Origin and Meaning:
The exact origin of National Girlfriends Day is a bit unclear, but it gained popularity in the early 2000s. It's believed to have originated as a way for women to show gratitude and appreciation for their female friends, or "gal pals".
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| Thank you Catie for being such a great "gal pal". Photo taken at dinner a few weeks ago in Palm Beach. |
My Note: This strikes very close to home. It all took place in Palm Beach County. By sheer luck and a well timed timed move, my youngest daughter could have been involved. The right age and look to be recruited, she was to attend the high school where many of the underage girls were recruited.
HuffPost: Virginia Giuffre's Family Reacts To Trump's Comments About The Late Epstein Accuser
Yes, Trump has now admitted there were underage girls working at Mar-a-Lago club. I believe the files will bear this out. He is now attempting to get ahead of these revelations. My question, why were they there? With Trumps close friendship Epstein and Trump's existing conviction on sexual mis-conduct, one could assume misconduct of the most egregious nature; "Guilt by Association".
Could my very own daughter have been swept up? How would you feel about your daughters being swept up? Would this matter? Does this matter?
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There is no evidence that Trump did anything wrong or illegal in his interactions with Epstein. But days of stalling by the White House and new disclosures drove speculation to a fever pitch over their relationship in the 1990s and early 2000s, long before the wealthy financier was charged with sex trafficking and abuse and died in prison in 2019.
The frantic confluence of events Wednesday underscored Trump’s failed attempts to put a lid on the Epstein drama, the most serious challenge to his authority over the MAGA base in either of his administrations. In fact, the storm is now gathering its own momentum, and it’s increasingly hard to see how the president calms it.
Read More...
Definition Being:
The nature or essence of a person. (Oxford Language) Also indicates that the “existence” of some situation is ongoing.
Clandestine escapes were still part of my MO. Hiding a truth from others in the same manner I was hiding the same truth from myself.
Over the millenniums many terms have been used to describe those who are gender variant; i.e. transgender, crossdresser, non-binary, gender non-conforming (English), two-spirit, Hijra (India Pakistan), Calalai, Calabai, and Bissu (Bugis society in Sulawesi, Indonesia) and many more across the globe. A universal concept. The words (nouns) describe a nature of being.
For many years, when ask, I described myself as "just a crossdresser". When I was actually giving a descriptive name to my act of "Being a Girl". To start, there were short trips into the land of femininity that became extended stays with employment. Now residency.
In the past 10 years have I undergone a M-to-F transition? I don't see it that way. The "essence of my person" has not changed; only the daily outward appearances. Sometimes this is manifest with clothing of a complete feminine differential. Other times not so much. No matter how I am dressed my nature is still within me.
I have long white hair that I wear in a ponytail.
All of the jeans I own are cut in some feminine way. I own many t-shirts that are either scoop, V-neck or graphic. I had to dig, a few weeks ago, to find non-feminine underwear for a Doctor's visit. There are lots of panties (mostly Soma) in varying styles and colors. With makeup / no-makeup, the honorific (a title or word implying or expressing status) "Ma'am", is spoken almost exclusively.
When I described myself as a crossdresser, It is easy to get caught up in the performance aspect of the clothing, makeup, high heels etc. As I look back, the act of crossdressing and going out was only done to validate the essence of the femininity. "I Loved Being a Girl!"
Ten years of writing, blogging, has taught me a lot. At my age and status, I am looking for simplicity. Absolutes are far less absolute. The universe is allowing me to "be" and I wish the same for you.
Full-time. Part-Time. Occasionally. Let's understand that the "Escape" terminology is irrelevant. It is time we stop deceiving ourselves. Why do we do what we do? Simple: "We love being a girl."
According to organizers, the exact dates for 'People's Sick Day' will be announced 48 hours in advance of the event. This is being done to prevent corporations from weakening the impact of the planned economic blackout and sick out. However, based on the current date of July 22, 2025, and information available on social media, the event may be approaching soon.
The People's Sick Day is a national movement aimed at disrupting the U.S. economy and advocating for change in the American workforce. Participants are encouraged to call out sick or take sick time for three days, engaging in a total economic blackout during this period. If unable to take the full three days, individuals are encouraged to participate in other ways, such as wearing black to work (if possible), refraining from spending money, changing their profile pictures on social media, or spreading the word about the movement.
The movement aims to address various social and political issues, including stagnant wages, attacks on the rights of women and LGBTQ+ individuals, and perceived violations of the Constitution. It is a grassroots movement without formal registration or donation collection, emphasizing anonymity and collective action to bring about desired changes in the system.
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| Arndrea Waters King, third from left, and Martin Luther King III, fourth from left, march in the "No Kings" protest, Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Philadelphia. |
One of my favorite movies had the song “Memories” as its title song. It is haunting.
It's was the title song to the 1973 film The "Way We Were" which starred Barbra Streisand and actor Robert Redford. It was also featured as the title song on her 1974 album. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 and won an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award for “Best Original Song.”
Memories - "Can it be that it was all so simple then. Or has time rewritten every line. If we had the chance to do it all again, tell me - Would we? Could we?"
I found this great photo of Elaine Michelle on Flicker. Along with it she found a quote that so reflect how we feel. Enjoy...
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| Elaine Michelle |
"I decided to dress because I think it perfectly reflects in an elegant way, something that I admire in women: beauty that is given to them naturally."
At one point I decided to 'stand up' against the social standard that only a woman can own and represent such beauty, thus pleasing me aesthetically and in turn feeling good about myself. In short, to feel beautiful and confident about myself, things that I admire in women."
The above quotes from an interview with musician and Lolita fashion community member David Portilla closely mirror my reasons for dressing as a woman.
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| The Shoes Jackie O Made Famous |
Wearing History - Google AI describes the classic nature of these Sandals:
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| Jackie O and One Famous Pair of Sandals: A History |
Jack Rogers sandals have been around for over 60 years, having been introduced in 1960. The brand's signature "Jacks Flat Sandal", inspired by classic Capri sandals, became popular after Jacqueline Kennedy brought the style back from Italy and had it replicated by a Palm Beach cobbler. My shoes although not from Jack Rogers were made by the above mentioned "Palm Beach Sandals" about 10 years ago. An enduring classic.
Amazon's - Women's YMI Jeans Women's
Curvy Fit High Rise Exposed Button Fly Ankle Jean
This outfit is built around the the jeans and are some of the best fitting I have ever received from Amazon. Wow, what a great tight fit with just the right amount of feminine differentials. I love the high rise, 5-button front closure. A little more expensive than the typical Amazon Jeans, but worth it at $36. A keeper. Here is Amazon's description:
Loft - Stripe Ruched Boatneck Pocket Tee. The top is current and on-sale at $27.47. Description: This soft cotton jersey tee is ruched and cropped for a perfectly flattering - and oh so cool - fit. Boatneck. Cap sleeves. Patch chest pocket. I love the short, almost sleeveless, cap sleeves. I remember my mother having a similar type top in the 60's.
(Vintage) COACH Dakota Medium Bucket Bag. Searching eBay will bring up several pre-owned. Caution - on preowned - the canvas will pick up colors from jeans and dresses that have not been pre-washed.
My family calls as weather systems develop, knowing I study maps and models well ahead of formal watches and warnings.
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| Hurricane Jeanne - Category 3 121 MPH Winds 23.75 in of rain in three days |
I have noticed that there is something very wrong with NOAA's weather model, "The GDS". There have been several named storms and depression already this season with the GFS barely acknowledging their development and movement.
Google AI has picked up on this: The Global Forecast System (GFS) is facing challenges including a decline in accuracy, especially in long-range forecasts (beyond 5 days), and a tendency to exhibit bias in predicting certain weather phenomena like light rain and warm, dry conditions in specific regions.
Below are two conflicting maps. The National Hurricane Center (HNC) is seeing potential development seven days out (20%). Although no development is expected, the GFS, seven days out, shows nothing. Not any storm development occurring or residual low pressure. Untypically quiet for late July. One Facebook post stated what has happened very specifically:
Get NOAA back up to full staff. That we needed more sensors, not less! This isn’t cutting in the name of waste, fraud, or inefficiency, this is just irresponsible cutting that will put people’s safety in jeopardy! [Already has in Texas.]
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| Nation Hurricane Center 7/19 Map |
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| GFS Map looking forward seven day from 7/19 |
Is climate change denial overshadowing science and reality?
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| Beto O'Rourke: "Can't sacrifice humanity for security" Video |
E-Verify is a web-based system that allows enrolled employers to confirm the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States. E-Verify employers verify the identity and employment eligibility of newly hired employees by electronically matching information provided by employees on the Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, against records available to the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).According to the "Workers Voice" site, Immigrant workers have not been alone in being targeted by, the E-Verify program. Many citizens have faced firings over discrepancies in their own records. And the transgender community – people who’s gender identity is different than their sex at birth, including transsexuals and other gender non-conforming people – has also been deeply affected...
E-Verify is a voluntary program. However, employers with federal contracts or subcontracts that contain the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) E-Verify clause are required to enroll in E-Verify as a condition of federal contracting. Employers may also be required to participate in E-Verify if their states have legislation mandating the use of E-Verify, such as a condition of business licensing. Finally, in some instances employers may be required to participate in E-Verify as a result of a legal ruling.
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| Rhonda Williams. Photo via Facebook. |
Rhonda Williams is a popular transgender and gender-nonconforming blogger and board member of the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council.
She grew up with an innate understanding that she did not fit into any gender binary, and instead enjoyed flowing between the various was of expressing gender. Rhonda’s blog, “Rhonda’s Escape,” focuses on fashion, style, travel news, and accepting being transgender and living a full life. Rhonda is inspired to write her blog to challenge the binary standard of the fashion industry as it applied masculine and feminine binaries to clothing. The blog has over three million views. [Ten million now]
Rhonda also participated in Compass Community Center’s “The Legacy Project,” which pairs older, more experienced members of the LGBTQ community with youth in order to share their stories and learn from one another.
According to Miranda: The rules to follow if YOUR man wants to try this at home. If you feel ready to dip your toe in to this snowballing trend then here are some easy tips to get you started:
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| Harry Styles (pictured in April 2022) is known for his fur coats, pearl necklaces and stylish blouses |
My Note: I especially like #6
1. Start small
'If the nearest you have previously come to gender-fluid dressing is dressing up as an ugly sister in the local pantomime, my advice is to take it slowly and start small.
'The sartorial world for gents is by contrast extremely limited, with far fewer options when it comes to colour, silhouettes, accessories… everything.
'Take some time to feel your way into what feels right for you, this is a very personal process and not only do you need to discover what looks good on you and reflects your personality but also where your own sartorial limits are.
'With this in mind, look to accessories as an easy launchpad for your new contemporary style. A simple silk scarf knotted at the neck is a great starting point, as would be some more feminine jewellery (e.g. tapping into the current pearls trend which is huge) or perhaps a bit of metrosexual makeup.
'It might be my 80’s childhood, but I always think a little artfully applied guyliner and a bit of concealer can work wonders. Don’t be afraid to ask your female friends for a bit of assistance, finding a good match can be tricky, as can the blending - we are here to help where needed.'
2. Make simple swaps
'Break your normal outfit down into its component parts and decipher which items could be swapped out for something a little more feminine.
'Could your straight leg jeans be swapped out for a skinny legged seventies inspired flare for example? Could you switch up your pinstripe button down for a silk pussybow blouse?
'Focussing on single elements of your look and taking time to get used to how they look and feel will make this aesthetic far more achievable and less overwhelming.
3. Get inspired
'Make like a stylist and do your research before you get started. The options are innumerable and it's easy to get disheartened when there are just so many choices.
'There will be a lot of trial and error, so start keeping a record of looks you like on platforms like Pinterest, Instagram, or in a special album on your phone.
'Every time you see a look you like, analyse it and break down what you could incorporate into your own wardrobe, pay particular attention to people who have a similar build and height to you - as it’s more likely that this will work.
4. Experiment
'This is where the fun really begins. There are so many stylish delights awaiting you! The fashion world is literally your oyster.
'The key? Remaining completely open-minded, you are in totally new territory here and it’s time to redefine what does and doesn’t suit you with a whole new set of rules - or quite possibly no rules at all!
'There are so many aspects to consider… the world of fabric has just opened up to you, and you can play with all sorts from lace to chiffon and beyond.
'Print and pattern might just be your new best friend, and a chance to really get creative and inject a little more personality into your wardrobe, as will be colour.
'Colour is a hugely impactful tool and is frequently missing from gentlemen's wardrobes and even many women's - now is your opportunity to embrace it.
'Gather your new potential wardrobe weapons and set aside some dedicated time at home to try it all on, experiment and see what you like.
'Any stylist will tell you that often the most fabulous outfits are born from an experimental pairing of the most unlikely pieces - this is totally going to play to your advantage, so just go for it.'
5. Balance your silhouette
'A style rule that’s worth bearing in mind is keeping your silhouette balanced, so if you are wearing something baggier on one half of your body keep the garment on the other half slim fitting.
'This can be trickier with the current oversized trend, so if you are tapping into that look, make sure you are showing a bit of skin (wrist through rolling up your sleeves, ankles or a bit of chest on display are all really useful for breaking up a ‘blocky’ look).
'An ideal feminine outfit has movement and curved lines, which you want to emulate, rather than wearing something that is straight up and down.'
6. Confidence is key
'Finally, a word from someone who has seen countless stunning models in breath-taking outfits slouched in corners, totally underselling themselves and their outfits - confidence, energy and posture is everything.
'You have to feel good and like what you’re wearing or you’re just not going to carry off your new image.
'So, take a bit of extra time to get things just right - then stand tall and enjoy having broken free from all social and sartorial limitations; I’m sure you will look absolutely fabulous - you deserve it!'
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| BECAUSE 3722 POST LATER |
Even Google AI describes my blog this way:
The phrase 'Because I love being a girl' appears to be the initial inspiration and focus behind the blog 'Rhonda's Escape'.
Now, and over the past ten years, my reason for writing/dressing has not changed. "I love being a girl". I plan on writing more on that simple subject soon. No matter our status, complex justifications, or trepidations, that one actuality remains consistent in our community. It is our common thread.
I want to thank all of my loyal readers. You have put-up-with my political rants, over simplistic discussions, demands for action and dyslexic enhanced writing. Thank you. There have been occasions, through comments, you let me know when I was right/wrong. I cannot state how important all of your comments are to me.
Stana's Femulate provided the inspiration. Her continuing support has been instrumental in me continuing. Thank you my friend. Let's keep going as long as the heels fit!
I know not what the next 10 years will bring. However, for today and hopefully tomorrow, "I love being a girl". Do not take a single day for granted. Escape and live for the day.
Undocumented immigrants have protection under the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments, which guarantee due process and equal protection under the law. As a result, undocumented immigrants cannot be deprived of life, liberty, or property without fair legal proceedings.That means immigrants cannot be deported without having an opportunity to explain to a judge why they should be allowed to remain in the US. Those arguments may include requesting relief such as asylum, withholding of removal, or cancellation of removal.
CNN (July 7,2025): The Justice Department posted a memo Monday that says there is no evidence Epstein was murdered or that he kept anything amounting to a much-anticipated “client list.” The department does not plan to release any new documents on the matter, an official told CNN. Axios was first to report details of the DOJ and FBI’s decision.
During that same press release she confirmed the existence of Santa Clause and the Tooth Fairy.
A little history.
During a February 21 interview on Fox News, host John Roberts asked [Bondi] whether DOJ would release a “list of Jeffrey Epstein’s clients.” “Will that really happen?” Roberts asked.
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| 2000 The long friendship between Trump and Epstein saw them party at Mar-a-Lago |
It’s sitting on my desk right now to review. That’s been a directive by President Trump. I’m reviewing that.”Read this for background: Listen To The Jeffrey Epstein Tapes: ‘I Was Donald Trump’s Closest Friend’
By Kati Chitrakorn, CNN
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| Alexis Stone transformed into Morticia Addams |
Underneath the flowing tresses, though, is a muscular 31-year-old man: Alexis Stone, a performance and makeup artist known to 1.3 million Instagram followers and hundreds of thousands more on TikTok.
While multiple TikTok creators today adeptly use makeup to drastically alter their facial features to resemble particular celebrities, Stone’s work goes beyond full-face treatments into whole-body transformations, presented live and in public. Using prosthetics, special effects makeup and bespoke enhancements (such as custom scents), the result is often on par with the kind of execution one might see on the big screen.
“I think people have an idea that we go to a Halloween shop and buy these things over the counter, but everything is handmade and takes decades of experience to put together,” said Stone. In June, he gave CNN a tour of his apartment in Glasgow, Scotland. Here, in his home, is where the prototypes and final looks are developed.
“I don’t know if I’ll ever fully understand why people take such interest in what I do,” Stone mused. “Perhaps it’s because, as humans, we have days where we want to feel more visible, and other days where we want to feel invisible or unrecognizable. I think that’s something we can all relate to, to some degree.”
Impersonating Huston as Addams was an eight-week process that required intensive research, said Stone. “We wanted to reference as close to the original Addams as possible, from the original wig to her iconic black, torn sequin gown (both sourced from the film’s costume department),” explained Stone. On a long wooden table are Polaroids, taken by hair stylist and wig designer Paul Huntley in the ’90s, of Huston and her late costar Raul Julia, who played the role of husband Gomez Addams. “All the pictures are originals so please be careful with them,” reads an accompanying message.
A form of escapism
Stone, whose legal name is Elliot Joseph Rentz, attends Paris Fashion Week twice a year under the guise of a celebrity, a famous character or a celebrity playing a famous character. Those personalities have included Jack Nicholson, Lana Del Rey, Madonna, Adele, Jennifer Coolidge, and Glenn Close as Cruella de Vil from the 1996 film remake “101 Dalmatians”.
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| Stone, in his convincing transformation as Priestley, attending the Paris Haute Couture shows in June 2024. Claudio Lavenia/Getty Images |
I will update my health issues someday soon. They are there. Just know that I treasure every day and every escape.
Note from The Palm Beaches' LGBTQ Community Center:
