GWNN NEWSLETTER

Morgue

**disclaimer: The information in this newsletter is in no way a complete list of activities in the Austin/GWNN area. For comprehensive information please visit the web pages of various groups, attend munches, or ask your friends. We have made every effort to include as much up to date information as possible. GWNN wholeheartedly supports all local and area groups and hopes every person who sets out to find a comfortable place to be who they are, learn, grow and find friends is successful in their journey.

Opinions and ideas expressed by individuals in interviews are their own and the Newsletter allows and encourages their free expression. The newsletter volunteers make every effort to double check the information here, but it is not impossible that we may miss something. If you note an error or mis-information, please let us know so we can correct it.

GWNN Newsletter welcomes all information from area groups about their gatherings and special events. While it would be very time and space consuming to detail every single group every month, we will gladly list your special events and parties and include web pages and links so that interested persons can find out more.

If you are reading this on the web and would like to get it in your own email Press Here. We have had many “bouncing” emails from people we know are active members. Perhaps a move or a change of internet providers has meant a change of email address. If you think this might be why you are not receiving GWNN emails and special announcements please re-subscribe by Pressing Here.

***** GWNN MUNCH *****

SATURDAY, February 13

~~~ Get kinky with BBQ sauce, mmmmmm ~~~
~~ Let’s suck some sauce and flirt with our friends ~~

Artz Rib House
2330 S Lamar Blvd Austin, TX 78704-4727
(512) 442-8283
www.artzribhouse.com

We meet in the back room, which does have it’s own entrance with a ramp. Place your food orders at the bar and a server will bring your food in to you. Please remember to tip!

Artz is centrally located on South Lamar, about 2 miles south of Lady Bird Lake (Town Lake). Street clothes are the appropriate attire for this event.

Don’t forget that pre-party tickets can be purchased at the munch for the reduced rate of only $ 15.00.

The March party will feature a surprise demo that you don’t want to miss!

Also, the Submissive Services and Ye Olde GWNN Inn will once again be available featuring “St. Patrick’s Specialties” libations and snacks. Make your reservations early as space is limited

For up to date information about the goings on in GWNN you may join the Yahoo Group: gwnnmembers@yahoogroups.com

Subscribe: gwnnmembers-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

If you are on FetLife: http://fetlife.com/groups/2451

For a very up to date listing of Area events, may we suggest the FetLife page: http://fetlife.com/groups/9716

Be sure and visit the GWNN web pages for the latest news. You can read board meeting minutes and take part in a survey by the BOD to express your opinions on many current GWNN issues: www.gwnn.net

FEBRUARY means a hot kinky party in San Antonio

February is party month in San Antonio.

Support GWNN’s twisted sister group SAS/M by attending their annual Valentine Party.

Visit the SAS/M web page for group details, party information and contacts: http://www.sasmtx.info/sop.html

Since February is a SAS/M Party month, it seems fitting to delve a bit into SAS/M’s history and look forward into their future plans. First, an interview with Ambrosio, a long time GWNN member and one of SAS/M’s founders: http://www.EvilMonk.org/A/

The Founding of SAS/M

as written by Ambrosio

SAS/M was formed in the Summer of 1996 when I (Ambrosio) moved back to San Antonio from Austin. I started SAS/M because I was living in San Antonio and there was no Pansexual kink community (which I knew of) in the Alamo city at that time. I knew there were several San Antonio people involved in GWNN but we only saw each other at GWNN events. I decided to create SAS/M as an additional opportunity for GWNN members to meet and play and a new opportunity for San Antonio people who couldn't make the drive to Austin.

I modeled SAS/M after GWNN and -- with the GWNN leadership's permission -- I called it "GWNN's sister group in San Antonio." We were and are separate organizations but we share common goals, some history, and many members.

In short, SAS/M was created as a compliment to GWNN and to offer San Antonio kinky friends a place to meet. Our munches were on the first Saturday so as not to conflict with GWNN's munches which were on the second Saturday. Later on, when we had parties, they were on the third Saturday of even months so as not to conflict with GWNN parties. Staggering SAS/M’s activities with GWNN’s gave everyone who wanted to the chance to attend both groups.

For a while, SAS/M was nothing more than a mailing list which I used to gather information about the membership. I tried to determine in which part of San Antonio most of the membership lived, what sort of music the membership would like at a party, and so on, in short: "What do you want in a local BDSM group."

The first SASM event was a munch in November or December of 1996 held in downtown San Antonio, and a large contingent of Austin GWNN members drove down to attend and show us their support.

The first party was about a year later, Dec 6, 1997 in NE San Antonio in a motel on IH-35. Promoted as the "SAS/M Saturnalia.", it was a group effort; planned, organized, and executed by a "party planning committee" (which would later become "the Board of Perverts.") Members of the committee included me, my right hand man and fellow group founder (who doesn't want his name used), Steve and Krista of Temple of Flesh (the performance art troupe and musical group), and several other volunteers who were interested in having parties in San Antonio.

For that first party evening ToF (Temple of Flesh) arranged for a professional DJ to play. This DJ usually worked at dance clubs and was used to playing dance club music. When we asked him to play at our first party our conditions were:

• No Rap
• No Country
• No lyrics sung in English
• Music at a level such that people could speak softly and that safewords could be heard.

The DJ delivered wonderfully. He matched the music perfectly to the play going on. The music was able to complement the party without distracting. I think the style of music was "Ambient."

I was afraid that we would lose money at our first party but we actually made a small profit thanks to the support of a large number of Austinites who attended. It continues to be quite normal to see SAS/M members at GWNN parties and GWNN members at SAS/M parties.

Funny story: When we ran out of punch, I drove to a near by Walmart to get more ingredients. I was dressed as a priest for the party and the man in line with me started telling me Catholic jokes …
"Hey father, did you hear that a sandal maker gave the pope a pair of sandals with the letters 'T.G.I.F?' The pope thought it meant 'Thank God It's Friday' but the sandal maker told him it means 'Toes Go In First.' You get it? See the pope is Polish so that makes him stupid."

I told the charming hayseed that his joke was very amusing and then I asked him a riddle:

Q: How does a nun get laid?

A: She dresses up as an alter boy.

My advice for other group leaders is to:

• Be patient. Don't expect to reproduce the accomplishments of an established group in your first few meetings. We didn't have our first party until our first anniversary. We needed that time to build up a large enough membership for the parties to succeed.
• Co-operate with other groups. Set goals that complement the work of other groups and don't appear as competitive. Our community has become so large that it's almost impossible to schedule a new event without conflicting with another event but in those situations it helps to acknowledge the other event and explain that it wasn't an intentional slight.
• Larger does not mean better. The goal should not be to have the biggest parties or the biggest munches. The goal should be about how much the community and individuals in the community benefit from your efforts. If two people show up at your educational program and one of them learns something that saves a life then you've succeeded.

BTW, I wish to acknowledge that I was not the sole founder of SAS/M. I had help from another fellow who many years appeared to almost be my right hand man. For professional reasons he doesn't want his name used but he was there from the start and he remained on the board long after I stepped down.

~ Editor’s note: While no longer a part of the day to day board and management of SAS/M, Ambrosio remains very active in his support of both SAS/M and GWNN. His web site is filled with insights and valuable information - http://www.EvilMonk.org/A/

More information and background on SAS/M from the current board about the mission and goals of the group:

SASM is an inclusive pansexual social group of discreet responsible adults who practice safe, sane, and consensual BDSM. SASM was established in 1996 and is currently managed by a five member Board: Ms Siren, Sir Draco, subjim, Countess Chris, and Mistress Rhaps. SASM strives to provide five elements of service to the central Texas BDSM community:

• The first element is the social service. We provide a comfortable environment where we can socialize -- free from the fear of censure or stigma -- with other like minded individuals. We provide an opportunity for members to learn from each other and offer a safe environment to meet and learn about the community. We provide monthly munches or social gatherings at a local restaurant in a semi-private setting. The minimum age for SASM munches is 19.
• The second element is the educational service. SAS/M shares news and information about other groups, businesses, events, resources, and scene news in San Antonio and the rest of Texas. SASM supports sane and consensual play techniques and basic etiquette through informal socializing, monitored parties, and formal programs. We provide an orientation session at our munches to support a foundation of knowledge for membership.
• The third element is the networking service. SASM is a catalyst for the growth of a healthy San Antonio community with support of community groups in other Texas cities. We encourage and support the formation of other compatible non-profit groups in San Antonio that offer enrichment to the BDSM community.
• The fourth element is the play space service. SASM provides our members and friends with a safe forum to meet other members and express themselves in the BDSM lifestyle. Our parties may have themes, like the upcoming “Spank Your Valentine” theme of Feb. 20th. For more information re: the party details, contact any of the Board members on the website: http://www.sasmtx.info/home.html
  Please note that the minimum age for SASM parties is 21.
• The final element is the self-actualization service. The leadership of SASM looks to foster self-actualization in the chosen lifestyle of its members. Whether you identify as a Femdom or sub, Master or slave, Dominant or submissive, Top or bottom, Owner or pet, or some other variation of the BDSM lifestyle, you are encouraged to learn, develop, and share your inner being.

If you find yourself in San Antonio and are interested in meeting the BDSM community, SASM is a great place to start. We hope to see you soon.

Ms Siren and the SASM Board

~ Many GWNN members enjoy carpooling and caravanning together to the SAS/M parties. Why not make plans now for short road trip to celebrate a Valentine Spanking good time! ~

Announcing SWLC M/s 2010 Leather Titleholders

~~~ Master Obsidian and His namaste ~~~

Congratulations from your Austin community of friends and fellow kinksters!!!

The following is a written interview with Master Obsidian:

GWNN:

What or who grants the various titles for Regional, and International Master/slave competitions?

Master Obsidian:

There are 5 feeder contests that feed into the International M/s competition. The five regional contests are held at 5 individual conferences held all over the United States.

They are:

• Northeast Region: Master/slave Conference - DC
• Southeast Region: Southeast Leather Fest - GA
• Great Lakes Region- Great Lakes Leather Alliance- IN
• Southwest Region - South West Leather Conference - AZ
• NorthWest Region- Northwest Leather Celebration- CA

GWNN:

When did you and your slave decide to enter this competition? What are the various steps you need to take in order to qualify?

Master Obsidian:

We were asked to participate in the contest about 3.5 years ago. At that time it was not something that we desired to do. In subsequent years we had significant event conflicts (e.g. being asked to judge a contest) during the year in which we were planning on competing for a title. Eventually we felt it was our duty and responsibility to compete and felt honored to have been asked to run by a Previous titleholder. The basic requirement to run for a title is that you be in the existing M/s dynamic for at least 1 year, have a willingness to travel within your region to at least 4 conferences/events should you win the regional title. You must also have two letters of recommendation from others in the community. Our title as Southwest Master and slave is a teaching title so you must be able and willing to teach and present on the Master/slave dynamic and to interact with people

.

GWNN:

Once you are qualified to run, what do you have to do at the competition itself?

Master Obsidian:

All competitors compete in the following categories:

• CATEGORY 1: THE INTERVIEW (150 points): Each contestant pair will be interviewed by the judges.
• CATEGORY 2: PRESENTATION (100 points): Contestants will be required to conduct a mini-workshop on Saturday, during which they will present a brief (5-10 minute) presentation on any issue relating to Master/slave relationships. Both the Master and slave contestants must speak during the presentation.
• CATEGORY 3: SPEECH & IMAGE (100 points): Contestants will give a two minute introduction speech on a topic of their choice during either the Friday or Saturday night event ceremonies. Each contestant in a couple is required to speak (120 Seconds Each).
• CATEGORY 4: ON-STAGE QUESTION (75 points): Each person (Master and slave) will be asked a “pop” question on-stage during either the Friday or Saturday night event ceremonies. Contestants will have no prior knowledge of the questions asked.
• CATEGORY 5: MASTER / SLAVE DYNAMIC (75 points): Contestants will be observed by the judges throughout the weekend and judged on how they interact and present themselves as Master and slave to the public

GWNN:

How many competitor couples were you up against this year? How large is the Southwest Region?

Master Obsidian:

This year we were the only couple to stand in the competition, a fact that makes it more difficult because you must still score a certain amount of points in order to win - and you are going up again the imaginary perfect couple that the judges envision instead of a real couple (or couples). Also our interview was 1.5 hours long instead of the typical 20-30 minutes because there was no one else to interview.

The Southwest Region includes: Arizona, Southern California, Colorado, Hawaii, Nevada, (excluding Reno), New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, or Utah. (Note: Southern California shall be considered from Fresno south. All of Nevada except Reno is considered within the Southwest Region.

GWNN:

Who were the judges for the final judging and where was it held?

Master Obsidian:

The Judges for this years Southwest Leather Conference included SlaveMaster (www.bornslaves.com), Miss Margaret (producer of the Northwest Leather Conference), SirTop (Producer of Beyond Leather), Master Gallad (GLLA Master 2008), slave trudy (Butchmanns Faculty), slave anne (Ms. Copperstate Leatherfest 1995), and slave kiki (in service to Master Z)

GWNN:

Now you will be in the competition for the National Master/slave title, correct? <.dd>

Master Obsidian:

There is no national Title, after winning a Regional Title, all regional titleholders are invited to compete at the International Master/slave Competition held at SouthPlains Leather Fest in Dallas every year at the end of February.

GWNN:

Is the short time between title competitions a good thing or does it put even more pressure on you both?

Master Obsidian:

We think it's a good thing because we can maintain our momentum from the SW competition and also it's all still fresh. It does make certain logistical issues more complicated like getting our Regional patches sewn on our Vests prior to the International contest, and also other things, like preparing two of everything in addition to learning about a total of 12 judges in a relatively short amount of time.

GWNN:

What does it mean to you both personally to hold this title?

Master Obsidian:

To us it's a huge responsibility. It means that the M/s community in our region has chosen us as the representatives to the rest of the community. That the community has faith and belief in our ability to uphold and represent the values, ideals, and philosophies of the Master/slave community and culture clearly, inspirationally, and authentically.

GWNN:

What will it mean in your lives for the next year that you are Southwest Master/slave for 2010; what are some things you need to be able to do if you hold the title?

Master Obsidian:

As mentioned earlier we will go around our region presenting and teaching as often as possible and needed. We are in process of accepting invitations to present and teach on a number of topics and are looking forward to a very busy year! We know it is going to require a lot of us - but we also believe that we receive so much back from the experience and the interaction - presenting and meeting people who share our love for the M/s lifestyle all across the country is really inspiring and motivating.

GWNN:

You run the Austin chapter of MAsT. Can you tell our readers a little bit about MAsT?

Master Obsidian:

MAsT stands for Masters and slaves together, it is a discussion only group for those involved in or sincerely interested in involvement in the Master slave dynamic. We discuss anything and everything that pertains to M/s relationships including: Poly, Finances, End of Life issues, Family issues, Community involvement, etc.

GWNN:

How old is the International organization and how old is the Austin chapter?

Master Obsidian:

The Austin chapter has been in existence since May of 2008, The international Organization has been around since 1988

GWNN:

What personal advice would you give someone wanting to either begin a new group or preparing to step into a leadership roll in an existing group?

Master Obsidian:

Definitely listen more than you speak and do your research - find out about Leather history, get involved in the Leather Community beyond your local community so you can understand the issues of import to our culture. Understanding something about our shared history is important - it gives a sense of perspective, an appreciation for many of the trials that others have endured in their pursuit of the freedoms that sometimes we take for granted.

GWNN:

What can your Austin friends do to help support you in 2010?

Master Obsidian:

While there is a travel fund for the SW titleholders, the travel fund does not go very far. If our friends and supporters would consider holding silent auctions, or assisting in organizing fund raisers etc; to contribute to the travel fund that would help a LOT. Also, please let your friends and our large extended kink family in our region know that we're willing to come to events to give a talk or do a mini presentation or whatever we can do to help our community. This title isn’t about going to big events - the size of the event isn’t important, above all, its about service - the opportunity to be of service to our people, to our Tribe.

Now the fun questions!

GWNN:

How long have you and His namaste been together? Was it M/s right away, or did that come gradually?

Master Obsidian:

We have been together for just about 7 years. We began as friends however when it we decided to go further in our relationship M/s was a part of that from the inception.

GWNN:

There are many different facets to any M/s relationship, but in the physical part, the "play", what are some of your favorite activities?

Master Obsidian:

We enjoy fire play, pressure point play, face slapping, rope and very dynamic and intense play including blood, knives and needles.

GWNN:

Does music enhance your play time and if so, what are some favorite tunes or groups and genres?

Master Obsidian:

YES! Good music can help make or break a scene. Some of our favorites are Nas, Enigma and Buttboy, especially the CD "Phalliphilia"

GWNN:

I'm sure it comes as no shock to you that people see you and His namaste together and wonder about the difference in size between you. Do you ever "hold back" in play?

Master Obsidian:

No, I don’t believe in holding back - I believe in total immersion in whatever we are doing. Being fully present and enjoying the entire experience as much as humanly possible. It’s difficult to describe - I'll give you this metaphor; We teach a class on knife play for instance – I’m of the opinion that an extremely sharp knife is predictable and safer than a dull one. You always know that if you do X, you can expect that Y will happen with a sharp knife. A dull knife on the other hand, is unpredictable - it may cut...or it may not, depending on a number of factors. Similarly with our style of sceneing - I want our connection to be like the sharp knife - we both are bringing all our energy and focus to that dance of souls. I’m also aware that because of our physical differences we tend to 'fit' archetypes that resonate with some, and disturb others at times. We've all grown up with the images of the "petite damsel in distress" vs the massive Dragon/Ogre/Beast and we enjoy playing with that energy, with those images - immersing ourselves in that headspace to get where we both need to go in our sceneing.

GWNN:

What are a few of your favorite forms of service that His namaste performs for you in your home?

Master Obsidian:

Wow - there are a lot of things that I really enjoy concerning my slave's service - it is hard to narrow it down to specific favorites because it all tends to merge together. That is the beauty of the Master and slave lifestyle in my estimation. I've been able to articulate to her my preferences in so many areas...what she wears (or doesn’t wear) how my food is prepared, the scents that I love, the simple and elegant way she serves me at table. Those are some of the simple things - the way I like my rib-eye cooked, the incorporation of ritual and spirituality into our dynamic, like the foot washing ritual that she will do when I return home after I've been traveling, those are some of the more complicated forms of service that she will perform. I really love all of it – it’s very peaceful and provides a wonderful contrast from the hectic demands of the day when you can come home and experience service on that level.

GWNN:

Thank you so much for your time and again, huge congratulations on your Leather Title - SWLC M/s 2010!!! Austin and all of your friends are very happy for you both!

Master Obsidian:

Thank you for thinking of us and giving us this opportunity to share!

Central Texas Couples Announces Plans for Service Seminar

Central Texas Couples has announced plans for a day long seminar focused on Service and Protocols in a 24/7 D/s (M/s) relationship The seminar will be held in the spring and will feature both local and out of town speakers and will end with a round table discussion about service in D/s relationships. While membership in CTC is limited to living together couples and families, the seminar is open to all community members interested in the many ways service can enhance any D/s relationship.

For more information about the seminar or about Central Texas Couples, please visit the web page - http://ctc.armadillo.nu/html or write to CTC@armadillo.nu.

Special Valentine Dessert Ideas

Tunnel of Fudge Cake

• 1 1/2 cups butter, 3 sticks
• 6 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 package 2-layer size Double Dutch Fudge Buttercream Frosting mix
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chopped pecans

PREPARATION:

Preheat oven to 350°. Cream butter in large bowl on high speed. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well. Add sugar gradually, beating at high speed of electric mixer until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in flour.

With a wooden spoon, stir in frosting mix and pecans until well blended. Pour batter in well-greased and floured Bundt cake pan. Bake for 60 to 65 minutes. Cool 2 hours before removing from pan. Cake will have a moist center with a tunnel of fudge frosting running through it.

After Dinner Drink

Chocolate Toasted Almond

• 1 shot Kahlua® coffee liqueur
• 1 shot amaretto almond liqueur
• 8 oz milk
• 2 tbsp chocolate syrup

Mix and shake with ice, pour into glass. Top with a dollop of whipped cream. Use remainder of whipped cream in other creative ways.