This was a lifetime dream-come-true for me. I had never been "out", other than in costume a few times. I was never brave enough to go out on my own, choosing rather to "hide in the closet". I needed to see if I really did enjoy spending my time in the feminine mode.

Friday

I had a few hours before my appointment with Angel. I chose an early start time (4:00 PM) so we could have time to get relaxed with each other and hopefully get a good dinner in as well. I got settled into the room and showered, making sure there were no stray hairs around! I dressed and then checked out the area around the inn, a very relaxed neighborhood.

4PM.....knocked on the door, too late to back out now. Angel opened it and said, "you must be Denise, come in". We chatted for a while, drinking sodas and just getting to know each other. It wasn't long before I felt totally comfortable with her. She is a charming and witty woman, warm and also attractive. She and I talked about confidence in yourself, she made me feel wonderful. I was actually starting to think this could happen! We discussed our plans for the next 3 days....rule #1 is there are no plans...and then started with the transformation! I looked through dozens of gowns, teddies, slips, etc, picking out anything I wanted to try on. Then Angel began her magic.

She made me up, explaining every step in detail. What a great help! I couldn't believe what I saw in the mirror......NO ONE would have recognized me, I was a very attractive woman even by my pessimistic standards! We then tried several of the wigs and found 3 or 4 I liked and then I tried on skirts, dresses, lingerie....the works! Angel took several pictures, knowing I couldn't wear most of the outfits in public without drawing ALOT of attention! We eventually found the outfit that worked for me along with a wonderful wig. It was dinnertime!

We decided on seafood, Angel said she knew the perfect spot. We took a tour of several wonderful areas of Seattle on the way, seeing the city as I never had before. The evening became more wonderful each moment. We eventually ended up at a restaurant on the shore of Lake Washington. It was now or never.....I grabbed my purse and followed Angel into the building. No one laughed, pointed or made faces! We were greeted by "right this way ladies, will this table be alright?"

As we enjoyed dinner and wonderful conversation, Angel snapped a few more pictures.....this was ME on my first night out. And I was actually liking it, laughing and having a wonderful time with a whole room of people around me! Heaven.....

The night was over too soon. I took my "boy clothes" under my arm and headed back to my room. Angel gave me the cosmetics I would need if I chose to stay "girl" in the morning. I slept with a smile on my face all night.

Saturday

I was to meet with Liz at 6PM tonight. Didn't have the courage to stay girl all day, so I removed all traces of makeup and the fingernail polish. Still ended up shopping for a sweater, earrings and polish, embarrasing as a male. Went back to the room and dressed as Denise.....and actually went out for the afternoon!

Liz and I got to know each other very quickly. She had me try on several different outfits until we found the perfect one. She then did a makeover on me, much different than last night but still very tasteful and pretty. I was ready to go out in no time, she made me so beautiful I could pass anywhere! We decided to go for american fare and headed out.

There was a short wait at the restaurant so we enjoyed the fireplace and chatted about girl things. She was so much fun! We were finally seated next to the piano bar, with our waiter attending to our every need. The food was wonderful and I was very relaxed in my new role! The waiter suggested a place go for a good show afer dinner, but we already had plans. We were going to a club downtown to see a drag show, a first for me.

We ended up walking about half a mile to the club. Doing the hills of the city in 3" heels was a little harder than I had imagined! Liz had me so entertained that I actually forgot I was a woman walking along the busy streets of Seattle. What a wonderful evening! We enjoyed a wonderful show in the crowded club and the evening came to an end all too soon. I felt so pretty; I had become the woman I saw in the mirror and loved it!

Sunday

I awoke early, still filled with excitement from the evening and anxious to enjoy the wonderful sights of Seattle again.....as Denise. I didn't want to miss a single moment of the day. I cannot explain the warm glow inside of me as I dressed.

It was surprising how the "tricks" the ladies had taught me about makeup improved my looks. I had never been good with makeup, but today I was pleased with the results. Denise would blend in anywhere! With my purse in hand I headed out for brunch...

After enjoying another wonderful meal (and the best coffee in the world), I decided to do some more shopping. There are several malls around and I drove to one on Pike. Although I didn't buy anything, I spent a couple of hours just shopping and enjoying the sights. I never thought I could do this, yet here I was, in a crowded mall doing what most women love to do. I even had a gentleman hold a door for me!

Angel, Liz and myself were attending a party this evening so I wanted to get my nails done. I drove to Capital Hill and found a salon (had to walk several blocks again) but the nail tech was off that day. I was given directions to another salon and drove to it. The lady was wonderful! Even though they were somewhat busy, she got me in after a very short wait. I picked a color and she did her magic. We chatted the entire time about everything under the sun. She glued some pretty ornaments on 2 of my nails, my hands looked better than ever!

Time to get ready for the night out. Angel complimented me on my makeup, a big boost to my ego! I told her of my adventures that day, we both got a laugh about how nervous I had been the first evening out! In 2 days these wonderful ladies had helped me shed my fears. I had gained the confidence that I AM PRETTY thanks to them.

Angel again had a large collection of outfits for me to try. I found a wonderful sequinned dress that was me. I wore the same earrings from today and exchanged flats for the heels once again. Liz did my makeup very lovely for a party, both she and Angel are magic with faces! My appearance was extra important tonight, as we were attending the Ingersoll Gender Center holiday party...I was going to have the opportunity to meet many people who share my desires.

The party was fabulous! There was food, live music, prizes, everything you can imagine. The best part was that we were helping the center continue with their work involving gender issues. I met several wonderful people there, an evening I will never forget.

My fantasy weekend was almost over. Angel said we had one more stop to make. We drove to a beautiful hotel and went to their lounge. This place took my breath away! It wasn't very crowded so we headed over to have a drink near the fireplace. A man and woman were there and invited us to sit on the couch adjacent to them. They introduced themselves to us, and when I spoke you could have blown them over with a feather! They thought I was a girl.....the ultimate compliment to me! I had gained enough confidence in myself by now that I explained what I was without fear. We had a wonderful conversation with them (they were very complimentary to us) and they ended up buying our drinks. The woman couldn't get over how nice I looked, I guess she figured all gender-gifted people are like those you see on talk shows.....I assured her most of us are not.

As we drove back to the Inn, I became very emotional. I knew the fantasy had to end, but it was too quick. I had learned and experienced so much that I felt like a different person, and I think I am. More importantly, I had made 2 very wonderful friends in this short weekend, they were going to be hard to say so-long to. They gave me more than a fun weekend--I left with confidence, knowlege, and most importantly wonderful memories thanks to these ladies. As Angel and I hugged each other, I promised myself that I would see her again someday.

Liz, you are wonderful. I had a ball with you! Thanks for your help with the makeup and mostly your funny laugh!

Angel, the name fits. Without our talks, I would never have achieved the will to be myself. It has made more difference than you will ever know. You have a special place in my heart always.....thank you so much!

Denise