VanillaSkyGirl

As a person who has a Bachelors' degree from an art college and has drawn hundreds of pictures of many female and male models of various sizes, shapes, ages, I have found none of this to be a sexual experience in any way. Yes, I have drawn a man's penis or a female's breasts and vagina. No, this did not change the picture into a sexual one. As I drew each figure or each pose, I tried to capture the essence of the person and his or her mood, as well as what I visually saw in front of me. I understand that it's the age of the models that is disturbing to many, but I don't think that a nude child or person is a sexual image. I glanced at some of the photos...they did seem ethereal to me. Some of them also seemed a little dark. I am sure that there is a story in the collection. Without seeing the whole thing as the artist would have wanted it to be seen, we cannot make a judgement about what the statement was of this particular show. I personally find that age (12-13) to be beautiful and awkward at the same time. These girls look like little nymphs, sweet fawns. I remember this age well. It's the stage when a girl is in between worlds, when she is caught between being a young girl and turning into a young woman. The only bit of natural "sexuality" in using girl's of this age might be perceived sexuality, due to the onset of the physical changes of a girl's body. Yet, as a female who remembers being that age, I did not think of my body as sexual at that age. I was aware of changes, but I did not fully realize what this meant to the outside world. To me, using a young girl's nudity might be an expression of vulnerability, not her sexuality. Her true essence is in transition from a little girl duckling into a beautiful swan, someday. It's the shift of the child's innocence that is a little scary, perhaps? The fact that this has caused a debate of this nature is telling of how instinctively protective we are of our youth, which is not a bad thing. We fear those who will look and see something evil in something as innately beautiful as a young girl's nude vulnerability and innocence. Would people feel differently about the artwork if the artist was a female?

That's wonderful! The company sounds like they have honorable customer service. SkyDane, I hope that your recovery is 100%, and that you will be in the sky wearing your Deepseed freefly pants very soon!

I don't know about sleeping with them, but I'm posting a list of actors, whom I think are sexy: Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman, Julian McMahon, Viggo Mortensen...Brad Pitt

How cool...I didn't know about this, yet. I'll find out more information at work. I'd love to help!

Not so much of a SECRET anymore!!

These pictures are so sweet. i love it. He is beautiful. Good for you, mommy Sarah.

Lisa meant that it is wrong to direct it personally to ONE particular person. It's not the same if you say it about random unknown people, but if you are referring to one real person, it's a little bit much. That said, knowing Mel...she'd laugh it off. It's not her style to be easily offended (like me, haha), so it's no big deal. I'm sure you meant no harm.

*HUGS!*

Australian chocolate biscuits While they are very good, there are many other yummy treats out there.

Did you miss my first line? I was letting you know that she is taken, but thanks for playing, Jeffy. By the way, what is the big freakin' deal about Tim Tams, anyway?

You are so kind...thank you, honey! I would LOVE to see you HERE w/ us. I will be getting at least one room for the night prior (and maybe after, if needed by anyone), so we can all stay near the walk and be together for dinner, etc. It will be a fun weekend! Also, this cause personally means a lot to some of the people at my work (tunnel), so I wanted to do something about it. It's the donors and supporters that make all the difference, not me.

Whoops, doh...and Mel's a kick-ass skydiver, coach and tunnel flyer, too!

Mel is married to the sky, but she is everyone's best friend, too. What can I say about Mel? She is happy, outgoing, silly and fun, all of the time. I don't think I've ever gone a couple of minutes around her without being happy, smiling and laughing the kind of laughs that make me sides hurt. Plus, she has the amazing ability to make everyone feel special and loved. We *heart* Mel.

How cute!

I'm not looking at those, but welcome back, sweetie!

Exactly!

We have officially begun the IFLY Hollywood/Skydive Elsinore team- 7502 for the L.A. AIDS walk '08! "Team Page". This is open to children, family, non-skydiver friends, as well as skydivers & tunnel flyers. If you cannot join in the walk and would still like to help, donations are tax deductable. (Just click my link.) We will keep your posted of our fundraising events. Thank you for your support!

Wow, you are tenacious! Congratulations, my dear!

Aw, you have the cutest profile name ever! Happy, happy birthday week!!!

Yes, definitely! I have to go, now. It all sounds good. I just want to be sure that we can all meet up and walk together, as well as support each other. Btw, sorry about asking if we could unite our teams together, then realizing it might not work out. I have to go, but I'll be able to spend more time on this later in the week. We should all work together, either way. Provide good moral support for one another and so forth!

Muah! There you go...Lisa's a great choice as co-captain! Let's find each other's teams at the walk and walk together, ok?

This year, we will need to keep the teams separate. This is only because I am heading this with the tunnel's blessings to be their representative of our company's organization. We are planning events/special fundraising. ***Our team name will be IFLY Hollywood, and tunnel flyers, as well as Skydive Elsinore walkers are going to be a part of this team. We will also continue to support and send well wishes to all teams and individual walkers for this cause. *** How about we walk together, though? Sounds good?

I just sent you a PM, sweetie. I have been talking about this for a couple of weeks at the tunnel because we have major support there. I had sent out an e-mail last week to my tunnel's management. I am going to be the team leader for a tunnel/skydivers walkers team, which we are set to develop very soon. I already got the green light for full support for our tunnel. I sent in the info. to the AIDS walk peeps and am waiting to hear back from them. I didn't realize you had this, too. Can we join together somehow? Write to me...I have to work on a presentation, but let's figure something out this week, ok?

My deepest condolences to Keith's loved ones, friends and to all the Perris family.

Shannon, I was just thinking of you and your beautiful, loving spirit.