The French Kiss: A Passionate History of Romance & Culture

Beautiful French girl wearing French lingerie in hotel room with red lipstick
Alice. Alba Opera Hotel, Paris 2014. Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2024.

The French kiss—a symbol of romance, intimacy, and affection—is one of the most iconic forms of human expression. Its origins, however, are often shrouded in mystery. Despite its name, the act of a deep kiss, with tongue involvement, is not unique to France but has become closely associated with French culture and allure. The history of the French kiss is a fascinating journey through human evolution, cultural exchanges, and the perception of love.

The origins of the French kiss likely date back to ancient times, even before recorded history. Anthropologists suggest that it may have evolved from a natural instinct. Some theories propose that early humans shared food mouth-to-mouth, which may have led to the eventual connection of kissing as an intimate gesture. Evidence of kissing appears in ancient civilizations like Mesopotamia and India, where lovers are depicted embracing in intimate poses.

The term “French kiss,” however, is much more modern. It didn’t enter the English lexicon until the early 20th century. During World War I, American and British soldiers stationed in France observed how French women kissed their lovers—more passionately and with tongue, something that was less common in the English-speaking world at the time. When these soldiers returned home, they began to talk about this type of kiss, dubbing it the “French kiss” due to its association with the sensuality and perceived sexual liberation of French culture.

By the 1920s, the term gained widespread popularity. France, already viewed as a country of romantic passion and artistic expression, embraced the reputation. The French kiss became synonymous with Parisian romance, further fueling the stereotype of France as the heart of love and passion. It started appearing in popular culture, from literature to cinema, and the image of lovers exchanging a French kiss beneath the Eiffel Tower became an enduring symbol of romance.

Today, the French kiss remains a universal gesture of affection, transcending borders and languages. It represents more than just physical connection; it signifies trust, closeness, and deep emotion between two people. Whether as a form of playful flirtation or a profound expression of love, the French kiss continues to be a powerful and enduring symbol of human intimacy.

In essence, what began as a natural instinct evolved into a culturally defined act that now embodies the art of romance across the world.

Vixen: Redefining the Empowered Woman

Portrait of young beautiful dark haired woman with black latex bikini in front of industrial setting
Slater. From the Vixens Series. Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2024

Vixen: Redefining the Empowered Woman

The term “vixen” has evolved significantly over time, shifting from a derogatory label to one of empowerment and complexity when applied to women. Historically, “vixen” originated from the Middle English word for a female fox, connoting slyness and cunning. Over the years, this term morphed to depict a woman who is perceived as flirtatious or deceitfully alluring. However, in contemporary culture, “vixen” has taken on a multifaceted significance, encapsulating both strength and sensuality.

In today’s lexicon, a vixen is often seen as a woman who exudes confidence, assertiveness, and independence. She is unapologetically herself, embracing her sexuality and using it as a form of personal empowerment rather than allowing it to be used against her. This modern interpretation aligns with feminist ideals, where the vixen embodies a break from traditional gender roles and stereotypes. She is not confined by societal expectations but rather defines her own identity, pursuing her desires and ambitions with tenacity.

The transformation of “vixen” from a negative to a positive descriptor parallels the broader movement of reclaiming language that has historically been used to oppress women. Much like terms such as “bitch” or “nasty woman,” which have been reappropriated to signify strength and resilience, “vixen” now celebrates a woman’s right to be fierce and formidable. It underscores the idea that embracing one’s sexuality and assertiveness is not only acceptable but also powerful.

Cultural representations of vixens further illustrate this evolution. In media and literature, vixens are often portrayed as complex characters who challenge the status quo. They are not simply seductresses or villains; they are multidimensional figures who navigate the world with a keen sense of agency and autonomy. These portrayals encourage women to see themselves in roles that are bold, dynamic, and self-assured.

Moreover, the vixen archetype challenges the conventional dichotomy of women being either pure and innocent or wicked and corrupt. Instead, it acknowledges that women can embody a spectrum of traits—being both nurturing and assertive, compassionate and ambitious. This nuanced understanding fosters a more inclusive and realistic portrayal of women, one that celebrates their diversity and complexity.

In summary, the term “vixen” as it applies to women today signifies much more than its historical connotations. It represents a woman who is empowered, confident, and unapologetically herself. By embracing the qualities traditionally associated with a vixen—such as boldness, independence, and sensuality—women are redefining what it means to be strong and self-assured in modern society. This redefinition not only challenges outdated stereotypes but also paves the way for a richer and more varied understanding of women’s identities and roles.

.

To access the Vixens series gallery by Tony Ward, link herehttps://tonywarderotica.com/vixens/

Bob Shell: Banned in Boston

Behind the scenes at a porn shoot in LA
Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2024

Text by Bob Shell, Copyright 2024

.

Banned in Boston

.

I got a Publication Disapproval Notification in my nightly mail here at Pocahontas State Penitentiary. I thought it would be about some magazine that shows a nipple or something, which happens a lot, even though bare breasts are shown now on TV late at night. America is growing up – slowly. But, apparently not the Virginia Department of Corrections.
But no, it’s for my book ban in Boston! They’ve banned ‘Heaven and Hell on the Road to Reno!’ These backward people have said my book violates Operating Procedure 803.2 Incoming Publications, Specific Criteria for Publication Disapproval.
Material that emphasizes explicit or graphic depictions or descriptions of sexual acts
1. Actual sexual intercourse (vaginal, anal, or oral) including inanimate object penetration.
2.Secretion or excretion of bodily fluids or substances in the context of sexual activity or arousal.

Yes, the book contains explicit sex scenes. So do many novels. There are dozens in our library here.
My sex scenes are in the context of telling a story, not in isolation, and not as the point of the story. Some were used to emphasize just how evil my villains are. They’re essential to the narrative. This is a detective story with strong erotic components.
The US Supreme Court has held that the work must be judged as a whole, not disapproved just for isolated individual parts.

And they seem to have missed the humor in much of the book.

Effectively, they’re saying my book is obscene. It isn’t, unless the popular Jack Reacher series by Lee Child is, unless the worldwide bestselling series of ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ books by E. L. James are, unless the worldwide bestselling ‘Girl With The Dragon Tattoo’ and it’s sequels by Stieg Larsen are, unless many of the books by the late Richard Laymon are, unless most of the books by Wilbur Smith are, unless the books by Stuart Woods are, unless the books by Nobel Prize in Literature winner Mario Vargas Llosa are, unless Woody Guthrie’s lone novel is, and I could fill pages with examples, all in our library here, some of which are far more explicit and kinky than anything I’ve written.
Some of these were initially disapproved by the VDOC, but were later approved because of their obvious literary or societal value.

Last August I received a publisher’s proof copy of the book from Amazon without any problems. It was a mess, so I noted the necessary corrections in emails to the publisher. That book was not disapproved.

Forget that the Virginia Constitution says right up front in Article 1 “any citizen may freely speak, write, and publish his sentiments on all subjects.” I may be incarcerated, but I am still a citizen! I think ‘all subjects’ includes a detective story with erotic undertones.
It also says those rights “can never be restrained except by despotic governments.”

I recently read an essay by Margaret Atwood, author of ‘The Handmaid’s Tale.’ Speaking to the Governor of Florida and his sycophantic minions, she said, “Go ahead and ban my book. That will just insure that many more people read it.”
The sad lesson that censors never seem to learn is that censorship never works. It devours itself and the minds of the censors. Censorship is one of this world’s few genuine evils.

They’ve already admitted to me that I have the right to publish anything I want, just apparently not the right to read it after it’s published!

And to the Virginia Department of Corrections, I say, “Grow up! Sex in its infinite variations is part of the human condition. It always has been, it always will be.”

About The Author: Bob Shell is a professional photographer, author and former editor in chief of Shutterbug Magazine. He is currently serving a 35 year sentence for involuntary manslaughter for the death of Marion Franklin, one of his former models.  He is serving the 15th year of his sentence at Pocahontas State Correctional Facility, Virginia. To read additional articles by Bob Shell, link here: https://tonywarderotica.com/bob-shell-frustrated-with-ancient-aliens/

Alex Foxe: Memories of My First Pornographic Shoot

Created with Lens Buddy

Text by Alex Foxe, Copyright 2024

.

Memories of My First Pornographic Shoot

.

So I’m on my way to go to my first pornographic shoot. I’m nervous, excited, worried I’m gonna get lost. I’ve got my printed MapQuest directions in one hand, skipping music through my six CD changer, trying to decide what an appropriate song to my first porno might be. 

I get to the top of this mountain with this amazing ranch home and there’s a big huge red barn, and after I park my car and get out, I can see the ocean in the distance. 

I’m still curious who owned the house. It felt like a cross between, kind of a modern bonanza, meets old Hollywood western movie set.

Now we’re talking, I was greeted by someone on the crew. I don’t remember their name of course but Skye Blue was there, and after we exchanged our hugs she escorted me to where I could put my things. I put my outfits, shoes, and other personal items that I kept in a gym bag. 

Word got around fast this was my first movie. I thought that everyone was being extra nice to me because it was my first movie. I found out later on other movies sets, that everyone I worked with was nice. 

I found the kitchen where there was a ton of food and drinks. A really amazing spread. There was a make up artist and people were hanging out in the kitchen area talking about their lives. Their kids and what they were shooting. It felt completely normal and everyone was very nice to me and nice to each other.

I’m not sure if it was a week or two before I was on the movie set that Skye had asked me if perhaps I might be interested in shooting a movie for her.

I was working as a chat camgirl for her and I was making a decent living. I think we received like $15 an hour base pay plus commission. Skye Blue was definitely ahead of her time. There was one camgirl working there that everybody talked about. She wasn’t there regularly, but when she was there, she was doing privates and making bank. If anybody’s ever worked in the industry, there’s always been at least one of those kind of girls. Not anything bad about them, they just had that “It” factor and well, Stacy Burke had “It” and still does. Just like when I was eating Mexican food at Casa Vega on a double date, and who do we see, George Clooney and Renée Zellweger. She was doing that cute laugh that girls do when they’re really into a guy. And of course she was doing that because George had this glow about him as if he had that Barbara Walters lens that all the camera guys used to joke around about. Is that still a thing? Anyways, where was I? Back to the movie. 

I’m not sure where exactly I laid eyes on what would be my future boyfriend. If I were to guess I would say in the kitchen because I love food. 

He was goofy, with all these amazing tattoos. But more importantly, he made me laugh. That is truly the gateway to my heart!

We made our way over to the site where they were shooting a scene. Obviously, the bed was unoccupied. If you know, you know. 

Me and the photographer laid horizontally, clothes on of course, across the bed like two kids in the 1970s sitting on orange shag carpet in my friends dad‘s house watching Deep Throat on VHS.  I was fascinated, excited, I had never seen anything like it. I also felt sorry for Linda because some thing was wrong with her throat.. Anyway, my relationship with the photographer will be important later, and I will come back to that in another story. Now it was my turn for “Action”! 

Late into the evening it was finally my turn to shoot my scene. I’m led out to the set by our very own “Scotty” to where we will be shooting my scene. I had met my costar earlier in the day and she was super nice about everything and more. Sindee Coxx had been in the business for quite a while and has made a lot of adult films. She was super nice, funny, she had an infectious laugh, she was the complete 1990’s adult film starlight. I’m sure working with Sindee made Skye’s job a lot easier. That day we walked out to the set, which was outside. It was now nightfall and it was pretty cold. One thing you should know about me is that I don’t like to be cold. The premise of the story is that I am a slave girl and naturally, would be naked. The lighting was great. Everybody was on set and Sky talked about what she wanted to shoot and I believe she told me to enjoy myself. 

We start off with Sindee inspecting my body. She orders me to stick out my tongue, and then she pulled on my tongue ring which was a surprise to me. Sindee instructed me to remove my bottoms that had buckles to keep them up. Then she presents to me some green fruit that has a slit in it. It looks like a vagina. Wearing this amazing vinyl outfit, and I will note that it is because she has clothes on LOL, 

She holds the fruit in front of her, instructing me to lick it. She’s fully clothed and I’m naked on my knees facing her and plunging my tongue deep into this green fruit. I might note that I have never done this before in my life, but my rules for working in adult is, if I would not do it in my personal life, I certainly was not going to do it on film.

So I’m eating out green fruit. I can’t remember all the details about the movie. I do remember freezing my ass off and that Sindee was amazing and it was a great experience. I thought to be fair, i’d watch the movie to see if it reminds me of anything that I’m forgetting or any points I don’t wanna miss. I don’t think people realize how long it takes to shoot good porn. Now I’m sitting here watching fetish island and she has me fingering the big hard green fruit. I Jam my fingers in there and pull them out and suck on them. I look up. Cindy‘s breast are exposed and she’s got a banana in her hand.

She put it into position of where her dick would be if she had one and instructed me to blow her. Of course, I’m blowing the banana deep throating it, which I do remember starting to gag on the banana, and mind you this is something I’ve never done on camera before. I think I was so comfortable because of the crew and the cameraman, Barry Wood. He was very good at camera work.  Looking back, I probably should have paid more attention to what goes on behind the camera. 

Anyways, at one point, the banana goes down the wrong way and I’m trying not to gag and I know we’re filming and a single tear runs down my cheek. Barry was over the moon that he caught it on film. 

I have to say, re-watching it now, It does look really good and ties everything together. I wish I could say that I shed that tear on purpose. 

I peel the banana with my teeth and then she asks me to remove her clothes so I takeoff her vinyl outfit. She lays back on the lounge chair and has me worship her feet. I’ve never worshiped anyone’s feet before. I guess it was just instinct. I look at her and suck on them. She put a Maraschino cherry on the top of her foot and I eat it off. I told the crew that I knew how to tie a cherry stem in a knot. They all laughed and instructed me to tie the stem, which, of course I really did not know how to do.

Five more Marcinho cherries between her toes  I eat another one. I’m glad they didn’t have me eat all five. 

Sindee starts kissing me and quietly tells me to suck on her tongue. We kiss pretty passionately. My nipples are so hard and I’m freezing, as the saying goes, I could probably cut glass. 

Sindee licks my tits and hard nipples and then asks me to lean back on the chaise lounge. Once again, I lay down horizontally. Sindee has these amazing green eyes.

I’m looking down at her while she is licking my pussy, and while I was being filmed. With the hair and make up people standing by for touch ups was the closest to Hollywood starlet I would ever feel. Watching my first movie again, hearing the super loud synthesizer adult music. I wish the crew would’ve left the portable propane powered heater that we were able to use between takes on. They said it was too loud to film with it on. 

She bends me over and fucks me with a strap on. Sindee shoves a bunch of grapes in my mouth to be quiet. Now looking at it feels like an OSHA violation. That’s a joke for those of you that do not know me yet. 

 I climaxed all over the dildo, I might add we used my own personal strap on in the film which I still have. The scene ends with Sindee caressing my body. 

Before I knew it the shoot was wrapped for the day and it was time to go home. I remember having such a great time, and it was such a positive experience. I was excited to shoot another movie, I’m sure I asked Skye when was the next movie. Watching my first movie yesterday after 20 years has filled my brain with lots of thoughts. I’m sad I left the adult industry when I did, not because I necessarily wanted to, but because my family once they found out my new career choice were determined to make my life difficult, actually they tried everything in their power to destroy me. 

Most of the boyfriends I had during my time in the industry, said they were fine that I was a porn star, but later in the relationship the comments, guilt trips, and arguments before and after shoots were exhausting   What’s funny is I mostly dated people that had something to do with adult or mainstream films. I wish I had the courage I have today to not allow others to influence my life choices without thinking of what I want. And standing tall and proud in my decisions. 

Alex Foxe at Home.

For additional articles by Alex Foxe, link here: https://tonywarderotica.com/alex-foxx-travel-days-memories-of-1996/

Ink and Allure: Why Tattoos Are Sexually Appealing

beautiful young woman topless with tattoo's
Slater. For The Vixen’s Series. Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2024

Ink and Allure: Why Tattoos Are Sexually Appealing

.

Tattoos have transitioned from taboo to trendy, capturing the fascination and admiration of many. While personal expression and artistry are often cited as reasons for getting inked, there’s an intriguing psychological aspect to why tattoos are sexually appealing. Let’s delve into the allure of body art and what makes it a captivating element of attraction.

A Mark of Individuality and Confidence

Tattoos are a bold statement of individuality. They allow people to showcase their personality, experiences, and values in a unique way. This strong sense of self-expression is inherently attractive. Confidence is often seen as sexy, and tattoos can enhance this by displaying a person’s self-assuredness and willingness to stand out.

The Element of Mystery

There’s an inherent mystique associated with tattoos. Each design has a story, a hidden meaning, or a personal significance. This layer of mystery can be incredibly enticing, sparking curiosity and a desire to uncover the story behind the ink. The act of revealing these stories can create a deeper, more intimate connection between individuals.

Sign of Rebellion and Strength

Historically, tattoos were often associated with rebellion and counterculture. Even today, they carry a hint of defiance against conventional norms. This rebellious edge can be sexually appealing as it suggests a person who is daring, adventurous, and unafraid to take risks. Additionally, enduring the pain of getting a tattoo is seen as a sign of physical and mental strength, traits that are universally admired and desired.

Aesthetic Enhancement

From a purely visual standpoint, tattoos can enhance the body’s aesthetic appeal. A well-placed tattoo can accentuate muscle contours, add a splash of color to the skin, or draw attention to particular areas of the body. Artistic tattoos are often seen as wearable art, making the body itself a canvas of beauty and creativity.

Cultural and Tribal Connections

Tattoos have deep roots in various cultures, often symbolizing rites of passage, status, or belonging to a group. This cultural richness can add an exotic appeal. Tribal tattoos, for instance, can evoke a primal connection, linking back to ancient rituals and practices that are intrinsically linked to human sexuality and identity.

Conversation Starters

Tattoos can be great conversation starters, breaking the ice and providing an easy way to connect with others. Asking about the story behind someone’s tattoo can lead to deeper, more meaningful conversations, paving the way for emotional and physical intimacy.

Symbol of Passion and Creativity

People with tattoos are often perceived as passionate and creative individuals. The dedication to choosing a design, the commitment to the process, and the artistic expression involved are all indicative of a person who values creativity and passion. These qualities are highly attractive as they suggest a depth of character and a vibrant personality.

In conclusion, tattoos are sexually appealing for a multitude of reasons, ranging from the confidence and individuality they exude to the mysterious and rebellious undertones they carry. They enhance physical aesthetics, foster deeper connections, and symbolize a blend of passion and creativity. Whether you have tattoos or admire them from afar, there’s no denying the magnetic allure they possess in the realm of attraction.