Recently, my little sister/fashion buddy Sara and I agreed to move our shopping trip to ULTA back to the Fall. We attributed the move to our busy schedules (work for me is busy right plus Sara had to work that day too and was understanding). We’ll likely shop at the same location we agreed on when we planned this event at my birthday lunch early in July. We can wear our matching red blazers when go to ULTA.

Before our ULTA trip this Fall, I plan to use my birthday money I got from Paula to buy some makeup 💄. I’ll buy something fashionable when I shop at the Outlets on Labor Day weekend, as well as some more Coach.

So what am I looking for in terms of cosmetics? Pretty much everything. I want to shop for the best brands but want to make the most of my $25. I’m interested in foundation and concealer, but also lip gloss, lip balm, and lipstick 💄. It wouldn’t hurt to try some blush either. My choices might just shatter the “gloss” ceiling but, I want to make sure I’m being respectful to our animals and not buying any products that test on them.

I wasn’t kidding about going against gender norms. #BeYOUtiful. #crueltyfree.

I’m aware that beauty products can only do so much and may not work in the long run, but I want to give it a try. I still need to schedule an appointment at AristiCuts to get a pedicure done as well as other work I might want done.

So what will I buy with my Amazon gift card? I still want to put that money toward a couple of blazers but things hit a snag when the ones I wanted would take three to six weeks to arrive. I guess those two day deliveries spoiled me. Staying true to what I want, I’m not giving up the search for a nice blazer or any other amazing fashionwear.

When I make my purchases, you’ll read about the try-ons and see my selfies. Just a fair warning, it may blow your mind to see me being gender nonconforming but hey, I’m being me.

Last night we held our first Greensburg Toastmasters hybrid meeting. It didn’t go off without a hitch. We had our struggles at the beginning, trying to get the virtual crowd logged into Zoom. The Courthouse’s public WiFi wasn’t cooperating with us.

We started 15 minutes late and we had two excellent speakers. Our table topics were all about cliches. It was nice to see everyone in person and to be able to talk face to face with guests and members. We welcomed two new members last night too. One will be giving their ice breaker speech at our next meeting on August 18. We also heard from our Area 24 Director, Yasmin Brown, and in her email, mentioned club contests. It won’t be long until contest season is upon us.

District 13 was born on September 1, 1942 when members from the four clubs got together at the Greensburg YMCA. They also elected their first district officers. The first District conference was held on October 15, 1942 at the Penn Albert Hotel in Greensburg (near the Amtrak Train Station 🚉)

Each club gave panel presentations and, save for Jeannette’s presentation, these could be used today at a Toastmasters event. The afternoon keynote speaker was from District 10 in northeastern Ohio and was also serving as an International Director for Toastmasters. The big treat was the main keynote speaker being the founder of Toastmasters, Ralph Smedley. He congratulated those on attendance as they helped form the newest District in Toastmasters.

Other notable guests included the heads of Greensburg’s Rotary Club, Lions, and Kiwanis clubs.

I got some great news late last week from our club President Jim Teague that starting this Wednesday we would have in person meetings at the courthouse again.

This will be a hybrid meeting coming up Wednesday night, so people will still be able to attend remotely, but hopefully we can get people to show up at the courthouse so we can see them in person. We’re hoping to have some guests and get a great turnout for Wednesday’s meeting.

Times were tough during World War II. With many folks serving their country overseas, this was a perfect way to gain members in times of war. It still exists in Toastmasters today. Virda Perry and I almost started one for the Harley Davidson dealership in Greensburg in the Fall of 2017 but efforts fell through. I’d like to do this in the future, however.

I think with all the car dealerships you see along US 30 near Westmoreland Mall, those sales associates, parts dealers, and others employed would really benefit from a SPEECHCRAFT program. It’d also be a great way to gain new members in Toastmasters

The establishment of the Washington PA Toastmasters in 1942 led to the establishment of District 13. We celebrated the District’s 75th anniversary at the final Fall Conference in October of 2017 at the Hilton Doubletree Hotel.

It was an emotional and bittersweet weekend.

Time for the first of three Stylish and Hungry trips to Murrysville. These aren’t new to me because I’ve had dinner (or my birthday lunch) here with Mr. Clougherty. Today’s S&H segment takes me to North Park Lounge. Next month will be Moe’s and then September takes me to Burgatory.

I met up with Alvin, a fellow church member from Cornerstone and one of the leaders on the front line ministries. We met up so he could get to know me better. I thought it was for a completely different reason but he assured me that it was not that. We did chat for a time on the culture of today as well as society. We also talked about our plans for Uncommon. I don’t have anything in mind yet. It’s the same weekend as the Banana 🍌 Split Festival in Latrobe (which I may cover in an upcoming blog).

But why you are here is you want to read about my dining experience at North Park Lounge. I got there and took my seat across from Alvin. Our server took our drink orders and soon after we chatted our food. For as busy as it was, she was very efficient and did a great job checking up on the two of us. Plus we got our food within a decent time. For service I give a 9.5/10.

The food was worth the money and the wait. Alvin ordered this Caribbean salad that he always gets when he eats there. It took me a while but I ordered the fish 🐟 sandwich (had it with fries and coleslaw as well as Tartar sauce and cocktail sauce). Never a bad experience here and there’s always something good to order from the menu. Oh, and they had actual menus, not the paper ones. For food, I give a 9.5/10.

The ambience was great. The weather had a lot to do with it was well as sun was shining with a cool breeze. It was probably the most perfect summer day I could ask for so far this year. Inside was perfect too. It’s a sports bar, so the TVs and the neon give off a nice touch. The tables were perfect for advertising as well. Ambience is a 9.5/10.

The decor was perfect for the setting. Lots of pictures and hey, I loved the lights as well. The tables were colorful and creative. As I just said, perfect for the advertising and also, for publicity. A great way for companies to get business. Decor gets a 9.2/10.

The location itself is very built up. Lots of other restaurants and shops in the area. You can definitely make a day out of it shopping here. Plus, Monroeville is only five minutes away.

One thing that I think would be cool is to have one of those trivia things on your table or even a table top video game (like in Pizza Hut with the old school Ms. Pac-Man)

I’m definitely coming back to this place. Never disappointed when I eat here.

Here are some quotes that help encourage me and let me know that I’m proud of my fashion sense.

“You’re amazing. Don’t forget it.”—Paula Mason

“You’re my icon” and “Fashionable 💅 💄 4eva!”—Sara Newsom

“Be You. The World Will Adjust.”— me

“Keep being the wonderful, incredible, beautiful person you are.”— my cousin Emily Gaffron

“Beautiful inside and out.”— also Emily

“You’re like, so trendy.” — The Trendy Bunny Studio

“Joy is everywhere. You just have to spot it!” —Joyfullyyoursamanda

I really think I’ve found my definition of style. It started two years ago on an overnight trip and the first night changed my life. I began to dress nicer even if no one cared how I looked. All because of a cute blonde in a pink cherry dress. Originally, I was longing for a female companion. Pretty soon it was all about my fashion sense. The following summer I bought a bag from Amazon. I’m all about Coach now.

I’ve really begun to come into my own and have plenty of inspiration from my cousins as well as my adopted family. I get plenty of positive reviews and likes on Facebook and Instagram for my style. But, for every 50 comments left, about four are negative. What do I focus on? You guessed it.

My immediate family is not so much on board but that’s ok. Most of my family likes what I’m doing. My dad says, “They’re just trying to be nice.” I listen to what they say and just walk away. While most will agree with my definition of style, there’s one person who will easily bring me down.

One of those people who didn’t know me that well had the audacity to make a mean comment about my definition of style. I’ll be posting this in this in third person format to protect the innocent.

My character just picked up some floral ruffle tops from Amazon a few weeks ago. He then took some selfies of his try-ons and even wrote a blog about it later in the week. He felt really confident (just like he did when he bought his Coach tote back in February). He got some wonderful comments on Facebook. “You look Amazing 🤩” and “You are rockin’ both” while offering their opinion on which top they liked better. They preferred the pink floral the most. My character had a critic though and they didn’t like that he was wearing lady’s clothes. They planned to do something about it to set him right.

My character talked to his adopted mother and told her what was going on. She commended him for having his own style and told him how proud she was to have him be part of her family. A day later however, the critic struck again with the same question and told him it was really strange that he was wearing lady’s clothes. He vented to his cousin, a famous blogger, about what he was feeling. He also talked to his teacher and longtime friend of 25 years. He learned there will always be people who love to hate on other people. This made him stronger and his definition of style became even better.

Shaming is not all right, no matter what form it takes. Fat shaming, body shaming, poor shaming, it’s all unacceptable. How about gender shaming? That’s where I stand. It’s not all right to shame anyone for being different. Don’t disown your son for carrying a Coach purse or for wearing lipstick. Don’t shame your daughter for wearing a suit or for going goth. For me, I’ve done really well. My confidence is higher than it’s ever been. My friends, family, and coworkers have latched onto my fashion sense.

“I love what you’re doing. It makes me happy to see you so happy.” — Wally Wells

My friend Wally from my old church in Slippery Rock (she’s retired now) is on board with what I’m doing. Also, most of my family members are on board with what I’m doing, so why worry? Just wait until I buy makeup from ULTA and Target. This is really going to take it to another level.

“I’m so happy you’ve found so much fulfillment in your life.”—also from Wally

“I applaud James for his confidence and for going against society.” — Dana Mitnik

I’m going to close off the blog with the encouraging words I received from Dana. I was worried that they might tear me down for my definition of style but they too are definitely on board. I even showed them pics of Sara’s favorite artist, Harry Styles. I didn’t mention Hunter Schafer though.

“To each their own” and “You have your definition of style and I have mine.”— also Dana.

“Don’t ever feel ashamed for being you.” — James Gurksnis (aka Mr. Stylish).

Bye everyone. ❤️ you.

Here’s my Stylish and Trendy Hat Trick. My third blog of the day. This blog is on fire 🔥.

I ordered some tank tops (they’re more for layering but who’s keeping score) and another patterned top (because I loved the floral 🌹 tops I ordered a few weeks ago).

I paired this pink tank with a chambray shirt and my Old Navy slim jeans.

The gray tank goes great with a leather jacket or untucked. I also paired this my little pink furry crossbody and a red moisture wicking ball cap (both of these from Old Navy). Thank you for this awesome birthday present Paula and Sara. This tank would be paired up great with my Old Navy joggers as well.

I wasn’t too thrilled with the white tank pics but I’ll take some better ones. Let me find a cardi to pair this with and I’ll get someone to take my picture at Twin Lakes or at the Diamond in Ligonier. But here is my black tank, layered with my floral tops. Oh by the way, no one I talked to last night had a problem with my pink floral. If it’s your destiny to complain about how I dress, then you have too much time on your hands. Oh by the way again, my outfit inspo came from a coworker.

Finally, here’s the new red marble top. I mistakenly called it floral. I didn’t layer any tanks with this top but I did pair it with a rocking pair of Old Navy jeans. Some say don’t tuck in these shirts but, to each their own.

You have your definition of style, I have my definition of style. Let’s put it at that.

Dana Mitnik is doing amazing work so far as our District 13 Historian. I’m really this look back at what our District used to be. There was even an original Greensburg club that predated our own.

Now I learned that there was once a Jeannette Toastmasters club. Interesting. My home church, Cornerstone, is taking to the streets of the Glass City next month for Uncommon. Back in 1942 when America was in the throes of World War II, the (original) Greensburg Toastmasters took it upon themselves to talk up Toastmasters in the city of Jeannette. Thus, their efforts were so successful that club #233, Jeannette Toastmasters, was born.

How about this Table Topics question? Whomever does it at our next meeting or a future meeting should look to this question as inspo. Calling evaluators Speech Critics? Interesting. I remember when we changed the titles of our executive leaders from Governors to Directors in the mid 2010’s. Times certainly have changed since 1942.

Three guests in attendance. Way to go Jeannette Toastmasters!! Now let’s work on getting them to join.

Congrats to our newly minted Distinguished Toastmasters. But it especially goes out Tina Kramer (Area 13 Director, Cranberry High Noon and Earlybirds member) for becoming the first Toastmaster to achieve her DTM in the Pathways. Great job Tina!

Again, last night was just amazing. Thanks for the memories D13 Toastmasters.

I had my monthly dinner with Mr. Clougherty last night. It was a night market Thursday so we ventured out of the city a bit and decided on Moreland’s in South Greensburg. We ate there last August and were impressed with the service. I decided to try it again.

It was one of my best nights that we had dinner. I didn’t complain about politics and even when I mentioned the negative bestowed upon me regarding my style, I did it with a smile. It was almost like pitching a perfect game. I enjoy this tradition that Mr. Clougherty and I have every month during the summer.

Kevin seems to be on board with my fashion sense. He wouldn’t have said this 20-25 years ago but, times have changed.

Regarding last night’s dinner. It was a great experience. My greeter seated me and my server got my drink to me quick. I’ll excuse Moreland’s for being short staffed because that’s going on nationwide. Service was excellent and the girls were very courteous. I give a 9.5/10 here.

The food was excellent. I ordered us the goat cheese fritters as an appetizer. They were amazing. Kevin and I ordered sandwiches. He got the French Dip prime rib sandwich and I got the Reuben. The quality was great and we got a lot of bang for our buck. I give it a 9.7/10

The price was what I thought it would be. This is a pretty fancy place that does a lot of business with wedding parties. You get what you pay for and we got our money’s worth here. My grade: 9.5/10.

Not much to say about the decor. We were inside this time. I’ll have a lot to say about the decor when the time comes for Cracker Barrel or Hoss’s. My grade: 10/10 (more of a curve)

Ambience was a lot better than Saturday. The perfect amount of natural light. It was a bar atmosphere and it was hopping for a Thursday night. There’s an extra lot to park in as well if it gets too full near the actual restaurant. I give a grade of 9.5/10.

Regarding the short staffing, it wasn’t an issue. We were able to get a seat for Thursday night. I’ll definitely be back again.

Tonight was a night a few years in the making because of the pandemic. It was also a night ten years in the making because of my longtime involvement in Toastmasters.

For the first time since December 2019, our District had a big in person event. I arrived around 5pm and walked in with some of District 13’s finest. I took my name tag and sat down with two people from the newly chartered Laurel Highlands Toastmasters club (Ryan Jacobs and Sharon Joseph who also belonged to other clubs). Ryan is also the Area 23 Director. Dana Mitnik joined us as well. We talked Toastmasters shop as we awaited the dinner bell.

Our immediate past District Director Patti Thor recognized all of our District leaders as well as those who volunteered their time in 2020-21. Current director Bob Johnson was handed the gavel and thanked everyone for persevering during a trying time. Patti was in charge of the DTM gauntlet and she introduced all of the newly minted distinguished toastmasters who earned the award over the past two years. I hugged, shook hands with, and even twirled my fellow Distinguished Toastmaster pals.

We got pictures in front of the red carpet. Our clubs that made Presidents Distinguished and those of us who achieved our DTMs all got our pictures taken. Lots of great photo opportunities to be had that evening. After while, it was off to dance to the music that our DJ for the evening had planned for us. Props to Tyler Crummy for his awesome playlist. Here’s a few pics from the red carpet. I should have done my strut.

Not too long after we started disco dancing, the fire alarms 🚨 went off. At first we took it as a false alarm, but after Jim Thor called the campus police, we had to go outside. Apparently the dishwasher set off the alarms. When the fire department crashes your party, you move things outside and keep dancing

Tyler kept the tunes playing despite the interruptions. Everyone danced to “YMCA”. Getting off the subject, I’ll never forget what Dana and Jim (Teague) said to me about my style and fashion sense and the way I dress. “To each their own”. Dana applauded me for my confidence (he should have seen me when I walked into the Coach outlet to buy my swag). He also applauded me for how I’m defying gender norms with my Harry Styles way of dressing. “You have your definition of style and I have mine.” Even Past International Director Russell Drake complimented me for my stories and becoming a fashion blogger. I’m so glad they could see it that way. It’s a shame some people can’t. Just like how Paula and Sara are complimenting me on my style. “Don’t be embarrassed. Be proud. Fashion is nothing to be ashamed of.” Words of wisdom from my twin/fashion buddy herself.

After we got the all clear, we went back inside and wrapped up the night. Most everyone had left and there were just a few disco queens and kings remaining. Sarah showed us her disco dance moves and she did it like a boss. We finished up the night with “Last Dance” by Donna Summer.

It was a memorable night. A big shoutout to Patti for her leadership during the previous Toastmaster year and to Bob and his team for all he’s going to accomplish in the new Toastmaster year. Cranberry represent. Congratulations to all of us who achieved our Distinguished Toastmasters. Welcome to the sorority.

I’ll close with this, when the fire department crashes your party, you move things outside and keep dancing. Here’s our past and present trio.

Bye everyone. ❤️ you.

Recently, Area 24 not only had three Presidents’ Distinguished clubs but, with the addition of the new Laurel Highlands Toastmasters chapter, became a Presidents’ Distinguished Area. Way to go Nick for your leadership in the Area, all our club presidents for helping lead their clubs to success, and Dana Mitnik and Ryan Jacobs for getting this new club off the ground. I’d love to check it out sometime.

Our historian Dana Mitnik came up with this interesting factoid about 1940s District 13 Toastmasters. It so happens that one of the members of the Original Greensburg Toastmasters club received an award for traveling the furthest to the annual Toastmasters convention. The convention was held in Santa Cruz, CA.

Here’s a little bit more information on this piece of nostalgia.

Thank you Dana for your dedication to the Distict as our historian. We look forward to your next look back in District 13 Toastmasters history.