Tips for Successfully Navigating Pick-up Play

by Turtle

I’m a country girl so when I initially heard the words “pick-up play,” my mind translated to pick-up truck play… hot days, a cooler filled with BYOB, a fire on the river with whatever your line caught for dinner, laughter followed by blatant stupidity at the mud flats to see how far you could run your truck up the muddy cliff before sliding down or the occasional nail biting slow backwards tip-over! All of this well before cell phones and teens having affordable portable video cameras. Thank the Goddess!

Then I joined the CSPC, and pick-up play was explained to me as a scene you plan on the spot, possibly with someone you literally just met. I don’t know about you, but my anxiety rocketed through the roof. I may have had a rictus smile that grew more strained by the second, eyes darting for escape routes, with “It’s not you, It’s me” on the tip of my tongue. I’m sure the back of my head as I dashed from the building was the last that person saw of me. I don’t even remember who it was now. I’m just that shy. Oh sure, I look like an extrovert at times. I joke that I can play one on TV, but I’ve taken many social skills training classes to get there. I have a diagnosis of Asperger’s, which means I’m Neuro-Divergent (ND).

The Neuro-Divergent Discussion Group (ND/DG) has given NDs a chance to more comfortably connect and create skills with community-building tools such as the Pick-Up Play Board used at PPMT, Myself!, and other CSPC events. Of course, many people, whether outgoing or shy, share the same basic fears around meeting someone new, approaching them, asking them to do a thing, delineating the thing with consent fully involved, then doing it all safely and with a maximum fun output.

Things that hold us back from potentially playing with someone we just met:

1)      I see you across the room but have no idea if you are interested. Solution: Next to the Pick-Up Play Board are name tags. Take one, then add your name and whether you are a Top/bottom.  Now, I can see you are interested and can even approach and use your name. A casual scan even tells me whether our Top/bottom designations match up. But even if they don’t, say hi. You never know the entirety of what someone is into.

2)      I really want a certain type of scene or attraction. Solution: By the Pick-Up Play Board are sticky notes. Write down what you want to do or have done to you, how to find you, name. Or the type of attraction you are looking for. Stick it to the Board. Linger on the main floor and talk to others in name tags.

3)      Someone approached me with my sticky note in their hand! Solution: Find a quiet corner. Talk about exactly what you want. Be specific. Do NOT be afraid to ask questions. What, how long, where, who, etc. No is an okay answer as well. Remember FRIES! (See at bottom of article)

4)      Do talk about health concerns! It is very important today to ask about health concerns. These can range from your personal Covid-19 protocols to STIs to physical or mental issues. For example, I’m extremely claustrophobic, so let’s choose a play space out in the open away from corners and not use a blindfold. Or my knees are just not as happy as they used to be, so I can be on my hands and knees or sit in a chair but not the standard slave position.

5)      Nervous? Solution: Ask a staff member to just keep an eye out for your scene.

6)      Note: When playing with implements/toys new to you- make sure they are clean and sanitized. Touch them to feel for weight, heft, how they will feel when they touch you (pick out only the ones you’d like to use), see what they are made of. A lace flogger feels very different from one made from wide leather pieces, or one made of wire.

7)      Bring a Care Bag. Move it close to where you are scening just in case. This bag should have soft comfy clothes to change into, personal lube and condoms, non-latex items if needed, personal hygiene items (no showers at the Gallery,) snacks, water bottle, a comfort item, something to zip jewelry into. If Neuro-Divergent: sensory control items like headphones, sunglasses, earplugs, mp3 player, aftercare blanket. I’m a heavy player so I also bring my own sheet and towels (NOT WHITE), first aid supplies, safety scissors.

Things to remember: Just because you have a pick-up play scene with someone does NOT invite them directly into your regular life. You choose whether you continue contact. It’s a good idea to have a business card with the way you want to be contacted on it for people you meet at parties. Maybe that’s your scene name and CSPC Discord username, or Fetlife name, or a private email.

It’s up to you to “Find Your Way to Yes!” We are here to help you! Feel free to email me or talk to any of the CPSC staff. We will be happy to introduce you around and smooth your passage into our community where you will quickly find you now belong to a great big quirky multi-faceted family! 

Hump History: Origins

by Teeebone

Cue the music: Music video link, Everybody Dance Now - C & C Music Factory [Lyrics] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wc8nkyUbZJU

When I first became a member of the SPCC (the Sex Positive Community Center, aka "The Wet Spot" as the CSPC was known back in those days) in the Summer of 2003, I usually attended a twice monthly event called Erotic City–a sex-focused party held on 2nd and 4th Friday nights. For my first 2+ years of membership, all I did was simply attend events. At some point in late 2005, I began to get involved in volunteering as a DJ for Erotic City. Folks liked my music and I felt encouraged enough to formally join the volunteer rolls in 2006.

In May of 2007, the SPCC officially opened the Annex space, and it was at this time that the organization changed its name to the CSPC. This new space allowed us to hold two events on the same night, which led to the creation of new parties. A decision was made to move the Wednesday Drop-in Social to the Annex and create a new party for the Main Space.

I was contacted by the office in November to become part of the "Wednesday Dance Party" team as a DJ. The plan was to form a new crew of volunteers braced with a few of the veteran members who would run the party and train new ECs, cashiers, and ambassadors. The set up and floor plan were directly influenced by Erotic City and The Grind. The music themes were influenced by another party called The Spin, a monthly event that switched music themes each month, although for this new party, it would change each week.

A really big challenge was what to name the event. Indeed, this could make or break the party. Luckily, we came up with "The Hump" (because Wednesday is Hump Day, lol) at the team meeting just a few weeks before go-time. I quickly made a stylized logo and printed up posters. The Hump was part of what could be called the "Second Wave" of parties like The Chill and Myself!.

The first Hump was held on January 30, 2008. Admission was $15. The free social ran from 6-8pm, with the party rocking from 8pm-12am. Total attendance, including staff was 46. (Such humble beginnings!) This was the first step of a very interesting journey for all of us. The Hump Crew was just one of the many teams assembled to create and run parties at the CSPC. 

Interested in becoming part of CSPC history as part of the volunteer team for the Next Big Party? Find out more about volunteering for the CSPC here!

Until next time- :^)

Hump History, Prologue: Long Ago and Far Away…

by Teeebone

First, let’s set the mood: All Star - Smash Mouth [Lyrics]

Greetings and hello, folks–Teeebone here! As the CSPC moves into its next chapter, come gather around and let the Bone Man give you the scoop on what things were like back in the day. Mind you, there are many chapters to this story, so let’s start with the basics: Once upon a time, in January 2008, a new party debuted at the CSPC and it was called the Hump.

The Hump was a laid back, sex-focused party held on Wednesday nights on the weekly at the CSPC (Hump Day, get it?). It had a free two-hour social that was open to the public followed by the four-hour party for members and their guests only till midnight. Originally conceived as a dance party, the Hump evolved into a couples and moresomes party geared towards consensual non-monogamy and open to all sexual orientations and genders.

It was the kind of event where you could just show up after work or dinner and hang out or hook up or whatever. You didn't have to have sex if you didn't want to. There was no pressure to "score." The staff did everything they could to make the Hump a safe space to play. For many new members, the Hump was the first CSPC event that they attended after orientation. And if you arrived before 8 p.m., you could take advantage of $5 off admission during “Ecstasy Hours”!

The Hump was the proverbial comfy chair for almost everybody. As an attendee, you could chat in the social area, dance on the main space dance floor, have fun in the cuddle/romp pile, watch porn in the solo space, or have sexytimes in the back room. Some BDSM activity was allowed, such as suspensions, rope bondage, sensation play, and birthday spankings, and on the 1st Wednesdays of the month, there was also the Whump at the Hump, held in the RAW Dungeon next door that allowed full-on BDSM play.

The Hump ran for more than eight and a half years and became a classic CSPC event, ultimately being among the last parties held during the final week of operations before the closing of the CSPC’s original site at Interbay.

What made the Hump so special? The fabulous humans who poured their hearts (and sweat!) into building an event that served up what the community wanted and needed. Want to be part of the team that helps create the Next Big Thing at the CSPC? Learn more about volunteering here!

Until next time- :^)

PPMT Reminiscing

By Turtle and Teeebone 

Teeebone and I are sitting here by Zoom reminiscing about the “Good ol’ days” like we all promise not to do when we are young. “I’ll never do that…sit around thinking about Remember When…I’ll be too busy living!” Well, guess what? We are doing both! Double the pleasure, double the fun, with… oooo! Sorry for the earworm!

The Good Ol’ Days circa 2012-2016 at the CSPC Interbay location, 3rd Saturdays at the PPMT (Power Play Mixed-Tape) party. In fact, I asked someone to volunteer at the upcoming party and they said they weren’t available on the 3rd Saturday. I said, “Great! Because it isn’t on the 3rd Saturday anymore! It’s a whole new world! Oops! Second earworm!”

I asked some of the previous Power Players what stuck out most to them. “Boobie dancing, Buffet Table, feeling surrounded by scenes everywhere, high energy, intense scenes, dancing in my underwear, dancing free, the feeling of comradeship on the Team, great music, boobie dancing, good friends, great conversations, warm Hosts, Fucktastic music, heavy players, possible blood scenes, amazing mix of laughter and screams, getting stuffed at TK’s Buffet, pogo dancing so hard I hit my head on the heater, everyone dressed up, everybody naked. You’re sexy and you know it!”

Teeebone - “That feel you get when you experience compersion while watching your former primary partner having their first DP scene some 12 feet away while you're being the DJ at PPMT. Everybody’s workin’ for the weekend!”

Turtle - “That feeling of being surrounded by friends even if you don’t know them! I miss that so much! We openly welcome everyone and we will be talking, a certain song will come on and we will all rush to the dance floor together! Everyone included!”

Teeebone - “That feeling you get when you have had an intense scene and then realize you are the closing DJ. Whoomp there it is!”

Turtle - “I had a few anthems the Team would all dance to but before everyone got there, we’d have a Pep Rally that always ended with us singing C is for Cookie!”

Teeebone - “I loved those cookies. They were the best.”

Turtle - “We were a family. A family that exists to this day. When we wanted to set up a general, heavy play party again…we realized just how far our existing volunteers were stretched. Hell, 50% of the volunteers are Board members. So, it's been 5 years since the last PPMT, and I started texting. Amazing PPMT members answer with just ‘I’m In’ then go and renew their membership. It’s that kind of dedication, love and camaraderie we at PPMT live for. I’m so grateful for them Re-Igniting Their Fires to bring PPMT back to life!”

Teeebone - *yells* “I got it! That feel you get when somebody says straight to 3 DJs’ faces ‘do you have any music I can dance to?’ and you've been playing Dance music all night long. The only right answer to this question: I'M SORRY. WE HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO DANCE MUSIC WHATSOEVER!” 

Turtle - “And the look on Sir Nikolia’s face that suggested the heat of a 1,000 suns… Well, we’ll leave it at that! Actually, she came back later to thank us for playing the Rolling Stones. Who knew?”

Every summer, when Paradise (our annual camping trip) would roll around, PPMT would follow it. We’d have a sarong night called, “Sarong, it’s So Right!” One year, the Paradise theme was to Keep the Fires Burning. I could have never imagined, at the time, something like a modern day plague taking humanity out at the knees. That we’d let our fires burn low into coals. That fire is still there though. PPMT and all the other CSPC programming plan to help breathe those fires back to life…to Reignite them into a conflagration of passion for ourselves and our community. Come out. Become whole again! Volunteer and make space for others to become whole too!

Turtle - “I loved that the staff, no matter the name tag, all worked together to make great things happen. They could have happened at any party. But PPMT just refuses to notice that there is a box at all, much less lines to color in.”

Teeebone - “The concept of the crew as ‘Fam’ was very strong with PPMT.”

Turtle - “You keep hearing hints about TK’s Buffet. Trust me. What’s there isn’t food but, if you have a vagina, you can still get stuffed! You have to come to PPMT and see it to believe it.”

Teeebone - “We like to think of it as an immersive experience.” *laughs* “Two of my partners have been to the Buffet Table and rate it 5 thumbs up!”

Turtle - “We are both DJs as is Sir Nikolia. We love music! We play it loud! It is important to us. So bring your earplugs or headphones if you need them. Also, if the music fits the theme and you contact us beforehand, we’ve been known to play certain songs for a scene. Be nice or we might Rick Roll you! We are Never Gonna Give You Up!”

Teeebone - “Get yourself ready for a hot night with a 5-finger sex punch!”

First half is Dance, EDM. Second half is Rock and Mashups. ppmt@thecspc.org

Come to Power Play Mixed Tape and let your body talk!

Side Effects

By Turtle

10/17/21

It often comes up in conversation, “You seem to volunteer a lot. Why?” I ask them to be specific. Why do I volunteer? Or why do I volunteer so much?

The first question is easy. I was raised to volunteer. As third-generation immigrants, my family always made it clear that we were expected to give back to our local community. I started when I was nine. I’m 51 now. I’ve volunteered in Brownies, 4-H, school functions, VFW, Grays Harbor County Fair Board, ASB, Honor Society, Humane Society, Triangle Square, Rainbow Coalition, OUT in the Park, PBS, Metropolitan Community Church, Center for Spiritual Living, WashPIRG, as a clown, as a DJ, Compass Housing, Challenge Air, and most recently the CSPC. These are just the names I remember off the top of my head.

Other reasons I volunteer are to meet people as I tend to be an introverted hermit and it helps pull me out into interacting. I also love helping and learning new skills. I’m much more well-rounded as a human being and experience a much deeper level of empathy. Sometimes I volunteer purely from a social justice need to be active in moving our community forward in a positive fashion. I’ve canvassed for signatures for WashPIRG, answered phones for PBS, met with congressional representatives, raised money for good causes like Wolfhaven. At times, I just feel out of sync with the world and volunteering helps me feel useful. Those people I meet become a network of support too!

There is so much above and beyond that though. Here is where the “side effects” to volunteering weigh in. People have used the ripples from a pebble tossed into a pond, but I’d challenge the imagery as notably too small.

I, and the many other volunteers over the 20+ years of this organization, believe deeply in the Mission of the Center for Sex Positive Culture. Although I no longer identify as a conservative Catholic, I was still quite locked up when I joined the CSPC. Through education, mentorship, role models, observation, access to more inclusive information and support, I now have an acceptance of myself and know who I am. I am a Pangender, Pansexual, Poly, Sapiosexual, Sufferer submissive… for starters. I’m far more okay with my body too. I’m not judgmental of others, I can just accept them where they are and be supportive when those morph. I’ve released shame, guilt, self-revulsion. I experienced a Becoming.

We provide a space for people to shed the shackles of the past, the shame they have been conditioned to accept, and models that they've been told are all that they are allowed to be.

I’ve seen this journey happen to others. I’ve lent a hand when needed. I’ve had many people tell me quietly in between moments of stillness about how they don’t think this could’ve happened anywhere else but a magical dream like the CSPC. I’ll keep volunteering in big and small ways, whatever ways I am capable of for as long as I am able to pave the way for those who will come to take my place, and continue this grand odyssey we are all on in Becoming.

Reflections From The Frolic

by Skitty

This past weekend, just under fifty fully-vaccinated CSPC kinksters gathered at an idyllic ten-acre property in Snohomish for the inaugural Frolic camping weekend. It was a sensual, sensational success! Here are a variety of reflections sent to us by some of the attendees:

“After a year and a half of playing indoors, locked in the bedroom, trying to keep quiet so the kids don’t hear - it was liberating to scene outdoors, with proper dungeon equipment, and an appreciative audience.”

“Great venue - The grounds were fabulous. The outdoor hot water shower was much appreciated.”

“Relaxing and exciting at the same time. I felt like I was at a kinky retreat. I was able to unplug from my regular routine and reconnect with myself and my partner outside of our daily lives.”

“When I first arrived and saw one of my favorite fellow volunteers, we both dropped what we were carrying and ran to hug each other. The last time we hugged was to say goodbye at the start of quarantine. We thought it was for a few weeks or maybe a month or two. That was over 18 months ago! During the first day of Frolic, as I found each of my fellow volunteers, I almost cried. I was so happy to be with them again. Having a whole weekend with my chosen family was such a gift. I had finally made it home.”

“Friendly people. For the most part, people were friendly and inviting without being intrusive.”

“Safe. I felt free to be myself and wasn’t worried about creepers, non-vaxxers and other human hazards.”

“We will definitely try to come back in the future. Thanks for a wonderful event!”

“It was wonderful to feel freedom to do things outdoors, in a safe environment, that I wanted to do for years. Thank you for your help and support with that. It seemed like you wanted to find a way to make that happen for us - I really appreciated that.”

“The extended duration and privacy of the event contributed so much. Saturday was the first time in my adult life when I woke up and went to bed without a single moment during the day when I needed to mask the nature of my preferences and my relationship.”

“The depth of knowledge and care in craft and safety: sitting around the fire pit, after some discussion of fireplay, I asked a question for resources about branding. I learned so much more than I even would have hoped for from the discussion. Not only that what we’ve had in mind could really be done responsibly only by an experienced professional - but the ins and outs, whys and wherefores of that fact. All discussed with care and absent of judgment.”

“Seeing the community itself: sui generis. In the circle at the closing ceremony, I was touched by the memories shared of the woman [Allena Gabosch] who died. While I never myself met her (this was basically my first CSPC event), I could feel the community in that moment – not just in the memories that were shared, but more so by the looks of recognition from others around the circle who were listening to those shared memories.”

“One of my favorite moments was getting in a group of people and playing a variation of truth or dare. I was surprised at the amount of cartwheels I was dared to do, and happy I got my hair pulled.”

“There was a sense of community that I’ve been missing. I saw sharing of ideas, feelings and warmth.”

“It’s been a couple years since I’ve had space and time to dance with my whips. Getting out onto the field, with the music playing ambiently, and dancing was a highlight of my Frolic. Such an amazing thing to just be able to move and play and crack among people who appreciated it, in a place with a space.”

“It was a pretty chill weekend. It was good to be isolated from the outside world. Everyone was welcoming and accepting.”

“Being among so many people of like mind, the conversations were incredible. I met folx from all over and got to talk about our interests and deep connections. There’s someone I hope is going to message me and explore! Being there with people I knew had had vaccine cards checked, out of the city, with folx I knew I didn’t have to filter myself around the way I do with vanillas felt so safe and validating, especially after a year and a half of isolation.”

“The kinky card game was a great way to get to know people: who’s silly, who’s serious, who’s  playful, and who’s mischievous.”

“Making love on a mattress, in the shade of the trees with the breeze on bare skin, was such a treat.”

“At the VIP meals, the conversation was lively and interesting, constantly.”

“I got to meet my long distance girlfriend for the very first time. I won my first high quality paddle. On top of that, I got to spend a weekend with some of my favorite people in the entire world, meet some new favorite people and have an absolute blast!”

“The play was wonderful. I got to do a couple scenes and the high is still with me.”

“With the freedom to play at will over a full weekend surrounded by gorgeous scenery, it’s no wonder I have too many favorite moments to pick just one. Hard work and forethought showed in every detail. I’ve been waiting a long time for this kind of getaway.”

“My favorite moment was after the day's energies brought many of us together around the flame. Each coming from our own burnt embers of kinky energy to share in an enrichment. Being shown manipulations of fire and some participation in the same. The wisdom of an elder retelling stories to pass on his own passions. Coming together in one place, to share in community in the dark, comforted by lighting it up around the campfire.”

“I can sum up my favorite moment in two words: outdoor orgasm.”

SO MUCH TO DO, SO LITTLE TIME...

by Teeebone

Have you ever wondered what the weekly event schedules were like back in the day when the CSPC was at Interbay? I dug up three examples to give you an idea of the length and breadth as well as the sheer enormity of just how much the Center had to offer. I often look back and wonder (as long-term volunteer) how I managed to survive such a crazy, busy time in my life. :3

First, here’s a weekly schedule from 2004. I had been a member for little over a year and the Center was often referred to as the “Wet Spot,” though back then its official name was the Sex Positive Community Center or SPCC. It consisted of only the Main Space in those days, and on-site parties/events typically happened 3-4 times a week.

MONDAY, July 5, 2004

Dom/Me Discussion Group..................... 7:30 PM to  9:00 PM

TUESDAY, July 6, 2004

Gor Discussion Group........................ 7:00 PM to  9:00 PM

WEDNESDAY, July 7, 2004

Drop-In Wednesday..................[MR/AG].. 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Pacific NW Sex Educators Forum

(OFFSITE at a home in Ballard).............. 7:30 PM to  9:00 PM

Red Hot Words and More.............[MR/AG].. 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM

THURSDAY, July 8, 2004

The Grind..........................[MR]..... 9:00 PM to  1:00 AM

FRIDAY, July 9, 2004

Polycamp

(see below for event description)

(OFFSITE at The Longhouse)

(Friday afternoon to Monday Noon)...........TIME INFO BELOW

Intro to Sex-Positive Culture............... 8:00 PM

Erotic City:

Iron Chef Live Sushi Night

(see below for event description)..[MR]..... 9:00 PM to  2:00 AM

SATURDAY, July 10, 2004

Polycamp

(see below for event description)

(OFFSITE at The Longhouse)

(Friday afternoon to Monday Noon)...........TIME INFO AT LEFT

Whip Enthusiasts Group...................... Noon    to  3:00 PM

Poly Potluck at Polycamp

(see below for event description)

(OFFSITE at The Longhouse).................. 5:00 PM to  8:00 PM

Poly Potluck................................ 5:00 PM to  8:00 PM

Pansexual BDSM Social..............[MR]..... 8:00 PM to  9:00 PM

Pansexual BDSM Night...............[MR]..... 9:00 PM to  3:00 AM

SUNDAY, July 11, 2004

Polycamp

(see below for event description)

(OFFSITE at The Longhouse)

(Friday afternoon to Monday Noon)...........TIME INFO AT LEFT

Kinky Brunch

(OFFSITE at Guppy's)........................11:00 AM to  2:00 PM

Massage Night

(doors close at 7:00 PM)...........[MR]..... 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Next up we have a schedule from 2009. At this point the SPCC had become the CSPC, and we had acquired the Annex, which allowed us to have 2 parties/events going on the same night. Accordingly, this greatly expanded our schedule list.

MONDAY, June 8, 2009

Kinky Crafters munch (in the Annex) 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Big Committee Meeting (in the Annex) 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM

Monday Madness! 7:00 PM to 12:00 AM

TUESDAY, June 9, 2009

Daytime Playtime 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Drop-In Tuesday (in the Annex) 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Owners & Slaves Discussion 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Volunteer Training Sessions 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

WEDNESDAY, June 10, 2009

Life Drawing (in the Annex) 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

The Hump--Booty-licious Butt music 8:00 PM to 12:00 AM

THURSDAY, June 11, 2009

FetLife Mid-Day Munch 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Thursday New Member Orientation 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Grind -- Party and Dance 9:00 PM to 1:00 AM

The Chill - In the Annex 9:00 PM to 1:00 AM

FRIDAY, June 12, 2009

New Member Orientation: Intro to Sex-Positive Culture 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM

Tie me up, Take me down... 9:00 PM to 2:00 AM

Partner's Party -- in the Annex 9:00 PM to 2:00 AM

SATURDAY, June 13, 2009

Whip Enthusiasts Group 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM

Gor Discussion Group 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Saturday New Member Orientation 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM

Pansexual BDSM Social 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Pansexual BDSM Experience: Whips, Mayhem & Metal 9:00 PM to 3:00 AM

Caribbean Groove presents "It’s Time for a Sacrifice!" 9:00 PM to 3:00 AM

SUNDAY, June 14, 2009

Sunday Morning Yoga 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM

Fem Domme Tea 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Volunteer Appreciation 10th Anniversary BBQ 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM

No Safeword Writers' Group (Sun) 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

Massage Night  5:00 PM to 9:00 PM

And finally, we have a schedule from 2015. At this point, the CSPC had acquired the Raw Space, which greatly expanded the play space for events held in either the Main Space or the Annex. Also of note is that the Grind had switched from a weekly to a monthly party in the schedule, which allowed a bunch of other new events/parties to step into the available Thursday night slots.

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

The Hump Social: 6:00pm - 8:00pm, Main Space

The Hump: 8:00pm - 12:00am, Main Space

Whump at the Hump!: 8:00pm - 12:00am, Raw Space

Thursday, July 2, 2015

New Member Orientation: 6:30pm-8pm, Main Space

Frolic on 15th (age limited): 9:00pm - 1:00am

The Chill: 9:00pm - 1:00am, Annex & Raw Space

Friday, July 3, 2015

Passport Meeting: 7:00pm - 8:00pm, Main Space

Asylum: 8:00pm - 2:00am, Annex

On the Market & After Party: 8pm - 2am, Main Space

Saturday, July 4, 2015

Morning Wood: 10:00am - 3:00pm, Main Space

Sunday, July 5, 2015

Bondage is the Point: 7pm - 12am, Main Space  

Monday, July 6, 2015

Monday Madness: 7:00pm - 12:00am, Main Space

Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Daytime Playtime: 12:00pm-4:00pm, Main Space

New Member Orientation: 5pm-6:30pm, Main Space

On Ramp: 7:00pm - 12:00am, Main Space

So, there you have it. Just a few examples of how the CSPC strived to have something for everybody in the community. :3

Top Ten Benefits of Being Solo Polyamorous During a Pandemic

By Mistress 7

As I look back on the lessons learned from My past year in various stages of lockdown, one thing becomes apparent: living apart from partners during this time is difficult. It’s especially difficult for those of us who have been living with none of our partners and miss our accustomed time with many beloveds.

But, every cloud has a silver lining. Here are some of My positive take-aways from spending the past year in pandemic as a solo poly person:

10. You’re not afraid of spending time by yourself.

9. You already live with your primary partner, and they make or buy all the meals for you.

8. You were already good at talking to people about viruses and risk.

7. Not having as much sex has given you a chance to stop neglecting your hobbies.

6. After a year stuck at home, some of your cohabitating friends finally get what you mean by wanting personal space.

5. New thing to shout during sex: “Are you coming? Press spacebar, I think you’re on mute!”

4. No longer going out on dates saves you more money than most people.

3. Forget three-ways – with Zoom you can get 49 on a page!

2. You already had a year’s supply of medical gloves.

1. With all this personal autonomy, there’s no limit to the number of people you can’t see.

Touchstone

By Turtle

There are things you think you know, then someone dumps a bucket of ice water and glitter over your head. Maybe you find yourself sitting on the curb as the world spins cattywampus, blinking itsy bitsy cutting cellophane out of your now pixelated sight. At first, I thought 2020 and Covid precautions had caused my destitution of touch. It was a much longer journey, however.

I come from a touchy family. Always with the hugs and the squeezing too many people onto any available seating even if it leaves a chair open, except during pinochle. Only then do you get your own chair! No cheating!

I’d go out dancing at the clubs, squishing in with the other dancers on the boxes and catwalks. Constantly there was inadvertent touch, and certainly some very on purpose crushing and grinding. I’d never know whose sweat or even how many people’s sweat I would wash off as the sun peeked over the horizon. I was high on life!

Touch is important to humans. It calms our cardiovascular system, signals trust and safety. It leads to lower blood pressure and, hey, who doesn't love a little oxytocin "the love hormone" in your life?

One day, I received the diagnosis of chronic illness that included pain. It’s not the fun unicorn, rainbows and candy that some make it out to be, said with sad irony. Fairly quickly, I’d flinch away from soft touch. Firm touch was still ok. I started feeling "other" and not included...like standing outside in the dark and cold while watching a party going on inside a house that I wasn't invited to.

Soon, I needed to see the touch coming and I'd need it to be firm and purposeful. No idle stroking back and forth in the same spot back and forth and back. It felt like my skin was being peeled off. At the Center, friends would ask if I was huggable. I was grateful when I could say yes. Thankful for a community who understood the many various facets of consent.

Then one day, our 21st-century plague hits and people lose their ever-loving minds over simple precautions I’ve lived with for years. But due to their right to be a walking talking coughing petri dish, I no longer leave the house. I don’t see people in person. Strangely, since everyone is doing everything virtually, I’m more social than before. But I crave touch.

My nesting partner is focused in his head. We no longer play or snuggle. I find myself treasuring when he tucks his toes under my legs at night. We adopted a pup who is about 55 pounds now. He lays on me and I snuggle with him. It helps but it’s not the same. Plus he's at that awkward age where he's all elbows and paws.

I’m finding myself almost willing to overlook safety measures for just the smallest physical connection… hugs, holding hands, spooning, kissing, massage. And as that angst grows unbearable…

I remind myself that our hearts are our touchstones. Yes, we all need physical touch. It just isn’t quite safe yet, though it will be soon. Make a plan for how to play and engage when it is safer. For the moment, we need to reach out with our hearts until it is safe to do so with our bodies.