The look of love
Due warning, before we get started, this blog wont be short! So if you only have a couple of moments, come back later!
So, catching up on rest of week…
Wednesday was fairly quiet, the rest of the week hasnt been, so lets leave that day at that.
Thursday was moving day, as Kate headed for the Berkshires, and I headed across a few state lines to New York. The ride up to Boston went smoothly (barring traffic, hardly a surprise, but we had tons of time), and because Kate had a room booked, I got to experience the lounge at a station for the first time. The Red Cap was of the opinion that I could stay there after Kate was gone (her train was 50 minutes before mine), but the lady in the lounge thought otherwise lol. Fair by me, I was her guest, so once she leaves, I should go, but he wasnt impressed lol.
The journey to Stamford was interesting, not so much because I remembered anything from 30 years ago, though I got one memory as we pulled into New London. That first time, 30 years ago, me, and my partner of the time were visiting her elderly aunt on the trip, across the River Thames (pronounced differently to the London one) at Groton. 2 months or so later, she died, and as my partner said at the time, she’d probably only been hanging on to see her UK family one last time, and then…I’m not saying how many ‘doggy bags’ they found in her house after death, but there were, err, a few!
Oh fine, Stamford station was entertaining, mainly because all Eric and I had seem pics of each other, were a few on Facebook. And you have to remember, mine were designed to show me at my best, not my everyday look, but anyway, we got together in the end, and… The rest of Thursday, and Friday, I’ve visited the family, and they are all a delight to know. I sort of knew that, online, but even better for real! I got to see some of the area on various trips, which was nice too.
Oh right, Saturday! Fine, fine, we’ve got there now! No, no pics at this point, sorry. The snag with new, sparkly dresses, is that some of the sparkly stuff isnt going to stay on the dress, perfectly, you get my drift? 😉 But yes, the dress was gorgeous, though in hindsight, given that I need to wear a bra, I should have brought a bandeau bra with me, but hindsight is a wonderful thing! Would have made picture set up so much easier lol.
Oh, btw, I’m maid of honor, and I have to make a toast. Yes, I found out the latter at a couple of hours notice, but like all good actresses, I improvised. Might not have been the standard toast, but hey…I got through! The service first, was very nice, just so proud to be there, let alone in the position of honor that I was. The setting for the wedding was delightful, at Cortlandt Manor, but unless you’re in the area, just a note of reference. The food was good, though far too much for a modest British appetite, but besides that…
The additional magic moment of the meal afterwards, one of the servers recognized me, from one of the documentary things I’ve done in the past. I’m assuming its the LA one, from April 2015, from description, but dont quote me on that. Now others want to see it! I have no idea if there is still a link to it, but I’ve asked the lady who done it if there is, but awaiting a reply. Suspect finding it might be a challenge, even if she can, as she was doing these regularly, but we will see…? Yes, its amazing where ‘fame’ can catch up with you, lol!
Oh, the service, well, what with holding my bouquet, the ring for the groom, and the bride’s bouquet at one point, quite an experience, but I got through, and loved every moment of it. I also got to meet a number of lovely people that I will probably never meet again, which will be a shame, but is part of life, I guess? Was a wonderful time, so very glad I could be there, and part of it.
Discretion says I’m not describing events after the reception, OK? Nothing bad, but entertaining, just maybe…?
This morning has been quiet, as all recover after the big day, including me! I actually went for brunch at a nearby diner/grill to the hotel, and if I needed reminding how crazy US portions could be, they did it! The omelette was large enough on its own, but by the time you add in toast, and potatoes, well…thankfully, plenty of coffee! How much more food I need today, not a lot! So currently, I’m in the hotel, watching Kansas City play in the NFL, so…chilling! Tonights ESPN baseball, well, its the Dodgers, so…I guess I can survive for a while, while the Gelhaus family recover after yesterday!
I will get back there at some point, in fact need to, as one of the wedding presents was a mask (if not more) of the Creature from the Black Lagoon, and yes, as if I’d love to see that, you bet I do. Hey, I’d love to wear a full suit (if anyone has one laying around lol?), though at my age, underwater swimming scenes wearing it might be beyond my skills, but I’d try, if I had to! 😀
Tomorrow sees the start of the return to reality, and the return to the UK. Thankfully, with my new shifts, no work until Friday, by which time a very quiet, very shy team leader of mine will have had her birthday. Yes, it might have been mentioned most of September. Yes, Madi, I love you, I really do xxx I’ve accepted the old age thing, btw. I’d originally planned to get to JFK by public transit, but Stacie wasnt happy with the thought of that at present, and in truth, I wasnt entirely looking forward to it either. So yes, going there by shuttle now…angel…and then the wheelchair thing again! 😀
Even if there are any pictures of me as the creature from the Black Lagoon, you’ll probably have to wait until Tuesday, or Wednesday, and back in the UK before seeing them. I will post wedding pics, of me at least, once I have some, OK?
And so endeth the longest blog, with its traditional moment, the video. No, I’ll save a certain Dave Edmonds song, in case I need it, and go for a song I didnt hear yesterday at the reception, but which sums up the day so perfectly. Yes, I’m old enough to remember this, I know…
As to the next US trip, I have no idea when, where, or for how long. Need to hear what the Doctors say, how many days work per week my body can still cope with, and take things from there. I have enough saved that I might be able to do two next year regardless, but if I’m limited to 4 day weeks, that will be the end of that. Though if its one trip per year, I will probably make it longer than a week (flight is major element of cost), but we will see… In theory I have an invite to a stage reading of a Clara Bow show next month in NYC, but unless anyone wishes to donate £1000 (flight and accom) to me, and even then, there is holiday available at work, not going to make it. Shame, as I could use the publicity time for myself, as well as the show! Ah well…
So from the US for the last time, probably…bye for now!
I know a place to go…
…and avoid at least 10 days of the election hype that we’re now going to have thrust on us, yet again! With luck, I can avoid a lot more than that, but that at least is guaranteed. Yes, could hardly ignore the announcement of a General Election at the beginning of June, could I? No, given my job in the Civil Service, and the fact that my readers will cover the range from Labour, to UKIP, I’m not going to give my views here on any issues, so dont ask! I will vote, and I have a good idea who I will vote for, but I’m not saying more.
The only blessing, as I say, with the timing, is that I’m going to miss 10 days of the campaign, while away in California. Note, I left out the word ‘relaxing’ because in all truth, there will definitely be a good percentage of the time when I will be trying to sell myself to people, or at least I hope there will be. Fine, I will enjoy myself as well, but yes, its probably my last big chance to make it in LA, so…
Fine, I’ll have to kick my unofficial press officer (yes, she will know who I mean!) and see if she can perform miracles at getting me noticed in LA. Yes, Madi, I am joking really, but if you can…lol!
When I was last in LA 18 months ago, I registered with a Transgender Talent Agency, and dropped an email to them, knowing I was only in town for a short period of time, to get myself known with them at least. Yes, she picked it up only after I’d come back, but said to give her notice when I’m going across again, so today, I have! Even if it doesnt provide instant offers, at least she’ll know me, I’ll know her, and who knows where it might lead from there? Movie fame, I doubt it? A decent run in lesser roles in theaters, well who knows, just maybe? I know, it might lead to more, but I’d settle for that chance for now.
Should anyone want to stun her, by asking about my services, before she meets me, the agency can be found here http://www.transgendertalent.com/ Mind, you need to ask for Harlean, not the name suggested by the blog lol!
Sadly, I’ve heard no more about possibly working on a documentary over there, down in San Diego, so I’m assuming thats not now going to happen, but I will drop a line at some point, just to make sure, but fine, that was maybe hoping for a little too much? But if you dont try?
Fine, I might hope that one of the chat show hosts might have been, by chance looking at the Civil Service Blog, and seen my piece, but I would say that ranks somewhere between no chance, and less, but hey, until I come back, you never know? Lol! I must also contact that lovely lady who interviewed me 18 months ago, and see if she wants to do a follow up, or not?
In truth, I only wish I had the time, money, and holiday allowance to extend the holiday by another fortnight or so, and miss the whole ghastly General Election experience, but not to be. Yes, I would still vote, I’d get a postal vote, if that miracle happened! I’ll start one of these funding campaigns if someone wants to provide for the extended stay, mind. No, thought not!
But yes, I know a place where about 650 people will be seeking a job at that time, and 1 person who will hopefully be doing the same in La La Land! I know who I suspect will be more successful, but…?
And that last comment, and the blog title leads to tonights video. Two Petula Clark classics for the price of one, and before you think that its a long video, the last 2 minutes can be cut off easily, and not miss anything.
Do I need an agent?
And yes, before anyone gets any ideas, this blog might be a ‘slightly’ tongue in cheek look at recent events.
Firstly, it amazing to look back on the last few weeks, and realize just how much my confidence has been boosted by transitioning. Apart from the general stuff in life that I feel so much better about, the whole self publicity development has been amazing. A few years ago, if you’d asked me to do various pieces about my transgender life, for pieces to be published, and the like, I probably would have done it, but been concerned about the results. Now, in the last month or so, I’ve done a teleconference, a pair of interview pieces, and just loved every minute of it. Yes, there is a new one for work, coming out for Transgender Day of Visibility, on Friday, but given I havent yet got a snipped copy of that at home, you’ll have to wait for that one, assuming I can get it here. Please remember, I am not technologically minded in the slightest, so I do tend to rely on others to do the clever stuff. However, the first one, well…
You’ll have to blow up the image to see all the details, but I’m sure most can cope with that?
As far as I can see it, Friday marks the end of the LGBT Pride celebration season, so life might return more to normal after that. Though if Jimmy Fallon wants to interview me in May, count me in! Yes, I would, and probably love it, both for the campaign, and the publicity! No, I doubt he will see this! Is it James Corden the other one, a Brit, so maybe even better? Fine, I know… But yes, if I can make anything happen in Hollywood, for me, or for LGBT issues, then great! Just give me advance warning guys, so I can bring a nice dress!
On a more serious note, its sad to see events around the world relating to Transgender people, and of course, events in certain states in the US distress me greatly, but hey, thats politics for you…facepalm! I only hope that in 10 years time, there will be no need for TDOV, because its just an accepted thibng, but somehow, I have my doubts. Hopefully it will happen, though whether that will be in my lifetime?
Currently, I have 1 ‘meet and greet’ I’m planning towards for LA, with a Transgender Talent Agency I signed up with online. Whether it leads to anything, who knows? Whether there is anyone else that wants to interview me while in town, on LGBT, or Trans issues, or to rekindle my acting career, feel free to shout, and arrange. But maybe, after next Friday, until Hollywood, I might get to live a little bit of the normal life. Or maybe not, wouldnt that be fun?
OK, for once, the video bears no relation to the blog. Someone posted this on Facebook during the week, and it is so 70’s, that I just have to use it. Yes, fashion might have been an issue back then lol!
No, I know nothing about any of the artists, or dancers, before you ask!
Put on a little make up, make sure they get your good side
Oh fine, if you’re old enough, you should know the video lol!
In a sense, the last few weeks have given me a glimpse of the movie star lifestyle, if not the movie star money! Seriously, if you’d told me all that I would have done in the last few weeks in the way of discussing my lifestyle, and diversity issues a few months ago, I’d have laughed at you. But yes, its happening, and in an amazing way. No, I havent yet had to discuss my latest movie, or acting role, though maybe at some point? I know, in my dreams! But yes, you go to Hollywood to make your dreams, and where am I heading in May, but…? 😉
Today marked the latest interview on my transgender lifestyle for now, though it might not, if I’ve heard anything positive about the Diversity committee application I did a few weeks back, which closed just as I was coming on holiday. I’m sort of assuming no news, means no position, given my line management would surely have been told, if it had been positive, but I will see on Monday, I guess? I do know I made someone else’s blog last Friday, but as the news only reached me after I’d gone off on holiday, I havent seen it yet. All I can say is that the DWP is an amazing employer for anyone LGBT, and leave it at that.
Unlike movie stars, I dont get chauffeured to my interviews, I have to rely on the buses. Which is fine most of the time, but unfortunately, today wasnt most of the time! Fortunately the lady who was interviewing me was also running slightly late, so we arrived at more or less the same time, quite handy. I then had further fun getting home, but not dramatic, and it didnt matter so much anyway. Maybe I do need one of those mobile phone things, darlings! 😉 I know a number of people who would say I do, and I have to admit, if I am going to become a major Transgender/Diversity advocate I will, though only for those reasons, honestly! No, it wont be a flash smart phone, believe me, unless someone else is paying!
Oh fine, if I get as many interviews in my 10 days in Hollywood, I’ll be thrilled. No, it wont happen, I’m sure, but I can dream, for now at least!
The make up side of thing relates to events on Tuesday, when I had the previously mentioned semi-perm make up top up session, in Thatcham. Yes, the eyebrows are even more 30’s styled, though of a sensible width, unlike then, and the lips now have that cute Harlow rosebud enhanced too. Sadly Paula couldnt make me look like a 25 year old version of Harlow, but no one is that good, especially with 59 year old material to create from! And no, I’ve not been shrunk to 5 ft 2 ins tall, either!
OK, the video. I do drink (a little), but dont smoke, but with my asexual lifestyle, subtle innuendos are probably out of the question too!
The interview, a drink, and some old friends
OK, lets try and catch up on things. I’ll own up to one issue with this, I cant for the life of me remember what I did Thursday. I know, blonde and all that, just calm compared to the other 3 days, so…Maybe I was time travelled back to the 30’s, to work in the movies as Jean, and they had to erase my memories afterwards (yes, I am joking, I think?), but anyway…
Wednesday was an early start for me, in the sense I had to leave here on the 10.00 bus. OK, fine, I can follow its progress online, and at some point it had got delayed, and only left about 10 past. As I say, the beauty is, I knew that, so had a few extra minutes here. Oh, I eventually let Jean Harlow influence me, and wore a white summer dress for the performance, some at least will get the connection.
The interview seemed to go fine, I had no idea the half hour was actually up until Alexia started winding things down, to be honest. Its garnered a few questions on Sqeeqee, so clearly a good number watched it at least. I think it went well, but I’ve had no comments on that line, nor any offers from generous benefactors, so who can tell? Fine, my lack of success has probably jaded me on such issues, so…
Afterwards, I headed to Universal Studios, not to make a movie, or to go in the adventure park, but for a bit of lunch. I then had 2 choices. I could either come back here, relax, and wait for the fan mail to come pouring in (ha ha), or I could travel out, and see a few more places. So, I did the latter. The Orange line of the metro doesnt have rails, or indeed a train. its a bus, but it doesnt travel on public roads. I went out to the Warner Centre, where maps were suggesting there was a shopping centre, so I thought I could have a coffee, or something, before heading home. OK, this is the shopping centre that the public forgot! Very few people, very few shops, so I gave up, and headed home the same way.
Thursday, as I say, if I ever remember what happened, I’ll let you know!
Yesterday, I started watching the play off game from Toronto, which started about 9.30 in the morning over here. My thought was that I would watch that, then head down into Hollywood, have a late lunch, and do a little sightseeing, before heading back here, to change into something vintage, and head for the Art Deco society cocktail soiree at Union Station. Fine, 14 innings, and about 5 hours later, the Toronto game ended. By which point, if I’d headed down town, I would barely have eaten, before I had to come back up here to change. So…I started watching the remains of the Kansas City game lol. I went with the blue summer dress, rather than anything more old fashioned, because it was very light, which was handy, given it was about 100 outside! Fine, its a 50’s look, but it was the most modern looking outfit by about 20 years! It was a lovely evening, but for 1 thing. Union Station lacks for air conditioning! Therefore, given the place was crowded, and the heat, oh my, it was hot.
You’ve noticed one thing, no main meal. So when I got back to Hollywood/Vine station, I went looking for somewhere quick (and hopefully cheap) to eat. I found a place called Feast, which fitted both roles, and was solidly filled by chicken, rice, and veg. Beyond the personal thing about firm veg, it was great for the price! Then, I walked it off, coming home.
Today was equally hot, I might add. (It was 99 earlier, now calmed down to 86, but this is after 7 pm!) Someone was booked on the Art Deco society guided walking tour of Hollywood Forever cemetery. Some of it was shaded, but unfortunately, most wasnt. Even with a bottle of drink, it was hot work, for over 2 hours! The tour was fascinating, and I now know a lot more of the history of LA, both in a movie, and business sense. Afterwards, I headed back into town, found somewhere indoors (and air conditioned) to eat, and took my time, allowing my feet to recover, and my body to cool down slightly!
One snag I’ve discovered over here, is that not all sites over here will take a UK credit card. They want a zip code in your billing address, I havent got one, so nothing happens. So I tried to get a movie ticket in person for tomorrow night, instead of online. I tried to explain this to the guy at the theatre, but he wasnt getting my message, and besides, their ticket office didnt open at weekends, so…! I came home, and tried my luck. Fortunately, its one of those sites where it does work. So tomorrow night, on a rooftop setting, I’m off to see Sunset Boulevard. Yes, the 1950 film, not the street, though the latter is not that far from the theatre! Given tomorrow night’s low is forecast at 70, I dont think I will get cold, even if I just wear a nice dress!
Further plans? Well, the same place is showing Breakfast At Tiffanys on Tuesday, so could well end up there. I know, a bit modern for me, but I’ll live. Yes, the Hepburn movie, not the music video from the 90’s! I also want to get to Pacific Palisades again, and Pasadena for the first. Beyond that, we will see?
Right, the video, before this hits 4 figures for words. You could say I met a few of these, from the movie past today
Beautiful downtown Burbank
Title might give a clue as to where I went today, at least! Though it will mean more to those with long memories, I must admit. But lets catch up first…
The weekend was fairly quiet in terms of entertainment, mostly just relaxing watching various forms of gridiron football, though given that my college team (Kansas State) managed to conjure up defeat from the jaws of victory on Saturday, and the Bills were totally undisciplined in defeat on Sunday, I might not have been that calm and relaxed, but anyway… Fine, the college one was worse, given that it was Kate’s team, Oklahoma State that we managed to lose to. Irony, our QB got injured, and a Wide Receiver took over from him, and did a better job. Then he got injured, the now recovered QB came back, and conjured up defeat for us. Ah well…
The Bills were just shocking, giving away penalties, as Santa Claus gives away presents. Yes, awful stuff.
Thankfully, after that, things improved dramatically. Yesterday I headed back to Santa Monica, and reminded myself just how ‘entertaining’ bus services can be over here. Aided by not enough knee room, and very hard seats, I wasnt sorry to arrive. Then I did something I didnt get to last time around, I went out on the pier. And yes, when I saw the rides, and the arcade, I realised how old I was, but anyway…The bus journey back was less entertaining, but a combination of a broken down vehicle in front of us at one point, and general traffic, it was very slow, and pretty painful on my knees too.
A brief dash home, which may, or may not have been a good idea, as I was going out again, but there was really just too much gap between, to just stay in town, so…Oh, and a remarkable thing around here, it rained! Not for long, but it rained, wow!
The evening was spent interestingly, talking with, and listening to people who know a lot more about the movie industry than me. But I learnt things, they learnt a few things about me, so all well and good. Only down point, the buses up here stop about 7.30. I got out at 9.15. So I went on a taxi hunt. Not as easy as I thought it would be. When I did eventually bag one, he made it pretty clear (in less than tactful terms) that he wasnt interested in fares that took him out of the main part of Hollywood, even if it was for less than a mile and a half each way. When I got home, I found out that the Checker Cab company have an awful reputation on reviews, and I can see why! I did send a message of complaint, but no surprise, I’ve heard nothing.
OK, finally, to today. Yes, when I was a child, once a week at the turn of the 60’s, into the 70’s, there was a crazy program on TV, which had a punchline that it was coming from beautiful downtown Burbank. Now as a 10 year old, I had no idea where that was, it was just somewhere in America. Yes, Rowan and Martin’s Laugh In, of course. Given the nature of the show, I never knew if the beautiful bit was true, or sarcasm, but anyway…
So today, I took the chance to visit Burbank. Nowadays I wouldnt say it was beautiful, but I’ve seen a lot uglier too. Of course, the studio where it was filmed, and all the stars are now long gone, most of them literally, sadly. But hey, I didnt see any ghosts there, but at least I now know what downtown Burbank looks like.
Oh, and a quick snippet of that legendary series
Fine, a pre thing. Tomorrow, in case you’d forgotten, I’m getting interviewed, which should be interesting. A chance to talk about me, LGBT issues (especially T, I suspect), and a few other things. A chance to sell myself around here? Just maybe, we will see. 11.30 am PST, work out your own time zone from there, though for Brits, like me, its 7.30 in the evening. The link to that https://sqeeqee.com/streaming/event/105
You’ll hear how it goes, for sure, but you could always watch it anyway, just saying…
The first step to fame? Maybe, maybe not?
Alright, alright, when I joked about becoming a star in Hollywood, I thought thats what it would be, a joke. A dream maybe, but not going to happen? So fine, what if I say I’m doing an interview in Hollywood on October 7th?
No, none of the movie companies have seen my blonde locks, and my Harlow looks, lost their sanity, and invited me in for a screen testing, or to err, try out the casting couch at least! Nor I might add, have any of the major TV channels done the same yet. So…I’ll be an online, err, star at least. Fine, stop laughing, you have to start somewhere, and who knows who will be watching?
Alright, I’ll explain.
A Twitter contact (yes, this place is amazing) named Alexia posted on Saturday, looking for people to do 30 minute (or so) interviews on creative issues, and being the sweet, generous Harlow like soul that I am, I offered my services to talk about my discovery of, and life as a transgender woman, if she was interested. It didnt take long to discover the answer was yes.
So after minimal discussion, its sorted, I will be doing a live interview online, on 7th October, at 11.30 am PDT (7.30 pm UK time, the rest you can work out), which you can watch streaming at https://sqeeqee.com/profile/info/1089462 where it will be archived afterwards, if you prefer to catch it that way, or its the only way you can.
It will be interesting for sure, about a subject matter I feel keenly about (transgender, not me, but…), and should be able to talk about for a while, for sure. Hey, I can always bring up LGB issues if I need to, but principally…Trans is my cause, lets face it.
As I say, its something, my first break in Hollywood at least. Fine, its actually up in Studio City, but its close! As I say, it would be wonderful if someone ‘high up’ somewhere saw it, said she’s of interest, and contacted me, but realistically I suspect it wont happen, but…Hey, if I only get chance to mention my job hunting, and get offered an interview for a normal job, or just for a few days, or more, it gets me the chance to work on Hollywood Boulevard in one of those body suits, or something, wouldnt it be great? Most likely, I will go back to my apartment, and anonymity, but hey, I can hope?
The video, I think this hopefully might be apt (ha ha), but you never know. The singer at least was born locally in Bradford.
As you may have worked out, this is your last British blog for a while. For the next 4 weeks or so, they will be coming from Hollywood, written by a movie star. Oh fine, maybe the last bit is an exaggeration lol! But…
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