Of mermaids and strong-armed women…
Things are crazy this time of year, so I have been lax in posting.
Forgive?
I’ve been working out at Pam & Ada’s gym every weekday morning. I feel great…and if I can be patient and keep it up I might actually see some results. Or…at least maybe I won’t gain weight over the holidays.
Maybe?
I want to share a theory about something.
Here's some background that influenced my thought pattern…
Not too long ago there was an episode of 20/20 called MY SECRET SELF. They profiled 3 trans kids. The most stunning story was that of a young trans girl named Jaz. In the program her mother talks about how this child loves mermaids....and in fact, that many young trans girls are attracted to mermaids. You can probably imagine why…and you can see that part of the 20/20 show below:
I was never attracted to mermaids. But…I loved (and still love) the Statue of Liberty. I encountered a color aerial shot of Liberty Island in an encyclopedia when I was very young and I was mesmerized by the image. And thanks to the Internet...here's the actual picture which I hadn't seen myself in about 30 years.
I realized earlier this year that I have spent my life surrounded with images of that monument. This strong, almost masculine female image fascinated me. I was never quite sure why…and I’m still only theorizing. But now…in the midst of transition…a strong female who stands for liberation is one helluva good role model. And she makes a great guardian angel.
In addition, one of my favorite images has always been the famous Rosie The Riveter "We Can Do It" poster. Another fabulous strong-armed woman.
And now, here as evidence, are pics from our living room…
***********************************************************************
This one is the most important and influential for me. She hung on the basement wall as I grew up. I never consciously paid much attention to her…but she was always there…and when I moved away I realized how much I loved her.

Is she a drag queen? A tough broad? Who knows…I just love her strength and determination.
Next is a poster I found stored behind some stuff in the basement stairwell when I lived with Michael in San Francisco. It’s made of cardboard...and it’s a BEER AD…!!! But I think it’s beautiful.

And most recently, Mark bought me this gorgeous print and had it framed for us.

And then there’s Maude…I mean Rosie…

So, what does it mean?
I dunnoh...
But it sure is nice to finally feel true liberation. That enormous green metal lady should be proud.
Also: Mark found this cool old stamp the other day which I plan to scan, enlarge, print and hang on the wall right alongside the rest of those beefy-limbed ladies.

And one last thing: I have been really touched by the comments you've left on this blog. I wasn't even sure anyone would READ the thing, let alone offer such nice sentiments.
When you leave a comment please make sure to put your name in the message. There are a couple comments where I don't recognize the user (for example: "Chiron"). I'd like to be able to acknowledge y'all and lavish love on you too...so more info please...!!
Forgive?
I’ve been working out at Pam & Ada’s gym every weekday morning. I feel great…and if I can be patient and keep it up I might actually see some results. Or…at least maybe I won’t gain weight over the holidays.
Maybe?
I want to share a theory about something.
Here's some background that influenced my thought pattern…
Not too long ago there was an episode of 20/20 called MY SECRET SELF. They profiled 3 trans kids. The most stunning story was that of a young trans girl named Jaz. In the program her mother talks about how this child loves mermaids....and in fact, that many young trans girls are attracted to mermaids. You can probably imagine why…and you can see that part of the 20/20 show below:
I was never attracted to mermaids. But…I loved (and still love) the Statue of Liberty. I encountered a color aerial shot of Liberty Island in an encyclopedia when I was very young and I was mesmerized by the image. And thanks to the Internet...here's the actual picture which I hadn't seen myself in about 30 years.
I realized earlier this year that I have spent my life surrounded with images of that monument. This strong, almost masculine female image fascinated me. I was never quite sure why…and I’m still only theorizing. But now…in the midst of transition…a strong female who stands for liberation is one helluva good role model. And she makes a great guardian angel.
In addition, one of my favorite images has always been the famous Rosie The Riveter "We Can Do It" poster. Another fabulous strong-armed woman.
And now, here as evidence, are pics from our living room…
***********************************************************************
This one is the most important and influential for me. She hung on the basement wall as I grew up. I never consciously paid much attention to her…but she was always there…and when I moved away I realized how much I loved her.

Is she a drag queen? A tough broad? Who knows…I just love her strength and determination.
Next is a poster I found stored behind some stuff in the basement stairwell when I lived with Michael in San Francisco. It’s made of cardboard...and it’s a BEER AD…!!! But I think it’s beautiful.

And most recently, Mark bought me this gorgeous print and had it framed for us.

And then there’s Maude…I mean Rosie…

So, what does it mean?
I dunnoh...
But it sure is nice to finally feel true liberation. That enormous green metal lady should be proud.
Also: Mark found this cool old stamp the other day which I plan to scan, enlarge, print and hang on the wall right alongside the rest of those beefy-limbed ladies.

And one last thing: I have been really touched by the comments you've left on this blog. I wasn't even sure anyone would READ the thing, let alone offer such nice sentiments.
When you leave a comment please make sure to put your name in the message. There are a couple comments where I don't recognize the user (for example: "Chiron"). I'd like to be able to acknowledge y'all and lavish love on you too...so more info please...!!

4 Comments:
Hi, I'm a friend of Victoria's. She mentioned your blog on her last health update. So I came for a little look. I am so impressed by your courage and humor. You wrote in a post that there are many compelling reasons to hold back, but that you are committed to just living authentically. That's just awesome and a good thing for me to remember in my own life. So here's to you. I wish you all the best. -Debbie
Am in total agreement about our Lady Liberty and I have a little "factoid" that you might enjoy.....my "bonus dad" George's aunt was commissioned to draw the first Rosie. Pretty cool, huh?
See you at the gym in the morning!
Love and hugs
Pam :)
Oh and 1 other thing. I went to art school with a really fantastic artist named Jed Dougherty. And his whole thing is painting and sculpting very strong- VERY STRONG-women. Here's a link to his website. http://www.jedsart.com/main.htm
Some are a little bit on the fantasy side for my taste, but some of his work is just so vibrant and compelling. -Debbie
It's bizarre seeing the things from our home on the blog, but they look great on the eggplant purple background. - L,M.(what the --the machine won't let me do my sideways happy face! I'm gonna key it, I swear!) - I'll compromise with a smile under a moustache...
;{ ... which turns out to be more of a halloween pumpkin that lost an eye
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