S.E Bootblack 2009

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This was my second year at SELF. When I decided to attend SELF 2008, I never imagined I would be running for a title in 2009. WOW what a difference a year makes. I began this process almost a year ago as the contestant assistant to SouthEast Bootblack 2008, Andy. I was able to see firsthand what was involved and decided I would give it a go. Some obstacles presented themselves, but with the support of the Producers I was confident that a title run was possible.

My bootblacking skills developed over this year as I prepared for my title run. It was a slow process filled with many phone calls and emails back and forth to my mentors. I was also provided a place to hone my skills. I was provided support and I knew I always had a place to turn. Thank you to Elegant, Q and michael for your wisdom. To RSVP, thank you for providing a place for me to grow and learn to shine, not only as a bootblack but as a person.

Many in the community stepped up to support me through donations and contributions. This made my travel and auction baskets possible. Your generosity is greatly appreciated and will not be forgotten. I did not make this journey alone and each of you will be carried with me as I travel during my title year. Last year I felt lost in a sea of wonder and slight confusion. This year I felt like I was coming home. I look forward to representing that home during this year. To the Producers, SELF Board, staff and volunteers; thank you for making SELF what it is for so many.

Last but certainly not least, I could have not done this title run alone. Girl Kim and Amber, y’all were amazing. Your support during the weekend was invaluable. Dale, you were there when I needed you and a wonderful assistant. Best of luck on your journey. Ma’am and Erik, my sanity! There is nothing more to say than I owe you lots of silver polishing for everything that was done for me over the weekend. To my family, doing two title runs in one family is never easy but we did it and came closer in the process. My love to all of you. And to my wonderful Daddy, I hate that you were sick all weekend but receiving my title from you meant the world to me and left me speechless.

I am already busy scheduling events and I look forward to seeing many of you as I travel around the region. In July, American Brotherhood Weekend returns to New Orleans and promises to be a fun weekend. I will be coordinating the bootblack stands during the competition. All funds raised there will go toward charity. I will also be traveling to Beyond Vanilla to enjoy bootblacking with some great Texas bootblacks. Be looking for my future columns to keep up with my adventures in title holding.

Warmest regards,
Margaret
SELF Bootblack 2009

October 2009

My title year got off to a wonderful start as I started walking! This was exciting as the last time many of you saw me I was still in a cast. I had my first adventure at American Brotherhood Weekend (ABW) in New Orleans. It was wonderful to assist the ABW family in welcoming many Leathermen and Leatherwomen into a city that I hold so near and dear to my heart. But I do have to say, leather… in July, are you SERIOUS! Congratulations to the new American Leather Family, American Leatherman Alex, Leatherwoman Dakota and Leatherboy johnny. All of the contestants were fantastic and the decision is one I am glad I did not have to make. The remainder of the summer was rather quiet as I spent time catching up on life, rehabilitating my foot and preparing for the fall.

In August and September, I was able to spend time with my home group, RSVP in Baton Rouge, and unwind from the craziness of running for my title. Life also gave me some twist and turns that have caused me to refocus my path. With amazing support from my producers and the SELF family, my title year promises to be amazing. Most of all, I have learned to take care of myself first and when to ask for help in doing that. In asking for this help, some incredible people have come into my life. I have also learned the true meaning of chosen family. Mine stretches from coast to coast and boarder to boarder and without them life might look a little different right now. Much gratitude for Princess Sisters, late night phone calls from the west coast and the Butchkateers.

During this time I developed some new class outlines for presentations. I am excited to have an opportunity to present to any group, big or small so please contact me. I was also asked to help restart MAsT – Baton Rouge. This has been a wonderful undertaking. I look forward to seeing this MAsT chapter grow and thrive in the Baton Rouge area. After this time of respite and reflection, it was time to get back on the road and meet people!

The end of September brought me to Dallas, TX to attend Beyond Vanilla XIX. This was an amazing weekend for me filled with chosen family, new friends and lots of boots. I participated in bootblacking for Bryan’s House. (www.bryanshouse.org) This is the chosen charity for Beyond Vanilla and over the years they have raised money to assist in the care of children with special health needs, in particular HIV/AIDS. For me Beyond Vanilla started with a Boots and Cigar party at the Dallas Eagle. That night, I was surprised/honored with being presented my first piece of earned leather, my vest. This vest will also carry my title patch. Upon writing this column, I am not sure the entire experience has sunk in yet but I am still in shock that my family and community has seen me grow and develop as a leathergirl to the point where I have earned my vest. I am truly humbled.

My travel kicks into high gear moving into the fall and winter with trips to Philadelphia, PA; Baltimore, MD… twice and Dallas, TX. I will also be traveling with in the region to New Orleans and South Mississippi.

Warmest Regards 

~Margaret

January 2010

Back on the path of the wandering title holder…

Being on the far western end of the region lends itself to interesting travels. The first of my travels brought me just down the road to RSVP’s Annual Halloween Auction and Fundraiser. This yearly event is the life blood of the group. The money raised at this event allows RSVP to maintain a premier educational and play facility for our region. The facility also functions as a hurricane shelter for “alternative” family units. This year we were fortunate as the facility was not needed. The auction this year set records even in spite of tough economic times. The weekend after the auction it was back on the road…

I had the opportunity to travel to Philadelphia for the first annual Philadelphia Leather Pride Night. It was wonderful to represent the Southeast during this inaugural event. Money was raised for the Leather Archives & Museum, the Leather Heart Foundation and the By the Grace of George fund. The spirit of community was alive and well during this event. I returned home to celebrate Thanksgiving with my family. It was a nice time to give thanks for the year I have had. My year has had many twists and blessings. The blessings continue to multiply. The end of the calendar year is always busy for me career wise so things slowed down a bit as far as title travels. I spent the time working on lining up a busy spring travel schedule. Look for the wandering bootblack around Baton Rouge,   Atlanta (a few times), New Orleans, Dallas, Baltimore and a few other surprise places in the months to come.

I can also be found on twitter… lilredhead623

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