Late Summer Adventures
We are having such nice late-summer weather here; blue skies, cooler temperatures and just a hint of autumn in the air. Most of my feminine wardrobe is suited to autumn, winter and spring, however, I do have several short-sleeved blouses that I bought recently along with several flared skirts.
Yesterday, Friday 23rd August 2024, I had an early start as I wanted to get the housework done before going for a day out. This included doing the dishes by hand and washing a laundry basket full of towels and hanging them out on the line. For this, I wore one of my denim skirts, a long-sleeved top and a pair of strappy sandals, all the while thinking that I should get a housemaid outfit for such activities. Not the ‘French Maid’ style, just the regular uniform of a domestic help.
After all this, I had a lovely warm shower, had breakfast and proceeded to get ready for a day out. I had already decided on my outfit the evening before, so there were no delays in getting dressed.
I no longer worry about the neighbours seeing me, as I’m sure they have seen me enough times by now to not be surprised.
Yesterday then, I wore basic everyday make-up, one of my new flared skirts, black, short-sleeved blouse, black camisole with spaghetti straps and black sports bra underneath. The skirt I wore is a kind of cream colour mid-thigh length and in quite a young style; a younger style than most women my age normally wear anyway. In addition, I wore lightweight black tights and a pair of my Chelsea boots. At this time, I don’t have a pair of heels or a pair of slinky sandals. Definitely time for a visit to the Torrid store in the city.
For my day out, I drove up to the town where I always like to go; it is just west of the city and has a very cosmopolitan atmosphere. There are several nice restaurants and interesting stores for ladieswear. I always enjoy trying skirts and tops on at these stores, even if I don’t buy anything. As far as I can tell, I am treated just like the other women in these stores.
I went to Browns restaurant for lunch, which is one of my favourite venues. My favourite waitress, who always ‘forgets’ to charge me for my coffee, was not there this time and instead I was served by a male waiter. In this situation, there was a time when I would feel uncomfortable but now it doesn’t seem to make any difference — apart from he didn’t discuss make-up techniques or other female topics. In all other respects though, he treated me in the same cheerful way that he treated everyone else.
When I go into town now, no-one seems to spare me a second glance which, of course, is a good situation to be in. I did think that the skirt might attract some attention, but there was none that I noticed.
The people I do have dealings with, often times compliment me on my make-up, hair, outfit or jewellery. This time though, I didn’t stay in town long due to a shortage of funds for shopping.
On my way home, I stopped in at a Moxies restaurant on the south side of the city. It is in an area known as the Commons, which includes several restaurants and stores.
Moxies is a chain of restaurants and sports bars with several branches in the city. When I went in, I was greeted with a smile and asked if I was meeting someone or if I wanted a table for one. Having asked for a table for a table for one, she led me into the restaurant to a suitable table and told me that my server would be along soon.
This stop was just for orange juice and to see what the restaurant was like, which, as it turns out, is very good, although the music is rather loud. They have unisex washrooms with floor-to-ceiling walls and doors. The drawback for me is the amount of traffic that has to be negotiated to get there. As well as going to Moxies, I walked around the shopping area which I think is worth another visit when I have the funds available.
My visits to restaurants, stores or the times when I am just strolling around town all feel so normal now. I feel like I am meant to be dressed the way that I am and everyone seems to just accept that.
I am reminded of what the above-mentioned waitress told me some time ago, “It is what you wear and the confidence with which you wear it.”
More Articles by Lynne Eden
- Early Yearnings
- The Point of No Return
- Girl Time in the Nineties
- Three Days in the Mountains
- Early Days Out and About
I think Edmonton is more accepting than Saskatoon where I live. Glad you were able to bo out and about.
@ria
Hi Ria,
I have often thought of visiting Saskatoon and spending some Lynne time there. It seems, from what you say, more care has to be taken about where and when one goes?
Lynne
@Lynne Eden That would be wise as there has been a bit of a backlash against the entire LGBQ lifestyle.
Hi Again Ria,
Do you go out and about at all?
Lynne
That waitresses words are indeed words of wisdom – confidence is key to successfully presenting as a woman.
Yes, I think that confidence is the main thing when out and about. Something that took me some time to acquire.
Lynne
Good article Lynne,
I’m glad you can go out and be Lynne day or night. Going out with confidence is the key to overcoming the self conscious criticism we tend burden ourselves with.
One day you just might get you a maids uniform.
Fran 🥰
@gafran
Thank You Fran.
I’ll certainly post photos on here when I do.
Lynne
I’ll be sure to look for them. 🥰
.Lynne –
Sounds like you had a lovely day.
XOXOSuzanne
@cdsue
Hi Suzanne,
Yes, it was a really nice day and I am looking forward to more adventures soon.
Lynne
Lynne’s final remarks are so well taken.I bet most of us have so much fear that they do not venture out. But if you do you develop so much confidence that you do not even think about it.Even here folks talk about acceptance I live in a very red state but can say that with the exception of one drunk I have had no negative experiences after being out many hundreds of times. The next step after “confidence" is that you actually initiate girl talk with other women and just take it as a natural thing
Hi Emily,
Alberta is also very conservative and yet, from my experience, most people are quite tolerant. Of course, there are places that I would not go.
Lynne