During the course of last weekend I was reading some discussions in the group Just Class. Two in particular, "What Makes Us Happy and "What do you think". At the time I was listening to a song by Neil Sedaka called "You"
The words were particularly relevant to both discussions and so I decided to create a collage of Amanda's photos accompanied by that song.
The size restrictions on Flickr mean that I need to address how I feel in several videos of which this is the first.
Many of you will know that I came to dressing late in life after the death of my wife, and Amanda, has brought me comfort and added a new and wonderful dimension to my life and hence " THE ODE to AMANDA"

PART I is a selection of photos that mean something in relation to places i have been or to special photos that just mean a lot to me.

There parts will deal with friends and also special clothes that just take me to my wonderful Amanda world.

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As I described yesterday these collages were as a result of discussions in the Just Class Group on Flickr, which I read at a time when this song by Neil Sedaka was playing.

The lyrics in this video are different from yesterday, but are more poignant for me as they truly reflect how Amanda's development has enriched my life. It has brought me peace and contentment in difficult times but has also, in my humble opinion, made me a more rounded person in both my personas.

That growth has also been enabled by the very good friends I have made, as Amanda stepped out into the world. So at the risk of boring you even more the next Part will deal with those now very close to me. It just seems important to discuss and share this development which hopefully may help others.

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Part III deals with what is an essential in developing Amanda. That is being out and about with Friends in the real world. that has meant so much to me as the years have gone past.

I am especially blessed with the friendship of Jan my GG friend. We have had many special visits to Italy and also her coming from Malta to Scotland. I could fill several videos with photos of the memorable times we have had but the few here, I think show how she has helped and encouraged Amanda.

Then of course my dear friend Karen we have shared wonderful times and in the course of attending TG Events made other great friends whose photos are here.

These friendships have made Amanda's life fuller and more realistic by being in the outside world being a woman.

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Part IV continues yesterday's theme of being out and about with Friends in the real world. That has meant so much to me as the years have gone past.

One very important friendship has been with Pamela Lennon, whom many of you will know. She has been a constant source of encouragement and spending time in her company and that of her wife M has been magical. I have visited Ireland and spent time with them and they have in turn visited Scotland. We have regular chats and that is what friendship is all about.

Being out and about for meals and sightseeing in Edinburgh, and Glasgow with Emma Ross, and others these friendships have made Amanda's life fuller and more realistic by being in the outside world being a woman.

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As My persona as Amanda developed, there were several items of clothing that made me feel more feminine. Lingerie was one of course, but a wedding gown is such a feminine garment it was wonderful to be able to wear them.

I have been fortunate to be able to acquire a couple and also particularly privileged to have two gifted to me by a dear dear friend here on Flickr. These gowns are especially precious to me.

I have changed the song to accompany this version of The Ode To Amanda. It is a song by Aled Jones but again the lyrics are in my opinion very appropriate.

I trust that these videos have not become boring, there is a Part VI to follow and the last one Part VII is especially precious.

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