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