Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Gender Bending


OPI A Roll in the Hauge with Sticks & Stones


Simple flower
My love of polish and nail art seems to be a genderfuck to a lot of people. I have trouble understanding it too. I know that I have admired pretty nails and nail polish since I was a child. I enjoy it and I like the way it looks. Gender Bending isn't the goal, but it is a consequence of my love. The question I face now is where do I go from here. My nails have grown out to a length that is clearly shows an intentional effort to do so. When they were short and polished and wearing darker colors, It looked more like I was trying to be edgy or trying to be different in a guy sort of way. Now they are longer they look "prettier" I have entered an undefined zone. I can't bring myself to shorten them. While I sort out my feelings, I am just going to enjoy them.

I am current practicing flowers for a contest on Countess Nails Facebook page. There is really no chance for me to win, but I am doing it to learn and improve my nail art skills. I hope to someday consider myself an artist. My dad was an artist and so is my oldest sister. I have tons to learn.

17 comments:

  1. Wow, that little flower turned out really great! Keep doin' what you do!

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    1. Thanks, I am trying to keep practicing until I can do it consistently.

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  2. Gorgeous red and love the flower too, well done :)

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    1. Thank you! You are the second person to say they like this red. I thought it was orange.

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  3. Hi James - I see that you've been nominated lots before, but can't see that you have ever answered the questions. So I'm nominating you (again) for a Liebster Award - go here to find out what you have to do: http://www.kerruticles.com/2012/12/ive-been-nominated-for-a-liebster-award/

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  4. Your flower is amazing, props! And some (most?) people need a major genderfuck occasionally :-) shake things up, it's good for humanity. And anyway, why the hell shouldn't you enjoy your nails?! Much love :-)

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    1. Thank you! Most of the time AI just enjoy them without thinking about what others think, but every now and then insecurity creeps in. The good thing is I get way more positive responses than anything else.

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  5. I agree with pardalote with the comments above. I have been married for 28 years and have 3 children and 2 grandchildren. I love working on my own cars and am remodeling my house one room at the time. I also love nail polish. I have tried to grow them out but break them due to the work I do around the house. My wife supports me with my love of polish and wanting longer nails(pretty or not) and that's all that matters. Your nails are great and your very talented. The flower is awesome.

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    1. Thanks, you should try the acrylic overlay on your nails. Just don't have them put tips on. This way they will grow out slowly and it will give you and others time to get used to them.

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  6. Since I came across your blog last week, I have started wearing polish on my fingers. I have often kept my toes painted, and now I keep my fingers done as well! So far the only comments I have gotten have been positive, or from a friend who likes to razz me about everything. Keep up the good work, and don't worry about gender roles.

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    1. That is great, I don't mind being teased once in a while. I know it is out of the normal. As long as it is good spirited teasing. I don't expect everyone to understand, just accept me as I am.

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  7. I was in sally beauty supply with my wife yesterday and saw some brush on gel nail strengthener I want to try. The box said lasts two weeks. If it works like the gel polish, it might be worth a try.

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  8. Men have worn make up of all sorts for at least as long as women have, as well as long hair, and sometimes jewelry. I think there may have been times in ancient Greece or Rome when ONLY men were allowed to use certain things (I read a lot, but it sometimes gets mixed up in my head). Why must things be gender specific? I can wear any piece of clothing most men wear (well, except maybe a suit, or a cup and no one would think a thing, but if a man wear's a woman's clothing, even something as silly cap sleeve T shirt in a 'girlie' shade, HE'S a cross dresser. Seriously, is there an item originally meant for men that woman haven't co-opted at one time or another?

    Wear what you want Jim. My DH likes the comfort of silky underwear and isn't adverse to a nice nightie.

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    1. I wish more people were as open minded as you. I have never understood why guys undergarments can feel as nice as women's.

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  9. I admit, it was a bit of a shock when he told me a few years after we married (maybe 15 years ago? We're your age.), but seriously, who does it hurt? Not me. Crap, boy shorts underwear are all the rage for women these days. It's just stupid and unfair. Do I expect a guy to show up for work in a gown and high heels? No. Unless he works as a female impersonator. But I don't expect a woman to show up for work dressed that way either. One of the most beautiful women I ever met in person was a cross dresser, beautifully made up and in formal dress. I was horribly jealous, lol. And he wasn't even gay, his wife was with him. She was pretty too, but not as stunning as he was. Damn long legged redheads. ;)

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    1. It seems the younger generation is more accepting of less defined gender lines. My daughters friends seem to not care that I like polish.

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