ACCEPTANCE: DOES IT REALLY EXIST?

Here we go again.

A topic that some people will choose to ignore even exists. Acceptance.

Societal acceptance, acceptance among and with those you call family or friends, acceptance with coworkers, those in the community you interact with often.  Yes, there are differing variables to each group somewhat, but the overall gist is the same.  

How well do people in general actually accept those persons who are different from them?

A person may have a disability, may be missing an appendage, may have burns or scars, maybe even simply having tattoos or piercings, and that person is shunned by a majority of what's called "normal" folks.  

How does that make you feel? How does that make that PERSON feel? Ever thought about that?

We all have people we know who have different sports teams they love, friends who may be atheist, or muslim, coworkers who are obsessed with Pokemon Go etc.  You may even know people who are into things that you may have been taught are taboo or a no no. Could be BDSM, it could be uusual hair color or styles, eyebrow or nose piercings. We all understand that people are different and that that is a good thing! 

We don't have to agree with them on everything. We don't have to do what they do, go where they go, support what they support. BUT, we should be accepting.  If a person is not hurting others, or involving themselves in illegal things like being a drug dealer, a thief, beating their spouse and so on, why then are we so quick to judge and single them out?

Here's a peak into the folks I know. In my fold I have people who are lawyers, doctors, nurses, veterans, first responders, clergy, old, young, educators, musicians, bikers, felons, fathers, mothers, artists, writers and a lot of others that fall somewhere in between. OH, and I have friends who are, wait for it.....nudists.  Yep, they feel more comfortable for many different reasons being in a clothes free lifestyle. Weird, you say. Not so much. Just different. Does everyone I know accept me fully with all my issues, and uniqueness? Nope! Do most of them accept me? Yes Sir! 

Before I continue, this will be a 2 part post and here's why. The point of this post is to raise awareness of what acceptance really looks like and why it is important. My goal is to be able to share in part 2, some photos of me with some people that know me and who are accepting of MY nudist lifestyle. It is not to single anyone out, or any of that. It is simply to show that there are in fact, good people out there who will accept your differences, including being a nudist. 

Look, I get it. Nudism isn't mainstream in America like it is in Europe and elsewhere. However, with the rise of equality for all, i.e. LGBTQ, Transgender, racial equality, shouldn't nudists fit in that somewhere? I'm not saying let's vote to have everyone naked anywhere in the country 24/7. We aren't ready for that as a people. Being able to be friends with and get along with folks who practice nudism where they can, aint nothing wrong with that. lol.

I ate breakfast at one of my favorite local spots this morning.  The staff knows we well. I've been going there for years. I took a leap of faith and asked if anyone would be interested in being a part of this blog post. I explained why and a little about that topic. It was a no pretty much as the answer, but hey, if you don't ask, you don't know.  I value them as servers, cooks, and appreciate their excellent service always and I also enjoy their company. 

I'm hopeful that others will join in and help with this blog post, and I am confident others will. If they choose not to for whatever reasons, no biggie. I appreciate the consideration. 

I will be talking to more folks this coming week about being a part of the part 2 post and will be writing it as soon as it is doable.  In the meantime, hang in there, be kind\to one another, and remember, everyone is different and that is a very good thing!!

So Goeth the Gramps

 Welcome back!  

Man has it been far too long! I'll spare you the details of where I've been, what I've been doing largely, but for now...

Let me jump right in and get to writing this new post. 

As you MUST be well aware of by now having seen my previous posts, I am a nudist individual. Some of that is by choice and some of that is due to the medical need to be Au Naturale thanks to sensory processing disorder. That's neither here nor there. 

So, this past year has been most interesting. I've taken on a new venture with a friend. It is a recording studio. Since I am a long-time musician, writer, singer, and sound guy, it really made sense. We've had a couple folks come in and record with us, others come do regular jam sessions, and another few who are just very curious. Our venue is definitely atypical. We don't do that standard booth, headphones in a closet where you are isolated like a kid in time out. We have an actual live stage for bands/artists to perform on WHILE being recorded. The atmosphere is unreal and unmatched. 

The studio is great.  The only downside at this time is, wait for it, there's no dedicated heat or ac YET. We have big fans we run when it's hot, and a big wood burning stove when it's cold. Works pretty well in both extremes. But, with my health issues, on those hot hot days, I am miserable!! I've forewarned my business partner that there will come a day when I may be up in the booth naked, simply because I have to be to survive. Florida gets hot, folks. LOL. That time hasn't come just yet, but it is fast approaching. 

*Most everyone I know is aware of my life choice and how I live and why. There are a select few I keep in the dark for the time being, more for my sanity than theirs. 

At home, with friends, family, I can be me and that is a glorious situation to enjoy.  At the studio, not so much.

And, yes, I am weird, and I do weird things. Hey, I am unique!! 

Most folks love it. As some would say though, " you are nuts!"  

Also, true. Back to my storied details. 

As part of running a recording studio, you have to network, meet new folks, secure clients, and hobnob, rubbing shoulder in the community. Having a combined 95 years of experience between Tom and me doesn't hurt. 

We have been fortunate to have met some very cool people. One of my favorites, who needs to get her butt back to sing with us again soon, is Tina. Full of life, funny, talented, a bit nutso like we are, and come to find out, pretty open minded. 

Tina... Well, she loves singing most anything that female country artists sing, some rock, and EVERYTHING ELVIS.  

I swear she is addicted to the King. 

After several months of being friends and connected, discussions evolved and more about my lifestyle came into play. This past week there was some banter back and forth, gifs exchanged and what not. Come to find out, she is pretty open minded when it comes to my penchant for being naked, and is utterly hilarious with her comments, emojis and responses. Kudos!

To say that running a recording studio is all roses and candy is a total misnomer. It is work. Sweaty, long, daunting, taxing on the brain and body, and just downright awful at times. 

Do I love it? You betcha I do. It has always been my dream to either play and sing professionally or help those who do by offering my services and expertise. I am the primary go to guy when it comes to setting up the stage, gear, mics, software, sound board and all the pedal boards, inputs and other knickknacks that come with music production. I would love to have another person on board who could do a lot of that for me, but that is not an option as of yet. 

There are days when I will go into the studio venue 5 hours ahead of a band or group coming, JUST to ensure that everything is working properly, and we are sitting on go once they arrive. Add in a 4-5 hour session, and an hour or 2 of post work once they leave and that makes for a very long day.

By the time I finally roll into the driveway at home, I am beat. One of my saving graces is the ability to walk in, set my keys and wallet down and just drop trouser and all. Coffee making, dog petting, wife smooching, and then hour or so to decompress must happen. 

Like I said, my sensory issues really ramp up in the heat and humidity around this area so long busy days at the studio often times push me to the brink of what I can stand physically. 

Wearing crazy outfits 

I'm sure doesn't help matters.

But, as I did Monday,         

no outfit at all definitely helped!

Dealing with flu like symptoms the entire day was rough in itself, and the humidity, and the fever I was running. The show must go on regardless of immediate circumstances.  

The group that came Monday was one of our usual gaggle of musicians who have their own band for the most part, minus a couple folks here of late. 

It went as well as it could. Some songs done well, and a few others that need some tweaking seemed the norm for the day. 

 

We aren't perfect but man is it enjoyable. I've contemplated often, JUST how many folks would actually still come and record or jam with us IF it was stated up front, "Hey, the sound guy is likely going to be naked. That's how it is. It is our place, a private studio and venue, and you are a guest and client."

Would that even fly? Would it be possible to find musicians who wouldn't care or mind and who might even LOVE the idea and follow suit, sans suit? 

My brain in constantly running 1000 mph night and day with just such subject matter in tow. Don't even ask me my thoughts on the duck billed platypus!! LOL.  That'd take a long conversation. Needless to say, there is a niche for just about everything these days, somewhere in America. Wedding chapels for dogs, nude car washes, bedazzling your vajayjay, support groups for those obsessed with bacon, book clubs for comic books, furries, you name it. Why can't there by a niche for what works best for me? 

Legit question I'd say. Perhaps I should just bite the bullet and toss the idea out there in the community and region and see what happens. What say you?  Yes or No? I value your feedback always, and especially as it pertains to this. 

I'm still not over this flu mess, and it is getting a bit late. Be on the look out for the next post later this week.

Be well. Rest thyself mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually. Catch ya on the flip side sooner than later.

Oh, and thanks for sticking around again! You are important, and I appreciate you!