stripperjonn

There really are enough of us. Why not start planning? I'd be most comfortable in SFO or LV. I live in SoCal, but both of those locations are more central to all of us.

Excellent, tasteful, artistic. WELL DONE! The hat is PERFECT for your wife's "Cleopatra"-like elegant facial profile. I couldn't have done better myself.....and I am the MOST critical of photo critics. As a matter of fact, the cat's intrusion into the picture is fitting, even though it isn't perfectly "arranged," shall we say. It gives me ideas for a theme as well as props. (I visualize the exact same profile and gaze, seated on a thone with headress and and some type of staff or spear. The cat, or cats, ancient protectors of the temple, posed just as elegantly at her spike-heeled feet.) Carry On!

I cried because I couldn't wear heels in public....until a saw a woman who had no feet. (slight modification to an old saw) strpr-

Bigj and Dude: I joined last night and had a ball! I wore a thong and mules. woo woo. ...and I didn't get booted from the room. Matter of fact, I danced on the coffee table!!!!!! HAAAAAAAAAAA. what a gas! The girls loved it. However....I'm pretty slow, only have the free membership, and it took FOREVER for some of the other characters and the room to download. Ain't no fun talking to black boxes that look like robots, knowhatimean? Grinz, strpr- P.S. ...of course I've done this at home but only with close friends. It was exciting to see the reactions of strangers. hehehehehe

Laurie took it that way, I agree with her, and I don't see how it could be taken any OTHER way. If she watches TV and you say "simple things amuse simple minds"...then the OBVIOUS meaning is that TV is a "simple" thing and Laurie, therefore, has a "simple mind." I don't watch TV. ... but I don't name-call as a general rule either. You keep mis-interpreting me, and I might consider it though. hehehe I think you are just hedging. Would be better to apologize to Laurie...instead of saying you don't care how I took the comment. SHE was the one offended, not me. I only apologized for giving you and Gene the thumb's up, without realizing that part of your comments (simple minds) was a bit harsh. Let's be kind to each other. I'd prefer to help Laurie with something that seems to be bothering her, rather than just take up sides and condemn.

I apologize for only one thing that I said. That was the post where I said "right on gene and bubba." That is becuase bubba made the comment about simple things/simple minds, which, I suppose can only be taken as a derrogatory remark. HOWEVER, both Gene and Bubba said that they were NOT saying that they were too good for TV.....only that they had chosen other more productive ways to "spend" the time. I know that I went on and on in my reply to underscore the same point, namely, that our lives can be richer and fuller WITHOUT TV. If you re-read my post, Laurie, you will see that NOWHERE in it did I say that the entertainment provided on TV was poor, mundane, simple, or any other such putdown. All I said was that there was FAR TOO MUCH ENTERTAINMENT and available FAR TOO EASY. When gene talked about playing chess with his son or playing a game of tag, or flying a kite he was talking about how people USED to entertain THEMSELVES prior to TV. I KNOW there are many good TV shows. Millions of people watch them every day. (I happen to be a humanist, and the majority rules). The statements that I made had to do with choices, not a condemnation of YOUR choices. I only told you (SHARED) with you, my choices and my experience. I'm quite certain that you are not a simple person. If you were, you would not have the writing skills that you do, and you certainly would not be on this website and this forum. I suspect the reason you are upset is because some of what we say appeals to you and deep down you may feel that you do not have the choices that we seem to have (e.g."I'm terribly sorry that I cannot live up to some perfect life, that I can't afford it, that my escapism from stress during the long cold winter isn't beyond television. But everything being said makes me feel like I'm beneath others for watching teleivison." You are angry. What does that tell you? And what is this business of "I can't afford it?" Are you talking about money? I think you made a little slip there, revealing much more beneath the surface. Seems to be saying that if you had more money you would watch less TV? In your anger you accuse us of saying, feeling, and MEANING things that are simply not true. You also ask that we "not play games, forget being polite or correct or whatever, come rigth out and say it already." Ok. Fine. Let me ask you two questions before proceding further: 1. How many hours do spend watching TV per day, on the average? 2. How many hours of the day is the TV set in the "on" position? (whether you are actually "watching" it or not) You want to get to the point, we can get to the point. IF you are willing to stop the name calling and get down to business. Again, I apologize for complimenting Bubba for his "simple minds" remark. THAT is name-calling and you are righteously offended by it. Anyone would. But if we can get beyond past offenses on your part as well as ours, "perhaps" we can arrive at a "better place" in terms of understanding and acceptance.

I do too....basically. However, I don't think the decision to "go out in heels" is as simple as the decision to "just be oneself and the hell with society." There are very pragmatic and realistic considerations to ponder before rushing right out of the closet. For instance, in the small community I live in, I would be sacrificing the society of many good (yet inhibited) aquaintences and neighbors. I would not be welcome at the one and only local (cowboy/biker) saloon. Compromise is sometimes the better alternative. I choose my friends wisely and those in the neighborhood that discreetly hear of my behavior have heard it from people who are good character witnesses.....not the rednecks, cowboys, and general populace. I'm welcome down at the bar, and don't have to hide from my many friends who visit here at the Manor. Best of both worlds, in my opinion.....and I think that's healthy/healthier.

Hmmm. I suppose I should have added the ingredient of "effort" to the list of pre-requisites in the last sentence of the third to last paragraph... but I thought that was apparent; the theme of the whole thing having to do with choices and actions instead of channels and volume controls. My god, Bob, you're right here in California! gimmeabreak. hehehe

Right on Gene and Bubba. Long ago I realized that life was far too short to "invest" my limited time watching others have fun or anything else for that matter. This is not a criticism of "entertainment," per se, it's just that in today's modern world there is simply FAR too much of it....available at the push of a button...any time, day or night. A few decades ago, people at least had to dress up and travel to a theater (making it somewhat more of a SOCIAL event than the purely PASSIVE behavior that we call TV or Movie "watching" today). As Shakespeare observed, "all the world's a stage".....and I thoroughly enjoy being ON that stage instead of "watching." On Sunday nights I'm in my heels and unisex costumes with a half dozen or more of my appreciative and supportive friends, enjoying myself at our bed and breakfast, which is named "Mardi-Gras Manor." Almost every thread I read here, no matter the topic, usually receives one or more kind of resentful "gee, I wish society would accept men wearing high heels" replies. Got news for you. SOCIETY DOES. Everyone has the ability to pick and choose the members of this society that reflect their own sensibilities. This is how we create our own reality. It takes dedication, perception, rigorous honesty and decision making, and not a little bit of courage sometimes. The only reason more people never achieve the satisfaction they fantacize is that they have been lulled into passivity by a culture of "mass entertainment," and 'immediate gratification." (Why bother to get into action if all you have to do for a laugh, a tear, a sigh, or a titillation is sit on the couch and click a button on the remote control?) Sad. Tell you what. Grab your heels and give ME a call next Sunday night and you can join a group of people to whom Mardi Gras is a year round event. A celebration of individuality and the creative stuff of "being human." Grinz, Strpr-

Yes, I do the same thing. Once I get started with a topic, sometimes I just ramble on.....and on....and on. This is a terrific site. It appears to have room for everyone's likes/dislikes. Very intelligent, down-to-earth, and sensible. Looking forward to getting to know all of you. I almost passed this site by. At first glance I thought it was mostly U.K./German/Euro populated. Then I noted a few east and west coast Yanks had infiltrated. Ha. Looking forward to getting to know all of you. Grinz, Strpr-]

I've read several (educated) sources who have the opinion that the majority of "professionals" in the social sciences/psychology arena got there as the result of their own insecurity (about themselves &/or society at large). Dr. heal thyself, so to speak. In my experience, I've found the observation generally true. It seems to be human nature that if we can simply "label" something and attempt to understand it.....then we have it under control. We can "live with it." For many years I thought I was so different. The longer I dwelled on MY behaviors, tried to figure them out, and meanwhile hid in the closet, the less I was aware of the wondrous world of people around me. We ALL have our obsessions, addictions, and fantasies. Albert Einstein: "When I examine myself and my methods of thought, I come to the conclusion that the gift of fantasy has meant more to me than my talent for absorbing positive knowledge." Stripperjonn: "I am not so concerned about the behaviors of others, as long as I am free to indulge my own. Mutual respect. Quite simple."

I think it's silly to wear high heels and then have to "discreetly" make sure the pant lenth is long enough to (almost) completely hide them. I love my heels and love to display them. See my reply to the "reactions" thread above this thread.

Actually, I prefer to avoid reactions, good or bad. Even a good reaction, such as "hey, nice heels!" is to me a bit out of place - how often have you seen one woman say that to another when they're both strangers?

Me? Never.

Therefore, that's as out of place as a negative reaction, and may just be the other person's attempt to break the ice on what to them is an uncomfortable situation.

I would prefer it if my heelwearing meant no more to them than seeing another woman in heels.

I COMPLETELY agree with genebujold. I've gotten the "nice shoes" comment from a guy. It is usually sarcastic and the speaker is either uncomfortable on incredible. He may well mean "nice shoes" but he is DEFINITELY NOT saying ".....and you look good in them."

And that is what we really want to hear. I've gotten the "nice shoes" comment from women and the vaguery must still be deciphered.

The comment I like from women the most is "Wow, those are great and you wear them better than I could." To which we get to the point when I ask, "do I look OK." And she says something like, "You look great...or, sexy"..., or whatever.

Hell, we all have our likes and dislikes in the shoe dept. What we starve for is the acceptance even APPROVAL of what we "look like wearing them."

I know some very large me who love high heels as much as I do. UNFORTUNATELY, they look silly wearing them and there's nothing can be done about that. (A 300lb. woman looks just as awkward wearing 5" stillettoes, so I'm not being prejudicial here. Furthermore, when is the last time YOU saw such a large woman wearing 5 inchers? They just don't and it's because it is so difficult for them AS WELL AS unsightly).

This is not to say that if I MYSELF were over 6' tall and were stocky to heavyset build that I would not wear heels. Yes, indeedy I would, because it is a sexual attraction that I have for them as well as style. HOWEVER, I would do so only privately. I've never had any intention of shocking others or inviting criticism, ridicule, or downright condemnation.

Lastly, I do not wear heels in the general public. Over the years, I have developed a circle of friends who are very open-minded. Some are bi-sexual couples. We have get-togethers/parties at my bed & breakfast and we all have the freedom to wear whatever we want. In this atmosphere there is only support and approval ALL THE WAY AROUND. Like Mardi Gras it is actually a competition to see who can go the furthest in self-expression and "look good" doing so.

I think it better to create one's own environment, based upon liberal ethics and morality, rather than step out into the public domain, expecting, hoping, and blindly "wishing" for the best results.

I think that those who enjoy the shock value of wearing heels in public &/or the sometimes negative reactions they get while doing so, are simply displaying an unhealthy (from a psychological as well as potentialy physical) behavior pattern.

I always wanted the good things: acceptance, approval, and support. It has taken many years, but the journey was well worth it. I find myself in such an environment today, and have helped many others to discover the same rewards. Life could not be better. I have discovered and so fully enjoy UNISEX.

I agree with "Guest" above.

Here's how I like to wear MY platforms:

http://profiles.yahoo.com/stripperjonn