40 Days to Go!

Two weeks ago a friend came to the apartment for a photo shoot so i would have a head shot for my application for ICBB. This is just one of the photos she took. I have never done anything like this, and had a blast. She had never done photos like this, and knew nothing about bootblacking other than what I had shared with her. I think she did an amazing job. Can't wait to see the rest. 

40 days from now, we will be boarding a plane to Dallas for ILSb-ICBB. I am slowing getting things ready, and am so excited. Can't wait to meet the rest of the Class of 2015, see old friends and make new friends. I've given a lot of thought to this particular contest. I have never been more ready for something in my life. There are still a few things to gather, figure out packing, and make sure that our four legged children are taken care of while out of town. It will come together

I have so many things that I want to accomplish that at times I feel overwhelmed. I have watched the drama that has been going on in our community, and listened/read as people complain about things. There is a saying that says, 'Be the change that you want to see.' I want to be that change. You will not see me posting publicly about the different situations that are going on. What you will see is action. I will be reaching out to new bootblacks that are wanting to learn. 

When I came into the leather community I was surrounded by people that took the time to teach me what I wanted to learn, even when I didn't know i wanted to learn. LOL When I moved to Atlanta, I became a member of Atlanta PEP. LadyD had a motto that hung up on the wall in PEP that said "EACH ONE, TEACH ONE". That was 15 yrs ago, and I still remember that. She ingrained it into the members, and I still try to live by the philosophy. If LadyD, Mistress Kay, Master Doug Harris, boy bob, and other members of PEP and Sanctuary of the Dark Angel had not taken the time to teach me and others hungry for knowledge, I would not be here today. 

Then I moved to Phoenix and met some amazing bootblacks. They shared their time and knowledge to teach me not only the technical skills needed to become a bootblack, but to hold me accountable on my actions. Without them in my life, I would not be where I am now. Bootpig, Moe, Tabitha Arie, Bear, Whisper, Jayson DaBoi, Pony, and Redwarrior taught me well. It is my hope that I can pay them back by paying forward what they gave me. 

If you see me out and about, come up and introduce yourself. If you want to learn about bootblacking, no matter where you live, ask me. I will share my knowledge with you to the best of my ability. 

Keep on Shining On!

Upcoming Events

The next fundraiser will be sponsored by Arizona Men of Leather, and is their yearly Prison Party at Anvil. All funds raised will be given to the SW Leather Sir, Leather boy and Community Bootblack Travel fund. We are so grateful for their support. 

On July 18, there will be a BBQ Cook Off at Rainbow Cactus. Bring your BBQ, $10 to enter the contest. After the judging, plates of BBQ will be sold for $5. I will be bootblacking for the first time ever at Rainbow Cactus, and NikkiStarr and her Cactus Angels will be performing. Again, all funds go to the travel fund. 

Hanky Panky 2015 will be August 8 at Bunkhouse. There will be a drag show, demos, photo booth, bootblacking, jello shots, beer bust, and some auction items. The crowd will have the opportunity to chime in on my hot wear outfits. I have two, so will wear one the first half of the show, and the second during the second half. At the end of the night, the crowd will vote on which one they liked the best. The outfit that wins will be the one that I wear at ICBB in Dallas Labor Day weekend. 

August 15th, the title family will travel to Tucson for a fundraiser. More details to come as I get them!!!

Thank you to every one who is supporting our little family in our effort to get to Dallas to bring home three International titles!!!!

What a Crazy Few Months (long post)

It has been a couple of months since I have written, and to be honest I completely forgot I had this blog and was suppose to be writing about my title year. See, real life became real! 

On May 26th, I reported to Scottsdale Shea Medical Center for knee replacement surgery. This was a surgery that I have been waiting to have since I was first told it needed to be done in 1995. At that time, I was too young for the surgery so we proceeded to do whatever we could to nurse it along. I made it as far as we could possibly go. If I had not had it done when I did, the doctor said he could not guarantee how long the knee would last, and that my pain would only get worse. So I had it done. 

I had been told that knee replacement surgery was the most painful surgery to recover from. So I had mentally prepared for this pain. I figured I had given birth to three children, the last one being almost 10 lbs, how bad could this be. And to be honest, the pain after the surgery was not too bad. Of course, I was on some good narcotics to control the pain. However, me being me, I was determined to get off the IV meds and onto the oral so that I could get to rehab. Surgery on Tuesday, I went to rehab on Friday. Up to this point, the most PT I had done was to get up and walk around the floor in the hospital. I didn't see a therapist until Saturday, and oh my gawd!!!! Now I understood what people were talking about with the pain. However, I had a goal to be home by June 4, so I knew that I had to endure the pain. I made an agreement with my therapist. She could torture me all she wanted, but I was allowed to cry, scream and even curse. I called on the tricks I have learned in my SM play for processing pain, took my pain meds right before PT and worked. I worked hard. By Tuesday, I was able to pedal the bike the proper way...pedals going all the way around!!!! I walked the steps like a pro, and was able to get my knee to a 95 degree bend. I was allowed to go home on Wednesday. 

We had prepared the apartment for my return...making sure there was a clear pathway to anywhere I might need to go, things close to the bed that I would need. Home health came out to check my INR (was on coumadin) and PT came out a few times. However, all hell broke loose a week after I came home.

Cheryl (my partner aka Daddy Tyr) had to go back in for surgery. Seems her spinal stimulator had a major malfunction and was not working. Why it had to happen at this time, who knows. She had surgery June 15, came home two days later. Her caregiver hours were increased so she had someone here on the weekends as I was absolutely no use to her at this point. The first weekend she was home I had the migraine from hell for three days, so spent most of the time in the bed sleeping. On Monday, June 22, I had an appt with my pain management team, and while there got a call from Cheryl that her primary care provider wanted her to go to the ER IMMEDIATELY due to some symptoms that suggested some neurological issues. So I rush home, as much as I can rush when depending on cabs, and arrived just as her mother arrived. Called 911, and she was transported to John C Lincoln Deer Valley. Due to the stimulator, they were not able to do the test they felt they needed; so wanted to do a test using contrast. A BIG NO! Cheryl is allergic to IVP dye, and contrast dye. They said the dye is different than three years ago, so we reluctantly agreed. They said they would do a 13 hr desensitization protocol to help prevent any issues. I go home, and get a ride back to the hospital early. Find out the doctors have second thoughts about the contrast and decide not to do the test. Instead, going to observe and see what happens. We spent 24 hrs of pure torture. I wont got into details here, but will say that it was so very hard to sit there and watch the woman I love go through the things she was experiencing and not be able to do anything. I felt helpless. Finally, a doctor comes in to say they have decided that the stimulator needs to come out, but it can't be done where we were due to the surgeon not having privileges. So transferred to Scottsdale Thompson Peak for a 4pm surgery. 

The surgeon finally arrives shortly after 6pm, no explanation and extremely rude. Surgery only lasted about 30 min, and when the surgeon came out to speak to us he was rude once again. I was done, I wanted him off the case. He had not been to see Cheryl the entire time she was in the hospital, never called to see how she was doing. He even insisted that the stimulator was not the cause of the issues. HMMMMM, within 10 mins of reaching her room after surgery, Cheryl stated she needed to go the bathroom. That had been one of the issues, she never could tell. Other symptoms slowing began to disappear. The one thing that wasn't leaving was the pain. A new doctor came to take over from the surgeon, and we began to get somewhere. Consults with other specialists, new pain meds, and improvement. However, during all this she lost the use of her legs and could not walk. Which meant she could not come home.

Finally she is transferred to an acute rehab, way out in Sun City. This means it is difficult for me to get to visit, as I refuse to ask our friends to go so far out of their way. We survive on phone calls and texts, and her parents finally take me out there yesterday. It was so good to see her up, dressed in street clothes and her sick, dry sense of humor back. She even got up and showed us that she could walk. My heart soared. She called a bit ago and will be home on Wednesday. What a relief. 

Now, during all this I still have titleholder duties. A fundraiser for Sir Joe at Anvil, where I was to do a bootblack demo. I showed up, and really had a good time, even though I was absolutely exhausted and in a lot of pain. I had been doing an extreme amount of walking the past week, very little sleep and definitely not eating right. But it felt good to be out and supporting my title family. 

During all this craziness, I still have a contest to prepare for so do the best I can. Began to think about clothes, and all outfits are coming together nicely. If things work out the way I hope they do, I should have all the major outfits together in about two weeks. Finally got the new boots I had been wanting, a pair of tactical boots that are comfortable, will take a good shine and will be my day time, every day boots. This leaves my Corcorans for formal wear. Just need to learn my speech, prepare for interview and continue my work on fundraisers. OH, I finally got a chance to get my hands dirty and do boots. 5 pairs of them!!!!! It was so much fun as they were all different. I could feel the energy of the leatherman that they belonged to. It is such an honor to be allowed to care for another's leathers that take them on their journey. IT IS GOOD TO BE THE BOOTBLACK. 

In the last couple of days, I have been able to get back to the things that make me feel good...bootblacking, zentangles, and my clay. OH, and the Phoenix Mercury are playing again so have the games to keep me busy! Go Merc!!!

Crowns, Crowns and More Crowns

Last night I had the honor of attending the Coronation of the Imperial Court of Arizona. When I moved to Arizona in 2004, I had never heard of Imperial Court. It is an International non-for-profit organization striving to unite the Gay, Lesbian, Transgender, Bi-Sexual and Heterosexual communities through charitable fundraising events to meet the needs of all. I have not heard of any other organization that unites all these communities like this. The Court holds fundraising events, raising lots and lots of money for charities. The Imperial Court of Arizona raised over $23,000 in Reign IX (the one that just finished). Over the years that I have lived in Phoenix, I began to hear about the Court as people I respected became Monarchs and continued their work for the community. The past year, I began to support the Court in small ways, attending shows when I could. I began to make friends with members of the Court, and learned so much more about the organization. Just as the leather community has its fair share of drama, so does the Court, however, what I saw was all drama was put aside when it came time to raise money for charity. That says a lot, so I wanted to learn more. I began to get to know some of the members, and started becoming close to a few.

After winning my own title, I knew that even though Coronation was not a 'leather' event, it was a community event, and one thing my producer, Daddy Mark, wants his titleholders to do is support the organizations in our community. So, plans were made to attend Coronation. I found out that it was a formal affair....black tie you could say. Oh crap, I no longer had my evening gowns....and no money to or time to get one. After some investigation, I was told that I could wear my formal leathers....so pull out the skirt and corset. Uh Oh, totally spaced out the fact that I had been losing weight...skirt is now too large....can make it work since I am wearing a corset. Yikes, the corset that i just bought at SWLC 2014 and have only worn it 3 times is now too big. Can't win for losing. We make it work as I am at the hotel with no way home. What I forgot to take into account was the time....got dressed at 330pm, finally got home at 1145pm. And eating in a corset? Not a good idea. But I looked good, felt good, and had my title vest so representing...all is good. And I finally got to give slave tabitha arie, IMsBB 2015 a hug!!!!

Went downstairs and oh my goodness! Everywhere I looked I saw crowns...small crowns, medium crowns, and large crowns. And when I say large crowns, I mean large...not sure how those queens held their heads up. Being a femme, I was in heaven....so many beautiful gowns. Lots of sequins and rhinestones. I honestly felt under dressed. I got to meet people from all over, and had the opportunity to share with some people about bootblacking. Apparently, Arizona is lucky in that so many of the members of the Court are Leather; which means the others aren't always familiar with what we do.

The highlight of my evening was having the honor of dressing NikkiStarr, one of the Aspirants to Empress. The dress she wore was suppose to be my wedding dress, but when I couldn't afford to pay for the alterations, I sold it to NikkiStarr for Coronation. She wore it so much better than I ever could. When I walked out of the dressing room, I knew how mothers must feel when they get their daughters dressed for a wedding. NikkiStarr has become a dear friend, someone i can talk to about anything. I know she has my back....and I have hers.

Finally, 6 hours after the evening began, they are ready to announce the new Monarchs. There is a group of us standing together very nervous and the doors open. In walks the new Emperor, Steve Marino. We are excited! When Bill Mitchell walks in with the new Empress, I was devastated as it was not my friend...it was Olivia Gardens. Yes, I cried, my heart breaking for NikkiStarr and her family. I know what it is to work hard for a title and not win it. I've been there twice. Thankfully, Cub G was there next to me and he helped me get it together. They brought NikkiStarr in, and I was so proud of her. She walked so regally, a smile on her face and she was beautiful. At this point, I was exhausted and was beginning to feel sick to my stomach from being in the corset for so long and my feet throbbed. I said my goodbyes, and Sir Joe brought me home.

I do not know of any other group of ALL volunteers that bring together every aspect of the community..gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and heterosexuals..to raise money for charitable organizations. They have raised money for HIV/AIDS, Paws for Patriots, Hospice, Children, etc. They work hard to make their community a better place, and have an amazing impact on their world. This is definitely an organization that I endorse and I encourage everyone to consider becoming involved in some way, even if it is just attending an event.

So Much To Do and Not Sure Where to Start

We will be heading to the airport in just over four months to head to Dallas for ILSb-ICBB 2015 contest and I am a bit overwhelmed at everything that has to be done. Not only do I need to figure out outfits for the entire weekend and figure out how to transport my kit, I am having knee replacement surgery May 26 AND have to help raise money for our SW Title family to get to Dallas. 

Since I love playing around with my graphics program, I offered to make the flyers for the different fundraisers being planned for the summer. I figured this was one way I could help out since I wouldn't be able to actually be at the fundraisers to help out. However, I discovered that I just am not qualified enough to create these fliers. It was a very difficult admission to make, not just to myself but to those I had promised. I am hoping that we will be able to get the assistance we need to get these flyers made, then once we get them I will do my magic via social media. I have decided that I am going to see if I can find some free classes on using my graphics program that I can take during my recovery period so I can be more help to my family. 

I am also planning a major fundraiser for early August. It will be one that I hope I am able to bring together many different elements of our community for an evening of fun and frolic. I love watching our community come together to help one another on these special nights. 

Phoenix Pride 2015

I sit here completely and utterly exhausted, and yes a bit sunburned. This morning found me rising early, and getting ready to head out for the Phoenix Pride Parade. A stop at the grocery store for donuts for the group, then head on over to the staging area. While waiting for Daddy Mark to arrive to take us further in to the actual staging area, we ran into Sir Joe and Cub G at Starbucks. We gathered around the car, and I asked Cub G to take a picture of me. This was not just any picture, in reality it looks like any other picture...me in my vest wearing a bootblack t-shirt. But if you look carefully, not just any t-shirt. A t-shirt designed by a very special bootblack, Tabitha Arie Fischer. The graphic is a boot comprised of many single words, words Tabitha collected from bootblacks all over. Each word explains what bootblacking means to the individual who sent it to Tabitha. I chose this shirt for a special reason. 

While Phoenix was celebrating Gay Pride, Tabitha Arie was in San Jose, competing for the title of International Ms Bootblack 2015. This was not her first attempt, she was determined to compete until she won. The contest was over last night, and once again, Tabitha was announced as 1st runner up. My heart broke for her, and I felt that by wearing the shirt she designed, I was able to show her and the world that no matter what a panel of judges decided...I thought she was a winner. When I posted the pic, it was with the caption...'channeling Tabitha Arie'. How was I to know what was happening in San Jose at that moment in time. 

It was just a short time later, that the announcement came across Facebook that a mistake had been made, and Tabitha actually won the contest. Excitement abounded among our group. She finally reached her goal. Tabitha made history. That is her story to tell, what I will say is this:

I have watched her grow, have been judged by her and have learned from her. Because of Tabitha, I am a better bootblack, a better person. She has taught me that it is ok to go after your dreams, no matter what others think. In some ways, I was like her. I competed several times in my quest for a Bootblack title. Tabitha was instrumental in showing me that it was ok to go against the norms, and break out of the box that society wanted to keep me in. 

Just as I have stated before....our physical bodies do not determine how good of a bootblack you are. I encourage anyone who has a dream to go forth and do the work it takes to make the dream a reality. 

The next year is going to be amazing....for me, for Tabitha, and if you want it....for you!

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.