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.

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.

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

NIN of the Above

Talk about Domme cred. My friend The Headliner invited me to the Nine Inch Nails concert Wednesday night (Aug 27) at the Izod Center (uh, the Meadowlands Arena). Me in my leather tank top, Armani jacket, pencil skirt, and sky high shoes. Early to arrive, we scored a prime spot near the front of the stage, next to the mosh pit.

I love standing among the front row faithfuls, who mouth every word, every chord on their air guitar. Last time I was in this same arena it was for opening night of Springsteen's reunion tour with the E Street Band (1998? 99?) and I was overwhelmed, frightened even, by the torrent of raised white fists pumping Born! in the! US!A! Ten years later and I'm getting hit with the sweat from these these thrashing, snarling, muscle boys, bouncing their bodies off each other like repelling magnets and I'm not a bit afraid. In fact, I'm desperate to crash into them, feel that punch and ache and sweat and hold my own among the big dogs ... then I look down at my open toes.

In these shoes? I don't think so.

Proof I haven't been a dominatrix all my life? Years ago I stood next to Trent during a Mardi Gras parade and hollered for beads from the passing floats. Nine Inch Nails. Rockstar god. Uh huh. I know. But also short, pale, thin, and obviously shy. Whatever, dude. Excuse me.

"Hey! Throw me something, mister!!!"

At the concert though, I drank the Smirnoff Ice and became a believer. On stage he was none of those things I saw on that St. Charles Ave. balcony. He's buff, gorgeously lit, and clearly knows his angles. Swoon, I did.

Listening to the verses swirling around me, echoed by the crowd, I fantasized about being the kind of dominant Trent is singing about. Or to. Even the kind of Domme that has a session playlist full of NIN. I imagined myself the cold, strict bitch to whom he'd scream, "I'd rather die than give you control!" and then I'd take it from him anyway, fuck him like an animal. He'd find happiness in slavery to me.

Etc.

But, you know, I'm not that bitch. God knows I wanna be sometimes. Every time a client I adore tells me some fantasy he has about being at the mercy of a cruel, capricious woman, I wanna be that for him. Be that for ME, even. A few of the dominas I admire most are of that classic "dominatrix" style. They've got that steel allure. Mystery. They're calculating and sadistic. Yet their play is still connected and genuine and intense. I admire and envy that.

I can be strict, cold, and harsh: don't get me wrong. But when I am those things, it's not a role. I'm not playing. It means I've been pushed to a bitter, defensive place that just feels ugly to me. It's not what play or dominance means to me at all. When I'm in that punitive space, I am all too aware that my grip on my self-control is slipping. That once I start, I cannot stop myself.

When I first started domming, I struggled with what I thought a dominatrix should be like, how I thought I was expected to behave and the kind of dominant I actually was. I was the one who'd flinch and gasp sympathetically when I wrapped the flogger or caught his scrotal skin in the zipper. I was the kind that found the proud horns and drums of Nina Simone's "Feeling Good" more inspirational in session than the boom and clash of NIN's "Discipline."

Everytime I felt the push from a client or a more popular Domme in my House to be something else, I'd try it on. Soon, I felt pinch in the waist, the tightness in the sleeves of someone else's clothes. After a while, I realized I can't walk in anyone's shoes but my own.

But, uh, yeah, Trent? You like Nina Simone, too, don't you?

Call me.

They're here! They're here!

So I know I said I wasn't going to buy any new gear until after summer but two people -- one anonymous and one not -- generously purchased a few things for me recently. Now it's all arrived.

First was the Studio Gum Multifunction Mask. This piece is sick. Heavy rubber hood with a zip over gas mask. I also got the "bubbler" inhaler attachment to go with it. The idea being the bottle is filled with ... whatever fragrant liquid I like and then the hose is attached to the mask and the wearer's every breath gets filtered through that liquid. Serious Bondage has a great post about that Bubbler Bottle (you'll have to click through a few entry pages before the article shows up).

I talked with a few of my gas mask loving friends and spent a fair amount of time this morning talking with rubberist and bondage expert Ariana Chevalier about some of the finer points of using this intense, intimidating, incredible hood. My oh my. A loving Thank You to Yin, Delano, Darla, and Ariana for your invaluable tips and feedback and heartfelt gratitude to the very, very kinky man who put this in my hands.

My other shipment was my wishlist from Scott Paul Designs. I'm now the proud owner of his "Click a Cuff" bondage system (finally I have a rigid spreader bar!) as well as the blindfold and assorted gags, including the Humilator gag serving tray and toilet tissue holder.

Last night, I had the opportunity to test drive a few of the pieces in a preliminary run. Ohhhh, yes. Wow. Not only are Scott's pieces really portable, lightweight, and beautiful. They're functional. I had my bottom in the spreaderbar for a pretty serious thrashing and it was the first time I ever had a bottom not wriggle his feet around like one can in most spreaderbars. (Now, spreader bars finally make sense to me!) The serving tray gag supported a glass of wine quite nicely (though my bottom reported a lot of jaw stress under the weight, which I don't think is a bad thing. Quite part of the fun, I suspect.)

I still have to run the set through some more field testing, but so far, I'm super excited. Delighted. To whoever my "secret admirer" is ... thank you. (And while I normally don't like mysteries, I have to say, I'm enjoying the whodunnit? thing here. It's such a generous gift and yet the giver's not trying to get credit for it. Very sexy.)

Fortunately, it appears I'll have plenty of opportunities this week to play with my new stuff. I am so blessed and appreciate all of you -- fellow Dominas, clients, gift givers, blog commenters, scene friends -- for your presence and influence. I couldn't be happier.

What's on your wishlist?

One of my clients sent me an email recently intimating that he'd been fantasizing about picking up something for me at Fetters: "something dark, or sharp, or just plain evil," he said.

What intrigued me about this was just wondering what that present would look like from his point of view. It reminded me about how much I enjoy looking at other Mistresses' wishlists because they not only help me discover great toys, sites, and resources, but because they can tell me so much about the Mistress.

I also get a lot of inspiration when clients send me links for toys they're curious about or want to play with (unless it's some kind of boundary-pushing toy like a Feeldoe or some other kind of genital toy for me...that really rubs me the wrong way (slight pun intended)).

So now I want to know: what's on your wishlist? What piece of equipment or gear have you seen that's gotten your mouth watering? (Or cock throbbing. Or simply activated your "covet" switch.) Paste a link. Show me. Explain why ... or don't. I just want to see.

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!

Just Sayin' ...

It's peony season.

I love peonies.

If you called Academy Floral at 212.222.0771 and asked them to send peonies to Troy Orleans at 2753 Broadway #103, New York, NY 10025 I would get them!

Just Can't Help Myself

What started as a quick break for some quality time with my sister turned into a longer break to mourn the loss of a family member. On a positive note, I've gotten to reconnect with a lot of dear family members and friends in the town I grew up in. There are blessings, even in loss.

Thanks for your patience.

I haven't been spending too much time on "scene stuff" while I've been gone, but when a friend emailed me about the latest Daily News over yet another, um, misappropriation of municipal resources, I logged on for more details and, while wondering if my fellow Domme bloggers had weighed in, I ended up at my friend Mistress Yin's most excellent blog, where I found this tasty post.

First of all, I want "lover-meat" ... that just sounds delicious (and not only because there's a hot grill within 20 yards of me as I type). Second, I want that Ass Lock Cock Ring she got! I'd seen it a couple months ago and coveted it then and seeing it again just awakens that desire anew! With the nice Spring weather finally on us, I've been itching to get out of the studio, particularly when I can have my play partners rigged up with great stuff (that won't fall off/out) like THIS fabulous hunk of metal.

Though after my recent trip to Fetters, I've promised myself I'm not buying any new gear until the end of the summer. This doesn't mean that someone can't buy something for me ....

I am back in NYC on Sunday for a much anticipated (on both sides!) OE based on LOTS of intense leather bondage and abandonment. Then I'll unpack on Sunday night and pack for New Orleans on Monday. When I get back from Jazz Fest (I'll be taking sessions on Wednesday, April 30 in NOLA) I will be staying put for a couple of weeks before heading off to Chicago for Shibaricon. I am so excited about Shibaricon this year, I could just pop!

And then I'm home for ALL of June. Can you believe it?!?

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.

Work Out

While I was in Barcelona, I decided I'd go with MB for his daily gym routine. Our hotel gave us access to a great fitness club and I had this fantasy of doing 30 min. of cardio every day and coming home with maybe a little less "luggage."

Didn't work. I'd forgotten that I tend to build muscle really fast when I work out. (I've been doing yoga as my primary exercise for more than six years.) Now my quads are popping.

Part of it was just going there with him, supporting his workout. He'd been lamenting his middle-aged spread for a while and when I pointed out that I'd enjoy being able to do more things with him in play were he in better shape, he decided to do something about it. I was really impressed by his stamina and felt myself beaming with pride at his dedication and physical improvement.

Ultimately, he inspired me. I found myself, every day, pushing myself. Longer, more challenging rounds of cardio. Doubling my crunches. Imagining myself stronger, tighter, slimmer, and more toned as I moved through Salon d'Orleans. Back in my leather halter that sets off my arms and midriff, throwing my whip or unspooling a hank of rope.

And I loved that exercise rush, too.

Quite a few of my clients over time have told me that they've been motivated by our play to get into better shape. I love that (and I love the results even more!). Now, I'm feeling inspired to get in better cardio shape and tone up so that I can be a better, stronger Domme myself.

Time for the yoga girl to join a gym. There's an Equinox just a few blocks away from my home AND my studio, so that's where I'm thinking. If you have a recommendation for a different gym that has locations on the UWS and in midtown, please let me know. Any help would also be appreciated. Thanks to all of you who've taken it upon yourselves to tighten up. Keep up the good work ... and I'll join ya.

Just So You Know

Fetters is having a sale. They're offering 15% off most of their items. If you ask nice, perhaps Mr. Fetters'll add on the Orleans 10% discount to your order for even more savings. (Not saying you have to order stuff for me.)

Among what's given me acquisitive fever:
The mailsack
Spiked inflatable zipper jock
Inflatable flat palm mitts (I'm really getting into layered bondage lately)
Whipping bench with head recess
Bondage stool
Bondage chair
Ball pouch
Weighted ball sack
Heavy Clejuso cuffs Metal bondage. Mmmm!
Studiogum rubber funnel hood
Inflatable leather hood
Three prong speculum Heard about someone getting opened up and pissed in. Want!
Sleepsack suspension bar

I've got a little Fetters personal kitty I've been contributing to for a while now. If you'd like to add to it, send me an email and I can give you PayPal info.

Birthday

Given that I don't participate in Christmas, quite a few of you have inquired as to what I might like for my birthday, which I definitely celebrate. I've updated my Amazon wishlist: I really want the iPod nano and the docking speakers with an FM tuner. Consequently, the other thing that's really high on my wishlist right now are iTunes giftcards. If you have an iTunes account already, you can purchase emailable ones at the Apple iTunes online store. It'd be such a treat to start out my year with lots of new music.

Other things I'd appreciate: French language discs (or just a weekend trip to Paris during truffle season); flowers; gift certificate to Barney's; a mixed case of red wine.

Gear-wise, the only things I'm really jonesing for (besides more Fetters bondage gear) are a pair of Joe Wheeler, 4ft, 24-plait signal whips in whiskey kangaroo or calfskin AND anything from RigidCuffs.

Oh, and in case you didn't realize it, my birthday is January 10. Of course, you're not obligated to get me anything: my clients, my friends, my family all make my life so wonderful, it pretty much feels like my birthday every day.

Honey, I'm Home!

Jet lag is a bitch. Just needed to say that and get it out of the way. I'm glad to be home in New York again. Maybe now I can finally get some sleep!

Thanks -- mucho thanks -- to all of you who expressed concern, condolences, and offered your assistance in the recovery of my beloved BlackBerry. It appears to be lost in phone purgatory, never to return. I've filed the insurance claim so it looks like I'll have a replacement soon enough. But, oh! the bureaucracy!

My trip to London was outstanding. I was giddy with delight from arrival to departure. (My only regret was not being able to make it out to Manchester for a visit with LC ... so sorry, darling. Next time.) My visit to the Fetters showroom in Warwick couldn't have gone better. A lovely train ride (it's just under 90 minutes from central London) to the drool-licious premises. It was all I could do not to buy up everything in the store! The proprietors, John and Jan, and their excellent lead craftsperson, Jayne (formerly a leather detailer at Jaguar!) were so welcoming, knowledgeable, and clearly committed to quality .... You know how sometimes you don't mind paying a little more when you know you're going to be taken care of? That's what buying from Fetters is like. Just personal attention to detail from people who know what they're talking about and proudly stand behind their product.

So I got my sleepsack. With tit prick flaps, tightening straps, suspendable D-rings in every possible direction, and just every bit of intelligent design details you can imagine. And I bought (yes, Me. My money.) a suspendable strap cage (which you can kinda get a sense of in this picture). It's a hanging leather bondage device that can go vertical, horizontal, or inverted. I've never seen anything like it before. I can't wait to inaugurate it. Other nifties I picked up included a latex suffocation/breath play hood, leather face mask, suspension bar, and locking posture collar, all combined for a very, very heavy suitcase.

It should go without saying that my Fetters wishlist is far from fulfilled. If you're as excited by any of the below as I am, drop me a note. Maybe we can work together to make our fantasies come true.

Whipping Bench(the one I want has a headrest -- it's not pictured on their website but you can see it here)
Bondage Stool
Side Lace Hood (this item has been ordered! Yay!)
Anchor Point(this item has been ordered too! Thank you!)
Mailsack
Sleepsack suspension bar
Gas Mask and Bubbler
Multifunction Mask

I also want to thank MB, the Aussie, and RVD for their roles in making this such a wonderful experience all around. I'll have to pinch you all just so I know this isn't some amazing dream.

Now I've got a house full of new gear (almost forgot to mention, I also just acquired a complete violet wand set. Shocking, I know!). Who wants to play?!?