Thursday, December 31, 2009

Happy New Year

I am starting the new year out as a redhead. My Hair Stylist took this shot on her phone for me on 12-31-09.

I hope you all have a wonderful New Year.

Party safely!!

Hugs and Blessings!

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Thoughts about Christmas

I love the Christmas carol "O come, O Come Emmanuel" because it sums up Christmas for me. "O Come thou Rod of Jesse, free thine own from Satan's tyranny..." Many of us have felt that tyranny crushing our hopes and dreams and Christ's advent here amongst us is where we get the power to break free and live as we are created!

Maybe it's my Fundamentalist Evangelical roots showing, but I can relate to John the Baptist at this time of year far better than all the rest, especially those that spread commercial tinkling joy and lightness in Christ's name. I was reminded of all this in a very inspiring Sermon last Sunday by Rev. Jane Quandt at The First Congregational Church (UCC) in Riverside. John in his camel's hair, eating locusts and wild honey, standing up and hollering, "you generation of snakes..., make straight the paths of the Lord..., repent for the kingdom of God is at hand..." as he cleared the way for Jesus to come and shatter everyones ideas of what it would mean to have the King of the Kingdom of God here on Earth in the flesh! To me that is what Christmas is about.

If only the Evangelicals and Fundamentalists would listen to what they sing. They too could be free of the tyranny of their prejudice against those that are created different (but still in the image of God). We might discover what Christmas is really is about and become the family of God we are supposed to be.

On a more festive note, if anyone is in Southern California on the Saturday after Christmas - the 26th at 2 PM - Safe Haven Community Christian Church is hosting a traditional Christmas dinner in West Covina. You are invited, but you need to contact me directly (evagenevieve@yahoo.com) to RSVP by the 20th so I can be sure to have enough. I am cooking again and (God willing) it is going to be yummy even if I say so myself.

Hmmm... traditional...
I wonder if locusts and honey go well with stuffing... Actually It'll be apple pecan stuffing. (But just think of the texture - sort of sweet and crunchy - yum)!

I hope you do have a great Christmas - full of blessings and the Peace of God!

Hugs,
Eva-Genevieve!


Wednesday, December 2, 2009

The Seriousness of Transition

Recently in my support groups I posted a few links to the tragic story of Sportswriter Mike Penner life and death. Most of you have already heard this news but for those that have not, here are the links I shared:





I believe that Mike/Christine is one we must add to the long list of people we remember in our future Days of Remembrance. In a few of my support groups there has been some discussion of the issue but I think it useful to post my response to one such thread where the seriousness of transition was being discussed.

Mike Penner's life proves that Transition isn't something to toy with - that is why I posted the news link originally [to the support groups I belong to]. One has to be dead certain transition is the right path to take in one's life or it might just kill you because of the pressures it puts on one. I regret waiting so long to start, but if I had not waited until I had exhausted every other avenue of trying to cope with the girl inside I would not be certain I made the right choice. It is this certainty that gets me through the ridicule that comes from ignorant people. It gets me through the frustrating delays and lack of funds, not to mention the anxiety, depression and times of self-doubt that naturally will come to anyone who goes public in transition. Going back is not an option for me and I damn well know it. The misery of the first 50 and1/2 years is proof enough for me. Even if I am not as far along as I had planned and hoped I am glad to be here alive and basically happy.

One also has to remember that transition isn't a cure-all for the problems of life. These don't go away just because you change your gender, in fact those things likely will get worse if and when you do! So if dressing and going out is a release for you that is great - do enjoy it to the full, but be very sure the real thing comes with all the life-problems that dressing up and partying only hides temporarily.

Here's something to think about: Why are you a CD/TG/TS identified person? Is it because of the thrill or sexual rush you get by dolling yourself up, going out and kicking up your heels or is it something you must do to live life sanely and face down all of life's challenges in addition to the extra load you will bear in transition. Knowing the answer to that may just save your life one of these days.

Hugs and Blessings,
Eva-Genevieve!