Here it is...the end of May, and I'm just now reviewing the 2012 EdenFantasys Community Calendar. It actually came as quite a surprise to me since I hadn't ordered the calendar even as a free item. It just showed up in my May order. Thanks, EF!

First and foremost, the Eden calendar is surprisingly discreet. Even though the site name is branded on every month, the actual photos for each month don't depict anything explicit nudity or sexual photos. The calendar paper feels just about the same as any other calendar, but it's spiral bound in addition to having the hole for a nail. The spiral bound option is actually helpful if you would rather hang it without put holes in your wall, which is why I didn't order the calendar in the first place. As a side note, renting sucks when it comes time to decorate.

Each month has an inspirational quote up on the picture that relates.
January has a picture of a side mirror on a car, and therefore it has a driving quote.
February has a picture of flowers and a diamond ring, and so the quote is ring-related.
March has a picture of a city lit up at night, and the quote is about our surroundings.
April has a picture of a bee and flowers, and it's quote is on spring.
May has a picture of a Renaissance type woman with a sword, and the quote is on hobbies.
June has a picture of some legs, and the quote is on our bodies.
July has a picture of a dandelion, and the quote is on summer.
August has a picture of a puppy, and the quote is on pets.
September has a picture of a man holding a starfish, and the quote is on vacation.
October has a picture of a skull, poison, and absinthe, and the quote is on the conspiracy of love.
November has a picture of a woman jumping in a field, and the quote is on feeling healthy.
December has a picture of a woman with a tattoo-like design on her face sitting in water, and the quote is on tattoos.

Some of the quotes are from well-known individuals. For example, there are quotes from from William Shakespeare and Pamela Anderson. On the other hand, a lot of the quotes are romantic and a little bit corny for my tastes.

I'm actually a little disappointed by the lack of theme. It could have been all about tattoos, or quotes only from comedians, but it seems a little all over the board. I suppose Eden's intention was to include something for everyone, which is admirable at least. Still, there is only one picture with a man in it, and only 5 of 12 photos actually include people. I feel like EF is all about empowering individuals and giving them a better sense of self and sexuality, but this calendar doesn't necessarily reflect that.

Yes, by the way, I do see the end note where Eden says that each month represents an aspect of the community, but I honestly feel like if it's such a far stretch to relate each month and picture without an end note, there is really not a true theme. I couldn't have tied these pictures together without the explanation on the back cover. However, EF also states on the back cover that these aren't manipulated photos by professionals, but rather they are taken by EF members. This is cool if you find it to be believable, but I think the photos were most likely manipulated in many ways for more vibrant coloring and show clear editing in other ways as well. I wouldn't call a photo a "real photo" and suggest it wasn't manipulated if I had enhanced and edited it on my computer.

There are several holidays and special days featured in the EF calendar that aren't generally listed on other calendars. I think it provides a chance for additional excitement and to expand the consumer's cultural knowledge showing several religions and their celebrations. There are even days marked for Wicca! There are also some fun days listed such as "Blame Someone Else Day," "Dump Your Significant Jerk Day," and "Nerd Pride Day."

I remember that in another review, someone had pointed out one spelling mistake, but I haven't noticed it. I suppose 1 day out of an entire year being misspelled doesn't necessarily strike me as significant.

Certain days may have too many holidays or occasions listed on them to give you much space to write in your own event for that day, but that's why people buy planners instead of or in addition to calendars.

I've gone through the EF calendar and marked little known holidays or events to celebrate with my little one. I've done this before because it makes for some inexpensive surprise fun days for my toddler and I, but Eden has a lot of choices (no more internet holiday searching for me). Even after receiving this calendar in May, I see myself getting plenty of use out of it!