Note: This story was dynamically reformatted for online reading convenience. The Weekend and Other Notes By Donna Z. Hi, this is Donna Z. Joy and I wanted to pass along some news about how things are going. First, I want to thank those who dropped a line to me about my two recent stories. Thank you for your support and comments. Because of this, I thought it would be nice to do a "Dear Donna" offering without the "Dear Abby" like overtones. So, here goes. 1, did you two go to the Dinah Shore Weekend? Yes, we did. I was both amazed and a touch terrified. There was quite a crowd there, and though I was told that the numbers were off a little due to the economy, it still seemed like it was crowded. Thank God Joy was with me, or I would have been a nervous wreck. I thought it would be clannish and "institutional" feeling like a formal conference is, but it was fairly friendly and quite laid back 2, can you describe the weekend? The Dinah Weekend amounted to a 4 day long "meet and greet," glad-hand, "wow, look at her, is that...?" sort of get together that was a lot of fun, but not exactly what I had expected. This was a party, dressy and classy. When they say pack a new white outfit, believe them and get a good one too. Aside from that, the dress is casual and typical for the climate and locale, various bikini tops and shorts, and for heaven's sake pack sunscreen! April weather in California can be really changeable, but it was breezy and dry with some clouds here and there. Nice daytime highs in the low 80's and comfortable nights, though you will want a sweater, pack one or two it can dip into the very low 50's. This is not your typical gay pride parade and party. This is different and really special I think. There is a lot to do, and planning is required. You can have 4 different events all happening at once. 3, was it sexy? Since guys are the main readers of postings and stories here at ASSTR, the question will likely get around to sex. I was with my lover. Yes, we had fun. But guys wonder if the weekend is some sort of orgy. It isn't. Could "lust at first sight" happen? Sure, that can happen anywhere. But it can be hard for guys to understand that you don't go to this event to get laid, you go to this party to make friends and meet other people, and that is what it was for me. The more I meet other lesbian women, the more I come to understand the work Joy does in the community and especially in gay and lesbian legal defense work. The Dinah Weekend is about showing off that health club body, ooh and ahh-ing at celebrities, taking in popular stand-up comediennes, dancing, and lots of meet and greet, though Saturday night fun can lead to a Sunday morning hangover, if you overdo it. 4 did you like it, and what do I do? Yes, it was fun. Pack clothes, plan what you want to see carefully; there could be two different events you want to see at the same time, and bring some money, you'll need it. Try to bring as many accessories and personal articles as you might need for a 4 day weekend, prices in Palm Springs are scary. Get in on a group plan these are the most workable ways to get lodging and control costs though plans run from mild to wild, price wise, just Google up the Dinah Shore Weekend and go from there with your planning. I hope they get the 2008 photos up soon, Joy and I are in two of them I think, maybe three...if it the one I think it is, I am in this white dress, and feeling self-conscious. ----------------- Well, that's about it, besides work and the daily grind. A new Jera story is coming and the 2nd chapter of The Rift Adventure is nearly complete. I have an "S" type story inspired by a fantasy tale a gay man I work with in Sausalito told me about going up at Nifty soon. I will be putting all further "S" type stories at Nifty and keeping them separate from my main portfolio, as "S" work requires that I think inside-out about equipment I do not have in situations that are hard for me to imagine beyond those I experienced during marriage to my late husband. These stories are hard for me to write, because they feel so alien. Sorry guys, but being woman oriented woman kind of limits where my imagination goes beyond the classic "I have a secret penis that only comes out for my lover, now and then." As always, lesbian sex is about having fun and escape in a harsh world. It is a woman thing and men will never fully understand for lesbian sexual expression is not about rejecting being female; it is about the ultimate celebration of femaleness even if your lover wants to look like Marlon Brando did in the 1950's. That's a fantasy, but when the clothes come off and the airs' are dropped, she is just like you and wants loved too. Do it. Do it as often as you can, go as far as you dare, but remember that the Golden Rule applies and don't ruin a perfectly good relationship or encounter by being dangerous or nasty to each other. Be safe and loving and the memories last and are good. X's and o's from Joy and Donna. See you real soon.