Monday, August 25, 2025

Stuff 85: Soaring

By J.J. Atwell

Caution: Philosophical Discussion

Today I’d like to venture a bit off the path of my usual musings. I’ve mentioned in the past that sometimes my mind goes off in different directions. For some reason, the early 70’s novella Jonathan Livingston Seagull popped into my head. 

For those who are not as old as I am, you might want to read the book or click here to read a summary of the book on Wikipedia.

TLDR

Yes, the book might be a bit too long for you to read. I don’t really expect you to read the whole book right now. Or even ever. The Wikipedia article is pretty good at describing the adventures of Jonathan Livingston Seagull (henceforth JLS). It’s an allegorical story about a seagull who learns that there is more to life than just being part of the flock. 

As the story unfolds, JLS expands his goal in life from more than just eating and surviving day-to-day as part of the flock. Instead JLS learns how to fly further and faster. He learns how to do tricks. To be a spectacular flyer. While others in the flock just think he is odd and some disavow him, he continues his quest. In the end, JLS has learned much about himself in his life quest. 

You Lost Me

What does the story of JLS have to do with the regular followers of Femulate in general, and my Stuff columns in particular, you may ask. Well, I warned you above that this was going to be a philosophical discussion. For those that followed my suggestion to check Wikipedia or even to read the whole book, try going back and substituting CD, TG or TS for the references to JLS. 

As we have progressed on our femme journey, we can relate to what the seagull experienced. It is us who are soaring above the flock. It is us who are leaving the squabbling flock below. As CDs (or whatever) we are different from the flock. We have a different lives and experience things differently.

I’ll Be Back

When you return from your JLS flight I’ll be back with more conventional Stuff. How would you like to hear about my participation in a beauty pageant. Never mind, don’t answer that. I’ve already written it and Stana will be publishing it as she see fit. I welcome comments either here on the blog or by email to Jenn6nov at-sign gmail dot com. (The picture at the top of this installment of Stuff was created by ChatGPT.)



Source: Rue La La
Wearing BGL

 

Bunny Lewis
Bunny Lewis femulating in the British film A Couple of Beauties.

8 comments:

  1. Kathryn PetersAugust 25, 2025

    Ah yes, JLS... my dad gave me that book in 1972 to inspire me to spread my wings and fly higher and different from the flock!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You certainly have done that Kathryn! JJ

      Delete
  2. I loved the post! Now if I could somehow figure how to soar and do the tricks of a seagull while looking as colorful and showy as a peacock🦚

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Love the peacock reference! JJ

      Delete
  3. I guess now I'm soaring. I got rid of the coffin sized restrictions of what a man is expected to wear and to groom himself, and have gone over to dresses, makeup, and on Sunday mornings, heels. And as a 73 year old man who normally is retired, I am learning about quantum computer programming, so when QC becomes routine, I'll be able to hit the ground running. I'm fortunate to have had parents that retained their mental abilities to the end (father: 94 years, mother: 98 years).
    John

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good job keeping yourself up to date on the latest both in technology and fashion! JJ

      Delete
  4. Lots to think about here JJ. I think I want to read that book now.
    We are unique in how we get to experience life as two genders!
    Norah

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So true Norah! Hope you get a chance to read the book. JJ

      Delete