Well, this was a labor of love and an absolute nightmare -- but I never stopped having fun. 

You know, I was an absolute WRECK the day I had to go have my portrait done for the website.  I had a complete midlife crisis the morning before I left, actually LOOKING at my face in the mirror and seeing the current me, not the 30-something-looking self  I had myself believing was looking back at me.  I went to the sitting as to my doom, my friend and handyman, Randy, all but pushing me out the door to my truck.

It took WEEKS to get over that, to adjust to seeing that person on the website AND in the mirror -- there was no going back.   I have finally, by the way, even begun making friends with that person.  I have my own face now, I look like me.

Anyway, so I get over that and Mike starts talking podcast to me.  Not only my face but my voice, my body, ME in living action!  For minutes at a time. It was mind-boggling.

. . . and kinda exciting.  The technology of it was daunting; I'd done some audio work years ago but the software capabilities -- and range of choices -- were beyond the current me.  I think I have enjoyed most of all the coming up to speed on the new audio & visual technology.  Damn, there's a lot out there -- and most of it really isn't hard!  That took the longest.

The script just sort of came together; it's everything we've been saying for five years.  I love to write, and I enjoyed putting it together.

I hope that you will notice that I've worked hard to color-coordinate the video.  Everything combobulates with the painting behind me.  So does my living room.  It has no intrinsic value or meaning, I just like the painting, picked it up for next to nothing years ago. 

So . . . everything came together -- except me.  I just couldn't imagine ME with an AUDIENCE.  People would LOOK AT ME.  People would see that I had lines, that I sound like a redneck, and that I fidget.  In other words, that I was ME, imperfect and average.  Believing that it is okay to be those has been a lifelong lesson and here I was faced with a corporeal symbol of it -- the video camera.

I did a lot of growing up fast.  That's really what it all came down to, well, hell, nice that you've been able to delude yourself this long, sister, but deal with it.  In the words of the immortal Eagles, "Get over it".  I accepted who and what I was, graciously, at least for the duration of the podcast project.

And, again, I even wound up having fun with it.  It was great to own something from beginning to end.  All Mike did was make some constructive suggestions and wield the video camera.  I choose the words, the setting, did all the editing, found the music, took the photographs. 

I chose not to wear makeup because that's how I've lived most of my life, to my mother's constant consernation.  The makeup you see in the portrait to the left was professionally applied and is 'a' me, but the podcast shows the core me. 

So, it's been a journey, this making a podcast.  I've learned so much with my brain -- and with my heart and soul.  I've learned so much more about accepting myself --  and how to do a whole new thing.  And I love to learn, even when it's hard.

I look forward to the lessons of the next podcast.  Ciao for now,

Jilda

I don't remember any more who introduced himself to whom, but we've been corresponding with Dr. Dick for several months now.  His courtly manner is a delight in correspondence and his enlightened attitude a fresh breeze in a cynical world.  We were honored when he asked to review our Jildos. 

Frankly, we know we're good and we're not suprised when a reivew is favorable. This, however, was our first review by fellows using our jildo, and we were happy to learn that they enjoyed our 'insertable art' just as much as the ladies! 

I hope you will take a moment to read Dr. Dick's Review of us and to check out his outstanding site. 

Ciao for now,

Jilda

I've just received an e-mail from these wonderful folks and was absolutely thrilled that they asked us to be included on their site as a "safe manufacturer and retailer".  It is intrinsic to WoodPeckers Roost to be just that.  I enjoy  my sex toys and want to be safe using them -- and we built our business on the premise that we would provide the same to our customers.

Better than I could word it, here is what they have to say:

"The Coalition Against Toxic Toys (CATT), a program of The Smitten Kitten, is a Minnesota non-profit organization that was formed to help combat the lack of availability of accurate, honest information in the sex toy industry. CATT's mission is 'To demystify the adult sex toy industry and positively transform socially irresponsible, environmentally and personally hazardous sex toy manufacturing and sex toy sales practices'."

Do check out the Smitten Kitten also for "progressive adult sex toys and equipment retailer specializing in the highest quality, safest and smartest selection of products available".

Simply put, these are great folks and we're grateful to be associated with them.

Ciao for now,

Jilda

Well, I have spent some valuable time NOT working on my business.  I have, instead, just been reading and enjoying Kissa's words and her sites.  She is, among many other things, an erotic romance writer, who also interviews other romance/erotica writers.  I find that her personal style is not mine, I'm more of a rip your clothes off and do it sort of person, but she is a delight for those who prefer some cultured hot erotica.  She does historical fiction, lesbian erotica, hardcore BDSM, you name it, with style and grace.

Her MySpace (links below) lists her as being 69 years old and, aging baby boomer that I am, I find that compelling and exciting.  It gives me heart for my forthcoming years.  My much-younger sister asked me the other day if it was 'over' when you reached menopause.  I'm not quite to mp yet, but Kissa is proof that the answer is a resounding 'No!'

Do check out Miss Starling at . . .

http://www.kissastarling.com/

http://www.myspace.com/kissastarling

http://kissesfromkissa.blogspot.com/

Ciao for now,

Jilda