Hiding the Toys

I am cleaning house right now.  I have been reorganizing and purging things as I go...I started in the fall during my regular fall cleaning, but with some other priorities and my pain getting in the way I wasn't able to complete it. So I started it again now. I will go through Christmas things when I take them down to see what things were left in the boxes that I didn't put up, what things we weren't thrilled with that were up (thinking of 2 things in particular), and donate those too. I got rid of some Christmas stuff last year too and that really actually felt good this year when I was putting things out. It was more simple and that was nice.

But the main reason I am into a big cleaning thing right now though is my parents are going to visiting shortly after the new year.  My Mom is the type of Mom that can't sit still so if she sees something that needs to be cleaned she will clean it. She doesn't really white glove things, but I do know it goes through her head that she wonders why something isn't as clean as she would have it - I saw her do this at my sister's home. So I am kind of being obsessed about getting things in order so she won't have anything to do here. My Mom also is the type that she isn't really snoopy, but she likes to look at how people have things decorated and likes to just look around. She won't be opening drawers or anything, but walking into our bedroom just because she wants to see how it looks - since she hasn't been here in a while - isn't beyond her.

before parent proofing

In October, we got a new bed.  I  know she will want to see it.  Because we have described how tall our bed is now so she will be curious which means she will go into the bedroom - so today I am parent proofing the bedroom.

We have a hat rack with floggers, whips, crops and canes hanging off it. Now robes and coats are covering them all. Master has an armoire that has his clothing on one half and the other half is full of baskets and bins of kinky toys. I labeled all the bins and baskets this year so they have tags that say rope, restraints, chain, spanking implements and so on. When the doors are open, you can see all the little tags clearly. It will be closed, but just in case it is open or she does happen to open it, I am feeling the need to have some things moved/covered a little more. I  reorganized within the armoire to have clothing stacked in front of the baskets and bins so you can't see the labels and it is dark enough at the back of the armoire that you can't make out what is in the baskets.  

I have books and sex toys all around the room that will have to be put on lower less noticeable shelves or in drawers. For Christmas I got an 9 inch vibro realistic cock from Eden Fantasys and it is sitting on a dresser. Very pretty and very big - so unmissable (can't wait to play with it!).

before parent proofing

All this though is bothering me slightly because....I am an adult.  I have been adult for a long time now - as I am 45.  So my question within is why bother because this is who I am.....but at the same time I don't want to make my parents uncomfortable and if you walk into the bedroom although most of the things are not obvious - if you look long enough you will see it.  Especially all the sex toys. I have the njoy pure plug sitting on its box on a shelf just below eye level. The violet ripple glass butt plug, the Dukes (ben wall balls) and several books such as the Seductive Art of Japanese Bondage and the Beauty series are all out. We have fetish coffee table type picture books on a night stand.  So if you are standing in the room for more then just a moment or two you will start to notice these things. 

So is it a so what if they see or is it cover it up because they are your parents and out of respect for them....keep it hidden?  Do you hide things from family and friends - even if they know or just with those that don't know?  Or just keep it out and let the questions come out - if they dare to ask?  

Right now I am in the stage of cover it up - I don't want to make them uncomfortable. But as I said it is bothering me slightly that I can't just be me.

From 2009 to 2010

Happy New Year! It is hard to believe it is in 2010. Usually I am one to really self-examine the outgoing year but I am not feeling like it at the moment. I have been so busy since Thanksgiving that I didn't get to do most of the things I do for the holidays so I am feeling kind of off entering the new year. 2009 of course had many good things but it was a hard year because of health and economy. I know 2010 will be better. And glad it is here.

I started rereading Eat Pray Love just before Christmas and am taking my time with it....savoring it. It is what I need right now - it has been my solace during this busy time. And also for ringing in the New Year.

Christmas was at Master's parents. It was a nice day with family. I didn't get to bake as much so my tray was smaller for Christmas day. But one thing I set out that I also made as gifts this year was a hit...."Gourmet" Popcorn....I made butterscotch, chocolate peanut and then a zesty popcorn mix with pretzels. And with all of them I have had really good feedback on such as "you can make more of that for me anytime."

For gifts this year I made bath fizzies, bath soaks, bath cookies (that looked like real cookies), hand-stamped kitchen towels and then the gourmet popcorn (all of which I will posting about over on domestic in the next few months). And as always treat trays. This year at an after Christmas sale at Target, I got quite a few melamine Christmas plates so that I can give treats on them next year.

Not much else to say....just busy working on a website.

I hope everyone has a 2010 full of good health and love and of course kinky sex!

September Round Up

What’s been happening with the Domestic Servitude blog the past month? Here's a quick snapshot of our September posts.

Recipes
Peach Coffee Cake
Steak Marinade
Sausage and Potato Skillet/Bake
Scotcheroos
Apple-Pecan-Craisin Salad


Links
Marinades, Rubs and Barbecue Sauce
Green Newsletter
Newsletters
Free Samples
September Friday Favorites - Sept 4, Sept 11, Sept 18, Sept 25


Book Reviews
The Bread Lover's Bread Machine Cookbook
The Naturally Clean Home
Great Coffee Cakes, Sticky Buns, Muffins & More


Special Interest/Assorted/Random posts
2 Weeks Worth of Menus
Organizing Finances and Home Filing System
Travel Packing Tips


PEEK AHEAD at OCTOBER
Fall Cleaning Lists
Halloween Wreath
and a giveaway that will be posted on Monday

Fall Cleaning

Just wanted to pop in to and say I am alive....

Last week we were in Denver. And the week before we were sick. Then while in Denver I started to get the cold coming back. So came home not feeling well and just trying to get back on track. And on top of it I have been struggling with a pulled muscle - in an odd place - my bottom. It really is funny to think about it but not really funny living with it as it hurts no matter what I do - lay down, sit down, bend over - everything makes it hurt.

Yesterday I started my fall cleaning. I didn't get as much accomplished as I would have liked by the pain slowed me down somewhat. But I did get something done that I didn't in my spring cleaning and that was cleaning out all the bathroom cupboards and shelves. I have a huge bag of stuff to throw. And I reorganized hopefully a way that things won't get piled up.

I feel I have lots I could write about but mostly I am quietly mulling things over. And just feel worn out so not up to writing.

While coming home from Denver, I was reading Better Basics for the Home: Simple Solutions for Less Toxic Living by Annie Berthold-Bond and Master asked me about it and then told me if I want to step up my more natural way of cleaning that he is willing to put the investment into some products. I have done basics - vinegar, baking soda, tea tree oil but I have wanted to make more products. And if it saves money which is one benefit Better Basics for the Home talked about then he is all for it.

I have been checking out quite a few books on greener living lately. I checked out two books by Danny Seo that are about green entertaining and gift wrapping. And I really enjoyed both of them. (Longer reviews of them will be coming up in October on Domestic Servitude blog.)

Well that is all for now.

August Roundup

What’s been happening with the Domestic Servitude blog this past month? Here's a quick snapshot of our August posts.

Recipes:
Maple Cinnamon Oat Bread - This bread has amazing flavor. As it bakes the smell just floats throughout the house making everyone anxious for it to get out of the oven.

Creme Brulee French Toast - This is a great recipe when you want to make something just a little more special and different for breakfast/brunch. I often make this for holidays, birthdays and other celebrations. I have made it several time when I have hosted brunch. Served with some fresh fruit, sausage and mimosas.

Banana Layer Cake with Chocolate Frosting - I get in a rut of making just banana bread or banana muffins when I have banana that need to be used up. This recipe was a nice change. It was very moist and the flavor of it mixed with the chocolate frosting made it just delicious.

Links:
Feast on the Cheap - Jouet shares a great link for a blog about eating quality food but on the cheap. Great recipes and pictures.

Friday Favorites - 4 Friday Favorites for August - I have links for everything recipes, crafts, decorating, cleaning and just things to help your service.

Houseworks Holiday Plan - yes in August - I have been to this site that Jouet shared quite a bit. It is a good resource for getting geared up for the holidays.


Book Reviews:
Martha Stewart's Cooking School - I was truly surprised how much I liked this book. It has great step by step instructions as well as photos to go with it. Really good resource.

The Gourmet Slow-Cooker - Want to take use your slow cooker but take it out of the traditional recipes you find? Then this is the book you want to check out.

Special Interest/Assorted/Random posts:
A Service Book of Days - This idea is a great way to assess where your service is at and going as well as give you focus.

Denture Tablets for Cleaning a Crystal Vase - I worked. And I have pictures on this post to prove it.

Menu - This week and Next - 2 weeks worth of menus

Powdered Buttermilk - a review of a product I have in my kitchen always.

July Round Up

What’s been happening with the Domestic Servitude blog this past month? Here's a quick snapshot of our July posts. Take a moment to read some of the posts below and feel free to share your thoughts as a comment on the individual post!

Recipes:

• Butternut Squash-Apple Soup and Squash Casserole - with gardens producing a variety of vegetables Jouet shares 2 squash recipes.
• Stuffed Pasta Shells - Having a huge pile of spinach I looked to see what I could make with it and turned to a classic

Links:

• July having 5 weeks gave us 5 Friday Favorites posts.
• The Perfect Burger - Jouet shares an article from the NY Time on to make the perfect burger
• Flag Folding - Several links on flag folding
• Organization and Freebies - Princess Mandy shares a list of useful links for organization.
• When Fate Hands You A Lemon, Clean With It - kaya shares some tips about lemons from Frugal Families
• The American Historic Cookbook Project - katie posts an amazing link that gives a collection of old cookbooks scanned and available to browse via PDF

Book Reviews:

• What to Drink with What you Eat - I think this is an essential book for those of us serving but also those of us that enjoy wine.
• Betty Crocker Cookbook - review of a classic
• The Flavor Bible - The title fits this book perfectly. It is a book that helped me become a better cook.

Special Interest/Assorted/Random posts:

• Making House guests Comfortable and Welcome - Essay I wrote for Simply Service about things to do to make your house guests relaxed and enjoy their stay with you
• Jouet, kaya and myself answer a question sent to us by a reader - Tackling your to-do list by Jouet, What To Do When You Don't Know What To Do by kaya and Getting Started by me
• A Month of Menus - I share as the title suggests a month of menus
• Packing Lunch - katie shares her plan for packing lunch and also shares a recipe

Words...Part 3

Some more words....there will be a few more posts of these too...I like them as they give me something to write about when my brain isn't working because of a long migraine cycle....

domestic - I think that if you would have asked me I would enjoy being domestic 20 years ago I would have said no way. Then 10 years ago I would have said umm maybe with the thought that I might have been crazy. When I became Master's 6 years ago, we discussed right away me being a stay-at-home slave and serving him domestically. And it did make me nervous. When I was in the poly household in Cleveland - I started out very good in domestic service. But then taking care of 6 people ended up stressing me and burning me out. Especially people who would spill kool-aid on the floor and not think about cleaning it up but leaving it for me hours or days later when I found it. So I gave up. And so that made me nervous when going to try it for Master but from the start - seeing how it helped him and pleased him made me feel good. Now at times it is just cleaning the toilet. I still know it helps that I do those things but I don't get that overjoyed feeling I had at the beginning very often. Now it is just cleaning the toilet. :) Not that is a bad thing. I think that those everyday things do add something to my life not matter the feeling in the moment. Right now despite all the talk I do on domestic things - it still is a struggle for me to balance with Master working at home. But I keep trying. And I guess that matters. Also right now with I think of the word domestic...I think of my Domestic Servitude blog. I am really enjoying the contributions of my co-bloggers. And I am enjoying shaping it - hopefully into something useful.

thoughtful - Well I take this as two things....thoughtful as in caring towards people and thoughtful as giving things great thought such as when I think about my M/s beliefs, spiritual beliefs and most everything in my life I try to give great thought to. The first thoughtful...I know that because I hold many people at arms length - I am sure don't come across as a thoughtful person at time. But I try hard to be thoughtful other people and what is going on with them. I am empathetic as well as sympathetic. And try to be there giving support and understanding to those that need.

hoods - Before I became Master's the thought of being in a hood didn't appeal to me. It scared me frankly. I didn't think I would like them.....but...Master of course changed that. He really worked me slowly into them to make them something I now crave and want to go further in. I am really happy he made it such a positive experience for me because now I can't imagine not playing with hoods. He likes them for different reasons then I do. He likes them because they are more objectifying. I like them because everything goes quiet. I slip into a floaty state almost instantly with them. Pictures of me in various hoods here.

pigtails - I associate pigtails with my little girl side. They make me feel like playing with dolls, coloring, watching Disney movies and snuggling with Daddy. Since getting my hair cut the last time I haven't been able to get it into a pony tail or pigtails. But just recently I now can get in a little pony tail and pigtails are no problem! yay!

redhead - My hair is naturally brown. I started dying my hair back when I lived with Caveman and Angel. I mostly did kind of a dark burgundy purplish color. But I had always wanted to be a redhead. Even as a little girl - redheaded girls always turned my head for more reasons then just wanting their hair color :) Morgan was a redhead...stunning redhead where people stopped and starred at her. Anyway, I always wanted to be a redhead so when I moved to be with Master and he told me he liked redheads so when I went to dye my hair the next time I asked him if he wanted me to do red and he said yes. So pretty much from then I have been a redhead - with occasional odd color thrown in such as magenta.

A New Man

Just a daily update of life. I haven't done one of these in a very long time. But in reading my archives I did this a lot back in the day....so will try to get back into it every so often....

* I always forget how much I like season 4 of Buffy. I am not a fan of Riley but I like the majority of episodes of season 4.

* I just tried HeadOn for the first time. They had little tubes at Dollar Tree. I have wanted to try it but well thought $8 something that might not work seemed too much. I know silly when I suffer so many migraines - anything should be worth it. But sometimes I am not logical lol :) So anyway I tried it tonight and it is working pretty good. Not taking the pain completely away but relieving it quite a bit. Edit: As soon as it wears off the pain is back so it just masks it - which I kind of figured. At least it gave some relief for a bit. I actually think for traveling when I don't always have access to an ice pack it would be a good substitute.

* I have had a migraine cycle that has lasted over a week. Grrrr! (adding this link so I remember it...I found it tonight when doing that search for headon - http://www.migrainedaily.com/)

* Is there anything better then a purple sharpie? :)

* I am going out of town for 2 weeks in July to see my family. I have been making things slowly and putting them away in the freezer for quick meals for Master. Sloppy Joe Skillet, meatloaf, browned hamburger and something else I am not remembering at the moment. Tomorrow I will be making up some burgers, some enchiladas for dinner tomorrow and will freeze the rest in smaller batches for him and then grill some marinated chicken breasts so he can just thaw and warm up for pasta or salads. I have started an instructions list too. I will need to make sure I makeup another batch of breakfast burritos before I leave too. And maybe a couple loaves of bread.

* We have a friend coming to stay the first weekend in July. Master is going to a conference and on his way back will pick her up. I am really looking forward to being hostess! I am starting to make menus. I know for sure I will be making Creme Brulee French Toast - and this time I will take pictures so I can post on the domestic blog the process.

* I think I would like to make this for my Mom. My parents dine outside on their deck and entertain out there too so I think it would be a good gift for her.

* Trying to think of some small gift for my Dad and my sisters. I actually do have one for one of my sisters - a book and some little rubber stamps so she can make the clothes pin magnets I made at Christmas. She always says she is not creative and can't do things like that. I am going to show her that she can do them. (will unlock that entry for a bit)

* Currently Reading: Sacred Contracts: Awakening Your Divine Potential by Caroline Myss, The American Woman's Home by Catherine Beecher, The Flavor Bible: The Essential Guide to Culinary Creativity, Based on the Wisdom of America's Most Imaginative Chefs by Karen Page, Kitty and the Dead Man's Hand (Kitty Norville, Book 5) by Carrie Vaughn and A Homemade Life: Stories and Recipes from My Kitchen Table by Molly Wizenberg (Her blog is Orangette)

* So far this year I have read 80 books. I will maybe do a list of them soon. I did put a review up of one at domestic blog yesterday.

* Another reminder - I have mail love to go out.

* Added this to my daily reads - http://www.thelostprincess.com/

* Coldplay is offering free download of several songs - http://www.coldplay.com/



** A New Man is the title of the Buffy episode I was watching while writing this entry.

Words....Part 2

Princess - Princess is very much part of my little girl side. I like the things that associated with being a princess - shiny, tiaras, pretty pink, twirly skirts and glitter. And I just like Princesses...especially Belle from Beauty in the Beast. And Master indulges my princess side quite a lot. And I am very thankful he allows me to his princess. "I am a princess. All girls are. Even if they live in tiny old attics. Even if they dress in rags, even if they aren't pretty, or smart, or young. They're still princesses. All of us." ~ The Little Princess

Laughter - "The most wasted of all days is one without laughter." ~e.e. cummings
This is going to be kind of random...
* Master makes me laugh daily. He is very funny so makes me laugh quite a bit. And I am thankful for that laughter in our relationship.

* The other night I was reading book 9 of the Stephanie Plum series and I started to laugh so hard that I woke up Master. But I couldn't stop laughing the scene I was reading was so funny that I was shaking the bed. Master threatened to take the book away from me. For those curious of the scene it is Lula on her all meat diet and she is being chased by the dogs.

* I smiled with this word because I associate laughter with the person that gave me these words. Because when her and I talk we laugh often. And I am very thankful for her friendship and that she makes me laugh!

Hearth - "The ordinary arts we practice every day at home are of more importance to the soul than their simplicity might suggest." ~ Thomas Moore

Hearth the symbol for home life. But for me also now a symbol of domestic service. When I was a little girl, I dreamed of being a big city girl living her dream of being an artist. Not married. Hearth and home weren't parts of my growing up dream. When I got married, then that nesting instinct kicked in for me. But it is Master who has really allowed me to explore my love of all things Hearth and Home. When I became Master's, he really liked the idea of having me at home. I was worried it wouldn't be satisfying. But really it was from the start. I could see how much Master enjoyed it and so for me it became even more of a draw. Being of domestic service to me is not just about keeping the house clean, it is also about creating a haven for for Master. It is my hope that his home is a place to retreat and rest from the pressures of the hectic outside world.

Mouse - "Fear grows in darkness; if you think there's a bogeyman around, turn on the light." ~ Dorothy Thompson

Mouse equals fear for me. I don't like to see mice in movies, commercials, photos....I don't like rubber mice...or cat toys that look like mice....the thought of mice....writing about them as I am....will make me jumpy the rest of the day and possible nightmares. That is how scared of mice I am.

When I was just a little girl of 2 or 3, we lived in a house that had mice, mice mice every where. Yes I know it is odd that I remember something from that little - I think because it was so scary to me that it stuck. It was rental house as my dad was transferred quite a bit those first years of working with the company he works with even to this day. The house had a dirt cellar. One that could be accessed from the inside of the house but also from outside cellar doors. Our house backed fields...thus we had lots of field mice in our house. When we would play on the floor, the mice would be running around the edges of the living room. When my Mom would open cupboards, they would sitting there. When I slept, they at times ran over me. When I opened my drawers, they jumped out at me.

So I am very scared of them...even after all these years. Logic doesn't seem to play into it - I am bigger them....yeah that is true but even as typing this and thinking of them I shivered. It doesn't matter that I am bigger then them. It doesn't matter that they are probably "more" scared of me then I am of them (I doubt that they are though). I know they are teeny tiny. I don't like them. I am scared of them. It is irrational that I still have this fear after all these years.

Here is my account of when we had mice and then Master's which is funnier. And reading both and retelling the story I can laugh about it but believe me - last night when we came home and Caesar was acting weird - I came running to Master to protect me. (No mouse not sure why he was acting weird.)

Muse - “The muse ushers the artist into the empty room and points silently at the tightrope.” - Jean Cocteau

My muse for my art sometimes feels like that....especially after not creating in a while and getting back into it. It is like I am going to have to walk a tightrope. It feels scary and almost too scary to try again. I walk to it and look down seeing all the things that can go wrong or are wrong. I see all the fears - hearing that voice inside that says..."why even bother it isn't good anyway"...."how can you call yourself an artist - you are lying to everyone and especially yourself." I wish I could accept my muse as is and not allow the voices to over shadow it.

I don't feel that the muse only comes to me with art. But also I feel it in other areas of my life. Mostly in domestic service...or just service in general. I don't always act on it though and that bothers me. But again it goes to that tightrope thing. I get scared I am going to fail. Or that how can I call myself a service slave and so on.

Pimping Domestic Servitude Blog

Okay my co-bloggers over on Domestic Servitude have been really busy posting lately....

So here are some links to their posts....

Shelf Life by Jouet - all about expiration dates! Master rolls his eyes at me because I am big on throwing things out when they are past expiration dates.

Frugal Made Simple by Kaya - some great ideas. Please also add your own to the comments we are all looking forward to hearing them.

Low-Sugar Strawberry Jam by Katie - Oh yum! The picture alone does me in!

Salsas.... mmmmm caliente! by Jouet - It is that time of year with farmer's markets so veggies and fruits are going to start being really easy to find and good prices. And making salsa is so refreshing and versatile.

Biscuits and Gravy by Kaya - I think Master can be happy that Kaya posted this as I am going to make biscuits and gravy this weekend. And I am even doing the cheat with the biscuits.

Spicy! by Jouet - Such a good post on herbs and spices. I had never heard of Penzeys until Jouet gave me some for Christmas. Master has even asked me about maybe getting some different varieties of Penzeys as he can tell the difference. He will often say "you made this with the spices Jouet gave us didn't you?" And I did. So there is something about them that really makes them stand out.

Pinto Beans, Chicken Legs, and Strawberry Soup by Princess Mandy - Don't look if you are hungry because I guarantee this post will make you hungry! Great pictures, directions and story of making them. Yummy!

Spirit and Attitude of Domestic Service by Jouet and I also wrote on that topic too. - answering a question asked by a reader.

Dandelion Massage Oil by Katie - what a great way to get rid of dandelions!

Stuffing your Boobs by Kaya - Yummy! So many great ideas!

7 Facts Meme

Rules:
1. Link to your original tagger and list these rules in your post
2. Share 7 facts about yourself in the post
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post, leave their names & links to their blogs
4. Let them know they’ve been tagged

1. I read every night before I go to sleep. The other night I was laughing so hard I woke Master up - which he is hard of hearing so that usually doesn't happen. I was laughing so hard that I shook the bed and he told me he would take the book away if I didn't stop laughing. I was reading book 9 of the Stephanie Plum series. It was the part where Lula on her all meat diet was being chased by dogs.

2. If I am wanting a cold drink - I want it over ice...water, diet coke, crystal light or juice. It is a rare occasion that I drink a pop or a drink right out of the bottle/can.

3. I have a food-prep day about once a month. Today was that day for me. I made breakfast burritos, browned and seasoned 2 lbs ground burger (divided into packages also), made 2 packages of burgers (one bourbon peppercorn and mesquite), put marinade in ziplocks with pieces of chicken, cut up and froze veggies, made croutons and browned some Italian sausage (divided into packages to use on pizza, in pasta and to add to baked beans).

4. I worked at a pizza place during high school. I had many firsts because of working there. First real boyfriend, first time for consensual sex (and it was kinky of course), first time having sex in a bathroom stall, first time having sex at my work place, first time having sex outside (the guy that I had sex with worked with me), first time having sex with more then one guy at the same time, first time for having sex with 2 different people in one night....I am sure there are more I am just not remembering. Lots of sexual firsts because of that job.

5. I love jelly beans. But I take the black jelly beans out and eat them on their own. I don't like the liquorice taste of the black ones mixed with the fruity flavors.

6. I didn't really like spankings until Master. He is a drummer and it just made the spankings better for me. To the point of that I can at times orgasm from his spankings.

7. I am a huge Joss Whedon fan but oddly enough I am not that into Dollhouse. The last 2 episodes have made me more interested in it then the previous ones.

Here is another 7 Random Facts I did last year - wanted to do different ones so made sure to look at it first.

And as always I don't tag (don't mind being tagged though always love a meme!) So feel free to play along!

This Door Leads to Excitement...

I get the daily Notes from the Universe...

Today's message: "Here's a hint on figuring out the next step to take on the path of your wildest dreams...danae, it almost never lies behind the doors marked, "WOW," "SEXY," or "GLAMOROUS."

Mwah,
The Universe

ps: Not that you won't make it look wow, sexy, glamorous, danae. You always could wear anything.


I feel often that people get into a D/s or M/s relationship thinking that all things will suddenly be transformed. That now that you have walked through that KINKY SLAVE door cleaning the toilet will suddenly be exciting and a turn on.

Master and I recently had a discussion - about what I can't remember at the moment. I mean I can't remember what started the conversation. But during it I said when I was first here cleaning His toilet made me smile and actually turned me on. I was excited to serve him by cleaning the toilet. Now although I still feel that I am of domestic service by cleaning the toilet and glad I can be of service - it is just cleaning the toilet. I don't get turned on and it is just one of many tasks I perform.

I don't think there is anything wrong with that either. Life has mundane tasks and I am glad I can do some those mundane tasks so he doesn't have too.

Anyway, the Note from the Universe made me think about how people think that those mundane tasks will suddenly be transformed and everything we do is more and exciting just because are doing M/s. And it might feel that way at first but do remember reality will eventually hit.

Living in a Bubble

Okay kaya had a post and CarrieAnn has a post about dumbing down. So I guess I am taking my stab at it too.

I'm not sure if I completely agree with the notion of dumbing down, but I relate to many of the things kaya said in her post. For example, when she talked about being excited about a piece of rubbermaid. I do that all the time and I do think it is because my life is simple and I enjoy simple things. I don't think that's necessarily dumbing down, because even though my life has become so simple that a piece of rubbermaid excites me, I can still appreciate a box of Godiva chocolates, a good bottle of wine or a beautiful piece of art.

But for me in getting things is often about my life in regards to money and possessions. I don't own anything. Master owns it. If I get something, it is because Master bought it for me or allowed me to buy it. If I get birthday money or something like it - I have to get permission to use it. I can't buy anything with that money without first asking Master - even if it's for him. So when he takes me to Dollar Tree and I get some cards for some friends, stickers, a bin for art supplies or if we go to Target and he gets me the Twilight dvd or new kitchen washcloths at Wal-Mart - I squee on the inside because Master is buying something for me. I'm not sure that's dumbing down, but appreciating even the small stuff as though it was diamonds or something of infinite value. For me, it is a privilege to receive treats and these fun things and Master likes to do that when he can.

So back on track with the post I'm not dumber because I stay at home and clean house. Staying at home cleaning is pretty simple. I mean most people can clean a toilet and wash dishes. It doesn't take a high amount of intellect to unload a dishwasher. It is just simple daily duties.

Which is why I think I live more in a bubble, than being dumbed down. Before I moved to Colorado, most of my time in Cleveland was very busy. I was a social butterfly. I went out with friends, had dates, worked (which was interaction with others), was active in the BDSM community. I had quite a lot of interaction with people - carried on conversations on a wide range of topics. But now, I don't interact with many people besides Master. The quality of my conversations with him are different and may actually be more intellectual then they were when I lived in Cleveland.

Master is a bit of a political junkie so he pretty much molded me to be the same way. I read books covering a wide range of subjects and I talk to him about what I'm reading. We watch Keith Olbermann and Rachel Maddow most nights so that we get caught up on world events. I read many interesting things on the internet and we watch a ton of movies and have wonderful discussions talking about all those things. Plus there is the world wide web where I can have discussions on a very diversified range of subjects.

With the diversity of books, news and information I get ahold of, I feel like I could carry on a conversation with others when we go out and interact with
our non-lifestyle friends. However that doesn't happen very easily. When we go out with friends, I draw a blank. That's because I live in my bubble. So I am sure they must think I'm dumb or something, but it takes me time to prepare myself to go out. Mentally and emotionally - I just have to prime myself on what to talk about so that I don't go blank.

Even though I was once a social butterfly, I now have to gear myself up to be around people. Afterwards I sometimes experience a crash because it feels like a shock to my system. The bubble I live in is due because I am isolated. And because he has so much control on my life that most of my interaction is with him. Yes, I do have close friends that I talk to on the phone and I don't have any problem carrying on a conversation with them, but they also know my life. They know the bubble exists even though they might never thought about it that way.

My friends can be a part of my bubble because it is a place where I can be me. That is why I think for me most of my interaction with friends outside of the lifestyle is held at arm's length. I focus a great deal and try hard not to slip up.

Kaya asked owners over on FetLife:

What are the thoughts on dumbing down your property to facilitate dependence and obedience?

I am not the owner in this relationship obviously but I know that Master uses different methods in facilitating a lack of autonomy and obedience. So for me I don't think Master has dumbed me down but I am isolated and he has a lot of control on my life so those things create a bubble around my life. So my brain is used differently now then it was when I lived in Cleveland.

Domestic Servitude Blog

As many who read here know I love all things domestic. And some time ago I saw that a blogspot url, that a friend had for a while, was available. So I snatched it up and hung on to it for a while before I started posting there - in April 2008. I haven't really promoted it except for putting on the side bar but it has been there and I have been posting a few times a month or more.

Several months ago I tossed around the idea of opening it up to a few contributers and have it be a co-blogging experience. Recently I finally got around to asking a few wonderful women and started making changes there.

So without further ado please go check out the Domestic Servitude blog.

Started a Fetlife Group

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House Meme

When you walk in your front door, which room do you enter? We have a little entryway but it mostly opens into the living room

Do you have a dishwasher? yes thank goodness!

Is your living room carpeted or does it have hardwood floors? carpet but the next house will probably be tile as we want a southwestern adobe type of house

Do you keep your kitchen knives on the counter or in a drawer? in a drawer...a couple of drawers actually

Do you rent or own? own -- well Master own's :)

How many bedrooms is it? it has 3 bedrooms but 2 of them are not used as bedrooms - one is Master's office and another is my studio area.

Gas stove or electric? gas and I know I am in the minority when I say I miss electric

Do you have a yard? yes but we live in desert climate so we are landscaped with rocks so it doesn't look like a yard that I grew up with. The yard is an area I would like to improve as I think it would look better with some bushes and trees. Right now it is pretty much just rocks. I would love to have flower garden but my allergies just can't keep up with a garden and it is not fair to get it and then Master have to do the work on it. So no flowers :(

What size TV is in the living room? hmm not sure it is fairly large to me but I know Master would like a flat screen -- and those are quite a bit bigger and wouldn't really fit in our entertainment unit.

Are your plates in the same cupboard as your cups? Same cupboard, different shelf. Glasses are in a different cupboard though.

Is there a coffee maker sitting on your kitchen counter? yes right next to a toaster. Other appliances on counter is the kitchen aid mixer and a microwave. A lot of time our indoor grill or crockpot is on the counter too as I those so much - grill in summer - crockpot in winter.

What room is your computer in? The computer I use is in the studio. We have 3 active computers going all the time then a few external hard drives and 2 lap tops.

Are there pictures hanging in your living room? yes a big print, then 2 pieces of art (one by me) and then several of Master's gorgeous photos too. Plus we have family photos on the entertainment unit.

Are there any themes found in your home? kind of a mix -- of modern, old world and southwestern -- yep a little eclectic. No set design or theme really. Just warm and cozy I think.

What kind of laundry detergent do you use? Purex allergy free -- it is the only one I have found that really doesn't break me out.

Do you use dryer sheets? sometimes with blankets...so that they don't cause static cling with the kitty cats.

Do you have any curtains in your home? yes but also blinds. All the rooms have blinds and curtains. Except the bathroom. They have frosted glass and then lace curtains.

What color is your fridge? white, but quite a few magnets adorn it. As Master pointed out that we never use the magnets really. I said no they are just there to be pretty or amuse me! :)

Is your house clean? at the moment I would not say it is clean. But it isn't really dirty either. It is okay.

What room is the most neglected? neglected in terms of cleaning my studio probably....as it never looks clean. It just has so much stuff in it - hard to get it to a totally clean and totally organized place.

Are the dishes in your sink/dishwasher clean or dirty? dirty -- I need to go load dishwasher in a moment and get Master's lunch while I am in the kitchen.

How long have you lived in your home? Master has lived here...well...it will be 11 years this year. I have lived here officially 5 years in May.

Where did you live before? umm I lived in Cleveland.

Do you have one of those fluffy toilet lid covers on your toilet? no

Do you have a scale anywhere in your house? yes one in each bathroom.

How many mirrors are in your house? one in each bathroom and really I think that is it...hmm I never realized that we don't have mirrors. My Mom has mirrors all over her house....I wonder why I never use mirrors to decorate.

Look up. What do you see? 2 prints on the wall -- One by Da Vinci another by Rossetti, a little shelf with a candle and a picture of my dog under one print and a little shelf with a teddy bear and a princess tin under the other, and then an altered altiod tin that has clay sculpted on it, a Buddha mask and a print about enlightenment under it.

Do you have a garage? no something again we hope to have in the next house.

Deck the Halls....

Prompt from Holidailies: Tell us about your strangest or most unique holiday decoration.

I think the most unique holiday decorations in our house is the bears all around the bottom of the tree. I started out with the little red flyer wagon from Hallmark and the Teddy Bear Trevor. They were given to me by my ex-husband. And then after that I added a few and he gave me 2 more and a little sled before we parted ways. Another decoration that is unique...I think....is putting the paper garland in the glass cupboards so they show through.

I love to decorate for all holidays but especially for Christmas. When I was married, we had a really cute old house that was fun to decorate inside and out. We never went all out with lots of lights or yard decorations but we did outlined our porch and the pillars on it had lights going around them plus big red bows. I had "fake" potted mini ever green that sat right as you came up on the porch decorated in lights and little silver and red ball ornaments. And then I made a wreath for the door....it was one of those wood vine wreaths that wrapped with plaid ribbons. And then some handmade felt ornaments in different shapes were attached to it. I think the felt ornaments were a mitten, christmas tree, candy cane, a heart with some holly leaves and berries on it...and I think there were 2 more but I can't think of them at the moment. But that was the only outdoor decorations really. It was simple but my ex and I liked it. Master and I discussed our next house -- if we will decorate or not. And we want simple too....white lights and wreath...not much more.

It is my hope when we move that we can have more the one tree too. When I was growing up we had several trees. Two to four depending on how much time my Mom had....one in our entry that was tall skinny and was done in whites lights, ribbon and all angels. And then the one in the family room was done in all the ornaments we made as a kid, paper chain garland mixed with popcorn and berry hand strung garland and LOTS of multi-colored blinking lights. The living room had one that kind of changed over the years....always had lots of different ornaments on it...hallmark to handmade. But light colors changed over the years....one year white...another blue....one kind of a goldish color. And then my Mom did bows on the tree. Then the forth was at the top of the stairs on the landing you could see it from our living room. It was a little mini tree that just had lights and bows on it. So it is my hope to be able to have more then one tree when we get a bigger house.

We are going to celebrate our Christmas Saturday. So right now there are presents under tree and lights sparkling. And I hope to be able to enjoy ALL the Christmas decorations just a little while longer.

Turkey Eve

I haven't had much time for anything lately. I go from one project to the next, to the next...and so on.

Yesterday was shopping, working on a website and working on a Christmas present for my parents. Today I have cleaned most of the day, baked and then did a little bit of work the Christmas present for my parents.

It will just be us tomorrow...which is fine with me. Cooking for a large group on Thanksgiving isn't one of my favorite things to do...I would rather do Christmas dinner. We are having a pretty traditional menu this year. Roasted turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, stuffing, green beans and I even made parker house rolls - something I haven't made since I was married and hosted Thanksgiving.

Master gave me a surprise the other day.....he said we will be putting up the Christmas decorations BEFORE his birthday this year so his parents can see the house all decorated. I am so excited! He usually likes us to wait until after his birthday...which I totally understand. But it does still make me very happy we get to have the decorations up a few days longer then usual! I am such a sap for Christmas.

I will be finishing The Golden Compass tonight (only have like 30 pages left). I really enjoyed it. I have put on request the second in the series. I am still waiting for the 4th in the Outlander series. So looks like I will be out of books for the next few days. I reached 50 books for the year though -- which was 50 more then last year so I am happy about that.

Well I better sign off and get some sleep.

I hope everyone has a lovely Thanksgiving full of friends & family and love & laughter!

Busy & Blah

I have been busy with work - websites. We have quite a few website on our plate. And those usually got to me except when they are content management - those are Master's. I am just not ready to tackle them yet.

This weekend I felt down but then yesterday I worked on something for a friend and that made me feel better because I know it will make her smile. I don't feel I accomplished much else this weekend though. I have 2 websites that I need to work on...changes to one and finishing up the other now that the client decided what template she wants. I also need to finish up my article. And then prep for Thanksgiving this week.

Master parents are coming for his birthday (Dec 6th) -- one reason I was down as I really just wanted it to be us. So I need to finish the autumn cleaning I started a few weeks ago (when I was steam cleaning). I would like to wash and press all the curtains and steam clean the hallway and Master's office before they come (then all the carpet in the house would be done). I have bunches of stuff to go to Goodwill but I need to get it all together (one spot) and then typed up for taxes.

I started making our holiday card list today, got out the cards and labels too so that I can try to get those out early this year. Maybe I will even get a letter done this year.

Not sure what else to say...I am hoping to be able to do the Holidailies and that usually inspires me to write more.

Cleaning Carpets

I have been quiet because when we come I crash. And then we have had work to do so been busy with that.

* Today we went grocery shopping. This afternoon I made a few loaves of herbed french bread and sour cream cookies. Master has a meeting tomorrow night. I am making a taco dip and then some french bread pizza. I felt like I smelled like basil all afternoon because the basil in the bread was so strong.

* Tomorrow and Friday I am steam cleaning carpets as it will be in the 70's so I can keep the windows open while the carpet drys.

* I submitted our site for Jane's Guide a while back and we were reviewed!

* I think I need to take some airborne and go read. Reading the second book in the Outlander series.

* Hope to catch up on journals soon...