I've been to a few funerals since GID capsized my boat a few years back, but this was the first wedding. One of my many cousins finally got married, as it's not easy for a mortician to find a husband. It was a grand swanky affair, one of the fanciest I can remember in my family. Uncle Bill will be living on cans of beans for months, I'd think, after the checks he must have written.
I normally hate large gatherings, but I have a great fondness for my Dad's family. They are exceptionally kind people. I have a deserved reputation for being quite reserved, but I had been keeping Leslie in the front of my mind all week, hoping that this would allow me to be at ease. When we ran very late getting to the wedding, I was afraid that my growing bad mood would knock the girl right out of me.
I recovered. I had some very nice talks with my favorite aunts and especially some female cousins. I touched and hugged them a lot, and complimented haircuts. I wanted to mention some well-tailored outfits, too, but didn't get the chance.
Mrs. Leslie was quite fetching as well. We even danced a bit, at her invitation. I don't think she expected me to do it, as I usually don't, but I thought that it was something that Leslie would want to do. We danced to two songs: Sinatra's "The Way You Look Tonight", and "Love Shack" by The B-52's. Not the same dance for those two, by the way.
The ladies there were dressed wonderfully, as you would expect. I was concerned that seeing them would swamp me completely. Other than a few passing moments of envy, I got through it fine, settling for admiration and taking mental notes. I was underdressed, plus extra stylish in my man suit. I figured out a combo where I could wear a shirt that was robin's egg blue with a very colorful tie. Second best to be sure, as I would love to have been presenting like some I saw, but not bad.
Musings: It's All About Community
5 hours ago
So glad you saw an opportunity in the dancing and gave in to a more Leslie activity while in male presentation. I think more things like this would be good for you... and may help you with your wife at the same time. If you see dancing as a female activity but she enjoys it with you, and admittedly it is easier to get away with some clothing you are more comfy in while going to a dance club atmosphere...I say do more things like this if you're still interested in "working" on the couple thing. Otherwise I'm just glad you got to go and enjoy the family you like!
ReplyDeleteGood for you, but I cannot help feeling a little bit of melancholy wistfulness in your writing.
ReplyDeleteMaybe you can borrow one of those outfits from your more understanding cousins? I think most women rarely wear a fine evening dress more than once anyway. Food for thought, or fantasy depending on your mood.
I'm going to miss the December group meet BTW. So I won't likely see you until Feb. Alas, the winter is looking like it'll disappear fast.
Syl
I have always hated the male role in dancing and have only twice been dragged out to perform badly and briefly. In my head I have always danced, imagining the choreography as a tune plays out somewhere but I can only see a girl move or two girls together!! Now I have that heavy lump in the throat feeling.
ReplyDeleteGlad you still get to enjoy some time out together.
Caroline xxx
You are very lucky to be able to think of yourself as female, while dressed in the monkey suit. I have always hated wearing a coat and tie, because it projected the exact opposite image, of how I identified! I've always hated weddings and funerals, as a result.
ReplyDeleteMelissa XX
THE LOVE SHACK???
ReplyDeleteLOL !!!
I just had a picture of you and the entire wedding party dancing to the B-52's in my mind. Must have been a wild and crazy affair!
I have never danced in my life. Kind of feel as Caroline does.
Calie xxx