Mr. Maryland Leather Contest

November 1-2, 2013 - Pug and I worked the bootblack stands in Baltimore, Maryland for the C.O.M.M.A.N.D. MC's Mr. Maryland Leather Contest.  I worked the stand at the Grand Central on Friday night's Meet & Greet, making sure that anyone who needed it, had their leathers worked on and loved before the weekend began.  It was my first time in Grand Central and I was impressed by the beautiful layout of the upstairs bar and dance floor.

Saturday was the contest and Pug and I manned the stands during the contest for all who wished for some leather loving. The newly sashed Mr and Ms New Jersey Leather titleholders attended and I was so happy to see them.   David Puhl won the contest and he will be a wonderful titleholder.

*I have no pictures to post since Sir was not carrying his camera Friday night and did not attend the contest.

Mr/Ms New Jersey Leather Weekend

Baltimore Leather Folk receiving notice that the New Jersey Leather Family loves us!

October 18-20, 2013 - Asbury Park, New Jersey feels like a second home to me in the Leather community.  So, being asked to coordinate the bootblacks for the Mr/Ms New Jersey Leather Weekend was an honor and I accepted quickly and gratefully.  Even more fun was being asked to organize a bootblack mosh pit for the Saturday schedule of classes during the weekend.  I gathered together a great group of bootblacks and even worked out a schedule for them so everyone got fairly equal time to shine.  Half of the tips were donated to the winners' travel fund.

Friday Meet & Greet, with Boy Roger of Keystone Boys of Leather

Parade of Colors, representing the Bootblack Brigade

I love working on the Leatherfolk who attend events in Asbury Park and I am a bit astonished at times that they remember me and welcome me so warmly.  We spent Friday and Saturday nights at the Empress Hotel, with Raquel and Pug sharing a room with Sir and I to cut down on the cost.  I made up meals to cook in the slow cookers to help with cost of eating and, in fact, we ate only two meals that were not prepackaged by me at home.

I was so happy when Keith and Nikki won their titles!  They are awesome Leather people and I am certain they will represent New Jersey with pride and lots of sexy fun.

Keith and Nikki, Mr and Ms NJ Leather 2014

Pittsburgh Leather Pride Weekend

September 20-22, 2013: Sir Tatsujin Paris, Raquel and I went to Pittsburgh on Friday to spend the weekend enjoying the Leather community, as well as presenting classes on Saturday.  Ann Robertson opened her heart and her home to us, giving us a place to spend Friday and Saturday night (as well as naps between the afternoon and evening events).

Friday night was the Meet & Greet at the Blue Moon bar.  It was a packed house and I loved seeing so many Pittsburgh folks whom I had met in Washington DC and Baltimore, Maryland at prior events.  This is the fourth year for the Pittsburgh Leather & Fetish competition and it was clear that the Leather community in Pittsburgh is growing and excited.

Raquel, me and Nina Love at Blue Moon

At the Meet & Greet Friday night.

Saturday, Raquel and I presented classes at the Blue Moon bar in the afternoon.  I started with Leather Care, trying to cram my years of experience as a bootblack into a 1.5 hour class.  I discovered afterwards that I actually went 2 hours.  Raquel then presented a class on how to be a top, as well as a bottom, while working as a bootblack.  It was an eye-opener to many that a bootblack could be a top and that a scene that is hot and sexy could be incorporated into having leather worked on while a person is wearing it.

Working on Mike's chaps

Sir's cowboy boots

A boot on the chest is a wonderful thing!

Saturday evening, we went to Cattivo for the contest and to be available as bootblacks for anyone who wanted to have their leather worked on.  There were four contestants for Mr. Pittsburgh Leather & Fetish and one contestant for Ms. Pittsburgh Leather & Fetish.  I was amused by the fact that at least two of the male contestants had attended the bootblack classes after their interviews.  Clearly, the draw of leather, as well as bootblacking, is strong in Pittsburgh.

Doc is in the house!

Mike and Ron (OMG is he TALL!)

Instant Minion and her mother (she is awesome!)

Doc and her Sir, and me.

Raquel, Johnny Flex and his boy.

Johnny muffles his boy!

Sir Tatsujin Paris gets into a picture with us!

Sunday morning we all woke up with symptoms of the flu so Sir decided we should just go home and skip the BBQ at the Leather Central which was scheduled for the afternoon.  We arrived home safe and glad to crawl into bed after an amazing weekend.  I look forward to more trips to Pittsburgh PA. Yinz  be safe and have much fun, Pittsburgh Leatherfolk!

ILSb-ICBB - Ending of a weekend

September 3, 2013 -- On Sunday, I woke up tired and a bit numb from the "go, go go!" pace of the contest.  The contest itself was over and I had won 1st Runner Up in the ICBB portion.  I looked at the medallion in wonder, knowing that I had worked hard and, while I had not won the ultimate prize, I did my best and held nothing back in my efforts.  I also remained true to myself during the contest - feeding my fellow bootblacks with chocolate/bacon muffins and dark chocolate covered pomegranate drops to keep us all going, and giving hugs and energy where needed.  I am, ultimately and most deeply, Mama Bootblack, a title I have earned over the years and of which I am very proud.

Sir and I went to the Dallas Eagle for "Dallas Alley" in the afternoon and it was so much fun talking to my brothers/sister in the Class of 2013 as we greeted each other while playing the games there and tried to relax.  It was extremely hot and we did not stay very long.  Sir and I needed to pack all of the clothes we had brought so I could change my clothes MANY times during the contest.  *giggles*  We hit the road at about 8:30 p.m. and drove straight through to Baltimore, Maryland.  We did stop for a couple of short naps so he was not so tired that he drove us off the road but we made it in 25 hours.  Not bad at all considering the lightning storm and hard rain that drove us out of Texas.

Today, Sir and I are very tired and sore from a fun-filled weekend.  I will try to be productive but I suspect that I will not accomplish much until tomorrow.  My mind is blurry, as well as my eyes, which I strained a bit during the contest.  Blessings to the maker of eye drops!

ILSb-ICBB - Day 3

Working on the blog in my room.

August 31, 2013:  Today is the day.  I cannot believe they set an 8 a.m. mandatory workshop for the contestants to meet with the 2012 titleholders about their title year.  It was very informative, although a lot of us were yawning and trying to wake up.  I was stunned to learn that Boy Bamm Bamm spent $10K of his own money during his title year traveling to the various regions.  I knew that it would cost a lot of money to travel as a title holder but not that much money.  I will need to plan more fundraisers so I can accomplish the traveling I want to do whether or not I win the title.

Outfit for Open Shine

After the workshop, I went to the bootblack stands to set up my kit for open shine and to work on the mate to my technical boot.  I was supposed to rehearse the Mid-Atlantic fantasy but Sir Robert Bowden decided that he had explained my role well enough that it was not necessary for me to be there since I was involved in an activity for my own title.  He is a very caring Sir!  Ruin was one of my customers and I chose the leather bra \she was wearing with cut outs to work on.  It might have taken a bit longer than necessary to work on it but we were having some fun with it. *evil grin*

I am not sure it was such a bright idea to sequester the contestants from 3 p.m. through the time for us to go on stage to hear who won.  The pups went a bit crazy and were chasing each other and stealing Philthy Pup's squeaky toy.  *giggles*  We did appreciate the dinner that was served buffet style in our area but the staff were not sure what to think when they brought out the food.

Sequestered contestants. (taken by boy quinton)

Sequestered contestants  (taken by boy quinton)

The Mid-Atlantic family fantasy was a lot of fun and I am glad that I was included in it.  Sir Robert had cast boy quinton as a newbie to the scene who did not really understand what he was asking for.  Boy Ivan was the boy in service to Sir Robert and I was his girl.  At the beginning, I stood by his chair, holding his vest, while he played with Boy Ivan.  We noticed boy quinton at the edge of the stage, asking to be a part of the family.  Sir Robert took off his shirt and put on the vest and Boy Ivan brought boy quinton to him.  Sir Robert threw him onto the table and I handed him the caveman flogger (made by Papa Scott of "Floggers know best"  and Sir Tatsujin Paris, who had designed for our own use).  The crowd really liked the flogger when it was used on boy quinton.  Sir Robert gave it back to me and I put it in its case.  There was more play, including wrapping boy quinton's head in saran wrap.  The finale was when Sir Robert shoved boy quinton's head under my skirt.  I went with it and grabbed the chair so I could grind against his face.  The men walked off the stage with boy quinton on a leash; I waited a beat or two and then used the mop I was holding to sweep some of the debris from the playing off of the floor.  There was a lot of laughter at that part. *giggles*

The bootblacks gave their speeches after the intermission and Syr Evan held both my cane and the microphone for me during my speech.  I used eight languages during the speech, including ASL as a part of the introduction.  It was under the two-minute time limit and I did not stumble during the speech.  I feel that I did my best with it and with everything that I did this weekend.

I won First Runner-up and, while I am disappointed, I gave everything I had and left it all on the field.  I had so many wardrobe changes that some people commented positively on it, wondering how I had been able to bring so many clothes.  If Sir Tatsujin Paris had not driven us from Baltimore, it would not have been possible to do.  Thank you, Sir, for your love and support this weekend.  I would not have been able to concentrate on competing as I did without it.

2013 ILSb-ICBB titleholders (Sir George Saltzman, boy Gattor Bate, and Paul William Grosart)

Mr. Triple L Contest

June 14, 2013 - I was asked by the owner of the Triple L (Leon's Leather Lounge) in Baltimore, Maryland, if I would work as a bootblack during Baltimore Pride weekend.  On Friday, the Mr. Triple L Contest was held so that the winner could march in the Baltimore Pride parade on Saturday.  This was the second time the contest was being held and there were two contestants, Boy Joe and Pup Billy.  Since this is a new contest, it was really short and the contestants were asked two questions, with two types of gear demonstrated (formal leather and jock strap).  The contest was judged by five members of the Baltimore community and the bar was packed.  The winner and titleholder for 2013 was Pup Billy.

Working on boots prior to the contest.

Working on boots after the contest.

Pup Billy and Boy Joe (waiting for the tally)

Boy Joe, me and Pup Billy, with Sir Robert and Sir Ed behind us.

The Carter/Johnson Leather Library visits Baltimore at the G.L.C.C.B.

Cleaning Mama Vi Johnson's new gift - Dehner's!

May 10-12, 2013

I worked as a bootblack within the Carter/Johnson Leather Library this weekend and had an awesome time.  It always feels so right being a bootblack inside of the Library, next to the Bootblack display, as if I am an intimate part of the history that has happened/is happening in the Leather community.  I traded shine time with Raquel (Mid-Atlantic Community Bootblack 2012) so we could both enjoy the Library during our off times, as well as attending the roundtables that were held on Saturday.  Raquel attended the Sir/boy Roundtable hosted by Sir John Krikorian (Mid-Atlantic LeatherSir 2010 and 2011) and I attended the Leatherwomen's Roundtable hosted by Toni Solenne (Mid-Atlantic Leatherwoman 2012).  I do believe that the highlight of the weekend for me was working on Mama Vi Johnson's new gift from Tracy Black -- a pair of cordovan Dehners that were custom made! And on Saturday, Sir Robert Bowden was announced as Mid-Atlantic LeatherSir 2013.  The 2013 Mid-Atlantic Leather family is now complete and ready to compete in Dallas TX.  The rain that fell throughout the weekend could not dampen the joy at having the Library in Baltimore for all to come out and enjoy.

Cleaning boots within the Leather Library.

Taking a cherry!

Explaining how boots are cleaned.

Tracy Black donates her "license plate" as Mid-Atlantic Bootblack 1999 to the Library

Leo Mason (Mid-Atlantic Bootblack 2011), Sir Loki (Central Plains Bootblack 2012), and me.

Sir Robert Bowden receives his title, Mid-Atlantic LeatherSir 2013!

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 Journey Begins - A blind girl wins a title

March 19, 2013:

I am writing this to chronicle my journey as a titleholder.   On March 16, 2013, at the Chesapeake Leather Awareness and Pride contest, I won the title of Mid-Atlantic Community Bootblack 2013.  I was stunned when Sir Hooker said that I was going to Dallas, Texas to compete at ILS/b-ICBB.  I know I had worked hard to prepare for the contest, including working on my technical skills, as well as completing the book I had been working on for the past three years on being a bootblack and the history of bootblacks.  Friday's open shine was easy for me after Boy Bamm Bamm sat in my chair and talked to me about the contest, helping me relax into a known situation, a person in my chair needing his boots to look nice for the weekend.

Sashes and Patches

The 2013 Mid-Atlantic Titleholder Family (Me, Nina Love, and Boy Quinton)

 Saturday was the interview and technical boot.  I found the questions by the judges to be nothing like the ones I had practiced so hard to learn the answers to but I think I answered well.  I was a bit nervous at first and I tried to remember that the judges were familiar with my technical skills through my work in the Leather community.  My work on the technical boot felt really easy and I finished early.  The speech was the hardest part of the contest for me and I worried that I would either fall on my face getting onto the stage or forget everything I had written down and end up staring at the crowd in horror.  Fortunately, when I opened my mouth, the words just flowed out and, afterwards, several people said I had not only made them laugh but also moved them to tears.

Sunday was Kinky Karnival at the Triple L, hosted by the Maryland Boys of Leather and F.I.S.T.  Nina Love and I were there, helping to raise funds for the Family Travel Fund.  We had fun being "arrested"; me for being a "service slut" and Nina for being a "beautiful fucking flower."