It was now Sunday and I must say I slept very well. My calves and upper back were still sore from the 'Racking' I got the day before. My lower back was also stiff with some aching. I'm not surprised at this after the punishment I gave it. I got up early with the euphoria of the accomplishment of the day before and what I wanted to do that day.
At A Glance Author PSFitz Contact PSFitz@bme.anon IAM PSFitz When A month ago Artist Emrys, myself and all from ROP Studio Providence Suscon Location Providence, RI When I attended both of the other Providence Suscons I always had the intention of doing 2 suspensions if time allowed. Both years I didn't for various self imposed excuses. I was either too tired, I hurt too much or I was just tired. Then, when I was on that very long assed ride home I was constantly kicking myself for not doing another suspension. I couldn't reflect on what I DID accomplish during those Suscons. All I could do was concentrate on what I DIDN'T do. This year was going to be different. This year I was going to carry out what I was planning. This year I was going to succeed.
My plan was to do a two point knee suspension. To some this may be considered 'common' or 'basic'. And yes; you see many pictures and writings about them. My view is that any suspension done by anyone is unique and unusual. It is that persons' special event in their lives and they should be lauded for even attempting them. They could be up for just a few seconds or for hours, it just doesn't matter. Each suspension is unique and each individual will get different satisfactions from them.
What I had decided to do to make this suspension unique for me was that I wanted to throw my own hooks in both knees. I have never pierced before even though I had taken the needle many times. Months ago I decided it was time to learn and to experience that sensation. This event was the time.
The night before I sought out Emrys whom I have known from the last Sucons I attended. I told him what I wanted to do and he responded that it would be his pleasure and just let him know when in the morning. He's one of the most intense and dedicated young men I have ever met. Not only does he believe in pushing the art of suspensions but doing it right and safely. It is a standard I totally agree with. The following morning I reminded him about the night before. Emrys remembered and thought it was a great idea. He handed me a blue scheduling card, told me to fill it out and put it in my back pocket. When I was ready, submit and let him know. He would be there for me at any time.
I paced and paced. I watched a few other suspensions going on but not really paying attention. I paced. I became quiet. I went into deep thought. Do I want to do this? Then, I made my decision. I then went over to the scheduling desk, stated what I wanted to do and took out the blue scheduling card and stated that I needed Emrys for the piercing aid. All at the desk who knew me smiled. They knew I was going to do something for special for me.
As like the day before I had to 'hurry up and wait'. The room I was to use needed to be finished with an on going suspension. And I had to wait for Emrys to be finished with what he was doing. I had to be patient. My wait didn't last long as Emrys was finished and I was ready. He found me out and took me back to the piercing area.
While I was taking by boots, socks and jeans off, Emrys was setting up the work station. He put out the marking fluid, gloves, hoods and needle. He was also talking but I wasn't listening. I was thinking. I was thinking about what I was about to do. I wasn't focused. I needed to be.
I then sat up on the table and noticed everything. I realized that I needed to focus. I shook off doubt and began to really listen. As Emrys began to look at my knees, he began to pull and pinch to find the right spot for the hooks. He talked about why he was doing that and why it was important. I was really focused now and absorbed every word. I was getting an education.
He began to mark and as he was doing so, Emrys was telling my why this angle was better than straight and how important placement was. I was fascinated. I was learning. I was beginning to understand. Just what I wanted to learn to have more control over suspensions I want to do in the future. Marking done, a glove lesson was next. He explained the difference and uses between sterilized and unsterilzed latex gloves and when one should be used over the other. We used sterilized gloves so that I could learn how to put them on. Once that was done, gloves on, the education continued.
The hooks and needle were opened from their packs. The needle was lubed and attached to the end of the hook with the explanation as to the proper positioning...
Ok, a quick reality check here. Again, I've never done any piercing before so the size of the needle and hook seemed HUGE to me...
Emrys then explained what he was going to do and what I was going to do. He was going to pinch and possibly push if necessary. All I was to do was to push in a straight line. In my mind it was not that easy. I did go through the cob web files of my mind with how other piercers had done with other piercings. Speed...I thought speed was the key.
I was ready. Emrys pinched. I began to breathe short breaths at first then getting deeper. I closed my eyes, breathed heavier, opened my eyes and with the all the intensity I could muster....one deep breath....two deep breath....and....PUSH!
In a millisecond it was through and so quickly that the needle shot off the end of the hook. Not only did is surprise myself but Emrys as well! What a feeling! No real pain, all I could do was to look down to see this large metal object securely place in my knee. I was so pleased with myself; I just wanted to do again. To say the least I was very pleased....oh hell....I was ecstatic! I don't think Emrys had to push as I don't think I gave him the opportunity to. He did make some comments about the speed but I really don't remember them as my head was swimming. But I wasn't done, the other knee.
We started again. The knee was already marked so the time frame was shorter. Change gloves. Needle lubed and attached to the hook...
Ok, detail here, I'm right handed. Being basically right handed, left hand is worthless....
Emrys said with my right hand I will pull rather than push. Same drill, he would push if I had a problem. With the confidence gained from the first I began my breathing. Shallow at first, then closing my eyes, breathing heavier and heavier....Opened my eyes....One deep breath, two deep breath.......PULL!
Again with the speed of what I had observed in the past, in a millisecond the hook was through and the needle shot off to the floor. No pain, just amazement! I really did it!
Both hooks now imbedded in my knees. What I NEVER thought I would ever do it, now done! I know Emrys was talking but I really wasn't paying attention. All I could do was to look at my handy work. I was on such a high!
I hopped off the table. The other piercers in the room who saw all lauded me for what I did for the first time in my life. I then walked to the place where I would see if my handy work would let me fly. There Rachel and Jill were waiting for me. The both congratulated me for what I had just done. The rigging was then attached. We were ready and then....
I stated I wanted the rope. I wanted to 'try' to pull myself up. This had been in the back of my head but up to that moment I still wasn't sure. Now I was.
At some point Allen F. came into to the room with his camera. He is a great friend, mentor and inspiration.
My knees now in the air, the tension just right and rope in hand, I began to pull. It fucking hurt! I retreated and relaxed the tension. Allen then, almost shouting at me that he had all the confidence that I could pull myself up especially after the day before and piercing myself today, had the confidence that I could pull myself up. I closed my eyes and started to breathe heavily. My heart was pumping. My adrenaline was at an all time high.
I opened my eyes and with all the determination I could muster, I began to PULL! Hand over hand I raised higher and higher. Faster and faster I went! What a RUSH! What a feeling! The concentration of pulling me up made any and all pain non existent.
When I stopped pulling I did hear some applause but I really didn't notice people in the room. I handed the rope off to Rachel (I think) and just swung around awhile. I was having fun. I was relaxed. I just swung gently in the breeze sorta speak. I'm not an aggressive swinger (yet). Within a few minutes my back began to ache, most likely from the day before, and it was the time to come down.
It was a gentle landing and I was reveling in EVERYTHING that I had accomplished that day. I just can't wait till my next opportunity.
It was an awesome weekend. So well done. So well organized. The team from ROP need to be proud.
Allen, Emys, Frank (ROP organizer of the Suscon), Jill, Oliver, Rachel and so many more to list who have all my respect and admiration for putting on and helping this 'old man' to do what I thought I couldn't. They probably have no idea.
Just wait, there is next year. I already have ideas....