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Whelp it's Tuesday.
Posted 7 years agoSo why not toss out a TMI Tuesday journal. Ask me random shit, get answers. Never done this before, let's see where it goes.
Ho boy I need to do an update on everything.
Posted 8 years agoI have been, lacking... of late. In the department of updating profiles and posting journals. I'm not entirely sure where to start in this department, so let's just blunder headlong into it.
It's been roughly a year since I decided to step out as my pony self. Had a lot more 'ups' than 'downs' in doing so. Traveled about for the first time in near a decade. Met many -MANY- a good friend and made many more new. Attended events and festivals, saw many new things. Participated in many new things as well. I'm, trying real hard not to just word salad all this. However I'm finding it hard to separate out the amazing from all the amazing in a concise and logical way. Long and short; It was a fantastic year, very likely the best for me so far.
I guess it would be inevitable that; as being a pony traveling to pony related events, I would meet a pony.
I'm sure that if you've been paying attention to the pictures I've posted of late you've noticed a blue pony that I'm hanging off of. Well as of four days ago (of posting this) I picked my life up, packed it into a truck, and hauled it some 800 miles south. Might I add that I am enjoying the warm, and why the hell hadn't I done this sooner.
I'm still in the process of removing said life from boxes. Along with the both of us recovering from a 15 hour drive. Though... I'm -very- sure that content will be generated on a more, regular basis.
I still need a better camera. Soon™.
To everyone out there, thanks for sticking with me. It's been one helluva ride.
It's been roughly a year since I decided to step out as my pony self. Had a lot more 'ups' than 'downs' in doing so. Traveled about for the first time in near a decade. Met many -MANY- a good friend and made many more new. Attended events and festivals, saw many new things. Participated in many new things as well. I'm, trying real hard not to just word salad all this. However I'm finding it hard to separate out the amazing from all the amazing in a concise and logical way. Long and short; It was a fantastic year, very likely the best for me so far.
I guess it would be inevitable that; as being a pony traveling to pony related events, I would meet a pony.
I'm sure that if you've been paying attention to the pictures I've posted of late you've noticed a blue pony that I'm hanging off of. Well as of four days ago (of posting this) I picked my life up, packed it into a truck, and hauled it some 800 miles south. Might I add that I am enjoying the warm, and why the hell hadn't I done this sooner.
I'm still in the process of removing said life from boxes. Along with the both of us recovering from a 15 hour drive. Though... I'm -very- sure that content will be generated on a more, regular basis.
I still need a better camera. Soon™.
To everyone out there, thanks for sticking with me. It's been one helluva ride.
Post Anthrocon musings (albiet late)
Posted 8 years agoFirst off, to all those that happened to see me and say hello it was fantastic to meet you even if briefly.
Secondly... That was a lot of people, I've never had to be 'time managed' before. Making sure I got to events and places where I was wanted/needed. I had -no- idea that I would end up being so popular at this event. I'm wasn't even what I would consider a 'fursuiter' really. Who would have thought that I would have garnered such attention... I didn't... That's for sure. I want to also thank everyone, patron and staff included for not only being so friendly; for also making me feel as though I truly belonged. I don't think I could have been more welcomed. Not a single issue, was over cautious for reasons from other large events, not an issue here. Everyone in attendance acted in a more than respectful manor.
I also do not think I could have crammed more 'fun' into the extended weekend if I had tried. Met with plenty of people I've only known from the internet. Partied, danced on stage, drank, ate some fantastic food. Watched a new restaurant near the venue go through the stages of 'we got this' to 'AHHHH TOO MANY PEOPLE' in the span of three days. Good tacos however. Went to multiple parties, walked the parade, more photo requests than I can remember. Had a wonderful photographer FreezeFrame somehow manage to make a black on black pony photograph well at night, wizard. I think this was the most consecuative 'pony time' I've gotten so far. Four days of almost constant pony. Yes I even went out to eat in gear... no shame.
The weekend wasn't without it's downside, however (aside from all the day drinking to stave off the hangover and the resulting hell Wednesday returning to work.)
The person to which I was previously in a relationship who could not attend AC due to a multitude of factors, decided it was the best time to inform me via text that "we should take a break", literally as I am gearing up to attend a rubber party. In a different era of my life I would have likely been strung along. Lead for a while. Used to placate the ego of someone like that. I get it. Don't get me wrong. I understand where he is coming from. However now in my life I am much more confident, and have a much larger number of friends to 'play therapist' and help me sort though who's actions are actually not okay. I'm not going to drag anyone's name through the mud, I wish him all the best, and I'll be on my separate way... I'm too old to get bogged down by drama.
It would, however, seem as if fate. As that elevator ride up to the 25th of the Westin for said rubber party, was, unbeknownst to me at the time, where I caught the eye of a particularly handsome Moose. In the vast blur of the weekend I have lost all the specific details of the very short conversation, though I do remember the 'That's amazing!' or something to that effect. I'm fairly sure that it was more lewdly said than that, but I don't want to discredit him unduly. It takes a few weeks, and honestly I'm not sure how he tracked me down but I get a random telegram message from said moose.
We start talking. We're in similar industries, though he's more the demand to my supply. We keep having similar interests, though not to similar to where we are copies of each other. I am doing that thing that I do where I dream big, and hope it comes true. This... this time. This time there is a legit shot. He's flying out to Chicago as soon as he can (work reasons) and, well, like I've said too many times before and it works... Let's see what this do.
I know I need to take this slow... Make sure everything is as I feel it is before considering moving states, jobs, so on. Though I do need to get on applying for positions in the contracting world. Who knew such a large demand for what I do exists outside this country.
Ah well, who needs an adjustment period. Get some!
Oh! I almost forgot. I made a Twitter thing. https://twitter.com/SunsetSpecter
So if you have one of those, might as well follow me there for more pony moments. (and cats... apparently)
Secondly... That was a lot of people, I've never had to be 'time managed' before. Making sure I got to events and places where I was wanted/needed. I had -no- idea that I would end up being so popular at this event. I'm wasn't even what I would consider a 'fursuiter' really. Who would have thought that I would have garnered such attention... I didn't... That's for sure. I want to also thank everyone, patron and staff included for not only being so friendly; for also making me feel as though I truly belonged. I don't think I could have been more welcomed. Not a single issue, was over cautious for reasons from other large events, not an issue here. Everyone in attendance acted in a more than respectful manor.
I also do not think I could have crammed more 'fun' into the extended weekend if I had tried. Met with plenty of people I've only known from the internet. Partied, danced on stage, drank, ate some fantastic food. Watched a new restaurant near the venue go through the stages of 'we got this' to 'AHHHH TOO MANY PEOPLE' in the span of three days. Good tacos however. Went to multiple parties, walked the parade, more photo requests than I can remember. Had a wonderful photographer FreezeFrame somehow manage to make a black on black pony photograph well at night, wizard. I think this was the most consecuative 'pony time' I've gotten so far. Four days of almost constant pony. Yes I even went out to eat in gear... no shame.
The weekend wasn't without it's downside, however (aside from all the day drinking to stave off the hangover and the resulting hell Wednesday returning to work.)
The person to which I was previously in a relationship who could not attend AC due to a multitude of factors, decided it was the best time to inform me via text that "we should take a break", literally as I am gearing up to attend a rubber party. In a different era of my life I would have likely been strung along. Lead for a while. Used to placate the ego of someone like that. I get it. Don't get me wrong. I understand where he is coming from. However now in my life I am much more confident, and have a much larger number of friends to 'play therapist' and help me sort though who's actions are actually not okay. I'm not going to drag anyone's name through the mud, I wish him all the best, and I'll be on my separate way... I'm too old to get bogged down by drama.
It would, however, seem as if fate. As that elevator ride up to the 25th of the Westin for said rubber party, was, unbeknownst to me at the time, where I caught the eye of a particularly handsome Moose. In the vast blur of the weekend I have lost all the specific details of the very short conversation, though I do remember the 'That's amazing!' or something to that effect. I'm fairly sure that it was more lewdly said than that, but I don't want to discredit him unduly. It takes a few weeks, and honestly I'm not sure how he tracked me down but I get a random telegram message from said moose.
We start talking. We're in similar industries, though he's more the demand to my supply. We keep having similar interests, though not to similar to where we are copies of each other. I am doing that thing that I do where I dream big, and hope it comes true. This... this time. This time there is a legit shot. He's flying out to Chicago as soon as he can (work reasons) and, well, like I've said too many times before and it works... Let's see what this do.
I know I need to take this slow... Make sure everything is as I feel it is before considering moving states, jobs, so on. Though I do need to get on applying for positions in the contracting world. Who knew such a large demand for what I do exists outside this country.
Ah well, who needs an adjustment period. Get some!
Oh! I almost forgot. I made a Twitter thing. https://twitter.com/SunsetSpecter
So if you have one of those, might as well follow me there for more pony moments. (and cats... apparently)
Reflections, finally. Sort of... okay that's lies.
Posted 8 years agoMainly because my life won't slow down!
I do have some reflections, and I have been meaning to write an entree here for some time, just really haven't had a day to sit, and 'be' for a while.
I went to Pride Fest Milwaukee, first pride, or festival of that nature for me. I'm not sure I could have picked a better one to go to. (With in "normal" driving distance, I'm sure Frisco's Pride is pretty amazing.) I'll be attending Chicago's Pride event as well, seeing as I live here it would be silly not to. However I was able to get out and pony about up north, and that in of itself has brought new insight to how I am going to pony in the future.
Lycra bodysuit! All my yes. I'd be dead if wearing latex in that heat. Making sure that I have at least 2 others guarding the little tiny pony from the crowd, also all my yes. Had a few interesting moments with, I'm assuming inebriated fest-goers getting a little to grabby with myself. Nothing that ended poorly, or in such a way to tarnish my experience. Just... got really into my bubble. Yes lady, I'm talking to you... The one who took me dancing with a really attractive pup as an open invitation to grind the f**k out of me... *shudders*
Other than that I can say that I've never really had the opportunity to walk about Milwaukee on foot before. Haven't been there since I was a small colt, and even then it was always in a car traveling. I'm a fan, at least of the architecture and preservation of the old world. Apparently the city as a whole is re-installing the street car lines that they once had to bring that back into service. I'm also good with that. Maybe next year I won't have to lyft to bars and venue. Pony on a trolley, wouldn't that be a photo shoot.
In a few weeks I'm going to be attending my first 'furry' convention. Seems a fitting place to pony about, see other's creations. Photo shoot, mingle... So of course I pick the largest convention in the states as my first. So if you're at AnthroCon, and you see me, come say hello.
Right... current and recent past out of the way. Life things... I... I haven't had a chance to think about life things... I know that I'm still stupidly happy, and things keep going on the up and up. Work, personal, friends, everything keeps moving in a positive direction. Finding new adventures with a growing core group of people. Growing closer, while still branching out. It's a balance that I think I have currently. Time will tell, but for now it seems good. I really should, however, try and slow down a bit. I've been going rather hard for a fourth of a year already. Week packed with work, and other work, and personal projects. Weekends spent away from home, either in the city proper or out of town. I've... Well today I just said, nope, I'm doing nothing 'cept maybe write tonight.
And yet I don't want to slow down. to let the momentum I've lacked so long in my life wind down and stagnate. Balance, reflection, these are things I'm going to need to work out. Pick a day a week to just, nope... I'm doing nadda. Not sure, will work it out. This weekend however I do know I aim to blow a lazy saturday lounging on the beach. So that might help.
I do have some reflections, and I have been meaning to write an entree here for some time, just really haven't had a day to sit, and 'be' for a while.
I went to Pride Fest Milwaukee, first pride, or festival of that nature for me. I'm not sure I could have picked a better one to go to. (With in "normal" driving distance, I'm sure Frisco's Pride is pretty amazing.) I'll be attending Chicago's Pride event as well, seeing as I live here it would be silly not to. However I was able to get out and pony about up north, and that in of itself has brought new insight to how I am going to pony in the future.
Lycra bodysuit! All my yes. I'd be dead if wearing latex in that heat. Making sure that I have at least 2 others guarding the little tiny pony from the crowd, also all my yes. Had a few interesting moments with, I'm assuming inebriated fest-goers getting a little to grabby with myself. Nothing that ended poorly, or in such a way to tarnish my experience. Just... got really into my bubble. Yes lady, I'm talking to you... The one who took me dancing with a really attractive pup as an open invitation to grind the f**k out of me... *shudders*
Other than that I can say that I've never really had the opportunity to walk about Milwaukee on foot before. Haven't been there since I was a small colt, and even then it was always in a car traveling. I'm a fan, at least of the architecture and preservation of the old world. Apparently the city as a whole is re-installing the street car lines that they once had to bring that back into service. I'm also good with that. Maybe next year I won't have to lyft to bars and venue. Pony on a trolley, wouldn't that be a photo shoot.
In a few weeks I'm going to be attending my first 'furry' convention. Seems a fitting place to pony about, see other's creations. Photo shoot, mingle... So of course I pick the largest convention in the states as my first. So if you're at AnthroCon, and you see me, come say hello.
Right... current and recent past out of the way. Life things... I... I haven't had a chance to think about life things... I know that I'm still stupidly happy, and things keep going on the up and up. Work, personal, friends, everything keeps moving in a positive direction. Finding new adventures with a growing core group of people. Growing closer, while still branching out. It's a balance that I think I have currently. Time will tell, but for now it seems good. I really should, however, try and slow down a bit. I've been going rather hard for a fourth of a year already. Week packed with work, and other work, and personal projects. Weekends spent away from home, either in the city proper or out of town. I've... Well today I just said, nope, I'm doing nothing 'cept maybe write tonight.
And yet I don't want to slow down. to let the momentum I've lacked so long in my life wind down and stagnate. Balance, reflection, these are things I'm going to need to work out. Pick a day a week to just, nope... I'm doing nadda. Not sure, will work it out. This weekend however I do know I aim to blow a lazy saturday lounging on the beach. So that might help.
It has been... Two months.
Posted 8 years agoIt feels like two years.
It's... amazing how much one's life can change. What 'your new normal' can be. Trying to step back and have a moment to adjust, only to find yet more changes on the horizon.
Two months ago I met a brilliant stallion that I'm lucky enough to share my time with. This has lead me to go out and experience life in a way I only once dreamed of. Instilled a sense of self confidence again. Pride, headstrong, drive and willpower. The fuel for even more change. To grab whatever life dangles in front of you, in intended jest. That carrot on a string that normally leads you around where life wants. No, hell no. You get off your arse and jump that string, and take that carrot for your own. ... ... Silly horse related analogies aside, that has been my recent mindset.
"Hey pony, come out for a party." I'm there, no questions asked. Life's too short for 'but I'll be tired in the morning.'
"It's 70 and the beach is a block away." I'm already halfway there for a morning stroll along the sands.
"Pony get up, breakfast and coffee." That was a dirty dirty lie, and I'm the only one wearing pants.
I got the job. I got the position that I never thought I'd interview for. I can officially change my business cards from 'Arms Dealer' to 'International Arms Dealer'. I would blabber on about what my day job is now. I would love to regale you, like how I loved to do whilst being a gunsmith. However ITAR and NDA's along with a litany of other reason I can not. However, I am in the same industry, have more fun... if that were possible, than I was before. The position will require travel, trade shows. Sales deals, both domestic and international... and I can not wait. Even if this company isn't the right one for me (which I have a strong feeling that it is.) the connections I'll make working there... I'll be set for life.
I've met the herd. Exposure is a wonderful thing. Ponies for all over have come out of the woodwork. I've found and talked to some I never knew existed... and talked to a select few I knew from being a wallflower way... way too long. My inspiration. The ideal 'pony'. What I saw those actual years and years ago, not just what feels like years. The images that started me on this path so long ago, during the time I squandered. I'm blessed to call him friend, just as I am blessed with all that I have now.
I have my stallion. The man that has been the catalyst for all this change in my life. Maybe I give too much credit. Maybe it was just a massive coincidence that life decided to drop all this happiness on top of me at once. Or maybe it was drive and determination. Fate. Luck. I'm not entirely sure anymore. I haven't had enough time to sit and mull it over with the benefit of well seasoned hindsight. So for now I'll continue to credit him with being the spark that ignited my explosion of change. Granted I know that a lot of that change was due to my long term wants and dreams. Along with my hard work and dedication in my field... It just all happened at once, starting with him.
I often find myself sitting on this one pier near downtown on a lazy Sunday afternoon... and it occurs to me that each time I do so, I am a different pony each instance.
It has been two months.
It's... amazing how much one's life can change. What 'your new normal' can be. Trying to step back and have a moment to adjust, only to find yet more changes on the horizon.
Two months ago I met a brilliant stallion that I'm lucky enough to share my time with. This has lead me to go out and experience life in a way I only once dreamed of. Instilled a sense of self confidence again. Pride, headstrong, drive and willpower. The fuel for even more change. To grab whatever life dangles in front of you, in intended jest. That carrot on a string that normally leads you around where life wants. No, hell no. You get off your arse and jump that string, and take that carrot for your own. ... ... Silly horse related analogies aside, that has been my recent mindset.
"Hey pony, come out for a party." I'm there, no questions asked. Life's too short for 'but I'll be tired in the morning.'
"It's 70 and the beach is a block away." I'm already halfway there for a morning stroll along the sands.
"Pony get up, breakfast and coffee." That was a dirty dirty lie, and I'm the only one wearing pants.
I got the job. I got the position that I never thought I'd interview for. I can officially change my business cards from 'Arms Dealer' to 'International Arms Dealer'. I would blabber on about what my day job is now. I would love to regale you, like how I loved to do whilst being a gunsmith. However ITAR and NDA's along with a litany of other reason I can not. However, I am in the same industry, have more fun... if that were possible, than I was before. The position will require travel, trade shows. Sales deals, both domestic and international... and I can not wait. Even if this company isn't the right one for me (which I have a strong feeling that it is.) the connections I'll make working there... I'll be set for life.
I've met the herd. Exposure is a wonderful thing. Ponies for all over have come out of the woodwork. I've found and talked to some I never knew existed... and talked to a select few I knew from being a wallflower way... way too long. My inspiration. The ideal 'pony'. What I saw those actual years and years ago, not just what feels like years. The images that started me on this path so long ago, during the time I squandered. I'm blessed to call him friend, just as I am blessed with all that I have now.
I have my stallion. The man that has been the catalyst for all this change in my life. Maybe I give too much credit. Maybe it was just a massive coincidence that life decided to drop all this happiness on top of me at once. Or maybe it was drive and determination. Fate. Luck. I'm not entirely sure anymore. I haven't had enough time to sit and mull it over with the benefit of well seasoned hindsight. So for now I'll continue to credit him with being the spark that ignited my explosion of change. Granted I know that a lot of that change was due to my long term wants and dreams. Along with my hard work and dedication in my field... It just all happened at once, starting with him.
I often find myself sitting on this one pier near downtown on a lazy Sunday afternoon... and it occurs to me that each time I do so, I am a different pony each instance.
It has been two months.
Pardon the dwell in pictures.
Posted 8 years agoLife, life is constantly changing, mostly for the better in my case.
I'm not even entirely sure where to begin [again]. This seems to be a recurring theme in my "life of sunset" updates. So I think I will start with the foremost reason that kinky pictures of ponebutt haven't happened in a little while.
My beloved Nissan 300zx decided to toss a rod bearing, and I'm currently in the process of swapping the ruined engine with a wonderful, nearly factory fresh engine. That process has eaten my weekends, and kept me from seeing my stallion. It's almost done, thankfully... and weekend fun shall commence again after.
Onto the life and such portion. I've opened myself up for commissions for leather work again. Harness work, repairs, alterations, new items and so on, that has also been a rather interesting development. Something I didn't see myself doing again in a professional capacity, and being able to make a go of it. Cool, Sunset's Workshop is back open, I get to create things for others that they have always dreamed of having.
'Cept I get a random callback from a firearm's manufacturing company a week ago... Attend and interview dressed to the nines... and now there's a very high likely hood that I am to be hired on there, not as some simple gunsmith or machinist. Nah... Production Manager.
Ohhhhhkay then... ... did not see that coming. This will not stop me from leatherworking, mind you. Slow the pace of my ability to turn over commissions, but will not stop.... Just... suddenly hourly wage to salaried, arms dealer to international arms dealer... ...
Things are still looking up, and up, and up... and up... ...
I'm blessed, and I'm very aware of this, and many thanks for all well wishes.
I'm not even entirely sure where to begin [again]. This seems to be a recurring theme in my "life of sunset" updates. So I think I will start with the foremost reason that kinky pictures of ponebutt haven't happened in a little while.
My beloved Nissan 300zx decided to toss a rod bearing, and I'm currently in the process of swapping the ruined engine with a wonderful, nearly factory fresh engine. That process has eaten my weekends, and kept me from seeing my stallion. It's almost done, thankfully... and weekend fun shall commence again after.
Onto the life and such portion. I've opened myself up for commissions for leather work again. Harness work, repairs, alterations, new items and so on, that has also been a rather interesting development. Something I didn't see myself doing again in a professional capacity, and being able to make a go of it. Cool, Sunset's Workshop is back open, I get to create things for others that they have always dreamed of having.
'Cept I get a random callback from a firearm's manufacturing company a week ago... Attend and interview dressed to the nines... and now there's a very high likely hood that I am to be hired on there, not as some simple gunsmith or machinist. Nah... Production Manager.
Ohhhhhkay then... ... did not see that coming. This will not stop me from leatherworking, mind you. Slow the pace of my ability to turn over commissions, but will not stop.... Just... suddenly hourly wage to salaried, arms dealer to international arms dealer... ...
Things are still looking up, and up, and up... and up... ...
I'm blessed, and I'm very aware of this, and many thanks for all well wishes.
Middle of the night musings (Life and things)
Posted 8 years agoI should be in bed... I really should.
However I can't sleep. These past few weeks have been some of the largest adjustment I've made in a long time, and show no signs of slowing down.
Came out to my parents, so that was a thing. Went well, nothing dramatic. Can't even think of anything noteworthy to be said about it, which in itself is a blessing. Didn't go into detail of the level of kink/lifestyle/ponyplay... Them knowing was enough.
Came out to my room mate... should have done that sooner. Explained to him what this was all about, reasons for fast massive life changes. Again, nothing dramatic. "Why did you even think I'd care?" was his answer... Well I'm a person that thinks the worst will happen, but hopes for the best. Seems to be the latter of late.
Tossed the idea out there of taking commissions for leather work/harness work... Instant bites. I haven't even officially opened my books to commissions again. However I (now) plan to again. Invites to all sorts of events, and maybe the means to do so now. Invites to other countries... gotta renew my passport. Never thought I'd travel again.
I'm still going to keep my day job, even if I only work on one commission a month, it will double my income. We will have to see.
I'm trying to adjust to all the changes and it seems that they won't stop for a good while yet... and I'm oddly okay with that.
However I can't sleep. These past few weeks have been some of the largest adjustment I've made in a long time, and show no signs of slowing down.
Came out to my parents, so that was a thing. Went well, nothing dramatic. Can't even think of anything noteworthy to be said about it, which in itself is a blessing. Didn't go into detail of the level of kink/lifestyle/ponyplay... Them knowing was enough.
Came out to my room mate... should have done that sooner. Explained to him what this was all about, reasons for fast massive life changes. Again, nothing dramatic. "Why did you even think I'd care?" was his answer... Well I'm a person that thinks the worst will happen, but hopes for the best. Seems to be the latter of late.
Tossed the idea out there of taking commissions for leather work/harness work... Instant bites. I haven't even officially opened my books to commissions again. However I (now) plan to again. Invites to all sorts of events, and maybe the means to do so now. Invites to other countries... gotta renew my passport. Never thought I'd travel again.
I'm still going to keep my day job, even if I only work on one commission a month, it will double my income. We will have to see.
I'm trying to adjust to all the changes and it seems that they won't stop for a good while yet... and I'm oddly okay with that.
I can't contain all these feels
Posted 8 years agoG(redacted) 🇨🇦, [06.02.17 01:25]
You ponies have really picked me up with the world being a scary pile of terrifying lately. I think between you and Nighty I've been feeling a lot better about things.
Sunset Specter, [06.02.17 01:25]
You just compared me to my hero
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Who's chopping onions...?
You ponies have really picked me up with the world being a scary pile of terrifying lately. I think between you and Nighty I've been feeling a lot better about things.
Sunset Specter, [06.02.17 01:25]
You just compared me to my hero
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Who's chopping onions...?
What a week this has been.
Posted 8 years agoIt's hard to believe that it's only been seven days since the start of all these events. (Little more now, cross-posting this from its original location.)
I joined an online kink community sometime around late spring last year (there is no easy way I can find to get the exact date, however that's not really relevant) after clearing my head from what wasn't the greatest choice in life partners. Figured, why not, get myself out there, maybe find someone interested in something I am. I knew my main kink of pony play was a rare fetish from the get go. I've recently gone back and tried to count the number of -active- other ponies out there. (Those in full rubber gear, masks, harnesses, hooves and so on. No offense to those who pony otherwise, just isn't my thing.) That number is under a hundred worldwide, I knew it was a small world, the likely hood of finding someone near me was very slim. That didn't really matter though, companionship in some form of 'other than just friends' was kinda my goal reaching across the whole breadth of the kink I'm interested in. I guess that's a round about way of saying, I had little hope. The possibility was out there and I would keep looking for it, but I wasn't expecting it to be easy.
Seven days ago I get a mail on that site. This isn't an un-usual thing for me. People asking to be friends, questions about leather working or otherwise related to pony tack. It's the subject that stopped my hands before opening it; 'Another Pony?'
Okay... That's not... could just be someone from around the globe... Doesn't necessarily mean 'close'... slow down pulse...
He was.
Wasn't even a long chain of messages before numbers were exchanged, and we had both agreed to meet each other (In a coffee house) the next day. Which came all too quickly and I find myself with (apparently) the only other pony in the whole state (so far). Talked for hours, ranging from all sorts of topics, looking back mostly focused on me... he wouldn't let me pay for anything... The topic of work came up, something of which I'm intensely passionate for, so I'm sure I blathered on plenty of what I do. I do not make a lot of money doing what I love, and I said as much. Got into the topic of pay, hours, job requirements, so on. The long and short of it is, he pushed me to, the next day, ask for a raise. Along with that joining him on the weekend for the introduction to the city's kinky side.
(Sidenote here, as this is lacking context without all the other information available elsewhere, I'm an armorer/gunsmith by trade.)
It is now Wednesday, next day at work. I catch the boss an hour or so before he leaves after he's done talking to me about something gunsmith related, we were alone and semi private area of the shop, to which I kinda just bluntly said; "So you know how I've kinda been doing the everything here past six months... think I can get compensated for doing the everything?"
Smooth... rrrreeeeaaaallll smooth...
"Absolutely, we'll talk numbers tomorrow when (HR) is in."
He walks off to go do whatever it was I just distracted him from... and I'm just standing there with a; holyshit that just worked? look on my face. I excitedly tell my newfound pony friend what just happened, and happily continue working on what I was doing.
Thursday morning when the 'talking of numbers' happens is even better news that I expected. Not one, not two, but technically three raises. The 6 and 9 month lumped into one which I had forgot was even a thing. (We're a small family run shop, crap like this gets overlooked, not blaming them for not remembering either.) The raise I asked for, along with making proper time and a half on overtime... which is usually 10-16 hours every week for me. Not -only- that but they are going to pay for me to go to every available factory armorers school offered in the industry. Oh and to add a cherry on top, I got to finally take home a firearm I was paying off... and tomorrow is Friday, the day I'm heading into the city to meet my pony proper, and his roomies.
I can't sleep.
Work? Yeah, lack of focus... though I did keep nose to grindstone cause I just got a helluva incentive to... Though some good also came of this. Caught the boss complaining to others that he's getting too old to attend the trade shows. He'd just gotten back from Shot Show last week and was fairly beat up from it. I just... kinda blurted out; 'I'll go next year.'... and so I'm going next year... along with the other trade shows... Time seems to drag, however finally it's shift over, and I practically trample coworkers leaving and make fantastic time home to load the car for tonight.
One GPS failure, buying another one, gas, and hour drive later I'm trying to park a very hard to see out of Nissan with 9.5" wide front tires and no power steering near his apartment downtown. Nerves start to get to me. What if this isn't what I want? What if they don't like me? What if this? What if that? Shut up brain, keep walking. Find his building which is the only building on the block I could find a number plate for... Ring the bell, and get buzzed in.
It is from that point on the night was one happy blur. I can not put into words the feelings inside. The finally getting a chance to do what I've always wanted. To be among those that share and support. To receive the massive positive reactions to us in public. I'm not one to hold myself in high regard. Self esteem is not something to which I would say is a strong suit. I am what I am and do as I do. I'm no one special. That is not to say that I think poorly of myself, I just don't think highly of myself either. The attention I received, here and elsewhere , the greetings, the conversations with those I have had. Seeing the reactions to my photos, looking at them myself and internally critiquing them and finding little wrong. That's all well and good, and I do very much thank all those for the support. But text on the internet is just that. Flat monotone text. It's completely different to take a moment and realize that the majority of the bar you're in, is looking at you... and they like what they see.
It's taken me three days (more now) to fully wrap my head around this past week. The hits just keep coming, proper titles at work, promotion, discussing the next outings. Finally being open with myself. Realizing that... okay... yeah maybe just maybe you are a little more than just 'there' in a room. This is going to take an adjustment period. The intense feelings of being out and about in pony, trying to cage those back on 'normal' days... The massive happy flutters that I know are associated with anything new. I still get shivvers remembering events of Friday... and am already excited for this upcoming weekend. I could not even have asked myself what my new years resolution should have been. Cause everything it would have, has happened.
It has been seven days. (Nine.)
I joined an online kink community sometime around late spring last year (there is no easy way I can find to get the exact date, however that's not really relevant) after clearing my head from what wasn't the greatest choice in life partners. Figured, why not, get myself out there, maybe find someone interested in something I am. I knew my main kink of pony play was a rare fetish from the get go. I've recently gone back and tried to count the number of -active- other ponies out there. (Those in full rubber gear, masks, harnesses, hooves and so on. No offense to those who pony otherwise, just isn't my thing.) That number is under a hundred worldwide, I knew it was a small world, the likely hood of finding someone near me was very slim. That didn't really matter though, companionship in some form of 'other than just friends' was kinda my goal reaching across the whole breadth of the kink I'm interested in. I guess that's a round about way of saying, I had little hope. The possibility was out there and I would keep looking for it, but I wasn't expecting it to be easy.
Seven days ago I get a mail on that site. This isn't an un-usual thing for me. People asking to be friends, questions about leather working or otherwise related to pony tack. It's the subject that stopped my hands before opening it; 'Another Pony?'
Okay... That's not... could just be someone from around the globe... Doesn't necessarily mean 'close'... slow down pulse...
He was.
Wasn't even a long chain of messages before numbers were exchanged, and we had both agreed to meet each other (In a coffee house) the next day. Which came all too quickly and I find myself with (apparently) the only other pony in the whole state (so far). Talked for hours, ranging from all sorts of topics, looking back mostly focused on me... he wouldn't let me pay for anything... The topic of work came up, something of which I'm intensely passionate for, so I'm sure I blathered on plenty of what I do. I do not make a lot of money doing what I love, and I said as much. Got into the topic of pay, hours, job requirements, so on. The long and short of it is, he pushed me to, the next day, ask for a raise. Along with that joining him on the weekend for the introduction to the city's kinky side.
(Sidenote here, as this is lacking context without all the other information available elsewhere, I'm an armorer/gunsmith by trade.)
It is now Wednesday, next day at work. I catch the boss an hour or so before he leaves after he's done talking to me about something gunsmith related, we were alone and semi private area of the shop, to which I kinda just bluntly said; "So you know how I've kinda been doing the everything here past six months... think I can get compensated for doing the everything?"
Smooth... rrrreeeeaaaallll smooth...
"Absolutely, we'll talk numbers tomorrow when (HR) is in."
He walks off to go do whatever it was I just distracted him from... and I'm just standing there with a; holyshit that just worked? look on my face. I excitedly tell my newfound pony friend what just happened, and happily continue working on what I was doing.
Thursday morning when the 'talking of numbers' happens is even better news that I expected. Not one, not two, but technically three raises. The 6 and 9 month lumped into one which I had forgot was even a thing. (We're a small family run shop, crap like this gets overlooked, not blaming them for not remembering either.) The raise I asked for, along with making proper time and a half on overtime... which is usually 10-16 hours every week for me. Not -only- that but they are going to pay for me to go to every available factory armorers school offered in the industry. Oh and to add a cherry on top, I got to finally take home a firearm I was paying off... and tomorrow is Friday, the day I'm heading into the city to meet my pony proper, and his roomies.
I can't sleep.
Work? Yeah, lack of focus... though I did keep nose to grindstone cause I just got a helluva incentive to... Though some good also came of this. Caught the boss complaining to others that he's getting too old to attend the trade shows. He'd just gotten back from Shot Show last week and was fairly beat up from it. I just... kinda blurted out; 'I'll go next year.'... and so I'm going next year... along with the other trade shows... Time seems to drag, however finally it's shift over, and I practically trample coworkers leaving and make fantastic time home to load the car for tonight.
One GPS failure, buying another one, gas, and hour drive later I'm trying to park a very hard to see out of Nissan with 9.5" wide front tires and no power steering near his apartment downtown. Nerves start to get to me. What if this isn't what I want? What if they don't like me? What if this? What if that? Shut up brain, keep walking. Find his building which is the only building on the block I could find a number plate for... Ring the bell, and get buzzed in.
It is from that point on the night was one happy blur. I can not put into words the feelings inside. The finally getting a chance to do what I've always wanted. To be among those that share and support. To receive the massive positive reactions to us in public. I'm not one to hold myself in high regard. Self esteem is not something to which I would say is a strong suit. I am what I am and do as I do. I'm no one special. That is not to say that I think poorly of myself, I just don't think highly of myself either. The attention I received, here and elsewhere , the greetings, the conversations with those I have had. Seeing the reactions to my photos, looking at them myself and internally critiquing them and finding little wrong. That's all well and good, and I do very much thank all those for the support. But text on the internet is just that. Flat monotone text. It's completely different to take a moment and realize that the majority of the bar you're in, is looking at you... and they like what they see.
It's taken me three days (more now) to fully wrap my head around this past week. The hits just keep coming, proper titles at work, promotion, discussing the next outings. Finally being open with myself. Realizing that... okay... yeah maybe just maybe you are a little more than just 'there' in a room. This is going to take an adjustment period. The intense feelings of being out and about in pony, trying to cage those back on 'normal' days... The massive happy flutters that I know are associated with anything new. I still get shivvers remembering events of Friday... and am already excited for this upcoming weekend. I could not even have asked myself what my new years resolution should have been. Cause everything it would have, has happened.
It has been seven days. (Nine.)
