A day atop Rocky Knob

Wow I ran into some characters today. I drove up to the top of a national park and spent the day in a parking lot with an epic view over the valleys. Here are some of the interactions I had while either playing my violin or sewing.

Old Couple #1

Play something I know!

was the first thing I heard. I had only finished tuning and a couple in the safety of their car barked out at me. Happy to oblige although laughing at their approach, I played a theme from Fiddler on the Roof. No dice. The male tried to ask for some music I'd never heard of. Then the wife asked for Amazing Grace. I pulled that out of my ass and they were off. What the fuck.

Tyler

Tyler arrived on a dirt bike, more than a motorcycle but he was happy to talk about applauding the piece I played. He's younger than I am, and definitely pensive. Having traveled around a bit he seemed far off. Not totally present with me. But it was nice.

A good intro for me to start conversing with people this day. Easy, but somewhat engaging.

Happy Birthday Girl

An SUV with three people applauded me after finishing a piece. I hadn't noticed them pull up. Only the two women got out to speak with me. Camera already rolling, the shorter one was very direct about asking what I was doing with my van. After a few minutes of sharing my story they asked me to play another song for them. I played my favorite and they were quite pleased. I found out it was one woman's 65th birthday and they were off to celebrate. Shortly after they went on their way.

It's remarkable how much easier it is to sneak away from mentioning my "trans" status. I can avoid it readily. Even though I wish I didn't.

Tony

Another motorcyclist, this time, having put my violin away, I simply walked up and asked if he wanted to chat. This turned into a great conversation about relationships, identity, moving forward, letting go of the past. He was an interesting, open minded person who didn't bat an eye when I mentioned I am transgender and have been in relationships with women. That was really nice. I also liked that he didn't ask for a number or contact info. It was simply a roadside convo and we move on. Those are often my favorite.

The LOL

While in Vanessa working on my sewing project, door open, an older woman walks up and bluntly asks what I am sewing. I pause but decide to go for it. "Well, it's kinda awkward, so fair warning"

Oh I can do awkward

Sure you can... "I am working on a n undergarment design for transgender women." Plop. Her face. Her face. Like a rolling pin had spread flour across it, she began backing away and trying to explain how she's open minded because of her time in Hawaii. Then told me I should be careful who I tell that to. In the car she scoots off. WOW. hahahahahha. That's was so worth it.