ONE WEEK LATER

Well, it has now been just a little over a week since the contest, and to be honest, it really hasn't sunk in. This is something that I have wanted for so long, that I am having a hard time that it is REAL!

This past Saturday, I was able to go to an event in support of the Imperial Sovereign Empire of Arizona (ISEA). They had a show at Plazma, raising money for Wizranch, which is an animal rescue and sanctuary. I had an awesome time, got to assist in selling raffle tickets. If I had known I would be doing that, I would have worn a corset to show off the girls a bit more than they were displayed. :) I know the guys love the girls.

Daddy Mark told us each of us needed to choose a charity to support during our year. Since this is the year I celebrate exploding out of the box, I do not want to do something that everyone does, which is CASH! Don't get me wrong, raising money is good, it is needed. However, I know that we will be doing some major fundraising for our travel fund. I do not want to burn our community out by always asking for money. So in the spirit of Sir Valentino and Panda, the SW Master/slave 2014 who raised 8 tons of canned goods during their title year, I will be collecting canned food for various agencies in the Valley. In addition, I will be asking for pet food to be given to two different agencies: Chuck Waggin Pet Food Pantry, which assist low income persons and the elderly with food for their four legged family members; and Empty Bowl Pet Food Pantry, which helps provide food to people so the families can stay together. 

I know it is different than most people are used too, but when you burst out of the box, you will go on to things that are definitely not in the box. Our community is so much bigger than what we see on a daily basis, and some of the most important members of that community are our four legged friends. 

So, the next time you go shopping, won't you pick up some extra non-perishable food for a human being in need, AND pick up something to pass on to our most loyal, most loving four legged community members? The SWLSb-CBB family would so appreciate your support as will the agencies receiving your donations. 

And remember, don't let people put you in a box. 

Let Them Fly

During the interview process for SW Community Bootblack, I was asked what my goal was for the year if I were to win the title. My response was that I wanted to spread my passion for bootblacking, teach those that wanted to learn about bootblacking, and work towards creating a family with the others that I was competing with that weekend. After winning, I realized that I have another goal…one that for me is even more personal.

Through the years, I have been told that I couldn’t do things because I was female, or I was straight, or I was bisexual, or even worse, I was disabled. I was pushed into a box that others felt I should be in, and when I attempted to break out of that box, all hell broke loose. I was accused of being difficult or not falling in line with the status quo.

Know what? F**K THAT!!! Once I decided that I was not going to be kept in the box that others wanted me in, life became much nicer. I began to sleep better, get along better with others, and started to truly live. I had people come to me after the weekend and ask me where I came from. It actually was quite comical. I am still me, the difference is I was, and am free! I no longer live my life according to others standards. I am happy, carefree and am finally being true to myself.

So, what do I hope to accomplish during my year as SW Community Bootblack? I want people to realize that it doesn’t matter what is on someone’s chest, what is between someone’s legs, or whether someone is disabled or not. Let them live their lives the way they see fit, and let them fly!!!