A shot glass full of favourite Irish beverage and a bare, soaking leprechaun (Irish elf) illustrate ReNude Pride’s salute to St. Patrick’s Day! There is no St. Patrick in the Eastern Orthodox Church (in general) nor the Greek Orthodox Church (specifically) so I’m unsure if this the Irish saint’s birthday or the anniversary of his exile of all snakes from Ireland.
At the end of the rainbow!
To allow the body to be seen in its nakedness. to say nothing of being touched and embraced, is to show the soul in all its glory and complexity.” Thomas Moore, Irish poet
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Take care and stay bare!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Sunday, March 20, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “The First Day of Spring!”
The Shoneye Twins: Is Darren (left) brave and Daniel (right) modest?
Introduction:
It has been quite a few years since we visited Robert Graves’ poem, The Naked and The Nude. The entire poem is posted here immediately following this introduction. Graves, the poet, paved the pathway that continues to divide the clothes free community today: Are you naked? Are you nude? Which label best identifies you?
Graves understood nude as being without clothes. He felt that naked, although also without clothes, as being similar to “vulnerable.”
Generations of society have interpreted “naked” as being involuntary and “nude” as being voluntary. For example, a communal shower is mandatory following a required physical education class. It is part of the class routine. As a result, while showering, the entire class is naked. It is an involuntary action as the goal is personal hygiene.
A typical Sunday afternoon activity for a group of friends is to go skinny-dipping. While swimming or lounging in the sun afterwards, everyone is nude. After all, it was a voluntary choice to go skinny-dipping with friends. The end result is to have fun and relax together.
The Shoneye Twins: Overly cautious?
The two images of the Shoneye twins above, Daniel and Darren, feature them both without a piece of clothing on their body. The determination of whether they are naked or nude depends to their intent and the interpretation of the person viewing the photograph. Both twins publicly acknowledge being bare practitioners (same gender loving and body and clothes freedom enthusiasts. I am unaware of either of them, privately or publicly, ever disclosing a preference for naked or nude in describing themselves.
The Naked and The Nude
by Robert Graves
(1895 – 1985)
For me, the naked and the nude
(By lexicographers construed
As synonyms that should express
The same deficiency of dress
Or shelter) stand as wide apart
As love from lies, or truth from art.
Lovers without reproach will gaze
On bodies naked and ablaze;
The Hippocratic eye will see
In nakedness, anatomy;
And naked shines the Goddess when
She mounts her lion among men.
The nude are bold, the nude are sly
To hold each treasonable eye.
While draping by a showman’s trick
Their dishabille in rhetoric,
They grin a mock-religious grin
Of scorn at those of naked skin.
The naked, therefore, who compete
Against the nude may know defeat;
Yet when they both together tread
The briary pastures of the dead,
By Gorgons with long whips pursued,
How naked go the sometime nude!
The Shoneye twins: who’s naked and who’s nude?
Summary
Robert Graves poem, The Naked and The Nude, presents to all of us with the reality that within our very own culture of body and clothes freedom the debate over naked and nude is all consuming for many of our people. The same applies to the conflict between those who consider themselves naturist and those who consider themselves nudist.
In the minds of many, the differing labels are practically synonymous – identical. The subtle definitions may evolve over the years but in essence the meaning of each word remains consistent. ReNude Pride utilizes “bare practitioner” as well as “body and clothes freedom” whenever possible in order to distance itself from entanglement with proponents of the different persuasions.
Take care and stay bare!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry for here is planned for Sunday, March 13, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “USA Goes DST!”
For many of us who reside in the Northern Hemisphere, the month of March, annually, often qualifies itself as the “the month of chaos and confusion!” Why? Rarely, if ever, do the days follow any natural pattern or sequence. The entire month is notorious for being breezy or windy or whatever choice word one prefers to use to describe the air velocity. It can be calm one day and then chaotic the next – all accompanied by temperature extremes: cold, hot, moderate, warm and or freezing.
Definite chaos. Confirmed confusion. Variable levels of comfort that collectively satisfy very few – if any at all! Inconsistency and instability dominate each day. Precipitation can range from rain to sleet to snow to ice and sometimes all during the same day – then arrogantly repeating itself the following day – although not necessarily in the identical order! Bottom line (basic thought): March is unpredictable!
The jogger featured here today caught my attention after I had already selected the theme for this post entry here on ReNude Pride as March Mayhem. My reasoning for choosing his images is simple: opposites attract one another.
Jogging bare practitioner!
Obviously, he’s a bare practitioner with both confidence and pride! He is also comfortable posing for a video sharing his daily routine and his full body (wearing only shoes on his feet). Absolutely oblivious as to what else is happening in the rural world around him.
No guilt or shame over any aspect of his nudity. No attempt to conceal any part of his anatomy. No embarrassment on having his nakedness broadcast to social media worldwide. A bold bare practitioner encouraging others, by setting the example, to just do the same! A man being himself: reality with no excuses or qualm!
My original title for today’s title was “March Madness.” My spouse, Aaron, upon reading the draft reminded me that this was the former name of the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s (NCAA) university basketball tournament. He suggested the change and I’m grateful for his recommendation! He also liked the jogger’s .gif pictures.
Earlier this year (January), I published here New Year’s Resolutions. (Click the title to link to the post). I endorsed the idea of creating resolutions on the first day of spring every year as opposed to the tradition of New Year’s Day. Spring begins on March 20, 2022. Aaron joins with me in urging all of us to resolve now to become better, bolder and braver bare practitioners for at least the remainder of 2022!
“To profit from good advice requires more wisdom than to give it.” ~ John Churton Collins ~
All the while, our jogging friend continues on his task of being true to himself: a committed bare practitioner! Dedicated, dynamic and energetic! Loyally enjoying and pursuing his belief in the ideals of both body and clothes freedoms!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, March 11, 2022, and the proposed topic is: The Naked and The Nude!”
A delay because of my overload at work due to my flu infection, but I’ve added a new post to my new page here, A Guy Without Boxers, 2022! Click the page title to visit and scroll down the page to the entry for February, 2022.
Take care and stay bare!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry is planned for Friday, March 4, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “Judgments!”
As long as there is snow probable during this month – incorporating that into this posting for 2022 eliminates the need to repeat it again until perhaps next year! One snowfall per year is more than enough for my liking.
A s’naked jogger!
Gloves and a hat may be worn during the month of January to ensure the warmth of the s’naked enthusiast and hopefully the jogging helps to keep his buttocks comfortable!
Snowy mountains and icy waters!
The body may somehow adjust to the chill in the air but the buttocks tend to shiver in the colder temperatures, snowfall or not!
Beach buttocks buddies!
A quick trip to the Southern Hemisphere affords us the opportunity for a scenic variety of bottom’s-up! experiences during this time of the year! Regardless of where we live, regular exercise helps us maintain our buttocks appeal!
Bottom’s-Up fitness exercise!
Remember, the last day of the month is dedicated to all buttocks! However, displaying our assets is not restricted to just this one day! Be bold and be proud!
Take care and stay bare!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for tomorrow, March 1, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “Post Entry: A Guy Without Boxers, 2022!”
While growing up in predominately textile (clothes wearing) families, the majority of us are taught of the “evils” and undesirability of being seen/viewed naked or nude. No matter that we’re all born naked. Our caregivers and parents insist this is absolutely not the way to be!
Today’s posting celebrates two sets of siblings, notorious bare practitioners: bold, brave and publicly proud celebrities!
Daniel and Darren (Junior) Shoneye:
Comfortable Daniel Shoneye (left) modest Darren Shoneye (right)!
Both of these Nigerian-born, same gender loving (SGL) identical twins live in London, UK, and model as well as serve as GLBTQ+ rights advocates throughout the British Commonwealth. Daniel is also a personal trainer.
Darren (left) loses some of his modesty while Daniel (right) remains relaxed!
Both of the Shoneye brothers are featured in some SGL adult films and are more frequently receiving modeling assignments that do not require the wearing of clothing! Way to go, guys!
Bottoms-Up! Shoneye twins!
Both keep physically toned and have no guilt over appearing in their human “natural” form! They definitely “earn” their way in our world!
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Gio Dell and his half-brother, Armani:
Gio Dell (left) and his half-brother, Armani (right)!
Gio Dell and his half-brother, Armani, are from Venezuela and currently live in the U.S. They have the same mother but different fathers. Gio is the older of the duo.
Armani prepares Gio for a fresh facial shave outside!
Armani grooms Gio in the colored photo above. Below, the same image is repeated in the black/white version.
The black/white edition of the above image!
The picture below depicts Armani preparing Gio for a grooming session, inside rather than outside.
Prepping Gio only inside rather than outside!
The two half-brothers work well together and both are separately pursuing careers in the SGL film industry!
Enjoy the last weekend in February!
Take care and stay bare!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry planned for here is Monday, February 28, 2022, the proposed topic is: “Bottom’s Up! February, 2022”
It was exactly one year ago today, February 20, 2021, that one of my all-time favorite adult actors, Ta’Leon Goffney (performance name: Teyon Goffney) – may he rest in peace – dies after being briefly diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic colon cancer. He would be 40 years old if he had lived until this year.
The Goffney Twins: Teyon (left) and Keyon (right)!
The Goffney Twins, pictured above an arms-length apart were rarely filmed with that distance between them. Ta’Leon and Keyontyli Goffney (stage name Keyon or Kyle) were born in Camden, New Jersey on April 8, 1982. They were raised by their mother as their father disappeared just before their birth.
They both began appearing in gay pornography in the late teen years. As youth full twins, it didn’t take long for them to gain national attention and fame. In their third year of gay porn-star success, they appeared with muscular gay film icon, Marc Williams, in a full-length feature. The film (on VHS) was an instant bestseller and was soon re-released to the public repeatedly.
The Goffney twins admiring Marc William’s chest!
Shortly after the twin’s astronomical rise to their status as film stars, gossip and rumours alleging an incestuous relationship between the twin duo soon began appearing in the national press. Both Ta’Leon and Keyontyli vehemently denied the allegations and the result was the collapse of their gay porn careers. Keyontyli always openly acknowledged his gay orientation whereas Ta’Leon always claimed to be “straight” (heterosexual).
Ta’Leon (left) and Keyontyli (right)!
In 2002, Ta’leon was caught, arrested and charged with breaking and entering a commercial business in Pennsylvania. In a plea deal, he admitted guilt and was sentenced to confinement. He was released early on “good behaviour” status. After his release, he publicly admitted to a bisexual orientation.
In 2014, under the pen name, Kent T. Jackson, he published his autobiography, “On My Search For A Better Life, This Is How I Became…Infamous!” In 2017, he authored, “Life After Infamy: The Sequel.”
Ta’Leon is survived by his two sons, Elias Paul Goffney and Noah Prince Goffney as well as his twin, Keyontyli, his mother and two younger brothers. His funeral and burial took place on March 1, 2021.
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I had the good fortune of personally meeting Ta’Leon Goffney at a promotional event of his autobiography in November, 2019. My spouse, Aaron, interpreted for our conversation. He was able to share with me a few memories of his experiences working with film legend Marc Williams. Aaron and I both laugh over this reality even today.
Rest in peace, Ta’Leon!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next posting entry here is planned for Monday, February 21, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “S’Naked Virgin.”
Today represents a look back in time in order to gain a sense of the bare practices of African-American men from available images. The above image depicts our subject alone leaning against a tree. Judging from his hair style, this was probably around the middle to late 1960’s timeframe.
Another natural man in a natural setting!
Again based solely on the hairstyle, the image directly above is just a little earlier than the first one. Perhaps the late 1950’s to early 1960’s.
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Freedom and the Access to Cameras:
The official demise of slavery upon the end of the US civil war (1860’s) introduced the policy of segregation (separation of the races – aparthied ) throughout the USA. The adoption of “Jim Crow laws” (second class citizenship) ensured an even greater divide between the African-American, Caucasian and Indigenous (Native-American) people. This practice prevailed until Dr. King’s era and the civil rights movement gained acceptance during the late 1950’s to the assassinations of Malcolm X in the 1960’s and Dr. King in 1968.
This reality fueled the popular myth (untruth) of African-American disinterest in and indifference to the growing emergence of the naturist/nudist community within the Caucasian culture. The three racial groups were denied social interaction and restricted to totally different locations. Therefore, their naked/nudist attractions and practices were nonexistent (invisible) to one another. This lack of contact and common occurrence perpetuates this myth even today. Unfortunately, it is common in all the racial cultures.
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A segregated public shower!
Once again, relying only on hair characteristics, the communal shower picture above could be middle to late 1940’s or early 1950’s. Segregation remained in practice in almost the entire country.
The same holds true for the above!
The communal shower scene and the participants are the match for the previous image. The timeframe will be identical.
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Racial and social inaccessibility are the major factors for the prevalence of this fiction within the body freedom and clothes freedom communities. Economics and “Jim Crow legalities” are strong secondary reasons for the continuance of these false delusions. The widespread oppression of the Black communities in this country and the practice of assigning to them the status of second-class – or lower/worse – citizenship ensured their economic depravity and financial insecurity. The growing fascination with the “camera” phenomenon and the obsession with the cult of photography made these novel “toys” financially inaccessible to the overwhelming majority of African-Americans. Segregation was so ingrained in society that photographers of one race couldn’t justify taking pictures of people of a different racial classification.
Black-focused logo!
Bare trio: comfortable and up-close and interpersonal!
Twentieth Century, the Great War, the Modern Era :
The arrival of the 20th Century witnessed an extraordinary and remarkable first on the American social scene. Following generations of subjugation, Blacks were abandoning rural isolation and intimidation – and worst – and migrating to the rapidly growing industrial cities of northern and western USA and beginning to earn money! Not necessarily large fortunes but enough to support themselves and to send some to less fortunate extended family members. The Great War (1914 – 1918) saw African-Americans enter the armed forces in record numbers and see action and meet people in western Europe. New societies, new practices, less restrictive! The 1920’s brought the USA into a period of prosperity and popular culture introduced a large number of Caucasian Americans (and their incomes) to the uniqueness and the pleasures of Black life and living.
Segregation remained, enforceable and legal, but the new decade’s outlook brought a relaxation of some restrictions and African-Americans entered an age of some limited accomplishment and cautious respect. Black homosexuality (same gender loving) earned some lukewarm acceptance and segregated color-oriented body and clothes freedom facilities began to appear and to prosper.
Simple message!
Gradual development of a Black-oriented financial infrastructure followed. Soon, items that were formerly considered unattainable luxuries became common and affordable. Cameras, photography and other modern conveniences began to evolve from dreams into reality. The twentieth century finally discovered Black America!
The 1920’s progress in financial resources and social gains was halted by the Great Depression that reached this country’s shores in the early 1930’s. The stoppage, though devastating, was only temporary as the election of Franklin Roosevelt as president, his wife, Eleanor, as first-lady and the New Deal as political fuel eventually brought the depression mindset to an end. The delayed entry of this country into World War II with the attack on Pearl Harbor rapidly converted the nation into an industrialized super-power.
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Bare practitioners: no doubt about it!
The vintage picture posted above leaves us with no question: they’re early bare practitioners! Arm-in-arm, they prepare to exchange a kiss. Their hairstyles are from the late 1940’s to early 1950’s.
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World War II ended in 1945 and an unsettling peace encompassed the globe. The “Cold War” era between the communist countries and the western allies was about to erupt. The economy continued to grow although no longer on a wartime frenzy. Segregation and the Jim Crow laws still managed to hinder and prevent equality. However, the need for a change was an attitude that fast covered the land.
A few years following the surrender of Italy, Germany and Japan – in 1947 – President Harry Truman signed a presidential executive order that ended the official policy of segregation throughout the U.S. air force, military and navy only. Enlisting (joining) the armed forces no longer guaranteed a single-race encounter. At least in theory, discrimination was now banned in all combat services. One positive “big step” forward on the journey towards equal rights.
In military life, discipline is the “rule of the day.” No argument, no discussion, no voting. If ordered to do something, it simply must be done. Truman’s executive order didn’t erase all military overnight, but it did represent a new direction in official policies and procedures.
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Open arms, open legs, no shame!
The couple published above hair dates from the middle 1950’s. Their open arms and legs indicate comfort with being photographed bare together publicly.
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Soon, another historical change rose on the horizon. In 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the segregation inspired Jim Crow law of mandating “separate-but-equal” public school (education) systems throughout the country unconstitutional. The only legal quality this law contained was “separate.” The best, newest equipment and facilities were assigned to Caucasian students. The older, used and dilapidated (poorer quality) equipment was assigned to the African-American or Indigenous (native) American students or to Hispanic students. Separate? Yes! Equal? Unlikely!
This landmark judicial decision led to integration (coming together or mixing together) replacing segregation as the standard quality of the U.S. public school systems. The court ruling didn’t automatically end segregation overnight but it did lead towards a more accountable and equitable type of public school that continues to be sought today.
An integrated men’s changing room!
Following the Brown vs. Board of Education verdict by the Supreme Court, the civil (equal) rights movement gained momentum with the arrival “on the scene” (forefront) of Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). Their leadership strategy was nonviolence (first and foremost) and involvement (engagement). This tactic quickly brought both national and international attention to the equality protest movement and highlighted the inequality and unfairness of life in the USA (the supposed symbol of freedom).
The growth of Black financial resources and services now gave the community to now have absolute proof (documentation) of existence. Cameras and photography provided evidence that justifies the reality of bare practitioners (same gender loving and naked/nude) in the African-American world. We can all admire and salute the bravery and commitment to a freer life for all Americans. We are grateful for their dreams and their efforts!
The reluctant acceptance and welcome offered to bare practitioners of one racial heritage when visiting the traditional site of a different racial group has caused problems within the same gender loving and body and clothes freedom communities. Both sides of the conflict have received negative reactions from all sides of the spectrum. The resolution of these concerns remains an unsolved issue within the larger bare practitioner community.
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The basic bare truth!
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As dedicated bare practitioners, my spouse, Aaron, and I know from our shared experience that we encounter both judgment and ridicule based on our sexual orientation, marital status and our racial category (interracial). Our clothes freedom preference is another source of discomfort for many outside our community. We understand that any difference we can create today offers hope for a better tomorrow for us all!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, February 21, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “S’Naked Virgin!”
February 14 is universally recognized as a date that commemorates the unique attraction that two people have for one another, no matter their sexual orientation. Here at ReNude Pride, the affectionate couple can be same gender, bisexual or heterosexual. A romance between two persons should be celebrated and honored no matter the genders affected.
Decorated romantics!
Traditionally, Valentine’s Day is considered an observance between persons who are emotionally and physically attracted to one another. However, two persons united in brotherhood and friendship can likewise be honored on this occasion. There is no strict mandate restricting the date for physical intimates only. Friends have every right to appreciate one another.
Valentine’s Day is a day for all types of love: bromantic (man-to-man), romantic (between the genders), and platonic (between friends)! Celebrate and spend time with those who are important in your own life!
Arrow and heart: traditional Symbols!
Happy Valentine’s Day to all! Enjoy!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, February 18, 2022, and the proposed topic is “Bare Black History Month!”
The subject and title of today’s entry here directly relate to the winter season here in the Northern Hemisphere. The fur references body hair and to that is added the ending of the word controversy – my word-play introduction for today’s theme. In the opening photograph (above), our brother bare practitioner (same gender loving naturist/nudist) and adult film actor, Daymin Voss, appears here again representing the very hirsute endowed. It is quite obvious that a razor hasn’t been held in his hands over a long period of time!
Normally, Daymin – like myself – only shaves his facial and head hair. The remainder of his body hair is all generously natural and profuse and has been that way almost all of his adult life.
A relaxing Daymin Voss!
He acknowledges that he has received criticism and ridicule publicly in the media and from the film studios about his insistence on being as nature intended. “I am proud to be the man that I am,” he retorts to inquiries. His confidence in himself is admirable.
Jason Vario (left), Daymin Voss pose together!
In the above featured image, Daymin Voss (right) poses with his fellow bare practitioner and adult film star, Canadian Jason Vario. They’re both personal and professional friends and very honest and open about their lifestyles. Jason has been in the business longer and actually encourages and guided Daymin into his career. Pictured together, their physical contrast is readily apparent: Jason is taller and Daymin’s hairy profusion as opposed to Jason’s sparse amount of body hair growth. Identical to Daymin, Jason usually only shaves his face and head. Frequently, he is mistakenly perceived as having a totally smooth (hairless) physical appearance. On occasions, he has been critiqued in social media and by film executives for removing his armpit and or pubic growth.
“Bare is a true gauge of equality. Anatomically, all nude men are the same. The significant discrepancy being some have more body hair than others.”
~Roger Poladopoulos~
Jason Vario with face and head stubble!
Publicly, Jason similarly dismisses and/or refutes gossip and rumors that he either shaves or trims his body hair. “It’s not my style” is his standard comment.
The attention and curiosity that both Daymin and Jason generate regarding return us to today’s topic here at ReNude Pride: fur. Specifically, nude or not, is it now an acceptable practice for men within our same gender loving community to have natural body hair?
Frequently and incessantly, debates have raged between the hairies and the smoothies regarding body hair. I could never quite gather the purpose of the dilemma. It isn’t as though we are deciding a mandatory public policy. Convenience are the two determining factors on the body hair issue. Just as dining at home or in a restaurant, body hair or not is a distinctly individual decision. The outlandish conflict between the hairies group and the smoothies group is nothing more than public grandstanding and a complete waste of human effort, nerves and time. Nothing is ever resolved and the subtle feud remains smoldering even today.
Daymin Voss: hirsute!
To fur or not to fur – to be hairy or not – may no longer invoke all the emotional and heated fervor and passions it once delivered.
Sigh of relief over that fact.
However, it does remain simmering just below the surface. Fur-troversy is ever-ready to embroil and inflame us all once again! Whether moderate, profuse or sparse, body hair is a decision each individual makes for themselves. It is an inalienable right based on our own personal preference and health and safety factors. The general public may argue, criticize, debate and lament the matter as much as they feel necessary. However, in the end, each and every one of us is entitled to elect and pattern our own growth development or removal.
My personal philosophy on body fur is “to live and let live!” My preference is in favor of body hair but I do respect each person’s freedom to make their own determination, as does Aaron!
Post-Script:
Aaron, my spouse, insists that I share this true anecdote with all of you!
Aaron once had a colleague who is also a bare practitioner and a very adamant and opinionated smoothie. He practically daily removed all his body hair for what he insinuated were hygiene purposes.
At one bare body function he arrived with a very noticeable and pronounced crop of body hair on his usually smooth physical form. He was in the process of complaining and ranting about being too busy to even think about being overwhelmed. Aaron then reached over, turned him around and inspected his buttocks. He then politely asked: “Does that mean that you haven’t bathed in a long while?”
Only my spouse can dramatically imitate smoothies reaction to his question!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, January 28, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “S’Naked Virgin!”
ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! 