Birthday Bash

Sagacity’s Birthday Bash spans a weekend – typically over the Remembrance Day long weekend. Good thing, you need that extra day to recover.

I arrived with my date – a luscious lady that has captured my attention (more details in another IC post) just in time to see a group of people dressed almost - but not really - like the Blue’s Brothers standing on the dance floor singing the Sagacity theme song. After that there were a few other presentations, but I tuned out and spent my time looking at the art, and nibbling from the various platters of food that were being offered. The art auction ran the gamut from awful to incredibly beautiful, and I’d comment on what was awful, and what was beautiful, but art is so personal, which of course is what makes art so amazing. By and large it was worthwhile eye candy with a mixture of for sale and not for sale items.

I proceeded to drink a few, nibble here and there, chatted a bit, and danced. I must say that it’s a rare day when I recommend someone, but I absolutely recommend the Paul Wainwright band. They simply smoke! My only comment on them is that I thought they played too much jazzy/slow stuff and wish they’d played more dance music. Yes, I should have asked! Here’s a link to their website in the event you’d like them for your next party, Paul Wainwright

I was set on attending workshops in all the time frames offered, but I just couldn’t get out of bed, and I swear it’s not my fault!

I’m not a whip person. I love the look, but as a Dominant, I’ve never felt like it could be me and yes I’ve tried so don’t do that emailing me trying to convince me thing. Finding those things that are ‘your’ things are sort of like ice cream. There are lots of flavors, but when you taste that right one, you’re hooked. I haven’t had that happen with whips. But the possibility of finding some toy that I don’t have, or have never thought of using in a certain way appealed to me and off I went. Gord of Bound 2 Please, Bound 2 Please had a toy bag tour workshops and brought out a few unique items that took my interest. He did a good job demonstrating his products and was able to answer questions about what to look for in quality products. I liked him because he was able to refer people to another site – he’s not afraid of losing business and perhaps that might be (it’s a guess only) that he knows that others have quality products too.

I must say that the Scarification demo bottom had a lovely cutting. I saw it later in the day, as the demo bottom was happy to display it. I was looking at silent auction items when I overhead a few people that left Elwood's workshop early that as they felt that the presenter, Elwood of All about Elwood lost control of his demonstration by allowing too many from the peanut gallery chime in interrupting the flow. Some people are much more comfortable with a very relaxed approach, and yet others want a more formal, quiet workshop so that they can focus on the information being delivered.

I heard all of the following about workshops. I heard that Mistress Marlene Mistress Marlene pulled off a great workshop pertaining to a subject that most avoid – how difficult communicating can be. I heard that Don from the Edmonton O Society Edmonton O Society was simply awesome, and I loved his demo in the Dungeon that evening. I thought I knew a bit about fire play, and yet I saw a few things done that I haven’t seen done publicly. It didn’t offend me that he was eye candy too. I heard that Fisherman and his Ladyfish had a fun and hands on suspension workshop. Fisherman is an awesome rope man! I heard that Nancee had a great workshop on playing with fear, and I heard exactly nothing about the other presenters, which isn’t to say that they did a bad job. I either didn't attend or didn't hear anything.

When I’m making a decision on whether to attend a play party, or a large kink event, I look at the presenter’s information. I’ve attended hundreds of workshops over the years and word of mouth spreads about the great presenters. I’ve also sat through plenty of clunkers, and fortunately word of mouth spreads that way too. When choosing, look for something that either you wish to gain skills in, or something new to learn. I do recommend for those of you that are new, that an objective should be to not attend every workshop. You’ll quickly find yourself on information overload.

Lunch was included in the price of the ticket for the weekend and it was just okay. I took some of the burnt cauliflower soup which simply was the most horrid thing I’d put in my mouth in recent memory. I don't know why, but I think the cook should perhaps taste the product before it’s actually put out for public consumption. I will say that the food offered on Friday night was pretty good, so perhaps the soup was a one off.

There was a silent auction to raise funds for Sagacity, and it was pleasing that there was quite a myriad of items and something for everyone. Some items sold for next to nothing, in other situations the prices were much higher and there was quite a bit of competing and last minute bidding. I bid on a few things, but can’t reveal what I won. I think that the prices were great because again, there was something everyone no matter how little or much you could afford.

There was a vending area that a decent amount of items to choose from including, Nancy from Nancy the Blacksmith, Sagacity was peddling tshirts and tanks, Gord from Bound 2 Please, Veronica from VH Designs, and there were others, but regretfully I can’t name them. I bought from a few folks, but then again I’m a shopaholic. No money rests long in my bank account.

I must confess that despite sleeping in, I still had to lay down on Saturday during the day for a bit. I really wanted to play on Saturday night and be at my best, and sleep I did. I crawled out of bed with enough time to eat dinner at the restaurant which was just okay.

On Saturday night, I did watch the fire demonstration, and others playing. I played with a friend of mine that also happened to be at the event, and we had a great time. There was a very annoying woman who yelled so loudly while being whipped that I was grateful the DM intervened. I seem to recall her from last year, and while I think that loud voices are fine, this seemed to stop many peoples play for a moment. I thanked my play partner for the fun on the floor, found my date, slipped back into the bar/social area and hung out to catch eye candy, until I grabbed my hot date’s hand and steered her to our hotel room.

Last, but not least are my comments on the hotel. It’s the Travellers Inn at City Center, and I had a reasonable room at a reasonable price. However that reasonable price doesn’t mean it’s an attractive property. I do wish that the hotel would renovate as all of the rooms I’ve stayed in are drab, with a paint job and repairs needed. I did hear comments over the weekend about the various state of some of the rooms. Apparently there was damage done in a recent storm that hadn’t been fully addressed.

Birthday Bash is a great event, not to be missed.

Please feel free to email me at Isabelle Channing

Very truly yours,

Isablle Channing