Southwest Leather 2009 – Dance of Souls

Last October I had an experience with needles that I could only describe as being spiritual.  Being a self-described atheist, I was really at a loss for what I even meant by using the term “spiritual”, and was confused by the very real experience of someone looking deep into my soul, sharing in the energy I was giving freely.  After that experience, I wanted to understand what it was that I had felt, what I was feeling weeks afterwards.

I first heard about the Southwest Leather Conference (SWLC)  from a fellow player at an educational event some months ago.  I mentioned it to a few people and quickly learned how valuable such an event could be to me.  SWLC  is the “woo woo” event.  That is, it is the kink event that focuses on the spirituality and the magic of the SM lifestyle more so than any other conference.    I signed up early, booked my room, and waited, not knowing what to expect.  It was held on January 23rd through 25th, 2009, just last weekend.  I write about it now looking back on the experience with fresh eyes.

Shibaricon 2008

I’m flying over Chicago heading back home to Salt Lake, writing this with a feeling of things ending, of things just beginning, and of things found after many years of hibernation.  I’ve spent the weekend at Shibaricon, a conference on Japanese-style rope bondage and all things related.  The experience was one I shall not soon forget, and was more welcoming than I could have dreamed.

I was late in discovering Shibaricon, having only learned of its’ existence a month earlier.  I delayed in registering for economic reasons, and only 10 days earlier had made the concrete decision to travel.  After making the reservations, booking the tickets and committing myself, I immediately felt an anxiety take over me.  What was this I was going to?  What was I looking for?  What did I hope to take away?  What was I getting myself into?!? 

Sustainability

What does a sustainable world look like? I’ve tried to consider somethings’ sustainability before embracing it, and haven’t thought fully about what this means. For instance, my last vehicle purchase was of a diesel van, so that I could use the sustainable fuel biodiesel and avoid being dependent on petroleum. This is not truly a sustainable vehicle (no vehicle is), as non-renewable resources are still being used for the engine maintenance, replacement tires, and any repairs that will need to be done over time.