in handling women's garments. I said yes I feel very much at ease do- ing things like this, you see I not only like to handle all these nice things, but I am very fond of wearing them as well. She then asked a few questions about myself and then she asked if I would like to be working around in a dress.

"I said yes, but I could hardly do that here." "Why not?" she said. "The blinds are down and no one will see you." I said "That may be true but I don't have a dress with me.”

Well the outcome of it all was that she got an outfit out for me and had me change into it. The rest of the afternoon was all so exciting working there with Marie and being dressed as a woman. As result of that afternoon she said that she would see that I was properly fitted with a nice outfit from the skin out. So Marie really gave me my first outfit that really fitted me. She even gave me a proper fitting foundation garment. We remained good friends for the next two or three years till I had to move away from that city because of my work. When I bought a dress from her she would have me try it on and do any alterations that might be needed. From her I learned a lot about how to buy clothes for myself.

Where I am now I am most fortunate in having two places where I can go and shop and try the things on before I buy them. One of the ladies is also a dress maker and she has made a number of things for me. I have the fittings just the same as any other woman would. This lady now has a number of men that go to her to get things made, though I was her first male customer.

Dear Virginia:

I have just finished looking through No. 58 "the picture album" which arrived yesterday. My, but aren't there some lovely ladies in there. They really must be proud of their appearance. I enjoyed this issue so much. I suppose this sounds kind of "nutty", but when I see something in "Transvestia" about these ladies, I feel that I have known them intimately, that they are like personal friends. This is hard to put into words, but perhaps you know what I mean. I sent a Christmas card, but if this arrives before the holiday I wish you again a "Merry Christ- man and a Happy New Year."

Love, Jackie (57-T-1)