warmth

There's something to be said for the warmth of companionship.  We can't  have enough friends and certainly close friends that we can call companions in our journey through life.  What do you say? - V

a kiss

There's a lot more to a relationship than sex or anything like it.  Being able to get along, have some common interests go a long way too.  Being there for each other when it matters is necessary too.    Than's Dallas and Riley to give us the idea.  It works for same or opposite sex regardless.  Oh, and anything worth having takes effort as well.  You don't get nothing from nothing! - V

cars and stuff

Back in 2008 when Brad was first making plans to come out west and hopefully stay a while, he was driving this vehicle.  Unfortunately, the car broke down in the Gaspe region of Quebec.  In order to raise the funds necessary for the repairs, he and his brother worked as dishwashers in Montreal.  Later, Brad was working in the Gaspe region closer to where the car was working on a boat.  He was a mariner after all.

We messaged each other while he was in that latter region, as often as we could.   I guess after the repairs were done, he must have gotten homesick, so he drove east rather than west as I had expected.  I'm wasn't that hard on him and still am not.  We were all young once and emotions well up inside.  We do what we have to do.  Likely the car breaking down had something to do with it all.  Things were going great up until then.

At some point, when Brad is ready, he will get out here.  There's more than enough work out here, more than there might be back east.  All he has to do is make the move, even if someone has to come with him to make it all work.  He knows what I'm talking about.

So Brad, you want another car?  We can make it work here and arrange for it in the way we discussed.  Just get your ass out here and the rest will happen.  Perhaps December or early in the new year?  Love you!  What else can I say. - V

thoughts and ideas

Recently I've spent a lot of time thinking about my friend Brad, not constantly but often enough. They're all good thoughts. I haven't heard from him since early September and do miss exchanging emails with him. I even miss the chats we used to have when he did have ready access to a computer and I'm certain he misses all this too.

I'd most like to take him to Germany in the new year. I thinks what he sees in Germany and central Europe in general will open his eyes a lot plus it'll give us a chance to talk about various things that have been on his mind for a while. It'll give us both a chance to get to know each other better as friends, and more if he wants to! Being the greatest of friends will certainly do it for me know.

Having each of us wrapped in a warm embrace is but a memory if we don't see each other in person. For now its but a dream yet to be realized. All I hope for the moment is that he's happy and all is well. That is the best we can hope for all our family and friends plus people we encounter daily. To wish otherwise is a non-starter and a total waste of time!

I hauled out my Christmas CDs earlier in the week and today I found some of my Christmas themed DVDs to add to that, such as the black and white movie from 1947 called "The Bishop's Wife", starring Cary Grant, Loretta Young and David Niven, "Prancer" (1989) starring Sam Elliott, Cloris Leachman and Abe Vigora, and "Creature Comforts: Merry Christmas Everyone!" starring Wallace and Gromit.

Tonight, though, I'm going to watch a few movies starring Christopher Atkins, such as "The Blue Lagoon" where he appears with Brooke Shields, "A Night In Heaven" with Christopher Atkins and Lesley Ann Warren, and "The Pirate Movie" where he appears with Kristy McNichol. Well, that's what I plan to watch tonight and over the weekend. I've got lots of movies to choose from with or without cable tv.

So, how's your weekend shaping up??? Have a good one, guys!!! - V

friendships

I'm in my 50s, currently single, and friendships have come and gone in these many years. Some have lasted a very long time, some a short time, but all are important to me regardless of the length of time. Its not how long the friendship has lasted but how much each person has gained in a positive way from the experience.

There's a friendship that suddenly ended in the late 1980s. My friend at the time and his girlfriend (who I didn't know was his girlfriend) eloped and no details were left as to why it ended. I even spoke to his roommate but nothing was revealed. I had known him since my high school days or close to 20 years! Sometimes we think we know people but in the end we find out otherwise.

Regardless of the number of friends we may have, its when we get into difficulties and really need them that we find out who our real friends are. Its real friends that will help each other out without looking for compensation knowing that the other will help them out in the same circumstances and at another time.

I want nothing but the best for all my friends and wouldn't want to hurt any of them intentionally or unintentionally. It doesn't always work the same the other way. I wonder whether those that have chosen to end a friendship have thought it through about the manner they chose to end it and how it affects the other person? They probably haven't otherwise the parting would end on a more positive note!

Guys get married and often the old friendships die too. Another long-time friend married and his wife seemed rather anal and controlling. I got some help moving, it took longer than expected, and can often be the case, and his wife was angry (or should I say "mad" in this case?) that he got home later than expected. I wasn't going to buy my friendship, so that one ended. I do have my principles but he would have been reimbursed for his efforts if his wife didn't put up such a fuss.

That brings me to a current friendship that has its issues. Again a girlfriend is involved. If my friend has been given an either/or altimatum or hasn't been fully truthful, then what caused their split in the first place may happen again but with an even more negative outcome. I'm not faulting either party but what we say and do (or don't) can determine the outcome in a positive or negative way. My friend didn't even tell me he had a girlfriend nor why he was confused. Discussing these things helps to work them out, so the outcome is the best for all concerned. He'll continue to be considered a very good friend for a very long time and remains so. What I promised remains on the table as it were. After months of worry, health issues (such as gout in both feet) and the like, I didn't see the current problems coming. Its caused weeks and weeks of lack of focus, lack of appetite and a slowness in getting things done that would otherwise have been completed quickly. I prefer dialogue to resolving issues, not silence! What else can I say?

I'm forever optimistic in my outlook and hope for the best but realistic enough to realize that we each have the freedom of choice. That's what makes human interactions so difficult and complex. A sudden change can alter the outcome completely.

Regardless, a trip to Europe with that special person is still in the works. It'll benefit him much more than me but its why I accepted the request and it'll prove of benefit to every one he interacts with in the future. To throw it aside would be a great loss!

Keep your friendships healthy and strong. They are as important as those with your family, perhaps even more so. Everything worth having takes effort. Things don't happen on their own, its because we make conscious effort to make them happen, even friendships! I love and honour all my friends, as well as family members, each in a different way but love nonetheless!

So, how are your friendships and other relationships in life? Are they flourishing? Something to think about! - V

wrestling dudes and more!

The point of wrestling is to pin your opponent's shoulders to the mat for a specified period of time, right? In theory it sounds simple enough a task for two well-matched wrestlers but not necessarily.

John, a friend of mine from high school, was on the wrestling team, handsome and well suited to the sport. We hung around some together after high school during our free time, like for dinner, church services or even watching some hockey games in which a friend of his played (his friend had also joined us on occasion or the reverse). During one such game, Pierre, one of John's friends, skated up to the boards where I was standing watching the game with interest while chatting with John and others, put his hands under my armpits and lifted me up. It all happen so fast and I was up off the floor so quickly that it caught me by surprise but I also got a sense of Pierre's strength and learned to appreciate it. I've not seen either one of them for years.

My friend and former classmate got licensed to ride a motorbike after I did and we'd often ride our bikes to where we had to go. He eloped with a girl and was not seen again, not even a goodbye. His roommate at the time couldn't tell me what happened nor why. For me, I couldn't understand why someone would do that and not at least say a farewell.

Anyway, both guys would look great on a wrestling team together and I'd gladly wrestle either one of them, whether I win the match or not makes no difference. I think of them from time to time. And gee, the memories that are brought to mind by a simple photo. Oh, and keep in mind I was in my 30s at the time I last saw them both!!!

So, as a result of my various friendships and relationships in general, along with the high points and low points, I can greatly appreciate a deep, loving relationship. For this reason, and many others, Brad and I are drawn together to fulfill our destiny individually and collectively, if that makes any sense. - V.

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Happy Valentine's Day, guys! I hope you are enjoying this special day with you partner, whether same sex or opposite, or you're spending the day doing something awesome with friends or family members you love and appreciate.

So with your partner, both of you nude (it kind of works better this way), why not spend a bit of time exploring each other by touch alone. Feel each other's breath as they inhale and exhale, feel each other's heart beat and explore every surface, nook and cranny with your eyes closed. It can lead to other things but for the moment the focus is touch. What are you learning about your partner and about yourself?

And if you are without a partner, just give someone a deep, loving embrace, whether a friend or a family member and tell them how much you love them and what they mean to you. You can leave your clothes on for this one! Don't wait until its too late to tell them that you love them. Just set aside your fears and hesitations and say it!!! And to the special someone in my life, Brad, Happy Valentine's Day!!!! I wish we were together right now but however you are spending your day, have an awesome one.... and give your mother a great hug!!! - V.

new blogger friend

I have always valued true friendships. These are hard to find and are to be charished if you come upon one. If you have more than one of these, then you are truly blessed. Well, I have a new blogger friend, Jay, who has a blog called Jay's Blog. Its a simple title and to the point. You'll find his link in the right sidebar but if this will save you time, you'll also find it here.

Jay, I value all my friend's contributions to life and help them where I can. In return, we help each other through life's rough spots. We can never have too many friends. I look forward to reading more about your life, your interests and your joi de vivre! Will others follow your blog? My posting your link is certainly a start and may be destined to expand you circle of friends. Allow others to be part of your life, so collectively we become greater for it. I welcome you as my friend. May our friendship grow and prosper!!! - V.

relationships

Relationships can take many forms from just acquaintences and friendships to lovers. This can involve the opposite sex, same sex, old, young and all sorts of combinations. Most of all, its not for us to judge whether something is right or wrong for another person but to determine whether what we're doing is right for us as individuals. Judging and reacting to other's actions negatively is inappropriate in my opinion. All that manages to do is breed contempt and lessen understanding and tolerance for others. Love, combined with the latter two, understanding and tolerance, make this world a far better place to live in, more like heaven I'd say, but you determine this for yourself. As we explore ourselves and our place in life, we may learn so many things about ourselves, strengths we didn't realize we had or weaknesses that need attention. Just a few thoughts before I head off to bed for the night. - V.

Joey McIntyre – Stay the Same – music video

I've had a cd of this piece by Joey McIntyre for some years now since my mother's passing in 1999. I reminds me so much of what I love about my friend Brad, so much so that there's nothing I would want to change. I know deep down that he knows that. He just has to love and accept himself for what he is. I'm sure he'll come to terms with that in due time. In the meantime, its his life, his journey! By the way, Joey was once of the Kids on the Block along with Marky Mark (Mark Walberg) back in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Enjoy the song and what it has to say!

The day has come, well tomorrow

Thursday is the big day, an important day for both Brad and myself. I'm working a half day and then heading straight for the airport to meet with Brad who is expected to arrive from Halifax during the lunch hour. By the time I get there, he should have collected his bag(s) and be waiting for me in the nearest coffee establishment at the terminal. Brad advised me that he'll be dressed "standoutish" so I should easily notice him. I'm so excited that we are finally going to meet in person after all that has happened in the last year.

In other news, the auctioneer will send a crew to pick-up the stuff heading to auction tomorrow. This will be sometime in the late afternoon. We should be back from the airport by 4 or 5 pm at the latest in time for their arrival. After the items to be sold are removed, I can get the place in some sort of order.

I plan to go through the books and records, including cassette tapes and CDs, separately and weed out what is no longer required there. There is another source where these items are to go. More on all this soon. For now, I'm off to the shower and then to bed. The alarm clock rings at 5 am, which isn't far off!

Hot abs...

Being fit and toned is the goal of those of us who would like to live healthy, fulfilling lives. The abs in the photo above belong to Brad. He's cut and has worked hard to attain his current level of fitness which didn't come over night. Anyway, at a height of 6'1" and a weight of around 170-175 pounds there can't be much fat to speak of. So, Brad's a bit taller than I am with my 5' 9 1/2" frame to his taller, more chisled look. This pic is somewhat out of date as it was taken some time ago but what I've seen of his current physique, it is even hotter than what you see here. When he does arrive, he'll be a subject of my photographic prowess but in the meantime, he's not here yet. Since he's more than somewhat overdue, having left about mid-September from the eastern Quebec, he should have arrived here on the west coast by now. Brad did say he would call me a couple of days before he arrives. In the past he has contacted me in one way or another if there was a delay or change of plans. I am concerned and who wouldn't, so I am preparing a missing persons report to file with the local police. The report will come complete with his full name, birth date, height, weight, the make of vehicle he is driving, including the license plate number, the planned route to be travelled and so on. Hopefully, Brad's just had a sudden change of plans and cannot contact me for one reason or another but I am also being realistic and prepared for the worst. Two of my contacts have more than suggested that this is a good idea (the report) as this would give me some peace of mind in knowing what is or has happened. Meantime, if he does arrive soon, the report would be unnecessary. I'll have more news on all this later. This will have to do for now. What are your thoughts??? - Volker

Will and Dave talk about gymnastics and other stuff

Will and Dave show us some of their gymnastics moves plus answer some more questions. I guess why I'm attracted to these videos (and Dave in particular) is because Dave is so peppy and full of energy. Will seems more serious. They compliment each other, I think. Check out "wickydkewl" and "davey wavey" on YouTube for more clips. They're refreshing to watch, so I'm glad I found them. It would be interesting what Brad thinks about them too! - Volker

Will and Dave answer questions

Will and Dave answer questions: Have a look at this video clip on gay relationships and other interesting topics. Dave is says it like it is, very provacative! Check out his blog at http://www.breaktheillusion.com for further videos and interesting comments. And check out YouTube for these clips and others. Search for" wickydkew"l or "davey wavey," Enjoy Dave's videos! - Volker

Where are you?

Its been overcast and rainy all day with the sun struggling to make an appearance. So the weekend will be spent indoors getting needed laundry done plus cooking in the kitchen. Spending time behind the computer is also a task ahead. I am still waiting for Brad to arrive. Where ever he is currently, I hope he's having a great time seeing all sorts of interesting sights and experiencing some awesome stuff. The stories he'll have to tell leave me in suspense. Once he does arrive, we'll be rather busy taking plenty of photos of each other and the both of us. There are so many places I would like to take him that I think we'll have enough to do for months into the future if not longer. I won't mention the areas of interest now. I wouldn't want to spoil the suspense if you know what I mean. We'll be buying those studio lights I mentioned in a previous post and then getting to it. The kinds of guys seen in photos I've posted so far will give you an idea of what I like in another guy. Brad will not disappoint in this regard plus his personality is as hot as his appearance! The parking spot for his Dodge Charger has been arranged, underground and out of the weather. A remote control comes along with the space in order to open the parking gate. So the only ingredient missing to all this is Brad. I do hope he comes very soon. So, will he surprise us all with a short post? I don't know but he does! A day or night doesn't go by where I don't think of him. The worry will be gone once he's here and he knows I can worry plenty enough for the both of us! Have a great weekend guys!!! - Volker

Waiting

There are good things, very exciting things that require time. Patience is something that I have in great abundance, not to mention gentleness! So while I'm waiting for Brad to arrive from back east, I am just getting over yet another cold. This is the third one this year if my memory serves me correctly. My allergies are likely being triggered by the dust from the construction site near work (I'm allergic to dust) and with the cooler nights the mold spores in the air are likely proliferating (I'm allergic to three kinds of mold spores). All that aside, I am getting over this cold. The worst is behind me though and now I'm just coughing up phlegm as the body tries to rid itself of the cold virus and regain health. Stress levels have been higher than normal waiting for Brad to show. Concern for his health and well-being is top on my list. A simple email or IM does wonders to relieve the concern for a partner and Brad has done that and more! All will be well for both of us once he's here. Then we can settle down to enjoying each others company as I take photos (and perhaps he does the same) and he does what most interests him. We can share each others trials and tribulations, benefitting from each others strengths and share the joy of discovery together. The mind dreams and then we make these dreams reality. Without dreams what would life be like but an empty existance, just plodding along without hope. We aim to show you that dreams are not only possible but more than just attainable, they will give others hope as well and inspiration to follow their own! Keep following!!!- Volker

Bodywear

For a while I've been thinking about what to get Brad that would convey how I feel about him in love and affection. ChoKerz4men.com offers some inspiration in this regard. Have a look at their website. Meantime, perhaps the images above may inspire you as well. The hot, sexy models certainly help! - Volker

Fun in the gym

Christian & Oliver have some naughty fun in the gym as this video clip shows. Any thoughts??? - Volker

Shelter

The film called "Shelter" by here! films March 2008 starring Brad Rowe, Trevor Wright and Tina Holmes is another gay-themed movie showing the struggles of a guy coming to terms with his desires. You can see the clip on YouTube. - Volker

Beach

Flipside - Sean Cody Str8 College Guys at the beach