My Head Is Still Spinning

[Julie]

Last night the Island Girls hosted their monthly social. I haven't been to an Island Girls event in many months. Since it's always on a Wednesday and there's work on Thursday I've resisted for several reasons. Number one is once I'm out dressed I never want it to end and I tend to stay out too late. Then I'm always afraid I miss getting all the makeup off and ....... dum da dum da! OUTED! Not good!

Well, I'm back to looking for work again (I think it's time to find something other than construction - no work) and that means my concerns aren't an issue. But I've been battling a bug for a couple of weeks and just haven't had the energy to do anything. Mostly I just watch TV and sleep. And that has been getting to me. So I reasoned if maybe I went out and socialized that would help get me in a better frame of mind (which was really getting rotten :( ).

I took baby steps, not committing myself to going out. I showered and shaved. Then I got dressed. I felt a lot better. Then I figured I'd do my makeup, and it didn't take 6-1/2 hours :p . I had already done my nails the day before so that was out of the way. ;) Once I put on my wig I looked in the mirror and whallah! Julie was back! I no longer felt run down and tired! Who needs antibiotics?

I arrived at The Edge early and only a few girls were there but I knew most of them. A lot of the times I've been to these events I've felt left out. There are many regulars who have found close friends and trying to get in on conversations is tough when you don't have a history with them. Byt last night was different. I felt like I belonged.

They were having a drag show of sorts last night starring all Island Girls, no professional performers. It was lip synching girl songs by the brave who overcame stagefright to entertain us. I respect those girls who went up there and did their routines. They are far braver than me!

As the night was winding down I was talking to a girl who is in an all T-Girl band called Transitt. Their drummer did a stint on stage earlier that was awesome! Later the drummer came over to join in on the conversation. As we were talking about the band it came up I used to play bass guitar in a band in grade school. Suddenly both the girls perked up and with excited expressions asked, "You play bass? We're looking for a bass guitarist!" Now it's been a while since I was in grade school ;) and I wasn't all that great. I've never taken formal lessons and I can't read music. All I really have going for me is a good ear for music. When I told them this they weren't discouraged. They wanted me to get together with them. They have a bass guitar and an amp. All they needed was somebody to play.

Then one of the girls looked me in the eye and said, "You like music and you like dressing. What better way to enjoy life than to combine them?" Hard to argue that! I tried to imagine what that would be like. It seemed to good to be true.

I've really been down lately. It's not just being under the weather, I've been depressed about life in general and about the prospects for the future. Losing so many in my life because of who I am has really taken a toll. And living alone has only exaggerated that. I was beginning to wonder why I was even here anymore. Then this happened.

I know it's a stretch. The reality is they will be taking someone with almost no experience and trying to make her into a contributing band member. The desire is there, I just don't know if I have the talent.

But last night I realized what I was doing wrong. I wasn't getting out and spending time with others like me. The girls last night were so kind. I really felt wanted. I needed that.

I've been trying to find acceptance in the mainstream society and they just aren't ready for us yet. Even my own family isn't ready for that. How could I expect anyone else to be? But within our community we have some totally wonderful people who you don't need to explain anything to. They know, they live the life. And I was reminded of that last night. I just hope I don't forget that again.

[Sharon]

Good for you, Julie -- it sounds as if you're on your way out of your funk. I hope it's catching!:)

As for playing bass with the band, even if you just do it once? I say go for it! As a matter of fact, ask them if they're looking for a guitarist or pianist. It might be worth the travel time.:)

[Sarahgurl371]

Julie, first off sorry to hear that you are feeling down. I know its easy for others to say, keep hope, and think positive. Sometimes though I need to remind myself of those very same things. But when it really gets down to it, it does help to vocalize them in my mind, and count the blessings that I do have, (even if they are not everything I want).

I am glad you got out for a while, see, you are way ahead of me there. I wish I could get up the nerve to do it. There is a postive for you. Look at the courage and strength you have in your life. You know who you are and are not afraid of being you. That is powerful medicine right there, there are many of us whose ideal my be what you already have. When i get down, again, I try to think of what I do have, things that others would die for, ya know. Suddenly, the world isn't as bad as I thought. I hope I am helping you, that is the intent here. Good things!

As far as the band goes. I can think of only a couple of things in life that make me feel as good as making music with others, and dressing. Why not combine the two? If I had the confidence to be myself and go out, and had an invite like that, IN A HEARTBEAT, would be my response. If nothing else, you made a couple of new friends, and that is a precious comodity.

Take care girl!!

[Kim E]

Hi Julie ~
Very happy for you. I say go for it !! Life is too short, enjoy yourself and what makes you happy.

Hugs ~ Kim

[Phoebe Reece]

It sounds like a fantastic opportunity Julie! If I had any musical ability at all (I can't carry a tune in a dump truck) I would certainly jump at a chance to do something like that. Even if it doesn't work out in the long run, I think you will have a lot of fun trying and rehearsing with the other girls. In any case, you need to be with others to keep from slipping into more bouts of depression.
Break a leg, girl.

[kathy gg]

HI Julie, without sounding to 'bandwagon-yy' (oh bad pun...)...I think this is an amazing opportunity. Many of todays famous musicians and rocks stars had little formal training, know how to read music, or even finished high school for that matter. Having a good ear, enthusiasm, and being a quick learner are more important than the other things when it comes to playing in bands.

I hope that this boost to your self confidence keeps you from letting the blues hit you again.

Hugs and good luck and keep us informed..

when one door closes another door opens....believe that!

Kathy in canada

[JoAnnDallas]

Julie...

Go for it, as the band member said,"Where else can you combine dressing, music, and having fun all in one".

[KathrynW]

Julie~
If I looked as good as you and passed as well...I'd be all over this in a heartbeat...
tranny rock & roll...you just gotta love that. I've been a drummer for 40 yrs. and I've done the band thing for almost as many years. Even if you haven't picked up a bass in awhile, look at it this way...
It's 2 less strings than a guitar and it's part of the rhythm section. As long as you can hang with the drummer, you'll be ok. Besides, you could easily get some refresher lessons at almost any music store. There are also instructional dvd's where you can learn a lot and fast. I'd go for it, if I were you. :)

[Huntress]

The Head Office sends you a gift wrapped in silk, & lace, AND you're thinking about it. Get the Pignose amp out and pluck. It's just a fooking bass. C'mon woman, "pluck up". This is the up cycle of your sine wave. Go, go , go!:thumbsup:

Huntress

[TGMarla]

Hey, Julie. I'm a musician. I'm a bass playergoing on 27 years now. I'm a crossdresser. The two best feelings I have ever had in my life involve one being dressed, the other playing music. I mean playing music with a band while every other band member knew what they were doing as well. When the band is all together, you can feel it as well as hear it. There is no better sense of well being that I can identify with.

You have the opportunity to combine the two? It's your choice. If the choice were mine, I'd jump at it.

I'm going to spend part of my weekend playing music with two musicians that were once part of a band with me. They are soul mates of mine. I imagine that it will be a transcendental experience. I have not played with both of them at the same time in over 10 years. Yet they have both been close friends all this time. I only hope the anticipation doesn't destroy the moment. As a musician, you probably know where I'm at with this. When it's right, it's better than anything else there is.

Go for it. If it's not right, you'll know it.

Marla

[KathrynW]

Get the Pignose amp out and pluck. It's just a fooking bass. C'mon woman, "pluck up".
ummmm....I hate to bring this up...but, if you plug a bass into a pignose, it might last about 30 seconds before blowing up the amp. :eek:
Try something like a Hartke or an Ampeg for a bass. ;)

I mean playing music with a band while every other band member knew what they were doing as well. When the band is all together, you can feel it as well as hear it. There is no better sense of well being that I can identify with.
What you've described here is what I call being in "the zone". It's when everything falls into place perfectly and just forms one unit. It's an awesome thing.;)

[HaleyPink2000]

A Love Story!




I will seek and find you . . .

I shall take you to bed and have my way with you .

I will make you ache, shake & sweat until you moan & groan.

I will make you beg for mercy, beg for me to stop.

I will exhaust you to the point that you will be relieved when I'm
finished
with you.

And, when I am finished, you will be weak for days.

All my love,
The Flu

[HaleyPink2000]

If you can tap your feet you can play Bass guitar Hun!

I play Banjo, guitar, mountain Dulcimer like a fiend. Also tin whistle and baudaraun. Very Folkie type. LOLOL

So yeah, Go try it. I did not for 30 plus years while I raised kids. Now it's gloves off. I go to festivals and play on open stages all over Illinois. So Hun, go do it. Just make it fun, that’s the big thing. :)

My wife and I love music, She hates me cause I can play anything I hear. She reads sheet music only. But She's getting better at playing licks that She hears. I did take classes for the past 7 years to read music. Read loads of books on the issue. My classes last a week at a college on the East coast.
These are during one of their Summer music weeks at this College. I love it.
One week a year just me and 3am every morning Jamming. Then music classes all day and stage shows every night till 10pm. Wooo how could life be better. Oh, if I could dress for this, oh yeah. But not yet. :)

You have a great time with those girls.

Oh I have the same problem with the Island Girls meetings. I'm down around Springfield, IL. Long drive and work the next day. Gawd, can't do it.
I'd so love to make one of their get to gethers. But oh well.

The trouble with life is there's no background music.

Love to you Hun. Be talking to you down the road...:)

Haley:)

[susiej]

OMG, Julie, what a wonderful chance! Go jam with them, and see what happens!

Hugs,
Susie

[HaleyPink2000]

You have fun doing this, and you will learn faster. Learn things about music you thought you'd never know in a life time. People share tricks and licks at jams. You'll simply love it.

One more thing. I have a night each week that is just for my music.
One Thursday a month we jam with others.
Every lunch hour is practice time for me at work, and people love my music. I play in the stair wells and its sounds nice.

There are tapes you can buy to play along with. Also music shops can set you up with head phones and splitters so that you hear the music in one ear and yourself playing in the other. Sabine Company makes really nice equipment to copy 30 seconds of music to play back at any speed and not loose the tone quality. I use this to learn licks.

Haley:)

[DonnaT]

Give it a go Julie, can't hurt to try. Well it might affect your nails, but they can be repaired.

There are T-girls in bands on a couple of other forums, and they all love getting up on stage and performing enfemme.

I think with your outgoing attitude you'd do well in a T-girl band.

[HaleyPink2000]

Nails and playing the guitar and banjo.

Many people, males also get their fake nails out to play instruments. I split my index finger nail real bad when playing claw hammer banjo. So I either use a clear nail hardener or use fake nails.

Haley:)

[Julie]

Thanks for the encouragement ladies! I'm going to give it a shot, for sure! The only question is do I have what they are looking for? Time will tell. Jamie is the guitarist I talked about and I sent her an e-mail yesterday with my phone number and a note telling her how anxious and appreciative I am for this opportunity.

My brother and I shared a place before I was married and he is a pretty good guitar player. He loves classical music but gets into some contemporary stuff too. He taught me a picking scheme I've since forgotten but I remember picking up one of his guitars almost daily and just picking away using the few cords I remembered from playing in that band so long ago. I'd sometimes do it for hours when alone.

And I remember how my brother would let his nails grow and use clear polish on them to strengthen them so he could pick with them. I've always had some length on my nails so I was all set. But I've got acrylics now that are girl length (I think they call it sport length) and I know they would get in the way, especially with the left hand. I just don't see how I could get a decent sound with those nails interfering with the strings. :rolleyes:

Haley, your love poem really had me. As I was reading it I was thinking, 'Geez, where's this poem going? Into dear Penthouse?' Then when I finished it... :rofl:

[HaleyPink2000]

find the Key the music is in.

On the down beat hit that note every measure. Try it!

Find the chord they are playing in. Hit the first and last note of the chord at the down beat. In a Pinch. Loads of tricks.

picking each note of the chord as the cord is played. Insted of a strum. Ending on the Key note.

Loads and loads of tricks.

You'll do fine. It's finding the 3 chords of that key the music is in mostly.
if in the Key of D, play the D the G and A chords.

the 1, 4 and 5 chords.

Ok breaking this down more. music hun is:
A,B,C,D,E,F,G Then it starts over. This is very basic. But the one chord for the key of A would be the A chord. The 4 chord would be D, then the 5th chord would be F. So by playing during the chord changes these chords in a one string at a time mode or strumming to the beat or at the down stroke. This would be all you'd need.

Ok in the key of D.
DEFGABC the one chord being a D, the 2 chord being a G and the 5 chord being an A.

Just find the 1 4 5 chords of the key the music is written in.

No big deal. Learn these 3 chords for each Key your group plays in. That might be like 12 chords. Practice going from one chord to the next and strumming. Or picking each note one string at a time of the chord. You can do this during the chord change and have time to place your fingers if you pick them one string at a time. Also only playing on the down beat makes things much easier.

Oh one biggie! Vary how you play a tune each time through you play it. Your listeners will like it much better. Not so Boring.

Haley:)

[Lauren_T]

Julie, this could very well be the turnaround you've been seeking.

I agree with Kathy 100%!

...
when one door closes another door opens....believe that!
...
I think you'd be foolish to not walk through this door...! :thumbsup:


Incidentally, I too am a musician, but I gave up on brass a long time ago and now dedicate myself to keyboards. But my primary love has always been bass, which I'm gonna pursue as soon as practical to do so. There's someone inside of me who thinks she's a combination of John Wetton, Phil Lesh and Chris Squire. :o :p She's a deluded fool, but I gotta placate her, you know how it is...

[jo_ann]

Julie: are you that close to blue island? I work in that town (but live 60 miles away). I might just have to join you to one of these socials sometime.