I swooped in and got my order placed in time for Midori/AIDS Lifecycle color-of-the-month. This stuff sold out in less than 14 minutes.

Fourteen minutes, people.

I have been thinking about what this “means” that there is such demand and such a following for Monk’s rope, that the entire stock of color-of-the-month would be spoken for in less than a quarter hour.

There’s all the obvious–the color is a great color; contributing to Midori’s fund-raising efforts; the high quality of Monk’s product. Oh, and this was ultra-premium “Bavarian Blonde” And there’s another obvious and interesting aspect–people love rope.

Of course it’s all relative to how much of the color-of-the-month was produced. I keep meaning to ask.

I do know that I purchased a total of 90 feet–one 50′ length that I intend specifically to use for a karada, and four 10′ pieces to use in all the flexible ways they can be used.

I should be receiving delivery any day now.

Taking stock of what rope I already have, in preparation for ordering more–because Twisted Monk’s color of the month goes on sale in just under 24 hours, and it is “a shocking bright PINK.” And how can I pass that up?

From Monk’s blog:

. . . this month’s color is a benefit color with the profits going to support Midori and the AIDS/Lifecycle.

This is our ultra premium 4-strand, “Bavarian Blonde” hemp rope, now dyed a shocking, bright pink.

This color will go on sale Saturday, Jan 23 at noon (pst) The color of the month always sells out fast, but the Midori colors always sell even faster, hence me giving you all lots and lots a warning.

Here’s his sample shot. See what I mean?

So, I am not sure how well this color will “go” with the colors I have, but whatev.

For one, Max has announced his curriculum/schedule for the coming months, and I am interested in each and every topic he is presenting in Seattle. In addition to Max’s usual monthly workshops at CSPC, he is offering a three-part series, Topping to the Next Level, co-taught with Russell. I have the schedule lined out below.

But first, returning to my on-going quest to explain, “why bondage?” here’s a snippet of my favorite rope supplier’s explanation.

“Rope is an extension of the body,” Monk said, . . . “When you’re in bondage, you’re literally wrapped up in another person’s desire. They’ve taken the time to encase you.”

from Tied Up in the Erotic Heritage Museum

I love that bit about wrapped in desire.

And here’s Max’s very full schedule. (We are so spoiled here in Seattle.)

Sunday February 7th
Partial Suspension Bondage

Sunday, February 20th, with Russell, Part 1 of 3
Techniques for Thoughtful Tops

Sunday, March 7th
Bondage from the Bottom’s Perspective

Sunday, March 13th, with Russell, Part 2 of 3
Hot Negotiation

Sunday April 4th
Bondage for Sex

Sunday, April 10th, with Russell, Part 3 of 3
How to Push

Saturday April 24th – Sunday 25th
Two Day Bondage Intensive in Seattle

Sunday May 2nd
When Things go Wrong – What to do and What to learn

(Max is also presenting in Atlanta, March 26 – March 28.)

The last of my rope will be delivered to me tomorrow at class. The pre-fab rope kits for class were not what I wanted. I wanted PINK but we couldn’t get that custom order concocted. So, I went with Statutory Grape, which as it turns out, matches my new boots. Anyway. The crew at Twisted Monk are really helping me out with my color whims, and I am very, very grateful.

Just purchased the last of my things from the list: four carabiners. Because it was close by, I stopped at Second Ascent in Ballard for these last bits. I went in with my little pages printed from Max’s list on the Web, but obviously I did not know much about what I was shopping for. And there were dozens to choose from hanging on the wall behind the counter. So the boys behind the counter were all helpful and making inquires to get me the correct carabiners for my adventures. “So, how are you going to use these?” the cute boy asked.

I took a moment to consider: how much do I disclose here? and then said, “Hang people.”

“Suspension bondage,” I finished up.

And he paused for a moment then said, “Oh. We get a lot of people in here shopping for that. But most of them don’t say that’s what they are doing.” And we proceeded to choose the gear I would need.

I promised to send them photos.

Rope by Twisted Monk. Photo by me.

There is A LOT of rope required for Max’s class, at least 265 feet all told–easily enough to satisfy Monk’s minimum order size requirements for custom color. And I just think pink is the way to go.