Sponsor a Bondage Dream!

First a few notes about The Pound (that's what I'm calling my new cage). It arrived a few weeks ago. To be honest, when I first knew I was getting it (it was a surprise gift), I was a little skeptical. "What am I going to do with a puppy cage?! And where am I going to put it!?!?" I thought. Then it arrived and ...wow. Those of you who've visited since its arrival have probably been quite surprised at all the uses I've found for it. When my friend Mistress Yin saw the picture on my blog, she talked about what a difference a REAL cage does to the bottom's headspace. "It's a whole different mindfuck when they know they can't get out," she said.

OMG was she right. Talk about taking the starch out of a man. Whether you're locked in as tease. Or punishment. Or storage. Or just because that's where I want ya, dammit. The Pound is irrefutable. And SO HOT. I've stuffed a blindfolded man inside and let him think he'd been left alone. I've had 'em in there totally unfettered to just watch and wait. I've sat on the top bars and let loose a torrent of piss, only to make him soak in it until I was ready to release him.

And that's just when you're inside.

Outside, I've found it's an ideal whipping bench. He's bent over the curved top, hands cuffed and locked into place. So much prime real estate for my whip. Were I into strapon, I could totally see pounding away at him, whether he were face up or face down on that top (another reason for "The Pound").

It's just an awesome piece of gear. So much so that after receiving it, I contacted Metalbound and inquired about having more furniture built for Salon d'Orleans. Replacing my bondage bed/cage topped my wishlist, especially since now that I'd seen what a real cage could do to a man, the wooden sleeping cage I've got now is a joke.

With Corey's help (he's the owner, designer and fabricator at Metalbound), I came up with a slightly lower, aluminum-framed piece that opens from the side so to make it easier to get a fella in and out, particularly when a bodybag is involved. Once finished, the upholstered and Tempurpedic-padded surface will have a back support that can be lifted and lowered, not only for diversity in positions, but to also help the bottom stay in bondage longer. Bondage points along the upper and lower perimeters will make sure that I can employ my whole arsenal of bondage straps, belts, ropes, and other tie-downs to make sure no one's going anywhere.

I also asked Corey to build me a suspendable metal "backboard," much like the kind used to tote fallen skiiers down the slopes. Only 17" wide, this piece will allow me to do super tight, suspended mummifications. I'm so psyched.

The last item on my wish list was a bondage chair. Initially, my instructions were fairly basic and the result was something quite elegant and graceful, but definitely not something that was going to meet my needs. As I started explaining to Corey what I needed this chair to do, I realized that this could be just a valuable a piece of equipment as the bondage bed and The Pound.

The next take nearly got it: Lots of places to tether bondage, a tall back that would facilitate head bondage. Optional rods that would run underneath what would be the upholstered seat with a convenient, removable cutout so that the balls could drop and be tethered, if desired. A few bondage points on the chair bottom to keep the legs still. As soon as I got a good look at it though, I started to see where what was there just wasn't going to be enough. I called Corey again. I told him that I wanted hinged arms that can be locked into place or moved out of the way. And that I wanted MORE tie down points. Everywhere. On the back of the chair, its sides, undersides ... there can just never be too many bondage points. A few colleagues I showed the pictures to also suggested I request a padded backpad to protect the bare spine from the unforgiving rods. Last, I asked for a detachable stockade of sorts to be added to the chair.

I can't begin to tell you how excited I am about these new additions. I'm already fantasizing about the different kinds of scenes I want to do with them It's going to be awesome!!!!

The unfortunate thing is, though, is that the stuff ain't cheap and my kink got a little bigger than my wallet on this occasion. Consequently, if you're as excited about playing with this new stuff as I am and would like to contribute to the Furniture Fund, I'm currently offering an extra hour of play for every donation over $100. If you'd like information on how to donate, please send me an email and I'll be happy to give you the details. If you'd like to send something anonymously, you can do so via postal mail to: Troy Orleans, 2753 Broadway $103, New York, NY 10025. Paypal, checks and money orders are all accepted. With any luck, the furniture will be ready for delivery at the end of this month. Please help me turn this fantasy into an amazing reality! Thanks in advance.

Coming Soon

Thanks to the extraordinarily talented MetalBound.

Sturdy curved top, dozen of bondage points, fully welded steel. Once you're in. You're in.

Wishes

This has been a year full of incredible rewards and intense challenges, both in and out of the "The Scene." More than anything, I want to express my deepest gratitude to those of you who have been part of this crazy year with me, whether you've held my hand, given good counsel, made me smile "that smile," or offered yourself up as inspiration or canvas for my fantasies. That you are even reading this means you've already given me the best gift I could possibly ever wish for.

Nonetheless, a few of you have asked me what I might like for Christmas. While I love the serenity and the opportunity to give thanks at midnight mass on Christmas Eve, I choose not to participate in gift exchange during the holiday season. I do, however, wish you and those you enrich your life a peaceful, loving acknowledgement of what you truly mean to each other and a celebration of another year experienced together.

While Santa may not be visiting this girl who is so very good (at being bad!), I DO, however, eagerly anticipate the celebration of my birthday. (In fact, those close to me know there's a full pass on Christmas, Valentine's, Anniversary -- all that stuff -- if you remember my birthday.)

The big day is January 10. I will be here the week prior (but unavailable Jan 11-13) and strongly encourage indulgence -- especially since I put myself on shopping restriction for my studio for the past several months. Wishlist gifts, it should go without saying, are not required nor expected. Most of you reading this blog have been a part of my life as a dominant for quite some time and I would love to just have a moment to raise a glass to toast and thank you for being part of my very, very wonderful life.

If you are inclined to commemmorate my proud strut into my "late 30s" (I'll be 38!) there's a wishlist over at Amazon that I've recently updated with stuff from the Amazon site as well as other sites thanks to the "universal wishlist" widget. I also made a pretty hot list over at JT's Stockroom. And of course Mr. S has a few things that have made my fingers itch during my kinky shopping chastity...

Nova Light EStim Trip

Ball Gag Muzzle in RUBBER

Electroboard for the cock ***** Leather bondage set, Sz L

(Yes, my HTML coding sucks...)

Anything ordered or mailed, including cards/letters, should be sent to:

Miss Troy Orleans
2753 Broadway #103
New York, NY 10025
(646) 373-2423

Items on a list, of course, are just that, so here are a few comments on each piece on my wishlist so you can get an idea of why it's there.

Mr. S details (above pics/links) :

I've played with a colleague's electroboard recently and have had tremendous fun with it. It's cock bondage AND electrotorment all in one! Given my growing interest in long-term, sensedep bondage, the Nova Light system just seems like a no-brainer (ha! no pun intended!) that I'd love to experiment with. The leather thigh/wrist/waist restraints just look like locking, leather deliciousness to me and I LOVE the comments about how comfortable it is for long term bondage. (I'm thinking those restraints plus my Scott Paul Humiliator Gag System could make for a really fun afternoon....). And the rubber ball gag muzzle is for good gagging and easier cleanup -- plus, who doesn't love a breather/funnel hole!??!

NEW: Just got an email from Mr. S that reads:

From December 31st through Sunday January 11th, we're offering you
15% OFF on the Best gear available! We are ONLY offering this to our valued customers who receive this email - so you MUST enter the Promo Code: NYSALE in order to receive the discount or bring this newsletter into one of our stores.

Some notes on my Amazon list:

The Dungeon Delights spreader bar system has been on my coveted list since I started this blog (see left column, a little down). Metal bondage. Complete rigidity. Ain't a thing wrong with that.
The pillows are for my bed. In my dotage, I'm finding I like the squish and sink of a good down pillow: it'd be like you're sleeping with me! The Mr. S Asylum mask series is SUPER hot to me. I love the coverage without the intimidation of a full hood. My urgentest desire is for the upper half mask (because you know how much I like mouth access), though the full one gives me wood, too. The martini glasses are because ... well, if you've been following me on Twitter, you know how much I've been enjoying my "Bad Decision Martinis" lately and yet I have no martini making gear of my own! (The shaker would be welcome, too.)

JT Stockroom list notes:

While I'm not a full on rubberist -- yet -- I'm really digging rubber hoods lately and love the sense dep and breath control this one offers (in size LARGE, please). Tara Sterling re-awakened my interest in the Spider Gag (with strap, check options), thanks to a photo shoot she did which, of course, now I can't find. Hey. I like open mouths! The wireless remote vibrating egg is there because my other remote vibrating egg is on its last legs and it's a key piece of equipment for me. Hitachi Magic Wand is ... well, because I've never owned "The Cadillac of Vibrators" and I figure it's time. I'm ready. (I think.) The Total Enclosure Hood is there because it's tight, breath restrictive and lockable... and because sometimes I need a hood for smaller heads. (So, size SMALL, please.) The steel fist mitts are to match my steel hood. When I got the hood, I didn't think I was ready for the mitts. Now I am. The Lockable Pump Gag ... does it need explaining? It's an inflatable gag that locks. So juicy. And lastly, the Stockade (don't forget the fucking rod) just is too fucking hot not to want. In MEDIUM please. (I can't say anything else about it here given the sensitive clime ... but use your imagination. Drool.)

Last but not by any means least, if you're the traveling type, I would LOVE LOVE LOVE some frequent flier miles, please. (Especially Delta as well as Jet Blue or American ... but any will work.) If you have miles to spare, please let me know and we can talk about the best way to transfer them to me.

Of course, if you just want to come and play with me for my birthday, I'm always up for that! (Though you'll be taking my birthday spanking!) Really, though, thank you SO much for just being part of my kinky life. I am so grateful, appreciative, and blessed.

MTO Invitational

I don't have plans to be posting all that much here but I appreciate that y'all wanted to keep abreast (heheh... who doesn't?) of whatever I might have to say.

Truth is, there ain't much. I'm fine. I'm not in trouble. I just realized I didn't need a visible profile any more: it's not worth the risk right now. As one of you said to me: "Prudence is so hot!"

I love play. I love playing with y'all. There's nothing I'd love more than to do that. So let's just say I ain't playing for work. Just fun. I've always had a vanilla gig that keeps me afloat just fine. So anything I talk about here is just about fun. Not work. It's not about the money. Never has been. It's just about love. And fun.

Operation: Field Trips ... UPDATE!!!

My sister just wrote me a thank you note that she asked I pass on to all of you who contributed to "OPERATION: FIELD TRIP." You have no idea how happy it made this big sister to hear her little sister's excited voice talk about her plans for her students. Thanks to all of you who contributed. Those who still wish to donate may do so by sending cash, check, or money order to:

Operation: Field Trip
P.O. Box 93973
Atlanta, GA 30377

If you're writing a check or money order, make it payable to: "CIE" and in the memo put "CC Field Trip Fund." I suggest cash be sent with a delivery confirmation.

I cannot begin to tell you how (let me take it back 80’s style) “totally awesome” this year is going to be. After putting into place the concept of "Project: Outdoor Classroom," I thought all summer about ways to best put your donations to use. I came up with a socially conscious theme of caring outside of our own understanding. As a class this year we are going to pen pal with students at the International Community School here in our state. This charter school has been established for the past ten years and its mission is to bring together refugee, immigrant, and native-born children to nurture them in an academic setting. The school brings out their gifts and talents and assists in the healing of the deep physical and spiritual wounds of war. This joining of forces will help bridge the gap between two worlds, promote world knowledge, and create life long friendships.

Our other fieldtrip plans for the year include journeys to the CNN Center, The Fernbank Museum of Nature and Science, the Center for Puppetry Arts, and the Fabulous Fox Theater to see The Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre of Harlem. The end of the year trip has me fired up! I have been fortunate enough to see Alvin Ailey every year for the past 23 years. Of my most recent tours, I can remember wishing that my students had the opportunity to see the talented troupe. With tickets, starting at $17.00 per person that hope was unquestionably out of reach. With the state of Georgia on the cusp of canceling all non-athletic related field trips due to budget cuts, the idea of taking my students to see a dance ensemble is not high on the priority list for the school board. With private funding, I am able to expose my students to the arts, the world, and education all while having a blast!

Your donations are benefiting my students in a way that I could never imagine. The county limits each grade level to two field trips per year, this year, and none next year. With your help, I will be able to take my students on a trip every month. As of right now, the final trip will require that the students pay a portion of their ticket price to Fox Theatre. I am incredibly thankful for all of the scholarships you have provided. My students are in for the year of their lives, and I have you to thank. I will make sure to send pictures and journal entries to keep you posted. On behalf of my students, I want to say thanks for the opportunity to see the world through a new lens.

Yours Truly,
The Open Air Classroom

Sidebar Updates Explained!

While I was traveling, I kept having these little observations or ideas that weren't substantive enough for postcards or blog posts but weren't things I wanted to go unacknowledged, either. (e.g. Rome is covered in graffitti. My favorite tag? "ZEU$")

Consequently, I've decided to join Twitter. You should see my "Tweets" over there to the left. I'm not 100% sure about this little application -- from how it works to how much I'll use it -- but I'm going to try it for a while and I encourage you to follow me. For a NYTimesian perspective on Twitter and "ambient awareness" click here. (I was particularly swayed by the line, "Follow [someone's Twitter posts] for a day, though, and it begins to feel like a short story; follow it for a month, and it’s a novel.")

We'll see. Let me know what you think about Twittering, too.

******

I finally got a resy at Ko, thanks to The Headliner's gracious, geeky tenacity. I went with a dear, long time friend who eats and drinks professionally. Our dinner was delicious, though more memorable for the road getting there than for what was served. Or maybe it'd just been too long since I'd seen my friend. While I certainly would go again if given the opportunity or as part of an OE, my free session offer is no longer available.

And, Headliner? I owe you. Big time. Just name it.

******

One of the things my vacation made me realize is that ... well, I needed one! In an effort to manage my schedule better, rather than close the door to all new clients, I've decided to implement some additional qualifiers. First, I am not seeing any novices. You must have some professional BDSM experience in order to receive an appointment. While I do get a distinct pleasure out of molding a newbie, I'll be having my fun redefining what a session is for the veteran players for a while. Secondly, for those who have experience whom I have not seen before, you will need to provide me references before I agree to give you an appointment. If you've seen any of my known associates (anyone I've mentioned or linked here or on my website), just her name will do. Otherwise, I want two verifiable contacts so I can find out for sure if you're as promising as your thoughtful, engaging, and responsive introductory email would lead me to believe.

Let Your Fingers Do the Walking

I finally got my computer fixed. Turned out my fan was busted (actually, I should've known this ... I've spent most of the past 2-3 weeks with ice packs under my laptop because it'd run so hot). So now my laptop has a new motherboard, heat sink, fan, and keyboard. It's like it's almost new!

More importantly, I can actually navigate like a member of the 21st century. So if you've been wanting or meaning to get in touch (or you've been waiting for a reply...) resend it to me. Or write me again. I'll get it! I'll write you back!

So, like, I have this fantasy?

Here's one for ya.

Whilst bemoaning my sore feet and sore throat at SMack! the other night, I was again reminded why I just don't like going to fetish scene parties. Whole lotta walkin' around looking for something (or someone) worth seeing. I hardly saw any play myself ... then again, seemed like a girl couldn't swing a whip without hitting all the spectators in the process.

So I've been thinking about hosting a private play party at my studio for a while now. Something small, like, 10-14 people. Thing is, I want everyone to PLAY. One of the ways I thought I'd facilitate that was by having everyone wear a little tag that lists their inclinations for the evening. Like, mine might read:

Hi, My Name is: TROY
Will Top for: Singletailing, rope suspension, trampling
Will bottom for: rope suspension

And then anyone who wanted to be singletailed or suspended or trampled could come up and ask me to do that and I would. Similarly, if I saw someone with a tag that read, say:

Hi, My Name is: BOB
Will bottom for: spanking, CBT, face slapping

And I thought, "Hey! I'd like to spank him!" then I'd be free to say, "Hey, Bob, want a spanking from me?"

You could only ask for what's on that person's sticker. (Bob could ask me to singletail him but not spank him, e.g.). All players -- Tops and bottoms -- would have to agree that all play requests must be honored at least once per player for at least ten minutes, after which either player may say "Mercy" and end the scene. Everyone, in other words, should get to play.

Part II of this fantasy is that I would have one or two service bottoms in attendance. One would be a bondage installation. Catheterized, mummified, with some sort of structural support so that he could comfortably stay in the position for several hours. Perhaps he'd be outfitted with this to make him functional as well. Or install him in the bathroom (ooooh!) with this.

The other service bottom would be a consensual nonconsensual free object. Anyone can do anything s/he wants to him/her at any time. (Okay, okay ... Maybe I'd allow a sticker with three hard limits.)

And since this would be a private -- i.e. non-client -- play party, I would auction off the service bottom positions to non-invitees through my blog and the proceeds would go to my sister's Operation Field Trip fund. (Speaking of which, there's an address now to mail your donations directly! Please click the link for details!)

Wow. That's actually a better fantasy than the one I was originally going to write about .... especially cause this one actually has a shot at coming true!

Leaving Money on the Table: A Rant

Since my tetchy computer has me all cranky and anti-email at the moment (posting blogs is much easier) a word to the wise:

When you visit a professional domina(trix) -- any one, not just me -- and you present your Tribute, please have it in an envelope. If you do not have access to an envelope prior to your appointment, make sure to place it in a Tribute box, if one is provided. If your Domina does not have a specific place for you to place your Tribute, you should, at the very least, have the correct amount counted out in advance to hand to her with your apologies for not having "wrapped" your gift appropriately.

Few things shave weeks off my career like watching a client fumblingly count through a clutch of twenties in front of me (who are you? Bob Barker?) or seeing a wad of bills left on my cocktail table, like I'm some ... Waitress.

Drag

If you've sent me an email recently and I haven't responded, it's not because I don't want to ... My computer's been all gummed up for no obvious reason, making navigating Gmail an awkward annoyance. I get too frustrated to reply to /initiate emails past the top of my inbox. I've had compugeeks look at it, fiddled with msconfig, run assorted virus scans, removed extraneous software, defragged, blah blah blah and still pages are super slow to load, keystrokes are slow to respond, and tabbing between windows is glacial. Laptop's just turned two years old. Grrr.

So I'm going to keep trying to sort it out. Maybe it's time to buy a Mac, loath as I am to spend that money right now.

If there's something you really need from me in the meantime, please call me, even if it's not phone hours. For now, it's okay.

Hold the Phone

Hey, y'all. I will not be answering my phone for the next couple of days. If you need to reach me, please send an email. Can't promise I'll get to it in a timely manner, but I'll see it and reply when I can.

Good Money After Bad: Operation Field Trips!

Every once in a while I have a session or experience that doesn't go very well. Whatever Tribute I get from it, as a result, always feels tainted. I get really weird about putting that "bad energy" into my account.

Back when I was starting out, I'd spend the money frivolously. My first pairs of Manolo Blahniks were bought during a difficult trip out West. I've had a few lengthy, indulgent massages, as well, courtesy of a badly screened client or two. More recently, I've been setting aside yuck money to fund my IRA contributions, figuring getting it might hurt now, but this way it can help a lot later. Earlier this week, I had a pretty awful experience with a client that left me rather wrecked; afterwards, I sealed his payment in an envelope and set it aside while I decided what I wanted to do with it.

I arrived in Georgia today. My sister, a schoolteacher, lives here. This past school year, many of my clients generously donated Amazon and Barnes & Noble gift cards as well as books to her class so that she could build up her library for her students. The project was a phenomenal success. Tonight, I saw her school's yearbook and again was just so impressed by how much she gives of herself to her students and how much they seem to appreciate it.

My sister and I had talked about what to do for the 2008-09 school year. She said that one thing that's frustrated her as a teacher has been wanting to do activities with her students outside the school, but finding very little funding available for field trips. I watched her eyes light up as she described all the things she wanted to do with her students, many of whom have never been to a movie theater, much less a museum, aquarium, planetarium, or even a dance or theater performance.

So now I know what my little sealed envelope will be used for: I'm officially launching "Operation Field Trips" for my sister's school. My goal is to raise enough money so that every student at her school will be able to go on at least one field trip this year. If you'd like to donate, send me an email and I'll give you instructions on how to do it. I'll also keep you posted here on our progress.

I think this is the start of something good.

***EDITED TO ADD***

If you would like to send a donation in the mail, you can address your envelope to:

Operation: Field Trip
P.O. Box 93973
Atlanta, GA 30377

If you're writing a check or money order, make it payable to: "CIE" and in the memo put "CC Field Trip Fund." I suggest cash be sent with a delivery confirmation.

If you include an email address, your gift will be acknowledged with a discreet personal note.

A Request

If you would like to make an appointment to see me, please do not contact me to inform me of your intention if you are not clear about your schedule or ability to actually show up on the day/time you request. I know some of y'all have ridiculous, unreliable schedules that make it hard for you to plan. But so do I. Maybe you think it's a compliment when you tell me how much you want to see me. It's not. Not like this. Please stop disrepecting my time and energy by asking for appointments you're not going to keep. You undermine your credibility, usurp my time and energy that could be going to my clients who ARE showing up, and frustrate me so that I have to make posts like this on my blog instead of all the wonderful, sexy, funny, kinky stuff I'd much rather be talking about.

Above the Clouds

I spent most of the past week skiing in Oregon. I don't get to ski all that often, so when I do it's really treasured. Especially when there are views like this.



I'm somewhere underneath all the headgear. Even on the slopes, I'm an equipment junkie. Ha!
Anyway, all that to say: I'm back in New York City and I'm sitting tight for a bit, so if my travel schedule's been frustrating you of late, now's a good time to make an appointment. If I haven't seen you before, I am currently accepting new clients. This window will close soon. Please see my website for more information on how to request a meeting.

Thanks to the gentleman with the soft hair for making my ski experience possible; and to L., my comrade in sore muscles, oysters, etc.

What You Oughtta Do Today

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