The longer the trip to New York City, the more sleep I require afterwards. And this last trip was so busy that I needed the entire weekend and then some to sleep off the effects of less-than-ideal travel sleep, city noise levels (a particular sensitivity for hermetic me), and miles and miles of walking. (Or, in the vernacular, schlepping.)
Regardless, I had a great time. The reading at Bluestockings bookstore was well attended. The staff was attentive to our low maintenance needs, the crowd enthusiastically hung on our every spoken word, and Foxie the store doggie was simply a puppy delight. What a sweet “lower east side” dog! (photo credit: Scott Beale/Laughing Squid.)
I really appreciated Bluestockings as a creative space. It’s a small space with coffee bar and seating space, but its intimacy and openness can’t be understated. The wall behind the checkout counter features all kinds of t-shirts spouting all kinds of left-leaning sentiments (my favorite: sodomy, not bombs) and its stacks are full of books, magazines, and other media of similar persuasion. I found several offerings in its erotica and queer sections that I hadn’t seen elsewhere.
An enjoyable, enlightening time.
The next evening was Rachel Kramer Bussel‘s book party for She’s On Top/He’s On Top. In an attempt to be an in-the-party spirit contributing author, I dressed up in a firm-boned leather corset, leather pants, red boots, vintage leather evening gloves, and sported a necklace composed of a dozen little thumb cuffs, all linked together. I had a great time, mingling and making friends (shout outs: Tess, Joe, Elise, Alan and Lisa), offering my boot to Rachel as she received a hardy and heady spanking, and fooling around with Kiss Dude (thanks, Joe!). (photo credit: editrixie.)
Sometimes I felt a bit matronly, what with being the elder among the group — especially among those of us kinksters who costumed for the event — but most of the time, I was simply enjoying myself too much to notice. Besides, there’s something to being an older presence. You get to remind people that your libido, sense of adventure, and spirit don’t evaporate when grey hairs and wrinkles set in. You know, like that commercial says, “You don’t surrender your dreams to the authorities when you retire.”
Although I am a ways from retirement. I’m only just old enough to receive AARP junk mail.
BTW, the event’s photographer, Editrixie, does some captivating work. Take a look at her burlesque scene work. Me, I’m headed for a nap. (Maybe I am older than I think.)
Your links today: Jessica Cutler
