It's become simpler these days. The glam stars are tired but still relentlessly tarted up, and I don't think glitter will ever die, but I rather like this period of respite from all the glitz. I haven't been to a club in four years, haven't seen a concert in five. I don't think the scene has lost its appeal, I'm not bitterly turning my back on it all in pursuit of a different life. I just like living my life these days with this quiet approach to everything that I've taken up.

It's true. We're all getting older. It's almost as if we didn't see it coming, thought we'd be restless teenagers forever. The glitter and the sparkles still hold a place in my heart, but I wouldn't relive my teenage years for all the riches of the world. When I go out these days, my makeup is more subdued, my clothes a bit more conservative and less outrageous. Of course, I still look like a bloody drag queen, but I don't think that will ever change as long as I live.

Instead of heading to whatever place I thought would hold the largest amount of despondent glitter children, these days I wake up, and I feed my cats. I go grocery shopping. Sometimes I'm stopped on the street, but it's getting rarer. I go for walks, and sit on benches. I'm thinking about myself rather than my image. It's true that I've turned into more of a recluse than I was before. I kind of like being alone. At least now I do. Someday I'll set out to find someone to share my life with, but for now I'll continue to stay focused on the little details. Getting up in the morning, going for a walk....I'm delighted by such simple things these days, why complicate it with love?

In all honesty I haven't changed that much. I'm still as quiet as I was, still openly wearing women's clothing, still seeming a bit prissy to others. But these days, the glitter I used to adorn myself with has faded. Sometimes you can still see it if the lighting's just right.