Heh. I'm not saying any of those are bad or that I totally rule them out, it's just...I feel like anything "less" than that is not going to shock middle america. And I feel like it would've used to. (Huh, does this tie into that "Raunch Culture" discussion the other day? I think that was in Natter, though)

Ah, yes. The "How did you meet?" issue. Generally, saying "oh, you know, the usual -- through friends," tends to work, except when you get really nosy people like *my parents* (eeeeek!), who ask, "Oh, what friends?"

Ah, never thought you'd long for the internet friends who'll sell you into white slavery discussion, huh?

For instance, when my mom and stepdad went to Vermont to visit my brother a couple of years ago, Trudy and megan walker happened to also be in Vermont, and so I had pointed Trudy and megan towards my bro's restaurant, and my mom and stepdad hung out with them.

Granted, my mom had met Trudy before, but still. I wasn't even *there,* and my mom hung out with my friends. That's what my parents are like.

But then you meet friends who enjoy a little recreational bondage, and that's really not a family activity, so then the parents don't know *all* the friends.

'Tis true. And, really, if your Mom had bondage pals you likely wouldn't want to know about it either.

Funny story: At my MMA studio the other day I was watching a class practice choke holds and was talking with some of the instructors (who tend to be big gorgeous things in their twenties) about how it looked scary and I'd be afraid of hurting someone.

BGT: You use a tap system. If something feels wrong you tap your partner.

Me: Oh! Like a safeword!

Turned. Those. Boys. Scarlet.

(It's fun scaring them)

he was carrying a how-to book considered the 'bible'

The fact that he can talk to you about it, AND the fact that he's clearly educating himself (the how-to book), is awesome. Some things are too oogy to talk about with parents, frankly. At least, that's *my* feeling. They don't need to know about my sex life and related extracurriculars.

(Although apparently I feel that all y'all *do*....)

Except for the piercing play. Although I'd probably try it.

Tangentially - at the Folsom Street Fair last year, there were some AWESOME Morris Dancers (v. non-traditional, with women and vinyl clothing and just awesomery). Some of them had threaded their bells on to fishing line and treaded THAT through the skin on their arms - one bell to a piercing. It looked so bloody cool.

For instance, when my mom and stepdad went to Vermont to visit my brother a couple of years ago, Trudy and megan walker happened to also be in Vermont, and so I had pointed Trudy and megan towards my bro's restaurant, and my mom and stepdad hung out with them.

God, that seems like a lifetime ago. But I do remember it was very fun.

Some of them had threaded their bells on to fishing line and treaded THAT through the skin on their arms - one bell to a piercing.

Hmmm. On the other hand, maybe I *wouldn't* try it.

Although the "corset" play piercings look SO cool. I think I'd try *that.*

From 2005 - White Rats dancers at rest, and performing.

Although the "corset" play piercings look SO cool. I think I'd try *that.*

I always want to try it, and then I remember that I scar like crazy. So NSM. Well, and now there's a gigantor tattoo in the way, but still.

The fact that he can talk to you about it, AND the fact that he's clearly educating himself (the how-to book), is awesome.

It really is.

I'm so proud of him for turning his repressed background into healthy expression. And, right out of the box, no pun intended...he found a seemingly great, thoughtful, kind playmate. If she breaks his heart I will, of course, have to go all 'splodey on her narrow behind, but for now I'm grateful for what he is learning and how.

Daisy Jane, sounds like a keeper to me. If your sister doesn't want him, ship him here.

Although the "corset" play piercings look SO cool.

Yes, but...but. All I can see is the redness and the owey and the potential for infection...and snagging on things...

t /nobody's mom