The importance of sleep (slumbering) in our daily lives is taught to all of us since we were very little and very young. The holidays are full of family, friends and fun but often without very few moments of sleep. Many of us resort to mentally reviewing our lengthy list of “things-to-do” so that our holiday plans continue to proceed.
This creates an absence of sleep that afflicts many of us, particularly during this crazed, frantic and hectic season of the year. Too many thoughts dealing with too many tasks that still need to be dealt with in a short amount of time!
Lack of sleep causes a loss of direction and absent mindedness. At a time of year when needed most, focus and orientation frequently suffers.
Holiday sleeping!
My spouse, Aaron, has no problem sleeping. His co-workers and professional superiors often refer, in a joking manner, of his unique ability to “sleep-on-the-job!”
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Tuesday, December 31, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Bottoms-Up! New Year’s Eve!”
Alternate title:Their jollies stuffed inside their jock-straps!
Before anyone panics, ReNude Pride is not abandoning naked, natural, nude and/or nudity! The male jock-strap is one of the minimal and most relaxing of any type of male garment in existence. We’re just complying with the holiday season!
Exchanging kisses!
We Wish You A Jolly Jock-Strap!
We wish you a jolly jock-strap!
We wish you a jolly jock-strap!
We wish you a jolly jock-strap!
Every day of the year!
Gaining familiarity!
A holiday bromance happens!
A simple holiday adaptation of the traditional holiday song: We Wish You A Merry Christmas! The lyrics are courtesy of my musical spouse, Aaron.
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, December 23, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Deck the Halls!”
My job would be ideal if I could lecture in front of the class completely clothes free! Unfortunately, education isn’t always as progressive as it should be!
Critical instruction!
However, there are some happy benefits that accompany educational instruction: among those is the semester break (holiday) between the Autumn semester and the Spring semester! My break begins today, Monday, 9 December (unofficially) after I submit my final rankings for Autumn. Classes resume in January. A nice way to spend the holiday time!
My spouse, Aaron, has some time off from his job and we’ll be spontaneous in our December excursions! We’re intentionally trying to remain as uncommitted as possible in order to take advantage of being both clothes and job free! An additional benefit is the freedom to be spontaneous in any social offerings! Few expectations and time together!
Time together!
Relaxing with the freedom to be us!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, December 13, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Seasonal Adjustment!”
It makes very little difference exactly where we live, either the Northern or the Southern Hemispheres, the month of December affords to the overwhelming majority of us a festive occasion to celebrate our cultural and social heritage!
In selecting a title for today’s post entry here on ReNude Pride, I am once again sensitive that a general, generic title is almost impossible. No matter how it is constructed, someone, somewhere will undoubtedly be offended. For many, avoiding the label “Christmas” is publicly repudiating Christians everywhere. Even though a significant number of persons living on this planet are not actually of the Christian belief system.
Winter holidays is another useless term as not everyone resides in the Northern Hemisphere where the winter season is fast approaching. Season’s greetings is equally unacceptable as summer enthusiasts who live in the Northern Hemisphere, such as my spouse, Aaron, and myself are in no way pleasantly receptive to any season that hinders or restricts our outdoor expressions of our joy of nakedness!
I’m certain that there are those who live in the Southern Hemisphere who prefer the “thrill of the chill” (cooler, if not even colder) outside air temperatures than what is about to encompass them! Perhaps December holidays is an appropriate title for today’s composition, even though I’m certain that more than likely is considered rude and thoughtless by some.
Then again, I am cognizant of the fact that being same gender loving (SGL) and clothes free is also offensive to many! Therefore, in an attempt to be as inclusive as possible, Aaron and I offer to everyone here as complete an attachment as currently available that acknowledges the multitude of seasonal festivities observed during the month of December! We also recognize that one holiday, happens on 1 January, annually. An entirely different month and year. Please allow us another year to creatively address and explore that issue!
There are additional celebrations, events, feasts, observances that were not included in the above listing. No offence is intended!
In the meantime, enjoy this month of December, 2024!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, December 9, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Semester Outing!”
My apology! This is not the announced post entry for today! I humbly am sorry to disappoint but the projected topic simply didn’t quite meet my expectations and I was very disappointed in the final composition. The late JFK Jr. deserved better than what I composed.
Fitness Routine!
As the winter holiday season is now upon us, a very gentle and subtle reminder of keeping our fitness a priority. It doesn’t have to be an intensive or strenuous routine. It can be a simple series of exercises to encourage circulation and mobility.
The examples depicted here today are not the only ones recommended, They show us a few options that we can utilize in order to preserve ourselves throughout the inclement season!
Use the examples featured here or create your own! The important thing to remember is to stay healthy and enjoy yourself!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, November 25, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Thanksgiving, 2024!”
The explosion of violence in the attack on the U.S. Capitol on January, 2021, remains with both Aaron (my spouse) and myself as though it happened only yesterday. The eruption of anarchy and lawlessness by cohorts and followers of a person sworn to protect and defend the constitution of this country has irreparably damaged and destroyed a reputation of freedom and democracy. Voting and accepting the will of the electorate is the decent and respectful method for change. Not acting like a pre-adolescent unable to have his way!
Ms. Kamala Harris!
Today, Aaron and I encourage and endorse Ms. Kamala Harris in her efforts to return democratic tradition, decency, equality, fairness, honesty and justice in our national government. A peaceful and respectful nature needs to be restored not only to our government but also to the entire nation.
If you have not already voted, we both invite you to join us in casting our votes for Kamala Harris as the next president! An orderly and progressive restoration of government is needed for us all!
Naked hugs!
Aaron Michael Peterson-Poladopoulos
Roger Peterson-Poladopoulos
ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday. November 4, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Vote Tuesday!”
Halloween is a festive day here in the USA that often involves the wearing of a costume and children roaming their neighbourhoods at night seeking sweet treats from their terrified neighbours! Many adults use the occasion to dress up in costumes and to enjoy socializing. Frequently bare practitioners, in spirit with the occasion, body paint themselves rather than engage in the boring, mundane custom of actually wearing some type of costume! To each their own!
Halloween is observed annually on 31 October. As this is the weekend prior to the observance, for many adult enthusiasts, it is often the occasion for many Halloween parties!
Temptation!
This body painted person reflects the biblical legend concerning the temptation of Adam and Eve with the forbidden fruit in the garden of Eden. People opt for total body painting to reflect popular characters of films, social media and television shows. Others utilize images from books or tales of horror.
Surprise!
There are some who prefer abstract designs painted on their body. Perhaps these denote the concept of a “human canvas?”
“Trick or treating” pumpkins!
Covered faces conceal personal identity from neighbours as frolicking “trick or treat” (knocking on doors to obtain a special “Halloween treat” go from house-to-house to gather as many sweet treats as possible!
Happy Halloween!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, October 28, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Bare Practitioners: Ourstories!”
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer+ Awareness Day!
October 11, annually!
Introduction:
Coming Out Day was first observed in 1988 during the critical and tragic years of the onset of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. For far too many men, their diagnosis with the disease often was their “official coming out” of the proverbial closet to family, friends and co-workers. Unfortunately, the beginning of their coming out process was also the fatal and sad beginning of their farewell process.
National Coming Out Day was scheduled on the very first anniversary of the 1987 National March on Washington for Gay and Lesbian Civil Rights. It was also the occasion of the first complete public display of the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt.
Origins of the Phrase:
For centuries, persons who today constitute the GLBTQ+ community and culture were intentionally and legally marginalized (set aside) and segregated (separated) from the remainder of society. They were condemned and judged by church, clerics, government, law, legal enforcement, etc. as “homosexuals,” “perverts,” “queers,” and “sexual deviants.” These were among the more acceptable social labels.
Closets are for clothes only!
Many of “our kind” lived their entire lives without ever sharing exactly what and who they really and truly were with anyone. Some even led a life that was totally false, they married and raised families without revealing their honest identity. This anonymous, concealed, obscure and secretive way of living was colloquially referenced as “being closeted” or as “living in the closet.” The closet being behind closed doors, thus hidden and unavailable for others to see or witness.
Purpose:
Coming out day was the signal for the post Stonewall Inn Riot (SIR) folks to openly and proudly accept, acknowledge and own their identity, their sexual orientation, the what and the who they indeed are. To step “out of the closet and into their life!” As previously mentioned, regrettably, the HIV/AIDS crisis was happening simultaneously.
“Closets are for clothes” was an expression used by body and clothes freedom enthusiasts who were also same gender loving (SGL) – bare practitioners today – to encourage and empower our community and culture in recognizing ourselves for being ourselves; there’s nothing wrong with us!
Artist Keith Haring created this art for the first Coming Out Day, October 11, 1988!
The late world renown artist, Keith Haring, himself an openly gay man living with AIDS, designed the above artwork in honour of the occasion. It remains prominent today as the globally recognized symbol for bravely, confidently, openly and proudly coming out about individual sexuality and for us bare practitioners, our position on body and clothes freedom.
The original concept for Coming Out Day was to combine the personal notification of sexuality with the political message that individual sexual preference was no longer a secret admission of disgrace and shame. There was nothing degrading about sexuality and consequently, there is nothing abnormal or guilty concerning nakedness. In reality, it’s okay for me to be me!
The emphasis on making the personal act of coming out into a political statement is a basic form of activism. Openly coming out (self identification) to family, friends and colleagues and then living life as a confident person publicly refuting bias and marginalization was in the eyes and minds of many as an extension of the SIR. The fact that homophobia (fear of same gender lovers) thrives in an atmosphere or environment of silence and/or ignorance was reality. Once people realize they either know or are related to someone who is indeed GLBTQ+ they are less than willing to remain with discriminatory, hateful and repressive individuals. “Familiarity breeds the seeds of tolerance.”
Coming out of the closet!
Coming Out Day was extensively reported in the media of the 1980’s (broadcast and press). Keith Haring’s art created attention and notice; overall, the response was well received and several noted celebrities did indeed “come out” themselves and/or encouraged their fans and followers to do the same. However, it did not reach the projected multitudes as hoped. The HIV/AIDS dilemma continued to devastate and even mainline Christian fundamentalist clergy began to involve themselves and their faithful in disease care, education and protection efforts. Slowly and hesitantly, the GLBTQ+ population began to identify with the necessity of the campaign to step forward and to “come out!”
Opening doors!
Evolution:
Since the very first National Coming Out Day on 11 October, 1988, so much has happened in our world, specifically in the attainment of GLBTQ+ civil rights, equality and freedoms. In the USA, the removal of the military ban/restriction on service, marriage equality and broad non-discrimination policies and protocols (just to name a few). There is now an almost general acceptance and acknowledgment of our existence and our humanity.
The struggle against HIV/AIDS is no longer seen as an absolute fatality. With proper treatment and care, it is now widely interpreted as a now “manageable” condition. It is not necessary for avoidance and/or isolation.
The purpose of National Coming Out Day has, in keeping with the progress, evolved into a GLBTQ+ awareness day, reminding our general society that we’re still here and yes, we’re still queer! Our sexuality no longer forces us to remain anonymous, invisible and obscure. We have the freedom and the right to be exactly what and who we truly are! The days of guilt and shame are in the past, gone but not forgotten!
For us bare practitioners, our next step forward is that our proclivity for our nakedness is no longer a concern nor a judgment to be determined by others. As long as we respect others, we should expect the equal and same respect for ourselves! Equality works both ways for everyone!
Out and proud!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, October 14, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Cultural Imagery!”
The upcoming weekend is the very first one now that the Autumn season has arrived here in the Northern Hemisphere. We all know that the seasonal transition does not generate an immediate change in our outdoor temperatures. A majority of us have the luxury of comfortable and moderate weather during the beginning of the Autumn season, as we likewise briefly experience the lasting effects of the winter when spring arrives.
Probably, no drastic and immediate change in our weather patterns when seasons transit from one to another is for our benefit and comfort. The gradual nature of the adjustment gives us the relief of not being frozen solid overnight. For us bare practitioners, we avoid the loathsome burden of clothing ourselves for a few extra weeks! It also presents us with the opportunity to relax and relish in the glory of body and clothes freedom for a brief period longer!
Bare practitioner: behind the steering wheel!
An early Autumn road trip, especially in a vehicle with fellow bare practitioners, allows us all to have our social companionship and our body and clothes freedom simultaneously. The best of both worlds combined over a set of car wheels and an open highway! If the seasons absolutely must change, then this is one exceptional advantage from evolving from a season of pleasure into one of moderation!
My spouse, Aaron, does insist that I offer a word of caution here. In the interest of both transport and public safety, his advice is that we all remember when we’re behind an automobile’s steering wheel, our primary responsibility are our passengers and all others driving along the roadways. Everyone has a destination and wish to arrive alive and well.
Unlike our driver, above, keep eyes on the road ahead! Anticipate moves from other drivers and watch for vehicular patterns. Not all drivers are as attentive and focused as we are. Unfortunately, erratic and impulsive behaviour is more common now as the number of autos travelling increases. Be aware and take care!
Active passenger!
Driving a road trip is an enormous responsibility. It involves and requires all of our attention throughout the entire trip, no matter what season of the year. As much as our passengers would like our undivided attention, our goal is alive and well for us all! Remind those in the vehicle with us that signals can wait until the destination is reached!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, September 30, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Bottoms-up! September, 2024!”
In the Northern Hemisphere, Summer, 2024, officially ends – local date and time – 22 September, 2024, at 8:44 a.m. The season of Autumn follows immediately thereafter!
Looking towards a new season!
Personally, for almost my entire life, I dreaded the transition from summer into autumn. The change of the seasons meant the return of colder weather – accompanied by ice, snow and misery! As I have written here repeatedly, I am a “heat and humidity” man! As temperatures drop, so do my spirits!
I have matured over the past years, and the passing of the seasons is no longer as traumatic as it once was. Aging may have finally enabled me to become somewhat more tolerant of cooler weather, although I remain discomforted by the freezing extremes of winter-time!
The transition from the glorious summertime into Autumn has eased with the presence of my spouse, Aaron. He is as much of a fan of the summers as me, but the Autumn season arrival was not as depressing for him as it often was for me. His attitude is more along the lines of “one-day-at-a-time” instead of my “here-it-is-disaster-approaches!”
Sunset to Summer, 2024!
Our plans for this upcoming weekend are to be outside as much as possible, and as bare as possible! There’s nothing special or unique in those assignments. We’re joining with two other bare practitioner couples on Saturday (weather cooperating) for a riverside hike hike, picnic and skinny-dip into the river. Sunday is a lazy day with no concrete plans (at the moment). It is, after all, the arrival of the autumn!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, September 23, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Sticky-Note!”
