From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=1347">RomanticMechanic</a><BR>
Date: 29 September 2003<P>

<BR>
<BR>
To all those who were offended by my observation.<BR>
<BR>
It was merely an observation.<BR>
<BR>
And NO - I am not uncomfortable with sensual writing,<BR>
nor even suggestive writing.<BR>
<BR>
I have poems of my own that are provocative and sensual.<BR>
<BR>
I was just making an observation of what I read so far<BR>
on here.  I did not have the time to go back into months<BR>
or years of writing on here.<BR>
<BR>
Yet, I was surprised to see that the physical aspect of love, appeared to be the center of romance on here.<BR>
<BR>
Write as you please - it makes me no mind.<BR>
<BR>
Just merely an observation and nothing to get angry, upset,<BR>
or defensive about.<BR>
<BR>
Are observations allowed here ?<BR>
<BR>
Are opinions allowed that are different from the norm,<BR>
or different from other writers on here ?<BR>
<BR>
I am not pushing a religion, nor am I vulgar or crash.<BR>
I am not pushing a lifestyle, nor condemning others.<BR>
<BR>
Mere an observation.<BR>
<BR>
Some here feel uncomfortable with my observation.<BR>
<BR>
I on the other hand, do not feel uncomfortable with anything or anyone.<BR>
<BR>
Observations do not appear to be welcome.<BR>
<BR>
But I do feel glad that I expressed mine -<BR>
even though it was not welcome nor appreciated.<BR>
<BR>
How often we are told things that are true,<BR>
but because we don't like what is said -<BR>
we accuse are friends of being mean.<BR>
<BR>
It is very difficult to live among people you love <BR>
and hold back from offering them advice.<BR>
---Anne Tyler, Celestial Navigation, 1974<BR>
<BR>
Write down the advice of him who loves you, <BR>
though you like it not at present.<BR>
---English Proverb<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
I guess that is why many people prefer a cat or dog.<BR>
<BR>
Animals are such agreeable friends - <BR>
they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms.<BR>
---George Eliot (1819 - 1880), 'Mr. Gilfil's Love Story,' Scenes of Clerical Life, 1857<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
Passion and Sex is Great<BR>
But Romance and Love is the Invisible Glue<BR>
that makes it last.<BR>
<BR>
With all the whining of love lost<BR>
and the crying moans of WHY?<BR>
Could it be that agape love is missing ?<BR>
<BR>
Passion makes the world go round. <BR>
Love just makes it a safer place.<BR>
---Ice T, The Ice Opinion<BR>
<BR>
<BR>

<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=4">tj holland</a><BR>
Date: 29 September 2003<P>

Mechanic ~ I'm glad that you don't worry about posting your comments. I learned a long time ago that some people are very touchy and they sort of 'go off' at the slightest provocation. Yet I still say what I think in spite of them. After all, I must be true to myself, no?  And I am always searching for real truth. Because I do, I have learned to accept truths for what they are whether I PERSONALLY like them or not. I would far rather hear and speak truth than drown in the sickly syrup of platitudes and facades of those who can only handle what they want to see and hear. So please, continue posting your works AND your comments. <BR>
<BR>
As far as seeing a lot of eroticism here, either I am somewhat blind to it, or you just happened to catch a lot of that at this time of your arrival. I'd say only about 5% (if that) of the works here have a high sexual content. I too prefer works that speak of the 'holier', more important side of love, but I can be a fan of a work that manages to TASTEFULLY combine sensuality and romance. Very few erotic poems are done well enough to satisfy the standards I have in that regard. <BR>
<BR>
In closing, I might pose a subject of thought...<BR>
(NOT directed to you, Mechanic, because I now know how you truly see the issue presented here, and it is not an hysterical view at all)<BR>
...So many people have issues about the human body and the act of making love. So much so that they will sheild their children's eyes from seeing a bare breast, a firm buttock, a  hand caressing a leg. The reaction that children witness, when their parents start freaking out at the chance that the kid is seeing something remotely sensual must send strong messages to that kid. YET the parent thinks nothing of allowing their child to see bullets tearing through flesh, or other acts of violence. Such a strange thing, seeing as how these children will grow older and actually EXPERIENCE human bodies, their own included. It is human sensuality and sexuality that will be far more real than any crash up, shoot out, stab and run, bang bang bang situation. Why is it okay to see blood and guts, but not skin? Weird. <BR>
<BR>
-Teej
<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=1347">RomanticMechanic</a><BR>
Date: 29 September 2003<P>

I know what you mean Teej.<BR>
<BR>
Thanks for being understanding.<BR>
<BR>
You hit upon one thing that really struck a cord with me.<BR>
<BR>
A lady I know told me about something that happened in<BR>
her life - and I thought it was unfair.<BR>
<BR>
She breast-fed her children in a discreet manner.<BR>
Wearing a blouse that she lifted and cover herself and<BR>
the baby with a small light weight receiving blanket,<BR>
when she nursed.  Nothing was really exposed -<BR>
But yet people got upset.  She was asked to leave public<BR>
places - where she was comfortable - to sit on a toilet<BR>
in the ladies room to nurse.<BR>
<BR>
Even her relatives were annoyed and offended by her breast feeding.<BR>
<BR>
When visiting them, she was asked to go into the back room, etc. - even though no flesh was shown.<BR>
<BR>
He mother said that it was "animalistic" - and she got little or no support from anyone.<BR>
<BR>
These are people that go to movies and watch tv where<BR>
nudity is common.<BR>
<BR>
No one complains of playboy being sold in the grocery store for everyone to see. <BR>
<BR>
So why sould this poor woman be forced to sit on a toilet<BR>
to feed her baby in a very beautiful and natural way ?<BR>
<BR>
Society is straining out the gnat and gulping down the camel.<BR>
<BR>
They make natural seem sinful - when in fact it is so beautiful.<BR>
<BR>
enuf.<BR>

<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=13">B.K.</a><BR>
Date: 29 September 2003<P>

Romantic Mechanic; You set my mind abuzz with your comments yesterday. I was mostly disturbed with your saying on one hand that you liked the erotica and then naming it off as the biblical names the bible says are sins. So it was a bit both ways there like you like it as long as its kept in the dark and not with your angel. The old double standard there. Then not knowing what page gardenpoet was on, you attacked him about what he wrote to his wife. Now, that ticked me off as well, he has every right to write that about his beautiful wife and include or not include whatever he would like. We know how highly he regards her and the sensual writing which is harder to do actually than the reach out and touch someone stuff was lovely.<BR>
   Frankly I don't consider that being touchy, but just as having an opinion the same as you have the right to yours TEEJ and expressing it.<BR>
<BR>
bk
<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=73">gardenpoet</a><BR>
Date: 29 September 2003<P>

RomanticMechanic:<BR>
<BR>
I have a feeling that those who are perturbed by your "observational" post (in the desguise of "poetry") are not so perturbed by the fact that your post was a "merely an observation" but rather more because you generalized.  And generalized badly.<BR>
<BR>
You admit that you "...did not have the time to go back into months or years of writing on here."  <BR>
<BR>
I didn't have to take that time either and I spent but a minute or so to find MANY non-sexual posts.  I don't think I went back more than a day or two.<BR>
<BR>
And you also say, "But, It's a pretty sad state of affairs<BR>
when the only thing good a man has to say about his wife - are her breasts and thighs, and the great sex she supplies for him." [BK: was this where you thought he was referring to what I wrote about MY wife?]<BR>
<BR>
The "ONLY thing"?  You read this ONE poem and you concluded it was "the ONLY thing".  Did you look further to find additional posts that were more of a non-erotic-romantic nature by this amateur poet?  <BR>
<BR>
Do you not see the blatant unfairness in this?<BR>
<BR>
"Observations" are welcome.  Critiquing is encouraged.  But when you say..<BR>
<BR>
"How often we are told things that are TRUE, but because we don't like what is said - we accuse are [sic] friends of being mean."<BR>
<BR>
... you have to show us what is "true".  No generality is true, not even this one.<BR>
<BR>
If you feel so compelled to make an "observation", search your argument first as would any good person.<BR>
<BR>
This is not posted as "defense".  Merely to guide you along in this turbulent forum, one which is not meant for the righteous or "observer".  This is an interactive forum.  Be prepared for interaction.<BR>
<BR>
gp
<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=4">tj holland</a><BR>
Date: 29 September 2003<P>

Chill B.K. I don't feel like getting into things with you AGAIN. I've always allowed everyone their opinions and stated mine when I felt like it. As far as touchy...did I mention YOUR name? Yet you assumed I was talking about you. Hmmm, is that touchy? god, I'm tired of this already.<BR>
<BR>
Over and out.<BR>
<BR>
-Teej
<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=339">jack</a><BR>
Date: 29 September 2003<P>

umm yes tj you did start in on it again, you know as well as us all <BR>
<BR>
romantic machanic first off if it aint broke don' try to fix k?<BR>
<BR>
and to everyones else<BR>
<BR>
GOD I STILL LOVE THIS SITE<BR>
<BR>
write on k?<BR>
<BR>
luv's <BR>
jack
<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=744">jimmyallgrownup</a><BR>
Date: 29 September 2003<P>

Ah, Teej: Ever-reliable champion of the annoying underdog. As for this new dude, I dunno - kinda smells like Leamas to me. Which would ALSO explain the Teej reemergence. Idle speculations...
<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=4">tj holland</a><BR>
Date: 29 September 2003<P>

jimmy, jimmy, jimmy, you're supposed to be my friend. I'm me. I use my real name and I don't mind hearing the truth. I just always get blasted for speaking it here. I've been reading the board here and there since last time I posted, but I've been too busy with life to post since then. I'm pretty sure Romantic Mechanic isn't Leamas. Leamas wouldn't write (say) the things RomMech is writing (saying). And me posting one comment that is in accord with SOME of the things RomMech is saying doesn't mean I've taken up the role of fighting for an "underdog". He isn't even an underdog. He can obviously hold his own. Lots of barking dogs around here, enough to chase away ANY dog that barked to a different drummer. It's always been that way here at the pound. And I just want to see some new animals mark some territory around here, rather than watching the grumpy old dogs pissing on anything real all the time. <BR>
<BR>
I imagine once B.K. reads my message it will sound like there is a cat is in the neigborhood, lots of dogs sounding off. I think I'll just stroll on through the alley and keep on walkin'.<BR>
<BR>
-Teej
<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=13">B.K.</a><BR>
Date: 29 September 2003<P>

As I see it you come in here looking for attention obviously our you would not have posted on the MAIN page the way you did. You don't know us, we don't know you except we have an inkling of you now same as you think you do of us. (good bad or indifferent)<BR>
<BR>
Sir you have only one defense. Put something of your own original words on the front page here or anywhere and let us see just how well you do it. We are all laid out on the pages of this fine journal for you to read. I'm from Missouri, SHOW ME exactly what you mean. <BR>
<BR>
bk
<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=4">tj holland</a><BR>
Date: 29 September 2003<P>

just a late thought... <BR>
<BR>
I don't have a good enough memory to have multiple personalities here. AND my mind isn't very good at strategic games, you know? I can't plan out intricate scenarios and execute them. (Not enough memory to open those sorts of big files)I think I just look 'em in the eye and shoot straight.<BR>
<BR>

<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=13">B.K.</a><BR>
Date: 29 September 2003<P>

Yeah Teej straight at me every chance you get honey get a grip and get a life and lay off.<BR>
<BR>
bk
<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=4">tj holland</a><BR>
Date: 29 September 2003<P>

sure. no problem.
<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=487">bp</a><BR>
Date: 29 September 2003<P>

~did i miss something~<BR>
<BR>
bp
<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=4">tj holland</a><BR>
Date: 29 September 2003<P>

Nothing worth the effort of trying to figure out, Sponge Bob. Nice to see you again!! How's life?! Still fighting crime? Take care of that heart ol' boy!<BR>
<BR>
Outta here!<BR>
<BR>
-Teej<BR>
<BR>

<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=1139">jwb71913</a><BR>
Date: 29 September 2003<P>

Hmmmm, I see a few poems now and then that tend to touch on the physical, but most of the posts i've read tend towards the emotional.  Might be the end of the month push for something to make front page?     Jim
<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=1269">Injun Joe</a><BR>
Date: 29 September 2003<P>

definitely some kind of monthly phenomenon going on here...
<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=872">cryingshame58</a><BR>
Date: 29 September 2003<P>

wolfscreamer,<BR>
<a href="/blend/wv.cgi?id=2003.09.28.09.42.21923">I woke this autumn morning</a> ...ahhhhwwwwhhhh! your beautiful dream had a lonely ending... this submit spoke to me...<BR>
cs58
<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=109">Stephen</a><BR>
Date: 29 September 2003<P>

Glad to see this place is still dramatic as hell<BR>
<BR>
yey ;P
<HR>