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(613) 789-4646
VenusNews » Ottawa
issue 1 . Fall 2001
Store Events
Writing Eros
For women - Monday Sept 10th, Tuesday Oct 16th, Monday Nov 12th
For everyone - Monday Sept 24th, Monday Oct 22nd, Monday Nov 26th
Facilitated by Megan
Interested in writing erotica? Have work you want to share? Come on out to one of our monthly erotica writing groups. Lots of conversation, writing and constructive criticism. Group members range from novices to published writers - all skill levels are welcome. Just be ready to talk about sex and writing with a nice group of people. Because the groups are based on member participation, there is no fee to join. Space is limited and the groups fill up quickly, so call to reserve a space.
Hot and Bothered 3 Launch
29th October, 7 pm
Hot and Bothered 1 and 2 are incredibly popular collections of short short stories about lesbian lust in its many varieties. The newest installment is coming out in late September, and we'll be hosting the Ottawa area launch for Hot and Bothered 3 here at the store. Author readings and food galore!
Workshops
All workshops are held at the store, located at 110 Parent Ave. in Ottawa. Please pre-register by calling 613-789-4646; the workshop fee is $5 per person unless stated otherwise.
G marks the Spot
For everyone
Tuesday September 11 at 6:30 pm
Facilitated by Michelle
Everything you've always wanted to know about the not-so-elusive G-Spot! Michelle will cover history, anatomy, ejaculation and practical g-spotting tips. One hour, plus time for questions and discussion.
Sex Toys 101: an introduction to the Wonderful World of Toys
For women
Monday September 17 at 6:30 pm
Facilitated by KAt
"What is it? What do I do with it? Where do I put it" A friendly introduction.
KAt will be discussing anatomy, vibrators, dildos, lube and other slippery stuff.
This workshop will give toy novices a chance to learn about different toys in a relaxed atmosphere. One hour, plus time for questions and discussion.
Sensual Foot Massage
For pairs ($25 per pair)
Monday, October 15 at 6:30 pm
Facilitated by Althea Knight
A good foot rub can be a good end to a busy day or a nice buildup to other sensual activities. Althea will talk about feet in the context of general well being, and walk you through reflexology techniques that can be used to wind you down, wind you up, or just make you feel nice. Bring a pillow or blanket as you will be seated on the floor for this workshop. One and a half hours. The $25 fee includes a free 2 oz Enrichments massage oil for each person.
Cheap Thrills
For everyone
Tuesday October 16 at 6:30
Facilitated by Caro and cj
You may never see your house, the hardware store or grocery store the same way again. Kinky sex doesn't have to be expensive - Caro and cj will show you how to transform everyday mundane items into sex toys. One hour, plus time for questions and discussion.
Up Yours!: Anal Pleasure and Health
For everyone
Tuesday October 23 at 6:30 pm
Facilitated by Megan
Learn how to make friends with your butt! We'll be dispelling some of the myths and cultural taboos surrounding anal play, as well as chatting about anatomy, safety, lube, toys, and general anal health. One hour, plus time for questions and discussion.
Sex Toys 101: an introduction to the Wonderful World of Toys
For everyone
Monday November 5 at 6:30 pm
Facilitated by Michelle
"What is it? What do I do with it? Where do I put it" A friendly introduction.
We will be discussing anatomy, vibrators, dildos, lube and other slippery stuff.
This workshop will give toy novices a chance to learn about different toys in a relaxed atmosphere. One hour, plus time for questions and discussion.
BDSM 101: an introduction to Power Play
For everyone
Tuesday November 13 at 6:30 pm
Facilitated by Megan
An open discussion for those who are, or think they might be, interested in BDSM. Megan will be discussing some terms and definitions, as well as communication and negotiation of boundaries. Safety and safewords will also be on the agenda. One hour, plus time for questions and discussion.
BDSM 201: Tips and Tricks
For everyone
Tuesday November 20 at 6:30 pm
Facilitated by Megan
This is a beginner level workshop for those with an active interest in BDSM. Megan will talk about toys for sensation play, floggers and other spanky stuff, basic knot tying and rope safety, as well as using common household items in new and kinky ways. One hour plus time for questions and discussion.
Art at Venus Envy
September-November: Curiopix
Curiopix Photography specializes in the art of Hollywood Glamour Fine Art Images. Drawing on 20 years combined experience this husband and wife team literally paints with light and captures the art of seduction. Featured will be a collection of black-and-white fine art images that will bewitch, bemuse, and bewilder the viewer.
New Toy
The Ripple
For all those who love the feeling of anal beads comes a brand new toy from Tantus. The ripple combines the best features of anal beads with the convenience of a dildo, and it comes in two sizes. This toy looks like a dildo made up of linked series of bulbs, each larger than the previous one. The small starts tiny, which is great for beginners, and works its way up to a bead just over an inch in diameter. The large version takes up where the small leaves off, and it gets very large indeed. The toys have the advantages of all silicone toys: they're non-porous, so they don't pick up bacteria and odor, and it's possible to sterilize silicone by boiling it or putting it through the dishwasher (top rack only!).
Tristan Taormino, author of The Ultimate Guide to Anal Sex for Women, gave the ripple kudos in the current issue of On Our Backs magazine, so you know it must be good. And it also comes in sparkly colours: electric blue, midnight purple, platinum, and copper.
Small: $29.95, 5.25"; Large: $49.95, 7"
New Book
The Mother's Guide to Sex: Enjoying Your Sexuality Through All Stages of Motherhood. By Anne Semans and Cathy Winks. New York: Three Rivers Press, 2001. 367 p.
The women who brought you the comprehensive and fun New Good Vibrations Guide to Sex have applied their mix of good information, advice, and writing to a new book; this one covers the area where sexuality and motherhood meet. Their goal in writing this book was "to take as comprehensive an approach as possible in affirming a mother's identity as a sexual being." (xiii) Although they never explicitly state what the philosophy behind the book is, a few points became obvious as I read. They think being sexual is an important part of being human, as is mothering, that communication is the way to get what you need and want, and that mothers do not cease being multi-dimensional people once kids are on the scene. From pregnancy to talking with teenagers, Semans and Winks cover it all with wit and plain talk. They draw on interviews with all sorts of health practitioners, and anecdotes from 700 surveys completed by mothers are sprinkled liberally through the pages. These quotations, more than anything, made it clear the authors weren't treating motherhood like an impersonal noun, but like real people's lived lives. Their advice can be biased towards the U.S., but even the section with recommendations about how to deal with doctors at an HMO can be loosely applied to the Canadian system. What I enjoyed most about this book was the authors' insistence that mothers make time for themselves, and Seman and Winks' emphasis on the importance of valuing your own pleasure, time and experience. Even though I don't have children, I became engrossed in the book, and found myself wanting to call up all the mothers I know to offer up my services as a babysitter.
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