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VenusNews » Ottawa
December 2005 . contents
- new year, new hours
- new years visitors
- workshops
- toy parties
- boxing week sale
- artists
- new products
- book review: I Am a Red Dress
- community events
new year, new hours
Starting in January we will be open:
monday and tuesday 11-6
wednesday, thursday, friday, and saturday 11-7
sunday 12-5
new years visitors
Danielle Egan: Flesh for Fantasy: Producing and Consuming Exotic Dance
February 3th, 2006 at 7pm. Free!Danielle Egan, PhD, will be givng a talk and signing copies of her new book at Venus Envy. The book takes an in-depth look at the relationships exotic dancers have with their regular customers. Incorporating interviews, personal accounts, and field notes, Egan sheds light on the dynamics of desire and fantasy in exotic dance clubs to illustrate the complexity of gendered relations in everyday life. This is an accessible, revealing, and new look at a perennially intriguing and divisive subject.
A former exotic dancer, Egan is an assistant professor of sociology at St. Lawrence University, where she teaches courses in sexuality, sex work, social theory and qualitative methodology. Her work on exotic dance has been featured in several journals. She has also published work on post-9/11 political rhetoric and The Dr. Phil Show.
Joan Price: Straight Talk about Sex after Sixty
Joan Price, author of Better Than I Ever Expected: Straight Talk about Sex After Sixty (Seal Press, 2006) is a ageless sexuality advocate, professional speaker, and fitness expert. She integrates wisdom, experience, warmth, and humor into her teaching. "We're redefining this aging stuff," she says. For more info about Joan, please visit her website at www.joanprice.com.
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May 6, 2006 @ 6:30pm for everyone May 7, 2006 |
Straight Talk about Sex after Sixty |
| Yes, sex after sixty has its challenges, but it can also be sizzling and satisfying. In this upbeat, interactive workshop, you'll explore the challenges and celebrate the joys of older-age sexuality and take home new tools, techniques, and attitudes that help women over sixty experience hot, joyful sex. |
Midori: bondage, seduction, and feminine dominance
The fabulous Midori will be gracing us with her presence once again! Get ready for 2 hot new workshops as well as a weekend-long intensive workshop on Female Dominance.
Midori is a former professional dominant, an educator, and a writer on SM, fetish, and human sexuality. Her publications include Wild Side Sex: The Book of Kink and The Seductive Art of Japanese Bondage. Newcomers and experienced players alike can come out and learn a thing or two from an accomplished and celebrated mistress of the arts of kink.
| May 24, 2006 @ 8:30pm for everyone |
Sex Bondage: Wrapped For Pleasure with Midori! |
| If you like wrapping your presents as much as unwrapping them, we have a class for you! Midori will show you how to combine fun and easy rope bondage and sizzling sex. You'll learn how to use rope to tease and seduce, bondage techniques for sex in various positions, making a dildo harness with rope, sexual sensation enhancement and lots more. This class will have lots of hands-on, fully-clothed practice, so bring rope (if you have it), a beach towel and wear comfortable clothing. Couples or intimately comfortable friends are encouraged to attend! 2 hours |
| May 25, 2006 @ 8:30pm for everyone |
Aural Sex 1: Seduction by Voice & Erotic Story Telling with Midori! |
| The brain is the biggest sex organ and the voice can be the most powerful tool to create the hottest scenes. Midori will show you how to use the hypnotic magic of the voice to seduce your lover long before you enter the bedroom or the dungeon. Learn how to suggest, command, tease and take control with the art of voice. Enjoy practical exercises, tips and secrets of aural seduction. Most of the class will address fundamentals and skills applicable to all sensual encounters. Then bring the magic of Shaherezade to your bedroom. Incorporating seductive voice techniques learned in this class to heat up the bedroom and add spice to your erotic life. Mesmerize your lover and transport both of you to an erotic landscape. Learn how to build and enrich a powerful fantasy, practice effective voice techniques and spellbinding. In this hands-on workshop style class you'll learn techniques of finding out yours and your lovers fantasy, practice story telling skills and improve them with Midori's gentle guidance. There will be a specific section of the class dedicated to voice and command techniques to enhance your SM and D/s scenes. This class applies to SM players and non-SM players alike, and includes demos, practical exercises, and tips. 2 hours |
| May 26, 2006 @ 6:00pm for women |
Women's Dominance Intensive Weekend with Midori |
| Sensual Magic Weekend for Women! Friday May 26 to Sunday May 28th. Join Midori for a very special women's weekend intensive of instruction and fun! Experience a most unique, in-depth program on how to bring the joys of sensual power play to your relationship. Expanding on Midori's ever-popular class "The Art of Feminine Dominance," you'll be fully tutored through a series of personalized classes, discussions and demonstrations. Through in-depth exploration of techniques with individual attention and guidance, you'll learn the full scope of creating an amazing experience for you and your partner. During this immersion retreat, you'll learn creative negotiation, scene setting, special equipment, play techniques including whipping, various bondage types and more. You will also explore emotional and psychological issues of loving SM in a healthy relationship. The weekend will begin on Friday evening from 7:00pm to 10:00pm and continue all day Saturday and Sunday, 9:00am to 6:00pm each day. The retreat weekend will take place in a hotel in the downtown Ottawa area. Women only. (Your partners are welcome to join you for your private time in your hotel room.) $600 for the entire weekend (accomodation and meals extra). Class size is limited to 15 women in order to provide personal attention for all participants. Please register by May 1st, 2006 with a non-refundable deposit of $200 by calling Venus Envy at 613 789 4646 or dropping by at 320 Lisgar Street. For any other information, please visit our website at www.venusenvy.ca or Fetish Diva Midori's website at www.FetishDiva.com. Midori has offered this weekend twice before and has been amazing! Join Midori as she leads you on a journey you won't soon forget! 3 days |
Workshops
Please see our workshops page for details about costs and registration. Workshops are $20 per person unless otherwise noted.
| January 9, 2006 @ 6:30pm for women |
Going Down: A Guide to Fellatio |
| If you’re interested in licking boys' bits, but aren't sure where to start or what to do once you get going, this workshop is for you. From basic anatomy to tips for the advanced, this workshop will cover a wide range of information about giving head. 2 hours |
| January 23, 2006 @ 6:30pm for everyone |
I'm Coming! A Guide to Women' s Orgasm |
| Some women never experience orgasm, some can have orgasms once in awhile, or on their own, or never on their own, or ... you get the picture. The female orgasm can sometimes be rather elusive, and that can be okay, but it can also be very frustrating. This session will look at some of the reasonswomen have difficulty with orgasm, offer suggestions around play to enhance sexual feelings, as well as covering important anatomical information. Discussion includes g-spot, clitoris, and tips to use both alone and with a partner. 2 hours |
| February 1, 2006 @ 6:30pm for everyone |
Writing To Seduce with Megan Butcher |
| Know what you want, but too shy to say it? Use words to sweep your lovely off their feet and into your favourite position. We’ll help you find terms that will turn you on, talk about different literary forms to pervert for your own erotic purposes, and give you tips on how to start the process. Come prepared to share advice and experience with the group. You may also bring one piece of writing (with SASE) to be edited by the workshop leader. (Note: Some very graphic language may be used.) 1.5 hours |
| February 4, 2006 @ 7:00pm for women |
The New Bump and Grind: Dress up, Show off and Talk Hot! |
| Erotic dancing is all the rage right now and Venus Envy has created an interactive workshop along those lines. "The New Bump and Grind" will offer women a chance to explore sensual movement, sexy communication skills, and generally allow women to feel more comfortable being their sexiest selves. "The New Bump and Grind" is held in a cozy and comfortable space with fun props and no expectations. If you don't feel comfortable with the movements or exercises you can feel free to sit out and watch. Facilitated by Èmilie and Shari, who bring a fabulous combination of experiences including erotic modeling, dance experience and teaching, and a love of burlesque and showing off! 2 hours |
| February 13, 2006 @ 6:30pm for everyone |
Going Down: A Guide to Cunnilingus |
| This workshop will cover anatomy, technique, communication skills and tricks to please your lady with your lips. And tongue, and teeth, and hands, and then some! 2 hours |
| February 21, 2006 @ 6:30pm for women |
Sex Toys 101 for Queer Girls |
| We've modified our very popular Sex Toys 101 workshop to make this class specific to women lovin' women. We've taken out the boy toys and added info about harnesses, double dils, and safer lesbian sex. Open to all women who have sex (or want to have sex) with other women, regardless of your identity. 1.5 hours |
| March 14, 2006 @ 6:30pm for everyone |
Going Down: A Guide to Fellatio |
| If you’re interested in licking boys' bits, but aren't sure where to start or what to do once you get going, this workshop is for you. From basic anatomy to tips for the advanced, this workshop will cover a wide range of information about giving head. 2 hours |
| March 20, 2006 @ 6:30pm for everyone |
Cheap Thrills: Do it Yourself Sex Toys |
| You may never see your house, the hardware store or grocery store the same way again. Kinky sex doesn't have to be expensive - this workshop will show you how to transform everyday mundane items into sex toys. 1.5 hours |
| March 25, 2006 @ 6:30pm for everyone |
Advanced Tantra-Yoga |
| Tantra has been commercialized as "spiritual sex" but in its deepest expression, it's about opening our hearts, tapping into our creativity, and using our vital energy responsibly in all relationships. It's about becoming aware of and learning how to manage our sexual/creative energy in our bodies and in our lives. This workshop offers a fuller experience of some of the key aspects of tantra-yoga. You'll learn exercises that can be practiced alone or with a partner, and practical techniques that can be incorporated into intimate relationships. We'll introduce basic exercises to release physical and emotional tension, and to build, sustain and direct energy in the body. We’ll discuss similarities and differences in men's and women's experience of intimacy, and how pleasure can be a sacred experience that can open to our true potential. This naturally helps us be more authentic with ourselves and our partners - both in and out of the bedroom. There'll also be time to cover any questions or topics of interest among the group. We'll be working on the floor, so please bring whatever you need to be comfortable on a carpetted surface. Individuals of all genders and orientations are welcome, with or without partners. For more information: www.zensations.ca 3 hours |
| March 26, 2006 @ 6:30pm for couples |
Sensual Massage for Couples |
| This workshop will teach the basics of sensual massage to enhance each partner's experience of touch, each other, and sensuality within their relationship. Participants will learn fundamental principles on how to give and receive an oil-based massage. Techniques to give a full-body massage will be demonstrated, and participants will have the opportunity to practice on one another's backs. Oils and creams will be provided, but participants must bring two sheets, towels, comfortable clothing and whatever they need to be comfortable working on the floor. This workshop is for couples of all genders and orientations. With Sonia Osorio & David Altmann, www.zensations.ca. (Cost is per couple.) 3 hours |
Toy Parties
Toy parties are a great way to celebrate a shower, a birthday, an anniversary, pride week, or any other time you want to get together with a bunch of friends and learn about sex. All parties are free and you are under no obligation to make purchases.
The Venus Envy toy party is a fun and informative evening of show and tell about toys and how to use them. We'll discuss toys and anatomy for vaginal, anal, and clit play as well as some toys for boys and fun extras for massage. You'll see slippery and sensual products as well as some kinkier items such as bondage tape, cuffs, and blindfolds. Some of the highlights of the evening include tips on how to find the g-spot, how to use cock rings, and what the deal is with anal play. Toy parties can be customized to suit to your group, so if you have any specific requests about toys you'd like to see or stuff you want to learn let us know in advance!
We will bring lots of toys, massage products, lube, books, and some other fun items to buy at the end of the presentation. We accept cash, visa, and mastercard. If we run out of something you want to buy after the party, you can still make your purchase and have your order delivered in the next few days.
Call Shelley at 789 4646 to book your party today!
Boxing Week Sale
All our toys (vibes, dils, butt toys, cock rings, and ben wa balls) will be on sale the week after Xmas. The sale offers an increasing discount:
December 27th: 10% off
December 28th: 20% off
December 29th: 30% off
Only what's in stock is on sale, and we want to get rid of stock before inventory day, so come in early for the best selection!
Artists
November and December
Maureen McGreavy: Hourglass Figures
Inspired by the notion that if from youth girls were socialized to the penis as something gentle, delicate and pretty, as opposed to bold, hard and penetrating, there would be a world of difference in relations between our sexes. The sculpted, corseted penis transforms the phallus into the female figure, toying with the notion of just who the corset is for. These hand-crafted figures, averaging six inches in height, attempt to demystify the penis and provide for all a pretty little penis to cherish and adore.
Maureen McGreavy is an artist and poet native to Ottawa; this is her first solo exhibit. She participated in a women's group exhibit at Artscourt in 1996, has done work on womens' issues for the National Union, mural commissions, and has sold works on various themes and mediums to private collectors. Incapable of being chained to a desk, she has spent the last decade working as a bicycle courier here in our nation's capital.
January and February
Morgan Rose
This show is a study of the human form in watercolor and ink. Morgan creates art that is sexy and devious.
Hailing from Toronto, Morgan has attended the Ontario College of Art and Design, the Ottawa School of Art, and has attended Carleton University studying Art History. For the past eight years she has explored many facets of the art world, and has travelled throughout the U.S. and Canada studying design and tattooing. This is Morgan's first showing in Ottawa.
Opening: January 6th, 7-8:30pm
New Products ... just in time for the holdiays.
Luscious Milk Bath
Available in White Chocolate and Vanilla Venus. 225 g, $16.95
Both flavors are made with very simple and non-irritating ingredients such as milk powder, baking soda, and chocolate. A quarter of a cup in the bath will soften the water and your skin and leave you moisturized and feeling great!
Luscious Sugar Scrub
Available in White Chocolate and Pink Grapefruit Bliss. 240ml, $16.95
Massage this gentle exfoliant into your skin, rinse and towel dry. Leaves your skin soft, smooth, and sweet.
CB3000
$225.00
The most popular male chastity device on the market. The CB3000 is an acrylic device that can be worn on the penis and testicles over long periods of time. Easy to clean and comfortable, the CB3000 is getting nothing but rave reviews from our customers. (For more info see www.cb3000.co.uk.)
Book review
I Am a Red Dress: Incantations on a Grandmother, a Mother, and a Daughter. By Anna Camilleri.
Reviewed by Megan Butcher
I've heard it said that the rising tide of memoirs signals a crisis in narrative imagination. While that may be the case for some publications, in others, that's just not true. Take I am a Red Dress, for example. In a stirring epilogue, Camilleri states that what motivates her to write is a desire to understand and remake the world (174-5). Where better to start than with the stories that accumulate in one's own life? It takes as much insight to cleave our stories off and package them in a way that's meaningful for others, that strikes a chord in their intended audience, as it does to start fresh.
And this book does strike a chord, at least in me. The writing is strong, her images well chosen and well played out. Though in certain spots it still feels a little rough (the language a little angular here and there, maybe? The dialogue perhaps a little too broken with translations?), overall the story behind the three titular women arcs well and serves Camilleri's political point well.
This is what I loved most about the book. Camilleri is able to be overtly, smartly political without ever losing sight of the fact that the flow of her words is queen. Writing should never be subsumed to politics; it does both a disservice. But with sections like "Girls Run Circles," or the jewel-toned images of "Cut From the Same Stone" She's able to pinpoint a moment in her life that links her to a web of women out there, and is able to write it through, clearly and bravely. Camilleri is able to nail a personal truths to political issues. Or vice versa. We need more writing like this.
Community events
Women's Black and White Ball
New Years Eve: 9pm-2am
1505 Carling Avenue
Tickets: $25 single, $45 couples, available at Venus Envy, Mother Tongue, and Wilde's. For more information, call 878-5465.
Get Your Kicks...Ring in 2006!
New Years Eve: dinner at 7:30, dance at 9:30
Delta Ottawa Hotel, 361 Queen Street
New Years Fundraiser to benefit the Ottawa Pride Committee and the Ten Oaks Project. For ticket information visit www.prideottawa.com or www.tenoaksproject.com.
Hearts Desire Women's Valentine Dance
Saturday February 11: 9pm-1am
WHERE?
Tickets: $15 in advance, $20 at the door, available at Venus Envy and Mother Tongue
"Enough Man"
February 14th: 7:30pm
Ottawa Library Central Branch
Cost: donation
"Documentary meets explicit sexuality in Luke Woodward's groundbreaking debut video about body image, relationships, sex and sexuality from the perspective of nine female-to-male (FTM) transmen and their partners. Featuring health educators, college students, sex workers, activists and artists, Enough Man navigates the terrain between objectivity and personal identity, allowing viewers into some of the most personal and rarely discussed areas of transgender life."
"Enough Man ... stands in sharp contrast to the traditional transsexual documentaries that focus on gender dysphoria and sex reassignment, but skip over the difficult and delightful details of our pleasure-seeking behavior. Woodward seems to have included all sexual orientations, and he doesn't flinch from covering the full spectrum of sexuality.... It was wonderful to see our handsome, responsive bodies on screen, being affirmed by intimate touch. Wow!"
-Patrick Califia, therapist and author of Sex Changes: The Politics of Transgenderism
Tantra-Yoga Retreat in Costa Rica – Midfulness and Renewal
February 18-25, 2006
www.zensations.ca
Women at Sea!
Join the Out Stuff grrls on a Caribbean Cruise leaving Ottawa on Feb. 25, 2006. "Women At Sea" is a women's tour group that is organized by Out Stuff and arranged by the Cruise Ship Centre. The great rates include airfare from Ottawa, 7-day cruise on the Caribbean Princess, all port fees and taxes as well as transporation to and from the airport and the dock.
Visit www.outstuff.ca for details or call 1-866-313-3309 and say you are calling about "Women At Sea."
