I am not here to smear smarmy lyrical hoopla about the wonderous yada yada yada ...*gack*

Deborah IS the real deal... step up or step back!!

I thank The Universe alarmingly often for slamming our worlds together.. what a excruciatingly delicious smash... I believe the ripples will continue forever...

There is seldom a day where I do not think of one of her "seemingly" off the wall comments, that in reality is a pure moment of uncut, raw Truth. By this, I mean the pure (standing in front of your bathroom mirror with the door locked at 2am on a Wednesday, staring yourself in the face, crying and holding a empty tub of ben and jerrys) kind of Honesty..... can you handle that? are you sure?

Thank you for being you!!

Love and Energy,

Merlin

The first time I saw Deborah present at Thunder in the Mountains, I felt like a child who'd stepped foot into Willy Wonka's chocolate factory. She had a way of expressing knowledge I was thirsty for, in a manner that spoke directly to my soul. By the grace of <enter your deity here> I have been able to spend a significant amount of one on one time with her since. She invites a sacred space which allows great change in my life every time I see her. When in her presence, I feel safe enough to look at that which most most frightens me, that which brings me the most joy, and teaches me how to, on my own, embrace these truths about myself, realising I hold the power to evolve into the human I desire to become. She is a true inspiration, and I encourage anyone who has not spent a significant amount of time talking about life's challenges with her, to do so, if you are indeed brave enough.

I met Ms. Addington 4 years ago, and couldn't get the image of her out of my head for months! She bit me very hard, and it was terribly exciting!

She has taught me so much about BDSM and energy exchange, and the talks that I've had with her have been extremely beneficial to me, made me feel empowered. She's so damn smart, beautiful, wise, testy, outrageous, snuggly, hilarious, strong and vulnerable all at once. She can read me with just one hand. Her contribution to Club Risque' has been immesurably important, as has her presence in many people's lives.

In short, I am very happy to have met this unique woman. Life would have had much less color and laughter in it without her.

I remember the first time I was fortunate enough to have met Miss Addington.. the first annual KinkFest in Windsor, ON... in 2002. She was to present a workshop that coincided with Her book; A Hand in the Bush - The Art of Vaginal Fisting. Unfortunately, I missed the presentation... but was able to attend the Festival's events afterwards. She had been sitting at the bar, smoking and waiting for Her drink.. I sat, sneaked a look at Her... introduced myself and mumbled somethingto the effect of "You are so cool"... she laughed, and I caught glimpse of Her fangs for the first time as she responded with "I am so not cool. I'm a dork. I have a sticker that says I Love Dorks". We shared a laugh over that because I too, am a dork.

A year later, Miss Addington returned to the local dungeon - this time to present Her Fantasy Made Flesh workshop & book release. All attendees of the workshop were to bring every day materials in which they'd incorporate into a costume after the workshop ended and the party began. I knew not what to bring... I racked my brain, picking the brains of others for an idea.. and I found none. Finally I reached the Woman who was housing Miss Addington for the weekend.. and She relayed a message from Miss Addington that I was to bring a black garbage bag. I didn't question the odd request, only did as asked.

Once the workshop had ended, Miss Addington took me aside and She got to crafting my 'costume' from the black garbage bag. I remember not Her exact words, but I do remember they were uplifting and words of encouragement... She made several cuts into the plastic which appeared to be sporatic & spontaneous. Finally she unfolded the bag, instructed me to lift my arms and slid the bag over my head. My arms had holes to go through as did my head. When I asked what it was, She replied with the following:

These are your wings. A physical reminder of the strong woman you are inside - never forget your strength and always fly high.

I still have those wings, two years later... and the echo of those words in my head at the times when I feel I've reached a low point. Both cause me to chug along and fly high.

First, I read Deb's book on fisting. So, what's not to love by that feat alone. I went to my first Ohio Leather Festival two years ago and there she was. I HAD NO IDEA!!!! What a beautiful creature she is, wicked, wise, open and fun. I went to the fisting demonstration and to her needle demonstration. Her presence touched me deeply. One might think she is unapproachable at first this woman in black, pierced, inked and tall, a woman come to life from the pages of a vampire fantasy, a priestess among those ranked most high. However, she exudes friendship and a willingness to share what she knows and though I don't know her on a real personal basis, I love her energy and I love her public self and from her I somehow gain something that empowers me, personifies. The second time I saw her was at the 2nd Ohio fest I went to. So much had changed for me between my first and second fest. I lost my wife of 9 years due to my BDSM interests and lost some friends too. However, I've gained confidence, knowledge and have known desires instead of just dreamed them. I wanted something to mark this passage in my life and Deb carved a small symbol of Pisces into my arm. Having it done by her was what made it ten times more special and meaningful. I hope I get to meet her again sometime. She is a oner and a wonder and may she be blessed. ~K