Tag: M/s

8:10 AM

Probably rolling over already, staring up at the outrigger on the bed or the ceiling; shut the alarm before or when it goes off. Up and at ‘em!  Well, up and into proper Unleashing Position. Detangle self from blanket on the floor and hit the leash/unleash request button on the pager transmitter while I get in position.  Mistress comes in and unclips the leash from my collar. 

She unleashes me and bids me good morning, giving me permission to speak. I ask permission to go to the bathroom (in the proper format), and she grants it.

“Thank you, Mistress.”

She leaves, and I get up to do that, put on my daily uniform (having slept nude), and wash up, take meds, etc.

Then I go for a one mile meditative walk around the block (notifying her I’m leaving the house before I go, and taking my phone with me for her to track).

When I get back, I see to morning service tasks.  Open the right blinds, turn on the right lights, open a set of windows if it’s nice. Do a quick tidy of the house, setting everything back in its place. Make the bed (remember the hospital corners), add a linen spray (and in my office, and on the couches), and fold up my blanket. Prepare another pot of coffee to be turned on later. Check on the plants’ and the cats’ needs.

9:20 AM

Make brunch. On the table, set properly, at 9:30. Hit the downstairs pager transmitter button for mealtimes and get into Waiting Position behind my assigned chair.  Mistress comes downstairs and, since she likes me at the table at meals but I can’t sit on the furniture around her without permission, or even ask, she checks my position for things like finger placement (hands clasped behind back, right over left, right thumb over left thumb), says, “You may sit.” We have brunch and talk, and after, I clean up immediately. If I’m making a slow cooking dinner entree, I start it, and usually do a few other chores.

10:29 AM

Morning inspection in one minute. I get into position in the bedroom—standing, legs apart, hands clasped behind my head. Mistress checks over my morning service tasks, and me, and my uniform, the position, my timeliness, everything, and—usually—lets me know I did well. I rub in sunscreen for her, and the morning is done.

Daytime

See to any tasks scheduled on a weekly or less frequent basis.

Weekly tasks look like this:

Sunday: Double check on restocking items throughout household, go grocery shopping.

Monday: 4 PM sex, take a shower (I frequently group those together), clean cat box (I usually do this with morning chores.)

Tuesday: Deeper cleaning in the kitchen (I usually group this with brunch cleanup); at 4 PM, give Mistress a pedicure.

Wednesday: Clean cat box, deeper cleaning in bathrooms, we play ping pong (this happens after dinner).

Thursday: I take out all of the trash, put the trash bins down to the curb (usually as part of morning chores), and do extra laundry. 4PM sex, take a shower.

Friday: Maintenance discipline (after brunch, grouped with morning inspection), bring trash bins up from curb, do weekly review, clean cat box.

Saturday: My mom comes over for dinner. Floor cleaning/dusting/surface cleaning/furniture cleaning.

There are also monthly, quarterly tasks, so on, and little things that come up.

Calendar events might include hosting for Las Vegas TNG or teaching for SlaveClass (and there are tasks related to this as well).

Probably writing otherwise. Might do butler school coursework.

Basically, free time, maybe errands or company if permitted, probably grab lunch or a snack at some point. 

4:45 PM

Somewhere as early as 4:45 and as late as 5:45 (if finishing off something slow cooking), cook dinner.  There might have been afternoon baking for it, too.  

Dinner on the table at 6, table set properly, hit the transmitter button, get into Waiting Position in place. Same deal as brunch. She checks the position and grants me permission to sit. We eat and talk a bunch; I clean up, make sure there’s coffee prepped for morning, and shut down the downstairs when I’m done/when I go upstairs for the night.

9:35 PM 

Shut down/turn down the upstairs. Turn down the bed, set out the nightly turndown card. Fill the humidifier. Unfold my blanket on the floor. Undress.

Evening inspection at 9:45.

I stand in position in the bedroom, Mistress checks over my evening service tasks, and me, the position, my timeliness, all of it again, and, usually, lets me know I did well.

Then, I get her lotion for the night and rub it in for her. After that, I get into Leashing Position and get leashed for the night.

We probably talk or cuddle. She’ll leave or get into bed; I make sure to message my mom goodnight. 

I set my alarms, write my slave journal entry, charge my electronics, take my meds, and shut my laptop.

Then, time for sleep.

We talked about the weight—or the perceived lack thereof—of decision making as a slave the other day. 

Mistress pointed out that for many s-types, outsourcing the decision, so to speak, to their left side of the slash counterpart, relieves decision fatigue, anxiety about the consequences of that choice, and the feeling of responsibility.

But for me, it doesn’t, really. Even if she makes the decision and I have no right to argue—and I don’t—I still feel responsible. I still feel the need to think my way through the decision as if I was going to make it myself—even if it has to be after the fact. I might not come up with anything more than, “Well, Mistress said so,” or trust in her general judgment, but the thought process is still there, seeing if that is the only reason. I still feel responsible for the outcome, even if my only part in it was the decision, a long time ago, to submit. I still feel like—as a service—I should think through it to make sure she’s not missing anything she might want to know. I still have that standing at the crossroads feeling. 

She pointed out that this appeared to contradict my usual perspective on internal enslavement. Usually, I said that, at this point and for a long time now, I could not, psychologically, purposefully choose something that violated her will. But no, this still lined up for me, and I explained it like this: 

So I’m standing at a fork in the road. One clear, sunny path leads to the obedient action. The other path—to disobedience—is shrouded in fog. The clear path is the obvious best choice, the one I normally happily continue down. But, even just mentally pondering the foggy path, it’s like wandering into that thick fog and constantly getting turned around. I always end up back where I started like ultimately bouncing off a force field. If I could see the path clearly, I’d notice that it dead ends in a few feet. But sometimes I don’t see or remember that it’s a dead end. But I start to dissociate, and thoughts swirl in that fog, too much to continue down that path. Because of that guarantee, that the fog is too thick, there isn’t really a path there at all, no matter the apparent intersection. And so I go wander down the clear path again. 

This made sense to her. The decision sometimes seemed like it could be mine, regardless of the truth, if I could just get through that fog. But the fog makes sure there’s nothing for me on the other side of it. And I normally don’t even notice the foggy path as an option; certainly going down it doesn’t frequently occur to me. 

But, the sheer fogginess of that path, the guarantee of a dead end, scares some people as a description. I see why. Free will is something a lot of people hold dear enough to never be willing to give up. I get it. But I don’t feel scared by it much. I hold that will dearly, too, and I didn’t hand it over lightly. But I know whom I gave it to and trust her like I would trust myself.

That’s all I need to know when I’m noticing the fog at the fork in the road. 

Entrees

Pot Roast

Season boneless chuck roast, four to five pounds (salt/pepper/paprika), sear on all sides (optional).  Add water to cover, pound of baby carrots, three to four cups tomato sauce, and simmer in pot on stove or crock pot on high with liner for six to eight hours, stirring now and then.  Try to break apart large pieces of meat. Serve on top of boiled egg noodles if desired. 

Salmon

Cut desired fillets; season with salt and pepper (and as desired—garlic powder is good). Optional: allow to come to room temperature (about twenty minutes). Heat drizzle of oil and about one tablespoon butter in nonstick skillet on medium high heat. Cook salmon for about five minutes; sear on all sides, then flip; cook on other side about five minutes.

Baked Ziti

Preheat oven 350*F.  Cook and drain one box/a pound of penne pasta (or comparable pasta of choice).  Decase, brown, and crumble one pack Italian sausage, add jar (three to four cups) of tomato sauce to heat.  Combine sauce, pasta, and sausage in 9×13 glass pan, and sprinkle on shredded mozzarella until nearly covered.  Bake fifteen minutes or so.  Serves up to five or so.  Skip sausage for vegetarian version.

Garlic Chicken

Preheat oven 400*F.  Melt quarter cup butter with about twelve cloves crushed, peeled garlic.  Dip boneless skinless chicken breasts (halved) or thighs into butter/garlic sauce, then coat in even mixture of bread crumbs and grated parmesan (with tablespoon or so garlic powder).  Place coated chicken in greased 9×13 glass baking pan.  Bake for about thirty-five minutes or until 165*F in center of chicken.  Serves up to four with two or three pieces of chicken a piece.    

Lemon Chicken

Preheat oven 400*F.  Stir together a quarter cup flour (gluten-free if needed), two tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning, zest of one lemon, some salt and pepper.  Toss boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts (halved) in mixture.  Heat some olive oil in an oven proof skillet. Add chicken and brown on both sides.  Add three tablespoons butter, three quarters cup chicken broth, and one sliced lemon.  Bake about twenty minutes or until 165*F in center of chicken. Serves up to about four with two or three pieces of chicken a piece.    

Pork Chops

Season boneless pork chops with salt and pepper, (optional: then coat in flour).  Heat oil in skillet, and fry pork chops until brown on both sides, and 145*F or above in their center.  Can easily cook for three to four at once.  Goes well with applesauce. 

Pizza Casserole

Preheat oven to 385*F. Lightly grease a 9×13 baking pan. In a bowl, combine 3 1/3 cups Bisquick and two teaspoons garlic powder (or desired seasonings). Stir in one cup water. Divide dough in half. Drop approximately tablespoons of dough across the greased baking pan. Drizzle one cup of tomato sauce on top of dough in pan, then half of any desired toppings (prepared pepperoni, crumbled and browned Italian sausage, etc), and one cup of (finely) shredded mozzarella. Add the other half of the dough, another cup of tomato sauce, the other half of the toppings, and another cup of mozzarella. Bake for about 25 minutes.

Chicken Thighs (or Drumsticks)

Preheat oven to 400*F.  Place bone in skin on chicken thighs (or drumsticks) in glass baking dish, making sure skin covers meat.  Season with salt, pepper, rosemary, and thyme.  Cook for an hour-ish, until 165*F in center of chicken.  Serves about one person per two or three pieces of chicken.

Pan Steaks

Allow steaks to rest at room temperature for thirty to sixty minutes.  Pat dry, season generously with salt and pepper.  Heat oil in skillet on medium-high.  Sear steaks a few minutes on both sides, flip and cook to desired doneness.  Optional: shortly before done, add a few tablespoons of butter, and spoon butter over steaks. 

Stir Fry Style Chicken/Steak/Pork

Cut boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs (or steak, or pork) into about one inch cubes.  Heat a drizzle of olive oil in wok or skillet on medium high.  Add meat, season with salt and pepper as desired, cook to 165*F in center of chicken pieces (or to desired safe temp for steak, over 145*F for pork). Add in some butter near the end if desired. 

Basic Chicken Breast

Pat dry, then flatten, boneless skinless chicken breasts and season with salt and pepper as desired; allow to rest at room temperature about thirty minutes.  Heat oil in skillet on medium high heat.  Cook on both sides to 165*F internal temperature.

Pork Roast

Season boneless pork tenderloin, salt/pepper, sear on all sides (optional).  Add apple juice to cover and one pound of baby carrots.  Simmer in pot on stove or crock pot on high with liner for six to eight hours, stirring now and then, breaking apart large pieces of meat.  

Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Cook egg noodles or desired pasta; meanwhile, peel and mince about one head garlic.  Drain pasta.  In empty pot, heat a generous drizzle of olive oil and two or three tablespoons of butter.  Add garlic, cook until beginning to brown, reduce heat, add pasta back in.  Add grated parmesan cheese to taste and stir thoroughly.  Serve with extra parmesan on top/on the side. 

Baked BBQ Pork

Preheat oven to 400*F. Blot boneless half pork tenderloin dry with paper towels. Rub with brown sugar, paprika, salt, and pepper. Sear on all sides in oven proof skillet. Place in oven and bake about one hour/until pork is 145*F in center. Brush with BBQ sauce about ten minutes before done. Slice and serve with extra sauce.

Crock Pot Chicken

Season boneless, skinless chicken breast to taste (salt/pepper/other). Add chicken broth or water to cover and one pound baby carrots and other desired veggies. Simmer in crock pot on high with liner for six to eight hours, checking chicken is still liquid covered now and then.

Lemon Spaghetti

Cook spaghetti/similar pasta of choice according to directions on box. Meanwhile, combine a drizzle of olive oil, zest of one lemon, and juice of two lemons in a separate skillet. When you’re about to drain the pasta, turn on heat under the skillet to medium. Drain pasta; keep three quarters cup of pasta water. Add pasta and the three quarters cup pasta water to skillet. Toss with six tablespoons of butter, cut into small pieces, and half cup grated parmesan until sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with extra parmesan.

Grated Tomato Sauce and Pasta

Cook penne/similar pasta of choice according to directions on box. Meanwhile, slice a thin round off the bottom of three tomatoes. Over a cutting board, starting at cut end, grate the tomatoes over the largest holes of a grater; discard skin/stem remaining. Transfer grated tomato to bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Peel and mince eight cloves garlic. Heat drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium. Cook garlic until just starting to brown. Reduce heat to medium low, add tomatoes, and simmer, stirring, for above five minutes to thicken. Remove from heat, add two tablespoons butter, and stir until melted. Combine with cooked pasta and serve.

Sides

Mashed Potatoes

Rinse and peel (if desired) potatoes (Russet, Idaho, that sort; about one or two potatoes per person; add a sweet potato if desired, cut to same size).  Cut into sixths or so.  Place in large pot on stove, well covered with salted water.  Simmer for about half hour. Drain water.  Add about one quarter cup of butter, cut into tablespoons or so, more if desired, small splash of milk, and salt.  You can also add minced garlic if desired.  Blend well with hand mixer or potato masher.  Add milk if needed to desired texture. 

Roasted Potatoes

Preheat oven to 400*F.  Rinse about two potatoes per person (Russet, Idaho, golden, red, whatever desired), peel if desired, chop into about one inch pieces. Toss potatoes on baking sheet with large drizzle of olive oil, about two tablespoons melted butter if desired, add salt/pepper. Cook in oven for about an hour, flipping every fifteen minutes.

Roasted Veggies (Assorted)

Preheat oven to 385*F. Rinse, trim, and chop veggies as needed. Spread on lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil (and melted butter if desired), season with salt and pepper (and other desired seasonings), and toss. Put in oven for about 25 minutes, flip/rearrange about halfway through. Finish quickly in hot skillet if desired. Works well with asparagus, broccoli, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and others.

Drop Biscuits

Preheat oven 400*F. Combine one and three-quarter cups flour, one tablespoon baking powder, one teaspoon sugar, and one teaspoon salt. Cut in half cup of cold butter. Mix in three quarter cup milk. Create about twelve scoops of dough on lined baking sheet. Brush with milk, bake until golden, about twenty-two minutes.

Cut Out Biscuits

Preheat oven 450*F.  Combine nine cups flour, three tablespoons baking powder, three tablespoons sugar, three teaspoons salt, and two and a quarter teaspoons cream of tartar.  Cut in two and a quarter cups of cold butter.  Make well in center of bowl, add three cups of milk.  Stir.  Turn dough out onto floured surface, knead, roll to about desired thickness with floured rolling pin (about three quarters of an inch), cut with floured biscuit cutter to rounds (about two and a half inches).  Brush with milk, bake on lined baking sheet until light golden brown, about fifteen minutes.  Freeze leftover rounds until just solid on parchment paper, then store in resealable bag to pop in oven later.   Makes about three dozen. 

Mac and Cheese

Boil salted water.  Add elbow macaroni/pasta of choice.  Cook until done, maybe twelve minutes, drain, set aside.  Melt three tablespoons of butter with a splash of milk.  Stir in eight to twelve slices of American cheese if serving one to four, and small handful shredded cheddar if desired.  Add milk or cheese to desired texture, stir until smooth.  Add pasta back in, stir.

Applesauce

Peel, core, and chop about five pounds of apples.  Add to lined crock pot with large pinch of salt, the juice of one lemon, and one and a half cups water.  Cook in crock pot on high for about three and a half hours, stirring occasionally, or until it reaches desired consistency/taste. Store in fridge.

Challah 

Combine seven cups of flour, one and a half tablespoons active dry yeast, half cup sugar, and one tablespoon salt. Add two cups of water (110*F), and knead until dough is formed. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl. Rub oil on the dough ball, then cover bowl with plastic wrap. Let it rise about forty-five minutes. Then, divide the dough into three. Cover each one in plastic wrap for about twenty-five minutes. Roll each ball into a strand, and create a three-strand braid. Place the braided challah on a lined baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise about forty minutes. Preheat oven to 360*F. Wash the challah with egg yolk wash (two whisked egg yolks). Bake for about forty-five minutes.

Sautéed Bell Peppers

Prep bell peppers (rinse, core, remove seeds and ribs, cut into strips lengthwise). Heat olive oil in skillet over medium high heat. Add bell peppers. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally (allow to char), about ten minutes.

Rustic Bread

Mix three cups warm water (around 110*F), two and a quarter teaspoons active dry yeast, and one tablespoon sugar in large mixing bowl.  Let sit for about five minutes/until bubbly.  Add six cups flour and three teaspoons salt.  Mix until it forms dough.  Cover loosely with plastic wrap. Let rise about three hours.  Preheat oven to 450*F and put an upside down cookie sheet on the top rack.  Fill baking dish with water and place on bottom rack.  Sprinkle flour on counter, turn out dough, fold on itself, and divide in half.  Form two round loaves.  Cut an X on top of each ball.  Place on lightly floured pan, then put pan on top of the cookie sheet in the oven.  Bake about forty minutes.  Internal temp should be above 190*F.  Wait at least a half hour before slicing. 

Desserts

Bakery Style Drop Cookies

Preheat oven to 375*F. Combine three cups flour, one teaspoon baking soda, one teaspoon salt, one tablespoon cornstarch, one cup butter, half cup sugar, one and one quarter cups brown sugar, two teaspoons vanilla, and two eggs. Stir in about two cups of mix ins. (Try: chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, white chocolate chips, nuts, M&Ms, Reese’s Pieces, themed candies/sprinkles, crushed potato chips, crushed pretzels, crushed Oreos.) Place large (~1/4 cup) balls of dough on lined baking sheets. Press extra mix ins on top. Bake about fourteen minutes. Sprinkle with sea salt or extra mix ins if desired. Makes about twelve cookies. Substitute gluten free flour for gluten free cookies. Spread dough evenly in 9×9 greased cake pan and bake until toothpick test passed (about 20 minutes) for blondies. Freeze extra balls of dough on parchment paper until solid, then store in zipper bag to pop in oven later.  

Poached Pears (Or Apples)

Fill a bowl with cold water. Peel, half, and core pears and place them in the bowl. In a pot, combine one and a half cups red wine (or substitute), three quarter cup sugar, two tablespoons lemon juice, zest of one lemon (optional), two teaspoons vanilla, and two teaspoons cinnamon; bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Add the pears and simmer for about ten minutes; flip and simmer for about eight minutes. Serve with ice cream and extra sauce. (For apples—cut large pieces instead of halving; reduce cook time—about seven minutes, flip, six minutes.)

Peanut Butter (Thumbprint) Cookies

Preheat oven to 375*F.  Combine one third cup sugar, half cup brown sugar, one teaspoon baking soda, half teaspoon salt, one and two thirds cup flour, half cup softened butter, three quarters cup creamy peanut butter, one egg, and one teaspoon vanilla.  Create small balls of dough, place spaced out on lined cookie sheet.  Bake until golden brown, about twelve minutes. Makes about two dozen. For “Thumbprint” (optional): Press reservoir into center of each cookie.  Add Nutella, jam, or desired topping to reservoir. (Alternatively: Press reservoir into center of cookie with a few minutes left to bake. Add Rolo, mini Reese’s cup, or similar candy to reservoir, and finish baking.)

Shortbread

Preheat oven to 325*F.  Mix one cup plus two tablespoons powdered sugar, three cups flour, and one and a half cups softened butter. (For “funfetti” shortbread: add sprinkles.) Lightly grease 9×13 baking pan, cover bottom of pan evenly in dough.  Bake until very lightly brown, about twenty-eight minutes. Cut into desired shapes, prick with fork as desired.

Apple Bread

Preheat oven to 350*F.  Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.  Mix one third cup brown sugar, one teaspoon cinnamon, two third cup sugar, one and a half cups flour, one and three quarters teaspoons baking powder, half cup butter, two eggs, one and a half teaspoons vanilla, one tablespoon Nutella, half cup milk, and two apples, peeled and chopped into small/desired size pieces.  Pour into loaf pan.  Bake until toothpick test passed, browned, about forty minutes.

(Vegan) Basic Drop Cookies

Combine two cups flour, one teaspoon baking soda, half teaspoon salt, half cup brown sugar, half cup sugar, half cup canola oil, quarter cup water, two teaspoons vanilla, and desired amount of (vegan) chocolate chips/mix ins. Create large mounds of dough on a lined baking sheet; chill for thirty minutes. Preheat the oven to 375*F. Bake about sixteen minutes. Makes about twelve.

Ice Cream Bread

Preheat oven to 350*F.  Soften four cups of desired regular ice cream.  Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.  Stir 3 cups of self rising flour with ice cream.  Pour mixture into loaf pan and smooth out.  Bake about 50 minutes or until done, toothpick test passed.  (Incorporate toppings, mix ins, or serve with ice cream as desired.) 

Lacy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Preheat oven to 375*F.  Combine one cup Crisco, half cup sugar, one cup brown sugar, two eggs, one cup flour, one teaspoon baking soda, one teaspoon salt, one teaspoon vanilla, two cups oatmeal, and chocolate chips to taste.  Place balls of dough on lined baking sheets and bake until golden brown, about ten minutes.  Makes about two dozen. Substitute gluten free flour for gluten free cookies.

Slutty Brownies

Preheat oven to 350*.  Prepare cookie dough recipe or mix of choice.  Prepare brownie batter recipe or mix of choice.  Grease 9×13 inch cake pan and line bottom with cookie dough.  Place whole Double Stuf Oreos over cookie dough in one layer.  Pour brownie batter evenly over top.  Bake for about forty minutes or until toothpick test passed.  Serve with vanilla ice cream.

Chocolate Crinkles

Preheat oven to 350*F. Combine one half cup unsweetened cocoa powder, one cup sugar, one quarter cup vegetable oil, two eggs, one teaspoon vanilla, one cup flour, one teaspoon baking powder, and half teaspoon salt. Create balls of dough (optional: chill briefly) and roll in powdered sugar. Bake for about twelve minutes. Makes about twelve cookies. Substitute gluten free flour for gluten free cookies.

Sugar Cookies with Frosting

Preheat oven to 375*F. Combine two and a half cups flour, one teaspoon baking soda, half teaspoon baking powder, one and a half cups sugar, one cup butter, one egg, and one teaspoon vanilla. Create balls of dough on lined baking sheet. Bake for about twelve minutes. For frosting: combine six tablespoons butter, three cups powdered sugar, three tablespoons milk, and one teaspoon vanilla. (Adjust consistency with milk/powdered sugar as desired.) Spread on cookies with method of choice; dust with sprinkles if desired.

Skillet Brownie

Preheat oven to 350*F. Grease a 10 inch cast iron skillet. In a bowl, combine three-quarter cup sugar, one and one-quarter cup brown sugar, two cups flour, half cup cocoa powder, one teaspoon salt, three-quarter teaspoon baking soda, one tablespoon vanilla, two eggs, and three-quarter cup butter. Add chocolate chips if desired. Press evenly into skillet. Bake about thirty minutes/until toothpick test passed. Substitute gluten free flour for GF version.

Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies

Preheat oven to 350*F. Combine two cups rolled oats, two-third cup brown sugar, one-third cup sugar, half teaspoon salt, quarter teaspoon baking soda, one cup peanut butter, four tablespoons of butter, two eggs, and desired amount/combo chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, M&M’S, etc. Create balls of dough on lined baking sheet. Bake for about twenty minutes. Gluten-free; makes about two dozen cookies.

Brownie Cookies

Preheat oven to 350*. Combine one and one third cups flour, half teaspoon baking powder, half teaspoon salt, half cup dark unsweetened cocoa powder, one cup sugar, half cup melted butter, three tablespoons vegetable oil, one egg, two teaspoons vanilla, and desired amount of chocolate (and/or peanut butter) chips. Create balls of dough on lined baking sheet. Substitute gluten free flour for gluten free cookies. (Alternatively: skip baking chips. Place one candy—such as a Rolo or mini Reese’s cup—in the middle of each ball of dough, making sure it’s completely covered.) Bake for about fourteen minutes. Makes about fifteen cookies.

Skillet Cookie

Preheat oven to 350*F. Grease a 10 inch cast iron skillet. Combine two and a quarter cups flour, one teaspoon cornstarch, one teaspoon baking soda, half teaspoon salt, three quarter cup butter, one cup brown sugar, one quarter cup sugar, two eggs, two teaspoons vanilla, and about one and a half cups mix ins. Press the dough into the skillet. Optional: sprinkle with sea salt. Bake for about twenty-four minutes.

Hot Cocoa Cookies

Preheat oven to 350*F. Combine one and one third cups flour, one third cup hot cocoa mix, half teaspoon baking soda, half teaspoon salt, half cup butter, half cup sugar, quarter cup brown sugar, one egg, one and a half teaspoons cornstarch, three quarter teaspoon vanilla, and about three quarter cup chocolate chips/mix-ins. Create balls of dough on a lined baking sheet. Chill about fifteen minutes. Bake about fourteen minutes. Makes about sixteen cookies.

Rice Krispie Cookies

Preheat oven to 350*F. Combine half cup butter, half cup sugar, half cup brown sugar, one egg, one teaspoon vanilla, one cup flour, half teaspoon baking powder, half teaspoon baking soda, quarter teaspoon salt, one cup rolled oats, one cup Rice Krispies cereal, and about one cup chocolate chips/desired mix ins. Create balls of dough on a lined baking sheet. Bake about twelve minutes.

Soft Peanut Butter Cookies

Preheat oven to 350*F. Combine one and one quarter cup flour, half teaspoon baking powder, half teaspoon baking soda, quarter teaspoon salt, half cup butter, half cup sugar, one third cup brown sugar, one egg, one cup peanut butter, three quarter teaspoon vanilla, half cup peanut butter chips, and desired amount of mix-ins (especially peanut butter M&Ms). Create large balls of dough on lined baking sheets and chill for twenty minutes. Bake for about twenty minutes. Makes about eighteen cookies.

Chewy Oatmeal Cookies

Preheat oven to 350*F. Combine one and a half cups flour, one teaspoon baking soda, one teaspoon salt, one cup butter, one cup brown sugar, half cup sugar, one egg, two teaspoons vanilla, three cups oats, and about two cups mix ins. Create very large balls of dough (~1/4 cup) on lined baking sheets. Chill for twenty minutes. Bake for about fourteen minutes. Makes about fifteen cookies.

Breakfast

(See several recipes above as well.)

Pancakes (Waffles, and More)

Combine one cup flour, one tablespoon sugar, one and a half teaspoons baking powder, one quarter teaspoon salt, one egg, one cup milk, two tablespoons butter (melted). Heat additional butter in pan on medium high heat. Add batter (desired size/amount of pancakes). Add any desired mix ins (blueberries, chocolate chips, etc.) Cook until light brown on bottom, just barely bubbling on top. Flip. Cook another minute or two until light brown on bottom. (For waffles, add batter to waffle maker according to appliance instructions.) Serve with syrup, butter, or whatever is desired. Makes approximately pancakes/waffles for two. (For pancake bites: preheat oven 375*F. Pour pancake batter into greased or lined mini muffin pan. Bake about ten minutes.)

Scrambled Eggs (with Wilted Spinach)

Crack an egg into a small bowl. Add a tiny splash of milk and whisk until just combined. Melt about a tablespoon of butter in a small pan over medium high heat. Add contents of bowl to the pan. Once edges are just solid, scrape with rubber spatula and mix. (Add a small handful of baby spinach and mix.) Season with salt and pepper. Mix for about another minute and serve.

Energy Balls

Combine one and a half cup oats, half cup peanut butter (or desired nut butter), one third cup honey or maple syrup, and half cup chocolate chips (or other mix ins). Optional: about two tablespoons of hemp/flax/chia/similar seeds. Combine, shape into balls, refrigerate in sealed container.

Beverage/Related

Hot Cocoa/Chocolate Milk Mix

Combine one and one-quarter cup powdered sugar, three quarter cup cocoa powder, one and a quarter cups dried milk, one teaspoon cornstarch, one teaspoon salt. Use about ¼ cup of powder per cup of liquid.

Chocolate Spoons

Melt chocolate chips/candy melts in microwave, about thirty seconds at a time, stirring. Pour melted chocolate into spoon mold; smooth out. Freeze. Remove spoons from mold carefully, store in airtight container in freezer. 

Peppermint Spoons

Unwrap starlight mints/candy canes/peppermint candy. Place in closed bag and crush into basically powder with mallet/method of choice. Pour crushed candy into spoon mold, overflowing a little. Bake at 350*F for about 8 minutes, until candy has melted. Let cool/harden. Store in airtight container at room temperature.

As vowed in the Blood Oath, this contract is an agreement to a Mistress/slave dynamic. Kate and Hannah are married, with Hannah as the homemaker; Hannah is Kate’s owned and collared slave.

This contract supersedes all other versions of this contract as of the date it is published. This document will be considered published when it has been printed out and signed by Kate and Hannah. At that time, it is considered officially in effect and remains so until and unless replaced.

Exclusivity

This contract applies to Kate and Hannah only.

Hannah agrees to be monogamous. This means no power exchange, romance, kinky play, cohabitating, or sexual activity with other people.

Kate is free to engage with others, bearing in mind the rest of this contract and safe sex practices.

Schedule and Routine

Daily

Each day, at Hannah’s convenience, the following tasks should be completed or checked on.

• Fetch and sort the mail/loose papers on a regular schedule.
• Generally keep agreed upon areas of the house, car, and property clean and tidy.
• Collect, wash, dry, and put away the laundry, following Kate’s guidelines; wash everything on a reasonable schedule; maintain any needed mending.
• Keep surfaces, floors, and furniture clean/handle dusting.
• See to any needed deep cleaning.
• Take out the trash as needed.
• Alert Kate to any home maintenance issues or handle minor ones.
• Ensure the cats’ litter box is clean; alert Kate to any possible vet issues.
• Restock items in the household as needed on a reasonable schedule.
• Maintain her slave journal.
• Masturbate and orgasm (at least 3x per week). (Note: Hannah needs Kate’s permission to orgasm when engaged with her.)

Morning

• Wake up by 8:15 AM. Morning Ritual with Kate (including unleashing, folding her slave furs, maintenance spanking, and stretching.)
• Dress in her Uniform.
• Make the bed (according to guidelines).
• Adjust blinds, lights, windows, and scents. Generally wake up the house.
• Water plants as needed, and see to the cats’ food and water.
• Serve brunch at 9:40 AM, table and food to Kate’s preferences.
• The kitchen must be cleaned immediately after brunch is complete. (Dishes must be done by hand.)

Evening

• Serve dinner at 6 PM, table and food to Kate’s preferences.
• The kitchen must be cleaned immediately after dinner is complete. (Dishes must be done by hand.)
• Shut all usual window coverings and lights; shut all windows and lock all exterior doors. Generally shut down the house.
• Turn down the bed; lay out turndown card; unfold her slave furs.
• Fill the humidifier (humidifier should be kept clean).
• Be ready for the morning.
• Be ready for Inspection at 9. Go to bed no earlier than 10:30 PM.

Weekly

• Every Sunday, Kate and Hannah will do a scene.
• Every Tuesday, Hannah will offer Kate personal service options at 4PM. Hannah will leave the house approximately from after morning inspection to 4PM to give Kate introvert time.
• Every Wednesday, Hannah will handle shopping.
• Every Thursday, Hannah will put the outdoor trash cans down by the curb. Hannah will send Kate the calendar items for the next week.
• Every Friday, sex at a time to be determined day of.
• Every Saturday, Hannah will bring the trash cans up the driveway. Kate and Hannah will complete their weekly reviews.

Monthly

• Ensure the air filters get changed.
• See to any needed leather care.
• Handle budget items on specified days.

Quarterly

• Wash all accessible windows and mirrors.
• Change HEPA prefilters.
• Rotate the mattress.
• Change toothbrushes/toothbrush heads.
• Ensure the sliding door gets maintained.
• Sharpen knives.
• Ensure the treadmill is oiled/maintained.

Annually/Other

• Have less accessible windows professionally cleaned.
• Clean walls as reasonable.
• Maintain household safety features.
• Get the vacuum serviced.
• Change HEPA filters.
• Deep clean the dryer vent.
• Ensure the cats go to the vet and groomer.
• Have the car serviced and detailed.
• Have a home inspection once every five years.
• Effort must be made to be together on birthdays and major holidays, and observe traditions as set in the past.

Permissions

Hannah is required to have Kate’s permission to do any of the following:

• Showering, when Kate is home/present.
• Inviting people over, when Kate is home/present.
• Uploading photos, deleting photos, or setting a profile photo on her personal FetLife account.
• Leaving the house for any reason other than getting the mail or going for a short walk.
• Using the bathroom anytime before Evening Inspection, when Kate is home/present and awake. (If in vanilla company, she will use the Bathroom Request Hand Signal. Kate will answer subtly/nonverbally.)
• Making a phone or video call when Kate is home/present (Hannah will notify her when no longer on the call). If she receives a call, she may answer, and will notify Kate as soon as possible.
• Playing music/audio in the house or car without headphones, when Kate is home/present.
• Making changes to her routine medications.

Rules

• Hannah will complete any tasks that Kates gives her, to the best of her ability, before they are due, with a positive attitude.
• Hannah may not unfriend anyone on her personal FetLife account; she may, however, unfollow.
• Hannah may not change the thermostat setting.
• Hannah may not create an account on any standard social media platform.
• Hannah may not be answerable to someone who is not Kate (ex: have a job).
• Hannah will archive, not delete, emails unless they are explicitly spam.
• Hannah may not use tobacco, nicotine, marijuana, vaping, alcohol, or smoking products.
• Hannah will follow all mentioned guidelines verbally set by Kate.
• Hannah will not use baby powder.
• Hannah will not own any pets. The cats belong to Kate.
• Hannah will not lock interior doors (she may lock the bathroom when company is present).
• Orders that Hannah receives from other kink aware people are to be redirected to Kate for approval.
• Hannah will speak respectfully and honestly to Kate at all times.
• Hannah will answer any message, call, or summons from Kate requiring response as soon as she can. She will make sure that she can be immediately reached via Element and Walkie Talkie on her Apple Watch.
• Hannah will notify Kate when she is leaving the house, and notify Kate when she is returning, if she has been gone longer than twenty minutes. She will generally keep Kate informed of her plans. She will allow Kate to track her location and Health data via her Apple Watch.
• Hannah will park the car in the shade, and refuel before hitting 1/4 tank, if possible.
• Hannah will be responsible for interacting with delivery people and answering the door.
• Bedtime ritual/nighttime leashing protocols are as follows: Hannah will generally be leashed for the night at 10:30PM. If Kate is asleep or out of the house when it’s time for bedtime leashing, Hannah may leash herself. Hannah may remove the leash for a few minutes if needed, and will releash herself upon returning if she does, unless told otherwise. Hannah will generally be unleashed for the morning at 8:15 AM. If Kate is asleep when it’s time for morning unleashing, Hannah will wake her; if Kate is out of the house at that time, Hannah may unleash herself. Leashing or unleashing by Kate will be done in Leashing Position. Hannah will sleep nude on the floor at the foot of the bed and must sleep with a stuffie.

Without Vanilla Company Protocols

• When in Kate’s presence and not standing, Hannah will assume her General Kneeling Position next to Kate. She will ask Kate’s permission before changing position on the floor. She will not sit on the furniture or ask Kate’s permission to, unless directed by Kate. This does not apply to the bed. She will wait behind her chair in Waiting Position before meals.
• Before leaving Kate’s presence, Hannah will ask if there’s anything else she can do to be of service. If yes, she will do so first. When there is nothing else, she will ask for permission to leave (proper format). If granted, she will curtsy before she leaves.
• When entering Kate’s office, if she requires Kate’s attention, Hannah will ring the pager button doorbell, and wait for Kate to acknowledge her. She will not ring the doorbell or enter if the nightlight closest to Kate’s office is off.
• If Hannah enters a space Kate is in and does not make eye contact, it will be assumed that she is passing through, and she may waive the exit protocols.
• Hannah will respond to orders with, “Yes, Mistress,” unless it would be disruptive to the conversation. Response will be based on intention, not phrasing. 
• Hannah will respond to permission or favor grants or denials with, “Thank you, Mistress,” unless it would be disruptive to the conversation. Response will be based on intention, not phrasing. 
• Hannah will respond to praise or critiques with, “Thank you, Mistress,” unless it would be disruptive to the conversation. Response will be based on intention, not phrasing. 
• Hannah will address Kate as Mistress whenever clearly appropriate.
• When asking for a permission, Hannah will use “may” (not “can”), always say please, and address Kate as Mistress, unless it would be disruptive to the conversation.
• Hannah will wait for Kate to initiate interactions/speak only when spoken to. She may then assume permission to speak for the duration of that interaction. If she needs to request permission to speak, she will use Speech Request Position.

Positions and Hand Signals

• General Kneeling Position: kneeling where directed, knees apart, big toes crossed in back (right over left), hands folded at small of back (right over left, right thumb over left thumb) unless in use, back straight. Ideal transition to kneeling: place hands in position, lower slowly to both knees at once, keeping the back straight, without wobbling, then spread knees/shift to position. Ideal transition back to standing: close knees, kneel up, stand one leg at a time, keeping the back straight and hands in position, without wobbling. (Permission must be obtained before shifting out of this position on floor.)
• Leashing Position: General Kneeling Position, but with leash across both palms, hands resting on thighs (or offering), hair/head out of the way, collar o-ring in front. (Permission must be obtained before shifting out of this position on floor.)
• Inspection Position: standing in front of Kate, legs spread, hands clasped behind head, head/eyes straight, back straight.
• Waiting Position: standing where directed, legs together, hands folded at small of back, right over left, right thumb over left thumb, back straight, head/eyes down.
• Presenting Object Position: “General Kneeling Position”, but with object across both palms, hands resting on thighs (or offering), head/eyes down. Always used when offering maintenance/discipline wand.
• Curtsy (ideal): from neutral/standing, back straight, lower head and eyes, grip hem of shirt on both sides between thumb and index finger and pull it slightly out with pinkies extended, place ball of right foot behind left heel, briefly bend at the knees, straighten, place feet back to neutral, release hem, raise head and eyes slightly.
• Speech Request Hand Signal: wrists crossed in front against the waist (or where visible), fists closed. (Remain silent until/unless permission is obtained.)
• Bathroom Request Hand Signal: tap Kate’s knee three times.
• Note: while not codified, Kate uses variations of several hand signals such as Permission To Speak (opening fist with palm up) and Sit/Kneel (pointing at spot with index finger and moving finger down). These may be treated the same as a verbal signal within reasonable interpretation.

Uniform

For Hannah’s daily Uniform, she will wear her assigned black top, black crew socks, black leggings, purple plaid skirt, black compression top, black underwear, collar, smart watch, and wedding ring. Watch and wedding ring may be removed and set nearby for tasks such as doing dishes. Shoes, if worn, will be the assigned black boots. She may choose her own jackets and bags, and use bathrobes, sunglasses, aprons, masks, bandages, headphones, other medicalwear, and gloves as reasonable, unless told otherwise. She will wear the assigned purple hair bow in the back and may remove it as practical. She may remove clothing as needed to swim or bathe.

Hannah will sleep nude, except for her collar/leash and wedding ring. After Evening Inspection, she may wear her assigned white nightgown and the white hair bow in the back.

Her clothes should generally look neat, be in good repair, and fit well. She will shower at least every other day and shave any body hair about once a week (informing Kate whether or not she will be doing so when she asks permission to shower), keep her bangs at a reasonable length, and keep her nails short. Kate will inspect Hannah’s job of shaving immediately after each time she does so, in Inspection Position. Her hair will be left down. She should maintain a neat, clean, and polished appearance; light/natural looking cosmetics may be used.

Hannah may add, remove, or change out Uniform clothing items without prior permission if it is necessary to maintain a vanilla facade.  She will notify Kate of it as soon as reasonable.

Any other obviously visible changes must be approved.

Daily Inspections

Each day after brunch cleanup is complete, Kate will ensure that Hannah’s morning services were adequately completed, and let her know the results either way, handling punishment if necessary. She will inspect Hannah and her uniform in Inspection Position (Hannah should be waiting in position in the bedroom and inform Kate when she is ready).

Each day at 9 PM, Kate will ensure that Hannah’s evening services were adequately completed, and let her know the results either way, handling punishment if necessary. She will inspect Hannah nude in Inspection Position. (Hannah should be waiting in position, undressed, in the bedroom at 9. She may remind Kate if needed.)

Punishment

Hannah is subject to being punished by Kate, for violation of any of the terms of this contract and at Kate’s discretion. Hannah is expected to self report as soon as possible. When Kate decides that Hannah should be punished, she will make sure to do so at the earliest opportunity, and communicate clearly that is what is happening and why, and discuss how the problem can be fixed and prevented.

Light Slave Duty

Light Slave Duty is the term used to describe a period of time when Hannah will have reduced duties due to illness, etc. Hannah may request Light Slave Duty, or request to be off of Light Slave Duty. Kate will decide when Light Slave Duty is in effect, and communicate this to Hannah.

While in effect, “Inspections” and “Schedule and Routine” items may be skipped. In the case of travel, leashing may be skipped and provided sleeping arrangements may be used.

Facing Issues

Both agree to raise issues verbally for small issues, and in writing for more involved issues.  The written report will include what happened to trigger the report, how it made the person feel, why they felt that way, what can be done to make it better right now, and what needs to be true for this to not happen again.  The issue will be raised as soon as possible within reason.

Understanding

As vowed in the Blood Oath, the dynamic follows a total irrevocable consent model of M/s, and Hannah will not invoke safewords, limits, rights, relationship termination, or any other form of refusal.  This contract is a tool to communicate the current understandings and cannot be “enforced” from Hannah’s side.  Kate may verbally make exceptions to, add to, remove, or change its contents between published versions, and will endeavor to maintain the overall integrity of the agreement as a matter of honor rather than due to enforceability.  If Kate chooses to dissolve the dynamic, she agrees to do so in a reasonable manner after due communication, and be open to ongoing discussion on further agreements.

Dinner is on the table at six as always.  Lemon chicken and corn, lemons courtesy of the neighbors and their tree.  I send the requisite, Dinner is ready, Mistress, and wait in the standard position.  (Since then, we’ve gotten a pager system that covers this message.) 

Now that the house is silent after the bubbling of things on the stove and the hum of the oven, I can hear what sounds distinctly like the breathing of a sleeping person upstairs.

None of the usual sounds of motion come in response.

Still, I hold the required position and wait for several minutes in case I’m wrong.  Legs together, back straight, head and eyes down, hands behind my back, hands clasped right over left, right thumb over left thumb—every detail down. 

But eventually, feeling sure enough, I do a quiet check upstairs. Mistress is fast asleep.  Presumably not wanting to be woken. 

I go back down and eat, have moved from the table and cleared only an item or two when Mistress comes downstairs and sits.  So I approach; she grants, “You may sit,” and I do; she starts to eat and after a moment or two orders, “Entertain me.” 

So I start to tell her about whatever comes to mind, prep I’m doing for classes I’m teaching soon, things I’m adding to my website.  

She says, “You may get me more coffee,” and hands me her coffee cup.

I say, “Yes, Mistress,” to the order, and go do so, return.

“You may sit.”

So I sit and continue. 

She eats most of the corn and a few bites of chicken, stands and starts to wander off while I’m still talking, so I cut to the (at the time) requisite offer of a post dinner snack to have at hand upstairs.

She says yes, requests some of the cookies I made from scratch yesterday, ice cream with shell topping and sprinkles, and continues upstairs.  “Yes, Mistress.”  I prep the tray for her and bring it up, set it on her desk.  

“Would you like to go places?” she asks, offering permission to leave. 

I nod.

“Come give me a kiss; then you may go places.”

So I do.  As I draw back, her eyes drop a little, to about my hands, unnecessarily prompting the curtsy I always have to offer before leaving, and I go see to cleaning up dinner as required. 

… 

This is a real example, and an average enough night for us, just one interaction of many that I’ve written down in detail, as the writer in me tends to do.  

But while I’m happy with this, I’m aware it’s the sort of thing other people sometimes cringe to watch.  There doesn’t seem to be a lot of overt deep connection in that above conversation to them.  

But it’s definitely there—that little flick of her gaze, waiting for the final exit protocol, the curtsy—says and means more to me than ten I love yous.  There’s a lot of ritual and protocol—conscious connection—built into that conversation, that speaks volumes, whether it’s where someone’s gaze moves to or an honorific or a service or a slave position—especially in our mutual quiet expectation of it.  

And, at times, obviously, conversations look different—more overt deep connection in the form that most people look for: what they call love.  The Hallmark movie kind. 

But to me, love is written all over that conversation in exactly the things I mentioned above.  Connection.  Those services and positions and honorifics are the result of countless hours of research, conversation, contract drafting, reaching, understanding, training.  The expectation of those things is built upon sometimes years of habit, routine, co-existing, obedience, consistent service, trust.  

None of those things happen without us talking to each other, understanding, adapting, learning, observing, caring, and deliberately carving the power dynamic out of the even ground we met upon.  It is the private language we build between us to say exactly what we want to say.  I love you.  I respect you.  I notice you.

Every protocol we have is thoroughly thought out.  

There might be research on practicalities.  (I didn’t learn to cook overnight.)  There might be conversations on what it means to us.  (Not being allowed on the furniture, with not being allowed to ask for it, either, waiting for the permission?  A whole talk on my views on being offered permission—generously—versus asking for it—a loaded question.) There might be her training me on how to do it properly, or me practicing alone, or both.  (That curtsy?  Those positions?  Hours in the mirror.)  There might be adapting it situationally, and figuring out when and how we need to do so.  (Cut the titles, positions, permissions in the rare vanilla company, say.) I have to do it consistently. (Thus, setting that expectation).  She has to notice and enforce it.  (Whether it’s offering a clearly desired permission I can’t ask for, creating service opportunities, or punishing accidental slips.)  

That’s a lot of connection behind the tiniest of protocols. 

And if commitment to each other and the language we deliberately build between us isn’t love—no matter how untraditional the results appear—I don’t know what is. 

“But how do you just… hang out?” 

Outside of maybe but how do you remember all that (a great question for another day), it’s probably the number one question I get when I talk about high protocol in the context of my dynamic, which is 24/7, live in, just two of us in the house and neither of us works outside the home; being a slave is my only full time occupation.   

Well, let’s look at an example.  This basic example happens on average multiple times a day and is probably our most typical interaction outside of a few other more specific rituals.

I enter Mistress’ office to talk about something.  I wait for her to acknowledge me, silent until she does so, not barging in already talking.  She’s doing something on the computer.  When she does look up a moment later and asks, “What’s up?” I kneel next to her, trying to be graceful about it, lowering to both knees at once without my hands.  There’s a recliner right behind me, but I’m not allowed to sit on the furniture in her presence or to ask to do so; she grants the permission pretty much only for meals.  We’re already talking as I do so, position not noted. 

We talk.  After a while, my legs are going numb.  I’m to hold the specific position until I ask and get permission otherwise (that, I am allowed to ask for).  I’m kneeling, sitting back on my heels, knees apart (big toes crossed, right over left), hands behind my back (hands clasped, thumbs crossed, both right over left), back straight.  Subconscious by now except for straightening my back now and then.  At whatever natural brief lull in the conversation, I ask, “May I stretch?” and she says, “You may,” as almost always.

Usually, permission grants (or denials), are answered with, “Thank you, Mistress,” but for ones that take a matter of seconds to complete, it’s waived, so I shift slightly and the conversation quickly resumes without it that time, though it may be sprinkled elsewhere in the conversation.  Orders, answered with, “Yes, Mistress,” have the same exception built in for practicality. 

When we’re about wrapping up talking, I ask as required to before I ask if I may go, “Anything else I can do?”  

“You may get me coffee.” 

An order (intention, not phrasing, which matters when deciding to respond with the thank you or yes) like that counts as permission to leave, so I don’t ask that part, but I do say, “Yes, Mistress,” stand, again trying to have hands free grace about it, and offer a quick curtsy, the final part of the little leaving ritual, head down, thumbs and forefingers grasping the skirt like hem of my long shirt—which is a uniform, part of the only, really specific outfit I’m allowed to wear, but looks like pretty normal attire—and placing the ball of my right foot behind my left heel for the quick little bob down and up, grab the drink, and exit. 

I bring her the refill—exactly as she likes it—and this time she simply says in acknowledgement, “You may go,” cutting the need to ask about anything else or permission to leave, so I curtsy again as required and exit. 

Clearly, I have to focus on the protocol oriented bits of this interaction to explain it, but you’ll notice that there’s a lot that and then we talk can encompass and how much of it is sheer habit at this point and/or completely unnoted.  Granted, when others witness it for the first time, they often quickly notice elements that we barely pay attention to at this point, if they don’t find it plain jarring.

(“You may get me coffee,” was something from Mistress’ side that once disturbed a new guest who was aware of our dynamic but not of the details, as an order at once both incredibly direct—not softened up as a question or with please or thanks, but also phrased as a permission.  To the outsider, it looked demeaning, the, “You may do as I tell you/serve me.”  But it is, also, genuinely a permission; service is definitely a privilege, and one that I enjoy being granted, and the guest was reassured of this after I happily said, “Yes, Mistress,” and got the coffee.) 

But there’s a lot of just hanging out in there and the protocol is normal for us at this point.  It’s not weird, so to speak, that, say, I’m kneeling (usually, later sitting) on the floor the whole time.  I actually prefer the floor and Mistress often finds me sitting on the floor when she comes to find me even when I’m not in her presence and thus not required to be there.  I’m writing this post sitting alone on the floor of my office right now.

You can also see through that how the vast majority of the overt protocol involved, rather than the silent maintenance of them, is at the beginning and end of the interaction.

This is true in other interactions and rituals, too.  For example, our protocols at meals.

I serve meals at two specific times of the day—brunch at 9:30 AM and dinner at 6 PM.  The timing, obviously, influences the beginning.  When the table is set (properly, according to guidelines) and food is out, I press the button on our pager system’s transmitter to page her/alert her that dinner is ready. Then, I wait behind my assigned chair—the one to her right—as required in the position: legs together, hands behind my back (same details as in the kneeling position), back straight, head and eyes down.  I hold this position, not looking up or around, as she comes down the stairs and approaches me at the dining table until she gets close enough she acknowledges me by offering a kiss and granting table permission with, “You may sit.” 

Then, the meal proceeds usually without overt protocol until the end, when she leaves, and I clean up the kitchen (which, as a rule, has to be done immediately).  On some quieter nights, keeping to the function of eating, we’re done by 6:15 and off to whatever has our minds occupied (after cleanup, for me).  Sometimes we happily get lost in conversation about anything and everything and linger until after 7.  Generally, I assume I will have ample time for my tasks before evening inspection and bedtime. But there is definitely a range, especially with company.

And I suppose that because our protocol never really shuts off (just some overt things removed in the rare case of vanilla company), if you count interactions that do have those protocol bits as not just hanging out, then maybe we just don’t do it, but we don’t see it that way, so it feels like good old quality time to us, with the bonus of moments of reinforcing and expressing our dynamic. 

It’s really hard to explain to people how much you can get used to until they experience it themselves (if they enter such a scenario).  How much becomes second nature and genuinely doesn’t cross my mind as out of the ordinary until it’s mentioned.  I had to glance at our contract while writing this post to make sure I remembered to note certain things as protocols at all, not just habits that slipped my mind to mention in a protocol oriented post. It is truly much harder for me to stop acting on most of our protocols (that vanilla company scenario) than it is to follow them.

So, for us it’s just hanging out, or some kind of equivalent, maybe like a relaxed day at work versus a relaxed day at home for some people, except as a slave, I’m kind of always at work. 

But, it works for us. 

Leashing Position: kneeling on the floor at foot of bed, knees apart, big toes crossed in back (right over left), leash across both palms, hands resting on thighs, hair/head out of the way, collar o-ring in front, back straight.  

First thing in the morning. At 8:10 AM, my alarm goes off. I shut it and hit the assigned pager transmitter button to buzz Mistress’ pager with the message for an unleashing request. My pager—slave bell—unbuzzed by this particular alert, sits nearby. I get in Unleashing Position, presenting the leash, shifting on my blanket on the floor at the foot of the bed—slave furs—that I sleep on. The cocoon of the blanket slips from around me, cool air hitting my bare skin. Mistress comes in and unclips the leash for me with greetings and affection, and, as always, asks if I have any questions for her. I, as always, ask for permission to use the restroom, as required if I need to use it. She grants it. 

“Thank you, Mistress.” Also as required, but genuine. 

“You’re welcome, slavegirl.” 

… 

Waiting Position: standing where directed, legs together, hands folded at small of back, right over left, right thumb over left thumb, back straight, head/eyes down.

After my other required morning tasks, I serve brunch at 9:30 daily. I check my table setting one more time and hit the pager transmitter button that lives in the dining room. Then, I get into Waiting Position. I stay there until she approaches and acknowledges me with the usual, “You may sit,” and a kiss. (I’m not allowed to ask permission to sit on the furniture.) So I sit, and we eat brunch and talk. 

… 

Inspection Position: standing in front of Mistress, legs spread, hands clasped behind head, head/eyes straight, back straight.

I clean up brunch immediately after as required, and have a few minutes to spare to see to other things. Then, my alarm goes off to tell me it’s time for Morning Inspection.

I go into the bedroom, and wait in Inspection Position. I hear Mistress going to check on my morning tasks. Then, she comes in. She circles me, checking my daily Uniform, checking me, making assorted comments and having fun poking and prodding me. She tells me I did all of my morning service tasks well, releases me from position. I offer her sunscreen lotion for the day as required and apply it for her.

(We also use Inspection Position when I ask permission to shower and do so—I find her and present for Inspection after so she can check my job of the required shaving, etc.) 

… 

General Kneeling Position: kneeling on the floor where directed, knees apart, big toes crossed in back (right over left), hands folded at small of back (right over left, right thumb over left thumb), back straight.

I spend the day writing, working on SlaveClass, organizing things for Las Vegas TNG, seeing to slave duties, doing butler school coursework, and doing other things. 

At some point, though, I seek Mistress out. I wait in the doorway of her office, silent until she beckons me in, as required. Then, I kneel next to her as always, trying to be graceful about it. We talk. After a while, I get permission to shift into whatever position’s comfortable on the floor.

(This or something close typically happens several times per day.) 

…

Curtsy: from neutral/standing, back straight, lower head and eyes, grip hem of shirt on both sides between thumb and index finger and pull it slightly out, pinkies extended, place ball of right foot behind left heel, briefly bend at the knees, straighten, release hem, raise head and eyes, place feet back to neutral. 

After we’ve chatted for a while longer, I ask if there’s anything else I can do to be of service. This time, she says no. Then, I’m allowed to ask permission to leave. This time, she says yes. So, I stand, trying to be graceful, curtsy as required, and exit. 

(This or something close typically happens several times per day.) 

… 

Waiting Position (2)

I serve dinner at 6 PM daily. Once again, I check my table setting one more time and hit the pager transmitter button that lives in the dining room, then get into Waiting Position. After a minute or two, Mistress approaches and acknowledges me with, “You may sit,” and a pat on the head or such. So, we sit, we eat dinner, we talk. 

… 

Inspection Position (2)

I clean up dinner immediately as required, and see to other evening tasks. As a few last things, I turn down the bed, lay out the turndown card, fill the humidifier. At 9:20, it’s time for Evening Inspection. I strip out of my Uniform and wait in the bedroom in Inspection Position, wearing only my collar and wedding ring. Mistress checks my evening tasks. She comes in, circles me, looks me over, pokes and prods and slaps and teases. She tells me I did all of my evening service tasks well, releases me from position. I offer her lotion as required and apply it for her. Then, she orders me into…

…   

Leashing Position (2) 

I present my leash, on my blanket on the floor at the foot of the bed that’s been unfolded and set up for the night. She leashes me for the night. We might cuddle and talk for a while, and then it’s time for sleep. 

(Note: as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post contains paid links.)

BDSM/General

Dear Raven and Joshua by Raven Kaldera and Joshua Tenpenny

FLAIR

House Exeter

House of Kush

Leather Solidarity

Manual Creation by Machele Kindle

Master/slave Mastery – Updated by Robert Rubel and M. Jen Fairfield

M/s 301

Paradigms of Power by Raven Kaldera

Pragmatic Kink

SADE

Science of BDSM

Slavecraft by Guy Baldwin

Slave-ography by Slave Patrick

SM 101 by Jay Wiseman

Submissive Guide (Books)

The New Bottoming Book by Dossie Easton

Butlers

Butlers and Household Managers, 21st Century Professionals by Steven Ferry

Serving the Wealthy: The Modern Butler’s & Household/Estate(s) Manager’s Companion: Volumes 1 and 2 by Steven Ferry

The Butler Speaks by Charles MacPherson

Community

Creating Captivating Classes by Shay and Stefanos Tiziano

Hosting a Protocol Event by UnrulyNerdGirl

Leather Leadership Conference

The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker

Customer Service

Be Our Guest by Theodore B. Kinni

Lessons in Service from Charlie Trotter by Edmund Lawler

Start with Why by Simon Senek

Study.com’s Hospitality & Tourism Management Training

Typsy.com’s Classes (Especially Table Service and Housekeeping Principles/Applications)

Food, Alcohol, Cigars

Alcohol Awareness Card Course (Varies By Location)

Bartending For Dummies by Ray Foley

Dictionary of Culinary & Menu Terms by Rodney Dale

Food Allergy Training by 360Trainings

Food Safety Manager Card Course (Varies By Location)

How to Repair Food by Tanya Zeryck

Pocket Wine Book by Hugh Johnson

The Art of The Table by Suzanne von Drachenfels

The Ultimate Cigar Book by Richard Carleton Hacker

Think Like a Chef by Tom Colicchio

Wine Folly: the Essential Guide to Wine by Madeline Puckette

Wine For Dummies by Ed McCarthy

Mental Health and More

Almost Anorexic by Jennifer Thomas and Jenni Schaefer

Anti-Diet by Christy Harrison

An Unquiet Mind by Kay Redfield Jamison

Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness by Susannah Cahalan

Building a Non Anxious Life by Dr. John Delony

Confessions of a Sociopath by M.E. Thomas

Girl, Interrupted by Susanna Kaysen

Goblin Tools (App)

Health At Every Size

How to Keep House While Drowning by KC Davis

Intuitive Eating

Kink Between the Lines

Plate By Plate

Recovery Road

Sociopath by Patric Gagne

The Appetite (Podcast)

The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt

The Best Minds by Jonathan Rosen

The Coddling of the American Mind by Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt

The Collected Schizophrenias by Esmé Weijun Wang

The Great Pretender by Susannah Cahalan

THRIVE

Productivity and Philosophy

8760 Hours

Atomic Habits by James Clear

Building a Second Brain by Tiago Forte

Deep Work by Cal Newport

Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport

Essentialism by Greg McKeown

From Chaos to Creativity by Jessie Kwak

Getting Things Done by David Allen

How to Calm Your Mind by Chris Bailey

How to Do Nothing by Jenny Odell

Hyperfocus by Chris Bailey

Meditations by Marcus Aurelius

Saving Time by Jenny Odell

Slow Productivity by Cal Newport

Stress Free Productivity by Alice Boyes

The Power of Ritual by Casper ter Kuile

The Productivity Project by Chris Bailey

The Unapologetic Professional by Brianna Doe

Protocol and Etiquette

Debrett’s New Guide to Etiquette and Modern Manners by John Morgan

Emily Post’s Etiquette by Emily Post

Master/slave Mastery – Protocols by Robert Rubel and M. Jen Fairfield

Protocols: A Variety of Views by Robert Rubel

The Amy Vanderbilt Complete Book of Etiquette by Nancy Tuckerman and Nancy Dunnan

The Ritual of Dominance & Submission by David English

Relationships

Becoming Bulletproof by Evy Poumpouras

Polysecure by Jessica Fern

Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab

The Other Significant Others by Rhaina Cohen

Safety

Bloodborne Pathogens Training by CPR.io

Fire Safety Training by ProTrainings

Redcross.org’s Classes (Especially “Adult, Child and Baby First Aid/CPR/AED”, “Cat and Dog First Aid”, and “Psychological First Aid”)

The American Red Cross First Aid and Safety Handbook by American Red Cross

Service

Erotic Slavehood: A Miss Abernathy Omnibus by Christina Abernathy

Good Housekeeping Home Skills

Home Comforts: The Art and Science of Keeping House by Cheryl Mendelson

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo

Real Service by Raven Kaldera and Joshua Tenpenny

Service Oriented Conference (and Service Chats)

Tarot and Beyond

All the Kabbalah You Really Need to Know

Biddy Tarot (“Read Tarot With Confidence” Course)

Modern Dreamwork by Linda Yael Schiller

Queer Magic by Tomás Prower

Tarot for Writers by Corrine Kenner

The Witch’s Guide to Manifestation by Mystic Dylan

Wardrobe and Fabric

MasterClass: Style for Everyone by Tan France

Ready to Wear by Mary Lou Andre

The Curated Closet by Anuschka Rees