A link blog about sex and sex culture
The winners of the Dark Odyssey Winter Fire complimentary admissions are *drumroll please*
Congratulations!
Can you please email me through the contact form, and I’ll take it from there. Thank you all for participating!
Only more 3 weeks to Winter Fire!
Dark Odyssey: Leather Retreat 2009
June 24-29, 2009
Northern Maryland
(Blog readers are entitled to a discount – select the blog name as a participating group, and enter in any number)
Odyssey Events is pleased to announce that registration for Dark Odyssey: Leather Retreat is now open.
For those of you who have never been to “camp” … please read on …
We hold Leather Retreat on a 200 acre retreat facility in Northern Maryland. It really is a summer vacation … an all inclusive, Sex-Positive, BDSM vacation. We feed you three meals a day plus a midnight snack.  You’ll stay with a bunch of your friends (or make new ones) in one of our 40 cabins, each with real beds, full bathrooms and electricity for your “marital aids”. The big gym is converted into our main dungeon, the barn and pavilion into smaller themed play spaces.  Hang out at Sex-O-Rama, Lucky’s Champagne Room, the Pamporium, or lounge around in our great pool that’s located right in the center of camp.
This year’s educational team includes Fifth Angel, Lee Harrington, Lochai of Kink.com, Janice Stine, Jim & Jerith, Min’s Pony, Cunning Minx, Lolita Wolf, Nayland Blake, Sarah Sloane, and several more are about to be confirmed. In addition to our returning favorite events like Caligula’s Slave Auction, Fantasy Kidnappings, and the State Fair, DO: Leather Retreat will be the site of a remote location shoot for Kink.com’s Hogtied and attendees may apply to audition for the Casting Couch, a filmed screen test that might land you in a Kink.com shoot back in San Francisco.
Unlike a big hotel event, the owners of our camp allow us to do just about anything we want, (that’s legal and safe, sane and consensual of course). The staff has been around this stuff for years so no one will be shocked or appalled by your scene.  At camp we have freedom and privacy.  We give up a cushy hotel room in exchange for being able to really live out our fantasies, unencumbered for six straight days!
About 70% of people return each year to DO: Leather Retreat. Â But if you’re new, don’t worry, everyone loves “fresh meat”. Â We welcome couples and singles alike and have lots of activities to help you break the ice. Â On your second day you’ll fall into the routine and by the 3rd you’ll be helping (and checking out) the new arrivals. Â By the end of the week,
you’ll have made a ton of new friends and will be planning that big scene you want to do at Summer Camp.
We hope you’ll consider joining us this summer for Dark Odyssey: Leather Retreat, June 24-29, 2009!
Greg
On behalf of Dark Odyssey
Since I taught a class on Tact and Diplomacy and yadda yadda and talked about shit like “gracious communication†and using “I feel†and “I think†statements, I sure as hell better practice what I preach.
Or at least give it my best fucking shot.
I was proud that, despite the occasional disappointment, fleeting moment of excruciating discomfort, and shrieking cliffs of self-doubt, I did manage to get through a 3 day event without a total nervous breakdown.
Win!
LOTS of that was due to the kick ass Twitterfolk with whim I met up at the event. I’d met a few of them last month in NY, and hooked up with even more Tweeterz at the Dark Odyssey. I can’t say enough about the benefit of having online friends with whom you can meet-up at these events.
The smoothness of the weekend is also due to the stellar job of organizing executed by the Dark Odyssey team.
I have been to a few perv conventions. And for an event of this scope to have had no major issues, for the attitude to be smooth and relaxed, for there to be so many presenters and so many guests, and for the small fires that did come up to have been resolved with such grace is stunning.
To the faces of Dark Odyssey, Tristan, Colten, Karri and Greg, I say
Holy fucking shit y’all kicked ALL kinds of ass!!
And a thanks to the dozens of volunteers who gave of themselves and their time. You rocked the mike.
More . . ..
The winners of the Dark Odyssey Winter Fire complimentary admissions are Ammre and Thursday’s Child. Congratulations!
I will be emailing you with the contact and registration information. Thanks for participating.
Only 22 more days to Winter Fire. See you there!
Dark Odyssey: Winter Fire
Valentine’s Weekend
Washington, DC
February 13-15, 2009
We have confirmed our line up of nationally acclaimed authors, award-winning educators, and incredible presenters from all over the United States. We are proud to feature these new folks who will present at Dark Odyssey for the very first time:
We are thrilled to welcome back some of the most popular DO teachers:
They offer some of the most unique, exciting workshops anywhere, with an emphasis on hands-on demonstrations, including:
In addition to these incredible workshops, Dark Odyssey features nightly parties, a Saturday night banquet with entertainment, hospitality suite, incredible vendors and, of course, a huge, fully equipped dungeon and other intimate play spaces. And it all happens at one the most gorgeous hotels in Washington DC to ever host an event like ours.
Early Registration rates end on January 5th. The hotel has graciously extended the original $159/night room rate through January 5th ensuring we will sell out the last 80 rooms on our dedicated floors.
Visit our website, http://www.darkodyssey.com for more details. We hope you will join us for this exciting event!
Best Regards,
The Producers of Dark Odyssey:
Tristan, Greg, Karri, and Colten
Every year at kinky sex camp, we create a multi-room erotic play-space for attendees, and for one night, each room has a theme. We like to keep things fresh, so we change up the themes every couple of years, but one never seems to go out of style: the Brothel. It’s a modest space with eight stations, each with a bed, a little table, and a flimsy curtain separating it from the next bed, plus a back room with a double bed and a little more privacy (which costs more, natch). We have our own currency at the event (kundalini kash), which campers can win, earn, borrow, and eventually spend. There’s a madam who recruits and organizes the whores, collects kash, matches clients with workers, and generally oversees the place. It’s always the busiest room.
People don’t tire of the sex-for-money fantasy. Actually, there is no one fantasy, but multiple scenarios, dynamics, and roles possible within the brothel setting. I talked to a bunch of this year’s whores (who included men, women, transfolk, and cross-dressers) about what they got out of their experiences. Some said they like being a whore because it’s taboo, naughty, and transgressive; the fact that it’s illegal prevents them from pursuing it in real life.
more. . .
. . . this year, though, i’m in a different place. i’m in a place where i want to see stronger ties within the community. i’m in a place where i want to see more personal responsibility, more ethics and more thought put into sex itself. i’m in a place where i want to see deeper platonic connections between people, and sexual connections that don’t necessarily end in sex. i’m in a place where i want to explore all that it means to be sex-positive, welcoming of new connections and respectful of old, and throughout fully responsible and honest about what i can and cannot do.
to that end, i’m going to sex camp with the intention of abstaining from actual sex. i’ll definitely be playing with people, both sexually and in a bdsm context, but i want to be able to forge strong platonic connections that don’t rely on actual penetrative sex. this is an area i’ve always had trouble in, and i think going to camp with these boundaries clearly in place will enrich the experience this time around.
Link.
Dark Odyssey Summer Camp 2008. Banner photo by Hypnox
Imagine a vacation which brings together sexuality, spirituality, education, and play in a fun, diverse environment where fantasy becomes reality.
Dark Odyssey: Summer Camp 2008, a journey of sexual exploration for the spiritual and creative sex-positive communities returns for its sixth year. It will be held at a secluded, two hundred acre retreat in Northern Maryland. Our mission is to cross-pollinate ideas and concepts between groups of individuals who desire to explore different areas of alternative sexuality.
The event, from September 10-15, 2008 will feature dynamic workshops taught by top-notch sex educators, relationship experts, SM masters, and spiritual teachers from around the world, including:
Anton * Barbara Carrellas * Bear * Bobby * British “Lucky” Paul * Captain Beatrice & Benedick * Foxy and Sherifox * Lady Hilary and The Marine * Lee Harrington * Lolita Wolf * Margo Eve and Elkor * Nina Hartley * Reid Mihalko & Marcia Baczynski * Sarah Sloane * Sir C * Susan B * Sharrin Spector * SwitchMe * Whittney Matlock * Wintersong Tashlin
…and more to be confirmed!
In addition to workshops, Dark Odyssey features creative social activities, nightly special events, erotic rituals, lakeside bonfires, the Sex-O-Rama playspace, and a 10,000 square foot fully equipped dungeon open for play around the clock.
All this happens in a fun camp environment at a retreat with great accommodations: forty cabins with real beds, full bathrooms, hot water showers, electricity and great centrally located swimming pool; plus, breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a midnight snack included.
=====
Readers of my blog are entitled to a discount – please email me. Rates go up August 25th!
Dark Odyssey: Leather Retreat
June 25-30, 2008
Northern Maryland
What do you get when you mix a world class BDSM retreat with theforemost Sex-Positive Alternative Lifestyles convention? Dark Odyssey: Leather Retreat, a full immersion exploration of kinky sex in all its forms.
Taking place the last weekend in June when summer vacation is in full swing, there will be plenty of time to release your inner kinster in the no holds barred play environment that Leather Retreat is known for. To help get things started, Leather Retreat features a multitude of special events and activities including:
If all that doesn’t keep you busy, this year’s hands-on workshops willbe led by Rita Seagrave, Daddy David, Princess Kali, Jim & Jerith, Suzanne SxySadist, Lolita Wolf, Lee Harrington, Lochai & Janice, Sarah Sloane, and Carrie and Luna, 2008 International Pony and Trainer.
Early registration rates are ending on May 19, 2008. For more information and Online registration for Dark Odyssey: Leather Retreat.
Dark Odyssey: Leather Retreat
June 25-30, 2008
Northern Maryland
www.DarkOdyssey.com
Odyssey Events is pleased to announce that Leather Retreat, which for thelast ten years has been produced by Community Ties is joining the OdysseyEvents family. The first Dark Odyssey: Leather Retreat will be June 25-30, 2008 in Northern Maryland. “The response to Dark Odyssey has been overwhelming and the community it has created is unlike any other in the country. It just makes sense to bring all three events – Leather Retreat,Summer Camp, and Winter Fire – under one roof,” says Greg, one of theco-producers. Co-producer Karri adds, “Each of these events has its own focus and flavor, so that between them, there is something for everyone.”
The biggest change will be the addition of Dark Odyssey’s unique programmingand special events to Dark Odyssey: Leather Retreat. “Many attendees have asked us for some of their favorite Dark Odyssey elements, like Sex-O-Rama,
to be a part of Leather Retreat. Not only are we happy to oblige, we plan to bring even more sex to Leather Retreat – if that’s possible!” says Tristan.
Dark Odyssey: Leather Retreat will continue Leather Retreat’s tradition as the best kink and sex camp event on the East Coast. “Whereas the focus of Summer Camp is definitely on education, the focus of Leather Retreat has always been on play, and that won’t change,” says Lori. “We want to create a sex-positive environment with top-notch play spaces, creative amenities, and inspiring events so that people can have a truly immersive experience.
Our goal is to build a magical place where people can live out their wildest fantasies and dreams,” remarked Colten.
Dark Odyssey: Leather Retreat released its list of confirmed presenters last month, which includes Lolita Wolf, Rita Seagrave, Sarah Sloane, Jim & Jerith, Suzanne SxySadist, Lochai & Janice, and Carrie and Luna, 2008 International Pony and Trainer; the producers plan to announce several additions to the line up shortly. In addition to favorite events like the
Pamporium, Kidnappings, and the State Fair, Dark Odyssey: Leather Retreat will unveil several new special events as well.
Online registration for Dark Odyssey: Leather Retreat is now open.
(While there is a community system for each event, I’ve set up a Dark Odyssey group on Google – Viviane).
DARK ODYSSEY: A journey of sexual adventure, where open minded people gather to explore Tantra, Polyamory, Intimate Communications, BDSM, Alternative Lifestyles and more. With nationally known presenters, hands on workshops, intriguing lectures and exciting social events, experience a vacation you are sure to not forget.
You have until Monday, January 28th to register for Dark Odyssey Winter Fire, for only $145. ($135 if you’re member of a participating organization – there are many). After January 28th both registration and hotel rates go up significantly.
Here’s the presenter/class list (I just got the email an hour ago, the DO website hasn’t been updated yet):
Anita Wagner
Barbara Carrellas
British “Lucky” Paul
Dossie Easton
Lee Harrington
Mark Michaels & Patricia Johnson
Rita Seagrave
Sacred Mark Sanctuary
Sarah Sloane
Suzanne SxySadist
Thomas/Shibari Warrior
Wintersong Tashlin
Barak & Brat Sheba
Cristo
Lady Hilary
Lady Ru’etha
Rachel Kramer Bussel
Olga
They offer some of the most unique, exciting workshops anywhere, with an emphasis on hands-on demonstrations, including:
In addition to workshops, Dark Odyssey features nightly parties, a banquet with entertainment, hospitality suite, incredible vendors and, of course, a huge, fully equipped dungeon and other intimate play spaces.
There’s also an attendee area which you’ll get access to. Use it to:
* Read Attendee Profiles
* Check the News and Message Bases
* Sign up for a Room and Ride Share
* Create Play/Party Invitations
* Join the Chat Room
* Edit your Badge Information
(Banner Photograph by Hypnox)
March 21-23, 2008
DARK ODYSSEY : A journey of sexual adventure, where open minded people gather to explore Tantra, Polyamory, Intimate Communications, BDSM, Alternative Lifestyles and more. With nationally known presenters, hands on workshops, intriguing lectures and excitingsocial events, experience a vacation you are sure to not forget.
This hotel event will feature:
-An amazing line up of nationally-known presenters, including sex educators,BDSM masters, top-notch Tantra teachers, relationship experts, andaward-winning authors, activists, and community leaders
-Over 50 unique, dynamic workshops on identity, sex, relationships,swinging, polyamory, BDSM, Tantra, spirituality, and lots more
-Our infamous special events including nightly parties, a banquet withentertainment, hospitality suite, incredible vendors and, of course, a huge,fully equipped dungeon and other intimate play spaces.
All this happens in the comfort and luxury of the same hotel where wecelebrated Spring Fire in 2007.
Registration is now open with special pricing for the first 50 people to register and Early Adopter rates available through January 28th!
To join the Dark Odyssey mailing list, write info At darkodyssey DOT com.
Upcoming Dark Odyssey and Leather Retreat Events:
March 21-23, 2008: Dark Odyssey: Winter Fire, Washington DC
June 18-23, 2008: Leather Retreat, Northern Maryland
September 10-15, 2008: Dark Odyssey: Summer Camp, Northern Maryland
Yes, I’m going. Wouldn’t miss it.
NYE – Ace of Hearts’ rope gauntlets
Originally uploaded by viviane212
Ace wanted some rope gauntlets for his NYE outfit, which included leather pants and a leather vest. Avah tied the one on top and I tied the one on the bottom.
We’d never been to one of the DO parties and the residence is quite something. I was so busy talking to camp friends and watching an amazing hook suspension scene, I never made it to the coach house. It was really wonderful to see everyone again. Yes, I am planning on attending Winter Fire.
Marcus finally posts something about Dark Odyssey summer camp:
i kinda fell for this one.
i was at a kidnapping scene. i was asked to help kidnap some guy, by his girlfriend. fifteen minutes later, sixteen of us had covered his head, tied him up, and carried him off to an open pavilion. we took turns shoving about seventeen things into his various holes.
but as for me, well, i can’t be satisfied with the usual holes. i had to start fucking around with his ears and nose, too. while he was tied up, and girls and guys stuck dildos up his ass, and did stuff to his balls, i leaned forward and whispered shit in his ears. i blew on his eyes. and then i pushed my fingers up his nose and felt around the insides of his nostrils. then i made him suck my fingers clean. i’m just like that; i wanted to keep him guessing.
so anyway, i stand up – to wipe my hands down – and there, next to me, is this lovely thing. this cute little thing, she is clad in a black rubber mini dress, and she looks kinda tough. i say hi, and she says hi back, with this australian or english accent, i can’t really be sure.
(more. . .)
I just got back from sex camp and I am worn out. “Sex camp” is the nickname of an annual six-day retreat I co-produce that brings together people interested in gender, sexuality, BDSM, relationships, and spirituality. Running the camp is not as fun or as sexy as it sounds. Sure, I was surrounded by fun and sex, but I didn’t get to have any of it.
[...]
Creating a sex-positive space and community is one of the most challenging things I have ever tried to accomplish. There is the minutia of an open-admission policy (How does one filter out the creepy guys from the mix?) and balancing the population (Why is it so hard to recruit gay guys to come?). More significant are the meta questions the process raises. Could such a diverse group of people agree on basic, fundamental tenets, and more importantly, honor and practice them? Is there a way for one place to both welcome newcomers and challenge veterans? What can leatherfolk, swingers, and Pagans learn from one another? Can a mixed-gender, mixed-orientation space be truly safe and positive for everyone?
(more . . .)
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