OMG...I had such fun!

[samantha rogers]

Well, I know for many here this may be old hat, but not for me...:battingeyelashes:
This "older gal" is up there in years and has been strictly in the mirror in hotel rooms for 20 years. Sigh...
But no more.:heehee:
Last night I trekked over to Grand Rapids to meet with BilleAnneJean and her other West Michigan girlfriends at their clubhouse.
This was my first time out with people and it was such fun, so low key and easy, and I can never thank Billie and her friends enough for giving me that opportunity. Billie is the sweetest girl you would ever want to meet and I really want to send out a HUGE hug and a GIANT thank you to her. Shout outs to Roxanne and Tina, too! Hugs to you both!
Later, we left the clubhouse and hit a Grand Rapids nightclub.
I walked down the street, outside!
We had drinks,
We tried to chat over the music,
I laughed,
OMG...I danced!

This was a big, big night for me...:heehee:
It absolutely will not be the last!:battingeyelashes:
Thanks so much Billie! You are the best! Honey, you have a girlfriend for life! LOL

[Donna Joanne]

Congrats Samantha! I remember the first time I went out dressed with a girlfriend for shopping and lunch. It was such a thrill. Hope you get to do it again soon!

[Chari]

Samantha, you have taken a giant step out to enjoy more of your feminine side! Good for you!!!

[Angie G]

You go girl. So glad you had fun.:hugs:
Angie

[Tina B.]

Sounds like your still walking on air! Nice to have the girls show you such a great time.

[Jenniferathome]

amazing how it is such a non-issue, isn't it? What we build up in our heads....

[Jamie Lynn]

Same time, same place, next week Samantha?!! :) Sounds like such a happy experience!

[Marcelle]

Congrats Samantha,

Sounds like you had a blast.

Hugs

Isha

[Shellycd12]

Sounds like fun. Congrats.

Hugs, Shelly

[Beverley Sims]

Going out in company really does boost the confidence level.
You have constant guidance from others.
Of course you can have a great time as well doing things you would otherwise not do.

[ShelbyDawn]

Way to go!!!

I went out for the first time last night as well.
I have to agree with Jennifer, I was mostly amazed at how much of a non issue it was.

:hugs:

Shelby

[Persephone]

:cheer: :ms:

Hugs,
Persephone.

[samantha rogers]

So here are a couple of pics... the one in the blue top is from the clubhouse where the girls meet once a month... it is a truly wonderful and safe place for first timers or any that just don't feel comfortable in public yet. And Billie is the most exceptional hostess you could possibly want. She really made me feel at home and part of her family.
After that several of us changed into something sexier and went out to a nightclub - Rumors - it was Ladies Night... perfect. Funny... I never dance. but I did last light... and I have not been able to stop reliving that moment all day... tee hee... I feel like Cinderella.:battingeyelashes:

[Julie Denier]

Great pics! You look terrific ;)

[GenieGirl]

Congrats Sam! Glad you had a blast and you look amazing in your pics. Should put up an avatar so everyone can see how pretty of a woman you are.

Ginger

[KaceyR]

Was fun meeting you and all the others there Samantha.
If I had the outfits and the energy I would've liked to have gotten to Rumors as well..
but I was pretty wiped out. (busy first half of day and lack of good sleep over a couple days)
So I just went over to a hotel for the night before leaving Sat.
(man was my legs tired... higher heeled boots and it was a lengthy walk 2x taking luggage into the hotel ...heh)

This was my first 'meetup' with anyone as well.
It's fun to get out with groups :)

[Lillyasia]

That sounds like a terrific outing. And you look very good. Bet you can't wait to go out again. Thanks for sharing.

[~Joanne~]

I know how hard it is to step past your front door, I still haven't other than halloween so huge kudos to you for finally stepping out! It's great that some of the girls were there for you to help along with that step :D You look great in the pictures! I doubt many gave you a second look, other than to check you out lol ;) Thanks for sharing

[Marissa]

Good for you girl.. glad you had fun..and the way you present urself, fun was in the cards..so cute :) love the big smile.. glad it was a positive outing for you.. more to come, i'm sure..

[KristyE]

Sweetie you look great! Good for you! I must know more about " the club house" sounds like something that should be set up in every area of the country.
Love KristyE

[Helen Grandeis]

You look completely relaxed and natural! You could be found in the JCPenny catalog with an outfit and great look like that.

[Lynn Marie]

Congratulations Samantha. My first time out was with a CD girlfriend. Now I have dozens and actively try to help and encourage others to join us. LOL, we're becoming a movement!

[jjjjohanne]

I think cardigans are REALLY helpful in making me look right in a women's top. They disguise my shoulders a little and somehow smooth my appearance to a less manly presentation. They are the Spanx of the upper half, I suppose.

[samantha rogers]

Thanks for all the nice comments everyone! I think I am starting to like it around here...tee hee:heehee:
It was nice meeting you, too Kasey! You too, Ressie!
If I can put in one more commercial plug here... Billie has arranged such a wonderful asset there in Grand Rapids. It I had a hat it would be off to her. To have a place like that with three changing rooms and a private, totally safe and accepting space is such a godsend for any girls that are shy, getting out for the first time, in need of some support... whatever. It makes it so easy. There is no reason that any girl within driving distance of Grand Rapids, Michigan should have to be alone.
I know what it is to be alone.
I was alone for a long time.
I know all the excuses and all the rationalizations.
I know alone.
Being with people is way better.
Way better.
Billie says every time she announces a meeting there are hundreds of "hits" and dozens of girls contact her for information and then when the night comes most of these do not show up. If you are one of those people...listen to me...go to a meeting...you do not have to be alone. You can dress at whatever level of skill you have, and you can spend Friday night among people who "get it". After that, who knows...dancing? You can do it you really can do it. !:battingeyelashes:

[~Joanne~]

I wish I was a little closer to grand rapids, I would certainly try to make a few of these get togethers. I agree that being alone and cooped up in a house all the time is no fun. My So doesn't have ANY hang ups about my dressing so at least I don't have to sneak around while she is gone just to dress for an hour or so but it still not the same as actually being out there. That's the problem with getting out once, once your out there you want it more and more.

I am going to be honest though, I have heard a lot of horror stories about these "meetings". I am not saying about this one but other ones that I have heard about are a lot different than how you described your experience at this one. I think a lot of the girls may also hear these stories and that's why they bail out at the last minute. I know pure fear is always a deciding factor though so who really knows why they change their minds about attending.

[Jamie Christopher]

Wow Samantha you look great! Nice story, great to hear, and now I want in too!

Thanks for sharing,

Jamie

[rocketscientist]

Wow Samantha! You look absolutely stunning! That blue outfit with the beige skirt looks perfect on you. I agree with the other poster that said it should be your new avatar. And BIG congratulations on getting out with the other girls. Kudos to Billie for making this possible for you and many others in the area. I have met Ressie last year at the Dunes TG Weekend but I have yet to meet some of the others you mentioned. I hope all of you can get over to Saugatuck in a few weeks. As for the disproportionate amount of girls that just reply to actually going to one of these events, all I can say is that you are definitely MISSING OUT! There is no feeling quite like being able to be yourself around others with absolutely no fear. Once you have been out and have seen for yourself how wonderful it truly is you will not want to go back and will come to look forward to socializing with others of a like mind. Samantha, you have gotten the first one in the bag now, here's to many more to come:cheers:. BIG hugs, Tonya:battingeyelashes:

[MsVal]

Samanta, you look amazing. That's a great outfit, well accessorized, good looking hair, and fabulous makeup. I can tell by the look on your face, as well as the comments you've made that you had a fantastic outing, and made life long memories. Congratulations to you for getting out, and a BIG Pat-On-The-Back to BillieAnneJean for organizing the affair.

Best wishes
MsVal

[ShelbyDawn]

Amazing pictures...
You are beautiful.

Best feature is that awesome smile!
I can feel your confidence from here.

:)

:hugs:

Shelby

[samantha rogers]

Thanks, girls! I guess we all like to be told we are pretty, huh?
I so appreciate all the sweet comments!:battingeyelashes:

[S. Lisa Smith]

It's great that you had a wonderful time!! You look very lovely in your pictures!!

[Nancie64]

You look lovely. Always fun to get out there and to have some support makes it better. My sister in law sometimes travels with us and she is a great help.

[Christen]

Congrat's Sam! You had to have had a fantastic time, it shows in the photo's. Great outfits and you look just wonderful.

Christen x

[BillieAnneJean]

~Joanne~
You posted "I am going to be honest though, I have heard a lot of horror stories about these "meetings". I am not saying about this one but other ones that I have heard about are a lot different than how you described your experience at this one. I think a lot of the girls may also hear these stories and that's why they bail out at the last minute. I know pure fear is always a deciding factor though so who really knows why they change their minds about attending."

I am hoping that you are not implying that anything negative has ever happened at any Grand Rapids Crossdresser Social Group, "Grand Illusions" event. It is possible that someone might read something into this post that perhaps was not intended.

Our Group is a bunch of heterosexual males who just happen to like wearing women's clothing. Many of these people are in long term relationships. They are all wonderful and considerate people. I am proud and delighted to know them. We are IN NO WAY involved in nor do we tolerate any unladylike activities. Yes we may get a little bawdy in our conversations some times. But no more than a bunch of gals having tea and gossiping about their lives. Our meetings occur in a safe and private location to insure member's secrets remain their secrets. We display total respect and proper behavior at all times. We have our laughs, but no one does anything at our meetings that their SOs or mothers would be ashamed of. It is just FUN!

So maybe people have had bad experiences, But not at our group functions. The way our group is operated, the conduct agreement we all follow, does not allow any misbehavior. Not even by me. Everyone runs this group as we are all equals. None of our members would tolerate bad behavior so it is highly unlikely that that is going to ever be the case. These are really quality people. I feel very blessed!

This is about a safe and welcoming environment for CDers who prefer to not be out in public at our first monthly IN enfemme meeting. The second monthly meeting is about safe and welcoming venues, in the company of other CDers OUT enfemme in public. There is NO opportunity for "horror stories" as we will not tolerate anything but ladylike behavior. No one is obligated to come for every meeting. There are no dues. This is just about fun crossdressing.

If anyone has any questions and wants any other people to vouch for our group, start a thread and ask if we have "horror stories".
Billie

[samantha rogers]

I would like to second everything Billie described, and in spades! The environment I entered was safe, clean, warm and welcoming with not even a hint of any impropriety. If she had wanted, I am sure I could have brought my SO along without problem. Billie has created a wonderful place, and deserves a whole lot of credit for doing so. She is a doll and I am proud to now call her my friend.
Thanks, Billie!

[Jordan]

That is great to hear that from you you keep going girl explore them roads

[Ressie]

I had a wonderful time too, even though I didn't go out later on. I also want to thank Billie publicly for putting together a place like this for casual get togethers. It's always nice meeting others and all dressed en femme. Of course, we all looked fabulous, but when Samantha arrived (fashionably late) I thought there was a GG in the house! Good conversation and photo sessions. Nice meeting all that were present, and good to see Jennifer again.

[~Joanne~]

I am hoping that you are not implying that anything negative has ever happened at any Grand Rapids Crossdresser Social Group, "Grand Illusions" event. It is possible that someone might read something into this post that perhaps was not intended.

absolutely NOT. That's why I made sure to put this very next line in: I am not saying about this one I apologize for my piss poor grammar here though. It was NOT my attention to say anything negative about Grand Rapids Crossdresser Social Group. I have never heard anything but good things about this group and if I ever had the chance to actually visit one, this would be the one ;) The experience that Samantha described is the experience that I would want to have and it sounds like you girls have a lot of fun.

Having a safe place to go while dressed, especially if your not comfortable being out, makes the world of difference as to your experience while being out.

With that being said though, I have heard of some other groups that ended up anything but fun or as described. I think this makes some girls very nervous and is the reason they bail out with very good reason. nine times out of ten though it just comes down to fear. Some over come it better than others do.

[Kristyn Hill]

You look amazing Samantha and with being in Kalamazoo for the next month or two, I hope to get up to Grand Rapids and make my coming out party in Michigan, too. You look stunningly beautiful and I love your story.

[BillieAnneJean]

~Joanne~ is a classy lady because she clarified the already clear AND sent me a PM making sure that I did not misunderstand.

As the administrator of this group, I must protect the reputation of the group, the members, and guests. Joanne has been wonderful in her response. I am impressed and grateful.

This group is all about the fun and joy in crossdressing, providing acceptance and camaraderie, helping each other improve our self esteem and feminine projection, comparing shopping bargains, a shoulder to cry on, a friend to hear our frustrations, and someone to hold the camera as we pose. Oh, and FUN!!!!!!! LOTS OF FUN!

I AM HAVING SUCH FUN! I wish everyone could experience the CDing highs I have experienced, and none of the lows. This group is definitely the highest. Such wonderful and sweet people!

Thanks Joanne!

[Kristy 56]

Sounds like a great weekend, thanks for sharing. :)

[lovetobedani]

Why have you been hiding like that. You're beautiful. I'm happy that you had the greatist time.

[~Joanne~]

Thank you BillieAnneJean :D Hopefully someday I will be able to come up to grand rapids and visit the group for a great night out femme ;) right now I have no such nights but work doesn't allow me the time either way. Thanks again :D

[samanthasolo]

Samantha, all I can say is FANTASTIC! When I looked at your photos it brought me back to a time not too long ago when I was feeling exactly what you were showing in those pictures. A moment frozen in time, the happiness and joy, a FIRST, a life experience that you will remember and cherish for the rest of your life. CONGRATULATIONS! Your sharing the experience you had and the INCREDIBLE group of people you spent time with WILL BE an inspiration for those to ESCAPE their fears and apprehensions to get out of the shadows of their own homes and SHINE!!!!

[Ellie52]

The last picture would make a great Avatar...You look absolutely gorgeous and I bet you are great fun to be with....Ellie

[Sassyinheels]

Hi BillieAnneJean, when does this group meet?

[laurie01]

You are very pretty Samantha. When I met Billie in Grand Rapids I really got out too. I hope to see you at the next group meeting.

[samantha rogers]

Hi Laurie, I can't make this Friday, but I am planning on being at the next "out" meeting on the 25th. I'd love to meet you, too! Isn't Billie an angel?

[ArleneRaquel]

Great story darlin. Its so good to have good friends. being a girl is a ball. Best Wishes and post often, please.

[Maria in heels]

You look beautiful Samantha! I am so envious of you...being able to find a group of friends and just be yourself, and a safe haven place to dress as well!

[Amanda Roberts]

You look lovely :) and it sounds like you had a wonderful time! Congratulations... you go girl!

~Amanda

[laurie01]

Hi Samantha. Billie is an angel. I will go there again in may. I am also going to Gigi's in may too for a birthday party.