Ready For Summer! Now!

 

"In the midst of winter, I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer."

Albert Camus

 

As much as I hate the frigid, fucking winter, I can always dream of the handsome sights of the warm and beautiful summer! That's what helps me survive those dreary snowy and icy days!

 

Respectfully,

Black Lover Naked 

Waking Up To...

Dayum! Old Man Winter has definitely made himself at home and settled in for the long haul. The basis for my unscientific observation? Personal experience. It's cold as hell outside (as if fire and brimstone could ever truly be cold). Along with the lower temperatures come the shorter daylight hours. This combination makes those winter mornings a battle of wills just to even think about getting out of bed and preparing for another day on the job.

That is, of course, unless you are fortunate enough to wake up in the same bed with the man of your dreams. That puts a completely different spin on the entire situation. Love, true love, always manages to make even the most strong-willed of us do some pretty bizarre and unusual things. It melts away our tough guy facade and at the same time, energizes us, fuels our sexual desires and drives us wild with all sorts of uncharacteristic behavior.

Among those strange reactions to being in love is the ease of waking up and anxious to get started with facing the day. Even on those dreary and frosty wee hours of the morning. The excitement and thrill of getting up and then getting it up in the arms of the man sharing our bed! Now, ain't love grand?

Both the anticipation of and the act of satisfying our carnal and physical urges alone are enough to keep us warm and cozy on the cold winter mornings. Then there's the added comfort of cuddling in the strong arms of the man of our dreams as we bask in the afterglow of sexual pleasure. All of a sudden, winter mornings aren't quite as formidable as we once remembered. All of this because of love.

Even among all this bliss there are some things that just aren't right with the world. All this sexual heat does bring come with its' own baggage. That pesky yet harmful issue of global warming is still begging for a solution.

Respectfully,
Black Lover Naked

A Man's Home Is ...

 

 

We've all often heard the timeless adage: " A man's home is his castle." I doubt that many of us have ever given these words of wisdom a second thought. I know for a fact that I haven't. However, I stumbled upon these photographs that immediately reminded me of that ageless phrase.

 

Granted, the sheer size and bulging muscles of this shaved stud leave no one to wonder about who's in charge of this home. It's obvious that he's a control-type man who's also his own boss. Judging about how pumped and primed he is, it's unlikely any man will challenge his authority, especially not in his residence. He looks to be the master of all that he surveys.

 

In the event there's any lingering question about who's in charge, once he's inside his home, he dons his rightly earned crown. After all, it's his royal prerogative. He's proving to all who enter that indeed, his home is his personal castle. Not only does he have the brawn, he's also got the regalia to support his claim! Long live the king!  

 

Now, not all of us have the crown; however, each of us have the right to the royal title, at least, inside our own four walls and inside our minds. Here's to a majestic 2013 for all!

 

Respectfully,

Black Lover Naked

 



New Year Resolutions

It's a standing joke among some that all New Year resolutions are made to be broken. Unfortunately, this is sad but true. Just open your eyes and read, most goals for change are broken within the first 45 days; in other words, by Valentine's Day. So why do people even bother to make them?

I think we go through the motions because we really want to change some aspects about ourselves. No difference whether it's weight, smoking, drinking, tardiness, etc. All of us know that there's room for improvement in our lives or a bad habit that needs to be eliminated. None of us are born perfect yet spend a lot of time criticizing others for this failure.

A couple of years back, I recognized this judgmental behavior in myself and vowed to change. The most difficult trait to break was verbalizing my opinions about the negative aspects of others. I can't stop thinking those thoughts but I can stop expressing those thoughts publicly. And I did. After numerous failings, I finally have been able to suppress that impulse at least 95% of the time.

This wasn't an easy task and it didn't happen overnight. Failure was and still is frustrating. Even today, when I slip and pass judgment on another, I get angry at myself and have to renew my vow to cease this type of impulsive and negative behavior. I also have to remember that I'm not perfect and can't be expected to behave as though I am.  I'm only human, after all.

All that I can do when I falter is to keep my goal in focus, promise myself that I will do better and get back "on track." One mistake doesn't mean that I abandon the ideal and return to my old habits. I resolve all over again to end this negative aspect and congratulate me for what I've accomplished so far.

I share this thought here on Black Lover Naked II in the hope that at least one man will read it and be encouraged to make a positive change his life. Realize that all of us will stray at times and when this occurs, don't discard the dream but rather, embrace it again and move on. It isn't an easy process but the confidence that comes from knowing that change is happening gives us the courage to continue to improve. Life is a constant work-in-progress.

Respectfully,
Black Lover Naked

Reflection: Six Months Plus...

It's hard for me to believe, but I've been blogging for just a little over six months here. At times, it's seemed like it was only yesterday that I started. Other moments, it feels like years. Regardless, it's been a growth experience for me as well as a challenge. I have no regrets in undertaking this project. Overall, it has been interesting.

This blog, Black Lover Naked II, like practically every other blog, is a work-in-progress. Just like President Obama on the issue of gay marriage, it evolves over time. One aspect remains the same. It does represent my admiration, appreciation and love of black men, regardless of age, size, skin color, height or ability. There are some things in life that simply don't change.

In the brief six months of this blog, I've been amazed at the number of pageviews that it's received. Almost 1,700 total. That number is small in comparison to other blogs. That doesn't matter to me. I think it shows that there is an audience out there in cyberspace that relates to what I'm trying to do here. Somehow, what's happening here at least a few other men can relate.

One of the personal pleasures that I derive from writing Black Lover Naked II is selecting the photographs to feature. I have collected quite a number of pictures of attractive black men over the past several years. I enjoy looking over them and deciding which ones to include with the different texts. As I go through them, sometimes an idea comes to my mind for another subject to post here.

I invite all of you to take advantage of the comments feature. Please share your thoughts and opinions on what's been offered here currently and what you'd like to see in the future. I also want to thank all of you for visiting here.

Respectfully,

Black Lover Naked

Sharing A Room: Two

Continued from Thursday, July 5, 2012

Communication and trust are essential when sharing a room with another couple. Both couples need to discuss whatever concerns or issues any of the four individuals involved deem important. Some of these may be guidelines, boundaries and scheduling bedroom privacy for each respective couple. In bringing such topics beforehand, this eliminates any possibility of a misunderstanding later.

It is known that nudity doesn't necessarily imply sexual availability. Having a dialogue regarding this in advance enables both couples to enjoy the time spent together in comfort. It also eliminates any potential misunderstanding between any of the men as to what is fun and flirtatious and what is a sexual advance. This discussion also opens the individuals to the possibility of any polyamorous relationships if all the men are receptive to such.

In establishing lines of communication, the couples are able to convey their respective feelings towards modesty regarding intimacy. Some long-time nudists may be uncomfortable being intimate while others are nearby or able to see. Others simply could care less (such as my boyfriend and myself). In establishing these boundaries, no one is offended by any surprise that may happen during the stay together and such situations can be avoided through respect and mutual consideration.

On a personal note, my boyfriend and I, along with the other couples that we share accommodations, do not all sleep in the same bed. It's nothing prudish or modest, just too cramped. In addition, it can be awkward if one couple is feeling intimate and the other isn't. We always make reservations with two queen/full size beds, at the very least. We find this arrangement the minimally intrusive and most respectful of each other. This works best for us.  

In sharing with you some of our experiences, I hope to open to others the possibility of different options while on a nakation. It is hoped that in doing so, others may learn of an economical solution to surviving these tight times of an uncertain financial situation.

Respectfully,

Black Lover Naked  

Photo Advice

Modern technology is constantly changing the way that we live. One of these advances is the multiple uses of our phones, especially with improved quality and the rising popularity of social networking. Tens of millions are now taking self pictures with their phones and posting these on social sites as well as sending to friends and family everywhere.

Increasingly, gay men are now taking self images of themselves nude. It's no longer as big a deal as it was say, maybe, ten years ago. Slowly, it is becoming more acceptable. As a naturist/nudist, I wholeheartedly welcome this evolution. I also smile to myself whenever I see this. After all, I've been sharing nude photographs of myself for years now.

While what is custom and routine for me is still a novelty for others, I admit that I am enjoying the fruits of this new fashionable trend. I now have acquaintances who volunteer to send me a picture and seconds later, there it is. What the sender neglected to tell me was that the photo is a nude one. Of course, that's no problem whatsoever for me. And yes, I willingly return the favor.

However, I do humbly offer one piece of advice to my fellow amateur self photographers. Next time you feel the urge to take another photo, please, give it a moments thought before you point and shoot. Before you strip and press the button, look around you. Please, clean your room!

Respectfully,
Black Lover Naked

Full Speed Ahead

Ready or not, those fun summer days are fast approaching. It's the last day of April, so you know they can't be far off. All those lazy, crazy, hazy days of summer! I can hardly wait! A time for outdoor fun with plenty of sunshine and carefree activities.

One of the fringe benefits for this season of the year is the abundance of eye-candy on parade right in front of me. Gone are the layers of bulky clothing needed for comfort. During summertime, there's no need for all weather gear. The heat and humidity eliminate that requirement and ensure that as much manly skin as possible is bared for me to admire. All I have to do is open my eyes and look around.

Afternoons in the park, days at the beach, lake or pool, a pick-up game on an athletic field or a local street festival are all popular summer past-times. These and other locations serve as magnets for men to congregate and take advantage of the season and hang out. The accompanying natural temperatures extend an open invitation for my gender to shed their shirts and display their fine physiques. Some dudes are so bold to even offer a little more than just their torso for me to behold.  

Neighborhood basketball and volleyball courts or softball diamonds provide men with leisure opportunities as well as the occasion to exercise in a social setting. Often, as shirts are removed and in loose-fitting athletic shorts, more skin is exposed than originally intended. I let no option escape my roving eye. While I'm playing hoops, I sometimes intentionally offer a provocative glimpse of what I have to anyone interested. Believe me, there are those in the playing arena who are definitely looking to play with more than just a basketball!

Aquatic facilities/locations offer more than their fair share of masculine hotness. There's nothing better than sitting back and watching the spectacle of manhood in all shapes, shades and sizes. It's literally an all-you-can-eat buffet marching right before your eyes; in some instances, you don't even have to move your head as many men want to strut their stuff for all to see. The benefits work both ways: for the lookers and the posers! Of course, a nude beach or resort is a definite paradise that all gay men can appreciate.

Neighborhood events and local festivals provide opportunities for checking out men, although it usually doesn't give us the amount of skin as the choices listed above. There are moments that some pleasant surprises that unfold for us on occasion. I know, at times I've found myself in more than just an interesting situation when I least expected it to happen. For that reason, we shouldn't overlook any chance to observe manly beauty in all places.

Summer is fast approaching. "Full speed ahead!" is my constant motto!

Respectfully,
Black Lover Naked

Think Like A Man...

We all know the widely-held myth that men typically think with their cocks. In all probability, in some cases, it's possibly quite true. All we need to do is consider all the scandals and troubles that we've gotten ourselves into by following our carnal urges rather than our better judgement. That's all the proof necessary to support this theory. At this time, that subject will have to take a back-burner position until a later date. But, there's another reason for the topic of this piece.

Think Like A Man is the title of a motion picture about to be released on April 20. Based on Steve Harvey's best selling book, "Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man," the movie follows four interconnected and diverse men whose love lives are shaken up after the ladies they are pursuing buy Harvey's book and start taking his advice to heart. When the band of brothers realize that they have been betrayed by one of their own, they conspire using the book's insider information to turn the tables and teach the women a lesson of their own.

The film is a comedy and features an all-star cast. As the summary indicates, it's all heterosexual. Despite all this, I still plan to go see this piece. Aside from the obvious, the good-looking black men in leading roles, there's another reason I want to see this show. I'm curious as to exactly how much of the content, if any, is applicable to not only women, but to myself as a gay man. Is there any common bond between females and same gender loving men here? A secondary consideration is the comedy aspect, itself. The cast is talented and I'm in the mood for a decent laugh.     

The males starring in this picture are gifted and, truthfully, personally appealing. They include Michael Ealy (yes!), Kevin Hart, Gary Owen, Terrence J and Chris Brown (another plus) among others.

At the very least, I figure the entertainment and eye-candy alone are well worth the price of a matinee showing discounted ticket. If I learn any new techniques or strategies, well, that's a true bonus. Oh, did I forget to mention that some of the men in Think Like A Man are shown shirtless? A little skin is better than no skin at all!

Respectfully,

Black Lover Naked  

Every Picture Tells...

It has often been said that every picture tells a story. That's probably true and I agree. At the same time, I think it is also true that every picture can offer the viewer many questions. That's exactly what the image I'm sharing here does for me. What's on the mind of the photographer and of the subject with this one? What's the message this photo is conveying?

One of the first questions that comes to me is this: Why is this man naked?

Hopefully, his nudity is due to his own personal choice. Otherwise, it might be due to a lack of financial resources. Ideally, it's the former and not the latter. Then again, his nakedness could be a part of some sort of political statement.

Second, Why is he holding a sign?

Maybe his nakedness is due to a lack of funds and he's soliciting donations. Or, once again, it could be related to making a political statement. The possibilities are endless.

Each question seems to trigger another. For example: Is there any significance to his boots? What about his keffiyeh (head covering)? The list can go on, forever. But, I think by now, you can see where I'm going with all this. Things, including photographs, aren't always as simple as they may appear.

Yes, it's true that every picture tells a story. However, not every picture has all the answers. Just some food for thought here.

Respectfully,

Black Lover Naked

Shirts Off, Guys!

Thanks to all the unusually moderate weather temperatures here on the East Coast this year, it's now time when guys can comfortably take of those shirts and show off those muscles pumped from months of workouts at the gym. This past winter was extremely mild and has graced us with an early spring, the bonus being that I'm able to frolic naked outside much sooner than expected. So, come on, men, if you can't join in my nudity; at least, meet me half-way and shed those shirts!

Deep inside, I know that most guys secretly can't wait to get rid out of their shirt once the temperatures begin to climb. It's spring, after all, and along with the rising thermometer comes a rise in the loins of a man. Believe me, that's one growth that's obvious to the trained eye of a same gender loving man on the prowl! So strip off those oxfords, polos, tees, wifebeaters, whatever; let me see what you've got that I can work with here.  

Many males, no matter what their size, shape, muscle tone (or absence of) like to model their torsos when they know they're being admired. Hairy, naturally smooth or shaved, most guys puff-with-pride as others eye-ball their chests. Let's face it, comfort isn't the only reason that men like to parade about shirtless. There's a certain amount of normal masculine narcisism at work here, also. Give in to that natural desire and show me some skin!  We both know that you want to.  

I'm aware that an increasing number of black men prefer to shave their armpit, chest and pubic hair. It's early spring so maybe you haven't taken a razor to your chest or underarms recently. Don't sweat it. Let's be real: hairy armpits and torsos do hold sex appeal for other men. In other words, get with the program and the season: lose your shirt, dude. Trust me, I can make it worth your effort! 

Respectfully,

Black Lover Naked

Murder Or Self-Defense?

It's now been almost a month since Trayvon Miller, 17 years old, was shot and killed in Florida by George Zimmerman, an adult. Zimmerman, a member of a neighborhood watch (surveillance group), thought Martin was suspicious and a threat to his community. He confronted him and the result was the death of the teen, wearing a hoodie and armed with a canned soft drink and a package of candy. Zimmerman alleges that he acted in self-defense. Those are the known facts surrounding the killing of the youth.

The local police department conducted a preliminary investigation and filed no charges against Zimmerman. Martin had no prior police record and up to the time of this unfortunate incident, no history of problem or unlawful behavior either at home or at school. State of Florida law allows for self-defense if the individual feels threatened for their safety.

Trayvon's family hired an attorney to reopen the investigation and the story has now gained international attention. Media coverage has been extensive and public reaction has led to large rallies in support of the late Martin. The ensuing publicity has forced the federal government to intervene, the Florida governor has appointed a special prosecutor to oversee the incident and the local police chief has temporarily resigned pending the outcome of the investigation. To Martin's family and the millions outraged, it's all "too little, too late."  

Murder or self-defense? Racial profiling? Mistaken identity? In the wrong place at the wrong time? Unfortunately, we'll never know all the answers nor the complete story. All we have is Zimmerman's account of the situation. Trayvon is no longer alive to offer his version of the events. Then there is the major question: why was Zimmerman armed to simply patrol his neighborhood? By law, he has a constitutional right to own a gun. Does this give him the privilege the right to fire at will? Are any of us safe anymore?

I agree with Trayvon Martin's family and countless others. Charge Zimmerman and let the justice system take care of the matter: render justice. That's the reason we have the process. Allow it to sort through all the facts and decide the case.

Consider this: if the situation were reversed and the teen had shot the adult, especially a black teen and a non-black adult, what would have happened? We all know the teen would have been arrested and charged without a second thought as to guilt or innocence. Why tolerate the appearance of a double standard in this instance? Unless, of course, that's exactly what it really is: one set of rules for one race and a different set of rules for another.

Respectfully,

Black Lover Naked 

My Vision For This Blog: Black Lover Naked II

Now that I've published several posts here, I'm getting a clearer picture of what I'd like this blog to be. As I shared with you in my initial article, this blogsite is about publicly expressing my concerns, desires, dreams, experiences, fears, fetishes, ideas, memories, motives, opportunities, passions and possibilities. In doing this, I am opening my soul to all of you, the readers. My hope is that you will do the same through utilizing either the comment feature located at the end of each entry or the email option. My blog email address is located with the "Take Naked Pictures" icon located on the right column on your screen. For your convenience, it is:  blklvrnkd@gmail.com My goal is not to judge but to make this publication an interactive vehicle for us all. I value any and all feedback, opinions and suggestions. Excerpts from emails may be published in part here; however, the names, addresses  and identities of the authors will always be confidential.

In my lifetime, I've encountered a number of men who have feelings, desires and appreciations that are similar, if not identical, to my own. My plans are to offer these to you, the readers, not as a means of making converts but as a way to demonstrate the wide range of tastes and preferences within our same gender loving community. My wish is that others open themselves to new possibilities and explore options available to them. None of us, as gay men, need to restrict ourselves to one particular classification, identity or label. There's a world of possibilities waiting for us all.

Ideally, this blog will help to build bridges between black men and white men, directly. For far too long, our same gender loving community has been artificially separated along ethnic and racial lines. This division often was unintentional; but, unfortunately, it existed. At times, this polarization was intentional and done with malice and with disregard towards the offended and victimized group. Those days and practices have harmed our community and our equal rights movement; now is the time to heal, come together, resolve our differences and move forward. In order for this to happen, all of us need to acknowledge and understand these past divisions and exclusions. Ignorance isn't bliss, contrary to popular folklore. As a culture, we have enough enemies fighting against us and our equality; it's now time for us to unite.

I envision this space to serve as an educational vehicle for the same gender loving naturist/nudist culture. Too often, we are a misunderstood and ignored component of our broader GLBT community. I see this web-blog and the contents here as a tool for outreach and information about us and our lives that perhaps we may enlighten others as to what we're about. I'm not asking everyone to like us and to join our ranks. All that I seek here is respect and understanding. As stated in the paragraph above, again it is time for us to heal differences and to correct misinformation. Now is the moment in our same gender loving collective history to unify and forge our collective future.

Respectfully,

Black Lover Naked