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CDbookclub:
 
Having completed the discussion of JoAnn Roberts' Coping With Crossdressing, 
this month we are starting on Peggy Rudd's My Husband Wears My Clothes.  Already 
the email is flying with comments and we are only on the introduction.  The SO's 
that have responded so far have commented on the fact that Dr. Rudd seemed to 
take lightly her husband's crossdressing or at least adjusted to it all too 
easily. Sofronia emailed a reply that certainly gave me reason to pause-."if a 
marriage is unhappy and unstable then a  transvestite partner becomes a focal 
point for the unhappiness and instability."  Hmmmm-could there be some truth in 
this?
On the homefront: Yes, the rumors are true!  And no, I'm not telling any 
secrets!!!!!!   See you at the meeting.  Love, Cheryl
 
 
 
 
 
 
CDSO Forum Online:
 
This past month besides welcoming new members, we've had quite a lively 
discussion on telling the children.  The responses have varied from telling the 
truth to lying (such as saying Dad is dressed for a costume party).  Most SO's 
seemed to feel that under no circumstances should the children be told, no 
matter what their age.  Is such lying justified or are we presenting a poor role 
model? (Assuming that the children are smart enough to know that we are hiding 
the truth)
 
 
 


A WORD OF COMMENDATION
 
For only the second time in the last ten years of Alpha Omega history, the 
weather was severe enough for a meeting to be cancelled, as was the January 1999 
meeting.  The last time was, I believe, seven years ago in March.
 
As Kathy and I were going to be unable to attend the January meeting because of 
a job-related event, Marla, as Vice President, stepped forward; and after 
speaking with a few other members, rightly decided to cancel the January 
meeting.
 
It is never an easy decision to cancel a meeting.  But in this case the safety 
of all concerned was of paramount importance.  Thank you to Marla and all others 
who helped spread the word abut the cancellation that day.
 
See you all in February -- weather permitting!
                    
                    Gloria Sue Fenton
                    President, Alpha Omega
 
  
 
 

How many of Shakespeare's heroines disguise themselves as males?
 
Five - Rosalind in As You Like It; Julia in Two Gentlemen of Verona; Portia in 
the Merchant of Venice; Viola in Twelfth Night; Imogen in Cymbeline.
 
The above was taken from 1999 "Amazing Trivia Facts Calendar" by Workman 
Publishing.
 
 
 
ALONG THE RAINBOW TRAIL
 
 
 
Since Lisa is desperate for articles for the newsletter this month, I thought I 
would attempt to explain just why I named the SO website "The Rainbow Trail".  
I'm sure you'll find this fascinating and will be kept glued to your seats.  
Isn't it amazing what a touch of Elmer's will do!  Anyway, here we go.
 
Several years ago, I came across an Indian legend that described a couple 
traveling the path of life together in peace and harmony – in tune with the 
world and nature around them.  Along the path, the couple encountered each color 
of the rainbow and acquired the qualities they represented.  This path was 
called the Rainbow Trail.  How appropriate!  Here we are-- SO's and CD's 
–attempting to survive in a world that is intolerant of those who dare to be 
different, a world full of strife and disharmony.  Maybe the Rainbow Trail will 
help.  At least that is my hope.  As the rain said to the colors in the legend, 
"let us remember to appreciate one another and walk the RAINBOW TRAIL of peace 
and harmony together."
 
Before you become unglued, here is a little quiz for you:
Can you name the colors of the rainbow and the qualities they represent?  You'll 
find the answer at Rainbow Trail(I can't 
make it too easy for you-.grin)

 
 
10  A CHRISTMAS MEMORY
 
 
Shortly before Christmas this last year, Kathy told me that she had saved up 
some money, and because of my ten years of being with Alpha Omega, that she 
wanted to get Gloria a very special Christmas present; and she wanted to know 
what I would like.
 
It only took a moment to think of something that I have wanted for a long time, 
but really wouldn't have bought for myself.  Many moons ago, before the great 
dinosaurs roamed the land, and I was a few years younger, I was fascinated by a 
charm bracelet that belonged to my first wife.  It became my favorite piece of 
her jewelry for me to wear.
 
Martin's family was going to be around for Christmas, and as my one 
sister-in-law does not know about Gloria, Kathy decided to give me my gift a 
little early.  And so, a few days before Christmas, wile Cheryl and Lisa were 
visiting, I received my present.
 
Even having an idea of what the present was, there was still a very real 
excitement about finally seeing it and holding it in my hands.  The bracelet was 
absolutely beautiful, and there was not only one, but two, in a shiny silver 
finish.  Along with the bracelets, there was a charm from Kathy that said "Best 
Friend".   Cheryl and Lisa gave me a charm in the shape of a cladaugh which is 
an Irish symbol of friendship, loyalty, and love.
 
This bracelet will hold a lot of memories as charms are added in the years to 
come, and I already cherish it dearly.  But the even greater gift I received 
that day was a sense of being loved and respected for who I am as Gloria.  
 
Ten years ago that was a dream I wished for, but wasn't sure I would ever 
achieve.  Back then I was just barely starting to have an idea of who Gloria 
was, or wanted to be.   The thought of someone respecting me or loving me for 
being the person I am seemed unattainable.  To have someone call "Gloria" their 
Best Friend or Sister --  well, back then I doubted that could ever happen.
 
Back then just being able to be dressed and be called Gloria without being 
ridiculed or made to feel guilty was such a wonderful feeling that it was 
difficult to believe there could be more.  With two failed marriages behind me 
ten years ago, it was also almost impossible to believe that there could be a 
woman who would want to be Martin's partner in life, and want to call Gloria a 
friend.  
 
And to someday have a dear friend who would call Gloria her sister didn't seem 
possible either.  As I began to discover this part of my being that is Gloria, 
and learned the peace of the freedom of expressing my being, a lot of things 
became possible.
 
Every time I wear this charm bracelet I will be reminded of the blessings I have 
been privileged to receive in this last ten years, and will await the next ten 
with eager anticipation.
 
It was a very good Christmas for me to remember.  I hope yours was memorable as 
well.



REMEMBER ME?
Remember me?
I'm your mom.
I gave you birth.
I bandaged your scrapes.
I wiped your tears.
Where did you go?
Do you remember me now? 
Remember me?
I'm your wife.
We spent romantic evenings.
We shared future dreams.
You have no time for me now.
Would you miss me if i was gone?
Do you remember me now? 
Remember me?
I'm your son.
We used to throw a football.
We'd wrestle on the floor.
Now I am grown
With a son of my own.
Did you notice I was gone?
Do you remember me now? 
Remember me?
I was daddy's little girl.
You called me princess.
We built castles in the sand.
Now I'm a mom myself.
You missed my wedding.
Do you remember me now? 
Remember us?
We're your loved ones.
Tossed aside for dresses and perfumes,
Pancake make-up and high heels.
Are we still in your world?
Or have you left us all behind?
Do you remember us now? 
-Cheryl


      UPCOMING EVENTS
      January:  Web Site Demonstrations by Cheryl & Lisa.
      The Alpha Omega Great Chili Cookoff
       
      February:  :  Web Site Demonstrations by Cheryl & Lisa.
      The Alpha Omega Great Chili Cookoff.
      Nominations for Officers for the coming year.
       
      March:  Open.
      Final nominations and election of officers.
       
      ELSEWHERE
       
      Ø     17th Annual BE ALL
      Cleveland, OH
      June 2 – 6, 1999
      www.beall.net
       
      Ø     S.P.I.C.E. Convention
      Minneapolis, MN
      July 14 – 18, 1999
      www.firstnethou.com/brenda/spice.htm
       
      Ø     Holiday en Femme
      Houston, TX
      Nov. 10 – 14, 1999
      www.firstnethou.com/brenda/holiday.htm
       
      Brochures for these events are available at our meetings.