18.

That challeng sort of picked me up and gave me courage, and I said, "You've got yourself a bet".

I arranged to have no responsibilities at the labor- atory the afternoon before the first night's performance. I had already tried on the "unmentionables" and the dresses shoes, etc. and found that they fit like a glove. But I figured it would take me several hours to get the cosmetics etc. on, the wig combed etc. It did. That was the first time I had seen myself void of all hair and the contrast was amazing. My arms and legs looked rather pretty that way, although at that moment I felt miserably ashamed and self conscious at the sight. It took about an hour to get rid of all the hair.

I then picked up all the costume items, the cosmetics and wig and drove to the church where I was provided with a small classroom as a dressing room. I went to work fev- erishly putting on the panties, waist cincher, foundation, bust pads, hose, slip etc. Then I made up my face and nails. I took almost an hour working with my face, looking at a color picture in a fashion magazine as a guide. Believe me....I learned plenty that evening. In In spite of my inex- perience, I was completely amazed at the result. My lashes were curled, mascara applied, lids darkened with eye shadow, the foundation and powder on thick enough to hide the dark- ness of my beard. I painted my lips in a seductive color and shape to near perfection. After putting on the wig and combing and brushing it nicely I took another look in my mirror and could hardly believe my eyes. I was BEAUTIFUL!

A knock on my door and a warning that I had but 15 minutes before "show time" sent me into hurried completion of my costume. With the beautiful gown in place and the high-heeled white sandals on the veil on my head I was ready. My heart was pounding a mile a minute. I was of mixed emo- tions....scared stiff, nervous, shocked at how beautiful I had become and I began to get a headache. On top of that the waist cincher had reduced my waist from 31" to 26" and I had trouble getting a full breath.