Yes! I am completely aware that Winter, 2022, does not begin until Wednesday, December 21. Yes! I was born legally and totally Deaf and I have not a hearing aid nor a cochlear implant do describe me using whatever curse and/or derogatory language you choose – I still can’t hear you! No! It is absolutely not too early to start planning your next nakation!
Remember: naked + vacation = nakation!
A musical and relaxed balcony view!
Who knows? You may even be lucky and plan your next nakation before yet another rate increase takes effect! There are definitely worthwhile advantages for advanced planning in addition to simply avoiding the “last-minute” rush!
Cold, dreary and inclement weather outside often inspire us to dreams of clothes freedom, comfort and sunshine. This setting puts us into the mood for researching a clothing optional environment with no reason to cover any part of our anatomy except for the soles of our feet!
The winter holiday season is an ideal time to explore different destination options. Social gatherings offer the opportunity to discuss ideas with casual acquaintances thus avoiding awkward silences while trying to decide what subject to introduce next.
Nakation relaxation!
Casual social events provide ample chances to receive free first-hand advice on possible locations. The fact that you’re seeking a nakation doesn’t need to be shared. Most of those present at these types of functions are relieved at a topic to participate in that isn’t too much of a challenge.
Practically everyone knows of someone who travelled somewhere or visited someone. You may even be fortunate and meet a person who can recommend lodging, restaurants, historic and or scenic conveniences and even “what-you-must-see” and “what-not-to-see!”
Keep in mind, a nakation does not have to include a clothing-optional facility, destination or event. In the eyes, hearts and minds of many bare practitioner nakation enthusiasts, some of the best adventures happen unexpectedly and unplanned. Spontaneous escapades often produce what detailed meticulous planning sometimes overlooks: fun and success!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry for here is planned for Friday, December 23, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “Season’s Greetings!”
November 22, 1963: President John F. Kennedy Shot In Dallas, Texas, USA!
The headline above is not even a vague memory for me. I had not even been conceived when that event happened. The only memory that Twin and I have of that day are the recollections that our parents shared with us many years after the tragedy occurred.
Both our father and our mother were born in Greece and emigrated to the USA after the birth of our oldest brother. They lived here as resident aliens and neither of them were naturalized. They returned to Greece, their homeland, after our father retired from his job. All of our brothers returned with them except for Twin and myself.
John F. Kennedy inspired Papa as a presidential candidate and after he was elected into office. We do remember an enlarged photograph of our father addressing voters in our Greek Orthodox church parish hall urging them to support President Kennedy. Although neither of our parents were eligible to vote, Papa was an active supporter of Kennedy and the Democratic party within our Greek community.
Growing up, every year on November 22, we all recall our father’s lamenting his assassination and remembering the many reasons he admired the man. Many times we made family trips to visit Kennedy’s gravesite in Arlington National Cemetery.
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry planned for here is Friday, November 25, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “Interview: The Nubian-Ikigai!”
Aaron and I depart early tomorrow morning with a serious family crisis. His six year old nephew is scheduled for tests and a biopsy this week. He is the first offspring born in Aaron’s family after our wedding in 2015 – he was actually born on our first wedding anniversary. As Aaron’s family is Roman Catholic and I am Greek Orthodox, therefore, I am his “unofficial” and honorary godfather.
” Minds are like parachutes – they only function when open.” ~ Thomas Dewar ~
There’s absolutely nothing that either one of us can honestly do except to be present with the family and to offer our love and support. We will be at Aaron’s parents home in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, for at least the week. Hopefully, the emergency will be resolved before we return. If not, we’re able to stay as long as needed.
Prior to learning of Aaron’s nephew’s condition, I had already composed a post for tomorrow, November 22, 2022. After that, the next post is scheduled for November 25th and is an interview with a new friend! Please check him out!
Happy Thanksgiving to all enjoying the holiday!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for tomorrow, Tuesday, November 22, 2022, and the proposed topic: “My Papa and JFK!”
Now that I’ve captured your undivided attention and curiosity with my AKA (also known as) alternate title for today’s posting, Modelling Legacy. Growing up, I’d never even considered modelling while bare as a job option. Our parents always emphasized education, specifically university, which, for a Deaf gay adolescent eliminated posing clothes free as a lifetime career. The sole focus was knowledge, then employment.
While studying to earn my baccalaureate degree, I learned the both the fine art program and the photography art program at my university employed post-graduate students to pose as naked models for respective under-graduate (baccalaureate) classes. An ideal job for me to begin after being awarded my inaugural degree! Perfect for my bare practitioner (gay nudist) self! I could now be paid to be clothes free all day long on campus!
The summer after my university graduation seemed to me as endless. I was anxious and eager to begin my “career” as a nude model. I wasn’t an art student at university and had almost no interaction with any of those who had posed clothes free prior to me.
Leafy posing!
As the September of my post-graduate student life arrived, my limited (non-existent) contact with the university’s “model” team was solely with a member of the adjunct art faculty also served as the academic advisor to the school’s Lavender Club (at that time, the bisexual, gay and lesbian student group). As the club’s advisor, he knew that I was same gender loving but only aware of my nudist preference upon receipt of my application for the modelling programme.
He immediately acknowledged my enthusiasm for any and all opportunities to pose naked. He inquired of my knowledge of and/or interest in Washington, D.C.’s gay nudist social group, Lambda Soleil. He later introduced me to the organization and sponsored my membership therein.
Leafy prostration!
The Leaf Incident:
My first working day as a bare model was a “double” engagement. In the late morning, I posed inside one of the art studios for a class of first year art students. It wasn’t a surprise job as all it entailed was sitting on a stool in front of the class – totally naked. The major task was remaining still (lifeless) for ninety minutes.
Later that afternoon, with two other nude models, we posed outdoors in a massive pile of leaves for a photography class. This assignment, as explained by our model coordinator, involved us interacting with one another and, of course, with the leaves. The students were expected to capture on film a series of photos depicting autumn play.
Once the class assembled, I realized that all five of the students were gay. Our model advisor had not shared this to any of us before we agreed to this session. As an openly gay man myself, it was no problem for me. None of the other models seemed bothered by this. While the class was taking pictures, it was revealed by our modelling “boss” that the purpose of this photo-shoot was to show gay men in autumn play!
The two others that were modelling with me on this project were both several years older than me and with previous modelling experience at the university. One – whom I recognized – had been a member of the Lavender Club and identified as a bisexual man. The other one I never knew his sexuality.
Our “boss-man” appeared on site just as we were about to start our modelling exercise. He was introduced to the class by the instructor and as he reviewed the university’s guidelines for working with bare models (no personal or intimate contact allowed) he began stripping off his clothes! He was present to “supervise” our photo-shoot!
Receiving directions for a photo-shoot session!
I immediately began asking myself: did he need to be naked in order to supervise us posing nude? Was he going to be at every photo-shoot clothes free? Given all the attention he had given me during the last couple of weeks, the other models let me know that he obviously had an ulterior motive for stripping off his garments!
Once the photography instructor signaled “commence” we became active with our pile (mountain) of leaves. We took dives into leaves, we rolled in the leaves, we buried ourselves in leaves and gave each other leaf “showers!” There were only a small number of activities that we didn’t attempt to engage in. Cameras captured our images as we caroused ourselves in leaves!
After an hour of “playing” and posing in the leaves, I became light-headed and had trouble breathing. Suddenly, I fainted! Down on the ground! The next thing that I was aware was lying on my back after being revived by a nurse from the university clinic. A few minutes later, a mobile trauma unit arrived to transport me to the GWU (George Washington University) hospital. My face and neck were flushed (red) and heavily swollen, I continued to have shortness of breath and a severe bruise and laceration on the back of my head. I was kept overnight in hospital for monitoring and test results.
I have a severe allergy to leaf mold. It had never affected me previously. However, I never remember being that involved with that amount of moldy leaves before for that amount of time – almost 90 minutes.
Shortly after I returned to campus, a notice was displayed on the message board adjacent to the administration offices of the School of Art, Photography and Media:
“Roger does not play well with leaves!”
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry for here is planned for Sunday, November 6, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “Clocks Back!”
Although it has been almost a full month since the arrival of the autumn season here in the Northern Hemisphere, in the middle Atlantic coast region, the fallen leaves haven’t completely covered the earth quite yet – but that time is fast approaching! In about two weeks from now, that moment will be upon us! Dead leaves littering the ground that we walk on with no end in sight!
The coming of autumn also signals the return to work at my university. The luxurious freedom of summer disappears and the return to the classroom and instruction is back with all the accompanying duties and responsibilities. Fortunately, this current semester doesn’t involve me teaching any new topics that require intense research!
Classroom lecture!
Before I continue with today’s post entry, I need to let everyone know that my university isn’t a bare institution and I’m absolutely not permitted to lecture my classes clothes free nor are the students allowed to attend their classes as open bare practitioners. As far as I know, this is the same all over the world!
Usually, the autumn of every year means the resumption of classes and by the time that the month of October comes around, we’re (faculty and students) in the regular routine of our class schedules and our semester guidelines. However, this year, October presents an entirely different scenario.
My school at this university experienced routine re-certification from several institutions the entire first full week of October. In addition to my lecture schedule, I was at the “beck and call” of the team renewing our certification. Unfortunately, this particular group was entirely unfamiliar with the Washington, D.C., USA, region and totally fascinated with the landmarks and tourist attractions. Not only did I have to offer assistance during the day but also to serve as impromptu “tour guide” at night. Quite a handful! I should have moved into a dormitory room on campus!
Last week, I had to force myself to readjust to my routine for this semester. Not an impossible task but it did take me longer than necessary to get back to basics!
This upcoming week offers another special challenge. We’re now restoring our long ago abandoned ritual of mid-semester examinations of our students progress. This return is accompanied with the the qualification of mandatory for all. Now I know from experience that autumn has arrived in all glory!
The benefit? By the end of the week, we’ll all be one week closer to the beginning of next year’s summer!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry for here is planned for Thursday, October 20, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “Spirit Day, 2022!”
Tan-Lines:The difference in skin tone (dark/light) from the exposed skin to the covered (protected) skin.
A tan-line is a visually obvious division on the human skin between an area of pronounced paleness relative to other areas that have been exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation – sunlight.
Some individuals who have tattoos on their body are committed to keeping tan-lines as they believe it enhances their sexual attraction.
Tan-line “on the rocks!”
Tan-lines are most noticeable when the person is completely clothes free (naked or nude). The reaction to tan-lines within the naturist/nudist community is often very adamant and controversial. Those who are partial (in favor of) to tan-lines, aside from enhancing their sexual appeal, also believe that the demarcation exemplifies their muscular development. Once again, helping to promote their physical appearance toward those they wish to impress.
Swimsuit tan-line!
Those opposed to the tan-lines existence feel that it detracts from their preference for nudity. It serves as a reminder of the popularity of swim apparel and the discomfort of clothing. They also agree that it “cheapens” a personal appearance.
Waist tan-line!
A prevalent misconception about tan-lines is that they don’t appear on Black people. They are just as prominent on all races of humanity. The discrepancy perhaps is caused by the lack of familiarity with the racial group and the tanning habits of the participants. Always remember: “Where the sun doesn’t shine, there’s always a tan-line!”
Tan-line buttocks!
There are some tan-line enthusiasts who wholeheartedly welcome all the attention received when exposing their tan-lines – especially while engaging in their naturist or nudist preference and confidently and flamboyantly exhibiting their evocative and provocative swimsuit favorite. They relish the notice that doing so generates. It helps to satisfy their not-so-subtle exhibitionist trends!
Thong-style tan-line!
They feel it bestows a “celebrity” status upon themselves and enhances their bare image. However, they should understand that perhaps half the attention they’re creating isn’t from persons who approve of the “picture” represented.
Frontal tan-line!
The more appropriate philosophy under such circumstances is perhaps “live and let others live.” Tolerance is a better skill practiced!
Rear tan-line!
We don’t all have to agree with the choices others may make. It is both courteous and essential that we respect everyone’s freedom to choose.
Reminder: please remember sunscreen!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry for here is planned for Sunday, July 31, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “Bottoms-Up! July, 2022”
As bare practitioners (same gender loving naturists/nudists) we wholeheartedly embrace, encourage and endorse the following character traits of our community and our culture:
Acceptance: of our body and clothes freedom nature and our sexuality.
Belief: in our inalienable and natural right to determine and to be ourselves.
Confidence: in all of us to be what and who we basically and honestly are without any apology, guilt or shame.
Dedication: in advocating and supporting these principles for everyone, no matter who they are and where they live.
Pride: our shining star!
As bare practitioners we all know that we are entitled to and experience our pride throughout the entire year. Confidence and self-expression are not limited and/or restricted to just the month of June, annually. Pride month is when we, as both a community and a culture, remind the the rest of humanity of who we all are and to celebrate our collective accomplishments and achievements! This is the time of the year for all of us to join together in celebrating, demonstrating, exhibiting, representing, sharing and showing our confidence and pride in being ourselves!
Unknowingly for many but consciously for a few, our pride in ourselves as bare practitioners casts us into the status of role model. Unwittingly, countless numbers of others exploring our community and culture may look upon each one of us as an example – a role model – of a life they find appealing. We may never be aware of this service to others. Simply being who and what we truly are often can and does inspire other.
Back-up plans!
As an accidental as well as an unintentional bare practitioner example, our “option for action” is to continue to live our life. Our nakedness and our sexuality combined have determined us as “unique.” This uniqueness, in turn, awarded us the unsolicited position of role model to anyone observing our community and our culture.
If someone is curious about our lifestyle as same gender loving and as a naturist/nudist, we should all strive to be as welcoming as possible and reply to their questions. It is also beneficial to know someone of our community who is very receptive and has the dedication and the patience to spend with those seeking knowledge of our lives. The vast majority of us can recall our own exploration of the community and what proved helpful and informative for us.
Coming together as a community!
When Alex, my identical twin brother, and I first began exploring the openly nude skinny-dipping riverside site in the city where we grew up, we were the youngest there in a group of primarily university ages and older. As we are both Deaf, no one around seemed bothered by reading our questions and writing their answers. The major problem for all of us seemed to be reading the handwriting! All the guys there were patient and ready to respond. No one appeared to resent our “joining” their beach!
Bottoms-up!
Twin and I always remembered to thank our role models for both their patience and their tolerance. We had already acknowledged our sexuality so the majority of our questions regarded interacting among the same gender loving (gay) nude community. There were two of so, so we were often laughed at as being the groups “class.” Neither of us are able to recall if any of our “tutors” had shared with us their major as being education.
As bare practitioners, we recognize the importance of our service as role-models. In order for future generations of bare practitioners to be happy and succeed, it is our duty to explain and represent our community and culture as best as possible. Our level of comfort in being a role-model often is seen by others as a determination of our dedication to our lifestyle. Nothing could be further from the truth. The personal interaction between role-model and the person we’re mentoring is often the determining factor as to level of comfort.
All of us, as either role-model or as the one being tutored, cooperating together for our common good are making for a better and stronger bare practitioner movement, a community and culture based on confidence and pride!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry for here is planned for Monday, June 13, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “World Naked Bike Ride Pride!”
Today is May 13, 2022. There is really no special significance placed on this day except for one major detail: today is Friday, May 13, 2022. The day of the week is the factor that makes a big difference. In the human mind, Friday, the 13th of any month is a date seriously lacking in any good fortune. Friday, the 13th is stereotyped as a most unlucky date!
The origins of this misconception in the early days of the Christian era were based on the belief that Jesus had twelve major followers (apostles). Somehow, an extra one subtly integrated the apostolic dozen thus creating the ideal of the unlucky 13th. Of course, this reasoning is built on the presumption that all of the world is Christian, which we know is not true.
In some bizarre intrigue, Satan (devil, evil) had penetrated the “holy divine dozen.” In this assault on Christianity, the number thirteen (13) earned it’s unlucky classification. Blame it all on Satan!
Despair!
Another theory as to the origins of the unlucky Friday the 13th exists and persists. This idea is supported by historical evidence that does offer us credibility although Satan is associated with this version of the unlucky 13th story also. For all of his rumoured might and power, that poor devil seems unable to lose his notoriety over the unlucky Friday the 13th legacy.
The next tale of this unlucky 13th saga is less biblical and more historical in content. It involves the Roman Catholic Church, a king of France, the Crusade, the Knights Templar, deceit, envy, greed, jealousy, history, myth, fact and fiction. Both a pope and Satan have roles to play in this gruesome epic; but, unfortunately, I am unable to serve popcorn as I relay all the tale to you.
Personal observation: for some unknown reason, Christianity, Satan and the “unlucky 13th” appear intimately involved in this legacy of misfortune.
Religious supplication!
The prelude to this segment of the unlucky 13th woe, the Crusades have already taken place. Christian armies, of which the Templar Knights were an allied force, had occupied the biblical lands and then been forced to retreat from them. Palestine was once again under complete Islamic domination. The Templar Knights had relocated themselves back into the safety of Europe and turned their attention from pilgrim protection in the Holy Land to banking and land management enterprises. The order was extremely wealthy.
Early morning, Friday, October 13, 1307, King Philip IV of France ordered the arrest of all the Knights Templar living in France. The king owed immense amounts of money to the Knights and had no way to pay off his debts. He believed that by arresting the order, he could confiscate their wealth and become debt-free. The highest ranking members of the monastic order were locked in prison, including Grand Master Jacques de Molay, and the torturing began. Incarcerated and under torture, the Templars were viciously slandered as “homosexuals” (same gender loving) and who inducted recruits to their order while they all were naked together after spitting on the holy cross.
Pope Clement V was horrified when he was informed of the Templar rumours and of their massive arrests. He’d been elected pope almost solely because of the French king’s influence and support and he feared the Templar Knights power. However, as the number of confessing Templars increased due to the torture Philip was inflicting on them, Clement issued a papal bull (law) ordering the arrest of all Templars throughout Europe due to blasphemy and heresy.
Arresting the Templar Knights!
Within a few days of torture, numerous Templars confessed to their alleged sins. Within weeks of their confession, most of the knights recanted their confessions and were put to death. This led Pope Clement V to terminate the inquisitions into their sins and to dissolve the courts. However, the papal action did not deter King Philip IV as he was busy dealing with the Templar fortunes he was now accumulating.
In 1310, two years after Pope Clement V had the inquisition ended, King Philip IV had Grand Master Jacques de Molay and the remaining leaders of the Knights Templar burned at the stake. The Friday the 13th fallacy was now officially over!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry for here is planned for Monday, May 16, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “Act-For-Skin!”
World Naked Gardening Day is Saturday, May 7, 2022!
World Naked Gardening Day is internationally observed on the first Saturday in May, annually. Many countries, regions, provinces, etc., have a local date/day specific to locality in addition to this global event. Consult neighboring gardening, horticultural, naturist and nudist groups or organizations for actual dates and/or celebrations.
The first annual World Naked Gardening Day occurred on September 10, 2005. In 2007, the event date was changed to the first Saturday in May. In 2018, the New Zealand Naturist Federation adopted the last Saturday in October, annually, as World Naked Gardening Day due to the climate of the Southern Hemisphere. In Canada, the first Saturday in May can be especially cold so the alternate day of the first Saturday in June is Naked Canadian Gardening Day.
My spouse, Aaron, and I observe World Naked Gardening Day at our home. We invite over other bare practitioner couples to replant house plants (each couple is asked to bring their own). This year – thus far – will be the first celebration of this “nature activity” in two years due to the coronavirus COVID-19 epidemic and quarantine. As of today, four other couples have confirmed their joining us for this endeavour!
My legal and significant other has entitled our gathering and planting: BTD (bare transplant day)!
We use our condominium’s balcony as our “garden” area and use blankets and sheets to hang on the railing so we don’t offend any neighbors by our blatant and confident nudity. While socializing and planting, our fellow enthusiasts (guests) often offer new gardening advice. This mid-day activity is then followed by a modest weekend brunch.
World Naked Gardening Day!
Quite naturally, bare landscaping (groundskeeping, yardwork) is also an option for World Naked Gardening Day! An ideal way to encourage comfort, health and open clothes freedom (public naturist/nudist lifestyle)! If possible, join us in promoting our natural leisure pleasures!
Happy World Naked Gardening Day!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Sunday, May 8, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “USA: Mother’s Day!”
This is the final posting of the April Appeal series for this year here on ReNude Pride. The sub-title is “fantasy” but perhaps a sub-title of “initiation” is more appropriate. The two men featured in the above image are our bare practitioner “hosts” for this ritual – the welcoming of one of our textile “converts” into the world of living in the freedom of being a bare practitioner!
My friend, Jay’s partner, Raheem, volunteered to help me with today’s April Appeal installation. I am grateful for his efforts and encourage him to pursue maintaining his own blog! Some of you may remember assistance on my post “BRAT!”(click the title to link).
Unofficial and unstructured, as far as Raheem and I can determine, there are absolutely no guidelines or mandate for actually conducting an initiation ceremony into the bare practitioner community. The fantasy Order of Bare Practitioners (OBP) is an imaginary dream of both Raheem and myself (although it does have a noble connotation)! Nakedness appreciates companionship – that’s why we have “social nudity” – but an official ritual for membership? Removal of clothing is the sole qualification as per our knowledge.
Initiating the textile as a bare practitioner #1!
Initiation Into the Bare Practitioner World!
The two bare practitioner men are stripping the clothes off of a man they are preparing to “induct” into the bare practitioner culture. Our “host’s” duties are to remove the covering (clothing) from those seeking membership into OBP and to present them to all members present, completely bare!
“There is no reason to conceal and hide. Complete nudity is cause for joy and pride!” ~ Roger Poladopoulos ~ April 25, 2022
Bare Practitioner Initiation Ritual:
Initiating the textile as a bare practitioner #2!
All of the bare practitioners (the regular membership) viewing the induction ritual recall their own entrance into the OBP (the mythical society). The initiates, being totally clothed, eagerly anticipate their moment of freedom from being burdened with clothes! That’s the reason all the bare practitioners engage their nudity prior to the beginning of the ceremony!
There is most definitely no humiliation or shame in being publicly stripped of one’s textile deceit! Everyone knows that body and clothes freedom is accompanied with pride!
Initiating the textile as a bare practitioner #3!
As the discomfort of the garments are removed, the initiate is allowed to share with the membership his eagerness and willingness to become one with them in enjoying living naturally! The regular bare practitioner membership is encouraged to ask questions of those who are seeking to join us as members. This exchange helps to open the friendship between the regular members and those hoping to become affiliated with our camaraderie!
Initiating the textile as a bare practitioner #4!
Each prospective recruit is invited to come forward fully clothed and to be publicly and ritually removed of his artificial concealment. The identical process is repeated for each and every one. This allows all of us to witness our newest as they evolve from being textile to their new status as completely “bare with pride!”
Initiating the textile as a bare practitioner #5!
This evolution and induction process empowers us all as members of the Order of Bare Practitioners. We are reminded of our own membership assimilation as well as the unity that we all share with one another. It enables us to appreciate and understand that even though we may be a minority population, we are most definitely not alone in our same gender love nor in our pride in our nakedness. Together, we make a committed team!
Bare practitioner unity!
Embracing one another reinforces our dedication to our ideals of same gender love and of body and clothes freedom. We respect the responsibility of each and every one to determine the path they will follow throughout their life. Our embrace, together, reaffirms this principle!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: Please remember that this particular post is a pure fantasy publication.
The next post entry for here is planned for Saturday, April 30, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “Bottoms-Up! April, 2022!”
ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! 