Westcoast Bound 2014

When we decided to attend WestCoast Bound this year, I know I had certain expectations. For example, I fully expected that I would learn a great deal in the workshops and classes and to enjoy meeting new people.
I certainly wasn't disappointed-the presenters were incredible and I certainly met new people. I did not expect the lessons I came away with, however.
My journey began in the week prior to the event, in spending time with my partner, @Firm-Hand-Buddha , while taking care of work and family related responsibilities and pleasures. There were so many moments, in those days together, forced into the tedium of muggle worlds (surrounded by family as we were) in which I was completely shattered by the depth of his love for me.
For the first time in my entire life, I truly believe that I am loved. Unconditionally. Without reserve. Without expectations. I have no words for the way this realization changed me, but it was ... devastating and beautiful. I wept.
I am humbled by it.
And it was with this fresh look at my relationship with my dear Sir that I landed in the midst of the Vancouver Fet Scene. With over 25 years of kink living, 15 years of traveling to workshops much like this one, and 2 years of holding my own workshops here, I felt sure that I at least knew what to expect.
With this slightly euphoric glee (I love these conferences) but confident in my expectations I followed my gentle yet sadistic partner to our first class. I was only attending this one for FHB, he has the violet wand and is quite devious in his use of it, but it is not a huge fetish for me. (Meaning I would not seek out this type of play with anyone else, even though I have oh so enjoyed our playtime). I figured it would be about how to use the equipment (which it was) and some advanced techniques (also true).
But I came away with a different lesson entirely. As I listened to @UncleAbdul talk I realized that I had completely missed the point of a tens unit. I had dismissed this gizmo as being just another form of electrical stuff, much like what we already have. But it is an EROTIC form. I missed the point because, hey, if it's not spanking or rope.... its just 'play'. And in that moment I realized I do this with all sorts of fun, sexy opportunities. If they are not in my comfort zone, I dismiss them out of hand. Hmmm... By the end of class I was excited, filled with devious ideas, and looking forward to exploring.
Every class I attended was like this.
Rape Play with @JimDuvall was a class we attended because we have a dear friend who is very much into CNC play, and we wanted a deeper understanding. I did come away with a deeper understanding, but Jim took his class a bit further, demonstrating a courage, compassion and intelligence in his workshop that left me reeling. He had ways of making this type of play seem so very doable, safely, but with that edge of fear that is oh so sexy. And in that moment, I looked at FHB and realized, this too is a path we could explore together, should we choose. That with the trust we have, there are so many options available to us. I was starry eyed coming out of class.
Finger Ties with @Tho4ns left me with excitement to revisit some ties that I enjoy, but that never really feel complete. A great instructor with a great bunch of rope addicts.
The entire weekend played this way, with new playmates, new realizations and incredible presenters.
Thank you Vancouver, for the friendly welcome and the lovely event.