I Am The....

 

One Morning...

 

Epiphany Moment

Did you have that moment?  

The moment you looked and said "this is me"! I want to do / live this moment. 

Panty Waisted

It is official:

The noun pantywaist has proven to be more enduring in its figurative meaning — an ineffectual or childish man — than in its original meaning, which was a garment of early 20th century vintage: short pants fastened to a waist band, worn by children. Still, the term is somewhat old fashioned, and calling a timid man [sissy] a pantywaist these days would not only be unkind, but might also be confusing.

Hipster Panties

I am going to take this to a literal sense of being "PantyWAIST is the elastic band around a woman's underclothes".  So being pantywaisted could refer to the wearing or aspiring to wear female underwear; effeminate in underclothing dress. 

So it is official: One could speak of me as "panty waisted" in that I could not find one pair or male underclothing this morning. So-be-it.

What Shall I Wear...

 

Political Cartoons 12-7-2025

 

We Only Live Once...

 

The Dynamics are Different - Yet The Same

Road Trip

What if you could step into a time machine and revisit 60 years ago? 

What would it be like seeing your college roommate after almost 60 years? I am about to find out. We were roommates throughout my engineering school term and got along well; like the brother I never had. He was from Pennsylvania and I from a smalltown about an hour-and-a-half from campus. Our campus was never a hot bed of activity on the weekends, so on many weekends he tagged along for home cooking. My grandmother was a great cook and loved having us. The summer of '67 we did a road trip and attended The Worlds Fair Expo in Montreal.   

Worlds Fair Expo 67 in Montreal
A Night View

We had fun together and had a group of fellow engineering students to do stuff with on campus during the week. Kind of a work hard / study hard / let's get a beer group.  

After graduation, careers and family seem to get in the way. However, we did stay close, checking in always with the promise to get together.  

This weekend we are!

My Roommate looking back
as we started home from Montreal
after three days at Expo '67

I will be attending his church X'mas holiday music event Sunday and staying over with he and his wife for the weekend. The plan now is to drive back Monday or Tuesday. I did the big “Rhonda reveal" by e-mail / blog and he stated no-problem. This is an area we had never explored or discussed.

Although, while in college I did participate in a fashion/beauty contest done up beautifully by my then girlfriend, to become wife. My first time dressed in public. WOW! Many years passed before I was ever out again.     

This should be an interesting weekend. We are not getting younger. If one waits putting off reminiscing, the conversation could become one-sided. 

This weekend - The dynamics are so different yet so the same. 

PS: OMG - What to wear?

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After driving back from Montreal
we attended a fellow classmate's
wedding in South Richmond Va. 

Breaking The Spell...

 

My least favorite part of any "Escape" evening is changing back. I call it "Breaking the spell". Either it is late or I had appointments to make as male. I hated that return to reality and the moment the illusion ends. All goes well including kicking the shoes off at the door to unzipping the dress and  letting it fall in a puddle. Looking at my self in bra and panties, I always hated the next step to come.  

Back then I wore a wig and taking that one item off would break the feminine spell. The image staring back at me in the mirror was not the same any longer.  

Disappointingly everything gets delicately folded for next escape. My feminine mystique was now relegated to the "Rhonda" travel box.   

Even today with no wig to take off, my moment is cleaning my face. I do love it when there are traces of eyeline or tined lips remaining. She is still there! Do you think anyone will notice?  Liberation - Today, "I don't care".  

So, how about you?  What was / is your "Break The Spell" moment?  We all have one...   

Blog Intimidation...

Yesterday something troubling occurred with “Ronda’s Escape”.  It was shut down for what I think may have been four hours or so. At first, I was thinking hacked. However, a notice stated that the "Blog had been removed due to content", seemed be from Google, my platform. I had no clue what the issue was and the message intimated that the Blog had been removed totally with no recourse.  

First, let me state I am very conscientious about content. I do not pretend to be a counselor, doctor, or anyone other than someone encouraging life's fulfillment. As for a underage stuff (grooming), I do not go there and never will! I have always been careful, even in the support groups I organized. No one under 18 without parent. My blog content is for those over 18 and I sense most of my readers are well past that. I do not have a content advisory warning on my blog.  

Finally yesterday, I was able to get into my blog content manager and starting looking for anything that may have been objectionable. My only find was the “Mother / Daughter” high heel shoe play from a few weeks ago. It was a takeoff on an Etsy Mother’s Day card. Cartoon cute and I framed it as something I had done growing up, “playing with my mother’s shoes”. 

If this offended someone, I wish it had been addressed directly, and I would have been happy to remove it; please. If a google AI bot flagged it, that is more troubling. Bots or someone is watching Transgender Blogs. As Hallie stated on T-Central, “One Hears Rumors”:

Let's start by stating there is no way to tell what the future will bring. There has never been a time when the freedom to have a place like this, to share all of the interesting facets of the T world, has been more under threat. 

Yesterday, I removed the “How It Begins” post and all seemed to return to the new normal. I am troubled. I feel intimated. However, I will continue for now. Our freedoms are under attack, one-by-one. Now is the time to be visible, speak up and let the world know, "we will not be erased!"

Feminine Image 3

Stay tuned tomorrow - I have something to write and ask tomorrow.  Troubling...

Go For A Walk...

Not go for a walk. However, drove to a 7-11 and got newspaper. Went to a grocery store and did more walking than shopping. Just drove around a few blocks. Went to a late movie.  

Any of this sound familiar?  

 

War Crimes

Commander Ordered Strike On Alleged Drug Boat Survivors To Comply With Hegseth Demand

My Note:  When will enough be enough?  Is not congress also guilty of abdicating its authority to Trump?  I have friends that think that Trump's actions are acceptable. In what political world are actions like this OK? 

In early September, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered a U.S. strike force command to kill everyone on board a suspected drug-trafficking boat in the Caribbean, The Washington Post reported, leading to a second strike on a pair of incapacitated survivors that appears to constitute a war crime.

“The order was to kill everybody,” one source with knowledge of the operation told the Post [Washington].

The Sept. 2 attack represented the first of many strikes on alleged drug traffickers in the region, even though fentanyl — a prime contributor to overdose deaths — does not tend to come from Central and South America.

U.S. military commanders were apparently shocked to see two survivors clinging to the flaming boat once smoke from the first strike cleared. The second strike, apparently to comply with Hegseth’s instructions, reportedly killed the two survivors.

To date, the Trump administration’s hotly controversial strikes on supposed drug boats in the Caribbean and the Pacific Ocean have left some 80 people dead, although little is known about their identities or whether they were, in fact, trafficking drugs.

BBC: A former chief prosecutor at the International Criminal Court (ICC) has told the BBC that US air strikes on alleged drug smuggling boats would be treated under international law as crimes against humanity.

Political Cartoons 11-30-2025

 Will You Die Before You Own Your Home Outright?

According to Realtor.com calculations, a buyer purchasing a $400,000 home with 10% down at the current 30-year rate of 6.25% would pay about $250 less per month under a 50-year mortgage.

But the trade-off is steep. Over the life of the 50-year loan, total interest payments would reach $816,396, compared to $438,156 for the 30-year loan—a difference of $378,240, or 86% more interest overall.

Meanwhile, the 30-year borrower would have $42,308 more equity, equal to 10.6% of the home’s value.

______________________________

Warning Content Advisory

From Last week with continuation: 

If The Shoe Fits...

 

Black Friday '25

 

Let's Shop The Day

Happy Thanksgiving 2025

_______________________________

If there is estrangements this is a good day to make contact and reestablish love. Life is short.  Let there be no regrets. 

InStyle Magazine: Jane Fonda (88) Reveals the One Thing About Dying She's Afraid of:

Jane Fonda at 88

I'm afraid of dying with a lot of regrets. That was an important realization for me, because if you don't want to die with regrets, then you have to live the last part of your life in such a way that there won't be any regrets."

Jane Fonda's own words on forgiveness. Maybe it is time? 

Men's Clothes Somewhere...

 

Feminine Differential - Espadrilles (updated)

Are espadrilles still a step too far for America’s men?

Vascata Bacalao says No! 

Amazon: Lauren Ralph Lauren
Women's Luize Striped Canvas
Ballet Espadrille Flats

My Note: I purchased the "Woman's" Lauren Ballet  espadrilles to see how they might look with Jeans and shorts in the Florida's endless summer. These are definitely feminine in style. However, could Men's espadrilles also have an unintentional feminine differential. This is one shoe that is basically the same, male/female. I have always had a fit issue with espadrilles because of a high instep so do not have any at this time. With many attempts, the Female/Male "Tom's" espadrilles I have neve been able to wear. 

Delivery Note:  The Lauren Ballet Espadrilles just arrived from Amazon. The fit is good, comfortable, and cute. I have been looking for ages for an Espadrille that clicks off the feminine differential box and yet can be worn out anytime. Not sure why I had not seen these before. A sure keeper. 

How about you - Are Espadrilles a crossover shoe or exclusively female?  Got a photo? Let us know if Espadrilles work for you?

_______________________

Vascata Bacalao:  Espadrilles are all the rage right now From Beyonce to the Duchess of Cambridge and David Beckham to the King of Spain, they have captured the imagination of some of the world’s most powerful and influential women. Part of the reason for their appeal is based on their traditional Spanish roots. But women also love them for their flexibility, comfort, and casual style. For women, it’s an easy choice.

Vascata: How to Style
 Men’s Espadrilles
 Five Modern Looks For 2025

But it’s difficult for American men, who still perceive espadrilles as “women’s shoes”. Part of this is driven by the classic view of dainty, pretty summer espadrilles with laces tied around the ankles and lower leg.

This is a long way from the traditional image of American men gathering around the BBQ in their shorts, t-shirts, and flip-flops. But now, there is another way. We think it’s time for American men to “ditch the flip flop” and trade up for a pair of stunning, comfortable, and hard-wearing Viscata men's espadrilles. 

We believe that there is a shoe for everyone. Our customers come in all shapes and sizes and our shoes are perfect for anybody looking to ditch the flip flop. And with the largest selection of espadrilles in the world available on our website, just pick your favorite style this summer. Maybe it’s time you got your man to ditch the flip-flop once and for all and step out in style in our timeless shoes.

Political Cartoons 11-23-2025 (4)

 

Politico: Trump cuts more tariffs with eye toward grocery prices - The White House already slashed tariffs on other global food imports last week as it works to lower grocery prices.

A Reminder

 

Panty Hose Are Dead - Long Live...

 

Google AI: No, pantyhose are not dead, but their role has changed significantly due to factors like more casual workplaces and the popularity of leggings. While once considered a professional necessity, pantyhose are now often worn for a specific fashion looks, formal occasions, or to achieve a smooth, finished appearance. Fashion trends have also brought a resurgence of interest, with designers showcasing various types of hosiery, from sheer black to lace, in recent collections. [For a formal LBD is can see me wearing sheer black hose again.]

In my opinion leggings are a more versatile and stylish item for casual and even chic looks when styled correctly. The new pantyhose? The current trend leans toward higher-quality, thicker leggings and styles like slim leggings, often paired with elevated or unexpected pieces like heels or sexy tops. A dress code question came up at our store all employee meting; "Are leggings OK?"  Our store manage said, yes, just make sure your "girl-bits" are covered. That may have been meant for me.  

I love the above outfit and found the perfect flats by accident at Macys. They are Easy-Spirit "Glitz Walking Shoes". The most comfortable flats in my collection. I believe I could walk a day in these. And my mission shopping that day was to get flats to wear with the shown leggings and off-shoulder sweater.  Success.   

Gray is my color...  

The other items above are:  

Amazon: LifeStride Women's, Sevyn Pump 2.5 heel

Amazon: EVALESS Sexy Off One Shoulder Tops for Women 3/4 Length Sleeve

Amazon: THE GYM PEOPLE Women's High Waisted Jeggings / Leggings

Do You Notice what I Am Seeing?

 

Chanel show 2025
Spring Collection - Courtesy Chanel

What do you see? I see three feminine differentials. More?

CNN Style: From the runway to the wild: Celebrities are already stepping out in clothes designers want you to wear next spring

Feminine Image 2

It is 100% Confidence 
Good hair helps too. 

 

A Good Day Shopping...

Shopping has always been one of my favorite activities. On trips to "town" with my mother we had a routine of stores to stop and shop. They all knew my mother well (small town) and the shopping bug landed squarely on me to continue the tradition.  

My first excursions into the ladies section alone was filled with trepidation. Several times I even visited small boutiques, not dressed and ask if I could come back later. The response was always "of course". As my fear subsided, even at big department stores, I made an effort to get to know the sales associates. There was one high-end shoes store in Palm Beach, Charles Jourdan, where "Carol" would call me when my favorite heels were on sale.  I still have several pairs of those beloved beautiful heels.   

2002 Shopping In Palm Beach
Wearing My CJ Pumps 

Now working retail I see the fear from the other side and make sure all customers are welcome.  We see all customer as potential sales; the goal. Several time I have waited on men cross-dressed or men shopping for themselves. I introduce myself and explain they are welcome and will always be treated with respect.  

Got any shopping experiences / stories you are willing to share?  

Charles Jourdan Pumps 

  

 

Season Opener - The Historical Society Of Palm Beach

 

Did you know that Florida was an epicenter for filmmaking long before Hollywood?

In the early 20th century, Jacksonville thrived as a silent film hub, drawing directors and studios from across the country. Since then, Florida’s diverse geography has continued to attract filmmakers. From Palm Beach County’s starring roles in Donnie Brasco, Empire of the Ants, Caddyshack, and Baywatch to statewide productions like Jaws II, [Body Heat], Scarface, and Apollo 13,  Florida has long shaped and been shaped by movie magic.

Last week I attended the grand opening of an exhibition featuring original artifacts, interactive displays, and rare archival footage that highlighted Florida’s unique role as both a setting and a character in film history.  Many Burt Reynolds memorabilia items ere especially interesting.   

Stepping into the spotlight I celebrated the glamor of Florida in film! It was a red carpet premiere of the Historical Society of Palm Beach County’s grand exhibition, "Sunshine Cinema: Florida in Film".  The exhibition will be open to the public until May at The Historical Society Of Palm Beach building. 

It was a dress up affair that marks the unofficial Palm Beach season opening. This was my third year attending and it is a must be "seen" at event.  Lots of glamor, champaign and photos. 

Anyone remember one of my favorite Palm Beach and South Florida movies - "Body Heat (1981)".  Kathleen Turner, William Hurt, Richard Crenna, Ted Dancon, and Mickey Rourke. The South Florida summer heat was a much a part of the movie as the actors.

 

Political Cartoons 11-16-2025

 

This is not a joke:

• Location: The proposed arch would be built in Memorial Circle, the roundabout at the Virginia end of the Arlington Memorial Bridge, a spot between Arlington National Cemetery and the Lincoln Memorial. Some critics have raised concerns that the arch would be a spectacle that disrupts the solemnity and symbolic connection between the Lincoln Memorial, the Arlington House, and the cemetery. 
  
  
  

 "No MAGA left behind."

And when Trump pardoned Santos, the president said on social media that Santos had "the Courage, Conviction, and Intelligence to ALWAYS VOTE REPUBLICAN!".

NPR: Bernadette Meyler, a professor of constitutional law at Stanford University, said:

Trump, who has characterized his own recent prosecutions as politically motivated, may view the cases of political corruption against other politicians as similarly unjust. [Even when they have pled guilty.] Trump may feel that he was prosecuted for similar kinds of offenses and then is kind of looking out at the landscape of political figures who have been prosecuted and potentially identifies with the plight of some of them.