Wednesday, April 21, 2010

IMsL

This has been an amazing journey. It all started months ago while I was at ILSb/cbb in San Francisco. I met two amazing women, Miss Rae and Lady Minx. The three of us hung out with Miss Rae’s pet Chris for a chunk of the weekend. At that time I was not even thinking of running for IMsL. I was impressed by those two women enough that they were a chunk of the deciding factor me for to run. I wanted to be a part of a huge sisterhood. I have heard so many stories from prior IMsL’s and decided in November that I deserved to be part of something big. I had no idea just how big big was. In December I picked the theme of my auction basket and speech. Our History… Past… Present… Future. I started collecting stories from leather woman from all over the United States and several from Canada. They were put into a custom bound book called Herstory with every story signed by its author and IMsL weekend that book alone sold for $400.00. Keep your eyes open for future anthology books. I am already collecting for the next edition and will be reaching out to all of you soon for your stories.

The fantasy portion has always been a black cloud for me. I wanted to raise the bar for myself. I am better then what I have done in the past. So I went thru dozens of ideas going after my passions. Phantom has always been close to my heart and I damn near went with that theme but I’m certain its been done before. I wanted something unique that represented not just who I am but also where I come from. So the Soprano’s it was! I am very fortunate to have Ms Khiki in Philly and she was a huge help in designing the fantasy. I can not thank my friends JD and Starfire enough for flying out to IMsL with me to ensure a fantastic fantasy and they were also amazing handlers for the weekend. I know JD was out of his element and I really wish my eyes had been open enough to see that he was not treated so well. When we were not together the assumptions went flying that he did not belong. I can absolutely say he did belong and any contestant anywhere would be very fortunate to have him as a handler. He made sure I was well taken care of over the weekend and brought the word friend to a level I have rarely reached. Starfire was just as amazing. She kept my spirits lifted and has a smile that reaches into your soul. So the three of us put on one hell of a show for the audience. We have already agreed to an encore of the fantasy in November during Philadelphia Leather Pride Night.

My speech.. I knew in December the speech would be about women’s history. What I didn’t know was the announcement of the Women’s Leather History Project that would happen in January. The timing was perfect and the speech was so close to my passions and my heart that I had a hard time practicing it without choking up. I had thrown a fundraiser in November where Rick Storer brought Jill Carter’s IMsL sash from 1996 and both him and Jill were on one of the same stages in a venue that had been used during that competition. I certainly hope I brought honor to our leather women’s community and my work in preserving out voices and our stories has only just begun.

I arrived on Wednesday to California and was picked up at the airport by Robin. What great curb side service! I really enjoyed meeting her and gladly accepted the invitation to attend the Exiles munch that night. It was pretty neat sitting there with brand new women to the scene and being there for newbie’s to ask questions too concerning the contest. I also was treated to a very special horseback ride that afternoon. I could not think of a better way to start off my trip out West. I rode an Arabian horse that was a joy and was easily able to just relax and ride up the mountains to the most spectacular view of the ocean. That ride and the company solidified what I already knew would be a life long friendship. Most of the contestants met up that night in the hotel sports bar. What a great group of women. I had been in contact with all of them at some point over the last 2 months and it was great meeting face to face. I immediately hit it off with Donna from San Diego. The two of us are going to be partners in crime and wine for a very long time.

Thursday was the contestant meeting then the tour of the city. I loved going to the Golden Gate Bridge. Got some great group pictures there. I don’t know what was more fun though… the dog pile on the sling at Mr S leather or the ice cream at Ghiradelli’s chocolate. Oh wait… the boots at Stompers. Miss Rae found a perfect pair of Wesco custom boots and they looked fabulous on her. She did not get them and they fit me perfect. Damn they are perrrrty and fit me like a glove. It took most of my spending money for the trip but well worth every cent. After the tour we all had dinner at a local restaurant. Yummm yummmm yummmm. Surprisingly the contestants had a 10:30 curfew so I attended at much of Seduction as I could and damn glad I did….. lap dance from Q…sweeeet. I was passed out well before 11pm and almost didn’t hear the door knock for the curfew check.

Friday I got to sleep in a bit. My girl along with Master Steve and slave tami flew in and I was very thankful to be surrounded by such good energy. I was able to put my name on the list to get my new boots done and had Jayson DaBoi bring them to life. Next was the fantasy run thru. I had asked prior for Felice’s assistance and she was able to make a good fantasy a great fantasy… thank you! I also got to see the IMsL program book on Friday. My friends from Philly had taken out a ½ page using the logo from Philly Leather Pride Night. The gay rodeo circuit had 2 ad’s in the book. One was a ½ page ad from the Golden State Gay Rodeo Association and the other was from the International Gay Rodeo Association for Finals rodeo in Nevada this year. I have always seen the rodeo involved with IML but never with IMsL. I don’t know if this is a first but damn…. I can not thank them enough. Opening ceremonies were Friday night followed by the celebrity auction then uniform party. This was the day for contestant interviews. Mine was delayed a bit but I was comfortable and loved answering a question with the simple word… gingerbread. Once again curfew put me to bed early and I actually was there and asleep by 11pm and very thankful my girl had flown out to be with me.

Saturday is a huge blur. I know I was at several functions in the VIP suite. The Exiles, Mama’s family, SF Leather, etc…. We had last minute rehearsals for the opening number and we also got to practice our fantasies one last time. Dinner was upstairs as a group. By this time the 10 of us had bonded pretty damn well. What an honor it was to get to know all the contestants over the last few days. Finally the contest started. After the opening number Lady Minx went first with hotwear/pop question and then immediately into my speech. The order was hotwear, speech, fantasty, hotwear, speech, fantasy, etc… so the next thing I did was hot wear. I chose to wear my leather duster with a t-shirt that said “Sexual Outlaw” along with my Cowboy Equipment boxer briefs and boots. My question involved changing limits with my answer being public sex. It was always a hard limit that was redefined over the past year. The last was my fantasy. Vi Johnson had given me a brand new on the market electronic cigar and puffing away on it I didn’t realize just how realistic it looked to the crowds. When I tossed it off stage several went to pounce on it to put it out. In the end the 10 of us lined up and the winners were announced. Jayson was named Int’l Ms Bootblack with Luna taking 1st runner up. 2nd runner up for IMsL was Miss Rae from Florida, 1st runner up was Donna from San Diego and the winner was Mo from San Francisco. Mo was the one to beat this weekend and she was just spectacular and what an honor it was being on the same stage as her. I called Miss Rae being on the stand weeks in advance. I have had the pleasure of getting to know her over the last couple of months and she was the one to really look out for. Donna…. I knew nothing about her before the weekend and in the end beyond a doubt she earned her place on the podium. This class of 8 was just spectacular. The judges had their work cut out for them and I am proud to have represented my region so well. To give an idea of how special these women are… I gave 100% of the 100% that I had to give. I was healthy and my game was on. Every contestant wanted this with all of their hearts and souls and it showed. Each of us are winners and I will make it a point to keep in touch with all of them and will even be at some of their step-downs. Miss Rae gets to see me in June at SELF and her step-down and I believe Cathy will also be there. I will be in LA and will hang with Genesis in August. Lady Minx will not get rid of me so easily as I call her a friend and our paths will cross again at ILSb/CBB. Mo… I will be at your step-down from Ms San Francisco Leather. I had such a good time there and have been invited back. I can not think of a better time then to be there as a IMsL sister. Donna…… I will see you at IML and hopefully not just in the elevator (grins). Call on me and I will be there for you. I will also be at Morgaines step-down as Ms NJ Leather. Luna… I know I’ll see you at the M/s Conference as well as a couple others.

Ironically, my schedule is filling up fast. Only one thing may have come off my plate and at least 3 have been added. I leave for CLAW this weekend then come home and start gearing up for this years Philadelphia Leather Pride Night. To my IMsL sisters… keep Nov 6th in mind and if you’re on the East Coast please come support a good cause.

Sunday my girl flew home and my handlers went sightseeing so I went out and rented a 3 wheeler scooter for the day/night. Its called an MP3 and I had a blast! I have a set of cohonnas and even parked it right outside the Eagle for the Dykes on Bikes party. I showed up alone and a good friend jumped on back and we went up to the top of Twin Peaks then had non-alcoholic drinks on Castro St. When we got back to the hotel I made my way to the play area and got to pull out my claws and the body sack. What fun indeed. Afterwards I went to the wind-down party and was able to say goodbye to most of the other contestants. Ironically Donna and I ended the weekend the same exact way we both started. What a pleasure and joy to end things on such a positive note!!!

Monday Ren was right there to pick up myself, JD and Starfire to get us back to the airport after dropping off the MP3. Every little thing was thought out for contestants and having Ren drop us off was a perfect way to say goodbye to a new friend. We loaded up on the plane and I fell asleep before we even left the gate waking up only to be told we were landing.

I wanted to end this with a special thank you. I made a point of saying thank you to as many volunteers as I could over the weekend. I don’t think I did enough. Running an event at home and volunteering myself for god knows how many events over the years I know how important it is to say those 2 simple words. If it wasn’t for the volunteers IMsL would not have happened. I saw many of the same faces over and over and over. Every single one made the contestants feel like rock stars. The producers, event staff, production manager, contestant liaisons, sound and lighting, DM’s, grunts, registrants, women checking wristbands, stage crew, judges, and all those that came as spectators to see history being made. Thank you one… thank you all. I look forward to coming back…..

I am an IMsL virgin no more!!!


Tuesday, April 13, 2010

On the road to IMsL... thank you my friends

The bags are packed and I am out the door. I wanted to make sure I said thank you to our community before I left. The outpouring of support has been mind boggling. From the 50/50's to the Philadelphia Leather Pride Night drawing.... snow angel pics to an amazing send off. I feel the love my friends... I feel the love. The raffle winner was pulled on Saturday night at the Adobe by Stern while surrounded by friends. The winner is Leah out of NYC and a long time member of LSM. She has been notified and will be coming to PLPN to feel the love in OUR city. I wanted to do a quick shout out to the following for helping me along the way.... Thomas with the Black Phoenix Blonde for sacrificing her hinny Stern and Miss James for EVERYTHING that you do Steve, tami and the NDDs - Bootcamp - MAsT: Wilmington DE groups Lady Meri and Life in Nassau Boyd Amy and the Triad Munch for amazing fundraising Charles and Passion Thorne for the paddle raffle skinny nick for believing in everything that I do Shy Butch for getting word out about the snow angel fundraiser (hide the pics) Mitch and Mary love you guys To the 27 women who wrote original stories for my IMsL auction basket as well as Miss James again for doing the most amazing custom book binding. The Bike Stop for welcoming our community Brian Dottie and NeedlePlay designs for helping me every step of the way and putting the hot... back in hotwear Kali with Passional Boutique Northbound Leather for their sponsorship and amazing leather work. The women who helped me prepare for this next step. I am quite humbled to have each of you trust that I will be a good representative of our women's leather community. Khiki and jez for just... just... wow... there aren't words that can express my thank you enough. There are a ton of other people I could thank.... To everyone that showed up to the Friends in Low Places send off party and last but not least.... to my girl for helping me see what you see in me... I am very happy that you will be joining me in California. Thank you all for believing in me once again. I hope to make each of you proud. Cowboi Jen Mid-Atlantic Leather Woman 2009 Producer Philadelphia Leather Pride Night 2010 but most of all your friend

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Whirlwind Tour

The last of my promises during my title year have been fulfilled. With the count down being 2 weeks until my step-down I was cutting it close. I was asked about 10 months ago by Lady Meri to teach my HAWK class (Health Awareness Within Kink) for a group called Life in Nassau. What an amazing group it is! Many of them volunteered for Philadelphia Leather Pride Night... yes they came to Philly to help me last Nov and even more of them had volunteered for The Floating World. Events big and small you can see their membership.
As the life of this Cowboi would have it I just can't do one thing when I travel so the last 2 days were stacked. It started with me doing something quite unusual and I took the bus to NYC.... yes bus... they offer free Wi-Fi and I could use the extra time to work on my major project. Upon arrival a very good friend picked me up and off we went to stop #1.... the MET... not baseball as those who know me would think.. but the Metropolitan Opera House. Another friend has set up a backstage tour for us. What can I say but WOW... it was amazing. To see the in's and out's of how the productions happen and somehow the building is bigger on the inside then it is on the outside. The tour was well over 2 hours with one of the highlights being holding a flaming sword... fire play to the extreme!
From the MET we drove to Long Island to the Life in Nassau group. I designed the class to be interactive and work off of participation. I can not thank the group enough for helping support my travel fund for IMsL. They made me promise to come back if I win... or not... smiles.
Back to the big city for us and stopping by a party called IMPACT thrown by the New York Fetish Tribe. As we walked into the door I was accosted by a friend and saw many more inside. I didn't realize just how many people I would know there. My purpose for going was to have my boots done. Luna who is running for International Ms Bootblack was there and this was a fundraiser for her travel fund. Luna and I share common interests and one VERY special woman and I wouldn't miss an opportunity to help in any way I can. Overnight in the big city and a lazy day filled with friendship and laughter until the bus ride from hell home...... next time Amtrak!
One last stop on my whirlwind day and that was to Pergatory...Stern style. It was one of the largest groups I had seen yet at the Adobe. I sold the 50/50 tickets in ways that had people lined up for the boots to hummmmm. The guys were loving me on my knee's and I learned who my secret fet-stalker is...grins.
Today 3 things in 3 different states... thinking to myself I am supposed to be winding down.. not winding up. I look forward to being surrounded by friends and those I call family.


Wednesday, March 3, 2010

South Plains Leatherfest

What a weekend. I had no idea if I was even going to make it to Dallas with the storm that was slamming Philly last Thursday. I was on one of the last flights outta there and it was a puddle jumper just to get me to Washington DC then onto Dallas. I have flown well over 200,000 miles in my lifetime and I found it hard to believe that I was never on a plane that was being deiced. The spray hit my window and I just looked on. This was going to be an adventure. The blizzard was starting to hit and I just held my breath praying the flight didn't get canceled last minute. We finally took off and it was a EEE ticket ride with the winds. When we landed in DC I was quite shocked, the sun was shining and the birds singing. After a couple hour layover off I went to Dallas! Easy flight, easy shuttle to the host hotel, easy check in.... it was a good day!
My role at SPLF was unique. Though I had a full weekend package I had stepped forward to be the handler for our Northeast Master and slave team who were competing that weekend. Master Steve and slave tami are 2 of the most honorable people I know. They housed me for the weekend and in return I was at their beck and call. They barely used me and I stayed out of the way as much as I could. Saturday morning I went to get them breakfast at the hotel restaurant. Instead of box's I had a full serving tray filled with plates, utensils, etc... as I was carrying it thru the hotel the looks were priceless. In a land far far away I used to be a waitress and very few are aware that I was owned property at one point. What I learned I carry with me thru life!
During the course of the weekend I met some amazing women and rekindled friendships. With my running for IMsL I was excited to spend some time with Lady Fae and Gabrielle. I was able to ask them about their experiences as IMsL and their answers were everything I expected and more. Lamalani and Pony were also present and just as enlightening. I also got to spend some quality time with 2 of my classmates, Cathy and Lady Minx. Minx was a gem and with Syr Evan took me out for a night on the town at the Dallas Eagle where we hooked up with Gypsey while Cathy pulled together a gathering of IMsL women. I can't wait to spend more time with them!
Throughout the weekend I was there every step of the way for Steve and tami. I am not a judge on this track but what I saw I really liked. They are a genuine couple...about as real as you get. I am proud to be on so many board of directors with them. Their story is very touching. I have known them for years and they speak truely from their hearts. The pop questions were perfect for them with whitty answers. I was holding my breath.....
When they announced the winners... Master Obsidian and slave namaste from the Southwest region the audience roared. They were on fire all weekend and will be amazing representatives for our community. I was able to talk to them for a short bit during the weekend and look forward to seeing them around the country.
My friends... my family made us all proud. I don't think they could have done anything different. They are winners in my book and our region has won also. We do not lose them to the community at large... we get to be greedy!
All in all what a weekend. Master Jim, Cougar, slave marsha.. thank you for all that you do. Celeste your skills are amazing, Master Larry.. rock on...rock on!
I walked away from the weekend with amazing friends, a weekend at Leather Reign in Seattle and a question of why I had never attended South Plains before.
I will not make that mistake again.

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Its February Already???

This winter is flying by. I am just now coming down from my high in November. My schedule is not as bad as usual and I have found time at home to take care of my local community. The other week was Marvelous Masquerade. It was a women's party at the Playhouse benefiting the next Mid-Atlantic Leather Woman who will be chosen at the CLAP weekend end of March. (Chesapeake Leather and Pride) Marvelous Mayhem is an amazing company and they have donated a custom vest to the next title holder. I can not thank them enough for supporting our community!

After PLPN I went back to Canada for a long weekend for rodeo convention. 18 years now I've been a competing member and like to stay on top of rule changes and always being around friends. I am finding it easier to get around Toronto. What a great city. Greater yet is Northbound Leather. I am officially a Northbound Slut as more then half of my leathers have their name on it. This trip in particular was meaningful. I was having a custom title vest made. It is a piece of art and it literally changed the way I stand. My friends also think I've grown an inch or two. Pride can be a great thing and with the success of my title year fundraiser I feel I have earned the right to wear a piece like this one. I have made what is hopefully lifelong friends and a company that I am proud to be affiliated with.

The rest of November flew by ending with Santa Saturday, a fundraiser that is 35 years strong hosted by the Bucks MC. Other events were Nov 21st - Leather Day of Caring at the Bike Stop - remembering Mr Marcus, that night was Diabolique where thousands of dollars was raised for the Leather Heart Foundation, and Nov 29th Just Play in Baltimore.

In December I gave up most of my holidays and free time to catch up on some bills. 92 hours overtime between Thansgiving and Christmas. The only event I ventured out too was 12 Days Produced by Hooker & Boys in Baltimore Maryland. I have tried going to 12 Days in the past but I was always pulled somewhere else. This year I was not going to miss it and I was thrilled to be there!

January was MAL weekend in Washington DC. This is just an amazing event and I liked the new location for the leather cocktails especially since its the same venue that the rodeo used for its host hotel. I was home! The women's play party on Saturday night rocked. I rarely get to go out and play and I took advantage of the situation. Kid in a candy store and yes... I was a pig. 3 totally different scenes from Topping to bottoming to a hot sexy bootblack...yummmm. My mind and soul were flying all over the place and I was quite confused on the drop. It was good to be in women's space again like that and it opened me up to want more more more.

February was my last play party/fundraiser for my title year. I normally am the one sitting in the social area making sure everyone else is having a good time forgetting about myself. This time was different. Cowboi got greedy. I had a special guest for the weekend and we took advantage of every single second that we could. I am still in awe that she, who could have anybody, hopped on a plane to spend time with me.. and let me tell you.. she had me in many many many ways...grins. One of my friends played the Cowboi stunt double for the night and for that I will forever be grateful. It doesn't even hit me that my friends need to see me having fun too. Yes I take things seriously but since November I am much more relaxed. For years I have felt like I had to earn every little thing in my life. I'm there and though I will always continue being me I am a much happier me and have found a level of self peace that I have never felt before.

Now I leave for Dallas in 4 days to South Plains Leatherfest to support Master Steve and slave tami our Northeast Master/slave team as they compete for their International title. It is my first time at South Plains and I am VERY excited. I am looking forward to attending many of the M/s track class's. When I get home from there I actually will be home for an entire month (exception being teaching in Long Island NY for Life in Nassau). That month will give me time to finish getting ready for IMsL. My step down is March 27th then 2 weeks later off to San Francisco. The time inbetween will be spent at home resting and keeping myself as health as possible. I have learned that stress can get me sick so I will have none of it and there are dozens of friends that will tie me down if necessary. That I need as well as a good kick in the ass sometimes.