Welcome
About.com's sexuality section has done it again, with a well written page of common and offbeat sexual terms defined . For instance, I thought I was pretty savvy in the adult world, but had never heard of teledildonics nor did I know about the romantic product salesmen of the newly-old South. Learn something new every day.
Ciao for now,
Jilda
I hope my readers are braving this winter well. I am amazed at how many of us are affected by the long, dreary days of winter. We have kept busy here at the Roost, not the least in feeding birds! New Jildos are being created and the website is nearly done. We took the weekend off for a visit from my son, who lives in Savannah and who always brings the sunshine with him. He had a ball with my new camera, as you can see from this brrr-y but beautiful photo.
Hang in there. Get lots of light and excercise, and eat well. It'll be Dalight Savings Time -- and spring -- before we know it!
Ciao for now,
Jilda
Oh my! My method of researching on line is to begin broad and then narrow in. I started simply by Googling 'masturbation myths', the generic title for this article, and found a wealth of information. See for yourself:
http://www.coolnurse.com/masturbation.htm
http://www.teenwire.com/infocus/2004/if-20041109p332-masturbation.php
http://www.jackinworld.com/library/myths.html A little sarcastic
About.com always has lots of good, no nonsense information: http://parentingteens.about.com/od/masterbationmyths/a/masterbation.htm
-- despite the misspelling!
A few that I enjoyed and/or learned from, and thought you might too.
Ciao for now,
Jilda
Casting about this Monday morning for a blog topic, I googled 'sexual health pioneers', to add some needed content to my category. I immediately found Our Bodies, Ourselves , and was just thrilled. This important, simply but intelligently written book has been with me since my early womanhood, a gift from a friend, who had utilized it for years. I don't think there is anything female health related that this books doesn't discuss, and now there is one out for the menopause years. Just in time, oh joy. Everything is written in a non-judgmental, non-threatening way that is easily understood. Do take a look at the website .
Ciao for now,
Jilda
My introduction to sexual education via the school system came when I was in the eight grade. It was a six week section of the class generically dubbed Health. A friend who attended the same school a few years earlier said there were no such programs. So, 'sex ed' came to my small town near the big city around 1970. There was no hoopla about it; for the most part, parents in this (for the most part) low income, low level of education reached, part of the country just didn't care. Indeed a microcosm.
So, where is sex ed today? Is it ubiquitious? Is it still controversial? Looks like it's both, according to this article from National Public Radio, simply titled, "Sex Education in America". It covers the subject in depth in the form of a school poll and branches out to other areas as well.
Go read. Ciao for now,
Jilda
This is one I found on my own. Read Republican Representative Larry Liston of Colorado Springs' remarks.
Hope he has a pretty big foot for inserting in that mouth.
Ciao for now,
Jilda
My business partner and beloved usually starts my day with a weird news article, which I often blog about. Today's was interesting but not appropriate for the site, so I started looking around myself. One thing led to another -- and I found this cool site: http://www.work-from-home-ideas.info/ I don't endorse any site but thought it was cool that there was something out there for those of us who just don't want a 9 to 5. WoodPeckers Roost is more like 9 a.m. to 5 a.m. but that's the price I gladly pay to be my own boss.
We are finally about to launch our new site, and I will certainly announce it when that happens. In the meantime, check out the old one. The jildos listed there are in stock and ready to ship to you. Remember that we ship all over the world and usually do so within 24 hours of ordering.
We are looking forward to showcasing on the new site some of our new ideas, too, but are always open to suggestion. Let me know if you have any ideas for improving the blog or creating new Jildos.
Ciao for now,
Jilda
Well, here is the first picture taken with my new Nikon D40 and camera-to-computer software. Obviously, I have way far to go with learning how to take good pictures, but I am determined and stubborn (some have even gone so far as to say hard headed!) and will get it figured out. I took lots of point-and-shoot pictures of the cats; it has been a particularly brutal winter here and they are the only ones left who aren't cold and crabby and don't snap at me when I bring out the camera.
I firmly believe learning keeps us going, keeps us from getting stale and just stewing in our own juices. I feel as if the brain is a muscle and we have to keep flexing it and pushing it to keep it strong. Owning and maintaining the Roost is a wonderful learning experience and really helps in the winter when the SAD (seasonal affective disorder) makes me want to go to bed and pull up the covers. There is never a dull or mundane minute at the Roost and I just love it.
What works (and doesn't work) for you in the winter? I am really looking forward to expanding this section of the blog and would love to hear from you.
Ciao for now,
Jilda
It is the nadir of winter in the Ohio River Valley, in fact and in spirit. Our friend Don says that
the third weekend of January is traditionally the coldest of the year. Even the most
optimistic of us all, my beloved spouse and business partner, Mike, is starting to mumble
about going to bed and pulling up the covers -- until April. Of course, he is the one who is
going to have to go under the house to repair broken plumbing. We are long time country
people, familiar with the vagaries of winter, but the Roost just suffered an 8 hour electric
outtage during 4 degree temperatures.
I have known since puberty that I have Seasonal Affective Disorder . As the daylight wanes, I
make sure all the light bulbs are 'daylight' ones and that I am going outside at least once a
day. I may be cold, miserable, and whiny (actually, I am all of those things, no 'may be'
about it) but I make myself do it. As I write this, I am facing a window. I don't especially like
the scenery but the daylight coming in is a help. If you have the 'winter blues ', do some
research and see what works for you. When I did not have a window, I found a light box
invaluable.
Well, back to it.
Ciao for now,
Jilda
Well, Mike brought me another one this morning. He brings me weird news articles the way my cats bring me mice. This one is about a vibrating sex toy mistaken for a bomb. Have a read.
Ciao for now,
Jilda
Opening paragraph from today's on line article: "Bisexuality among women isn't just a phase, according to new research that followed 79 non-heterosexual women for a decade and found that bisexual women continue to be attracted to both sexes over time." Read entire article here .
Reading further, I was struck by this sentence: "New attention has focused on young women today and their interest in experimenting with their own sexual identity, which Rust says is because the young are more open about sexuality and are more tolerant." That felt good to read. Although every generation thinks it's done everything but invent the wheel, it is truly the girls who came of age in the 60s and 70s who paved the way for their grandchildren to grow up in an age when they are not punished for their candor.
Reckon that's it for now. Ciao,
Jilda
Well, actually not. It seems dildos are scattered all over history and pre-history (meaning before we started writing this stuff down). My business partner and husband, Michael, has been at me to write a more detailed article (here is mine) on the history of the dildo. I love to write and don't take enough time to enjoy it. But a Google search on 'dildo history' shows it's already been done and well. I especially enjoyed reading the article "What A Tool" at this (self-named) queer site.
I think all of us -- from my grandkids to we baby boomers -- tend to think we invented whatever it is that is currently enamoring us. It was fascinating to me to read about dildos created of everything from jade to camel dung. Made me appreciate my Jildo all the more!
Ciao for now,
Jilda
One of the hats I wear here at the Roost is that of market research. My method of discovery seems to be to look for one thing and find another. Here is a case in point. Doesn't matter what I was looking for (I don't remember now, anyway); what I am going to write about is Christianity and sex toys.
AVN Media Network is sponsoring an adult entertainment expo in Nevada this week. According to YNot.com 's weekly news report,
"A Christian ministry group plans to attend the AVN Adult Entertainment Expo this week in order to turn lost souls away from the 'dark and spiritually corrupt environment' of pornography and toward the Lord." Read the entire article here.
While these Christians are taking exception to the fares and wares of the AEE, others are turning to and embracing sex toys. I was quite surprised to find . . .
My Beloved's Garden is a site and store devoted to assisting married Christian opposite-sex couples find sexual aids. Book22 does the same thing. It appears this is their niche in the marketplace rather than a stand against anyone different from them.
At WoodPeckers Roost, our religious beliefs do not preclude selling to anyone of legal age who intends to use this product alone or with someone else human of legal age. Our cause, or stand, is one of safety, both to the individual and the environment.
Our jildos are made to be used (responsibly) from traditional materials which are environmentally sustainable. We enjoy what we do and (naively perhaps) want everyone else to, too. Do check us out , and let us hear from you.
Ciao for now,
Jilda
Here is an excerpt from a straightforward, albeit somewhat generic, article about sex toys by the fine people at about.com:
"The vast majority of sex toy manufacturers do not disclose what they put in their toys. This “mystery material” may pose health risks, but we have no way of knowing for sure. Sex toys are not approved, tested, or regulated by the FDA. They are sold as novelty items, not medical devices."
Does this scare you? It does me. I have long enjoyed sex toys on an occasional basis but it was not until I chose to make my own that I really 'got into it'. Then, as I delved more deeply, I learned that much out there was unsafe (or at least suspect) and unregulated.
CBC News tells us a bit more in an older article that is still valid, "Bad vibrations: A look at sex toys", including the fact that sex toys represent a $500 million industry in North America. That's a lot of people buying toys and a lot of potential for danger. I believe we all need to take responsibility for our own safety by learning about all the products we buy, including but not limited to sex toys. I hope you will take a few moments to check out the articles above and to visit our site; our Jildos are made from safe, traditional materials, and are cleanable -- we guarantee them for your pleasure.
Ciao for now,
Jilda
I had a long and unexpected drive today, to the vet and the hardware store, and used it to do some thinking. I found myself doing some mental health work in much the same way as you'd attend to any other task: where am I at with this, what have I accomplished, what do I need to be doing. Getting and staying healthy mentall and spiritually, whatever it means to the individual, is as important as maintaining physical health. These days we're all pretty aware that they are intrinisically linked anyway.
I'd like to develop this category of the blog to include information on where to get help for what ails you as well as a place to talk about it. While I'm working on that, let me throw in a note that the Dummies books have a whole series of "Health, Mind, and Spirit" books that address such issues, without talking down to you, as anxiety disorder, depression, bipolar disorder, seasonal affective disorder, and PTSD. Sometimes you can find these used at Amazon.
Well, back to the Roost (what we lovingly call our Jildo business, as the actual company name is WoodPeckers Roost). Hope to hear from you soon.
Ciao for now,
Jilda
 | What were you taught -- or what did you absorb -- about masturbation? My family was so utterly sexually dysfunctional that it never occured to them that I might learn about and enjoy it, so I was free to do both. I have great memories of exploration on the side yard glider while reading Mickey Spillane novels. It must have been one area in which I was lucky. While I chat with my female (and male, come to think of it) friends about sex, it tends to be about sex with other people. We just don't seem to discuss masturbation. (I reckon now that I am writing about it to the entire blogging world, I should change that!) Here is a great beginner article . If you have any doubts or qualms about self pleasure, his straightforward explanation of the potential benefits should help you along your way. Ciao for now, Jilda
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 | Hope all and sundry had a pleasant holiday season. We certainly did. Along with enjoying lots of family time, Mike and I did a bunch of reading and research about our genre. My article, Safe Sex or Toxic Toys, was a great tip of the iceberg for us (90% of the iceberg is under water, don'cha know, where you don't see it) in learning about the lack of safety in the manufacture of sex toys. We've also done a good bit of research about the history of the dildo, as our Jildos are made from traditional materials and methods. What we do not feel we have been is serious enough. There is a world of need and misinformation out there as well as a wealth of knowledge and pioneer-spirited folks who are doing their utmost to make sex a healthy and happy experience. I am not quite sure how we fit in or what unique aspects we bring but we are dedicated to being a part of it all. It's been a while since these old hippies have had a cause. To begin with, today I am starting several new blog categories to pull together folks and information. Please respond, critique, add to, get involved. Let's learn and grow together. Jilda
A note: One thing I have allowed to hold me back has been our relatively static site and my lack of experience in writing a blog. Our new site is in the works and will have the blog attached to it for ease of reading and responding. |
 | I know all our internet readers are not Christian, and I'm not exactly sure what I am, but I hope everyone is safe and warm and enjoying the season, whatever it mean to them (even you marvelous Australian folks who are sweating right now in the midst of another bloody hot summer). A friend of ours who was falling apart this time last year is now where he needs to be, starting his life over. Actually, several of our family are doing that right now, good strong people getting great results. Keep us in mind as you open those cash gifts or wish you'd bought her a Jildo rather than a microwave. Promise her a Jildo and you might get laid before New Year's. Ciao for now -- keep it merry Jilda |
 | or so it seems, will be visiting my house today. We have an assortment of Mike's relatives whom we seldom have the opportunity to enjoy coming for the afternoon. They are neat people and I am really looking forward to the gathering. Well, it's too late to order a Jildo in time for Christmas but it's a great thing to do with all that holiday cash you received, or to make up for the well-intentioned but truly awful gift you got your girlfriend. Also, Valentine's Day is just around the corner. Start thinking ahead. Gotta get ready -- ciao for now, Jilda |
 | It is being a busy season both socially and with our delight of a business. I have shed my curmudgeonliness and even Mike is whistling. He is not thrilled to leave his brand new Christmas present of a LaZboy recliner for a week in a camper visiting family but he is whistling. He really enjoys being a WoodPecker and doesn't get enough praise for his efforts, or just for putting up with me and my issues -- hell, I don't just have issues, I have the whole subscription. I am bipolar, for one thing, and we have endured some pretty intense episodes. I have the best support person in the world for me in Mike and have a great support team of friends and family. But I know we're not all so lucky, and I haven't always been either. I am grateful for what I have and encourage everyone to get as healthy as they can. Get help. It's hard work but it's worth it. Seguing clumsily here, speaking of hard work, some is being done by Famous Web , our new website creators. I thought I knew it all about website development, but this young lady half my age (and then some) has blown me away. We are so excited. The site should be done by the first of the year. The logo is being designed by a dear friend and core family member. I am way excited about that too. Well, back to it! Ciao for now, Jilda |
 | We are having a great time at the Roost and hope you are, too. It has been hectic, but we enjoy providing pleasure! So much so that if you are reading this, we offer you a 25% discount on your order. Just email me that you read it here. The tree is up and I have most of my shopping done. The cats are having a ball with the activity. The dog is so merry she forgot to bark at the Bible ladies who came knocking on my door. We are planning to take some family time between Christmas and New Year's, but rest assured we will have plenty of time to fill your orders. It's not too early to start thinking about Valentine's Day (well, we are, anyway). And a Jildo is a great present to yourself any time! Reckon that's it for now. Keep it merry! Ciao Jilda
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 | We at WoodPeckers Roost, home of the Jildo , have always been 'green'. Our jildos have always been made from renewable resources and our finish food safe and hypo-allergenic. We use traditional methods and materials, with a minimum of power equipment. Even our packaging materials are made from natural starch, not styrofoam.
As I mentioned in previous blogs, we are surging forward in all directions. We are about to launch our new website with lots of new information, pictures, and jildos. We are introducing more styles with even more coming. (You'll come, too, when you get one of these in your hand, we practically guarantee it.) We'll be more interactive, including discussion groups and forums. We want to provide you with an opportunity to learn more about the sex toys you use and what all is out there. Please let us know your thoughts and ideas as we continue to grow and receive a discount on your next order. Just email us at HeyWoodPecker! We look forward to hearing from you. Ciao for now, Jilda
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 | New pictures coming soon. Lots more detail and close ups. |
 | Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash have talked about how much they love being on the road. I concur. The best part of our Up in Smoke gathering was that we get to have another gathering in Georgia -- a wedding, no less! No, the best part was seeing my son; but this is good, too. We will enjoy the trip there at the end of the month, giving us an opportunity to see siblings and friends who were unable to make Up In Smoke! And to see my son again. WoodPeckers Roost is continuing to grow. We are liaising with several retail and on line stores to carry our Jildos! We want to be the next 'glass dildo' of the adult market, the next 'thing', a household word. Mike talks about being the Craftsman of the sex toy industry, especially since we offer to replace your jildo or refund your money if you are the least bit not happy. It has been fun being a cottage industry but we're ready for the big time! Jilda |
 | We are SO excited here at the Roost. The business is continuing to grow, and we are adding new products and equipment. I have learned enough about electricity to do all the re-wiring of our shop! I know the difference between the black wires and the white ones and what a ground is. I have blown a couple fuses but not set anything on fire! We will be taking a week's vacation starting this Wednesday to prepare for, celebrate, and recover from our annual family gathering. Labor Day began as a left over holiday, as we were a blended family and all the 'good ones' were taken; and has evolved into Up In Smoke (it was so good we had to name it), a full weekend of family, music, and fireworks. Several family members are rock 'n' rollin' guitar players, including my son, and the rest make a great audience. My son comes from Savannah, Georgia, and his best friend from Pittsburgh. His sister comes from Atlanta. We'll cook ribs overnight in a pit and serve dinner to 35 or 40 core family & friends. We'll shoot off fireworks to culminate the evening. Well, actually, that just starts the second shift for the jammin' and talkin' part
Sunday everyone drags his or her hungover carcass out of bed for a big breakfast and packing for . . . the Wall. Our local rock & roll station, WEBN, in partnership with Cincinnati Bell, puts on one HELL of a fireworks display on the Cincinnati River, shooting from barges and bridges. We watch from the floodwall on the Kentucky side. This is a thing we have been doing for 25 years and 4 generations. My son was born 3 days after his first fireworks. We will have had our tarps down for 4 days marking our spot.
That's it for now. I'll keep you posted as the week progresses. I am SO excited!
Ciao, Jilda
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 | My favorite Calvin & Hobbes book is titled "There Is Treasure Everywhere!" That's how I'm feeling about us right now as we are starting to become more well known. Our press release, 'Safe Sex or Toxic Toys' has been posted at www.pradult.com, among other places -- and several sex toy reviewers have asked to look at sample jildos. We're learning new skills, developing new products, and branching out into the worlds of blogging, retail, and parties. We are surging forward -- either toward Fame & Fortune or Humiliation & Failure -- we shall see! Hope you stick with us and buy lots of jildos! Ciao, Jilda |
 | Here is a little bit about me. |
 | Well, it was a grand vacation. We returned home Sunday afternoon, but I am just now getting back into the swing of things. I have spent the day immersed in learning about the lack of regulations in the manufacture of sex toys. I am planning to spend the rest of the week developing a comphrensive article for the blog, the website, and anywhere else I can think to send it. Does anyone have any information or know of any articles -- or have any first hand experience -- regarding the safety of sex toys on the market? The more info the better! Ciao! Jilda |
 | This is going to be a short but intense week! We are leaving later in the week to visit family in Tennessee and Georgia then return for some camping with friends. It is going to have to be a working vacation, though, as we didn't get as far along with the rebirth of WoodPeckers Roost as we had hoped! Stick with us, and we'll soon be better than ever! Ciao! Jilda. |
 | www.woodpeckersroost.com/dildo_history_and_lore.htm Take a look while I'm working on updating the site and learning more about blogging. Jilda |
Obviously, nothing I've said in the couple weeks I've been blogging has excited anybody. How about this? A free Jildo (of my choice) to the first person who responds to my blog! Email me at heywoodpecker@woodpeckersroost.com with your mailing info!
I have a new thought (!) about a blog I would like to start. My spouse and business partner, Mike, and I have been together 25 years -- and still have intense differences about the comparative importance of entrepreneuriship and family. We had another Life, the Universe & Everything conversation this a.m. Are any readers self employed? Trying to juggle family and business? Let's get a discussion going of how we do & don't handle our lifestyle.
Reckon that's it for now,
Jilda
Of course, when you're self employed AND empty nesters, that's when you get the most work done. WoodPeckers Roost -- and creating Jildos -- is a labor of love, though. We so enjoy being out in the shop smelling the sawdust with the sun streaming in the windows. The rain on the tin roof is soothing and magical.
So much is going on at the Roost right now. I will spend part of this lovely weekend tied to my laptop, introducing our safety forum. I want everyone to be aware of our high standards of safety in creating our jildos but I also want to learn about and discuss the safety features of other toys. If there is any thing in particular you want to know, let me know, and I will research.
Reckon that's it for now! Ciao!
Jilda