Mr Maryland Leather Contest
November 6-7
I had been planning to go to this event for a while. Due to circumstances, I could not attend ILSb (I was VERY upset about that) so I was eager to drive up and see Sir Hooker and several others who I hadn't seen a while. I was also excited to find out that Jeffrey Payne, International Leatherman, and also Johnny boy, my American leatherboy, were going to be there. We drove seven and a half hours that Friday, and were lucky to miss all the traffic that usually clogs the DC/Baltimore area. I was also so glad to see some of my guys from CLAWS, Jerry Ramsey and Rick Hettinger, and also D.J. Bill E from the Reading Railmen there as we pulled up to our hotel.
After short breather and a bite to eat, we all car pooled and headed to The Phoenix for the meet and greet. kim finally had an opportunity to show off her vest I bought her (its about time, I know) and to show off her recently received pin from Mama Sandy. Yes, Mama liked her so much (without even meeting her - that is the way it goes - everyone likes her way more than me - I can live with that) and yes, she named her "Mama's Sash Widow".
It was a pleasure to see and speak to Jeffrey, and introduce him to my guys from the SECC area. I also saw some of the same people I saw a couple of weekends before at the Old Dominion contest. I was also excited to see Hooker again. Another amazing person!!!! The three contestants were introduced, as well as the judges (all former Mr Maryland Leathers)
and the MC for the weekend was the incomparable Shauna Alexander. I also got to see some guys I haven't seen since I won Ms Reading Leather! It was a pleasure to see Rodney from the Shipmates of Baltimore and
his partner Sir 
Steve from Command. I also got to meet Sir Andy Lui, and also Sir Ky Eaton.
The next day another of my club brothers joined us for the contest. Jeff Jarnigan, Mr SECC 2009 and his partner, Jerry Cooper. They had just recently moved to DC so it was also good to see them. (I have to apologize at this point I am having problems pulling up any more photos from this contest - at a later date when I get it fixed I will insert them)
We arrived for the contest at Club Hippo around 1:30. Kim and I socialized for a while, and I met other titleholders from the northeast such as the recently sashed Mr New Jersey Leather among others. The contest started promptly and I have to say COMMAND did an excellent job putting on this contest. All three contestants were worthy, so I know it was a difficult job for the judges! Shawna Alexander did an excellent job as hostess, and her performance literally had all of us rolling on the floor laughing . . . "I kissed a squirrel" , indeed!!!
Watching Sir Hooker step down from his title was truly an honor. He is an amazing man who has done so much, and I could only hope to do a tenth of what he has done with his title, and without it. Jeffery Payne presented him with a message from Mike Zuhl, and also Glenda Ryder spoke as well. Justin Smith was then chosen as Mr Maryland Leather 2010; He is another awesome young person who guarantees a bright future for the leather community. We then went to eat at their catered dinner (it looked good!) however I didn't get a chance to enjoy it . . . seems everyone with a camera was calling my name . . .and I have yet to see one picture that was taken! lol!!
We wound down at the hotel for a while then went to the Eagle for their bar night. It was more of a calm night with us just mingling and hanging out with Jerry and Rick. We didn't stay too long - an eight hour drive was ahead of us!!!!
Surprise! This time, I drove us home.
Mr Old Dominion
October 17th, 2009
I took the opportunity of kim's long weekend off to go to the Mr Old Dominion contest in Norfolk, Va at The Garage. We drove up after I got off work that Friday (5 and a half hours) in cold, misty weather. I didn't really inform too many people that I was going so I surprised a few people when we came sauntering in Friday for the Meet and Greet. I in turn was surprised and delighted to see Mr Mid Atlantic Leather, Kip Hollar. I also got to see some of my friends the Rogues, who are also part of SECC. The Garage was an interesting place, and they had a small impromptu leather shop set up in one corner. It was a mixed crowd, part leather and part gay, but festive nonetheless.
They announced the three handsome contestants, and after a while mingling and chatting with everyone we called it a night. The next day the contest didn't start til ten that evening so we took the time to walk around downtown Norfolk (It was cold and windy). They happened to have a few festivals going on that involved tallships (which kim loves!) and took a paddle boat ferry across the water to get a closer look. The cold weather got to us after a while and we decided (why, I don't know) to go to Hooters to eat . . . they are purported to have "the worlds best wings" so we thought we would put them to the test (kim and I fancy ourselves wing connosuiers) and it started out promising when we had 15 hooters girl greet us as we came in. (kim really liked that! lol.) We found out later the reason for so many of them were the many conventions and festivals in town, and sure enough when we left they were PACKED. The food, sadly, was no where NEAR as good as the view.
Back at the hotel we chilled for a bit, and I finally got to meet Jackie, Ms Capital Leather 2009. (At the last minute they had asked her to be a judge) We took our time and ate again before making our way to the bar for the main part of the contest. I also finally got to meet Matt, Mr Capital Leather 2009. He and Jackie are an amazing duo. They do way more than I could even dream! and they sure do get around!!! (In a good way lol.)
I had a great time talking to Matt, and kim kept busy taking pictures of the contest. They did extremely well, I know It had to be a tough choice! The judges did choose, and the winner was Allen Peebles. Excellent job!!It was such a pleasure to meet boy Ky, from the DC Boys of leather, and also Justin Smith, as well as others.
I once again met some wonderful people,including the Knighthawks of Virgina and some of the DC Boys of Leather.
For some reason when we got back to the hotel my room became a hub of activity (some I will refrain from telling! Wouldn't you like to know!! Ask Kip - he MAY tell you.) And after a while people wandered to other rooms, and kim and I called it a night. The next morning we got up, another great weekend behind us.
And yes, I made her drive home.
Remembering Mr Marcus
It was Friday, October 9th and kim and I had just woken to our first full day of the Onyx Blackout XIV run. I had walked over to where a fellow CLAWS member and President of SECC was hosting his morning "coffee and more" and to get my ritual mimosa. I walked back in to our room and kim looked at me with sad eyes. "I have bad news" she says. She had been on the computer and saw the first posts on Mr Marcus. We knew this day was coming, but were hoping that it wouldn't. I walked with a heavy heart to the room where the President Vice President, and Sergeant-at-Arms of Onyx were talking together and informed them of the news. They at once made plans to have a moment of silence for him at their banquet and I left them to go back to my room.
I was extremely lucky to have the honor of meeting Mr Marcus at the American Brotherhood contest. He was one of my judges and I had done my homework on all of them before I had arrived so I knew all too well his reputation. I have to say I was a little intimidated by not only him but the whole experience - I didn't know anyone and I was out of my region for the first time in a long time. I introduced myself to him - "Dakota" and of course he looks at me and says, "Dakota . . . . . ." and I filled in my last name for him. I took great pains to be cordial to him but not be "up his ass" which is not like me anyway. The first night we were all standing outside waiting on a shuttle and he sees kim for the first time and goes "Who is THAT" so I introduce him and he goes "Figures, I always go for the partner" LOL!! He so liked kim. That is nothing new, though, most people that meet kim and I like her much more than they do me. : } I call her my 'Icebreaker'. Contrary to popular belief, I really am not a people person.
(I really don't remember what we were looking at! lol)
I had limited contact with him until Saturday night during the auction, when we were talking about the 'auction" and the subsequent takeover of the drag queens. The final morning of the contest kim and I walked to a local breakfast place that was near and who should be in there sitting by himself eating? You got it. kim and I grabbed a table and I told her just to order me a breakfast sandwich (my nerves don't let me eat much at events like that!) and I walked over to speak to him. As he was still eating,
I didn't want to bother him much, so after a brief minute I went back to my table and sat down. I remember I asked him where everyone else was. He rolled his eyes and said "Sleeping. No one would get up."
kim brought our food to our table, and as I nervously picked at my food I saw Mr Marcus get up to leave. Sitting near the door, I jumped up to open it for him when he waved me away and said, "May I join you?" So for the remainder of our breakfast he sat and chatted with us. He talked about Cape Cod (which is where kim is from) and various other places, and about his work and him never taking time off for himself. "You need to take a vacation. And find you a good boy to train to take your place so you can retire!" I said. He sighed. "No one wants to learn."
He walked with us back to the hotel, and we left him out front to smoke one of his cigarettes. God forbid if he didn't have any of his cigarettes!!!
It was such a short time to spend with an amazing person but I count myself lucky to have it at all. Winning the contest, and having him taking such a liking to kim (after I won, one of his gifts to me was a slender feminine bracelet - he looked at me with a sly look and said, " I know YOU aren't gonna wear this.") and yes, of course, kim loved it. He was very kind to send me copies of his newspaper in the following weeks, and was tickled I remembered to include a thank you for his gifts in my thank you note. I know this is what he probably did for most titleholder winners, but he made me feel welcome and special, and I am very saddened because I had looked forward to seeing him again in my travels. I count myself very lucky to have met him at all because it was just a few weeks after the contest he fell ill.
I know he is probably up there watching us, shaking his head at a few, and nodding approvingly at others. I hope to live up to the confidence he placed in me by helping to choose me as a titleholder, and I hope to be one of the "others" that he would approve of.
Rest in Peace Mr Marcus, you deserve it. You finally got your vacation.
Onyx Blackout XIV-
Murder, Mystery, and Mayhem!!!
The weekend after Folsom, it was Fall bike rally in Myrtle Beach. As it is not really a "Leather Event" (which in all actuality it is!!!)
I won't blog on it as of right now, but get to a much more awesome and entertaining event - Onyx Blackout XIV!!! Thursday, Oct 8th; I had rushed to get off work early, and kim had the day off. We decided last minute to go up Thursday evening so we could relax a little before the festivities started. We get there in time for kim to snap a few pictures (she was their official photographer of the run!) and talk to Jerry and Rick, Stanley and Dragon before having a few cocktails and ordering Chinese food and tumbling into bed.
Friday morning woke us to the news of Mr Marcus passing away in the night (see above).
That day we spent greeting all the new arrivals and I met many brothers from Onyx's other chapters - what an exceptional group of people!!! kim braved the cold waters of the pool, and I got ready to do an impromptu number for the Pearl's cocktail party. (All monies I gathered I gave back to Onyx for their charity, Chris' Kids.) Then right into the CLAWS cocktail party, with a 'Clue' theme.Who killed Mr Boddy, where, and how? with some 'Boddy fluid' punch (vodka cranberry). My guys did a great job setting up!
Then over to the filling station for what is called "Drink and Drown" for two hours of free pour - oh boy! with entertainment by the "Onyx Gold Dancers." The night was topped off by demonstrations in the new dungeon by Lady Cocoa - however, kim and I called it an early night, knowing Saturday would also be a full day (and night). Saturday saw wonderful weather, the fall SECC meeting, then a brunch and people games on the patio, and yes, more cocktail parties!!! There was a great sense of camaraderie between all the clubs there. It was a privelege to meet so many new leather folk from other Onyx chapters, and to forge new bonds across the country.
They had a wonderful dinner with a "Murder Mystery" flair and of course I had to be in the middle of it!! Well, maybe not the middle, but it was fun trying to figure out "whodunit" and I just KNEW it was Steven "Dragon" Greene, but he only stole the jewels. Then to the room to change, for a command performance at the Filling Station!!! I immediately changed afterward so I could rejoin the guys for more festivities. And yes, the Onyx Gold Dancers!! Later, kim and I ventured to the brand new dungeon, where Lady D and the Pearls were having a spanking demonstration. But, there were five separate rooms, and in one I saw a stretching rack . . . so I proceeded to stretch a newbie to the lifestyle and Onyx, as well as my girl . . then somehow I saw Lady D's velvet flogger, and then I had a willing victim um I mean volunteer, so . . . .
The next morning was an out of this world banquet, where the Onyx men bestowed some well deserved awards on their members. I was very honored and proud to have been invited to and attend their anniversary run. They truly are a great group, and I hope they have many more successful years!!!!
We could not stay for their tea party, as much as I wanted to, it was time to go home.
Needless to say I made kim drive!!!
Dakota Goes to Folsom
Part one
I woke up that Friday not knowing what to expect. I was going on this adventure alone, without my girl, and without a camera!!! I worked half a day, then drove two hours to catch a 4:30 flight in Charleston with a layover in Atlanta, then off to San Fran. Along the way, I realized one thing:
I now hate to fly.
I blame the news and T.V. I used to love it, the take off, the landing, all of it. Now, my knuckles are white as they grip the armrest and I eye the drink cart before it even leaves its cubby hole. But I digress. Let me get to the real story.
The 2009 American Leather family, together again!!!
I had the good favor to be picked up by the former American Leatherwoman 2008, Joan Norry, and I also was a very lucky person in the respect she let me stay with her, and in essence shuttled me around all weekend everywhere I needed/wanted to go. Now that is Family!!!
(picture, above: in the Castro; Me, Alex and Johnny goofing off with baby before Donna Sachet's titleholder brunch the day of Folsom Street fair.)
(Picture, below: Deb, Ms Alameda County 2009; Mama Sandy; Lamalani, International Ms Leather 2009; Joan, American Leather woman 2008; and I)
That Saturday morning we had a special titleholder brunch, organized by Joan, with all women titleholders. We also had a special guest, Mama Sandy! I got to meet another former American leatherwoman, Tobin, and Lamalani's girlfriend, Honeysuckle, Ms Alameda County 2008 Victoria Gomez and the current Ms Alameda 2009 Deb well as a few other very nice people. Afterwards we roamed the streets, doing a little bit of (as Joan put it) "light shopping" and basically having a great time getting along. I was in awe of a city I had never seen, and being on a totally separate coast than the one I am used to. The time change never really bothered me, except made me realize there really is one every time I tried to talk to someone back home!!!
I was amazed (and like a kid in a candy store) at the leather shops there. Anything and everything you could want, all for a right and decent price. The weather was awesome, no humidity, but sun shining and warm enough for any traveler from the south-east. Afterwards we headed to Chaps, for a cocktail or two, to meet up with other titleholders, past and new.
I caught up with my sash husband and sash boy (Finally!!) Alex and Johnny, and also got to see Randy Carmenaty, Rick Russell,
and Jefferey Payne. I held Joan and Victoria hostage as I HAD to have my boots done, and by none other than Ms V, International Bootblack 2007!!! She finally arrived, and I stood in line to have these old Harley Boots looking like they never have before!!!!
Then, it was coffee time at a little off the wall place that proclaimed itself a Leather/kinky coffee shop" with various books on the subject as well as "Pictures"on the wall. Joan, Victoria and I had our coffee, then I decided that I was going to drag them with me to my next appointment, which was going to a dinner party with one of my good friends, Michael Brandon!!! Yes, Michael is a porn star, and yes, it is another story on how I know him. Regardless, Joan kept teasing about crashing the "Porn Star Party" all the while we spent 30 minutes trying to find parking . . . I didn't realize how bad it would be . . .at 8:00 at night . . . in San Fransisco . . yeah, like Myrtle Beach with a shaggers convention!!LOL!!!
However, along with staying in contact with Michael on the phone, we found a parking garage within walking distance and we were finally there. It was good to see Michael and Marcus again, and he looks great!! It will be even better to see him at one of my favorite venues, the Mr SECC contest in Feb.
And this was just Saturday!!!
Sunday I was up early, amazed at the no humidity and the cool air. The day began with actually finding a parking spot close to the home of Donna Sachet, where we were having our titleholders brunch. I got to hobnob and rub shoulders with all sorts of Titleholders from all over the country, including the newly sashed International Mr Deaf Leather, who came all the way from Maine!
Around twelve forty five we assemble to be called to the stage at Folsom. It was all at once an amazing, overwhelming, and staggering experience for me. To be called to the stage directly behind the International titleholders - wow. All that was missing was Mr Marcus, who because of illness missed his first Folsom in countless years. Jeffrey Payne and Lamalani did an excellent job of calling out the names of the titleholders and where they were from however, so kudos to them!!!
Afterward we all kind of dispersed into the throng of people - seemed like hundreds of thousands to me! I followed Joan as she gave me a small 'tour' of the women's only area, and we wandered slowly towards the booth where her club was selling margaritas. As the time came near, and I felt like I had shadowed her enough (and she had to go to work selling Margaritas), I went ahead and cut the cord and plunged myself into the maddening crowd.
People would stop and stare at those volunteers who were tied to street posts, and the whipping demos were very popular and crowded as well. I tried to fight my way through, wanting to look at all the vendors but only getting to see a few, until I gave up and headed towards the titleholders safe haven, the International Mr Leather tent. After a few minutes in which I talked a little to Frank Nowicki, I decided to plunge myself back out into the sea of hot bodies. The weather had warmed up, not SC weather but warm, and although there wasn't anything there I hadn't seen, the size and scope of everything and the amount of people is what daunted me. But It was good to see a pan sexual crowd, with no one acting unappropriately to anyone that didn't wish to be.
It was at this time I was wandering aimlessly towards the main stage where I had stood as a titleholder, when I looked over and like an Angel from heaven was Mama Sandy. She was walking confidently to the entrance/exit with some of her family in tow, and when I expressed that I was lost, she said "We are going to the Eagle, would you like to go?" and in essence she saved me. She took me by the hand, and we walked out of the fair and down the street about two blocks to the Eagle, where they played my kind of music, and I got to meet several of Mamas Family, and talk about motorcycles to someone who had the same bike I have. Everyone was extremely nice, and I got to sit and talk with an amazing woman who cares so much for all of us. At one point it was getting quite crowded so once again she took me by the hand and led me out to her favorite place on the patio there, where I met even more of her family, and even got blessed by one of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence!
It was with a heavy heart I knew I had to go back to the fair. She was an amazing Lady and I had a wonderful time. But, the fair was ending soon, and I hadn't bought kim anything, (nor myself) and I knew Joan's shift would be over soon at her booth. I wandered back in, buying an awesome hat for my girl (and nothing for myself I might add!!) and by the time Joan and Mistress Nyna found me we were all starving. So we topped it off by finding a neat little Italian tapas restaurant and relaxing for a few minutes the first time that day. The rest of the evening wound down with Joan taking me for a small tour of the Castro where we met up with my sash husband and boy Alex and Johnny for a drink, then just wandered a little seeing the sights and generally scaring all the lesbians (lol). We called it a somewhat early night seeing as I had to have a shuttle come get me at 3:30 am for my 6:00 am flight!!!
Thank you to Joan and Nyna for their hospitality, thank you to Mama Sandy for naming me "Mama's Harley Girl", and thank you to whose pictures I stole to put on here, as my poor girl kim wasn't with me to take pictures (I will rectify that next time!!) she would have a blast and it just wasn't the same without her.
So, I (Obviously) made it home safe and sound if a little exhausted, and on to my further adventures. . . .
SCPride 2009
Columbia, SC
When I woke up at 5:30 am on Saturday, Sept 12 I asked myself a question: What does a self respecting leather woman wear to a gay pride at the end of summer in the deep south?
Answer: What ever the hell She wants to.
By 7 am we were on the road, me in my black Harley jeans, black Harley boots and a form fitting leather bodice vest. It takes about three hours to get to Columbia from Myrtle Beach, so I waited to lace up my gauntlets and don my armband and sash until we arrived. As we pulled into Finlay Park we saw our good friend Melonie, the President of the Trident Knights, sitting peacefully in jeans and her club vest on a stone bench waiting for us. It was ten a.m, the weather was nice, the wind was cool, and it looked to be a beautiful day.
It turned out to be a beautiful and HOT day.
The parade wasn't until 12, so kim and I wandered a little around the park after greeting the rest of the Knights that were there, Ric and Scott, and took the time for some photo opportunity in the masterfully created park.
As we wandered around we greeted some friends we always love to see, Russ and Billy from SC Lock (Russ is THE master barber to go to if you get a chance) and I greeted also the Greenville Renegaydes as they came proudly down the line. The formation was up by 11:30 am - Leatherfolk in front, then the Leather Order of the Midlands float, which I was honored to displayed upon (along with a bear in a sling! He got more attention than I did! lol) Thank you to Frank and The Order - great job!
Behind me was the Marshall of the parade, Ongina of "Ru-Pauls Drag Race" fame. (That reminds me, I have a Ru-Paul story, but I will leave that for another time.) There were quite a few floats in the parade, beautifully done up, with a lot of brave and honest people marching. There was a Unity Church, Granny's for Gays, just to name a few, besides the Patricks' truck which carried the Trident Knights, as well as the 20th anniverary Pride float that brought up the rear. 
I wish I could say that the whole parade went without your requisite protesters, but sadly this was not the case. As we started our journey they stood with signs yelling hateful and crude things and I tried my best to turn a deaf ear, so I smiled big and waved right at them as I hung on to the chains of the sling.
At the end of the parade there was another, even rowdier set of "Christians" who shook their bibles at us, and some even came in a few spectators faces yelling obscenities. However, no one took the bait and everyone ignored their heckling. I smiled and waved, and remembered even though I was proud and having fun in a Parade that passed by the steps of city hall where the gay colors cascaded down the steps, we were still in the heart of the south. I have my revenge, though, as the pictures of these unfortunate souls are displayed here on not only a lesbian, but a LEATHER lesbian's, web page!!!
At the end of the parade the colors were lined up in front of the huge stage in the park. We all stood around for a few minutes, and Master Regi of Columbia handed out some mementos to us. By this time it was 1:00, so everyone pretty much dispersed and kim and I took the opportunity to wander around and look at all the vendors. I got a few high fives, a couple of pictures, and lot of stares as I strode around in my leather and sash. Not a lot of people know much about the leather sub culture, or about American Leatherwoman here in the south, but if anyone would have asked I would have been glad to teach them!!! All in all there was a great leather showing as several clubs representing the SECC marched, as well as some of the het/bi kink clubs in the area. There were some great performers, Ongina being one of them, and Street Poet, a local poet who was a whirlwind on stage, plus many more. However, at 3 o'clock, I was a dripping mess but I refused to take of any leather like the stubborn Woman I am. The full sun got to me (just a little) so although I wanted to stay for the rest of Pride, and go out with the Knights later that night at club H2O for their fund raiser, other duties were calling my name.
CLAWS SOCIAL NIGHT WITH SPECIAL GUEST
PAULA SMITH!!!
We climbed in our truck and blasted the a.c. I was awake enough that morning to have remember to bring a t-shirt, so I peeled off my leathers to be at least partially comfortable for the ride home. Not much time to relax when we got home though, as we grabbed my Grandma dinner on the way in, and took the puppy for a walk almost as soon as we got out of the truck, but we made sure to take time to shower then have a nice quiet dinner at one of our new favorite places, King Street Grille.
Then, an impromptu meeting with other CLAWS board members about the tenth anniversary coming up in March, then over to Rainbow for our customary ten o clock cocktail. (Every CLAWS night we always go over to Rainbow at ten before we start our night at Time Out! to show our support for Micki). An who should be standing there as we walk in the door, but Micki and Paula Smith!!! Paula (as well as Micki) were two of the three founding members of CLAWS. Paula was also American Leatherwoman 2000, and has been fundamental in the recent years with her involvement with ABW and the Leather Community. It was nice to see Paula, she looked great! and it was also nice to meet her girlfriend, Janice.
We all trundled over to Time Out! to begin our social night, and sat on the patio talking about olden (and new) times.
Here is a picture of some of the original members of CLAWS. On the left you have Ted Hyman, our President, then me, Paula, Lewis Melton and Darrel Senter our treasurer. We are missing Micki Strickland, Ken Phillips, and Bill Pinkerton, then you would have the people that first sat around a table chatting about by-laws and arguing about our logo. I can't believe it will be ten years in March!!!
American Leatherwoman 2009 Dakota and American Leatherwoman 2000 Paula Smith - Together at long last!!!
And so we ended the night rather early. A long day in leather in the hot sun - took a little out of me! But it was an awesome day, and I fulfilled what I had set out to do; have a great time with various friends, fun and Pride while showing everyone in the south that leather is also a part of the gay community, and that we show support for equal rights as well.
One last thing - thank you to my girl, kim, for once again donning the camera and taking a multitude of pictures to go along with my narration! She truly is a wonderful girl.
So, until my next adventure -
Yours in Leather Service,
DAKOTA
Dakota and kims Ceremony
Thank you to everyone who made the Trident Knights run (and our ceremony) a success!!!!
Special Thanks to Daddy Jim and Lady D for presiding over our ceremony!
Mr SECC and American Leatherwoman, together at last!!!
The Boys of CLAWS, Kim and I after the ceremony. My "best boy" and "Best Man"
Trident Knights run - Pigs On Patrol, Part 1 (Thursday and Friday)
The whole weekend was phenomenal. We arrived on Thursday to a relaxing evening, kicked off by a cocktail party by the First Coast Leather Society. Actually the first thing I did was get the back of my hair shaved (something I have been doing for 15 odd years - too much hair) by Russ Brennan, who opens his barbershop for any and all. He donates any money given to him back to the Trident Knights for their charity. (Low Country Aids Service). We then went to bed early and relaxed until the next morning when I awoke to coffee and more (mimosas!) with the Daddies. I hovered around for a while, looking at many of the wonderful silent auction items, including two paddles kim and I donated plus a collage of American Leatherwoman pictures. We rushed to find a helium tank for my 60 plus balloons for our cocktail party but after that Friday went whooshing by it seemed and after a hot afternoon by the pool (at least Kim got to relax!) there was another wonderful cocktail party by First Coast.
Onyx was next with their cocktail party where we got down to a tribute to Michael Jackson.
After that was the Mr Secc "Jack Off" party, where several piggies got caught out of the pig pen!!!
Later that evening I rushed over to Club Argos, owned by Jimmy, the same person who owns Parliament House Resort (Thanks Jimmy for all your support!) and performed two numbers in front of an "interesting" crowd, including many of my leather brothers and sisters who came to support me.
Part 2, Saturday and Sunday
Woke up to coffee with the daddies again. Let kim sleep in, poor thing! while I kept my eye on one of the silent auction items, a small thin camcorder - something we don't have and could use. Then an impromptu SECC meeting, an army style red hat luncheon, another cocktail party sponsored by the Reading Railmen, and games by the pool!! A full day already - and it wasn't over yet. J.r. from Claws and my girl kim won first and second in a "ring toss" type of game played in the pool, while I placed second in throwing a water balloon into a ring!
Too much fun, but there were other things pressing . . .
Like our cocktail party/commitment ceremony. It was scheduled for 5:00, but at 3:55 I was rushing around moving tables and bringing over the decorations. I let kim take her time to get ready, while I sweated to make things perfect (some time ago I realized I was becoming a real control freak! lol! Plus the fact that it takes me 5 to 10 minutes to get ready, tops-) my boys from CLAWS didn't let me down as I directed them to and fro. Then, I had ten minutes to get dressed . . . and managed to pull it off!!!
The ceremony went perfect. Lady D and Daddy Jim did an excellent job, while Richard Kiraly from Columbia (Leather Order of the Midlands - you see him kneeling on the right) took some EXCELLENT picture of the ceremony for us. Afterwards we celebrated with my Vodka Lemonade punch and everyone signed our banner for us, and we also signed some pictures and gave out favors to remind everyone of this special day. We received several beautiful presents, and cards, a surprise for us - thank you everyone for all you did!!
We had a few minutes to breathe, then the banquet with the parade of colors and a chance to "pig out!" with some excellent food and our "wedding cake".
Then, no rest for the weary!!! I volunteered to do an encore number next door at the Filling Station at 9:30 for those who missed the previous nights performance. I also told the Knights i would donate any monies I gathered during my performance for their charity. I cam out, the music came up, and money was coming at me from everywhere so fast I couldn't grab it all!!!
In 2:59 minutes I had garnered 151 dollars!!! Amazing!!! We relaxed a little after that, me still in my outfit only for a little while socializing, until the day caught up with us and we retired to our room. We missed Lady D's Hypnotism expo, just for the simple fact we were exhausted from the whole day. Other than that we wouldn't have missed it! Lady D has promised me she will be doing it again, however.
Sunday morning I was up bright and early for coffee with the Daddies, and a last minute look at the silent auction before the breakfast banquet. I won the camcorder I had my eye on, and Geri Farley from the Reading Railmen won the pig paddle we had made, while Darrell from my own club, CLAWS, won the ALW paddle and photos. He and Geri went back and forth between them but Darrell was victorious, wanting the originals for our club. For both paddles and photos over 200 dollars was raised! And for the silent auction in total I believe it was over 1200 dollars. As soon as the Trident Knights get a total for the weekend of the charities that was raised I will post it here asap.
CLAWS won many awards from the games, as well as club participation. Most of us stayed for the Sunday afternoon "Tea Dance" and got silly while having a good time on the patio of the Parliament House. It was good to just relax for a change!!!
Thats my girl, showing off her appreciation award from the Trident Knights. She makes all of our paddles (with my designs) and is also the "Official" photographer of the Trident Knights Run.
Thank you to the Trident Knights for making this one hell of a special event!!! her
Well, there was a lot more that I didn't include that went on that weekend (I am sure you can imagine) and if you would like to see more pictures, we have them up on the CLAWSLLC.com website, so check it out!!! I also have to work on my Biography, not to mention there is another event coming up this weekend . . . . .
Until then, yours in Leather Service,
DAKOTA
