My
Greatest
Hits!
Nora A. Simone
My Greatest Hits!
By Nora A. Simone
Since 2009, a collection of my images has been
featured on Flickr.com
Only about 10% of my 50,000 images are publicly viewable. The subset presents those I believe are most interesting. Though I don’t do my art for others, feedback informs me of some surprising general perceptions.
For example, my most popular photos (by views) are images I’d have never guessed were “best.” This highlights the difference between “best” and “popular.”
Do other artists feel the same way? For example, if a musician publishes an album of their greatest hits (i.e. most played tunes) would the artist think that compilation represented their best work? I doubt it.
With that as background, I’ve decided to present my greatest (most viewed) Flickr hits with a snippet of original commentary that accompanied each. This handful have earned millions of views which has mystified me.
Here we go!
A Magic Ingredient to Better Living
There are undisputed reasons some people live longer healthier lives. Diet, exercise, and a life purpose are, for example, universally cited.
For me another vitally important factor is having friends. None of the reasons for better life mentioned above are easy on your own. However, belonging to a tribe whose members support one another in a shared interest or goal is highly motivating.
In this photo, my beautiful friend Cristy ensures my look is perfect. Her small gesture motivates me to be my best in life; something a true friend would do. Agree?
Popeye the Existential Sailor
I’m perplexed when exhorted by full-time transwomen to be my “true self.” What? To do so would mean that everything I’ve been before now isn’t true. Crazy! It also presupposes I’ll not change in the future. How can anyone say who their “true self” is when there is still lots of life to experience?
I am tired of being made to feel less than authentic because I fail to meet expectations of others. I’m still me, regardless, and pretty happy about it.
When the comic character Popeye famously said “I am what I am, and that’s all that I am,” didn’t he insist others accept his state of being, regardless of what that may be?
Popeye, after all, was a one-eyed, lantern-jawed, vegetarian, sailor, with mutant-sized forearms and fists, yet no biceps, who wore the very same outfit every day for decades. However, he breaks out of his largely imagined life situation prison and asserts his “true self” – whatever that needs to be at the moment.
Par-Tea
For most of my life – if asked what elements of British Culture have been most impactful to me personally – I’d probably have responded with Monty Python, James Bond, the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Princess Di, and the delicious British food (Joke).
Now, with more experience, my perspective is different: The glamorous monarchy, the storied history, the sexy intelligent accent, and traditions…. like having afternoon tea.
Today, getting dressed and having an afternoon tea with friends, allows me to temporarily lay claim to a royal title in a magical time and place all the while pretending to have a British accent! What fun!
Everyone has their fantasies. In this case, mine was reasonable, achievable, and possible to do again and again! Pinkies up ladies!
Complementary Drink Look
This casual smartphone image was taken of me in a grand hotel lobby. It was the first stop of a planned progressive dinner. Our goal was to visit three top-notch places in one night sampling a small plate and/or drink at each.
Not being the party type, I made it only to the first destination before calling it quits!
When signaling my intent to leave, a server asked if I was ready for the cheque. I expressed shock asking “You don’t really expect a pretty lady to pay for her own drink, do you?” He replied by saying “of course not” it was “on the house.”
True! I’ve heard of women with no money assume they will receive complementary drinks when out, but until this moment have never personally experienced the “pretty” privilege.
Two Pieces
For most of my life, the term “two pieces” referred to a special fast-food meal at Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC). I loved KFC and would eat more than two pieces of chicken if given a chance. Nowadays, the KFC two-piece meal is off limits due to strict dieting.
That diet allowed me to confidently model a two-piece swimsuit at an Atlantic Ocean beach in Florida, USA!
My beach costume consisted of hot pink 4-inch patent heels, hot pink two-piece swimsuit, black sleeveless hoodie sweatshirt, gold and black necklace with matching earrings and cuff and figure shaping tricks.
“Perfect Shark Bait!” someone catcalled as I approached the water. Assuming I’d not hear, another referred to me as a “Boca Bitch.” Neither comment seemed flattering. O well!
As if they could see me, I waved to my friends across the pond in the UK just after this photo was taken. “Hiiiiii!”
Would a Group of transwomen friends be called “TranSisters?”
Out to another fancy dinner with lady friends, we were a lively group given there was lots to talk about while being mindful of the approaching “pumpkin hour” deadline. The atmosphere was reminiscent of family gatherings where the women (often adult sisters) gathered in clusters to share news with a sense of urgency. Not knowing if we’ll get this chance again, our goal was to make the most of it.
Other diners likely thought we’d not have seen each other in a long time as we posed for group photos. I think they were envious. Wouldn’t you?
See more of Nora’s photos at https://www.flickr.com/photos/norasim1/