Fearfully & Wonderfully Made

Body Building Champion, Denise Richardson

An Interview w/ Bodybuilder, Denise Richardson & Editor, Xina Sy

"When I was growing up, we were called 'tomboys,' but I didn't care! I am who I am & have always just been me!"

At almost 55 years old, the 2x Ms. America, bodybuilding, fitness dynamo is positive about who she IS. And, after speaking to her for just a few minutes...you'd be pretty sure about who she is & what she stands for too! She is a no- nonsense, straight-no-chaser, tell it like T-I-is kinda woman! But behind the heavy New York accent & super-stronger than normal, muscular structure, is a gentleness that gives way to the true Spirit behind her confidence: her Faith.

Denise Richardson, born in New Bern, North Carolina, always had a love for sports; any sports. She would "play" anything: basketball, track, & even touch football. "My grandparents, David & Eva Richardson, would have me jump fences for the neighbors," shared Richardson, "I guess I just always liked putting on a show athletically." That love for performing paid off BIG for Richardson during her professional, competitive career as a bodybuilder, winning her not one, but two, titles as Ms. America in the Physique category. And, although she credits dedication, hard work, & discipline to her success, there is another obvious component that comes into play: Confidence.

I had the honor of speaking with her recently about her career, being a female, professional athlete, & her faith in God & in herself & her seeming ability to master anything & everything that comes her way. Below is a bit on that conversation...

XS: How are women viewed in your industry?

DR: In terms of competition, it really depends on the “mood,” whose show it is, and what show it is. For example: In many instances, the judging criteria changes almost similar to that of clothing fads. The standard is to look for symmetry, muscularity, overall conditioning, posing finesse (to music), and overall stage presentation. The judges that particular day, month, season, or year, may give higher scores in bodybuilding to very muscular women, tall and leaner women, short and not very muscular, average height and ripped muscle, tall model type and the variables continue.

XS: How does that impact your performance?

DR: It is “tres importante” that we do not try to fit into the “fleeting mood” or mode of the industry. Build and Sculpt as you feel and see FIT, (pun intended). Use wisdom but have fun and enjoy the better health benefits. YES, it is important that my posing performance is seen as SPECTACULAR by judges and MY AUDIENCE! However, it is still of utmost importance for me to call the shots and set the standard for my own physique. Hey, I’m part of the bodybuilding community because I enjoy bodybuilding, not to fit someone's mold of what I need to be.

XS: Has the industry & competition changed you?

DR: My profession was in Public School Education before I stumbled into DARBY PARK, and still is, long after after I won back- to- back titles of the prestigious Ms America in 1997 and 1998. I was truly blessed to excel in this arena for many years. I determined how I wanted this physique and frame of mine to look, feel, and speak!  My desire was to tell a  story whenever I stepped on any stage, at any time, and any place, worldwide!

XS: What are some of the prejudices you've faced as a female athlete?

DR: Politics and favorites at shows is always a bummer. Uninformed/misinformed folk who still think women should not workout---let alone have fabulous muscles, are fewer these days! One compliment I used to get over and over was, “And you don’t look like a man!” Clearly some still think it is not feminine to train and compete in Physique Competitions. As in anything else, women are unique and have zillions of looks, styles, "swaggas," etc! Thank GOD more people are coming to realize this and actually embrace a firmer, more toned healthier version of previous self!

XS: How does your faith come into play in your career as a bodybuilder & fitness trainer?

DR: I love and support others and encourage and train them to succeed. I am empowered through my relationship with God and it is ONLY through that relationship, the one with my Abba Father, that I can accomplish anything at all. I am STILL amazed at the Power of the Word manifest in and throughout my life. The bodybuilding is only representative of the faith building in my life!

XS: How have you cultivated a body-positive image for yourself?

DR: I designed and sculpted my body based on my decisions…Enhancing what gifts and genetics I had already, then building and training from head to toe, as this is what bodybuilding is all about.

Denise Richardson in Exhibition

XS: What tips for building body-confidence do you have for women struggling with their own self image?

DR: Presently, I mentor and train women (and some men) in the gym, on the phone, online….Most need encouragement and a boost or a jump-start to begin living a healthy lifestyle; to get fit and stay fit. Many simply need to be told, "You can do this and I will HELP you!” Many need to just MOVE and BEGIN…some know how, but need to take time out and make time for themselves. This is Y/our health. Definitely seek out reputable people; certified trainers, fitness educators, and other professionals--including your physician’s clearance to get started in any serious fitness program. Be sure to take precautions when joining the local gym…SAFETY is first, beloved! Once you get started, I promise, you will enjoy the many benefits! Pursue a HEALTHY LIFESTYLE…Feel good, LIVE WELL…LOOK good from the inside out…that is B E A U T Y….true beauty baby! Can I get a witness?

 For more information on Denise Richardson & her fitness programs, follow her on FACEBOOK or email her directly at: MsAmerDR@aol.com.

Such a Lovely Girl...

Singer, Ivy Love

An Interview with Singer & Bizness Womyn, Ivy Love
By Editor Xina Sy

"Sexy is the way you feel & the energy you exude when you are comfortable with yourself. I'm just comfortable with ME!"

Singer, reality-tv star, & bizness woman, Ivy Love does not consider her Self to be unconventional by any means! She believes she is just as natural as the next girl; just a little more FREE!  "I like to walk around naked. I like my skin to breathe. I am a nudist," proclaims the free-spirited singer-songwriter. "I also host swinger parties because I want others to feel free too," says Love about her chosen lifestyle as a Free Love Queen. 

My dialog with the very sizzling hot chica is as laid back as she is. Her vibe relaxes you & puts you at ease even through the pages of emails & instant messaging. Her answers to questions are straight forward & unassuming & you get the idea pretty quickly that there is absolutely nothing pretentious about this Sensual Diva. Ivy Love is as real as it gets & so are her philosophies on love, sex, bizness, & being body positive. What else would she be? She loves herself easily & effortlessly & without reservation...& she exudes that love through her music, her clothing line created by Mouth Watering Apparel, & through her very public persona; all unashamedly. You might not agree with her values...but somehow you just gotta love her!

XS: How do you define beauty?

LOVE: Beauty comes from within. Eating healthy and living a healthy lifestyle enhances your beauty and the longevity of your beautiful life! I don't even wear make up, unless its for events or for a show because I feel make up is for the stage. What you see is what you get with me! I like being natural.

XS: You seem pretty comfortable with your body! What are your thoughts on being body-positive?

LOVE: Everyone in this world is made differently and that is what makes us unique and special. I believe when you are healthy and live a healthy lifestyle your body will look great. At any size! I will have models of varying sizes in my fashion shows, because I feel all women should be able to wear lingerie and feel comfortable and sexy. True beauty comes from the inside and radiates outward, regardless of size. Read more on Love under pic -->

Ivy Love's Clothing Designs Released Under Mouth Watering Apparel

XS: How did you get the idea to start your clothing line with Mouth Watering Apparel?

LOVE: First of all Mouthwatering Apparel came to me after seeing my music video and asked me if they could make me some Ivy Love gear. They said, "Nothing is more mouthwatering than Ivy love!" Thank you very much!! They claimed they could custom design anything that I wanted to wear and make it for my people to wear! I first asked them to make shirts for my guys that said "Ballin w\ Ivy Love"  because my main following is males from 18-34. The rest just evolved into a line.

XS: How did the lingerie line come into play?

LOVE: I am a nudist and enjoy being free. But I also like clothes that make me feel sexy. So, I was then able to go in to the shop and custom design my own lingerie line with the designer. I wanted to make lingerie that is comfortable to wear and something you can wear in the privacy of your home and also out and about if you like... I only have two of the designs from them as of now!! But is will be out soon!

XS: What about your music? How did you get started? 

LOVE:   I first started singing when I was a little girl with a deodorant  stick in front of the mirror when I was 3 years old. A great teacher of mine made me learn opera in highschool and I also learned to sing in German, French and Italian. I have been making Ivy Love Music for 2 years and I love it. I am a performer and have an excellent message to give to the world. What motivates my music is the power to be able to influence the masses through song... with a great message of peace, love, and acceptance...


For more information on Ivy Love, her music, & her clothing line, be sure to log onto: www.ivylovemusic.com & www.mouthwateringapparel.com hit her up on twitter at www.twitter.com/ivyloves . Click link to check out her latest video, for her latest single, Meeting of The Minds.

Healthy Pleasures

She-Driven Photography

By Fiona Zedde, Authorist

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always loved myself. My insides were flowering seeds. My outside was the perfect covering. I never dwelt on what I wasn’t, but I knew what I was. I knew what I had. And, for the most part, I knew myself.

Then, in November 2008, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Before that, I had been the healthiest person I knew. I’d never been to the hospital, never broken any bones, had no surgeries, and felt completely secure in those ten years prior that I had lived without health insurance.

That diagnosis changed me. It ripped through everything my thirty-two years of confidence and walking well in the world had led me to think I was. My body had turned against me. I was not as strong as I thought. I was not as whole. With that tumor inside me, I felt like walking weakness. It shamed me.  

Facing surgery, I had the choice of a single or double mastectomy, both equally terrifying. In the days before going into the hospital, I spent hours on the internet looking at pictures of mastectomy operations, of women with their bodies ripped open, their lymph nodes, muscle, and tissue exposed. Their lives never again to be the same.

Fiona Zedde

I had my surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, eventually coming out on the other side of those experiences a healthy woman. Having gone through chemo which took my locks and radiation that wore me out and burned my skin, I felt lucky to have survived. But that was all. I still deeply felt my body’s betrayal.

But things changed. One day, I sat at my desk at work feeling ravaged and weak and miserable when my co-worker in the cubicle across from me said, “you’re handling this so well. I would have fallen apart if I had to go through what you did.”

I realized then that I wasn’t handling it all so well. I was letting self-pity carry me along on its toxic tide. Each day after work, I went home, only did the bare minimum of living before getting in bed and waiting for morning and another work day to come. My body was no longer what it was. I felt deformed. Less than. This was surviving; it wasn’t living.

That morning at work was my first time really looking at myself post-cancer. I didn’t like what I saw. So I vowed to stop surviving my life and start living it.

I started taking time with my body each morning. Re-learning it as I smoothed lotion into my skin, touched my breasts, my scar, the radiation burns. The weak strands of post chemo hair, I lovingly massaged and oiled, claiming this unfamiliar baby hair as mine, a part of my healing body.

Over the months of healing, I’d almost become afraid of touching my body, fearing its fragility and unfamiliar scars. But full sensuality begins with self-touch and self-love. Although I was far from being ready to share my body with a lover again, I knew that for me to be able to get to that place, I would need to love myself.

Self seduction can be difficult at first. But after one swims in that river for the first time, the current and the warm wet weight of the water become familiar and desired.

A secret part of me had always loved poetry. The poems of Audre Lorde and Pablo Neruda occupied a tiny portion of my shelf. In my search for the self I had lost, I re-discovered these two poets.

Speak earth and bless me with what is richest, Audre says. And I listened.

make sky flow honey out of my hips

rigid as mountains

spread over a valley

carved out by the mouth of rain.

            ~ Audre Lorde “Love Poem”

Kiss by kiss I cover your tiny infinity,

your margins, your rivers, your diminutive villages,

and a genital fire, transformed by delight,

slips through the narrow channels of blood

to precipitate a nocturnal carnation,

to be, and be nothing but light in the dark.

            ~ Pablo Neruda “Carnal apple, Woman filled, burning moon”

With these things; poetry, red wine, and a hot blue beginning to my new toy collection, I reclaimed who I was. I reclaimed my sexuality. This rediscovery opened me to the sensual possibilities of life, so much so that when I traveled to Spain for a quick two week trip, I allowed myself for the first time in months to feel attraction, to flirt, to touch another woman and walk with her to the edge of possibility.

No matter what a woman has to deal with—cancer, taxes, the sameness of everyday living—it’s important to nurture the sensual body. With or without a lover in your life, these frequent expressions of eroticism, of sexiness, are as important as air. For me, this nurturing was the road leading me back to myself.

Fiona  is the author of six novels - Bliss, A Taste of Sin, Every Dark Desire, Hungry For It, Kisses after Midnight, and Dangerous Pleasures – and three novellas (Pure Pleasure, Going Wild, and Sexual Attraction) published in the collections Satisfy Me, Satisfy Me Again, and Satisfy Me Tonight, respectively. Her short fiction has appeared in various anthologies including Necrologue: DIVA Book of the Dead and the Undead (DIVA), Wicked: Sexy Tales of Legendary Lovers (Cleis), and Fist of the Spider Woman (Arsenal Pulp). Find info on her at www.fionazedde.com