Celebrate banned books week, read some smut!

Who knew that curling up with a paperback could be just as informative and erotic as, say, spending a night in bed with a few candles and a favorite sex toy? The answer is anyone who, like this bookworm of a vulva, had the good fortune to come across a Judy Blume book while growing up. In a culture that would rather ignore the bodily and emotional changes experienced by the young, the refreshing honesty of Blume’s prose led to a shock of recognition, a launching point for thought, for whispered discussions, for questions passed on scraps of notebook paper across a spitball-soaked study hall. A reassurance that the sometimes alarming changes in bodies and desires were normal and were worthy of narration. Here, suddenly, were characters whose bodies weren’t perfect, characters who touched themselves and felt sexual desire and had insecurities, whose home lives weren’t idyllic, whose platonic friendships were as important and vital to them as the teen magazines made dating out to be. For these reasons (not to mention all the times a particularly titillating scene merited a clandestine bookmark), I was thrilled to learn that Judy Blume had been selected to receive the honorary National Book Award for contributions to American letters. It’s wonderful to see a writer receiving recognition for defying the notion that frank discussion of the continuum of women’s sexuality is not suitable for a popular audience.

Speaking of deciding what is and isn’t suitable for a popular audience, I also adore Ms. Blume for her devotion to struggling against the suppression of literary voices; along with other brave writers such as Susie Bright and Erica Jong, Blume is a member of the National Coalition Against Censorship. Perhaps it’s because Judy’s own books have long been the target of book banning, but she’s an inspiration for anyone who cherishes freedom of speech.

So, congratulations, Judy, and thanks for the words.

P.S. If you’re tired of lugging around an armload of dogeared paperbacks, check out Classic Nasty: More Naughty Bits, which compiles some of the steamiest moments from the literary canon (including one by Ms. Judy Blume herself) into one convenient package. Happy reading, everyone!

Earlier this month, I decided to overcome my shyness and take a Toys in Babeland Flirting workshop, led by Sex Educator LaSara W. Firefox!  The self-proclaimed Flirt-Slut shared tips for both working it (goal-oriented flirting) and playing games (recreational flirting).  Turning a classic two-step on its head, participants found out how to overcome blocks to flirting (shyness and self-doubt, anyone?), make a move, and then notice partners’ verbal and non-verbal cues. (Needless to say, when you’re a giant pussy flirting with other giant genitalia, subtle cues can feel like a rush of blood to the head!)  Every one was up on their feet, experimenting with boundaries and discovering their own approach preferences and comfort zones.  LaSara recommends hosting a Flirt Party to practice and refine your flirting style amidst the comfort of friends and acquaintances.  Hot!  (Invite Babelanders when you do!)

Might I remind you that Toys in Babeland’s flirtiest vibrator, the Remote Control Butterfly, is a perfect way to get that special someone’s attention. Check out our Toys in Babeland store events for other great workshops.

Believe it or not, I’m not the world’s only mouthy vagina (sorry for the pun). Earlier this week, Planned Parenthood co-sponsored a Rock the Vote fundraiser featuring Eve Ensler of V-day fame, who rallied her audience to get their vaginas out of their thongs and into the polling booths. Because young women have been targeted as a potential swing vote in the presidential election, everyone’s after a little bit of pussy power. Since I don’t take myself too seriously, I appreciated this hilariously cynical send-up of the event, but I also recognize a media angle when I see one. If my vulva blog rants inspire even one person to get out and vote, I’d consider it a good day’s work! So go Eve go. After all, Eve’s world-renowned Vagina Monologues paved the way for singer Vanessa Carlton to preface her performance with the comment, ”This is the most vaginal evening I’ve ever been to! I’m proud to have one!”

I wish I’d been there to lend my vulva support to the event, but I’m rocking the vote, West-Coast style. Check out Toys in Babeland’s Sex Acts for a recounting of President Bush’s dismal record on issues close to my heart: reproductive rights, queer rights, and women’s rights. And then I’ll help you register to vote!