And so another Christmas passes, and although I did not get to spend it with either my family or with my husband’s due to working for the Royal Mail, who hate giving out leave at such a peak time, the presents I have received from them are rather telling: a Philips Lumea IPL machine (a pastel-pink flash gun, a bit like a 1980s “Star Trek” phaser, that demolishes dark hairs like nobody’s business), new earrings, and an Oxfam gift card with the theme “Girl Power” (donating on my behalf to empowering women in the developing world). Also, not a single card addressed to my old name, although I have seen a variety of different spellings of “Elinor”… or is it “Elaenor?”
I am blessed. Unfortunately, I am not representative…
As an addendum, I might add that my friend Aoife was accused by certain radfems of exhibiting “womb envy,” who cited this piece in evidence. I will leave that interpretation to stand on its own merits (or total lack of, to say nothing of compassion).
Persephone's Playpen 
i love to read your post, this one was especially poignant. You are quite a lady.
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I try my best. 🙂 ❤ Lovely to see you here again, and Happy New Year. xxx
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keep trying your posts touch a lot of lives.
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Bless you. 🙂 I worry sometimes I am making little positive impact, but you inspire me to keep going. xxx
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Your work is much a must read for me, i would write more comments and even post more posts except that lately i have been fighting cancer. I will make it a point from here on in though for your work anyway.
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I am deeply sorry to hear that. You will be in my thoughts and prayers, and I really hope that 2016 will be a wonderful turning point for you. **hugs** You are always welcome and I love your comments and your blog posts, but please look after yourself first. xxx
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Oh no. I am so sorry to hear that. I had been wondering how you are.
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It was heartening to read of such support from your colleagues. If you are in touch with Aoife, please do tell her that I think her letter is beautiful. I don’t know how anyone could fail to be touched xxx
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Curse my ambiguity… The presents were from my family, although some of the more unorthodox spellings of my name did come from letters by colleagues. In these cases, it really is the thought that counts. 🙂
I will let her know, and I agree wholeheartedly. To read that letter and ascribe a sinister motive to it is just plain damn depressing, and making an art of cynicism. xxx
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Powerful beauty yet devastating. Thank you for sharing xx
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I’m glad you like it. 🙂 Aoife has really struggled for acceptance, but always impresses me with her spirit and determination (and can express her struggles so beautifully). xx
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