Presenting at Black Rose

Last night (April 23, 2013), I taught a class on the legal issues within the LGBT community and how to protect the relationships that do not meet the binary heterosexual "norm" recognized under the legal system in the United States.  I focused specifically on the differences between the state laws in Maryland, Virginia and Washington DC.  There were handouts and approximately 20 people attended.  In spite of the serious nature of the class, there was laughter and some jokes exchanged.  I enjoyed the banter and the questions posed by the attendees.  I hope that those who attended learned and had as much fun as I did teaching. Yes, this is a part of what I do to serve the community that is different from being a bootblack.  While this class is not a skill  that is part of my Mid-Atlantic Community Bootblack title, I feel that it is an important service to the Leather community.

Fundraiser for travel fund

http://www.gofundme.com/2nk4pc

Just a quick note that I have a fundraiser webpage to help me get to Dallas, Texas the end of August for the International Community Bootblack contest.  Wish me luck, yinz and y'all!

The Leather Man in NYC

The vest with patch!

April 17, 2013, Sir and I went by Bolt Bus to New York City so I could purchase a vest and have the title patch put on it.  Max and the rest of the guys there were very friendly and welcoming, congratulating me on winning the Mid-Atlantic Community Bootblack 2013 title.  I also had the opportunity to talk to Kyle (Northeast Community Bootblack 2009) about what it was like for him to compete at ICBB that year and how life has been for him since his title year.  I enjoyed the time spent in The Leather Man, ogling the leather gear that was available and drinking in the smells of leather. *grins*

Kyle and me.

Max, checking out a vest for style.

Max and I talking.

The charity I will raise funds for during my title year.

I have thought long and hard about what charity I should devote the funds I raise during my title year.  There are so many charities out there but I found one that touches my soul deeply and that needs help more than most - Bikers Against Child Abuse (B.A.C.A.) .  As it says on their website, they are bikers first but their goal is to break the chains of abuse and fear for the children who are assigned to their care as protectors. If you want to check out the website, it is www.bacaworld.org  These bikers do amazing work and it is all voluntary (and sometimes paid for by them!) to make sure that children who have been abused are no longer afraid of their abusers.  An in-depth article about what the Arizona chapter is doing can be found at http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/arizonaliving/articles/2012/07/13/20120713bikers-against-child-abuse-make-abuse-victims-feel-safe.html?nclick_check=1   If you can read this article without tears, you have a small heart.  I personally used up an entire box of tissues while reading it.  I hope that everyone who comes to a fundraiser I hold will open their hearts and their wallets for B.A.C.A.  They need financial help to continue to do what they do.  Since it is a Section 501(c)(3) organization, any donation is tax deductible.

Philadelphia Leatherwomen of Today - Bar night at the Bike Stop

April 12, 2013 - Sir drove me up to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania so I could work as a bootblack for a women-only bar night.  This was my first time working such an event and I was a bit nervous but excited.  I relaxed very quickly when I realized that I knew most of the women there, having met them at other Leather events.  I worked on several pairs of boots, a corset and a pair of pants.  The cleanings became more erotic and some of them became hot scenes enjoyed by both me and the wearer of the leather.  WHEEE!  Lots of fun was had by all.  Since Sir remained upstairs to respect the fact that it was women-only space, I have no pictures to post.  Ah, well.  Sacrifices must be made!  *giggles*

Charm City Fetish Fair

April 5-7, 2013

I finally got to meet some of my baby bootblacks, those trained by my apprentices.  It was interesting to realize that from those I had  personally trained, bootblacks had trained others, who trained more.  My dream of growing the numbers of bootblacks within the Leather community so that the history of the Leatherfolk will continue and the leather they wear will live to be passed down to the next generation of Leatherfolk.

Meeting some of my babies.

Acting like silly bootblacks!

Bootblack Mama is proud

Repairing Boots at Bears, Bikers & Mayhem

Saturday, March 30, 2013

Saturday in the host hotel, I worked on a pair of boots that were burned badly on the tongue.  The owner was one of the vendors (Wolfstryker Leathers) and he was upset because the boots are Dr. Martens that he purchased in London UK about 10 years ago.  After a lot of work, he said they felt much better on his feet - almost as good as new.  *smiles*

First Look

Burns on the tongue of the right boot

Cleaning the boots.

Conditioning and polishing

Burned tongue looks better!

Brighten up the laces.

Lacing up the finished boots.

Bears, Bikers and Mayhem

March 29-30, 2013 (Gettysburg, PA)

This is the first year that this event had a vendor room and I was a "vendor" so I could bootblack as the only female at the event.  It was a weekend long event (Thursday through Sunday) but I was there (with Sir Tatsujin Paris) Friday and Saturday.  They had never had a bootblack at this event and it was in its fourth year.  I was so happy to see all of the bears and Leathermen and they made me feel very welcome and wanted.  Charles King, one of the producers, went out of his way to make sure I was having a good time and getting a lot of work .  Friday was at the host hotel and we shifted the "bear" stand from the vendor area to the ballroom for the dance that night.  Saturday was split between the host hotel and an Amish "wilding" party at Altlands Ranch in Spring Grove PA.

Friday night dance!

Close up on the cowboy boots.

He wore a black halo and black wings as he delivered drunken bear shots.

On Saturday, after the vendor room closed up, we moved the "bear" stand to Altlands  Ranch in Spring Grove PA.  We were treated to a bear style dinner and "protesters" outside of the building (Amish "folk" with signs). A version of Family Feud pitted the Bears against the Leathermen, and there were boys wearing jockstraps for sale by raffle.  I worked the party and donated half of my tips to the 7 county charity involved in HIV/AIDS support.

Me and the "protesters"