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Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Speak Your Mind


This is a followup to my post "Speak Out" from several week ago. I found this at Daily Freeman Opinion.  Whenever we see cartoons, articles and news like this, we need to speak out. Your voice counts. I applaud Victoria Read for speaking out. Let's call thing to be what they are - Hate is not funny.  


  


LETTER: Editorial cartoon was hateful, insulting to transgender persons

Dear Editor,

The cartoon published at the top of the April 25, 2016, Opinion page was both offensive and insensitive. You owe an apology to all of your readers, particularly members of the transgender community.

The transgender community is targeted by bigots, threatened with physical abuse (often carried out), as well as frequent verbal and emotional abuse. Transgender citizens often live in fear due to these ongoing threats to their safety. This sort of cartoon only serves to perpetuate the worst sort of stereotypes and is simply hateful.

I am quite disappointed, as I would expect better from this newspaper than this kind of insulting cartoon.

Victoria Read

West Shokan, N.Y

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Supernatural




Let's face it (no pun intended), our face will never be as smooth as the typical female face.  This is a followup to my makeup discussion a few weeks back. Putting something on your face, before foundation sounds redundant however try it once and you are hooked. A friend turned me on to this makeup product and it truly worth it.   

The brand "Philosophy". The product "Supernatural' Poreless, Flawless SPF 15".  It can act as a very sheer makeup, face tint or as an undercoat for foundation. The latter is how I use it. Your makeup glides on, without pulling thus giving a much smoother and even appearance.  I use it under my foundation and highly recommend it. it works very well with my L’OrĂ©al True Match Super Blendable Makeup. Plus it does not take a lot and one tube does last.


Here is the official description:
Have you been on the endless search for complexion perfection? Are you looking for a product that will allow you to achieve natural-looking skin without overdoing it on foundation? philosophy is about to let you in on the best secret in the marketplace today: 'the supernatural' poreless, flawless spf. This oil-free, tinted foundation primer multi-tasks as a skin perfecter and SPF while giving you the appearance of flawless skin by helping to even out skin tone and smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Excellent for all skin colors, 'the supernatural' poreless, flawless spf's unique, velvet-like formula can be used to help create a perfect canvas for foundation application or worn alone as the sheerest of perfection for the ultimate supernatural look.
I usually get it from Amazon but it seems to be out there.  I have purchased it in person at the Macy's flagship NY store and see it is available also from Nordstrom online.   The Philosophy site even has it on sale.  




Monday, November 28, 2016

Feminine Differential - Shoe Lust

CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN

Doracora Pumps

Why do we love shoes?  This is a followup to to my post "Appear More Feminine"

I read a recent article that discussed the female addiction to shoes.   It touched on a subject that very much applies to us and to why we love femininity.  It contends, “Men have long wondered about the mysteries of being a woman”.

Wow did that really cut to the heart of the quandary.  It goes on with a great discussion: 

The truth is men have marveled over the obvious female only traditions for centuries.  The longing to experience these for themselves, often starts with a simple question easily answered.  If nothing else, it is a nice escape, however temporary, into another world of the opposite sex.

The pull is, how femininity makes you feel. It may have begun the first time you played dress up with your sister/mother/ clothes or comically pranced around in your girlfriend’s pumps showing her it is not so hard.  Something happens to a man once they slip into the forbidden world or femininity.  Nothing more defines that femininity than the female high heel shoe.

As the female writer noted, “Many men are now learning the way these shoes have made us women feel for years. These very men run the risk of falling victim to the same addiction we face. Could the empowerment and freedom of wearing a pair of heels leave men with the same shoe addiction as we women hide within our own forbidden shoe closet? It's time we all come out of the closet and talk about our love of shoes.”

The mysteries of women have long been an interest to many, if not most men. Enjoy your fashion freedom and exploration.


Escape!

Sunday, November 27, 2016

Sunday Funnies -12/27



____________________

Thanks Ron for sending along this cartoon - Perfect!


I am traveling November 28 - December 2 to Vancouver BC, Canada and staying at a down town hotel. If there is anyone in that area that would like to have coffee, dinner, or glass of wine some evening, let me know. Use the contact page. There is also the possibility for a Chicago trip the week after.  


I hope everyone is having a nice post-Thanksgiving weekend.    



Saturday, November 26, 2016

First Step


_______________________


Escape this weekend and have fun!

Friday, November 25, 2016

Friends Friday - Julie

The Village Shops in St. Jacobs - Julie and Rhonda 

The Village of St. Jacobs is a beloved destination steeped in history and set in a charming location along the Conestoga River west of Toronto.  Rich in Mennonite history, bustling with activity, the Village boasts of 100 unique craft, antique, home fashion and gift shops.  This was my escape of two week ago with Julie. St. Jacobs has become renowned among savvy shoppers as a place that blends the pleasures of a pastoral setting with a truly remarkable shopping experience.  We had FUN!!!

Julie picked me up after my training project and we drove into the sunset to this unique village. One of our first stops, Lizzy R's Great Fashions. There I talked the shop keeper into taking our photo. What a beautiful shop of all feminine stuff.  

We next stopped at several jewelry shops, looked in windows and just walked. Two girls enjoying our evening - We had escaped the big city to shop and have an evening out. Yes, girls night out.  As the shops started closing we headed to the Stone Crock Restaurant for dinner. For about an hour and a half we ate, talked and enjoyed the remainder of our evening. 

Thank you Julie for a wonderful time and taking me to such a lovely place on my Canadian trip. This evening was special. I so enjoy meeting and having dinners out as I travel.  

Do keep a watch on my Sunday blog post. I have trips coming up in December.  Dinner?  





 

Thursday, November 24, 2016

Thanksgiving 2016



We have much to be thankful for today. All of us have problems - many small - many large. Today, let us all take a moment it at all possible to reflect on the good and set aside the bad for one hour, one meal, one day. Don't be alone. Find someone - a group, a friend, family, or even your pet.  

Know you are loved by someone and look forward to tomorrow, next week, next year.  It does get better.    

I am grateful for all of my friends that read my blog, comment and share your thoughts.  Thank you. Please keep commenting. I love you.



Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Feminine Differential - Communication



Dinner out - Birmingham Alabama
We have all heard the oft-repeated statistics about women talking more than men. And to back up those statistics, one previous study has shown that a part of the brain responsible for processing communication is simply larger in a woman than a man. Now, a new study adds to those claims by moving a step further, showing that the female brain is actually designed with communication in mind.


Women Talk.



There is no surprise here.  Females are more vocal.  

According to RedOrbit.com “Women Are More Talkative Than Men Because Their Brain Is Designed That Way”. The article continues:


Performed by doctors at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, this study has linked being talkative with a particular protein found in the brain called FOXP2. Women have been found to have more of this protein in their brains, leading the researchers to believe this is why women are more vocal than men.

I bring this up because of two recent interaction and how this can work to our advantage.  First women chat and will do it at will.  Something we need to be aware and to fit in we need to respond appropriately.  I was in a restroom recently (ladies) and the woman at the mirror complemented me on my hair.  I thanked her and so the conversation started.  “I wish I could just let my hair go grey and it look as good as yours.” “Is this your first visit to the museum?” “Do I detect a southern accent?” "Where did you get those boots?” and so it went.

When was the last time you had a conversation in the men’s room – LIKE NEVER.  So just think about it – there is nothing more disarming than a friendly smile, pleasant conversation and mutual compliments.  

My second interaction was at restaurant dinner on a not at all crowded Monday evening. Above photo. I sat in a booth and a woman was sitting in the next booth, facing me. We discussed dinner - (she was just finishing up and I was ordering).  We discussed traveling.  She was also a business traveler.  We discussed kids. And finally she complemented me on being friendly and how our conversation perked up her boring dinner alone.  

Be prepared – Practice talking and although our minds may not be designed with communication as a default, know that conversation is expected among women.  Welcome to the world of femininity.  Enjoy the visit and learn the local customs.

What have been your experiences?  

Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Nylons - Help Me Rhonda

The Nylons 


I bet you were thinking about the other kind of nylons.  This is the singing group that go back to 1978.  Few groups have such a long and honored career. According to Wikipedia:

The Nylons are an a cappella group founded in 1978 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, best known for their covers of pop songs such as The Turtles' "Happy Together", Steam's "Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye", and "The Lion Sleeps Tonight"

While in Canada a few weeks back, I had the honor of attending a super, wonderful, lovely, magic evening of dinner, music and entertainment. Thank you Ron! Saturday evening after dinner we attended a packed Burlington Performing Arts Center for what was billed as "The Nylons Farewell Tour".  I hope someday you get to hear them live. An astonishing music experience. 

And yes, I did get a personally signed "Greatest Hits" CD (above) and had a great conversation with a really down to earth group of entertainers. I was the last one in line to get my CD signed and we just talked for a while. They had played in Palm Beach a few years back and we both knew the orchestra leader that had put together their performance.  I could kick my self for not requesting a quick a cappella "Help Me Rhonda".  I bet they would have done it. On well - next time.  




 What a wonderful Escape Evening!!!!!

Monday, November 21, 2016

A Good Cause

I have never solicited for money on this blog and provide content for your enlightenment and encouragement to escape. It is my way of giving to the community that I love and want to see flourish.  This is my first request and hope you will continue to read with an open mind. 
Ward Burton 

Just prior to my high school reunion trip, I learned about a worthwhile local Virginia project. THE WARD BURTON WILDLIFE FOUNDATION. Mr. Ward Burton is known for his NASCAR racing and environmental efforts. Ward grew up in South Boston, Virginia, (my home town) where he raced cars on his hometown track. He began racing in the NASCAR Cup series in 1994, and today he is considered one of NASCAR's all-time greats. During his racing career, Ward competed in NASCAR's elite series, and in 2002 became the 44th winner of the coveted Daytona 500 Championship - “Local Boy Done Good”.  

The Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation owns and overseers over 4,000 acres of land in his local area and my childhood home. The purpose, one thing - give back to our natural resources. On this land, he proudly manages several endangered species and works very hard to develop and sustain a conservation model. He expertly partners with local, state, federal organizations.


Our natural resources are like children. They have no voice. We can either nurture or abuse. It is our inherited responsibility as Americans to give our natural resources a positive voice for future generations. - Ward Burton

From what I have been able to discern, Mr. Burton is the real deal. And a nice guy.  He has set aside the above-mentioned land for the public interest so that it will be reserved it in a natural state for generations to come.  


Sunflower field for small game

I hope to work with Mr. Burton and this foundation to facilitate and expand its 
goals.  My interest is to become an integral part of the team assisting with his expanding projects.  Take a look and see if you would like to donate to this project. I have. It is tax deductible and worthwhile.  Please click on the link or logo below.  Thank you. 




The size of the donation does not matter and the needs at this time are modest.  Please give much or give little – I personally guarantee that any amount, will be put to good use.   



Sunday, November 20, 2016

Transgender Day of Remembrance - 2016


What ever we do today, let us all take a moment to remember those of us who are no longer with us due to violence.  Be smart, be active, be yourself.  


____________

Source Gladd - The Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) was started by transgender advocate (and friend) Gwendolyn Ann Smith as a vigil to honor the memory of Rita Hester, a transgender woman who was killed in 1998. The vigil commemorated all the transgender people lost to violence that year and began an important memorial that has become the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance.


The Transgender Day of Remembrance seeks to highlight the losses we face due to anti-transgender bigotry and violence. I am no stranger to the need to fight for our rights, and the right to simply exist is first and foremost. With so many seeking to erase transgender people -- sometimes in the most brutal ways possible -- it is vitally important that those we lose are remembered, and that we continue to fight for justice. - Transgender Day of Remembrance founder Gwendolyn Ann Smith


______________


I am traveling November 28 - December 1 to Vancouver BC, Canada. If there is anyone in those areas that would like to have coffee, dinner, or glass of wine some evening, let me know. Use the contact page. There is the possibility for a Chicago trip the week after.

Saturday, November 19, 2016

Wake up


Everyone have a wonderful weekend.....

Friday, November 18, 2016

Shoe Shopping - Booties

COACH Jemma Leather Booties
I was not shopping for anything special this past week during my trip to Birmingham Alabama and wondered into a Belk store. Beautiful store with southern roots. My history with Belk goes back to my childhood where one of the founders of Belk/Leggett lived in my small Virginia home town. But I digress.  

Boots are an impossibility due to the size of my legs above the ankle - A curse; Discussed in yesterday's post. However I can wear booties and with pants the break well at the foot, this give the appearance of boots. Plus, if I ever get brave enough, booties can look good with leggings/tights and a tunic or long sweater.  I will keep you posted on that experiment - Has not happen yet.   


Lucy Liu


Last evening while waiting for a flight in Atlanta airport (ATL) I observed more than a few pair of similar high heel booties.  I love to people watch.  Many booties with pants, more than a few with tunics, and one even with skirt and nude hose.  Not my favorite look but on her slim legs and cute figure, it looked great.  One person we see wearing booties with a skirt - Lucy Liu on the television series Elementary.  

In the Belk store in Birmingham I did try on the above Coach booties and it was love at first sight. 3.75 inch wooden stacked heel that was not a spike as such. My only problem was it fit a little tight on my left foot and they did not have a larger size for me to try on. I walked around on the carpet and wish-on-wish, it was too tight.  I give them back and shopped a while longer.  Not to be discouraged so easily, I went back and tried then again. I am sure the shoe guy though I was crazy. They still hurt my left little toe and knew from experience to not do it.



I returned to my hotel empty handed or empty footed as it was.  The determined shopper that I am, I Googled "COACH Jemma Leather Booties" and to my supersize Macy's had them on sale, in my needed size and for over $60.00 off. Ordered - Mission accomplished.

I will keep you posted as the are to arrive later today.  Afternoon update:  Fit is correct and comfortable - Zip is easy. Also if anyone has a suggestion on stylish boots, please comment on what works for you.   




Stay Tuned - Thanks to all my new friends there are stories and photos from the last week's trips.  
   

Thursday, November 17, 2016

Tips To Slim Heavy Calves and Ankles

My absolute least desirable physical attribute are my legs.  The kindest description is “athletic”.  There are many more comments that need go unsaid but sometime people’s words run ahead of clear thinking. OK two kind example -  You must be a dancer? Do you work out a lot?  And as a good friend once said “Your best look is pants”.

Oh well, if I believed in an afterlife or reincarnation, I would be placing a pre-order for long skinny legs.  So all of you tall girls count your blessings and just ignore this post.   For the rest of us, this past weekend I found a blog post that discussed this problem.  10 Dressing Tips To Slim Heavy Calves and Ankles. Wow is that a mouth full.  I am going to give a summary but do read the whole post.  Some great fashion advice at Fabulous After 40.





10 Dressing Tips To Slim Heavy Calves and Ankles

Can you barely fit into a pair of boots because your calves are so wide? Have you given up wearing dresses because you don’t want anyone to see your huge ankles? You may not be able to change the muscular legs mother nature gave you, but you can make them a lot less noticeable. Here are Dressing Tips to magically slim heavy calves and thick ankles.

Avoid Flats
Choose the Right Heel
Low Vamp is Better
No Ankle Straps
Switch to Long Pants
Wear Full Skirts
Direct Attention Up Top
Wear Dark Stockings
Slip on some Nude Shoes
Get a pair of Riding Boots

Do read the full descriptions at Deborah's blog.  I will show below my favorite which I utilize a lot:

Wear Full Skirts

It may feel like you can’t wear a skirt, but this is not the case. Simply steer clear of pencil skirts or any cuts that cling because they will emphasize the size of your lower legs. Instead, opt for swingy full or A-line cut skirts, the perfect dresses for big legs because they make your calves and ankles seem narrower by contrast.

 

The best skirt length? It’s just at the knee, the narrowest part of your lower legs. Avoid hems with details because they will negate the positive effects of the skirt. Other skirts or dresses for thick legs are maxi styles that fall to the floor, because they cover the problem area all together.

A wide skirt helps
 make thick calves and ankles
 look slimmer







Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Foundation - True Match

Getting foundation right was the most difficult part on pulling together my makeup.  Too heavy and you have the hooker look.  Not enough coverage and might as well not bather.  

Having started very young in adolescence with a facial hair, I have always considered it my biggest challenge. In my twenties and thirties even after a very close shave, I still had a dark shadow left; not unlike Homer Simson.

About 20 years ago I tried laser removal which was in its infancy at that time. It can best be described a pure torture.  No amount of numming cream would dull the zapping.  At that time I was about 50% white so I was only zapping the dark hair which I believe is still a true. I would say I had about 20% success and absolutely not worth the pain. Likely there have been refinements but now I am about 98% white so not nearly the coverage problem as before. With a good close shave, I have no shadow and growth is slowed to the point where a smooth face is possible all day.      

Which bring me to the today's topic, "Foundation".  Makeup.com wrote a review on several foundation and at the top of the list was my favorite L’OrĂ©al True Match. Their review:


The Pick: L’OrĂ©al True Match Super Blendable Makeup The Praise: Freelance makeup artist Brandy Gomez-Duplessis loves it because “It’s a guaranteed match for me! The texture of True Match gives me a medium to full coverage, so it’s not too heavy. I have very long days when I’m working on set, I never have to worry about my foundation when I’m wearing True Match.” 

It is a drugstore brand and with a little experimentation (33 shades) you can get a true match.  I am C3-C4.  It covers well and gives my face a good smooth appearance.   Living in Florida for the last 35 years has caused sun damage and it does provide coverage there.  Also I vary the shade, using a darker shade in the summer and using a little lighter in the winter when I have less tan. Another plus is that it blends well when I contour using lighter/darker shades.

Reasonable price, good coverage, easy to work with and easy cleanup. My favorite.  

     

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Appear More Feminine

While doing research on flats for a previous post I ran across this discussion on heels.  Why do we wear them?  Why do women in general put up with the danger, discomfort, and future health issues. Despite the often discomfort of wearing high heels, I understand the addictive allure and attraction. The article below squarely put in the realm of Sex Appeal.  A non-scientific study that did some basic and simple tests found what we already knew all along.  Enjoy.... 
___________________



Published in Medical Daily 11/20/14 By Lizette Borreli



Sex Appeal 
A pair of 4-inch heels can make the difference between being a wallflower and being the center of attention in a room. High heels add the finishing touch to any ensemble, making them a girl’s best friend. According to a recent study published in the journal Archives of Sexual Behavior, women who wear high heels are found to be significantly sexier to men.

"Women's shoe heel size exerts a powerful effect on men's behavior," said Nicolas Gueguen, lead author of the study from the department of social behavior at the University of Bretagne, according to the press release.

Heels force the pelvis to tilt so that your backside and your chest stick out more in comparison to flats. This elongates the female body and accentuates one of the most desirable traits found by men: long legs.

Woman wearing high heels and dress Women who wear this heel height exude more sex appeal, making them more likely to be approached by men. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

From an evolutionary standpoint, a woman’s leg length is tied to the state of her health and fertility. A 2008 study published in the journal Evolution and Human Behavior found leg length is a good indicator of nutrition, since legs stop growing once women reach puberty. If a woman has long legs, she most likely grew up in a good environment, which can yield a positive effect on fertility.

Gueguen sought to observe the effect of sartorial appearance by conducting a series of four studies on the length of women’s shoe heels. In three out of the four studies, the French female participants were identically dressed in black suits with straight skirts and white shirts. Most of the participants were all brunettes because previous studies showed that men were more likely to approach blonde women over brunettes and ask them out on dates. The only noticeable difference among these women were their shoes.

The first three studies involved a woman confederate wearing black shoes with no heel, a 2-inch heel, or black pumps with a 3.5-inch heel asking men for help in various circumstances. The woman switched shoes after soliciting every 10 people.

In the first study, the women asked men to respond to a short survey on gender equality. The findings revealed women garnered the most responses when wearing the highest heels, with 83 percent of the men approached agreeing to spend three to four minutes answering questions. In comparison, 47 percent answered the questions when women wore flats.

Gueguen was curious as to whether this pattern could be seen when four women approached both men and women to answer some survey questions. The second study asked men and women to participate in a survey on local food habit consumption. Similar to the first study, men were more likely to respond when the women wore the highest heels — 3.5 inches — with a rate of 82 percent compared to their flat counterparts who only got 42 percent to say yes to the survey request. However, only 33 percent of women agreed to answer the survey, regardless of their heel height.

Since the men in both studies were receptive, Gueguen sought to test his obvious attraction hypothesis by observing men and women who were walking in back of the female participant. For the third study, the women were asked to walk ahead of the “targets” and then drop a glove in an oblivious fashion. The findings revealed 93 percent of men chased after the women when they wore high heels to return the glove, while only 62 percent did when she wore flat shoes. In this scenario, women were also more likely to track down the high-heeled women than their flat counterparts by 52 percent and 43 percent, respectively.

In the fourth and final study, Gueguen wanted to observe if high heels actually make men more likely to pursue a woman as a romantic interest. He strategically placed women wearing different heel heights in three bars as he sat them at tables near the bar where their shoes were visible to those standing and walking around the area. It took men about eight minutes to approach a woman wearing heels compared to those wearing flats, which took about 14 minutes.

Although science may have given some credibility to the sex appeal of high heels, Gueguen himself isn’t sure why heels make a woman more attractive. He suspects changes in walk and posture make her appear more feminine. He told Time, “As a man I can see that I prefer to see my wife when she wears high heels, and many men in France have the same evaluation.”

Gueguen’s study warrants further research to accurately determine whether this effect is contingent on a woman’s shoe heel size and on any change of strut because of the high heels. Whether it’s the high heels or the new ounce of confidence has yet to be determined. Regardless, remember ladies:You may be able to get your way wearing your favorite pair of heels.


Sources: Gueguen N. High Heels Increase Women’s Attractiveness. Archives of Sexual Behavior. 2014.

Monday, November 14, 2016

Feminine Differential - The Bracelet

I had a friend who was out of town for a few days and I took advantage by borrowing her Pandora Jewelry. I have a beautiful Brighton charm bracelet that I wear, so jumped at the chance to wear the "Real Deal".  I love this stuff. However it can get pricey, very quickly, as you add charms.  Browsing the Pandora web site I found male charm bracelets, so I ask "Google" the question:  "Can men wear charm bracelets?"

Although I like the black leather "Man's", I much prefer the more attractive, "Woman's'".   There is one advantage to Pandora in that they come in many sizes, including lengths to fit larger wrists.
  
So what do you wear daily?  Man style, androgynous, Female style, Nothing? Is this your one rebellion from your otherwise mundane male uniform?  Why Not? Do you dare? This is a nice Feminine differential.  Let's give it a try. A daily min-escape.  


________________________     

Is it Feminine for a guy to wear a charm bracelet?


I recently made my boyfriend a charm bracelet and several people told me that only gay guys wear charm bracelets. What's your opinion on this matter?


Absolutely not. Charm bracelets are worn by people for a purpose. Each charm should mean something. I have a charm bracelet My dad actually got it for me. My brother has one, he has a wife and child. I also have straight friends who wear ones, some around their ankles. This world is far more accepting then it was before. A person cannot determine if a guy is gay by a bracelet. Like I said the charms have meaning to them. Considering you are giving it to your boyfriend, that has a powerful meaning. Besides, if someone were to call your boyfriend gay, at least he is the one who has a wonderful girlfriend at the end of the day. :) I wear mine proudly, no one gives me problems. Patrick



Rhonda's Answer: Who cares what others think!





1267-PANDORA Caribbean Cool Charm Bracelet


Sunday, November 13, 2016

Upcoming Trips

I am traveling November 14-17 (next week) to Birmingham Alabama and November 28 - December 1 to Vancouver BC, Canada. If there is anyone in those areas that would like to have coffee, dinner, or glass of wine some evening, let me know. Use the contact page.

This past week I have been In Toronto Canada. There will be many photos and experiences to report.  I love getting out. Today was spent at The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO). Tonight is a dinner and a concert here where I am spending the weekend in Burlington Ontario.  

I hope everyone is having a nice fall weekend.  Stay tuned.


Saturday, November 12, 2016

Friday, November 11, 2016

How The Light Gets In

Today we learned about the loss of a great person of music and words; Leonard Cohen (1934-2016).  In one of his songs "Anthem" he wrote:


Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack in everything
That's how the light gets in.





I was reminded tonight that this applies to the national tragedy we have all witnessed. The system is cracked but hopefully we can find light, learn, and come out whole.  

Thank you Mr. Cohen for the words.  


 
  
Leonard Cohen - Hallelujah

Thursday, November 10, 2016

Rhonda's Travels - Virginia


During my travels a few weeks ago, I drove a short distance on the Virginia part of the Blue Ridge Parkway and stopped at Mabry mill.  I spent about an hour walking round and photographing the area.  Virtual Blue Ridge describes it this way:


When Edwin Boston Mabry (1867-1936) built his water powered mill in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, he had no way of knowing it would become one of the most photographed places in the United States. The mill, on the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 176.1, draws several hundred thousand visitors each year. 

I took the above photograph and a park ranger took the photo of me. The morning was cool and beautiful. On this day there were few people around and the morning fog had just lifter.  I waited around for the sun to come out to get a reflection in the pond.  The mill wheel still works and there is a working flume that bring the creek water to the mill. There are other building that remain that are remnants of the rural life in this Appalachian region.  See this history of the mill and village.  

No matter how many photograph you might see, to be there and enjoy the scenery is a delight.  If ever in the area it is a must see.  



Wednesday, November 9, 2016

OMG!



I am surprised not shocked. The politicians of the USA have created a situation now that they must accept, as well we all.  The level of frustration is evident beyond my expectations.  Let's hope for the best. The protest candidate has won.  




Monday, November 7, 2016

Important Consideration

Florida Butterfly Ballot 2000

I am going to state again yesterday's post.  Just realize how important this is.

First let me tell you just how important your one vote is.  In the 2000 election the overall decision was ultimately made by a margin of 537 votes or .009% of the Florida total. The problems were a poorly designed ballot, antiquated voting equipment, and partisan politics.  But whatever the fault, it still came down to 537 individual votes as it should. Above is my sample ballot and my voting sticker for the election of 2000.  Yes, I was at the epicenter of the 2000 election debacle.  
Palm Beach County
Election Recount

I live in a subdivision where there are just a few more than 537 families.  I worked at a job once where we had about 550 employees at the plant.  I attended an event recently where there were about 750 in attendance.  Can you add to the list?  537 is the number that decided the fate of the free world and impacted the outcome of world events for over eight years.  Awesome responsibility.  


If you think your one vote does not make a difference, think again!

We as transgender individuals have made progress.  Are you willing to go back? Do you want more restriction on you or your sister's ability to use public restrooms when out?  How would you feel if you were fired from your job simply because you cross dress? Understand that one party has veiled in "Religious Freedom" bills, "permission to discriminate".  Do study and discern that one fact alone.  There are many more.   

My 2016 Early Voting
Sticker
Neither candidate is a perfect choice.  One candidate is tainted with problems through years of public service - Inevitable with a long public history. However if we have ever been bullied, and most of us have, consider if this is the temperament that is conducive to leading. Plus this candidate's business history is abysmal. 

In my opinion one choice is marginally better than the other.  I believe that Hillary will be more sympathetic and forward thinking than Trump. America is still great. Just look at alternatives around the world and this fact cannot be denied. None of us want to go back to time when prejudice and discrimination was an accepted norm.  



Understand that your vote is important.     

I am Rhonda Williams and I approve this message.