YOUR INNVESTMENT


VOL 6, NO 8/9 An Innvestments Publication APRIL/MAY 1998

Page Index

ANNUAL BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

April 6th found Innvestments gathered, once again at the Mallory Dock for its annual birthday party. It seems like only yesterday, but in real time it was six years ago that Innvestments held its first meeting at the XXXXXXX Inn in Hyannis. At that time, Crystal Raymond gathered 9 others around the table and laid out what she had in mind for a Southeastern Mass, Rhode Island, Cape Cod organization. That original 10 folks has averaged out to an annual membership of between 40 and 50. The goals and organization of the organization were talked about and agreed on. These basic ideas are still in place today. Innvestments provides a haven or safe place for folks to get together, discuss mutual interests, get some basic instruction, learn a little about the many facets of the T community and have some social fun in a wholesome context. As one member put it: "I had never before met anyone else like myself. Now I have some non judgmental friends, I have places to wear some of those many outfits that I have accumulated and I can do it in a relatively safe environment. I waited all my life to be able to do this. What a relief!" Our program has increased from a meeting once a month for 10 months to include a pool party, a family picnic, discussion groups, parties and inclusion with other similar groups for social activities and when appropriate have provided outreach. Not bad for 6 years. We also have made some good friends not just within our own community but with such places as Mallory Dock in Hyannis, Stormy Harbor in Provincetown, the XXXXXXX Inn staff in Hyannis to several of the professional performers around the area. But....we cannot rest on our laurels. We have succeeded because we had some members who were willing to dig in and work hard for the organization. This work must continue for Innvestments to continue on for another 6 years.

The evening was fun filled and as usual the service and the meal prepared by Joe Dowick and his staff was excellent. New friends were made, old acquaintances renewed and the birthday cake was delicious. Happy sixth birthday, Innvestments!


LINGERIE PARTY

May was upon us before we knew it. And as sure as March winds and April showers most assuredly bring forth May flowers, we had a delightful May meeting. Brenda R. had invited Michelle Hamel from Petra Fashions to our meeting with her lingerie party. And a true party it turned out to be. Initially some games were played with Michelle questioning the group. "Why do you not like some specific type of housework?" After everyone had written down their answers she surprised the group by then asking "Why don't you like sex?" Of course, the answers were those that had been written down for the "Why don't you like the housework" task. Phyllis F. who put down that she didn't like a certain housework task..."because it made her dirty and smelly" had by far, the best answer for "Why she didn't like sex." Another game asked specific questions such as "What has eyes but cannot see?" and "What has a face that you do not wash?" Any good answer gave X number of points. Brenda L. won this event by accumulating the most points. The last game was "Is it in your purse". Lipstick and powder were easy but safety pins, aspirin, mints, a red wallet, bobby pins and an extra pair of nylons were more difficult. Candy Scott won this round...as anyone can tell who has picked up Candy's purse. It's all in there except the kitchen sink???

Following the games Michelle introduced many interesting and varied lingerie items from bra and panty sets to nighties. Brenda R. even modeled one of the items and twirled around the floor showing it to full advantage. All in all it was a fun filled night with something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue. We thank Michelle for bringing us a delightful evening and some fun and games.

2 YOUR INNVESTMENT APRIL/MAY 1998

YOUR INNVESTMENT is a publication of Innvestments, P.O. Box 2194, Orleans, MA.02653-2194 / P.O. Box 354, Sagamore, MA 02561-0354. 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 Islands. All rights reserved. Permission to reprint any article in Your Innvestment is hereby granted to non-profit similar organizations provided that publication and authorship credit be 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 on Cape Cod and the Islands as Cape Cod Cross Dressers (Triple C-D).

OFFICERS

Liz W..................................President
Robyn Roberts.....................Vice President
Brenda L...............................Treasurer E-Mail Brrendaa@aol.com

BOARD OF GOVERNORS

Candy Scott........... .....................Board E-Mail Candyscott@capecod.net
Judy Thompson...............................Board

DUES & SUBSCRIPTIONS

Membership (including newsletter) is $30.00 per-year (pro-rated after Jan.) with a $15.00 meeting fee. Meeting fees payable only for those attended. Subscription only rates are $10.00 per-year.

APRIL/MAY 1998 YOUR INNVESTMENT 3

Miss Understanding

(Thank you "Morph"/Transcriptions, March 1998)

_ How long did the Hundred Years War last?

_ Which country makes Panama hats?

_ From which animal do we get catgut?

_ In which month do the Russians celebrate the October Revolution?

_ What is a camel's hair brush made of?

_ The Canary Islands were named after what animal?

_ What was King George VI's first name?

_ What color is a purple finch?

_
Where are Chinese gooseberries from?

_ How long did the Thirty Years War last?

NEW YORK B CUPS

The next time in New York City you might want to check this one out. You will not find any star's bras hanging in the Smithsonian but you will find a vast assortment of these celebrity undergarments at Hogs & Heifers, a New York City honky-tonk. Many well known figures have cast off their cups while dancing on the bar in the wee hours of the morning. At last count there were 2,533 bras. Julia Roberts (Maidenform 34B), Drew Barrymore (plain-Jane cotton), Kirstie Alley (lacy) and model Frederique (a lacy demi-cup) have left their bras, all of them black.

THE EYES HAVE IT

We use cosmetics to help us to look our best - not to cause injury. Therefore, here are some common sense practices to follow:

_ Wash hands before applying cosmetics.

_ Keep cosmetics away from excessive heat or cold.

_ Discard mascara and eyeliner within three to four months.

_ Do not share your makeup with others.

_ Avoid "preservative-free makeup. Preservatives help minimize bacteria growth.

_ Contact lens wearers: apply makeup after inserting lenses. Remove makeup after removing lenses.

_ PROTECT YOUR EYES. TWO ARE ALL YOU GET!

QUIZ ANSWERS


1. 116 years, 1337-1453.
2. Ecuador.
3. Sheep, cows and horses. Catgut is corruption from "cattlegut".
4. November. Russia used the Julian calendar until 1917. It lagged 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar.
5. Squirrel fur.
6. Dogs. Latin "canis" = dog; Insulae Canaria = Dog Isles.
7. Albert. He adopted the name George as he rose to the throne to respect Queen Victoria's wish that no British king should rule under the name Albert.
8. Very much crimson.
9. New Zealand.
10. Thirty years, of course? From 1618-1648.

4 YOUR INNVESTMENT APRIL/MAY 1998


HOW'S YOUR IQ??????

1. Pick a number from 1 through 9.
2. Subtract 5 from the number. (Negative results are okay.)
3. Multiply the result by 3.
4. Square the result. (Multiply the number by itself.)
5. Add the digits of the result until there's only one digit. (Example: 64. 6+4=10, 1+0=1.)
6. If the result is less than 5, add 5; if not,
subtract 4.
7. Multiply the result by 2.
8. Subtract 6 from the result.
9. Locate the corresponding letter in the alphabet. (Example: 1=A, 2=B, etc.)
10. Pick a country that begins with that letter.
11. Note the second letter in that country's name. Think of a mammal that begins with that letter.
12. Now think of the color of that mammal...and... WHAT DO YOU HAVE?

ANSWER: It works almost every time. Most readers will be thinking of a gray elephant from Denmark.

SUMMER FASHION

The white season is here and not a moment too soon, for white is hotter than ever this season. But wearing white does have a few pitfalls, so check out these 10 flattering tips.

_ White accentuates. Wear it with a dark color to keep the focus on your shapeliest, most toned parts.

_ Watch the fabrics. Heavy textures can add bulk, shiny ones show every bulge, and wrinkles look sloppy on any shape.

_ Sleek, fitted tees are a new wardrobe basic. Save the oversized ones for workouts or sleeping.

_ A white shirt is the quick-change artist of fashion. Wear it buttoned up or casually undone, sleeves rolled up or not. Pair it with anything. And--it looks great on everybody.

_ White leggings aren't for everyone, but pants in white stretch fabrics can flatter great legs.

_ White swimsuits take the focus off your legs. To keep private parts private, look for textured fabrics or double-lined suits.

_ Wear flesh-tone lingerie under translucent whites. Nude hues - there's one for every skin color
- disappear against the skin.

_ A garment is just not flattering if pocket linings, seams, facings, and tags are clearly visible. Pass it up in favor of something less transparent.

_ Unless you're in the medical profession, don't wear white stockings with white. Try sheer nude hose or bare legs instead.

_ Closed white pumps can make your feet look bigger. Try strappy white sandal instead.


APRIL/MAY 1998 YOUR INNVESTMENT 5


A MONTREAL EXPERIENCE

By Candy Scott

Sometime earlier this year Tracy had asked me if I would travel with her to Montreal in the spring. She was scheduled to have some cosmetic surgery, including some eye work at Doctor Menard's and was not sure she could drive immediately home. After talking with Dr. Menard I told her okay, no problem. Here it is, spring already and off I went. I arrived at Tracy's at 7 A.M. in the morning. She was still getting dressed and combing out her hair. After she got herself together we stopped for breakfast at a nearby Friendly's and swung by her office to collect her paycheck then we were on our way North.

If you have ever driven with Tracy, you know that she can get from point A to point B twenty minutes before anyone else so it was not surprising that in no time at all we were entering Burlington, Vermont. Our first stop was for fuel and then to find a wine store as Tracy wanted to pickup a special gift for Dr. Menard. Trying to find a shop was the biggest problem of the entire trip. After finally getting directions from a (where else) U.S. Mail truck driver, we found the shop and Tracy made her purchases. Then in no time at all we were zipping through New York state, crossing the border and entering the boundaries of Montreal. For arriving at the height of the evening rush hour we did very well in crossing town to get to the Residence where we arrived at approximately 4:30 p.m.

After getting Tracy checked in and meeting Dr. Menard and the staff still on duty, we took a walk up the street to the private hospital operated by Dr. Menard and his colleagues. I was definitely impressed with the hospital. When walking into most hospitals, I have always been met with a certain amount of hustle and bustle. At least this seems to be the norm in the big cities. Here on the Cape, the front lobby is perhaps a little more subdued, but the electric atmosphere still seems to pervade the place. Here in this hospital it was downright quiet. It had an elegant and yet subdued hush. The head nurse directed Tracy and myself to the rooms currently occupied by the girls who had just had surgery on Monday and Tuesday. Each of them were recovering nicely. After giving them some words of encouragement, we left them to get some rest and went back to the Residence. The next morning I accompanied Tracy with Dr. Menard to his main office where he also had a clinic. At the clinic, minor out patient surgeries were also performed. Most minor surgeries that did not entail putting the patient completely out was performed at this location. Here again I was impressed, not only with the building and office facilities, shared by Dr. Menard with two other surgeons, but with the level of professionalism and competence exhibited by the staff. It was here that I met Dr. Menard's lovely wife, who was also an RN and assisted him in surgery. Dr. Menard was kind enough to allow me to observe the procedures scheduled for Tracy that morning. As the morning progressed I found each of the procedures to be very interesting. The teamwork between Dr. Menard and his wife was excellent. Even Tracy cooperated. As each procedure was accomplished, Dr. Menard commented on what he was doing and how, and answer all of my, I'm sure, pretty dumb questions. I told him afterward that his class was excellent and that after 90-days of study back home I would return and try these procedures on my own. At this point Tracy urged that I not do them on her as she did not want to go through them again. I guess I'll have to recruit my own patient!....Any takers???

After hearing Tracy talk about past treatment she had received, I felt that this was too good to be true. What I found was that Tracy was being very modest. First the facilities, from the office through the hospital and through the Residence were just super. The staff at the office/clinic, as I mentioned above were very professional. The staff at the Residence was absolutely fabulous. At the Residence, where you checked in prior to surgery and then after surgery, spent a week at recuperating, you could not have asked for more or better. The feelings of empathy, encouragement, and friendship were certainly far beyond my expectations. I want to warmly thank Dr. Menard for the opportunity to view the procedures that I did and for his most congenial hospitality. He and his staff are to be complimented for the excellent program they have established there in Montreal.

6 YOUR INNVESTMENT APRIL/MAY 1998

 

OUT ENOUGH!

By Cheryl Easton

As a group, the transgendered community is made up of a wide range of people in various states. From people who remain in the closet to people who have transitions, we cover a lot of ground. We all try to work within our comfort levels about our gender journey, maybe push the envelope as time goes on. I can think of many people who were afraid to go out in public dressed who are now very comfortable in any situation. We have people in the community who are fighting for the rights of all transgendered persons. I applaud them for their efforts and at times have felt guilty that I was not willing to out myself enough to join them. Being a member of this community means just than, your a member. It does not mean that you have to do something because someone else is doing it. You have as much right to conduct your lifestyle in whatever fashion you choose. Maybe someday I will feel the need to contact my congressman or state legislator and make myself known as a transgendered person who supports some particular piece of legislation before them. But right now I do not choose to do that, however I support those who do and are willing to be out there to fight for our rights. They are willing to put themselves out in public to support causes that support our community. The path of gender expression has many routes and we must follow our own road to happiness. I look at it, as sort of watching the end of a movie. You have the actors, producers, and directors listed. You also have people who work on a wide range of other jobs in order to make the film complete. If I'm the person who's name comes just before, "no animals were harmed making this film", then my contribution was important to the overall production as well. We all have a role to play in the production of gender rights, but some of those roles are behind the camera.

APRIL/MAY 1998 YOUR INNVESTMENT 7

 

BOARD MEETING

An Innvestments board meeting took place prior to the May meeting. The following items were discussed:
1. Still need one more person to work with Candy and Sara on the Christmas on Cape Cod Party. More in June.
2. Need a new board member to replace Jean-Marie. Liz, as President asked Judy T. to fill the current vacancy until the next elections which are to be held in September.
3. Requested that Robyn confirm the dates for the BBQ and pool party at Randolph. This was accomplished. See flyer elsewhere in newsletter.
4. Liz appointed a nominating committee to work on the officer nominations for the next year. More in June.
5. Candy asked for someone to take over the newsletter. Emi indicated she would give it a try. Candy will work with Emi for the June issue.
6. Discussion on agenda for rest of year took place. More later in July or August.
7. Participation with Fantasia Fair in October. More later.
8. Participation with GISST in September's health fair in Boston. More later.
9. Halloween party. Accomplished. See flyer elsewhere.
10. The status of the discussion group was reviewed. Due to a dwindling of attendance the decision was made to resume this group in the fall.
11. Picnic status discussed. Picnic date is 15 August. Flyer to be in next issue.
12. Current hotel situation. See more this page.

THE HOTEL STORY

As many of you know, the Hyannis XXXXXXX Inn is no more. Just after the first of the year, the XXXXX Group, which held the mortgage on the hotel gave up the XXXXXXX Inn franchise. It then became the XXXXXXXX XXXXXXX XXXXX. It still had the same management team, still had the same great folks, but just was not a XXXXXXX Inn.

The XXXXX Group then decided to give up the mortgage and in April, the hotel went on the auction block. At that time, no bids were made and the bank turned the management of the hotel over to a holding group. At present the facility is still open but the dining room is closed and the bar is only open on weekends.

"What happened to all of our good friends?" is the question now being asked by our members. The general manager, Mike and Allison both stayed with the XXXXX Group and are at the XXXXXXXX in XXXXXXXX. Scott and Cheryl are still on the front desk and Terri, still working half days, has completely taken over the customer service, reservations, etc. Ed still comes in weekends on the bar and the housekeeping and maintenance staff is still in place. The rest of the staff that we worked with are in many different places.

What will ultimately happen? We do not know but we are hanging in there. As we get through the tourist season and things settle down we are certain that life will continue on.

We are greatful to the original staff of the XXXXXXX Inn for providing us a home and now look forward to working with those that remain and with the new staff for many years to come.

8 YOUR INNVESTMENT APRIL/MAY 1998

ALONE

by A Husband

I forsook my wife for her underthings.
I thought I'd be alone, but then she came home
Picked up her bags and left me.
At first I thought, "Her frocks are all gone."
Only later I realized that, "She left our home!"
Now late at night when I'm home all alone
Her nylons no longer bring comfort.
I fret and I furrow my beaten brow.
My wife is gone and I miss her!

This poem reflects how "Hubby" felt before he died.
"Hubby's" wife Annie will write for a future issue.

CANDY'S
CUPBOARD
_
I know, I know. There was no newsletter last month. That is the reason that there is a May/June date on this issue...and that this issue is the size that it is. I have been in a terrible funk for the past 3 months and the newsletter is what took the beating.
Pow Zap Ahhhhggg % #$%&* and all the rest!

_
We were glad to hear that Vaunessa Vale is on the way to recovery. She was hospitalized a few months back but is doing much better now. GET BETTER GIRL!!!

_
Sahdji injured her ankle when she tripped carrying some items down some stairs. She spent some time in the Cape Cod Hospital and is now recovering well. Heal!

_
Vicki Tern after having a hip replacement had to undergo the operation once again. While at "Crossing Borders" in Toronto, she had to have it fixed again and then when on the way home had it dislocate again. Tch Tch. Recover!

_
We inadvertently left out of a previous issue that Jill and Jessica (actually Jessica) had a healthy bouncing baby boy. It's name? Jill Jr, what else. Congratulations.


_
Star newspaper reported that one Hollywood star was so embarrassed at a recent party because her dressmaker was wearing the same outfit as herself. To make matters worse, he looked better in it than she did! Liz, shame on you!

_
Did you hear about the T person who went out to eat with another T. After eating, she took her lip liner from her purse and, being the real expert that she was, lined her lips without using a mirror. On the way out of the restaurant, they saw some friends and stopped to chat. Everyone was looking at her very strangely. Upon exiting, she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirrored wall. She had colored her lips perfectly all right - but with a black eyeliner pencil. She excused herself and ran out the door. When her friend caught up with her she asked why they had not said anything. Her friend just shrugged and replied, "I don't know. I thought it was a new style and that you were on the cutting edge or something." I think not, but who knows?

_
Oh yes. Former Innvestments president, Jessi and long time girl friend Marcia got married. CONGRATULATIONS! ! ! !

_
Fantasia Fair is scheduled for the 18th through the 25th of October in Provincetown. We will keep you informed on our program.

_ GISST will be holding their annual Boston health conference in September of this year rather than in June. It is planned to work in conjunction with IFGE and Boston University and to hold it at the University rather than at the Haynes Auditorium as in past years. Innvestments has volunteered to provide volunteers to assist with this event. Please support this effort. As soon as the date has been settle, we will let you know.

_ In case you had not heard, AEGIS (American Educational Gender Information Service/Dallas Denny) has combined assets and efforts with ITA (It's Time America) a purely political animal. Financial times are tough for the gender community. Where will it end??

9 YOUR INNVESTMENT APRIL/MAY 1998

CANDY'S CUPBOARD
Continued

_
FOR SALE: A refrigerator, a stove, a washer, a drier, a dish washer and a living room set. All in excellent order. Not that old. Good prices. Please check with Vernon (Lady Di). She will be moving very soon. All must go.

_
I was wrestling with finding the right words for this when a Cape Cod Times article by Dan McCullough dropped them right in my lap. I hope Dan does not mind my stealing his words.

Your death is on its way to you: make no mistake about that. By the time you finish reading this sentence, you will have less time on Earth than when you began. Only a fool would think otherwise.

There is a wonderful story by the British writer, W. Somerset Maugham, that tells of how the figure of Death appears one afternoon in the streets of Baghdad and turning a corner in the city comes face-to-face with the servant, who then goes to his master and begs for help.

Sympathetically, the master gives the servant some money and a horse so that he can flee to the nearby city of Sammarra to hide out until Death passes by. The servant has friends and family in Sammarra.

Since the servant was doing the shopping in the marketplace for the master, the master is now reduced to doing the lowly shopping tasks himself.

As he angrily goes about the menial tasks usually assigned to his servant, he too, encounters Death on a little side street of the city. He accosts the hooded figures, corners him and demands to know why he is toying with his servant.

Death is profuse in his apology: he explains that he was not teasing the servant. "I was just surprised to see him here in Baghdad," Death explains, "For I have an appointment with him tonight in Sammarra."

Death, of course, wears many faces. Sometimes he comes like a sneaky felon, striking when least expected, taking even young children from the safety of their parents' arms or the security of their classrooms. Sometimes he comes in ugly violence, horrid and unspeakable as in war. Sometimes he comes like a lover in the night, soft and gentle, whispering and sweetly becoming. Sometimes he give warnings: sometimes he does not!


Should you have warning...the question is what should you do about it?

I feel that I have had my warning. This is my year for something. This is a compelling reason why Innvestments must make some changes. Candy Scott is not going to be here forever and ever. Innvestments, not Candy Scott, has helped a great many. Candy has only been a part of it. This help needs to be carried on. Candy cannot do it any more. There are others who can pick up the ball and run with it. Please do. The formats have all been established. The work is now just to carry on and to improve things. Do not get caught up with the political vent of many. Stop believing all the propaganda the culture puts out. Learn and under-stand what you are. Why you are doesn't really matter. It is dealing with life on a day to day basis and planning for the future that counts. Remember, you cannot change what took place even one minute ago. It's now and tomorrow that counts.

There is a lot of work yet to be done and there are a lot of people out there counting on it to be accomplished. In some cases, we...Innvestments...are the only link they have to their feelings. We did not let YOU down so please, do not let them down.

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