Intimacies Reviewed by ReaderViews.com

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Intimacies: Secrets of Love, Sex & Romance
Karen Kreps
Net Ingenuity Publishing (2007)
ISBN 9780979789007

Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (2/08)

Having been happily married for ten years, Karen Kreps has written a book about how to have successful relationships. She has experienced both sides of the coin. She has had her heart broken in unfulfilling relationships, and now she is experiencing a wonderful marriage. Accepting the opportunity to write a monthly relationship column, she also got to host a monthly Intimacies Conversation Group in Austin, TX. This group attracted people from a variety of backgrounds and ages. Each month there was a specific topic and a special guest to provide their expertise.

“Intimacies” is a collection of articles that were written based upon information that was gathered from these meetings. They might include personal observations and experiences, professional advice and information about human behavior and current trends.

In the table of contents there are symbols for each article to indicate who the topics would be most relevant to. Even if I wasn’t reviewing the book, I still would have read all the articles, just because they provide a wealth of information about human behavior. I also loved the personal stories and reflections. They are touching and heartwarming. Kreps husband, Arye Shapiro illustrates her book with photographs of sculptures that he has created. These sculptures are beautiful and reflect depth and emotion.

“Intimacies” is well written and does not provide a “one size fits all” formula. Kreps writes about what works for different people. One example of this is her discussion of non-monogamy. For some people this works. Even though I would not be interested in a polyamorous relationship, it is interesting to read the views of people for whom it works. Kreps doesn’t leave any subject regarding relationships untouched, however, she writes in a manner that is respectful and not crude. I love that the last chapter is about “The Law of Attraction.” This adds a special spiritual touch to the book and provides a perfect ending. I highly recommend “Intimacies” to all people who are either in a relationship or would like to be.

Video blogging and intimate wisdom with Gayle Michaels

I met Gayle Michaels of the Institute of Spiritual Wisdom, when she was my special guest at BookPeople a couple of years ago. She talked about introducing the world to sacred sexuality. Two days ago, she introduced me to video blogging, as she interviewed me about my book for her blog.

SensuousVirtuosa on YouTube.com.Gayle has made a series of terrific videos in which she speaks explicitly about improving your sexual experience. Look for the SensuousVirtuosa on YouTube.com. She pulls no punches, sharing what she knows about superior penetration technique, circumcism, penis size and how to prevent sexual boredom. I’m going to invite my husband to take the class in The Intimate Dance she’s to teach next month . It’s open to singles and couples.

Legal dildos in Texas

Federal appeals court overturns Texas sex toys ban

Associated Press Writer

A federal appeals court has overturned a Texas statute outlawing sex toy sales, leaving Alabama as the state with the strictest ban on such devices.

The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the Texas law making it illegal to sell or promote obscene devices, punishable by up to two years in jail, violated the Constitution’s 14th Amendment on the right to privacy.

read more at http://www.star-telegram.com/448/story/472476.html