as my less muscular friends. (For example, I don't wear sleeveless tops because my back, shoulders and arms are so big.) How can I look and feel more feminine?

A: Let's think of ways to balance the breadth of your shoulders by what you wear from the waist down, de-emphasizing your upper body and giving you a look that's more classic and shapely.

While you should stay away from cuffed trousers because of your height (they can make you look shorter) and away from extremely wide or narrow pants, a classic un-cuffed, pleated trouser, worn with a tucked-in top, so your waist/hipline shows, is a good choice for you. Flat-front narrow pants, cut to fall dead straight from your hips will work too.

In jackets, avoid shapeless, un-constructed styles; look for cuts that have a defined (though not padded) shoulder (they'll make your shoulder-line look less bulky, more crisp), and are nipped at the waist, to add a bit of curve there.

You'll also look great in spring's new pleated skirts; they'll look best on you grazing your knee or an inch above, no shorter or you'll be into the cheerleader look. And I know this sounds counterintuitive, but I recommend at least trying on boat neck, cutaway and halter tops; they're visual foolers that can actually make your shoulders look less broad.

Wear a bit of a shell, even with pants; an inch is all you need, but it really will help.
Thanks for writing.
Kim

Thank you!
© Copyright 1999, Oxygen Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
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