Dallas Pride Weekend

Good Evening Everyone,

This past weekend was Dallas Pride. We had an incredible time. Sir Jason and Master John flew in from Ft. Lauderdale and boy jason (Sir Jason's boy) flew in from his business trip in San Antonio. It was great having them visit and stay with us. Also, Lowell & Elliott from Houston came in; however, they stayed at a hotel, due to limitations in how many folks our home can hold.

The weekend start on Friday evening once everyone had flown in. We, along with boy adam, went to Sal's Pizza for dinner and then to the Eagle and the Round-Up. It was just a relaxing evening. I did get to two-step with my husband for one dance, which I always enjoy. It'll also be the last time I get to do that until December!

On Saturday we got up and went to the Kinky Karnival held at the Dallas Eagle during the afternoon. David worked with Leather Knights and sold hotdogs and hamburgers and I worked the dunking booth, as in, I got in it and got dunked. Who knew so many leather men and women could throw a softball with such good aim . . . LOL

That evening, we headed back to the Eagle and had a great time. It was my first time in town for a while, so I got to catch up with friends and let them see that I was okay and alive!

Sunday was the parade. I was able to ride in John and Kevin's new Infinite and DAMN it's a great vehicle! Leather Knights supported and walked with me, as well as other friends of mine. My husband, David, and friends, Lowell and Elliott, carried the IML sign and looked damn good doing it!! We threw beads and 'facial towels' (aka: cum towels) to the crowd with the IML 2009 logo on it. Had a fantastic time! The crowds were enthusiastic and large in numbers. It's always an incredible experience to feel and hear them celebrate Pride!!

Sunday evening we went to John and Kevin's home and relaxed in the pool. After a day of wearing leather in the hot sun, it was nice to strip down to nothing and jump in a pool!

A special thanks to my club brothers in Leather Knights for supporting and walking with me. To my out of town friends (Master John, Sir Jason, Billy , Lowell, Elliott and boy jason) that joined us and walked to help celebrate not just Dallas Pride, but Gay Pride! To boy adam for being the official photographer before, during and after the parade for me. To John and Kevin and letting me use their beautiful car to ride in. And to the men and women of Dallas! Thank you for helping make this an incredible experience!

Okay, I won't be in Dallas for another weekend until the first weekend in December when I hand over my Mr. Dallas Eagle title. Lot's of travel is in front of me! Look for me in a city near you and make sure to come talk to me if you see me!

Your Leather Brother,

Jeffrey

Photo's can be found at www.flickr.com/iml2009

Website (Travel Calendar, IML Information) at www.IML2009.com

Mr. Houston Leather and the Misfits Ball

Good Evening Everyone,

This past weekend started with my driving to Houston. I actually drove, so there was no possibility for flight delays! David was able to go with me! I love any trip that involves my husband!! Also, our friend Jason (Piggy Boo) drove in from San Antonio to spend the weekend with us and the leather community in Houston.

Friday night we had dinner with many members of the leather community. Bob, owner of Black Hawk Leather, was gracious enough to provide the dinner and it was a great start to what would prove to be an incredible weekend! We then headed over to the Ripcord for the Meet & Greet with the two contestants vying for the Mr. Houston Leather title. Had a great time seeing so many of our friends and it was great to also meet so many people in the community that David has known for years; however, I had not been able to meet them yet.

Saturday we held the interviews for the two contestants in the afternoon. Both contestants did a superb job during the interviews. Both are rather new to the leather community; however, they showed an eagerness to learn and entrench themselves into our community.

Then the fun really began! We went back to the room and took a nap! LOL I still have not adjusted to and then from the time difference of going to Berlin last week. It's amazing what an eight hour difference can do to your sleep patterns. But then we got up, ate dinner, and went to the contest. It was a great contest and the crowd was awesome. I did give a speech and the community raised $600 for my travel fund by auctioning off a basket donated by Bob at Black Hawk Leather. Wow! David and I were blown away from the generosity shown to us by the community. Thank you so much. And know that your contributions will actually be split between the Leather Archives and Museum (Change the Past Campaign), NCSF (National Coalition for Sexual Freedom) and the SSC Fund (Hearing from the Heart Program). David and I have always felt we were blessed by our community and we have to continue to pay it forward. But again, thank you to the entire Houston Leather Community!

The contest was fun! Congratulations to Duke, 2009 Mr. Houston Leather. I know you will represent the title and community with dignity and honor.

A special thank you to Robert. Robert was one of the emcees and interpreted for me. Y'all know me and I always push for interpreters, not just for me, but for all those that are in need of the service. It should always be a staple in producing a contest or having any type of event.

Sunday morning we went for Brunch with many men of the Houston Leather Community, and a huge thank you to Chris for treating all of us to one of the best brunches I've had in a long time. Excellent food!!! And the company was second to none!

Then Sunday late-afternoon and evening, we attended the Misfits Ball. That was a great event! They raised over $11,000 for the various charities they support! Awesome job to all of them!! They did auction my jock off; which was an incredible amount of fun. The attendance was tremendous, and David, Jason and I had an incredible time!!

This week is Dallas Pride Week and the parade is on Sunday. It is my last weekend home until the Mr. Dallas Eagle 2010 contest the first weekend in December. If you can make it out to the Parade or the Eagle this weekend, please make sure to say hello! I'd love to see all of you!!

Your Leather Brother,

Jeffrey

Folsom Europe - Berlin, Germany

Good Evening Everyone!

Berlin was my first trip outside of the country (unless you count Vancouver) ever! David and I left early last week so we could spend some time in the city, touring the museums, site-seeing, etc.

I won't even go into the drama that ensued with American Airlines on the trip over there. It is what it is; I've let go of it! However, when we finally got to Berlin (36 hours late), we checked into the Westin Grand Hotel and it was beautiful! Their Heavenly Beds (that's the brand) are to DIE for!! Unfortunately, with the time difference, I was not able to sleep for any amount of time worth mentioning. My sleep schedule was totally screwed up. However, that did not stop us from touring the city. The hotel was right smack in the middle of "tourist" central. So I loaded up the camera and Bear and David and we headed out to see Berlin. Our first stop was the Holocaust Museum. Incredible; moving; left me speechless. Simple in design; however, even in it's simple design, it made the most incredible impression on me. And across the street from it was the memorial to the homosexuals that lost their lives during the same time due to their being gay. Unfortunately, it has been vandalized a few times, but it is still up and it was great to see it! We then walked over to the American Embassy - nothing to report there. But over the next couple of days we saw The Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, The Berliner Cathedral, The Altes Museum by Schinkel, The Marienkirche, The Red Town Hall, The World Clock, the Konzerthaus and Franzosicher Dom, the Alte Bibliothok at Beblplatz, The Humbolt University, the Reichstag, and the Siegessaule. (And if I mispelled anything, I'm sorry.) We walked everywhere we went and needless to say, it was alot of walking!!! But I would not have done it any other way.

Oh, and for those of you who want to know: There is a Starbucks on every corner in Berlin, too!

Thursday evening we had the official opening reception for Folsom Europe. This is where we finally were able to meet all of the organizers for the event. It was held at the The Axel Hotel (which is the hotel David and I moved to on Friday so we could be right beside the street fair on Saturday and near the bars). We had a great time, and the picture posted here is of myself, Rauf (Mr. Europe Leather), Kitty (manager of the Axel Hotel), Frank Casper (German Mr. Leather) and Stefan Casper (Mr. Fetish NRW).

On Friday, we were able to tour some more and we actually went on the "Leather Tour Bus". We visited many of the same sights we had already visited; however, what was so fun about it was the fact that we got to sit in front of Donal and Jack and spend some time together. (Photo inset).

On Friday evening, was the Perverts Party; however, we didn't stay long and ended up back at the local bar and had a great time there.

Saturday was the street fair. The weather was a tad on the cool side; however, David and I thought it was wonderful. It was a welcomed relief from the Texas weather! So David and I threw on our chaps, jock and vest and headed out the door. For the most part, everyone pretty much wore alot of leather. We were surprised by that; however, by no means take it as we were disappointed. Good looking men were EVERYWHERE! The battery on my camera went dead I was taking so many photos! You can view many of the photos from the fair (that we took) at www.flickr.com/iml2009. The organizers of the event did a fantastic job at putting the fair on and it was a hot mess! (In the south, a "hot mess" is a huge compliment!!) I also had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Deaf Leather Germany, Rachid El Ouaghli. He is a terrific man and I wish him and his future husband, Branko, all the best in their upcoming marriage happening in October!!

Saturday evening we had dinner with Frank. Tim also joined us. Tim was the official photographer for Folsom Europe. Later that evening was the Pig Party. Again, crowded and we only stayed a bit before heading out to the bars again. Enjoyed it as always.

Sunday was a day of rest actually. We toured some and had dinner that evening with Rauf, Mark, Ross and Stig. It was a great meal and the company was awesome. After we finished dinner, the restaurant brought us shots of vodka. I'm not sure what kind of vodka it was, but as I shot it, I felt it go down my throat, my back, the crack of my ass, damn! That was some potent vodka!!

Then Monday we headed home. An uneventful flight (thankfully). I find it amusing that I fly a larger plane to Chicago than I do to London. I'm sure there is a reason . . .

Berlin proved to be amazing. The culture is terrific and it made for a great trip. I am thrilled that David was able to make the trip with me. He isn't able to make most of the trips; however, making my first European trip with me was priceless. We don't get to travel together again until Key West for Thanksgiving and then not again until February when we head to Sydney, Australia. After that, it's not until IML in May.

Next is the Mr. Houston Leather contest this weekend. I'm looking forward to the event. If any of you are going to be in town, make sure to come by the Ripcord and say hello!!

Your Leather Brother, Jeffrey