For I know the plans I have for you

I’m beginning to think I should build a new collection of toys instead of having everything shipped from New York. Who knows what could get lost somewhere in the strange world of FedEx, you know?

Okay, subtlety has never been my strong point. But come on, I’ve spent most of my life talking about kink 24/7, I really shouldn’t be expected to stop now. So come and chat with me before I lose my mind of boredom… What should I buy first?

You build toys, Miss? Having them delivered might seem easier, but I know I always enjoy things more if I have to work for them. It’s well worth the hassle, if you ask me!

This is something I never thought I’d say, but I could use a rainy day. Something to cool things down and take the sting out of this heat. And now with my exams being done a rainy day would be a perfect excuse to be lazy, curled up in one of those leather club chairs or sofas in the home theatre and watching something on the big screen tv. I hope all the new residents, volunteers, mentors and donors have had the opportunity to take advantage of the home theatre room so far. If not maybe you’ll join me on the next rainy day?

I think there’s a point in every Summer where we all start longing for Fall weather... at least those of us who like it! I won’t mind a few more weeks of heat and sun, though. I like my seasons... well, seasonal! But I’ll definitely join you in the theater room if there’s a rainy day soon. I haven’t been in it yet, so I’m curious to see how it is!

There is nothing quite like waking up in your own bed after you’ve been away for a while.  Not that hotel beds are always uncomfortable, but sometimes there is just something you can’t quite put your finger on, that doesn’t exactly feel the same.  Now judging by the paperwork that has fluttered across my desk in the last two weeks, things have been busy here at Harborage, and there are some new faces in many different capacities.  Welcome to all of you, I’m Mia and I hope you’ll forgive me for being away when you arrived.  I do hope all of you will take a moment and stop by the front offices at Harborage and introduce yourselves over the next couple of days.

Welcome back, Miss! I hope your trip was nice. Was it a vacation, or was it for work, if you don’t mind me asking?

Yeahhh, faith isn’t my strong suit.

Yeah, I feel you, on all of that.  There aren’t that many subs here, but it seems like they all get along.  It’s been a long time since I had friends that were subs, and it’s really nice, to be honest.  And I totally get feeling weird about the lack of supervision and such.  I mean, it makes sense, we’re all adults.  But the first couple times it felt weirdly rebellious to leave the house without getting someone’s permission first.

It’s so good to have friends. Any friends! But I reckon it’s easier to talk to subs sometimes. Dominants can be kind and sweet, of course, but I always feel like I need to behave around them. Like I shouldn’t bother them, I guess. So it’s good to have other subs around!

You know, that’s actually a really logical assumption, but no, that’s not how it works.  Switches just kind of… do both?  Sometimes I feel like a sub, sometimes I feel like a Dom.  It can depend on who I’m with, for sure, if someone is acting submissive I’m more likely to want to be dominant, and vice versa, but it isn’t just who I’m with.  It can also depend on the day of the week, the weather in Dubai, and what kind of cereal I ate for breakfast.  Some switches lean heavily one way or another, some go back and forth a lot.

And when I say actively dominating, I mean, like, we’re in a scene, we agreed upon it.  You decided to submit to me, I am giving you orders, etc.  As opposed to, you know, just a conversation.  

So, I take it you don’t have a lot of experience with this?  No judgment, just a question.

That sounds... a bit confusing to me, but it’s good you can be what you feel like when you feel like it. I reckon that’s what’s really important at the end of the day, being allowed to be who we are. Whatever makes us happy.

You’re probably right, but given that I can’t actually escape my own consciousness in order to test it, how can I be sure?

It’s pretty informal, as clubs go.  I’m pretty sure it’s just Bryce trying to get all the subs to hang out.  Well, the subs and Sam, he’s a switch, but he pretty much only ever subs, so we let him come.  Last time we had a “meeting” we just went to a bar and danced and stuff.  It was pretty fun.

Oh, well, you can’t really. You’ve just got to have faith, that’s all. 

There’s not a wrong way to do it, really, so I think you’re doing just fine. 

Hello, Temperance. My name is Talia Kessler, and I am a Domme. I’m a bit new here myself as well. I hope you’re settling in well so far. Now, just what is it that you can do, food and flower wise, because I find myself lacking in both.

It’s so nice to meet you, Miss. I am settling in well, thank you - everyone’s awfully kind here, and the Home couldn’t be nicer. Are you enjoying it here so far, Miss?

Well, people were pretty nice to me despite my crippling awkwardness, so it worked out okay.

It’s really nice here, honestly.  Everyone is really welcoming and encouraging.  If nothing else, Bryce is going to recruit you for the sub club. 

I reckon awkwardness is a lot like most things, you know - looks bigger the closer you are to it. And nobody’s closer to your own awkwardness than yourself, so it looks huge to you, but other people probably don’t even see it. Like a nose pimple. That’s what I tell myself anyway.

I don’t even know what Ravelry is, but I know Pinterest is going to suck you in and never let you go.  

Only a couple weeks, I’m a newb too.  And nobody really calls me Sir unless I’m actively dominating them, usually, so there’s no need.  Just call me Sean.

Sean, then, of course, I’ll remember that. I just- I don’t think I know what you mean, actively Dominating. I hope you don’t mind me asking - I haven’t met many Switches, so I don’t... know how it goes. I figured you were Dominant when talking to subs, and submissive when talking to Dominants, but now I’m not so sure anymore.

Golden raisons are my preferred variety. Have you ever tried them on pizza? Depending on other toppings, they add a lovely punch of sweetness.

I do enjoy the outdoors a great deal. You don’t grow up with the near perfection that is Southern California weather and want to be stuck inside. But my work schedule often means that I may only wander to the Home’s grounds on the weekends or some evenings. 

Never tried them on pizza, Miss, but I can imagine it and I think I’d like it! What are your favorite toppings to go with it? Maybe next time you come to Harborage I could make one for you - a little taste of home away from home.

Willy warmers? That’s hilarious!

Ah, damn. Well depending on the type of beer I’m sure it tastes good anyway. And hey, you don’t have to send me samplers of every dish but I sure won’t say no. Just uh…don’t put yourself out. Yeah?

Nah, I haven’t worked that many jobs since getting here but the rotations don’t change all that often. I think that’s because Tucker must think it gives the residents a sense of stability. Plus I have a job and he takes it easier on those who have a paying job.

There’s plenty to do outside here in Fair Grove. Just have to mind the heat. Like, do you like hiking?

Oh, don’t worry, Bryce! That’s awfully sweet of you to say, but I know the sampling is just for fun, not an order. I still think you’ll get tired of eating my food before I get tired of cooking it!

Mr. Warner is a kind man. And a smart one, too - if he thinks that, I bet it’s with good reason. And that’s exciting! What do you do, Bryce? Did Mr. Warner help you find the job, or did you have it already when you first arrived?

Georgia, hmm. Well that explains the peaches. 

And I’m from the west coast, Los Angeles to be exact, so the only time I’ve heard y’alls there have been on set.

The zen gardens are quite lovely. The few times I’ve actually been on the home’s grounds, I’ve always made it point to enjoy them. 

California! So do you like raisins, Miss, just like I like peaches? 

It’s not so much I don’t like it, it’s just…I have a problem with Dominants, so it’s like. It’s flattering, but also I’m not one and I’m very okay with that.

Infinite scrolling?? … Does Pinterest do dirty stuff?

Yeah Funyuns are so not as good as onion rings. I don’t think I’ve ever had beer-battered ones though. Do you use actual beer in the batter? Is it meant to get people drunk? Yeah, I think we will too. If you ever have any food that needs a taste tester, you shoot me a message.

Eh, Tucker had me doing landscaping for a while and I hated being outside in the heat and doing the mowing and stuff. That was even before summer hit so I do not envy you. I did hear they started like a composting thing or an organic garden or something like that…did you see that yet?

Dirty stuff? Oh, I don’t-- can’t say I’ve searched, Bryce, but I bet! I know I’ve seen crochet patterns to make willy warmers. I don’t know if that’s the kinda dirty you’re asking for, but it sure ain’t clean.

I’ll have to make some for you. There is beer in the batter, but the alcohol goes away with the heat, so no risk of getting drunk! I reckon I should start sending you a plate of every new dish I cook before I make it for everyone else. Let you decide what goes on the menu and what’s not good enough.

Thank you. By the way, you really don’t have to call me Miss unless you actually want to. I wouldn’t go that far, but I do love to sing.

Oh - I want to call you whatever you prefer, Miss. Or, Marley. I shouldn’t be the one to choose that. I’ll be happy to use whichever you like.

Thank you, Sir! I’m very glad you liked them, and it’s awfully kind of you to tell me - peaches are my favorite fruit, so I’d have them in every meal if I could get away with it. 

I’m Temperance, by the way, it’s so nice to meet you. I’ll be working in the kitchen, so if you ever have a craving, please let me know! I’ve seen some Mentors teach classes around here, do you teach any of them, Sir?