Sub Rosa Through a Professional Lens

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We take a lot of pride in our beautiful fetish space, so it’s always exciting to see the dungeon through the eyes (and lens) of a creative professional in a boudoir photoshoot.

Sub Rosa provides a dreamy, sexy atmosphere for private boudoir portraits, erotic art, kinky fashion photography, and more. Many photos have been taken in Sub Rosa, but here we’d like to profile three of our favorite professional photographers to work with: The Nightshade Noir, Amber Red, and Mason Rose.

Working under the direction of one of these incredible photographers, with Sub Rosa providing the sexy setting, is a boudoir dream come true. Whether you’re an experienced model or new to working the camera, these artists will draw out your best and immortalize the moment. Treat yourself to the experience of a professional photoshoot at a private rental in Sub Rosa, and leave feeling empowered, with an incredible keepsake!

The Nightshade Noir

The Nightshade Noir has directed many photoshoots at Sub Rosa, including sessions with Mistress Viola and Princessa Natasha. His work features dramatic lighting, bold lines, and rich textures. He specializes in fierce, sexy portraits but also knows how to show softness and vulnerability. You can follow his Instagram here.

Mistress Viola on a red velvet couch by The Nightshade Noir
Rope play at Sub Rosa by The Nightshade Noir
Mistress Viola with boxing glove by The Nightshade Noir
Princessa Natasha by the cage in Sub Rosa by The Nightshade Noir

Amber Red

Amber Red has captured many beautiful portraits of Viola and Natasha, and knows well how to work with what Sub Rosa has to offer. You can see Amber’s gallery of her work at Sub Rosa here. A session with her is more than a photoshoot, it is an experience that provides space for embracing yourself, your vision, and your emotions – catching it all in richly saturated colors. Follow Amber’s Instagram here, and book through her website here.

Sitting on the Sub Rosa spanking bench by Amber Red
Featuring Mx. Luna Izel
https://mxlunaizel.com/
Princessa Natasha laying on the cage in Sub Rosa by Amber Red
Mistress Viola stands above two submissives in Sub Rosa by Amber Red

Mason Rose

Mason Rose is a trans photographer whose stunning portraits possess an ethereal sensuality. His work uplifts queers, trans people, sex workers, and the kink community, subverting systemic shame into beauty and celebration. You can follow Mason’s Instagram here, and book a session with him on his website here.

Princessa Natasha poses as a cult leader by Mason Rose
Princessa Natasha in Sub Rosa by Mason Rose

Reach out to any of these photographers directly to book a professional boudoir photoshoot, and request Sub Rosa as the location. If you already have a photographer to work with, book your Sub Rosa session now!

SheBop Boss Picks

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We’ve selected these tops picks from our favorite local woman-owned sex shop. If you have yet to visit SheBop in Portland or online, now is the time. With locations in North Portland and SE Division, knowledgable staff, and an inviting approachable atmosphere — you’re in good hands. They also have an awesome selection of online sexual empowerment classes.

Natasha Strange

Learn more about Natasha Strange on her website here, book coaching or a session, and be sure to check out her amazing Resources page.

Bit Gag by Stockroom
While a ball gag is the iconic go-to gag, I find bit gags much easier to use for many people. This silicon style gives your bottom/sub something to bite on, while leaving their lips available to kiss and caress. Because it’s not forcing their mouth open as wide, they can often wear it for longer as well!
Purchase here.

Aneros Helix
This is my absolutely favorite butt toy for people with a prostate. It’s small enough that even those new to anal play can accommodate it and long enough that it rests right up against the prostate giving it
a little push. This one vibrates! Purchase here.

Good Clean Love
As our bodies age, the lube we need changes. Good Clean Love is an Oregon based, lube company created by a woman who couldn’t find that lube – so she created it. Thicker, created with bio-match technology that will make your vagina feel like it’s in college again.
Purchase here.

Vixen Penis Extender
I’ve had several people ask me about penis extenders lately. Whether you are looking to try wielding something larger than your own, denying yourself sensation while still thrilling your partner, or looking for help when your body isn’t cooperating, these types of
extenders can be a fun addition to your sex life. Purchase here.

Natasha’s Book!
SheBop carries Kink for the Curious at both their locations as well as online. If you are looking for a fun way to learn about kink, power exchange, and creating safe healthy boundaries, this is a great place to begin. Full of color pages and puzzles, as well as solid information about power exchange and a wide range of fetishes, this book also makes a great gift for those curious special friends in your life. Purchase here.

Mistress Viola

Learn more about Mistress Viola on her website here, book coaching or a session, and be sure to check out her events!

The Joque Harness
We love this harness, it looks like a sexy jock strap, is stretchy with plenty of sizing adjustments, and no complicated buckles to mess with in strapping on, just shove the dick through the hole and you’re ready to go. Also, easily washable.
Purchase here.

Magic Wand Micro
It’s like your hitachi had a baby hitachi. It is truly the cutest lil’ vibe you ever did see, and it packs a nice rumbly vibe too. A great addition to the family — the big motor mama, the medium cordless, and this lil’ micro. Collect them all!
Purchase here.

The Neon Wand
Viola loves sensation play, and the sound of electricity can be a real adrenaline booster when your submissive is blindfolded and you’re zapping all their sensitive bits. The neon wand makes you feel like a kinky wizard. Purchase here.

We Vibe Vector
Imagine plugging your submissive and then sending them out to run errands, and all the while you are controlling the vibrations in their bum remotely. This one is great for people with prostates, but they make a great one for vaginal pleasure as well (We Vibe Sync). Purchase here.

The Wand Thigh Harness
This thing is very handy when you’ve got someone in bondage and you need hands free orgasm torment and edging. It essentially acts as BOTH a hitachi holster and a thigh harness for your dildo. You can wrap it around a thigh or other object to support any dildo with up to 2″ in diameter. And since it is made of faux leather and nylon webbing you can easily clean it. Purchase here.

Emma our Operations Manager!

Our ops manager Emma Queen has great taste! She is a professional dominant and a queer events host. Be sure to check out here amazing events she hosts with The Gay Barn.

Sutil Hathor Pure
Hathor Pure has been Emma’s favorite lube for years — it is made with healthy botanical ingredients and feels absolutely amazing! Purchase here.

Dual-Density VixSkin
Dual-density VixSkin gives the big-but-not-too-big Maverick flexibility and control at the same time — and the design of the head is *chef’s kiss*. 
Purchase here.

Magic Wand Mini
The Magic Wand Mini is easier to hold and maneuver than the larger (and heavier) Magic Wands, plus it’s the perfect wand to travel with or throw in your backpack.
Purchase here.

In Her Tube Flogger
I love the sting of an In Her Tube flogger! This locally made flogger is both comfortable to use (topping) and delightfully painful to use (bottoming). 
Purchase here.

njoy Pure Wand
The njoy Pure Wand is a classic for a reason, with a beautiful look and feel that offers intense g-spot and prostate stimulation and temperature play. From the website: “The njoy Pure Wand is a legendary stainless steel dildo that many regard as the best G-spotter in existence. With its incredible C shape, the Pure Wand provides a direct connection to your favorite spot — G or P. Crafted with perfect curvature and ample reach, the Pure Wand allows you to lay back and relax while you pleasure yourself or your partner with firm, controlled massage. This piece of art has wonderful weight and is amazing for temperature play!” Purchase here.

Black History Month

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The Black Leather Pride Flag (pictured above) can be purchased here.

It the first day of Black History Month 2024 and we want to take this opportunity to highlight, promote, and uplift Black voices, businesses, performers, educators, and influencers we owe so much. In addition to learning, re-learning, and uplifting the contributions that Black Americans have made in this country, let’s also support their work and influence.

This list will be a living blogpost that we will continuously add to throughout 2024 because we know that this is a practice that requires attention throughout the year, not just in February. We encourage ourselves and white community members to ask ourselves what we are doing to continually uplift and promote Black voices and business in our communities. Share these links and/or throw some money and support to some of these businesses or individuals today!

People of Color Kink & Leather

People of Color Kink & Leather Experience (POCKLE) serves as an online digital archive & resource center for BIPOC Kink & Leatherfolk to bring visibility & awareness & funding to activities in communities that are created by, center, or serve BIPOC. They have a great Black History Month list of influential Black leaders and leatherfolk.

Sex Educators and Kink Community Leaders

Celebrating the folks who are currently making Black history in the kink and sex education communities:

  • Mx. Pucks a’Plenty: Pucks (they/them) is an incredible burlesque performer, producer, community leader, activist, and educator who has taught at Sub Rosa before and performer at 50 Shades of STFU and Kinkfest. They run What the Funk?! An All BIPOC Burlesque Fest in Seattle and and co-host of the podcast, SexualiTEA SEA.
  • Marla Renee Stewart, MA: Marla (she/her) is an award-winning certified sexologist, sexual strategist, intimacy/relationship/sex coach, educator, speaker, and author. She is the owner of Velvet Lips, a sexuality education company that focuses on people to help them integrate seduction, develop their communication abilities, and enhancing their sex skills. She is the Co-Founder of the Sex Down South Conference. She also hosts the ongoing series Race & Kink with Luna Matatas. We highly recommend attending these if you wants to be more conscious of how racism shows up in BDSM spaces. You can buy her pre-recorded Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Kink class here.
  • Luna Matatas: Luna (she/her) is a Sex and Pleasure Educator with over 15 years of experience in sexual health and wellness internationally and locally. Her playful approach to sexuality draws on the creativity, confidence and communication skills we all need to fulfill our pleasure potentials. Luna’s classes are trauma and equity informed and include pleasure topics like anal play to feminine dominance to how to have a threesome. Luna is the creator of Peg the Patriarchy, Meditate Medicate Masturbate and Fuck Like a Goddess brands. 
  • Evita “Lavitaloca” Sawyers: Lavitaloca (she/her) is an ethical non-monogamy coach, speaker, and educator. She is the creator of “Today’s Polyamory Reminder” and is also the subject of the groundbreaking polyamorous documentary “Poly-Love”.
  • Jet Setting Jasmine and King Noire: Jet Setting Jasmine is a licensed clinical therapist with a strong emphasis on Intimacy Post Injury and Intimacy Post Illness. She is co-owner, with partner King Noire, of Award Winning, Royal Fetish Films and has over 20 years of experience as an adult entertainer, educator and Master Fetish Trainer. King Noire is an accomplished writer, artist, MC and global activist using the proceeds of his album ‘Music Is My Weapon’ to build a school, fresh water well and medical clinic in Guinea Bissau, West Africa.
  • Mx. Dahlia Belle: comedians can be activists and educators and Mx. Dahlia Belle is both. Check out her comedy and commentary on her youtube channel. She’s been declared one of “11 Trans Comedians… Funnier Than Dave Chappelle” by Out Magazine and the funniest of Willamette Week’s Funniest Five. In addition to having written for Cosmopolitan Magazine, The Guardian, The Stranger, and Portland Mercury, she has been a repeat guest on NPR, CBC, XRAY FM, and Portland Radio Project (PRP). Live performances have included NW Black Comedy Festival, Upper Left Comedy Festival, Mutiny Radio, and an awkward conversation with John Waters and Piers Morgan. Book her, pay her, giggle with her, she’s the best.

Black-Owned Businesses:

Local Events and Content Creators

Send them $$$ appreciation, buy tickets to these shows, follow them on social media, buy their online content. This list will continue to grow as we compile these events and iconic creators!

If you have suggestions of others we can add to this list please email us at info@subrosapdx.com. As always, for our events we offer discounts for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) to any of our classes (60% off), and Viola offers free entry to her FemDom Party 50 Shades of STFU for BIPOC folks.

We also want to take this moment to honor our friend who passed some years back, just as we launched Sub Rosa. Madame Hecuba was an incredible domme, artist, and friend. We miss her energy and the infectious love that she spread. Some of her art is featured at Sub Rosa, those three hand sculpted teal eyes in the bathroom. She had intended to begin working with us on the project that is Sub Rosa, but she never got the chance and we wish it was not the case. We love you Madame Hecuba: Queen of IIIIIIIII.

New Year, New Playspace

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Lot’s of new energy moving into 2024. Both of us are pretty excited about what’s to come, from new spaces to new events to weekend retreats. Stay tuned because we have lots of tricks up our leather sleeves! But one thing we’re tickled to announce is the addition of a new playspace. For most of 2023, whilst doing ALL the other things, we were carefully building out a new space near Sub Rosa which we have affectionately dubbed “Mother’s Den”.

Unlike our main dungeon space this one is just for Mistress Viola and Natasha Strange to schedule private sessions and/or coaching. It is available to some key members as well. But this space will not be rented out like Sub Rosa. It allows us to stretch out a bit and have more options for session scheduling and session types. We also open it up for our monthly Bootcamps for extra space to practice and play. If you’re interested in visiting Mother’s Den, you’ll have to book with one of the Proprietrixes to do so — or attend one of our Bootcamps.

Mother’s Den was truly a collaboration with some of the trusted members of our growing community of gracious volunteers. What’s evolved out of this collaboration is a lush, feminine, more domestic leaning space. We scored an amazing white lacquered bedroom set — that is straight 80s Miami Art Nouveau revival. Of course we’ve added restraints to our Barbie bed and filled the vanity with crossdressing items of all kinds — shoes, wigs, makeup, lingerie, panties, corsets, chastity, bondage…you get the picture.

The crew also built a platform for our Throne, for proper worship. A generous submissive crafted a classic disciplinary spanking bench as well. We’ve moved the standing cage from Sub Rosa to the Den and lit it neon pink — it’s become “The Doll Box” — a place to stash our naughty dolled up (or stripped down) submissives and sluts on display, captured and helpless…

Both Natasha and Viola have done a few photoshoots in there, and Natasha has filmed some content (check out her LoyalFans for a peak inside). And of course, we’ve got a spiffy new 3D tour courtesy of Portland Creative Photography. We are so excited for this new space and the new energy it brings. We hope to see some of you there very soon.

Mistress Viola Parker, Photo: Portland Creative Photography
Princessa Natasha Strange, Photo: Portland Creative Photography

Our Kinky Gift Guide

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XXXmas at Sub Rosa

We’ve put together a selection of queer-owned and/or sex positive local products, shops, and online shops that we love. And we always feel better supporting local businesses or other sex educators!

LUNA MATATAS, ONLINE SHOP

Our friend Luna is an incredible sex and pleasure educator with an awesome selection of unique gifts including her newly developed pegging dildo named “Bubbles” (we love it!) and toy bags, tees, hoodies, coffee mugs, stickers with sayings like her trademarked “Peg the Patriarchy”, etc. Buy her stuff!

SHE BOP, SEX TOY BOUTIQUE

We love our local woman-owned sex shop! With two local locations this is a great spot for a last minute gift or kinky care package. They also have a really great online selection and virtual classes.

AS YOU LIKE IT, PLEASURE SHOP

As You Like It is an eco-conscious, gender-inclusive pleasure shop that honors the diverse desires of our community. With two locations in Eugene & Ashland and a great online selection, you can buy online knowing you’re supporting local Oregon small biz.

BOOK: KINK FOR THE CURIOUS

Our fearless co-founder Natasha Strange wrote and designed this playful workbook full of great information for the curious kinkster, complete with color pages, puzzles, and games. This book makes a great gift for the holidays. Buy your copy here!

BOOK: UNFUCK YOUR KINK

Dr. Faith G. Harper debunks myths, explains the science behind why we like what we like, and discusses how to engage safely, shamelessly, and satisfyingly in BDSM, pornography, fantasies, role-play, and fetishes both common and rare.

BOOKS: TRISTAN TAORMINO

Tristan taught at Sub Rosa this year and it was such a delight to have her. Her books are foundational, from Opening Up, the Feminist Porn Book, The Ultimate Guide to Kink, The Ultimate Guide to Anal Sex, and so many more (including her new memoir) – books are great gifts!

RIVERQUEER LEATHERWORK

We are obsessed with this new chastity design by riverqueer. They have a great selection of collars, harnesses, and make gorgeous custom pieces. Stay queer and buy here!

SWITCH LEATHER CO.

Switch Leather Co. is a queer-owned company based in Portland, Oregon. Every harness is made by hand in their studio in SE Portland. Their stuff is super high quality and beautiful. Buy their gear!

MÖBIUS LEATHERWORKS

Möbius Leatherworks has a special place in our hearts and dungeon because a friend commissioned a GORGEOUS “Queen of Thorns” paddle from them. We love it. Get truly high quality and beautiful custom work from them and you wont be disappointed. Order custom work here.

SEAGRAPE APOTHECARY

For our witchy kinksters we highly recommend Seagrape Apothecary for gorgeous oils, aftercare bathing rituals, and luscious candles, and a great selection of books and tarot decks. 

CBD AROUSAL OIL

FORIA has been crafting cannabis-based products for women’s health since 2012, with a commitment to all-natural & organic practices. Based in Medford, OR. 

DATE NIGHT IN THE DUNGEON

If you’re seeking to gift experiences over things, you can always get a Gift Certificate for a rental or overnight in our space. Date night with dinner and a dungeon?

Sub Rosa was designed from the ground-up to be a luxe kinky oasis, a fully-equipped fetish space available to rent for personal play and exploration, content creation, fetish education, and personal photography. 

Learn more about Gift Certificates here.

Rate Increase

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The last two years have been difficult for everyone. Small businesses, especially ones who thrive full of people and community have been hit especially hard. Mistress Viola and Natasha Strange have hustled and pivoted to keep Sub Rosa alive and well during this time as cancellations and cleaning supply prices have skyrocketed. We have decided to raise community rentals from $80 to $90 per hour starting Feb 14th. Class prices will also be going up a bit so class sizes can stay smaller while still paying our educators fairly. If you want to lock in a few rentals at the lower price – purchase gift certificates now! They will be honored even after the rate goes up. And a reminder – if you bought gift certificates to support us during the pandemic, they are still valid- even if our system says they aren’t. Just reach out and we will help you book!

Thank you again for your continued support. We hope to see you soon! Stay safe out there!

XOxxx – Natasha and Viola

New 3D Tour!

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We have made several updates to Sub Rosa since we opened in 2018. Thank you Peter Chee Photography for capturing them for our new 3D tour. New photos are currently being edited and will be on the site soon! Sign up for our newsletter as we have several fun kinky announcements coming as things are starting to open up.

A Kinky Escape from our Covid Reality

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Yes! We are open. But not the same way we were in the pre-Covid world. We no longer host classes or gatherings, BUT you are invited to host your own intimate gathering at Sub Rosa!

We still host classes digitally, including the fan favorite FemDom Bootcamp. In it’s digital incarnation we are able to invite FemDoms from all over to share their views and insight, so there’s an added bonus to online classes!

What kind of gatherings can you host? We invite you to use Sub Rosa as a sexy escape for four people or fewer who wish to escape the real world for a bit in a luxe space full of kinky sex toys and bondage furniture. Want to take some dirty pictures for your play partners who are quarantined in another state? Just want to hang out in lingerie, use the WiFi, and drink champagne in a clean safe place that not your home or a bar? We are open for that as well.

What is the rate? The rate is $80 per hour with a 2 hour minimum and a 4 hour maximum. After we get to know you, however, longer rentals or even an overnight stay in our Queen-size bondage bed is an option.

How do you make a reservation? Email us for the password to our reservation system. You will need to tell us a little bit about yourself and the person/people you will be bringing. We also like to take a look at your Fetlife profile (feel free to friend us!) or social media profile. Sub Rosa is a very special place and we like to know who we are sharing it with. As longtime members of the kink community, discretion is sacrosanct, and we NEVER share information about our renters with anyone. We ask the same of our community of renters and class attendees, as our address and location is not public.

Curious about limits? Limits aren’t a bad thing and everyone has them including us. No blood or bodily fluid play. No fire play. No art supplies. And of course, no sex or naked bodies on the vintage velvet couch. A full list of the rules is available when you reserve your time. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

Please arrive in masks. One of us (Natasha or Viola) will let you in to show you around, also masked, before leaving you to your private escape. We have a very strict cleaning protocol (much of which we put into play LONG before Covid) so you can be assured that our space is one of the cleanest places to visit in Portland.

It is our dream playspace and we treat it as such. We hope you will reach out if you are interested in renting!

Representation Matters

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If you have connections with clubs, venues, or really, ANY organizations or companies with employees please use your connections to pressure them to align and act with this racial justice movement and seek DEI training for owners and staff, as well as representation in your organizations. The PDX Stripper Strike is leading by demanding fair treatment and equal stage opportunities, accountability, and restorative justice in the local clubs in Portland. Be sure to support the clubs who have signed on, and pressure/boycott the clubs who have not. You can also donate to the collective action.

We have been investing more time in our own direct actions and anti-racist education. We will be joining this upcoming series hosted by Marla Renee Stewart and Luna Matatas, Race & Kink: A Bi-Weekly Discussion Series. We hope you will join us too! TICKETS HERE.

Upcoming Online Events & Classes

WEBINAR: FemDom Bootcamp
Distance Domination Part II: July 2nd, 6-8pm PDT
How can we better flirt remotely, tease, torment, and bond with our dominants and submissives? Our powerful band of experienced FemDom & badasses (Mistress Mia Darque, Natasha, and Daddy An-Li) will tackle the subject along with some of our trusted submissives who will weigh in on the experience from the other side, with live demos! If you missed Part I of this series, never fear, we will review. Note: webinars are participatory in chat only, you will not be onscreen. TICKETS.

Intro to Cock and Ball Torture (CBT) with Luna Matatas
Thursday July 16th, 4-5:30pm PDT
There’s a delicious line between pleasure and pain. As extreme as cock and ball torture (CBT) may sound, the spectrum of pleasure for the penis and testicles is diverse and full of fun. The pleasure for the giver of CBT can also be a delicious dimension of sexuality to explore. Luna Matatas is a Sex, Confidence and Pleasure Educator with over 10 years of experience in sexual health and wellness internationally and locally. TICKETS.

STFU & QUINK! Online – Kinky Play Party
July 18th, 8-10:30pm PDT
Viola’s monthly queer kink play party is combined for July with her monthly FemDom play party. This is an invite-only, vetted online play party for queer kinksters and femdoms and their submissives which begins with featured guests & performances and includes kinky cruising and networking games and well as highlighted steamy onscreen kink scenes. Performers TBD but guest Marla Renee Stewart confirmed to join us so get ready to be dazzled, delighted and seduced. View details here but email violaplease@gmail.com for link to register as we are vetting attendees and will want to know who you are. 

Kink & Revolution

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What a monumental set of circumstances have brought us to this point in history, a moment of collective trauma, activation, shift, rage, sorrow, and hopefully, radical change. We recognize large gaps in our understanding of racism and have committed to anti-racist education for ourselves, but we need to do better. It is more than talk and education that is needed.

As sex workers/educators we live an already political life, combating the intersections of shame, sex-negativity, and sex work discrimination, but not a single one of us white or white-passing people can truly understand what Black people are dealing with in this country, the violence and the silence they have had to endure. 

BLACK LIVES MATTER & BLACK TRANS LIVES MATTER. But it isn’t enough to say this, we are committed to doing the internal work to disrupt racism and white fragility, educating the other white people we have access to, activating our sphere of influence, using our privilege, and donating money and time to these causes for Black lives and Black futures.

Sub Rosa stands also with the PDX Stripper Strike – a labor movement demanding fair treatment of Black dancers at strip clubs in Portland. We have endorsed and have committed to doing more DEI training with our members as well as pushing for the other organizations/clubs/venues that we work with to do the same.

Some other places you can start/support: buy and hire services from Portland POC-owned businesses, donate to direct aid with Portland’s Equitable Giving Circle, read: this antiracist reading list, watch this movie: The 13th, donate to organizations that support Black trans folks (recognizing the underreported recent murders), PUSH for your companies and organizations to enlist the services of this local DEI training group: Empress Rules Equity Consulting, or find a Black-led DEI consulting group.

This is so important right now, our Black and Indigenous friends cannot wait for us to act any longer. 

love and strength and spanks, 

Viola & Natasha