The Sunsport Report

Dancing Around the What?

By P.F. James

Having reached a time in my life where I'm eager to experience and learn about unfamiliar things that this universe has to offer, I recently accepted an invitation from a friend to take part in an ancient Pagan ritual commonly known as “dancing around the Maypole.” This holiday (Beltane) takes place the first of May, and of the eight Pagan holidays is the second fertility ceremony of the year.

Being a fertility ceremony, the ritual naturally has some sexual overtones. Briefly speaking, the women are responsible for digging a hole, and it is up to the men to provide the pole. Then, you guessed it, the men and the women work together to put the pole in the hole. Of course this is a simplified version of the magical ceremony that I will soon describe in more detail.

As I watched each step of this ritual unfold, I soon became aware that the reason for the celebration is not only for fertility but for the manifestation of all types of abundance, be it health, wealth, passion, love or whatever it is that your life now lacks.

I also began to realize that it is not a coincidence that this ritual takes place in the springtime, which is known for the beginning of new love, the rejuvenation of vegetation including new leaves on the trees after a hard winter, and the rebirth of all things. Therefore it just makes sense that this would be the time of the year to celebrate the creation of new life and the rebirth of existing life.

The ceremony began with smudging (a native American tradition). To smudge is to use the smoke of burning herbs; we used sage, for the purpose of purification. To carry out this tradition one woman used an urn of smoldering sage to purify the area in which the ritual was to take place, while another woman used the smoke from the sage to purify each individual from the top of their heads to the soles of their feet. With the completion of this first step all participants gathered together and the invocation of the four elements, earth, air fire and water, began, to be followed by the invocation of a recently departed friend.

Next it was time to jump the Belfire, which was a way to bestow blessings upon yourself as an individual, couple or whatever. Each participant took a turn jumping over the Belfire either individually, as couples or with a friend. One person jumped over the flames while holding a purse containing the ashes of our departed friend. As we passed over we each dropped sticks and twigs into the fire to represent our personal intentions.

It was now time to begin the main event. As the men and women both chanted to their respective god and goddess spirits, the women begin to dig the hole while the men set out to find a pole worthy of the occasion, in this case a steel pole about 12 feet long. Upon returning with the pole the men presented it to the women who inspected it, gave an approving nod and accepted it. Thus, the courtship begins.

At this point each person chose a ribbon representing (depending on color) abundance in the form of money, love, passion, confidence, peace, wellness, health, etc. We each chose the colored ribbon that best represented our present need and took our turn tying it to what would soon be the top of the pole. Once everyone had tied their ribbon to the pole, blessings were put into the hole in the form of herbs and oils for world peace and personal well-being. This being done, a crown was paced on top of the pole by the women, and it was erected by the men.

It was now time to take the end of our colored ribbon and form a circle around the pole with the men and the women facing opposite directions. As we began to circle the pole we passed our ribbons under and over our counterpart's, intertwining our respective needs and hope of fulfilling these dreams with each completed circle. On our final pass we tied the end of our ribbon to the pole and all was done.

The ritual was now completed for another year and the only sign of this communion was the offspring, a beautifully adorned Maypole all wrapped up with the hopes and dreams of those who participated, created by a healthy competition and respect between the sexes.

Special thanks to Michelle Angel for the photographs!

Sunsport’s Community Column

By Kathy Voron

Around the Grounds

Welcome to Staff Sergeant Bernie, the cute Jack Russell terrier that adopted Bill and Debbie.

Best wishes to Brigitte Frankin and Jana Cole, who both have spent some time in the hospital recently. We hope you are both on the way to recovery.

Happy trails to Bob and Helen Fekete, who are spending the summer traveling the country in their Miata.

Yo-Ho-Ho! There is a new treasure chest in the laundry room that is for used items that still have life in them. Drop off an item and browse through the box for a treasure to take home. Special thanks go to young Gavin for his creativity in decorating the chest. Items will be donated to Goodwill or other charities every 2-3 weeks.

Congrats to Devin Locke, who is a Western Pines student. He was honored as Student of the Month for April. He achieved that status by having great grades and great conduct. The school held an awards ceremony at the end of the school year with surprise awards, at which Devin was presented with a science award. Devin excels in music classes and even plays his drums and sometimes his guitar at our Friday night Drum Circles. He says “Come on down and hear us”. Come show your support. See you there.

We are proud of our resident and staff member Ashley Eshleman, who has been awarded an AANR scholarship based on her essay and her contributions to naturism. Say congrats to her the next time you see her at the front desk in the Sunsport office!

Guess which seasonal Sunsport resident, was picked to pose for the artist, for the cover of this new book?

No, I really mean it. Guess??? Winners will be posted in our next issue.

Local Recipes

This month's recipe is dedicated to our four legged friends.

Barb's Homemade Healthy Dog Food

• 2 large packages ground turkey
• 2 large sweet potatoes
• 2 large carrots
• cooked brown rice, about 2 cups
• can peas
• stock
• garlic powder

Brown turkey in large skillet. Over skillet, grate sweets and carrots. Stir and cook over med-low 5 minutes. Add rice. stock and garlic powder. Stir and cook 2 more minutes, add peas stir and let cool. Keep in refrigerator or freeze in portions. Leftover oatmeal can be used instead of rice, experiment a bit and try different veggies.

Have a recipe that you want to share? Email me kvoron@aol.com or come by lot 45.

Editor’s Nudes-n-Notes

By Christiana Gaudet

Sunsport is a beautiful, natural resort where one can while away a lazy summer afternoon by the pool, or escape the harsh winter in tropical beauty. Sunsport is also a community of residents, members and visitors. In the fifteen months since I arrived at Sunsport our community has witnessed a wedding, three births, and now, sadly, two deaths. Both Joel and K. were inspiring people who touched many lives. Please take a moment to write down your thoughts and memories about these two great Sunsport members and send them to me. Our next issue will include your submissions, and will serve as a memorial to our friends on the Sunsport website.

As many of you know, K. Mathesius was known and loved in the nudist community, and made her winter home at White Thorn Lodge. One of Kaye's last wishes was to build a fire/drum pit at White Thorn. As a memorial to her, Tex, along with friends and family, brought rocks to build her circle. Under Tex's direction they laid the rocks, gathered wood and built the first fire in her honor.

My favorite memories of K. involve dancing with her at the Sunsport drum circle. She was a wise woman whom I admired greatly. I believe her spirit will continue to dance at our drum circle, and at the new circle made in her honor at White Thorn.

Joel is missed each and every day, by so many of us. I still expect to see him on his golf cart doing his chores. He sometimes took a moment to share with me stories of the old days, and his thoughts on life and the universe. I am grateful for the conversations I shared with him.

Fourth of July Weekend is always an important time at Sunsport Gardens. It is the time when we gather to celebrate the founding of Sunsport Gardens. This year will be our 44th birthday! This holiday weekend will be particularly bittersweet, since we will also gather together to celebrate the life of Joel Stalker. Please join us on July 5th at 1:00 pm as we remember and honor our friend.

No Sunsport Fourth of July Weekend would be complete without some special parties and dances. I understand that Keith has some great things planned for us!

Please book your rental or campsite reservation now and come spend the holiday weekend at Sunsport Gardens.

Youth Camp will be here before we know it. Make sure your send in your applications- the deadline is July First! This is the one event no naturist kid should miss!

The Young Florida Naturists group will be at Sunsport again August 14-16. They will use the Drum Circle area. This is a great opportunity for young people ages 18-30 to enjoy their naturist lifestyle together.

And that's how it goes at Sunsport Gardens, and in life. Each season brings blessings and sorrows. Our greatest blessing is that we can share them together, in a place rich in naturist tradition and natural beauty.

Until next time. . .

Naturally yours,

Christiana

I Dunno…

(An article sharing the random thoughts of Don Sanborn,
a.k.a. the Naked Man of “Nekked Man Garden & Nursery”, a.k.a. “D.J.”)

I was pretty sure that I wouldn't be writing an article for this month's newsletter, as I didn't have a specific topic to discuss. Then it dawned on me; I hadn't had one for the previous articles either.

I'm told that there may be hundreds of people receiving/reading this Newsletter. I speculate that they fall into 4 different categories. The first, and largest group, are past visitors from the Mid-Winter Naturist's Festival and other non-member guests who have registered their e-mail addresses at check-in. The second group is non-resident members, visitors from other clubs, and past first-time or day visitors. Thirdly, there are those who have never been to a Nudist / Naturist Resort before, and they're reading this because they are curious. Lastly, there are the resident members. In the past, I've been guilty of addressing only the resident members. Today, I'm going to try and address all of you.

To the past visitors, Festival participants; Ya know it wouldn't kill you to visit in the summer! Yeah, you finally had some pretty decent weather this past Winter Festival, and while it can be hotter than you normally experience in the “Great White Northern Tundra”; you do have the opportunity to avoid the crowds of the festival and just relax, gathering all the sun and “Me” time that your body can absorb. Chillin in the pool is mandatory!

Regarding the second group; check out the special offers on the web site and be sure to bring your tennis rackets, coolers and, perhaps, a friend or neighbor for the first time with a “Free Pass”. Being members or “frequent visitors”, you know the benefits of being naked and doing whatever, or nothing at all!

OK… the Curious, “First-timers”. Just Do-It! You've swum naked before in your pool, or in the ocean or in the lake. It's the most natural feeling in the world. “The boy's have a penis and the girls have a vagina”. Ta-Da! It's just that simple. You will be accepted for who you are, not what you wear, or where you work. In no time at all, you'll realize that this is where you want to be!

To the residents: Hot Time in the Summer Time! I know you're out there, I can hear your air-conditioners running! I know… I'm as guilty as the rest of you. But why not occasionally get out and enjoy the benefits of your membership; the amenities that SSG offers? There's the Friday Night Drum Circle, the Saturday Night Dance in the pavilion, the pool, hot-tub, tennis courts, volley-ball, petanque courts, and on and on….. There's also the Friday Night Poker Night @ lot #3. (8:00 PM) (Low, low stakes.) Men, and women, are all invited. (Call 422-8065 for more info.)

I know I mentioned the Digital TV thing in last month's newsletter, but can't remember if I mentioned another money saving suggestion. DO YOU pay to rent movies? Why not consider the library, where you can check out up to 10 movies at a time, for 1 week. (Then renew them for another week if you haven't seen them all.) Personally, I enjoy the documentaries, as well as the older movies. I also have checked put some very cool Live Concert movies. You'll be surprised what you can checkout for No Cost from your neighborhood Library.

I observed another neighbor today working to clean up the mess made by a mechanical failure at his RV. It may have been prevented by some preventative maintenance on his part. I cannot stress enough the regular maintenance that these RV homes require. If you are not aware of the required PM requirements, or capable of performing these tasks yourself; contact myself, or one of the other handy residents that live here.

Now, to address the “I Dunno” portion of this article. (As if the previous portion of this article is all about things that “I Know!”) This is written more for me, than all of you. But perhaps you'll find it amusing, or at the very least, be able to commiserate with me. Lately, I've been losing things. First, I lost the “clip-on” sunglasses to my prescription glasses. I waited 5 days before I replaced them, ($13); hoping I'd find them, around the yard where I was sure I had misplaced them. Then I lost my girlfriend of 5 years. Not “lost”, I know where she is. It's just not with me. Then I lost my glasses! That would be the pair that I had just bought the “clip-on” sunglasses for. Geez! All of this happened in 5 days. And then… my boss and I had an argument today, and he fired me! What the heck is going on here anyway? Within minutes, I convinced him of the error of his ways, and I still have a pathetic job to go to in the morning. Then I lost my I-Pod, a Christmas gift from my daughter that I had never taken from its box. Fortunately, I have just earlier found the I-Pod. And I still have the receipt for the newly purchased clip-on's that I can now return. But… Dunno…. What's up with women anyway? Don't get me wrong… I love them…. But there are times, (read past 20 years!), where it seems like I haven't a freaking clue as to what they're thinking about. Sorry… “I Dunno”… has become a little self-indulgent here. But… am curious to your thoughts or comments if anyone has even gotten this far into reading this writing…. I Dunno…

Until we meet again, or next month's article, Peace to You All!

Don Sanborn a.k.a., DJ, a.k.a. Nekked Man of Nekked Man Nursery.

Welcome Back, Youth Campers & Young Naturists!

At a time when nudist and naturists organizations are concerned about a lack of participation amongst young people, Sunsport is leading the way. Our annual Youth Camp provides a safe and enjoyable setting for kids to spend a week doing traditional summer-camp stuff (think s'mores, arts and crafts and swimming) in a naturist setting. Sunsport residents and members look forward to meeting our new camp kids, and seeing how much our returning campers have grown in a year. This year campers will enjoy great food from the Dolphin Cafe, some new craft projects, an ice cream social with a messy twist, and the annual trip to Haulover. Each day the kids experience new things and grow in new ways.

In August, the Florida Young Naturists will return for another weekend of camping at Sunsport. The Florida Young Naturists is a travel group for people ages 18-30. They are really doing a great deal to promote nudism for young people, and to promote nudist and naturist areas, events and clubs within their membership. Their hard work and dedication is admirable, and is paying off. Last April there were as many as fifty-seven young folks for their weekend event. It is always great to see young folks enjoying the pool, volleyball, and other amenities here at Sunsport. Their energy and enthusiasm is infectious.

As we welcome the next clothes-free generation to Sunsport, we are probably all a little jealous that we didn't have opportunities like Youth Camp and the Young Naturists when we were growing up. Or, for many us, when our own kids were growing up! But, we are happy to be able to be a part of creating the future for naturism!

Upcoming Special Events

Life is quiet and peaceful at Sunsport in the summer, but that doesn't mean that we don't have fun! In addition to impromptu parties and outings to enjoy Haulover Beach and local attractions, we have an exciting schedule of events.

We'll have a Tarot Circle meeting on July 2nd. If you are interested in Tarot, divination or psychic development, please plan to join us.

Fourth of July weekend is always a blast at Sunsport, including dances and a birthday party for Sunsport.

Our annual Youth Camp takes place July 19th through July 26th. This is a unique opportunity for naturist kids to have fun, learn and grow.

We will gather to celebrate another turn of the Wheel of the Year on July 31st for our Lughnassad Circle. Join us at the drum circle area to celebrate and manifest harvest in your life.

August 14th through 16th will see the return of the Florida Young Naturists for a weekend of camping, relaxing, fellowship and fun.

Please mark your calendars and try to join us at Sunsport this summer! Remember that residents, members and guests are always invited to contribute their special talents and add to our list of events.

If you are leading an event, make sure you send the information to webmaster@sunsportgardens.com so that it can be listed on the website.

Ongoing Events

• Every Wednesday Pot Luck Dinner 6PM
• Every Friday Drum Circle 9PM to Midnight
• Every Saturday Tennis 9AM & Dance 8:30PM
• Every Saturday & Sunday Volleyball 1PM
• Every Sunday Tennis 10:30AM

July Events

Florida Young Naturist Weekend
August 14th, 15th & 16th

Please check our events page for ongoing events and up-to-the-minute schedule updates.