iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Firebird Leather @firebirdleather.bsky.social · 05/07/2026

So how prevalent is this? While I've seen other people be pick pocketed (seriously stop with those tote bags) Ive never been targeted and I've been to multiple cities in Italy many times over the years. Most people I know have never had a problem. The internet makes it bigger than it is, IMO

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Firebird Leather @firebirdleather.bsky.social · 05/07/2026

Guys, you can and will be charged with assault no matter what the internet says. A lot of countries like Italy have very strict self defense laws and using more force than is necessary to protect yourself can get your arrested.

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Firebird Leather @firebirdleather.bsky.social · 05/07/2026

There's also this idea going around social media that Americans can go to cities in Europe and just beat up pick pockets. Our government is already known as the bullies of the world. Can we just not?

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Firebird Leather @firebirdleather.bsky.social · 05/07/2026

But if youre, shy, scared, get overstimulated to the point you cant function by people being very forward, in your personal space, etc, then stay with tour groups or avoid the listed areas altogether until youre a more confident and regulated person.

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Firebird Leather @firebirdleather.bsky.social · 05/07/2026

In places like the middle east, eastern Europe, SE Asia, Africa, the culture is more 'in your face' than in the US. Personally, I have an adjustment period in these countries to remember that what seems aggressive to me is normal for them. Just because its different doesn't mean its bad.

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Firebird Leather @firebirdleather.bsky.social · 05/07/2026

If youre too shy or timid to be fine with doing the above, or in some cases being not just firm with your No, but aggressive with your NO, then you should probably stick to western Europe and northern countries like Iceland, Canada, etc.

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Firebird Leather @firebirdleather.bsky.social · 05/07/2026

Scammers and pick pockets use the social contract of politeness to gain the opportunity. Don't be afraid to ignore people who approach you on the street. Don't smile and laugh and say no politely, just keep walking and say nothing. Do not be afraid to be perceived as rude.

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Firebird Leather @firebirdleather.bsky.social · 05/07/2026

They strike in crowds and when youre distracted. IE- trying to look up directions on your phone, standing around looking confused, someone tries to talk to you, etc. Never take anything someone on the street hands to you. Never. Let it drop to the ground before you take it.

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Firebird Leather @firebirdleather.bsky.social · 05/07/2026

Your bag should have a cross body strap that you USE. And all compartments should be zippered shut. Keep your bag in front of you or at your side with a hand on it. Have a phone case with one of the rings on the back and always use it if your phone is out. It makes it harder for someone to grab it

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Firebird Leather @firebirdleather.bsky.social · 05/07/2026

Pick pockets are frequently women, children, and/or women with children using them to help rob you. They're frequently well/ normally dressed. The worst type of bag to have is one of those open tote bags. Seriously. Don't use those when you travel.

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Firebird Leather @firebirdleather.bsky.social · 05/07/2026

More travel info. Im currently in Rome, but most of this can be applied to solo travel everywhere as a non white woman. People ask about pick pockets a lot. There are a lot in Rome but its a risk in a lot of cities that see lots of tourists.

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Firebird Leather @firebirdleather.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

Readjusting my schedule is real. I dont usually get bad jet lag (the trick is to start hydrating days before your flight. A rushed bottle of water at the airport wont do it), but the schedule change is real, especially because at home I am nocturnal.

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Firebird Leather @firebirdleather.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

At a small BnB someone also has tabs on me. The hostess knows what i look like, I gave her general reasons why I'm there and a schedule. If I genuinely went missing she would know I wasnt at breakfast the next day. This isn't always the case, but

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Firebird Leather @firebirdleather.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

I pick BnBs, small hotels, or hostels with private rooms when I travel because I can get info that is harder with a lot of large hotel concierge. Like- where can I get a quick power adaptor? Do the busses take tap payment or do I need a transit card?

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Firebird Leather @firebirdleather.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

And for the anxiety girlies- no one cared. No one was staring at me or judging me or angry that I took a little longer. It was totally fine and the guy wasnt a creeper or anything, he was out the door and gone before I was done.

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Firebird Leather @firebirdleather.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

Easy in central Rome but then I am challenged by a self checkout machine at the grocery store and a pack of peaches with a faded barcode that wont scan. The guy next to me looks over, explains what's wrong, then goes and gets a new pack of peaches for me. 🥹

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Firebird Leather @firebirdleather.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

WhatsApp is standard in a lot of places. Its a must have app for travel, IMO. Next goal on landing after shower and nap- obtain a travel power converter because I couldn't find mine while packing, and pull some Euro from a bank ATM because I didnt order any from my bank at home before leaving.

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Firebird Leather @firebirdleather.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

I get an email from my BnB that I need to contact the host for check in. Its a licensed BnB, not an Airbnb, so this throws me but they are on WhatsApp and answer instantly. Im greeted by the nicest woman ever who is literally baking pastries in the oven when I arrive.

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Firebird Leather @firebirdleather.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

An Uber or taxi from the airport are pretty much the same price so I go with Uber. I havent had a taxi from Rome airport try to scam me, but I prefer Uber for upfront pricing.

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Firebird Leather @firebirdleather.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

I solo travel all the time. Apparently people are afraid to do this. Im currently in Italy and am going to give a little insight into the practicalities.

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Firebird Leather @firebirdleather.bsky.social · 13/06/2026

There's a big difference between someone using a synthesizer and generating music with AI.

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Firebird Leather @firebirdleather.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

I would love a music streaming platform that banned AI "music".

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Firebird Leather @firebirdleather.bsky.social · 06/06/2026

Im convinced most of toxic online discourse could be obliterated by just laughing at people who post ignorant hateful crap and not interacting with them as if their dogs hit opinion was worth considering at even the most basic level.

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Reposted by Firebird Leather

Lilith Goddess of Rebellion @elo-cin.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

Gamer incels saying the new Gods of War game is unplayable because they dont find the new female PC attractive are strongly implying they only liked the previous editions of the game because they DID find Kratos's dad bod attractive. So happy pride month, queens!

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Firebird Leather @firebirdleather.bsky.social · 06/06/2026

So I livem in Louisiana and there are 2 big reasons. There are more Ds than Rs registered but its gerrymandered so badly it doesn't matter. The D party has abandoned the south. That lack of support means our D candidates, frankly, dont know what they're doing = uninspiring voter turn out.

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Firebird Leather @firebirdleather.bsky.social · 06/06/2026

The Seraphim Harness. Another addition to the private collection

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Firebird Leather @firebirdleather.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

Sanctuario Only available in the June 14th Private Collection.

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Firebird Leather @firebirdleather.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

Apparently this is a hot take but if i have to click through a bunch of pop ups just to see your site, im leaving. No, I dont care that youre trying to offer me 10% off to give you my email. No I dont care about your cookies. I came to your site for a reason, just let me see your freaking site.

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Firebird Leather @firebirdleather.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

Another summer, another flood of emails from organizations Ive never heard of and who have never interacted with my business before asking for money for their events.

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Firebird Leather @firebirdleather.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

Sanctuario One of a kind set in the upcoming June 14th Peivate Collection

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Firebird Leather @firebirdleather.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

Giving serious thought to just not shipping to the UK anymore. The people are so incredibly rude. I have to block 90% of brits who email me about orders due to how awful they are. Like wth is up with that?

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Firebird Leather @firebirdleather.bsky.social · 07/05/2026

Got so mad over the actions of incompetent contractor that I rage cleaned my whole house.

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Firebird Leather @firebirdleather.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

The fact that the author is a woman, a racial minority, and an academic who regularly tackles topics like racism, colonialsim, genocide, and ethnic identity is also not lost on me. If she were a man no one would be saying anything.

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Firebird Leather @firebirdleather.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

The literacy crisis is real, but a lot of people act like just because they read fiction for pleasure that it automatically puts them above the perceived unwashed, slobbering masses. All while exhibiting the same lack of discernment or independent thought. Crabs in a bucket behavior.

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Firebird Leather @firebirdleather.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

People trying to cancel an author for a book that isn't even out yet just because it might have a side character who is Israeli proves that just because you read fiction doesn't mean you necessarily possess media literacy or critical thinking.

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Firebird Leather @firebirdleather.bsky.social · 02/05/2026

When people accuse me of gatekeeping I'm just like...If you cant open a freaking gate or hop a wall then youre hopeless anyway.

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Firebird Leather @firebirdleather.bsky.social · 29/04/2026

Will we ever see a tour for Queen Demon/Witcher King series? I know everyone loves murder both, rightfully so, but im in love with your other current series.

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Firebird Leather @firebirdleather.bsky.social · 27/04/2026

If you dont have the ability to find information for yourself, or teach yourself how to learn new skills, you wont make it as a maker of any kind anyway. Im not your daddy here to hold your hand.

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Firebird Leather @firebirdleather.bsky.social · 27/04/2026

I dont answer emails asking questions about how to do leatherwork, my guys. There are emails from paying clients that need answering. And, 100% of the time the questions I'm asked could be answered by a simple Google search and by using ones own brain cells.

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Firebird Leather @firebirdleather.bsky.social · 27/04/2026

Ive always found him to be pretty honest and forthcoming about how much of a piece of shit he is. One of the few reliable things about him is he will do the dumbest, most cowardly thing possible.

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Firebird Leather @firebirdleather.bsky.social · 26/04/2026

New harnesses being added to the upcoming Private Collection

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Firebird Leather @firebirdleather.bsky.social · 25/04/2026

Do you also get the people who tell you how lucky you are to just sit around crafting all day? Meanwhile youre like 60 hours into your workweek and its wednesday...

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Firebird Leather @firebirdleather.bsky.social · 25/04/2026

Yeah, I moved to new orleans and a month later my partner died, my employee moved out of the country, and I just really wasn't in the headspace to be able to connect with anyone here. I have play partners but everyone lives scattered everywhere.

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Firebird Leather @firebirdleather.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

Im starting to feel like I might crawl out of my hermit era and start trying to get involved in the local kink scene again, and not just rely on my out of state play partners. Im shy. Any extroverts in New Orleans/Baton Rouge want to adopt an introvert with a coffee addiction?

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Firebird Leather @firebirdleather.bsky.social · 23/04/2026

So the next time someone tries to tell me that even people without insurance can still get treated in the US, I'm going to give them my ID, rub whatever they're allergic to all over them, and send them to the ER. Hope you can afford the 100$ they'll charge you for benadryl.

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Firebird Leather @firebirdleather.bsky.social · 23/04/2026

And if I were older the drug companies who make the 2nd and 3rd choice drugs my doc would prescribe would be less motivated to get me enrolled in their programs just because I could no longer spawn. AGE BEARS NO FACTOR IN ENROLLMENT IF I WERE A MAN.

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