Johann Schmueser

A tough category this is! When ever I get out on the trails and forests anywhere, my clothes inevitably get stripped off, my ass is bare, and I am running through the woods – which has posed a problem for me in National Forests and Parks for years. Such behavior, while natural and good to me, is terribly impolite if not illegal in the United States.Finally, I had to fess up to myself with some honesty. I am either crazy or nudist. To find out which, I checked out local Naturist Clubs to get a sense of the vibes, and soon discovered hundreds of guys and gals just like me. I was delighted. I joined the AANR. I began to network with other nudists around the State of Indiana, and eventually around the world. I discovered a beautiful philosophy of life that complemented my own sense of decency and self worth, while giving an outlet for Nature Recreation that I loved most. My favorite Club in Indiana for Naturists is a clothing optional one, Lake of the Woods. I enjoy Lake of the Woods in Valparaiso, Indiana for its serenity and beauty. Its crystal clear lake is surrounded by forests with old homes and cabins which Nudist families and couples have enjoyed for almost a century. Lake of the Woods is only open to the public in the summer where its beach, pool, boats, fishing, camping, and trails, open to the delight of persons of all ages who wish to explore their love for Naturism in a safe, non-threatening environment. At Lake of the Woods, I am in the company of other pleasant and positive nudists with whom I may relax, enjoy nature, and shed all the stress of the city, job, and responsibility from which I come. Apart from the spiritual retreat of Lake of the Woods, most importantly, is the retreat to my home where nudity with my wife, I am nude after work in the evenings, and weekends. But apart from the obvious, there is is my family with whom I enjoy enjoy nutritious cooking and over eating, sunbathing, watching old classic films, artistic endeavors (painting and sketching), music(playing the violin and singing in choirs), as well as loving our home. We raises roses and herbs in the summer with some tomatoes and greens mixed in all surrounded by plenty of flowers.We are also members of the Indianapolis Art Center where we go to Exhibits, munch cookies, sip wine, and hob knob with the local art community. My wife takes classes at the Art Center and is an accomplished professional artist and painter. I have been known to strip down to my birthday suite to model for classes from time to time, but I prefer drawing and sketching classes where I can get the charcoal dust under my finger nails and quiet my mind with my art.It is plain to see as I reflect that Naturism has made me more ME! That is to say that I cannot be anyone but who I am, now that I am who I am – naked much of the time; and that whether my pursuits find me naked or clothed, I am the same person, only more.