Tag: spirit

Familiar Comfort!

Getting in the relaxation mode!

Background:

On the flight to Mama’s this past Friday, my spouse, Aaron, and I collaborated on composing this posting for today. The intent was to share for everyone a tiny aspect of our life together within the setting of my immediate family. Enjoy! Your comments and thoughts are always welcome!

The flight home to Skyros in Greece ended without Aaron and I getting arrested and/or escorted off our flight for what some refer to as “indecent exposure!” Upon the arrival, one of my brothers met us at the terminal and delivered us both, fully clothed, to my mother’s home. We both waited until after my siblings and their families left for their homes before we retired to our bedroom (while there) and restored the comfort of our nakedness!

While we were growing up, all of my brothers learned of my identical twin, Alex, and our preference for body and clothes freedom. Whenever we were in our shared bedroom, we were always nude or else in the process of becoming naked! Our mother was the only woman in our household; all brothers and my father so our being nude was never an issue as long as we wore clothing whenever we were outside our bedroom!

Comfort restored!

Concerning my immediate family (Mama and all my brothers and their families) Twin (Alex) and I and our preference for nakedness isn’t the “hot” topic of conversations and jokes anymore. Since first meeting Aaron (before our marriage), the subject of our naked life hasn’t been the centre of discussion that it once held. Life moves on and the focus is now more progressive and involved than it was “back-in-the-day.” They are all aware of our efforts here with ReNude Pride and what, if any, interest remains with our participation in body and clothes freedom concerns generally is nothing more than a casual thought.

Aaron and I have an assigned set of rooms at my parent’s home. The house was originally built for my paternal grandfather and consists of a bedroom and bathroom with a shared sitting room across the hallway from used by Alex and his partner, Dante. There is privacy in this part of the family home that Mama respects. If Alex and Dante are there when we are, our comfort for nudity isn’t an automatic “family” matter. This arrangement provides us twins with the comfortable and familiar environment of “home” even if we have two continents and the Atlantic Ocean between our actual dwellings and Mama’s house. Not a bad setting for the identical twin “middle children” (three older brothers, ourselves, and then three younger brothers!

Towering together!

Addendum:

Like most of the Northern Hemisphere, Skyros, Greece, is usually ideal for skinny-dipping (swimming naked) during the month of August. This year, thus far, is not a disappointment! This is a short notation to remind everyone here that August, 2024, is more than half over! Strip and go skinny-dip now before the summer is gone!

A Mediterranean skinny-dip!

Aaron and I are both avid fans of skinny-dipping! No surprise there! The fact that Skyros is one of the Greek islands and the Mediterranean Sea borders along a part of Mama’s property adds a special bonus to visiting my ancestral home. We’re both grateful for the opportunity to bare practice (experience nakedness) in these historic waters where countless others have done the same for centuries before our time!

Aaron sunbathing after a skinny-dip!

Our eight days here with Mama are passing too fast for us to remember where we’ve put everything! Best wishes for a happy week!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, August 23, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Notoriously Naked!”

Flying High!

Awaiting departure!

The reality isn’t as it appears in the above image. Despite dreams and fantasies, it isn’t always possible for bare practitioners to actually transport themselves in the body and clothes freedom style. In a private airplane, perhaps but there are exceptions for every possibility. The pilot may not require garments but the airport probably does. So erase the myth that Aaron and I are travelling with our nakedness unimpeded!

In order to reach our destination, we have to comply with the law. Unfortunately, what we decide is best for the both of us but it doesn’t always please the remainder of the passengers. The ultimate goal of today’s post entry here is to travel from “Point A” (the Washington, D.C., USA, National Airport) to “Point B” (the landing facility near my mother’s house). Her home is located on the island of Skyros, Greece. This has been the paternal heritage of my family for centuries. The purpose of this trip? A long overdue visit to spend quality time with Mama and the remainder of my family – immediate and extended – in residence there.

My spouse, Aaron, and I depart later today and hopefully will safely arrive on Skyros and accomplish our mission. The visit is only for eight days of refreshing renewal Mama, my brothers and family. The “header” image (above) shows a fellow traveler seated on his luggage in a departure terminal. As both Aaron and I are ardent and loyal bare practitioners, allow me to assure everyone that we are not so totally foolish as to even attempt today’s journey in our nakedness. Admittedly, our dream may be to one day undergo the adventure in complete body and clothes freedom, we both understand that undertaking isn’t happening today!

Underway to terminal!

Also, the title of this posting is Flying High! Patience, please, and permit me to clarify the fact that neither one of us is under the influence of any mind-altering substance of any kind. If we’re unable to travel in our natural state then why bother to even think of trying to do so mentally altered?

More than likely, no one else made the assumption of us contemplating to take the trip nude. We confirm our fantasy of preferring to do so but reality doeto composes occasionally grasp our attention and influence our behaviour!

The absurdity and brevity of this topic reflects the anxious attitudes in preparation of departure. It is much easier and simpler to compose and publish humour than to even attempting present a serious idea and then fail miserably! Plus, the accompanying pictures were available and convenient!

Interracial bare practitioner couple representing us!

Additionally, this is the day after our actual ninth wedding anniversary! Another reason to celebrate with Mama and the rest of the family.

I’ll also go to the cemetery and spend time at Papa’s grave. Whenever I return to Skyros, I always include quiet time there – alone. We’ve had some convenient conversations together since he was interred there. While I’m there, this gives Aaron and Mama their “time” together, without me being around!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, August 19, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Familiar Comfort!”

Aaron & Roger: 9!

An interracial couple representing us!

Aaron, my spouse, and I live in the Commonwealth of Virginia, USA. Our home is Arlington, Virginia, approximately four miles south of Washington, D.C. The both of us are employed in the city of Washington, which is also this nation’s capital. Since 6 October, 2014, marriage equality has been legal within this state when the U.S. Supreme Court refused to entertain an appeal of the decision of the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals to uphold Bostic vs. Schaefer, a lower court’s decision to overturn a state law banning same gender marriages.

On 1 July, 2024, (this year), a law went into effect that formally and officially repealed the state ban on same gender marriages within the Commonwealth. This repeal was enacted to guarantee that should a future U.S. Supreme Court decide to hear an appeal on marriage equality and reverse the legality of same gender unions (marriages), the now repealed ban could not automatically be reinstated. The need for this protection was partially caused when the current Supreme Court overturned the Roe vs. Wade decision which permitted abortion.

Marriage equality proponents – including the both of us – felt the need for this legislative repeal in order to hinder any future court action to disenfranchise our culture of our long overdue equality. We all need to be aware of all and any possibility of discrimination and restriction, especially considering the instability of politics today. The position of a justice on the Supreme Court is a political decision, determined by the party in power at the time. This action prevents any future enactment of bias and marginalization from being a simple political undertaking by fundamentalists.

A bromantic kiss!

Once marriage equality arrived here in Virginia, Aaron and I were inundated with pressure from both our pairs of parents to pursue a legal ceremony (we had lived together since 2010). Since living together, we had discussed marriage but hadn’t finalized any plans. Once our families became obsessed with the idea and the need, our hesitation rapidly proved futile. Our delay in making arrangements for matrimony was based primarily on religious considerations. Aaron and his family are Roman Catholic and my faith background is Greek Orthodox. Neither of the two churches sanction same gender marriages.

We resolved the situation by having a civil marriage. It was performed on 15 August, 2015, to the delight of parents, family and friends. We were satisfied to relieve the pressure and to finally have the freedom to be ourselves in this world. Even today, our churches fail to recognize the legitimacy and the sanctity of our lives together, however, that is a problem that belongs to the faith and doesn’t really involve us.

The both of us understand that not everyone is fortunate in living is an environment that legally recognizes the marriages of same gender loving persons. There are many that live within families that frown upon or are unsupportive of our relationships. We want to share to all our encouragement of all the challenges faced and wish to all our best. Hopefully, someday soon this world we live in will achieve equality and perfection for all of us.

Together!

This upcoming Thursday, 15 August, 2024, we celebrate our 9th Anniversary! Amazingly, we both appreciate the significance of this date in our lives as every year passes. There are no immediate plans for any special activities for this day. We depart for a visit to Greece the following day in order to spend some time with my mother and my family before settling back into my professional routine of returning to the classroom for the Autumn semester.

Do we recommend marriage? If both partners agree, yes we do!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, August 16, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Flying High!”

Visually Verified?

A revealing tan-line!

Tan-Lines: Bare Proof?

Bare affection: kiss!

Obviously, the absence of or the presence of tan-lines is often seen as verifiable proof of our status as a bare practitioner. However, is it irrefutable as to our personal identification or merely a reflection of our access to the freedom and frequency of our nakedness? A very legitimate consideration before the rendering of a determination.

A vague tan-line!

As members of a primarily social species, can a single person be viewed as a bare practitioner based on the reality that he/she lacks the companionship of others who share the camaraderie and fellowship of nudity? Without the company of others, many may simply not possess the opportunity to express themselves clothes free and relaxed. Given the current obsession of the broader society for clothing and fashion, is this an equitable and fair criteria to use in deciding their social status?

Communally bare!

We all live in areas and regions that encompass a broad range of persons of different and varied heritages, including ethnicities and races. With these variations come our abilities to respond to the rays of sunlight exposure. Skin tones and their reaction to ultraviolet light are caused by our individual genetic traits and the amount of time that we are exposed to direct sunlight.

Another factor is the quality of sunscreen that we utilize. There is no “standard” or predetermined regulation of components for the manufacture of sunscreen that is universally recognized. The varying results of this lack of uniformity creates a spectrum of results within all humans. None of us are identical in the final analysis.

Laundry day!

My spouse, Aaron, and I have had discussions over the years of these topics (and others) regarding the frequency of tan-lines on display in photographic depictions of nudity. Admittedly, our earlier sharing of these causes focused on the absurdity of the images themselves. Why proudly allow pictures that suggest our endorsement of garments be published?

This question was almost immediately followed by others that ranged from respective comfort with nakedness to environmental and professional situations that were possible explanations for their existence. Interacting on this subject, we agreed that encompassing a post entry on this subject was worthy of publishing here on ReNude Pride.

Bare without shame!

It was while composing this brief publication on tan-lines that the idea occurred to me. Perhaps the reason for the existence of a tan-line was that the individual was exploring nudism for the very first time!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, August 12, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Aaron & Roger: 9!”

Marvelous Monday!

A Monday pool party!

Typically, most “work-week” schedules begin on Monday. Over time, Mondays have earned the unfair and unpopular designation as the “back to work” day when people sluggishly return to their job site, usually ready for another weekend immediately! Return to work is dreaded but leaving the workspace is joyful and with energy! Unfortunately, this is the regular attitude and routine for the multitude.

It doesn’t always have to be that way. Monday follows a weekend which in many cases presents a respite from the usual workday regimen. The weekends, while brief, offer an opportunity for recreational and relaxing activities that restore some mental balance and allow rejuvenation. Socialization circumstances afford many the chances of idea exchanges additional renewal experiences.

Varying stages of bare comfort!

Thus, Mondays afford a significant majority of us to return to our professional environment with new experiences, ideas and possible resources for not only enhancing our personal lives but also with suggestions for our coworkers. Instead of a mundane day to return to the work routine, Mondays can also be viewed as a day to refresh our individual and social adventures and situations.

My spouse, Aaron, and I both believe that enriching and expanding the “Monday role” in our lives adds a new dimension of both expectation and pleasure for all of us. Most of us are discreet with our personal lives in the professional setting, yet this doesn’t prevent us from sharing aspects of a novel or new-found ideal or theme that others may explore or indulge.

Picnic idea!

Encouraging information exchange helps to eradicate some issues with “mediocre Mondays” and affords us a tool to utilize to improve communication. In addition, it enables us to broaden our workplace social circle that increases the resources all of us may implement. The expanded networks this creates offers all of us unimaginable benefits and rewards.

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, August 9, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Visually Verified!”

Bottoms-Up! July, 2024!

Footprints and buttocks!

The first full month of the summer of 2024 is now coming to an end. Hopefully, it has been a month of fun with a multitude of bare “bottoms” available for us all to admire! Capture the moments as we all know, summer doesn’t last forever!

Bottoms-up! strolling!

Clothing optional beaches are among the best places to view bare buttocks! Either walking around taking inventory as to what is available or passively absorbing the rays from the sun, bare buttocks and the bodies they are attached to are always plentiful!

Bottoms-up! grille chef!

The beaches aren’t the only locales to inspect bottoms-up! compliance. Many chefs opt for the bare buttocks role when labouring over a hot grill, especially in the direct sunlight!

Buttocks with a tan-line!

Tan-line: the grim reality that not all of us enjoy the luxury of accessible nudity!

Bottoms-up! nature trail!

Bare practitioner hiking along nature trails provide us with many exceptional opportunities for bottoms-up! observations, as well as a healthier heart!

Hanging out the laundry!

Hygienic laundry hanging allows us the chance to enjoy the bottoms-up! experience, but simultaneously to share our pleasure with others looking to do the same!

Bare buttocks = bottoms-up!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, August 2, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “August Awakening!”

Bare Beverages!

Wearing only a smile!

Summertime usually brings forth in our various cultures and societies an interesting and refreshing concoction of beverages, usually with an alcoholic content, to not only quench our thirst but to enable us to relax and appreciate the festive atmosphere the season brings. In the past, I have published several recipes for summer cocktails during the month of August; this year, my spouse, Aaron, suggested publishing this feature earlier in order that as many as possible have the chance to mix and enjoy! Quite naturally (we were both bare), he made this recommendation as he was sipping on this cocktail!

The name of the beverage is: Sex On The Beach. The recipe – I’m uncertain if that’s what the “recipe” is actually labelled – was located in an internet search for “summer rum cocktails.” A possible alternative title for this post entry: A Tropical Happy Hour!

Sex On The Beach!

11/2 ounces rum (light or dark)

1 ounce lime juice

1 ounce orange juice

1 ounce pineapple juice

1/2 ounce passionfruit syrup

Combine all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously. Strain into a glass and add a lime wheel or a chunk of fresh fruit. Enjoy!

The above recipe was originally offered here on ReNude Pride under the title. That eye-catching name caught my attention. Of course, no explanation of the name was given. Also, there was no caution regarding safe sex nor urging of the responsible consumption of alcohol, especially hen operating a vehicle. I’m not able to recall the distillery that created this rum.

I do remember that the first time I tried the mixed drink, I realized the ice wasn’t necessary. I preferred my beverage at room temperature, even during the summer! Ice is cold and that fact gives me no consolation!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, July 19, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “An Unashamed Tale!”

Skinny-Dipping Day/Bare Practitioner’s Day!

Skinny-dipping model, Gio Dell!

International Skinny-Dipping Day: Saturday, July 13, 2024!

Bare Practitioner’s Day, Sunday, July 14, 2024!

Bare practitioners about to skinny-dip in the ocean!

If the weather cooperates here in the Northern Hemisphere, this weekend has the potential for a very bare extravaganza of aquatic excitement and fun! Of course, we all know that the entire hemisphere will not have the ideal conditions, but hoping for the best sometimes affords positive results! Besides, a little rain during the summer season isn’t all that disastrous! Especially when we’re all body and clothes free anyway!

A rush to skinny-dip!

International Skinny-Dipping Day, Saturday, July 13, 2024:

Skinny-dipping is a phrase originating in American English for swimming naked. The popular justification for that designation is that in the rural southern tradition, the term developed from the custom of “getting into one’s skin and taking a dip into a local body of water.” Up until the massive general recruitment into the armed forces caused by World War II, skinny-dipping was limited primarily to the southern part of the USA. The label didn’t gain widespread use in the vernacular until the war response brought young men together in defence of the country. Once the peace was restored and the military returned home did the term earn expanded comprehension.

The advancement and development of Nude Recreation Week in the 1970’s encouraged the use of that phrase in the promotion of naked swimming as part of the week-long observance of outdoor body and clothes freedom activities. Skinny-dipping was considered an event and a name that would get the general public’s attention and interest into the naturist/nudist experience.

The two sponsoring organizations of Nude Recreation Week, the American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR) and The Naturist Society (TNS), decided in the early years of the 21st century to alter the focus of the skinny-dipping event into an international competition in an attempt to increase the event’s ranking in the Guinness Book of Records. This strategy was intended to attract even more general interest in both the event and in promoting social nudity. One of the major objections to the additional focus on an international skinny-dipping activity has been that it diminishes the overall theme of Nude Recreation Week.

Skinny-dipping duo!

Skinny-dipping, from the earliest days, was usually always observed in natural bodies of water, such as lakes and oceans. As humanity progressed, pools were made by men for different reasons and both genders adapted to the new situation. The bare swimming experience became popular regardless of where it was located. Aquatic refreshment and relaxation remained an often-sought luxury appreciated by the multitudes! It wasn’t until mid-way through the Victorian era that the creation of swimming suits became a demand.

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Join us!

Bare Practitioner’s Day, July 14, annually!

Losing his cumbersome burden!

Bare Practitioner’s Day evolved here from World Naked Day, World Nudist Day and several other national and/or regional labels. Aaron, my spouse, and I adopted the title here in order to promote the largely misunderstood concept of same gender loving body and clothes freedom. Throughout the world, attention and emphasis is on fashion that must be purchased, little thought is offered to the fashion that is common to us all: our skin! We both believe that as our skin is completely “natural” fashion, it deserves a “special” day for celebration – all throughout the world!

The reality of Nude Recreation Week having no denoted date for happening, Aaron and I both feel that Bare Practitioner’s Day needs a date assigned that doesn’t obscure the occasion and the communities represented. Both the same gender loving and the body and clothes freedom persons have earned their own day of celebration and remembrance!

Proud teen bare practitioners!

There are two specific reasons that we both believe justify having a day for bare practitioner recognition. First and foremost is the fact that across much of the globe, same gender loving persons face discrimination and prejudice simply for being themselves. It may not be as prevalent as it once was, but it continues even today. Having a time for being ourselves enables us, as a community and as a culture, to remind all others that we are here and have earned the freedom to be us!

Secondly, even among the naturist/nudist people, bias and marginalization remains against our kind. Therefore, we reserve the right to help prepare for a better and equal acceptance for those who are just now entering into our lifestyle. History doesn’t need to be repeated forever! Our delight and enjoyment of our nakedness isn’t based solely on our sexuality!

As bare practitioners ourselves, Aaron and I both appreciate and comprehend the importance of promoting the benefits, joy and rewards of the ability to enhance and participate in our lifestyle with others who feel the same! Camaraderie offers us the opportunity to meet and learn from others and to both share and socialize!

Stepping into his bare practitioner identity!

Everyone is encouraged to take full advantage of our seasonal weather and have a fun and productive July weekend! Take care and enjoy being bare!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, July 15, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Bare Beverages!”

Nude Recreation Week!

Just bare without a care!

National Nude Recreation Week: July 8 – July 14, 2024!

The week in action with Phoenix Fellington!

ReNude Pride’s very own model-spokesperson, Phoenix Fellington, aptly takes the leadership role in our observation of this week-long observance of bare beautification and celebration! Let no one remain doubtful as to the happiness, joy and laughter that this occasion can offer to all of us, whether we’re fully committed bare practitioners or newcomers trying social nudity for the very first time. This is a week to remember as “something fun for everyone!”

This festival of body and clothes freedom activities is jointly co-sponsored by the American Association of Nude Recreation (AANR) and The Naturist Society (TNS). As every summer is the “season of fun in the sun” it is only logical that major national naturist/nudist advocacy organizations produce an event in honour of clean, healthy bare living. The recent tendency over the last several years is to observe this festivity during the week after the July 4 holiday.

Let the fun begin!

Nude Recreation Week involves an emphasis on the numerous activities, leisure services and past-times, both active and passive, that people may engage in or undertake while enjoying nakedness. In essence, identical to what can be done when wearing garments. This isn’t to imply this special week is the only time we bare our bodies for fun and games. We do that quite frequently! Not only during this week only, but all throughout the entire year!

The original agenda for what is now evolving into Nude Recreation Week was to encourage guests and persons with very limited experience with social nudity to visit facilities and properties that allowed clothing optional and/or nakedness in an effort to increase their audiences. The history of Nude Recreation Week is relatively recent with the earliest documented date of August 7, 1976, as being Nude Beach Day. It was first observed at Truro Beach in southern California and at Meadow Beach in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Both sites were pleased with the public response at their facilities.

Boating bare together!

The success of the first Nude Beach Day guaranteed a repeat the following year. The repeated observance earned attention in the naked newsletters and periodicals and also gained increased participation from other clothes free destinations and resorts. The popularity of the event soon led to the expansion from a single day activity into National Nude Weekend.

As many naturist/nudist destinations and resorts weren’t located with convenient access to a clothing optional aquatic facility, beach availability, it was soon recognized that an additional expansion of the theme was necessary. It was at this time that the scheduling of the occasion was moved from the month of August to the month of July and the Nude Recreation Week timeline was adapted.

The emergence and evolution of Nude Recreation Week did not reflect the growth of same gender loving community adherents to the body and clothes freedom movement. In the aftermath of the Stonewall Inn Riots (SIR), the entrenchment of homophobia within the movement often increased. It remains even today although less blatant than before.

Happy Nude Recreation Week to all!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, July 12, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Skinny-Dipping Day/Bare Practitioner’s Day!”

Bottoms-Up! Pride Month, 2024!

A rainbow pride colours bench!

The uniform skin-tone on the entire furry body of the bottoms-up! exhibitionist (above) makes it obvious to all that he’s a bona-fide bare practitioner of the highest order! He has earned his place on the bench of all our pride! This is the last day of Pride Month, 2024, however, we all know that our pride happens everyday of every year!

A proud bottoms-up! tease!

Our man above uses his doorway to share his bottoms-up! salute for us all!

Bottoms-Up! June GLBTQ+ Pride Month, 2024!

Please remember to bare your buttocks and join us in our bottoms-up! status today!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, July 8, 2024, and the proposed topic is “Nude Recreation Week!”