“Whenever you’re ready. I’ll be here.”
That’s what I’d usually say to any one who contacted me about a session but fretted over my Tribute or couldn’t get the date he wanted. “Take your time. Save up. Check your schedule. I’m not going anywhere.”
I’m not saying that anymore.
I’m accepting session requests through November 24, after which I’ll be closing Salon d’Orleans, putting its contents in storage, and taking an extended break to focus on some vanilla projects.
Once Salon d’Orleans closes, ALL things MTO will be going into storage too. No sessions. No email (no secret checking, either). No site/blog/Twitter updates. No posts. No podcasts. No phone. No play. You want a taste of me, you’ll have to read my blog archives and Max Fisch posts. Maybe Serious Bondage will post some new photo sets from our summer shoot. (If you haven’t subscribed to Serious Images yet, you should. It’s the only authorized outlet for MTO photos/videos on the Internet!).
Three months. Maybe longer. For now, I’m calling it a hiatus, not retirement.
For now.
While the catalyst was unfortunate — my building’s new owners plan to gut the property and are pushing everyone out as their leases expire — I couldn’t be more excited about my plans for this break. The initial inspiration was simply practical — and not just because I have no desire to go real estate hunting and moving in the middle of winter. I have several vanilla projects clamoring for my attention and realized this involuntary relocation might be an ideal opportunity to start transitioning my practice. Even though I’m not ready to retire, as I approach the decade mark in my career it makes sense to shift my focus. Prodomination has always been a choice for me and I want to make sure it’s something I continue to do because I want to, not have to.
At first, my plan was to put the bulk of my gear in storage, do the vanilla stuff, and start looking for a new studio in March. I figured I’d reserve a large duffel bag of toys so that I could session if the urge arose during the interim. But I know myself. The pull of kink is as much of a siren song for me as it is for you and I could easily see myself heeding its winsome call and ignoring the more challenging tasks I’ve set for myself.
Even though I keep saying I’m just like you, that I am as invested in our play and our connection as you are, that I want, even need, every scene to be as thrilling and satisfying for me as it is for you, I don’t think y’all really believe me. But it is true. The thing that makes us different though is that I get to play a LOT more than you do, in frequency, depth, and breadth. Clients are always asking me “What do you REALLY want to do? What would please you? What would turn you on?” but asking me what kind of play I’m craving is like asking someone on one of those eight-meals-a-day cruise ships what they want to eat. How do you know what you’re hungry for when you’re already full? I mean, I can tell you my favorite foods, the stuff I’m always happy to eat. But I have no idea what kink hunger even IS at this point.
So I decided that, rather than try to session, I want to find out what it’s like to be hungry by going on a kink fast. A BDSM cleanse. I am SO curious to find out what I obsess over when I’m not constantly realizing my fantasies. And, after ten years, I’d kinda like to taste what it feels like to not be MTO for a while. What’s the view as a retired domme? What are the challenges? What will I desperately miss? What can I live without?
Again, I don’t feel ready to retire right now. I still thrill from my time in the studio and feel more connected to, engaged with, and inspired by my play partners than ever. (I love you guys and am so grateful for you. 
I hope you know and feel that.) Once I get the vanilla stuff established and stable, my intention is to open a new space — smaller, more focused, more private — for select sessions. I won’t be advertising then or maintaining any kind of public profile. I want to play less often than I do now, so that I always know what I’m craving. You. Me. Our appetites. And an unrivaled menu.
As soon as I figure out how to install the software for it, I’ll post a registration option somewhere on this site so that you can submit your email address in case you want to be notified of my plans and progress directly, since I suspect this website will change dramatically at some point. In the meantime, I am accepting appointments through November 24 and, other than a quick visit to New Orleans Oct 31-Nov 4, I’ll be here. My sessions the past few weeks have been infused with such energy and intensity and I want to keep putting every ounce of me into every scene. So no limits. No rules. Just bring me your best self and let’s say goodbye to this incredible space and unforgettable chapter together.
All of this makes perfect sense to me. I’m with you wholeheartedly.
Don’t forget to say hi, though. A lot.
xoxo
MW
@MistressWynter
The more I think about it, the more sense it makes to me, too. It’s making A LOT of sense at this point. Looking forward to the break. And it’s the perfect season for tea for two….
@-h-
Thank you. I will be working hard during my time off, but I only work hard when it’s for the purpose of something I love. So, yeah. Fun will be had.
@RNJ
While NYC real estate drama — not to mention, the city itself — can inspire all kinds of agitation, I try my best to roll with the punches and take the “every obstacle is an opportunity” approach. Ya never know how things are ultimately gonna bounce. So I’m pretty excited about my plans, the parts I know as well as the parts that are TBD. Choice is so empowering.
And thank you for your kind words of affirmation and support. I’m always amazed by and grateful for the privileged career I’ve had, particularly when it comes to the men I’ve had the joy of playing with in my practice. Y’all are what keep me here.
@DTM
Aww! I’m so glad you enjoyed playing at Salon d’Orleans with the phenomenal Mistress Darla Kincaid! Perhaps one day you and I will meet.
@Axe
Darling, what else is there for me to say? I mean, I’ve talked about puppy love, conjugal sheets, taint piercings, and reciprocal energy loops — more often than not with food in my mouth. How can I even think to improve on that?
@Nips
You’ve been such a valuable player in my Salon d’Orleans experience. I am always grateful for your presence and generosity. Thanks for being in my corner, babe.
My best wishes to you for your time off from “the scene”. Please have fun.
-h-
MTO,
It seems that you have taken the loss of your lease as an opportunity embark on an exciting new direction for your life, even if it is a temporary direction at that. Best of luck to you as you move forward with your vanilla projects, I have no doubt that you will excel in whatever interests you choose to pursue.
I think anyone who has had the pleasure and privilege of playing with you easily believes that you care for and appreciate your play partners, I think the elegance and sincerity of how you express it is so rarely seen that it takes folks by surprise more that a sense of disbelief.
The fact that you would take the time to so elegantly communicate your decision, and your reasons for that decision, to your many fans and followers is just another example of why you are considered why you are regarded as such a classy and admired woman, in addition to being a legendary Domme.
Good luck MTO, hurry back soon!
RNJ
I am sure that you’ll flourish during your hiatus and upon return from your kink-fast…will have a ravenous *appetite*. Also, thanks again for allowing me to session twice with MCD in your amazing play space – a D/s setting like few others!
Best,
Dennis (the menace)
Ok fine but you’ve gotta come back on the podcast again
I wish you the best on your future projects as i know you will be as passionate and happy at whatever it is you pursue . And time off will should make your partners equally as Ravenous for that kink they are missing . Salon d’Orleans will be a fond memory of mutually enjoyed consensual kinky things and it is you who who makes that comfort level so unforgettable .
An end of an era! Congratulations on getting to this point.
All best wishes for a happy future for you, no matter what you do! You are a classy Lady, a warm-hearted Woman and a Person of rare sagacity.
And you wield a mean whip, too. In the kitchen, of course. 🙂
Fondly,
marc
I’ve always thought Faulkner wildly missed the point in his assessment of second acts. I can imagine the astonishment of those who would question why you would break from a career, an extraordinary skill set and a brand that you’ve worked so hard to build, but I also know that a restless, creative soul like yours needs fresh challenges and new experiences.
Truthfully, I’m not sure that even you understand how deeply The Orleans Experience has effected quite so many clients and peers in an industry that’s often slow to embrace innovation, talent and the kind of honest wickedness you inspire.
Whatever the future holds, when the house lights dim and you’re ready for your next brilliant act, you can guarantee I, (along with many others) will be in the front row cheering you on.
Always,
You are a woman of many talents! I wish you the best of luck in all your endeavors! There will only ever be one Ms. Orleans!
Warm Regards,
hmp
Feels like the passing of many interconnected eras. Do it up right!
You are so top-shelf, MTO. Thank you for cultivating such a wonderful space (bondage paradise!). NY domination will be much less elegant without Salon d’ Orleans and it’s Mistress.
Dear Mistress Troy Orleans,
May i wish You all the best, and thank You for being so beautiful. i will always remember You in Mistress Yin,s studio, when You made me show You my latest chest tattoo, and how i so longed to be whipped by You and become Your slave. Now i can be Your slave it is to late as You are leaving. May i just wish You well beautiful Lady, donald.
You were in New Orleans (I think) the last time I was in New York and now you will be on hiatus the next time Ill be back. Some things seem fated not to be.
All the best in your next chapter. I’ve so enjoyed following your practice vicariously through the web. I hope you’re just as successful in your next venture.
You are the world’s most interesting woman.
You semi-retire in the most tantalizing manner.
Perhaps someday we can play again enhanced with
a fine Barolo.
MTO,
Thank you for giving me some wonderful memories, not the least of which was eating fresh popped popcorn and great conversation with you. I hope that you find great happiness and success in this next phase of your life. You are a remarkable and very talented woman and it was a joy and a privilege to have spent time in your company. Best regards always, RNJ
Hi there – I haven’t been much on Twitter, so just finding out about your going into hiatus. Wishing you all the best on your next chapter. Hopefully we’ll see each other around town.
I’m surprised to find just how much I miss following MTO on twitter. Hope all is going well for you Miss Orleans
Hope all is well and I hope you come back refreshed.
Maybe I’ll converse with you when you come back —-
sculpture
I hope you had a Wonderful Birthday