Report On Ties That Bind

This is a book that I believe I will find myself referring to over and over again in my life. There are many points illustrated within this book that I do not completely identify with at this point in my path. I believe that one day I will reread many of these words with a new outlook and appreciate their wisdom.

There are however portions of this book that speak to my path, and where I believe I am headed in the new year. One of my favorite pieces of being in this community has been my experiences in attempting to articulate these inner desires to others. Its very important to me to be able to express my point of view concerning my decision to be a part of this lifestyle.

In "Teach Them a Little Bit" Guy Baldwin discusses having these conversations with the vanilla population. I appreciate the efforts here to discuss the options of who, where, what, why, when, and how. I know that in my experiences of discussing SM with many of my friends that timing can be very important. I notice in others a curiosity spark, and I acknowledge it but rarely discuss it right that moment.

This gave me several ideas of how to discuss or even avoid discussing this topic with a wide variety of people. I made many connections to my feelings and discussions about being gay with the idea of discussing being kinky. I enjoy sharing my knowledge about the unknowns. I also realize the importance in fostering an understanding in my vanilla friends. Many have recently expressed their concerns about my mental health and allowing someone to cause this kind of pain and trauma to my body. Using this portion of the book I have been able to express my desires in a light that they can understand and at times identify within themselves as well.

Also, in reading "A Leather Family" I felt strong emotions surrounding Guy Baldwin's views. I know that my experience is limited almost exclusively to the Salt Lake City community. I know that will not remain the case forever, and I am looking forward to establishing my own leather family. Much is discussed around the ideas that allowing ourselves to bond to one another can be difficult based on childhood experiences.

I realized that the concept of family is very foreign to me, as I read this section. I found myself thinking about those in whom I place trust and love. I found it interesting that the first few people on my list were not my biological family members. I thought much about my definition of family and why it is so important to me to have it. I believe that the people I allow in my life will be closer to me than perhaps even my own blood are currently.

The beginning of this section is very much how I feel about my own family. "There is a reason why my family does not know me and does not particularly