that's why I decided to become one :)

just your next door neighbor?

I cannot let them down!

I have pick and choose my spots

One of the Pfister staff--Imaud--offered to take a pic or two for me. I am indebted to him :)

but I must maintain my semblance of ladylike decorum

. . .and have no one pay me any undue attention

Photography by Taylor

Biologically, I admit to being deficient

Any one can put on a dress, and wear jewelry and makeup

But, spiritually, psychically, soulfully, I believe there is much of the female gender in me.

So, there you have it. What do you think?

can't you tell by the way I'm dressed?

I think I have found my niche :)

what's so strange about that?

Once upon a time, I felt very vulnerable when dressed completely en femme. Part of that was simply my lack of experience when in public, but I suppose a lot had to with my admittedly amateurish efforts. It wasn't so much that I looked bad, it's just that I was unfinished.

These days, I feel all-powerful. I have improved in my technique, accompanied by the confidence that can only be gained by experience.

and this "show off" place happens to be the Lobby Lounge of Milwaukee's Pfister Hotel

Photography by Bill

Niagara Falls?

don't worry, I'm not planning on going into that old Abbott and Costello routine :)

Photography by Hope

lots of trial and lots of error :)

. . . with a big amorphous gray thing behind her :)

well, I can pretend :)

when dressed en femme there are so many options

that seems to happen often when I am dressed fully en femme :)

Well, I am a strong advocate for women's rights (including having control over her own body). I believe that women should have equal opportunities, and be treated equally under the law. And I believe that women ought to have the right to dress as they please.

But, burning bras? Not mine!

I admit to being quite out-of-touch with current trends; or perhaps I am on the cutting edge of a trend-to-be :)

As I continue aging (75 the last time I looked), I get a fuller understanding of what women must go through when they get into their 70s, 60s, even 50s. Society puts so much pressure on females to continue to look "attractive," especially those in public view.

I intend to make some changes; for one thing, anyone wearing a dress or skirt gets a free drink at the Lobby Lounge

wearing a leather skirt, gloves, boots, jacket, and a high-buttoned blouse makes a girl feel that way :)

but sometimes we must suffer for our "art"

Just practicing :)

such as, where should I move to for my next pic?

Photography by Taylor

. . . now feels so natural, even second nature :)

the point is, we don't stand out in public nearly as much as we may fear we do :)

Photography by Taylor

documenting my en femme life for no apparent reason :)

Frankly, whether they "know" or not, I am accepted as one

Photography by Hope

All I have to do is greet people :)

Photography by Taylor

of course she never gave me advice verbally, but I'm sure she would have if she had had any indications that "Laurette" was yearning to breathe free

. . . gives me much latitude in how I wish to appear :)

is it any wonder, then, that a suit is my go-to outfit to wear when I want to look classy?

greetings from Milwaukee

from the office, perhaps?

just practicing to become a docent at the Pfister Hotel

....today...

there must be an inner desire

Sundays, between noon and 5:00, or so

where all the women are strong, all the men are good-looking, and all the children are above average

I could do worse :)

in fact, it's overwhelming

it's my nature :)

every Sunday afternoon, rain or shine

Photography by Erin

If I am going to present myself as a woman, I will try to do the best that I can

there are many aspects to that question, including:

1. Why do I like to dress en femme?

2. Why do I prefer certain styles and not others?

3. Why do love appearing in public?

4. Why did I choose the name "Laurette?"

5. Why did it take so long (almost 4 decades) to really embrace my feminine side?

But the question of the day is, Why do I love to take so many pics of myself?

some answers:

1. self-validation (IOW, physical proof that I can do a decent job of looking womanly)

2. evidence that I chose the right outfit, or, conversely, what I'm wearing was a big mistake

3. showing off (and I admit to the that degree of vanity)

4. reactions from my dear Flickr friends

I thought it would be appropriate

commonalities exist, of course, but our details differ