For many years pre transition I used to post videos on YouTube about how to grow bonsai trees.
A week ago, on very short notice, my bonsai club received an invite from an out of town bonsai club to display a tree at their show. My club's leadership nominated me, and a friend delivered the tree and did the set up.
I learned on short notice that my friend could not make it back there today for the takedown, so I decided to go up there myself and pick up my tree, a 35 year old ornamental Japanese pomegranate that is quite unique.
I drove 20 miles up there in my SUV, in skinny jeans, grey, pink and aqua women's sneaks, a pink Aero T shirt, and a light grey DKNY sweatshirt. I had my hair pulled back into a high ponytail, and no makeup or jewelry, not even my usual stud earrings.
This guy whom I've seen at shows from time to time over the years, but not since transition, comes up to me and says, "Do you have a brother who does bonsai videos on Youtube?
Best pass ever.
I explained to him who I was, and that I had stopped doing the videos due to the gender transition.
He asked for my name and said I should ignore potential haters and go back to doing videos.
That was one very happy drive home with the bonsai tree in the back of the SUV.
Hugs, Carly
