Are we gifted......?

[Liz Jones]

While working this morning(wood) i wondered--how many of us are"Gifted"in one way or another? By this i mean Artists,photographers,hand crafts ect--does seem that "dressing"&"handcrafts go hand in hand (sorry--could not resist! )your thoughts.........

[Ressie]

I have a musical gift. I also have written lyrics and I've taken art classes. What I've learned in art has helped with applying makeup ;)

[Jean 103]

I think it is quite a few, I don't think it has anything to do with dressing.

I have a problem with drawing stick people, but I enjoy building things. Currently I'm working on my wardrobe for DLV that is being held the week before halloween this year. This year my goal is to make most everything I wear, including my costume.

7 days and 6 nights, so it is a tall order, 7 dresses, costume, bikini and cover up. I don't need to do this, it's a challenge, something I enjoy doing. Yes I've already started.

I think everyone is talented in one way or another. It's part of what makes everyone different and interesting.

[GretchenM]

Hi Liz. There is some marginal evidence that transgender people may tend to be high performing people. But the data is really questionable and the conclusions sometimes have a feel that they were drawn from a process of selecting data that fit the hypothesis better than all the data taken as a whole. It happens a lot, especially in fields where the subject itself is pretty poorly defined. The real problem is finding the neurological networks in the brain that show this kind of neural sequence and cross linking actually occurs. But it certainly appears to work that way. Does it? Stay tuned.

As you point out though, very talented people sometimes appear to have what the muggles consider to have behavioral aberrations and sometimes don't fit well into general society. As transgender is a challenging form of behavior to express in the general public those people (many of us) need to use several extra tablespoons of innovation to move comfortably about in many social settings. The brain loves to solve problems; that is about all it does. As being trans is sometimes an identity that requires a lot of attention the brain develops a stronger ability in solving problems through brain plasticity which is, in many ways, the ability of the brain to rewire itself for specific purposes in problem solving. That, if it occurs in this situation, could spread to other creative pursuits and inspire more achievement in those areas. One important take away from this is that your sense of self which is a major part of your sense of identity occupies a pretty large portion of the brain's daily tasks. We all tend to do things in unique ways that can be thought of as fine tuning the more generalized approach to problem solving that we learn from others. So, it would stand to reason that if your identity requires you to be more inventive in performing and expressing that identity in actual actions, then you might develop extra talent in that and related areas.

All that said, this is mostly just hypothesis and theory and the neuroscience behind this actually happening in this way is a bit sketchy. But it is at least an interpretation and speculation that makes a good deal more sense than many other explanations that tend to be less than flattering to people who are different than what is considered the norm.

[Teresa]

Liz,
Maybe being TG helps lose lose our inhibitions .
We're possibly of the same age group where being , " Arty farty !" was frowned on as being a more feminine attribute. My photography was accepted as I made a successful profession of it , I love my painting now which is lovely to share with people as Teresa , I'm really getting the best of both worlds .

[Robertacd]

Gifted? Some of us are, but I don't think it has anything to do with being CD/TG

As I don't have an artistic bone in my body. I have always wanted to be an artist or musician.

Sure I can take a drawing class or learn how to play an instrument. But without any natural talent I will never be an artist or musician.

Believe me I have tried over and over again throughout my life.

[Micki_Finn]

We all have our gifts, but in colloquial parlance, “Gifted” usually refers to an extraordinary talent. What you seem to be asking is how many of us have an artistic, handy, or crafty. Probably a fair amount. More than the general population? Hard to say.

[Liz Jones]

Teresa,
77!

[Pumped]

Artistic? No, but my dad commented the other day that I can fix anything and make it look easy. For example he was having carburetor problems with his mower. He had it apart a couple times, plus took it to a local shop and it still wasn't right. He called me and hauled it 120 miles to my place. I had looked up a parts drawing on the 'net and had a good idea what was wrong before he got here. I ripped it apart and replaced the suspect part and it ran great.

I also do most of my automotive repair including engine rebuilding and transmissions. I also do all of our home remodeling from rough carpentry to finish work, drywall and trim, plus build kitchen cabinets, wiring and plumbing.
For the first time I hired something done. We are getting about 700 sqft of red oak flooring refinished. I could do it myself but don't want to!

[Charlotte Haynes]

I have to express myself through music in the same way that I have to cross dress. I sing and accompany myself on guitar, ukulele and sometimes keyboards. I do this in private, much like I prefer to dress in private. My playing is pretty rudimentary, and that is all I need it to be to sing the song. I used to design and make furniture, but not primarily to sell, or even use, just to go through the process. I would wrap the items up and store them. If I still had access to a workshop I would still be doing this. I cannot make myself out.

[Ericka_d]

Not really talents. I can fix things, or put together things. Just buy looking at the parts. No instructions required, and i can count cards.

As for my talents. I can make any thing on photoshop, and I'm not a graphic designer. Use it for my personal uses. I can sorta play the guitar, and drums. I was good enough at baseball. That if I cared. I think my road would be different today.

[Natalie5004]

My family always thought of me as a Special Child.

[Frannie7]

I think many people are gifted (talented may be a better word) in different ways. Gardener's 7 kinds of intelligences has something for everyone, I think. Mine happens to be musical and logical. How all that relates to crossdressing, I don't know. There are also different kinds of learners as well. Maybe more of us are visual than others--something to think about.

[docrobbysherry]

I am musical, artistic, handy, and creative. And, I'm good enuff at those things to know I'm NOT "Gifted"!:brolleyes:

[Rachelakld]

54 and still searching for my gift (think wife stuck it under the bed)

[foxy bartender]

Not sure how gifted it makes me, but I can drink a fairly large amount of alcohol
It may be my superpower

[Krisi]

The ability to put on a pair of fake boobs and a dress does not make one "gifted". I think the word "gifted" was invented by educators as a way to make children feel good about themselves.

Obviously some people seem naturally good at some things. Music for example or drawing, but I don't think that equates to "gifted".

[BTWimRobin]

I wouldn't exactly say gifted. My therapist did say once my feminine side is an extension of my artistic side.

[Star01]

Four electric guitars, a bass, keys and recording equipment are one hobby. A cabinet full of Nikon camera gear that I used to use for racing photography and submit to publications. Layered digital artwork on the computer, those are a few of my hobbies. None of them have ever made a cent but they provide an escape and a lot of satisfaction. I have written and recorded several songs that refer subtly to my crossdressing but they're on a page that reveals my full identity so I don't want to share the link at this time. Hopefully one of these days I will get past that fear and share some.

[alwayshave]

I really have no particular gift. I can draw a straight line with the aid of a ruler.

[GretchenM]

Teresa, I too am a successful, part time landscape photographer who mainly works in the panoramic formats and my photos have been used all over the world in advertising, educational publications, text books, etc. I have recently (last few years) pondered the possibility that the talent in that pursuit comes from a part of my female-like side of my identity. The male side is occupied far too much with facts and figures as "his" profession is in the high sciences dealing with the complexities of environment and environmental change processes. Hardly a motivation to produce emotionally sensitive photographs. I have wondered if it is the Gretchen side of my total identity is the source of seeing the landscapes and composing the photographs, while my more male-like side deals with operating the equipment used to make the photograph. In other words it works as a collaboration.

In reading the writings of Ansel Adams I found hints of that same kind of shift in the sense of self to be able to see the incredible scenes he photographed, but the photographic scientist in him was the one who knew how to bring out the best emotionality in his images. It is an interesting perspective that we both seem to have similar feelings along those lines. Unfortunately, it is something really hard to test or verify because it is not possible to have your head in an fMRI machine to track the neural pathways through your brain while you are composing and taking a photograph. So, I suspect it has to remain unproven, but it is an interesting feeling that may really have something to it.

[Jenny22]

Some of we girls have great hobbies as described. Gifted? I think the fact that we dress is what makes us gifted.

[Liz Jones]

Ladies, you are all (artistically) gifted--look at your makeup skills............

[April Rose]

Over the years I have tried my hand at graphic arts, needlework. poetry and music. The way I have had to struggle at all of them convinces me that I am not the least bit gifted.

[Stephanie47]

I don't believe there is anyway to test your theory. Perhaps, if one feels comfortable bucking societal norms and expectations, it is just a matter of asserting oneself. Many years ago a woman's place in society was in the home. Now women are lawyers, doctors, engineers and entering many professions which were the exclusive domain of men. Gender equality works both ways.

[SherriePall]

I like to think that I am a renaissance woman.

[Lana Mae]

No gifted here! Not mechanically inclined! Can't even draw a straight line with a ruler! Tried guitar-not really good at that! I am great at being Lana Mae! LOL Hugs Lana Mae

[HollyGreene]

I am quite creative. I make a lot of things out of wood (but I'm not a trained carpenter). I also make theatrical backdrops for a local stage school.
I have taken an official IQ test which, at only 4 points behind the late Stephen Hawking, supposedly puts me in the top 0.1% of people in the world.
So depending on your definition of gifted, you could say that I am in my own way.

[Devi SM]

We are certainly gifted or someone would say blessed.
In my case I feel that I had lived a whole life as a man and now as a woman.

Who have that chance of see two worlds from inside and gain the experience ans wisdom that comes with that?

By the other hand, we are regularly monitored by professional of the health with blood works, periodic visit and check ups with doctors that gives me the peace of mind that whatever illness that would appear would be discovered early, something that "regular" no trans people can say.

In all these I still happily married to the same woman for the last 41 years so my life has been better than many "normal" people, Should I call myself blessed by destiny instead cursed?

[Maid_Marion]

Yes, I constantly learn new things. It took me a long time to figure out that most people can't do that!

It is easier for me to buy a new kitchen faucet and plug in a new one than to call a plumber and arrange for someone else to do it.

Marion

[Angie G]

i do scrollsaw and woodworking.:hugs:
Angie

[kimdl93]

I am a Jill of all trades and mistress of none.

[sometimes_miss]

I truly wonder if it's considered 'gifted' if you really don't like doing something that you're really good at. I was always extremely good at math, but found it uninteresting to the point of hating to do it (but getting 'A's in it, at least always kept my parents off my back while I was in school). I loved to draw, but was terrible at it, seemingly having no artistic ability what so ever.

[MonicaPVD]

The term "gifted" is a misnomer. Perhaps you learned to play an instrument because your parents insisted on exposing you to music from an early age. Perhaps someone more intelligent, creative and dexterous - more gifted - than you grew up in a household where people were preoccupied with eating and paying rent.

[JessicasRabbit]

I've been known to be "crafty."
I learned to sew at an early age, more out of necessity since my mom got tired of sewing up my torn clothing from playing in the woods. She also taught me to cook for myself. She generally taught me to be independent from an early age. I have also taken to drawing through high school and general photography. In recent years, I've taken to photography at a more serious level and have earned a small following.

[Christina89]

i'm gifted in useless knowledge. i can study all day and night for a school and test. but come the day of the test i forget it all and all that comes to mind is the useless knowledge that doesn't help me on the test.

[Liz Jones]

Hi,
If you think we are not gifted just look at your makeup skills, the matching of your outfits,shoes (dont have to do that in "drab" )perhaps you dont consider them "skills".........

[Leslie Mary S]

Others say I am gifted, I do not. I just understand how to do things. Maybe that also is a gift. Guess I am a little bit gifted. Got to get back to my wine bottle painting (my newest venture).

[Cheryl T]

Gifted?
Perhaps, but I don't know that we can relate this to an artistic talent be it painting, music or the like.
I would think that our gift is being able to combine the best of ourselves into one. Many men feel the need to be that macho guy and fit into the world. I have the ability to somewhat be that guy yet recognize the softness, caring, and understanding within me that I believe comes from my femininity.

[DianaW]

I write. I write short stories and poetry. I also draw, though I'm only mediocre at best at drawing.

[rian]

I am an architect , yet gifted with loving to crossdressing ,, this will help my design capabilities to rise high and fly

[BrendaPDX]

I was trying to think of what I am good at, I looked at all of the other posts; I did find my favorites:

foxy bartender : Not sure how gifted it makes me, but I can drink a fairly large amount of alcohol
It may be my superpower

docrobbysherry : I am musical, artistic, handy, and creative. And, I'm good enuff at those things to know I'm NOT "Gifted"!

Alwayshave : I really have no particular gift. I can draw a straight line with the aid of a ruler.

I have to go with:
foxy bartender : Not sure how gifted it makes me, but I can drink a fairly large amount of alcohol
It may be my superpower.
WOOHOO that's me too!

Brenda

[Wen4cd]

When I was in the third grade I was told I was "gifted" lol They sent me to a different "gifted" school for months.

In the fourth grade they downgraded me to some BS mental condition and tried to force pills on me.

Fifth grade: I was segregated from all other children, sometimes sitting in a desk in the hall. More pills, which I was palming and tossing with expertise by now.

Sixth grade: the "gifted" label was replaced with the "schizophrenic" one and I was locked in a mental hospital ward where they made sure you swallowed you pills, (but if you were slick you could go to the bathroom and vomit them back up within a half hour if no one was wise.)

Now that I'm 46, yes, I am a crafty DIY'er. I like to make stuff and can fix anything.

Whatta gift.... Where's my million dollars?

[Suranne]

I'm not particularly gifted though I'd love to be able to paint. Over the last number of weeks we've had "The Joy of Painting" with Bob Ross showing on evening telly. I'd love to be able to do that. He puts a line on the canvass and you can see it's not just a tree, but it's a "happy little tree". If I did the same, I'd be left with a line on the canvass that looked like a line. And tunes, I'd love to be able to get a tune from an instrument, but no, it sounds like I'm strangling cats.