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Time to update
At the end of last year, as I was looking at my public photos on CD Heaven, it dawned on me that they depicted my past CD journey and not how I look in the present.
They had been taken through the years, and sorry to say, I've aged. I'm amused at seeing a bio photo that was taken 30 or more years previously and it looks nothing like the person today. Looking at my photos, I had to acknowledge that I was guilty of the same false advertising. So, as a New Year's resolution, 2024, I decided to switch to more current photos; ones I've taken in the last four years.
Ladies, the shocking truth is, that I've gone gray, meaning that I've purchased several new wigs. The gray wigs go well with my "Mature" face, and I've gotten nothing but compliments. They also work much better in public, as I don't think I'm as closely scrutinized with gray hair. Some of the new wigs are shorter, and it took some time to adjust to them, as they are a new look for me.
I stopped photographing myself every time I dressed long ago. At the time, I did it for my own encouragement, but I no longer need that reassurance. I am out so often now that I can't be bothered. I am secure in expressing my femininity anywhere that I choose to go.
However, I have found that taking a few photos of me wearing a new wig, a different look, has helped me to adjust to it. The shorter wigs show much more of my face, and so, instead of fretting about them, I've decided to embrace the lines on my face. Women my age, over 70, (Yikes!) have age lines.
And, with an older look, I use much, much less makeup. I can go from zero to out the door in less than an hour. (Half of that time is trying to put in my contacts!) I can honestly tell you that it is working very well.
Curiously enough, I find that some people have been acting differently around me now when shopping. On several occasions, a woman has come up to me, out of the blue, and complimented me on my hair or my clothes or said to me, “I wish I could wear that.” For the rest of that day, I’m on cloud nine. I’m never sure if they see me as a crossdresser, probably not at first, but I must look nice enough for them to approach and engage me in conversation. I’m sure the older look sends out a different vibe and perhaps they understand and appreciate the effort that I put into it.
I work at keeping a thin figure, which affects how people potentially judge me. My wardrobe has also matured and the dresses and skirts I buy now are below the knees, midis and maxis, long tunics, leggings, and pant sets. I am not a wallflower and enjoy wearing bright colors and designs, which makes me stand out, and I know this also sends out a visual message.
So, I’ve changed my profile photo to a new short gray look, and I might even venture into pure white in the future. And my longer wigs will be for winter.
@lisanicole Thank you, this is a very interesting take. I'm still learning about what works and as my natural hair is mostly grey, it gives me something to think about.
Congratulation on embracing your evolving self in such a graceful and classy way. It is certainly something that we will all face someday.
Good for you, Lisa! I'm glad to hear that you did some introspection and decided to make yourself more comfortable with who you are. I'd say that makes you a posterchild for us in the CD world!
Thanks for sharing!
Lisa.... We all age, gracefully. You look wonderful, I'm jealous. Have fun, Staci...
Gee Lisa you so well described what many of us older girls have experienced as we aged. It almost felt like my own bio as I read through it especially as you described ouetfits wigs and stepping out. It is a lovely journey we are all living. BTW you look gorgeous too
To borrow a nice compliment. Lisa, it’s nice to see showing the young whipper-snappers that us “mature” ladies still got it !!! You look
maaahvelous! And by the way you have legs to die for!!! Thanks for sharing….
You are evolving in the loveliest of ways Lisa - you are proof that beauty has no age boundaries!
Lisa -
Good for you. You look lovely and it is wonderful that you get the compliments you do when out and about. You bring up some very good points that are helpful for those of us ladies with more life experience.
XOXO
Suzanne
It is good to take stock of how you look and what you wear as you age. Looking back at photos of myself 30 years ago my fashion hasn't changed a lot nor hair color but there are the tell tale lines on my face. I am in my late sixties and haven't felt the need to go gray as my G.G. girlfriends still dye their hair and dress age appropriately so I feel comfortable, and also love those compliments especially ones that can't believe my age.
Let's keep living the dream Lisa.
Thank you for your story .
LisaNicole...(love your name)...you look beautiful & it's fabulous; you've a lovely "altitude" on the entire subject !!! Your article is so heartening. I'd never know that you weren't another women shopping with the rest, is just the fact of it, yet either way it's complimentary. "Hey, you get off of my cloud 9!" Looking after yourself, shows both inside and outside, such a healthy growth of self understanding, true wisdom and looking great from healthful lifestyle. It's interesting that you mention taking pictures, which I did at times, and at others, not so much. Lately, my gf (into photography) wanted to take pictures of me (and us) in all kinds of dresses and costumes, (which is truly harder work than I ever imagined), yet I must admit it's sure fun yet it her skills & direction really help me look my best by far. There are bathing suits and lingerie I could where at 22 but not so much now.
All of us get lines, that is if we're lucky!! and it part of the natural way of things. Your viewpoint on this again, I so appreciate b/c it's valuable and real, in an age of 20 yo's that have a Botox budget. My thanks to you, runs so sincere & deep, and that this should be noticed by me right tonight and as I've only been a member a few weeks, I feel blessed.
I want to still be able to be as confident and look as good as you when I am whatever age you are...lol. Yet moreover, your kindness and clarity shines through and this I cherish with a greater sense. Super glad for you sharing your story and it's awesome to meet you! Take care sister, Kyra 😎
Kyra,
Thanks for your comments. I modeled for life drawing, painting and photography classes for 10 years. I also started doing B/W photography when I was 16. I learned how to pose in front of a mirror and the camera. I've incorporated my love of portrait photography, bringing out the best in someone, into my own self portraits. I know that I said that I'm going gray, but I'm not getting rid of my older wigs. I have a long, very red, wig which I was never comfortable with and never wore out in public. So, I did a photo shoot wearing it and the photos showed something that I couldn't see in the mirror. It looked great! I'm glad to say that I have now worn it out, all because of a photo.
You are very lucky to have a friend who wants to photograph you.
Lisa
Lisa, your pictures are stunning. (your face is so lovely). Oh, that's so cool, I wish I had (now) some earlier formal experience, (spent time in front of a mirror during time with my 1st SO that supported my nature) as one can see in your pix that the work you did assisted your awareness of your poses/expression; it's harder than I ever suspected! I get the model's rant now! lol. (5-6 hours) She takes care of me! And yes, I feel lucky. My gf modeled while in school, so she helps w/direction, (as she adds gothic backgrounds etc.) so she started me working w/a screen or even a TV connected to the camera, depending where we are which assists when she's asking for x/y. I'm slowly getting there. It's fun. Again, so loved your article, and it's so great to know you! Best, rest of your week! <3 Kyra💖
I have ventured out to Vietnam ! Rented an apartment, bought a .motorbike to get around, and started dressing in femme in my new world.
At first a bit unsure but only to find out, the general acceptance of LGBTQ+
PEOPLE. I see experience gay,ladyboy people but nary one cross dresser except me !
First in house dresses in my apartment building, riding the elevator, hello's to neighbors in the hallways. All good so far. Eventually across the street to a little coffee shop in day dress, or skirt & tee-shirt, bra, and short wig. A few looks from the older men having coffee, but the women and waitresses smile, seem to "know, but accept me in femme.
Been here a month now, and I go just about anywhere I please in.skirt. blouse, wig, and on occasion.in the evening , in lipstick and pretty heels.
Feel completely safe as the inner me, expressing my female personality, and now have 2 cis vietnamese.females friends to meet for coffee and...
Oh God, I love being OUT, and my female self !! This is encouragement
to my cisters @ CDH, you can do it!
Put on your prettiest dress or skirt, and head held high. Go out in femme and greet the world, " hey" here I come...
Dear Stephanie,
What an amazing story. And I thought I was brave. I've seen photos of lady boys in Thailand and it does seem to be more acceptable on that side of the planet.
Another thought comes to mind. It's sad that one has to leave home, family, their old life to be accepted in a new one. I did just that, left New York City and came to Arizona. I would not be my feminine self if I did not do that. I created a new life, just as you are doing now. I would never have been able to break the restrictions of my old life had I stayed.
It sounds like you are an extrovert, a good thing, making GG friends. I have many GG friends who are more accepting than men. I do have some male admirers, but for the most part I think that, while some men might want to engage me in conversation, they are afraid of what others might think. I am definitely an extrovert and do talk to men. Once they realize that I'm actually normal/interesting to talk to, the tension disappears.
So, continue to be outgoing. You are an ambassador for the cause.
Lisa
Lisa, i love your animal'. Print jumper. Very bold.
It is a lovely article, Lisa. The relentless time gives me in wisdom what it subtracts me in appearance. You have aged well, my dear. You still look awesome. My grandmother used to say that beauty becomes refined with age.
Gisela
