I received an email from a writer friend this week about Miranda Gray’s womb blessing on February 7th, which is the next full moon. I’m a Cancerian so pretty tuned into the moon and my menstrual cycle. I live by the sea and love watching the waves crest and trough when it’s full beam. I’m also aware of the ebb and flow of my creative energy throughout the month, which is something Miranda’s books have helped me to explore. You can work with your menstrual cycle on many levels – to avoid or plan pregnancy, and to harness creative and sexual energy for work and relationships.

Miranda says the response to the blessing has been overwhelming and she’s had over 400 women contact her, which is fantastic news :0). I’ve signed up to do it at midnight, which is the only time from the available slots that I’ll be alone (Julieta will be asleep, hopefully). ‘I’ll book you in for the 24.00 but if you can’t meditate at the time, do it later as the energy will be ‘stacked’ until you have time to ‘download’ it!!. Don’t you just love technology?’ she says.

January is a difficult month financially and physically for most of us. I’m craving sunlight and warmth and have too many aches and pains to mention. It’s been a cycle of work, stress and colds since December so I hope this will boost my energy levels, lift my spirits and help me to focus on my goals for the year. It will also be a lovely exercise to do with a group of friends.

Sex in the news…

The Independent

Marital therapist Andrew G Marshall explains how to keep sex alive in a long-term relationship – stopping mid-shag to have a nice cup of tea. It’s not about new toys, quickies or positions he tells The Indy but small gestures, shared time and intimate moments. ‘If you stop in the middle of love-making to have tea and talk to each other, it shows how desire comes and goes – that sex isn’t just a race to the end. It allows you time to be intimate with each other. Sex which used to last 15 minutes suddenly lasts an hour-and-a-half. Sex doesn’t have to involve going out of your comfort zone – although challenging yourself is good.’

I spoke to writer Annabelle Lee recently about the impact of porn on relationships. Read her feature in this week’s More magazine…’The Porn Ultimatum – a dirty habit or the key to a fulfilling sex life? We delve into the world of X-rated films and fantasies to find out…’

By Sabi Phagura

Is it an alarm clock? Is it a vibrator? It’s both! And waking up ladies, will never be the same again.

Alas! Finally a stimulating toy and useful gadget made just for the pleasure of women.

The Little Rooster is an alarm specially designed for ladies which awakes them up by buzzing them “ahem” where quite frankly the sun don’t shine.

So like an everyday alarm clock you set your wake up time before nodding off to sleep.

But instead of placing the alarm clock on a conventional bedside table and wait for the bell to screech in the morning, the Little Rooster will vibrate….in your panties.

I bought this stunning print at the private view of Art Erotica last Wednesday. It’s called ‘Ruby May’ and was painted by Leena McCall. I overheard one of the organisers commenting on the high standard of this year’s entrants hence the number of paintings on the walls. I asked McCall to tell me her inspirations for the painting and this is what she said:

‘Fundamentally, I am interested in exploring the female sense of erotic and how women choose to express their own erotic identity. Throughout art history, women have been portrayed (largely by men) as the object intended for the ‘male gaze’. I want to know how a woman chooses to portray herself sexually, using the traditional language of portraiture – oil painting.

My inspiration starts with the sitter. I choose to collaborate with my model; the painting is an expression of both the artist and the subject. I ask her to explore and express her own sense of erotic, whether that is through the choice of clothes she wears, the props she chooses or the pose she strikes. The process prompts many questions – how much of a woman’s erotic identity is influenced or conditioned by the erotic imagery created by men for men? What makes a woman feel erotic and how does she choose to represent that part of her identity? How does an erotic portrait differ to any other portrait?

I want the model to be in control of the dialogue with the viewer, turning the observer into the observed. We become the objects of her gaze.’

I’ve signed up for Vena Ramphal’s new year self coaching programme. It’s just £10 and consists of a month of daily email recommendations starting on Wednesday 11th January. Vena is a passion coach specialising in transition in romance and intimacy and says the course is inspired by her new year meditations and the decision to dedicate this year to being the best lover. Her programme is for anyone irrespective of relationship status. ‘It’s about self preparation. The foundation of being a good lover is laid in your own habits, with our without a partner,’ she says. The content focuses on five key areas – food, sleep, grooming, wardrobe and self-pleasure. I’m really looking forward to it. Good to start the new year with some solid intentions and focus. Bonne année! If you’d like to do it you can sign up here.