My Weblog

It's All About sex

Kelly Ripa proclaimed: It's all about Sex.

The leadership of naturist/nudist organizations piously state: It's not about Sex.

Godiva believes: It's all about sex...that is sex with a small "s."

The recent comment by Mizz Ripa about "Naked Yoga" on her nationally broadcast program with Regis Philbin stated categorically that this form of yoga is about "comfort and sex." Instead of blistering Kelly, we should realize that her opinion reflects the perception of the majority of Americans, particularly those that wouldn't get caught dead within one mile of a nudist resort or beach. http://bventertainment.go.com/tv/buenavista/regisandkelly/index.html

In direct contrast, the leadership of the Naturist Society www.naturist.com and the American Association for Nude Recreation www.aanr.com broadcast to one and all that nude recreation is not related to sex, but instead is a wholesome alternative form of recreation.

Godiva's take is that nude recreation is not Sex with a large "S" unless you want it to be. Certainly, there are people who take advantage of nudity for swinging activities, which has resulted in the loss of membership in the AANR by Caliente Resort www.calienteresorts.com and Paradise Lakes Resort www.paradiselakes.com, both in Florida. These actions has resulted in a public relations black eye for organized nudism in the United States and maybe elsewhere.

In my humble opinion based upon my repeated visits to nudist resorts in California, Florida, Jamaica and participation in Naked Yoga, nudity is sexual with a small "s." Let's face it, going without clothes on a delightful, beautiful sunny day or skinny dipping in warm waters is one of the most sensual experiences in life. Being present with dozens of nude people of both sexes is a sensory overload.

For most of us it is not every day that we get to see girl parts and boy parts on display. Nude people are simply fascinating. Being nude is exciting. While nudist etiquette frowns on staring at people, we are only human when we take in other people's bodies and are amazed the anatomical varieties of people. That is one of the joys of nude recreation. Being nude and seeing nudity is simply a blast. It is an innocent source of fun and a joyful break from the pressures of life. Sue me for it!

And if you bring along a significant other with you of the opposite gender (assuming you are inclined that way), I can attest it is exciting to see her or him for hours or days without a stitch of clothing. And guess what, that excitement has a high potential to lead to real Sex with a large "S" when you return to the privacy of a resort, hotel, cruise ship bedroom.

We should not be afraid to admit the obvious, nude recreation is sexy, sensual and playfully naughty in a nice way. The statement simply makes sense and will be accepted as true. To state ex cathedra that nude recreation does not equate to sex in any way, shape or form defies credibility and makes it very difficult for the persuadable in our society to believe us.

Nude Saviour

She doesn't appear to be a gritty heroine with her wide smile and blue eyes. And yet, Elizabeth Young and her husband, John, not only saved Desert Shadows Inn in Palm Springs from the wrecking ball, but they are also keeping alive the nudist dream.

Today, Elizabeth and John own the renamed Desert Sun Resort www.desertsunresort.com that appears to be thriving despite the economic downturn. One should consider that the property nearly didn't even make it to, let alone through the recession, in 2008.

"I hate to think back to the negative times because when we took it over it was so painful," Elizabeth told the Naturist Society's "N" Magazine www.naturist.com. "Everything was being shut down. The gardeners were let go and the pools were being turned off. When they (former owners) walked out the door at midnight they did take everything possible, including the phone system, the computer system, and everything..."

Elizabeth even recounted how a Norwegian couple showed up on the doorstep of then-Desert Shadows Resort, only to spot a sign saying the resort was closed. Talk about a bummer. One of the resort homeowner's came to the rescue and let them stay at their unit for the week.

The story has a happier ending. Today, the pools have been replastered, the hotel rooms have been remodeled with free Wi-Fi. What has not changed is the resort is "clothes free," rather than the more common "clothing optional." Sorry gawkers, no free shows at DSI.

From a public relations standpoint, accomplished, intelligent and telegenic women are the future of nude recreation. They are quite normal and yet they enjoy going without their clothes. What message does that send to women as a group?

The same can be said for Sharon Picone, the vegan nude chef from Florida with her au naturel cooking videos www.nudechef.com

It is easy to get discouraged about the future of nude recreation and then you see a wide smile and bright eyes . . .