Newsletter No. 17: SPRING 2002

As the Spring begins to arrive, in stops and starts, all across Canada, thoughts turn to the emergence of green and the planning of the gardens. The seed catalogues are arriving, the frost is departing and we here at Come As You Are are putting the final touches on planning for May, a month soon to be ensconced in the Canadian calendar as Masturbation Month.

Here at Come As You Are, the coming of Spring has put us in the mood. And why not celebrate with holidays based around sex. There are day long celebrations for everything else and really a whole month is not nearly enough. Celebrating Masturbation Month can be our way of validating self-experimentation and feeling good about our selves.

A month long celebration of sex for one. A time for contemplation as the summer returns with warmth and the renewal of growth. Our bodies respond to the flavors of the season. Heating up the sexual landscape. Delving into the dark soil of our desires.

Much like an undiscovered patch of wild blueberries, or a lovingly cultivated garden, sexual accomplishments and experimentation takes time, consideration and watering, whether it be in the form of a safe place to explore, a conversation with a friend or some good old fashioned lubrication. Quick fixes are not easy to come by, and pushing ourselves too fast can result in having to take a couple steps back. To relax and let things grow. To allow the wildness in.

These days, everywhere we look there is a long list of solutions and promises, whether it be the pharmaceutical industry or websites promising the next big fad in sexual marketing. Finding the way that works for our own individual bodies has never been more complicated. But taking the time to explore is never a work in vain. Asking questions and learning how to ask for what we want is an important step. Inevitably we discover through trial and error, the solutions to exploring a multiplicity of desire that is our biggest sex organ, the brain.

As we prepare for the summer, our trowels in hand, so should we spend the time to get to know ourselves. Finding the answers can be a long process. But the inevitable outcome is plenty. And often the getting there, much like a garden, is more satisfying for the work. We begin to define our own needs, and are thus able to cultivate and grow within our relationships. 

May is Masturbation Month

Several events are in the works to celebrate this holiday of the body and self-love. They all lead up to the fourth annual Masturbate-a-thon on the May 18th weekend. We’ve included more information with this newsletter.

May will also feature an in-store art exhibit by Carol Camper. Voluptuaries: Sex Noir, black and white photographs of women who are sumptuous, luminous and voluptuous. Visions of a luxurious edge. Working with several gifted women, Carol Camper has brought forth select images which embody her personal idea of power, beauty and sexuality. Show in progress throughout the month of May, art opening held on May 4th from 7pm-10pm.

The end of May, will see the Masturbation Month wrap-up, in the form of a cabaret of spoken word and performance. If you find yourself in Toronto at the end of May, come celebrate with us. Radically fun sex talk and anecdotes of masturbation are sure to inspire. Please call for date and location.

Greening Up!

After a long night of battery-powered pleasure, what's a fun-loving person to do with all those expended batteries? Well we here at Come As You Are felt a great concern to find another solution to the problems of toxic waste.
Household batteries comprise a small fraction of 1% of total trash in Municipal Landfills, yet they are responsible for between 50% and 70% of all heavy metals found in landfills (Mercury, Cadmium, Lead). Not only is metal infinitely recyclable, but when recycled metal is re-melted, energy savings of between 45% and 90% are possible, compared to making metal from ore. 
It may be a small step to take, but as sellers of toys that require batteries, we feel it is an important one. We now welcome all our customers to join with us in our CAYA Battery Recycling Programme. Just bring by or send by mail, your used alkaline batteries and we will send them off to the Raw Materials Company (www.rawmaterials.com) which specializes in proper disposal of toxins and reuse of recyclable metals. Good vibrations have never been easier. 

Videos & DVD’s

Summer days are on their way, heralded by a collection of long awaited new releases. From educational to super-sexed and some that blur the lines. We’re finding new genres of porn are sprouting up and the need has never been greater for a diversity and intelligence that has been missing from the industry in the past. 

The newest is Snoop Doggy Dog’s Doggy Style, made for fans of rap music and great sex. A classic in the making, Snoop Doggy Dog (yes, it is him), brings together some of the best stars in the industry. Vignettes of great sex and stripping to a soundtrack of previously unreleased Snoop Doggy Dog tracks. VHS $40.00 DVD $60.00 

The Private Life of Silvia Saint showcases some of Silvia’s best work.  It is a compilation of her finest scenes from all of her past Private videos.  Private Life of Silvia Saint also has intimate interviews where she talks about her private life and how she feels about her work. Explicit with great acting and enthusiasm. VHS $34.00 DVD $60.00 

Nacho Vidal is back with the 4th installment of Killer Pussy.  If you haven’t seen Nacho and his “assets” before and you are a fan of gonzo videos, you must see Killer Pussy Vol.4.  Don’t get us wrong this video is hardcore, but Nacho’s mix of rough and tenderness warms our hearts. VHS $34.00 DVD $50.00 

Tristan Taormino returns with the follow up to the best-seller video, Ultimate Guide to Anal Sex for Women. Volume 2 features some educational know-how as well several scenes of sex. The best is a scene between Mr. Marcus and Kate Frost, the first between the real-life couple. Tristan has the knack of dishing up sassy scenes of women who love anal sex. VHS $45.00 DVD $60.00 

Whipsmart is an incredibly informative (and hot!) guide to S/M for beginners.  Oriented towards couples of any sexual orientation, this video from the folks at Good Vibrations covers the basics of all sorts of play including spanking, bondage and role playing.  With a particular emphasis on communication and negotiation, this video is a great way to introduce elements of power play to any relationship. VHS Only $65.00

TOYS

The ultimate in exploration is the toy that allows you to find all those hard to reach spots. A toy that looks good and feels even better. When the day has been long and all that outdoor fresh air has taken its toll, settling back with an old favorite can make the night last even longer. Here are some cuties we can’t stop talking about. Discreet little packages of fun and fancy.

The French Kiss is a silicone attachment that fits on to any bullet or pocket rocket vibrator.  Fabulously kissable and great for both external and internal g-spot stimulation. Easy to clean, and great for those allergic to rubber or latex. Does not include vibrator. $35.00 

Well you asked and here it is. We now present to you the Hello Kitty Vibrator. Cute and pink. The ultimate gift for the Hello Kitty collector. Medium vibration. $50.00

The newest in the remote control family is the Remote Butterfly. More adjustable and comfortable than any other panty style we have tried. Strong yet quiet vibrations make this the toy to wear out on the town. Under clothes and with a twenty foot radius, there is no one who needs to know. And it’s up to you who gets the control switch. $130.00

Another great toy for wearable vibration is the Buzz Me Again Two Strap Harness. Finally, a harness that has vibrator pockets for both the wearer and their partner. The vibration is felt throughout the harness and everyone has fun! Fits any standard dildo with base. Does not include vibrators. Adjustable straps fit 28 inch to 42 inch hips. $98.00 

And the dildo of the season is Geiger. A cute little dildo with ridges and a sci-fi look. Perfect for anal play and firm enough for easy maneuverability. $50.00 

A great new addition to the acrylic line of toys, the Lizzy is not to be ignored. Pink and stylish with a great curve for g-spot stimulation. For vaginal use only. $40.00

Books

As the days lengthen and the light grows brighter, what better time to pick up a new collection of exciting erotica? Or if it’s time to expand the repertoire, what would be better than a step-by-step guide to make those hazy days pass by?

Every year Susie Bright brings together the best erotica for our enjoyment. Newly arrived is this year’s edition, Best American Erotica 2002. And even though, this is the 9th year running, it is still original and fresh. $21.50

Best Transgender Erotica is one of the first books of erotica to originate in the trans community.  This book is beautiful, political, and deliciously smutty. $26.00

White Stains is the hardcover reproduction of the 1940’s classic, first published by Samuel Roth in New York. They were thought to be written for oil millionaire, Roy M. Johnson by Anais Nin and Friends, who were paid a dollar a page for the work. $48.00

Patrick Califia’s S/M how-to classic, Sensuous Magic, has been re-printed in a fabulous new 2nd edition, revised and updated. Smart practical information, this book is truly magic. $24.00

The Seductive Art of Japanese Bondage features Midori (the author) as a vision of beauty and style on the cover of this impressive book. Serious, step by step instruction, that anyone could follow. Great photographs and excellent instructional diagrams. $45.00

Portraits by Beth B. is a limited edition art book out of New York. Beautiful black and white photographs of vulvas of all shapes and sizes. $60

Workshops

Sex in the Ancient World (East)
April 30, May 7, 14, 21    7:30 - 10:00 pm
With Sudharshan Duraiyappah. $65.00
Sex in the Ancient World (West)
May 1, 8, 15, 22    7:30 - 10:00 pm
With Gayle Gibson.  $65.00  
Through lecture and discussion, these two four-week courses will focus on the ancient cultures of the East (Japan, China, India and Persia) and the West (Egypt, Greece Rome and the Celts).
Sensual Discipline
June 19th    7:30-10:00pm
This practical workshop covers the "how" of safe, consensual corporal discipline for adults.  A demonstration of the sensual side of chastisement, from over-the-knee spanking with hand and paddle, to strapping, cropping and caning.  With Dr. Cane and Miss Jacqueline Banks.  Cost is $15.00

Female Ejaculation
June 24th    7:30 - 10:00 pm                                                                                       Returning with her popular seminar, Shannon Bell will discuss female ejaculation from a historical perspective, followed by an overview of anatomy and technique, plus a demonstration. This workshop is for women only. Cost is $25.00

Girl Parts and the Big “O” 
July 10th    7:30-10:00 pm
Learn about the what & where of women's sexual anatomy and the what & how of orgasm - in its myriad forms. For those with girl parts. With Carol Camper. Cost is $20.00