Solitaire: Ms. SouthEast LeatherFest 2006

Solitaire's Schedule

August 24-26, 2007 -- Great Lakes Leather Alliance 2007  (Indianapolis, IN)

August 31, 2007-Appearing at the Sire Ursis Contest held by the New Orleans Bears and Bear Trappers at the Friendly Bar in New Orleans. Southern Decadence 2007 (New Orleans, LA)

September 1, 2007 Appearing at the Mr. Louisiana Leather Contest in New Orleans held by the Lords of Leather.  (Location to be announced)

September 2, 2007 Marching in the Southern Decadence Parade in the French Quarter in New Orleans.

Sept 28-30, 2007 Beyond Vanilla 2007 (Dallas, TX) I will be performing at the Dallas Eagle on Friday Night, presenting a seminar sometime during the weekend and doing a live auction at the brunch on Sunday.

October 11-14, 2007 South East Olympus Leather 2007 (Atlanta, GA) Solitaire will be judging the contests being held that weekend.

February 3, 2008 Mardi Gras 2008 Lords of Leather Ball Masque Location to be announced.

February 22-24, 2008 South Plains Leather Fest 2008 (Dallas, TX)

March 2008 North Carolina Leather 2008 Dates and Location to follow. I will be the emcee for the weekend.

May 1-4, 2008 International Ms Leather 2008 (San Francisco, CA)

June 13-15, 2008 SouthEast Leather Fest 2008

February 27, 2008

It’s been four months since the last column and I have no idea where to start.  The time has flown by and I have found a girl can have a lot of fun if you plan carefully.

November was fun celebrating my birthday and raising money for charity. On November 24th, my birthday to be exact, Sir and I were out the door at 5:30pm to head to New Orleans for American Bandstand-Broadway's Revenge. This is a yearly fundraiser held by the Lords of Leather.  It was held at JohnPaul's, a bar in the French Quarter that just came under new ownership. They have done a fantastic job and have made the bar quite welcoming and they are also going to open a coffee shop along side of the bar. I sang Whatever Lola Wants and When You're Good To Momma for my 2 numbers and it was wonderful collecting the tips to go to charity.  At the end of the night I received a wonderful sterling silver chainmail bracelet from Sir as a birthday gift.

December found me doing a favor for a dear friend, Princesse Stephaney, she is a favored entertainer in New Orleans.  Her sassy style and sharp wit always makes for a memorable evening out if she is performing.  The Lords of Leather were having the yearly search for their Good Will Ambassador, Miss Louisiana Leatherette.  This contest is open to anyone that wants to participate.  It is all about having a great time.  Stephaney called me and asked me to participate in the contest.  I had to think about it for a little bit then get the approval of Sir and it was a done deal.  On December 14th I headed down to New Orleans with Ms Jennifer, who is a very dear friend, and was ready for a night of leather and fun.  For the Parish costume I saluted the men and women of our Armed Forces by wearing camo and representing Vernon Parish, home of Fort Polk Army Base.

The talent portion made way for a red sequined dress and my version of Santa Baby.  The formal wear was a leather corset, lace skirt with heels and bling bling that would make any Diva jealous!!!  At the end of the night I was named Miss Louisiana Leatherette 2008.  It was a great night and I feel honored to be able to be an ambassador for the Lords of Leather.

As soon as the holiday rush passed it was organized chaos to get ready for Mardi Gras.  This year for the ball I was presenting a costume and singing.  The 25th Anniversary Lords of Leather Ball Masque was a salute to Superheroes!!!  I had the distinct honor of portraying Catwoman.  Leather pants, leather corset, silver claws, bullwhip, a giant cat tree and the most exquisite black leather cat mask ever seen made for a night of fantastic celebration. 

Later on in the ball I was able to sing 2 songs.  The first was Hey Big Spender and it was a hit with the audience!!!The second song was These Boots Are Made For Walkin’.  I had a wonderful boy assisting me on stage and he was a great sport about me “walking” all over him.  Many thanks go out to Master Roy of Houston for allowing brian to be my “stunt pervert.”

Mardi Gras 2008 is one that has left me with wonderful and cherished memories.

The end of February found us on the road to Dallas for South Plains LeatherFest. It was a great weekend of time with friends and leather family.  The seminars were awesome and the Master/slave contest was one of the best I think I have ever seen.   I had great fun working the table to help folks adopt bears for Brian’s House.  It is amazing what a small stuffed monkey in your cleavage will do to raise money for charity.

            Now is my busy time, I am getting ready for International Ms Leather.  May 1st will find me in San Francisco meeting other great leather women for what promises to be the weekend of a lifetime.   So far I have received numerous donations towards my IMsL Auction Basket.  A list will be posted in the next couple of weeks.  A special thanks goes out to Sir Wolf of Alpha One Web Hosting for making a web page for me for my IMsL efforts.  When you have a free moment check out http://www.solitaire.houseofwolf.com/

            The next column will be out on May 25th and it should prove to be a great one between IMsL and getting ready for SELF 2008.  Until then, leather hugs and kisses!!!

Solitaire

 Oct. 24, 2007

 How much fun can a girl have since the last update?  A whole hell of a lot if you plan carefully!!

It was nice to arrive in Indianapolis and have a ride waiting for me with cold bottled water and fresh baked chocolate chip cookies. It only got better from there. The hotel let me into the room 2 ½ hours early and I got unpacked and got comfy. I was lucky enough to share the room with George Hester for the weekend. I headed out to the registration room and started helping. I met new people and made new friends.

I did meet one person in particular that I felt a cool connection with. This young gentleman and myself shared several meals together, talked about personal beliefs, life and leather. At the time I had an idea that he might succeed in his quest and it was proven Saturday night when he was named Great Lakes Leather Bootblack 2007. Congratulations to my new friend Riley. My quest however to tuck him in my cleavage and take him home with me did not prove to be successful, LOL.

I jumped in and helped the whole weekend, working registration, folding t-shirts and running errands. It’s in my nature, I am going to help when and where I can.

I did get to share a meal and some great conversation with Sir Larry and slave barb, the current International Master and slave. They are both awesome people, really awesome.

I did get to spend time with some dear friends met at other events, Daddy Eric and boy earl, Master Steve, Steven, Beth, Lady Catherine, Nic, Kyle, Mark Frazier, Lady Faye, Master Archer, Lane and Q.

The song performances were fantastic. The premier of “These Boots Are Made For Walkin’ ” was a phenomenal success with the help of an adorable boi named Devon. And yes, I did walk all over Devon. I did “Hey Big Spender” for the first time and it went great too. I could not have asked for a more receptive audience. I still have a hard time when people come up to me and tell me they love my singing. They love the energy and how much of myself I put into it. I know that I am not a great singer by far, what I do I do for fun. It is my way of giving back to the community and raising money for charities.

I wore my Daddy’s Cap over the weekend. I felt like a million bucks wearing it and was close to tears several times when people asked about it and I told them how my Big Brother honored me with it.

The highlight of the weekend was getting to lube Mark Frazier!!  No, it wasn’t for sex; get your minds out of the gutter. There was a lube wrestling match Saturday afternoon between Mark Frazier and Master Conrad. I was in a group of people that pooled money together to get the high bid to lube him up for the match.  All the money raised for that match went to the Leather Archives & Museum.

My best wishes go out to all of the winners for the weekend.   Zarius and talina, Great Lakes Master and slave, Sir Rob, Great Lakes Sir and joey, Great lakes boy!!!

The staff of GLLA gave hospitality above and beyond. I would hop on a plane back up there for that event anytime!!!

Friday Night, August 31st was the Sire Ursus contest in New Orleans sponsored by the The New Orleans Bears and Bear Trappers Social Club. I was the only woman in a room with about 70-75 bears; I lost count along the way. I was treated to a wonderful dinner, an adorable cub getting my drinks for me all night, water only, and endless banter from the emcee since I was the only woman. Doug is a good friend and we were going back and forth at each other, which provided the audience with much laughter.

I think I won the back and forth when Doug asked me which part of a bear body I liked best. I said "the hands" and he was perplexed and asked me why. I said, "with his hands he can spank, slap, pinch, twist, punch and last but not least fist." The audience loved it.

To be surrounded by big burly furry guys all night long was almost better than a shopping trip with no budget. The contestants for the title were witty and charming, one was obviously drunk and my cleavage was accosted on a grand level.

The performing went great, I sang, "Won't You Be my Teddy Bear", my perverted version of the Elvis song and I sang "Hey Big Spender" for the charity number.  It is always a wonderful to sing and have the money go to a great cause.  Money collected during the performance will be going to the Bears buying toys for needy kids for Christmas.

There were 4 contestants total and Juan from Metairie was titled as Sire Ursus 2007.

All in all it was a great night of fun with the Bears and then I headed off to the block party near the Phoenix. I was able to catch up with a bunch of friends. My favorite stunt pervert, John Deselle, was there and he introduced me to his new boyfriend. I got a great hug from Mark Steinbaur, Mr. Louisiana Leather 2007.  I did buy me one shirt from the vendors that were there, a black tank top and in white letters it says,  ”I do things you're afraid to fantasize about."

All in all, it was a night of good friends and good fun. A girl cannot ask for better.

Saturday, September 1st was the always-fantastic Mr. Louisiana Contest.  The winner of the contest represents Louisiana at International Mr. Leather.  The contest had 3 great contestants and fun entertainment.  My best wishes and congratulations go out to Michael Albracht of New Orleans, Mr. Louisiana Leather 2008.  He will do a wonderful job representing our great state next year at IML.

Sunday was the Bear Breakfast at the Phoenix.  When you put together a gang of hungry bears, a buffet fit for a king and the Best Bear Belly, Chest, Beard and Butt contest you have a morning to remember.  Sir and I had a great time watching the Southern Decadence parade and then enjoyed a fabulous Italian lunch at Mona Lisa Restaurant.  This was a celebration that left me with some wonderful memories.

I was able to relax for a couple of weekends then it was off to Dallas for Beyond Vanilla XVII.  The motto for the event weekend was, “The Good, The Bad and The Kinky.” 

We arrived in Dallas on Wednesday, September 26th and then had girl’s day out on the Thursday.  The outlet malls, Sam Moon and regular malls did not stand a chance. Three girls on a mission are not to be messed with.  Friday found us at the Dallas Eagle for the pre-party and early registration.  It was a great night.  There was entertainment and many door prizes.  I was honored with the chance to sing on stage at the Eagle and raise money for charity.  “Leather Is A Girl’s Best Friend” and “Hey Big Spender” raised about 75.00 for the Dallas AIDS Outreach Center and the Tarrant County AIDS Outreach Center.  It is a lot of fun having money tucked into the cleavage and know that it will go to a worth cause.  Saturday was fun riding the teeter totter during the 3Rd Annual boy patrick chees Memorial Teeter-Totter-A-Thon.  Money raised here goes to help Brian’s House, http://www.bryanshouse.org/about-us.htm .  During the day Saturday I was also able to browse the Vi Johnson Library.  I cannot put into words the emotions that I felt while looking through the history that lay before me.  A treat of Pecan Pralines was also delivered to Ms. Vi and the smile on her face and the moan from her mouth was all the thanks I needed.    On Sunday I presented my seminar on service and had a great turnout.    We headed back home on Monday and were thankful for a completely uneventful ride.

Two weeks later found me boarding a plane to Atlanta for DomCon and South East Olympus Leather.  The ride to the airport with “Big Daddy”, Will, was a blast. We rode with the top down on the jeep and I kept my top up, thank you very much. The breeze was fantastic and the conversation was great. The flight left on time and arrived 10 minutes early. I gathered my luggage and headed out to wait for my big brother, Wayne to pick me up. Two cigarettes later he pulled up and the luggage was tossed in the back of the truck and we were off. We got to his house and he wasted no time getting me into the chair because, to use his words, “your hair is not red enough and it needs to be textured.” Within an hour my hair looked awesome, well to be honest, beyond awesome. After unpacking and getting settled into my room the rest of the evening was just pure relaxation. No rushing and no deadlines. I have always said his house is one that is good for the soul. The atmosphere there just lends itself to peacefulness. We had yummy Fox Brothers BBQ for dinner. http://www.foxbrosbbq.com . After a late dinner we headed over to the hotel to pick up Ray and Devin from vending at DomCon. It was great to see them both looking as handsome as ever. I had a wonderful conversation with Ray and it lended itself to us getting to know each other a little better. Bedtime was soon after that and I slept like a rock. I was also informed that I snored. LOL

Friday was a day of totally doing nothing. I slept late, relaxed and meditated. Wayne took me out into the back yard and helped me a little with whip skills. I ended up pruning one of his trees for him. The leaves were flying off the branches, not the branches I was aiming for though. It will take a lot of time and practice but I will get the hang of it enough to crack the whip one time for the ball. Lunch was left over BBQ and dinner was seafood at Six Feet Under, http://www.sixfeetunderatlanta.com . Calamari for an appetizer, fried scallops, fried shrimp, fried catfish with awesome onion rings made for a great dinner up on the balcony. Just before dinner we went to Junkman’s Daughter out in Little Five Points, http://www.l5p.com . I purchased a few goodies for the kids and for myself. After that we headed back to the house and got ready for the contest Meet & Greet at 1763, http://www.1763.net . I got to see some familiar faces, garnered quite a few hugs and did some opportunistic groping!!! So many friends were there!!! My sash brother Q was there, Country, Tammy, Harley, Gregory, Archer, Ms Susan, Insatiable Amazon, Saliena, Sir Jeff and Mistress Whip. We stayed at 1763 until 10pm then headed to the hotel to pick up Ray and Devin and headed home for the night. I went to bed soon after because I knew Saturday would be a full day.

Saturday morning started with me being awakened by Ray. Okay now, if a hunky Ray Castro wakes you up from a sound sleep the only words that come to mind are, “was it good for you?” LMAO I drove Ray and Devin to the hotel and came back to the house to get things ready for Saturday night. About 12 noon we headed to the hotel so Wayne could be there for contestant interviews, he was one of the judges. I browsed the vendor market and said hello to a few familiar faces and true to form did some outrageous flirting. I was honored that while there I received a few donations for my IMsL auction Basket. Victor Tella, http://www.snakewhip.com/ , is going to make a whip for my auction basket. I was so excited when he told me I did not know if I was going to pass out or have an orgasm. Ms Joy from Le Chateau Exotique, http://www.fetishwear.com , donated a cool black t-shirt with a purple M&M on it bondage style. Ms Martha, the owner of Ms Martha’s Corset Shoppe, http://corset1.com , has also made a generous donation. Ray has also told me he would donate a piece of art, http://www.castrostreetart.com/home.aspx , to my auction basket. Wayne and I had a wonderful dinner with Ms Susan and Ed at the hotel restaurant then it was time to get ready for the contest.

The outfit for the night was the new leather corset, fitted black jeans and the linesman boots. The boots were looking so hot thanks to the great job done on them by Q, SouthEast LeatherFest Bootblack I had a blast being the emcee. I auctioned off 2 great items made by Country and yes I used my cleavage to get higher bids!!! The highlight of the night for me was when I performed “These Boots Are Made For Walkin” at the end of the contestant portion of the contest. I could not have asked for a better stunt pervert than Ray Castro. He did the whole boot worship thing with perfection. He did happen to split the crotch of his pants wide open while on stage. He also surprised me by pulling me down on top of him after the song was done. As for the split jeans, they are in my possession, mine all mine!!!!

After the contest Wayne, Ray, Devin and myself headed to R. Thomas’ Deluxe Grill, http://www.rthomasdeluxegrill.com. The food was phenomenal. I had no room for dessert but I did get taste of the Banana Chocolate Chip Cake from Ray. Once we got back to the house I think it took me all of 45 seconds to fall asleep once I was in bed.

Sunday morning found all of us getting up slowly. I managed to pack my bags and with Devin’s help got them downstairs. I was definitely leaving with a lot more than I came with. Wayne gave me some beautiful leather items for my auction basket and I had to do some major rearranging to my suitcases to get them packed. Once the stuff was loaded in the truck we headed to J. Christopher’s, http://www.jchristophers.com, for brunch. Melissa and Patrice met us there and it was great. We went back to the hotel and hung out until it was time for Wayne to take me to the airport.  I was happy to hear that people enjoyed the job I did as emcee for the contest. It was so much fun and something I would do again in a heartbeat. One thing I did decide over the weekend is that Tammy is the “Truffle Princess”!!! Henceforth she shall be known as such!!!! Wayne took me to the airport and I left Atlanta at 4:15 pm, was back in New Orleans for 4:45 pm, gotta love time changes. LOL M’Lord picked me up and I was enveloped in the best bear hug possible. I missed him so much. Even with all of the phone calls to him while I was gone I still missed him bunches. We stopped and grabbed Subway sandwiches on the way home. Luggage was brought in and it was not long before I called it a night.

Well, that goes to show you just how much fun a girl can have in four month if she plans really carefully.  Lets see how much fun I can have between now and the next column due February 2008.  Just remember, that includes Mardi Gras!!!

Leather hugs and Kisses,

Solitaire Ms. SouthEast LeatherFest 2006 & 2007

June 25, 2007

Another column?  Due when?  Here we go again!!!

It has not been that long since the last column but a lot can happen in a short period of time.  I could sit here and write five pages on everything that was wonderful about SELF but I won’t bore you with the small details, I will just dazzle you with the big ones.

As usual SELF was an awesome weekend.  It was a weekend of renewals, renewals of friendship, of family, of spirit, of energy and a renewal of commitment.  From the goody bag packing party on Thursday night until the end of the event Sunday evening I was on a high that rivaled one of those nice trips to subspace.   Being back in the middle of things, seeing the family that I chose and the ones that chose me brought unimaginable joy to my heart.  The seminars were fantastic, the presenters were great, and the contestants for the titles were inspiring.  Each of them brought something special to the contest.  They each gave of who they were and in turn we got to know them a little bit better.

A heartfelt congratulation goes out to Sir Top and slave bonnie, Henry and Q.  Welcome to the SouthEast Leather Fest Family.  I can tell you from past experience it is a family that will back you 110% and be there for you 150%.  Whenever I tell people I am Ms. SouthEast Leather Fest it is something I can say with great pride.  It is so much more than an organization.  To me it has been and always will be family, and no, I don’t call Lady Catherine momma.  The masochist in me can only take so much!!! LOL!!!

A few great things happened that weekend.  I was asked to continue as Ms SELF 2007.  I was told my hard work and dedication did not go unnoticed. This was very humbling.  I was only doing something I loved to do, get out there and meet people and educate them if given the chance.  I had so many chances to help with fundraisers for different charity organizations; I did not turn one down.  Being able to give of my time and myself is very near and dear to me, all part of the being service oriented thing inside of me.

My big brother, Wayne, honored me beyond words when he presented me with my Daddy’s Cap.  I won’t try and write about the feelings and what was said.  Words written here would not do it justice.  To have a time honored tradition, a piece of leather with a history all it’s own, placed upon my head just cannot be described. 

I do have to send out special thanks to Archer, Elegant and Wayne for the help with the jeep break down.  They are all proof that Leather Family does what it has to do to take care of their own.  From the numerous phone calls to locate a part, rides to here and there, a place to calm down and not have a nervous breakdown they did not hesitate.

I love you all, bunches.

It didn’t take long for the fun to continue once I got home.  The weekend after SELF found Sir and I at the Lords of Leather First Annual Hot Daddy Contest in honor of Father’s Day.  It was a fun night of Hot Daddies, Princess Stephaney and myself singing and all the money raised that night going to charity.

In closing, I am going to end my first column of the new title year with the same thing I ended my first column with last year.

To my Lord and Master, Ernest, your love, support, and caring has shown me that a girl can go after a dream, chase it until she catches it but can still be firmly chained to the one she serves with all her heart. I love you.

June 1 , 2007

           Time flies when you are having fun, especially when you are having a lot of fun.  What can I say, there is less than two weeks left to SELF 2007 and I am counting down the days until I can be with my chosen family in Atlanta.  I use the term chosen because that what they are, people whom have found a way into my heart and made a permanent place for themselves.   When you when a title, you represent an organization, I on the other hand have been very fortunate to represent a family, the South East Leather Fest Family.   I have been very lucky, no take that back, I have been very blessed to receive the love and support of so many wonderful people.  I said it in my first column; from the moment I arrived in Atlanta last year I was treated like family and I still get that feeling to this day.  I know personally that they will be family to me for a long time coming.

            So what have I been up to lately, well, a lot.  The early part of April found me in beautiful North Carolina presenting my Service seminar to TMG, Triangle Munch Group. We had a wonderful turnout and I could not have asked for better hosts.  The seminar was great and dinner at Outback Steakhouse afterwards was fantastic.  I met quite a few people there and was able to reconnect with a friend from SELF 2006.  To Bailey, Thank you for everything that you did.  You made my stay wonderful and TMG as a whole deserves thanks for being a great group.  I will gladly come back up there anytime for a visit.  To Master Dyke, your hospitality was a dream; you and your family are wonderful and an inspiration to anyone that gets the chance to experience it.  I also want to give a special thanks to Taz, a sweet leather boy that was in service to me for the weekend.  A girl could not ask for better, what I received was perfection in service.   I do look forward to seeing you at SELF 2007.  Oh yes, don’t forget your red lipstick!!

            The rest of April found me getting ready for a real life changing moment, my eldest son graduating from high school.  It was wonderful beyond words.  To see someone grow from a blonde haired blue eyed baby to an intelligent young man with the world at his feet is one of those things that makes you wonder where time goes.  As I watched him receive his diploma, he was in the top 20 of his class and yes I am bragging, I was thinking back to our lunch date when he told me he was following in my footsteps and going to college for nursing.  Color this momma proud.

            The beginning of May was exciting because I was getting ready for Survivor Lube Wrestling.   I arrived in Atlanta on May 10 and had my first Marta ride which ended with a pick up by the always-luscious Elegant.  I knew the fun was just beginning. Lunch was had then trips to a few thrift stores garnered the purchase of the year.  A beautiful pair of linesman boots for five bucks.   After instruction from Elegant the boots now look wonderful and have the glow of being loved.   Friday found me adventuring out on my own to do a little bit of visiting and shopping.   I spent the morning visiting with my big brother, of the leather variety, Wayne.  We had beautiful conversation about leather, about service and about spirituality.  After visiting with Wayne I headed out to Junkman’s Daughter and then off to the mall for a visit to Torrid.  Purchases were made and then back to Archer and Elegant’s to get ready for Friday night fun.   I was able to attend a Whippersnappers event that started with a demo by Archer and Elegant on fireplay.  The party afterwards left me with a sweet floating feeling that was only enhanced by the late night stop at the Denny’s.  Thank you Archer!!!            

Saturday I drove up to Stone Mountain and was fitting for a corset by Marvelous Mayhem.  All I have to say is visit them at the vendor market for SELF.  You will get an awesome corset for a great price.  I cannot wait to get mine in June!!            

Saturday evening we headed to the Atlanta Eagle to get ready for the highlight of the weekend.  There were a lot of laughs as we watched how many Dom’s it took to blow up an inflatable pool.  As people started arriving I had a super time reconnecting with people I had met last year at SELF.  It felt like it had only been weeks since seeing them and not months.            

Survivor Lube Wrestling was without a doubt a great success.  I had an awesome emcee partner in Elegant.  Many thanks to Aleck for coordinating such a hot slick night of fun.

            Right now, I am getting ready for SELF 2007, it is getting here faster than I can get things done.  I look forward too seeing everyone there for what should be a weekend of love, laughter and leather.

March 1, 2007

            It is hard to imagine how much a person can do in a few months, until you do it yourself.   January was loaded with preparation for the busy month of February.  Sewing and playing with feather boas took up a lot of the free time that I had.  The rest of the free time went to working on seminar notes and planning appearances.

            February 3rd started the hectic pace and it was a whirlwind of fun!!  That wonderful evening found me at the Amon Ra Mardi Gras Ball as a special guest of Ricky Callais, a member of the Board of Directors.  The ladies in formals, the men in tuxedos made for a formal gala.  The theme of the ball, Hoodoo That Voodoo made for costumes that were breathtakingly beautiful and spoke volumes of things that make New Orleans unique.

            The following weekend found me with “family time” as M’Lord and I endeavored to make as many parades as possible with the minions (affectionate term for my kids).   This weekend also concluded the finishing of the “dreaded pink dress”.  If you are brave enough to ask me about it I will safe word, guaranteed!

            On Friday, February 16th, Mathew Cary, Mr. SouthEast Leather Fest 2006 arrived for a weekend of Mardi Gras revelry.   We stayed up until 3 am as he gave me a sneak preview of the gold mine of information he received about the Mine Shaft.  It was awesome to sit there and just absorb the leather history that unfolded before me.  We talked more about our title year, what we had done and what was yet to come.   Saturday morning found us up and out of the door for Cary’s first ever Mardi Gras parade here in Baton Rouge.  I am very proud to say he caught on quickly and was the recipient of many beads from lovely ladies who were more than happy to have their photo taken by him.  We had a great time and came home with our “Mardi Gras treasure” for relaxation before the night’s activities.

            The evening held special times in the form of a dinner with Cary, Lady Catherine Gross, nic and core members of RSVP.  No long speeches tonight, just a few words of welcome and great food were enjoyed by all.  After dinner we all headed to the wonderful RSVP Playspace for the St. Valentine’s Day Assacre, a fundraiser to provide money for the RSVP Education Fund.  Lady Catherine and Cary made use of their talents to help raise money.  It was a night that will not be forgotten by the members of RSVP or me, anytime soon.

            Sunday hailed too bright and early for me as I headed out to do my sound check for the Lords of Leather Ball Masque that night.  It was a busy afternoon as M’Lord, Angela and I jumped in and helped where we could to get everything ready for the ball.

            The theme of the ball was The Great White Way.  This nickname applies to an area of Broadway in the Midtown section of the New York City borough of Manhattan. This area is bounded by 42nd Street and 53rd Street known also as the Theater District.  Nearly a mile of Broadway was illuminated in 1880 by Brush Arc Lamps, making it the first electrically lighted avenue in the United States.  The headline "Found on the Great White Way" appeared in the February 3, 1902 edition of the New York Evening Telegram.  The journalistic sobriquet was inspired by the millions of lights on theater marquees and billboard advertisements that illuminate the area along the avenue including Times Square.

            That night was a world of celebrating Broadway in a style that only the Lords of Leather could achieve.  Costumes saluting Beauty and The Beast, Little Shop of Horrors, Jekyll and Hyde, The Boy From Oz, Miss Saigon, The Lion King, Jesus Christ Superstar and Phantom of the Opera were magnificent.  For me, paying tribute to Chicago, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and Damn Yankees, with a leather twist,was an honor.   The highlight of my night was during the performance of Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend when the Lords collected just over $1700.00 to be donated to the New Orleans NOAIDS Task Force.  I do have to add that a special thanks has to go to John Deselle of Baton Rouge for being a handsome assistant during Whatever Lola Wants, Lola gets.  I don’t think anyone will soon forget you going from a baseball uniform to a leather harness and hot leather shorts.  If I do say so myself, the production that night was the best I have ever seen.  I would like to say Thank you to Lord George Hester, Ball Captain, Lord King XXIV Danny Alford, Lord Consort XXIV Danny Starns, Lord David Boyd, Ball Lieutenant and all the members of the Lords of Leather. All of the Lords of Leather are indeed, this girl’s best friend.

            After the ball car trouble changed our plans and saw leather family kicking into action to help one of our own.  It is beyond words how this family sticks together and helps when it is needed.  I did not get to take Cary to Bourbon Street to see the “crazy” side of Mardi Gras but I do have a rain check and I do plan on cashing it in!!

            Monday morning was a teary-eyed good bye and well wishes for a safe trip to Cary as he headed home to Tennessee.  No sooner than he was gone the next plan was kicked into action, preparing for Mardi Gras Day and packing for South Plains Leather Fest.  

            Mardi Gras Day was beautiful and fun filled.  It was great to see a very dear friend, Princesse Stephaney, member of the Lords of Leather, reign as the King Cake Queen.  Her Highness was beautiful as she rained beads down among her worshipers from the balcony.  After a leisurely stroll down Bourbon Street M’Lord and I headed home to finish with the prep for SPLF.

            Wednesday Night I packed the jeep, gave a warm welcome to my leather daughter Angela and went to bed early to get much needed rest for the long drive the next day.

Thursday was a great drive to Dallas and adventures of the “Blue Monkey Butt.”  I won’t go into detail here but if you catch me around just ask, I will gladly tell you.

            Thursday night M’Lord and I were privileged to be witness to a beautiful collaring ceremony.  To those two wonderful people, our best wishes for a wonderful journey, you both deserve it.  The Early Bird Mixer at the Crown Plaza was packed.  I was able to reconnect with old friends and met quite a few new ones.  Friday was great seminars by great presenters on topics that appealed to just about everyone.

            The something special of the weekend happened Friday night during a gathering of Leather Family.  Leather was earned by a few, the giving of it beautiful, the meaning of it beyond words.  I was blessed to be able to take part in the presentation of a custom leather vest being given to M’Lord.   To think about it brings tears and chokes me up so I won’t say anymore.  To bear witness to my friends receiving leather leaves me with wonderful memories of a time-honored tradition.

            Saturday gave way to more great seminars that included the chance to be a “stunt pervert” for Midori’s Humiliation Seminar.  Let’s just say sweet memories of a lifetime are what I have from that.

            Sunday was the final day and I was fortunate to meet Internal Master and slave, Sir Larry and slave barb.  They are both wonderful people who will carry the title proudly.  I look forward to seeing them at SELF in Atlanta in June.

            As for what is coming up, there are four things in the works with a fifth possible.  April 7th will find me in North Carolina presenting a seminar to TMG.  May 12th will have me in Atlanta at Survivor Lube Wresting as the emcee.  June 8, 9 and 10th will be much fun and excitement at SELF 2007 where I will be presenting and placing the sash on Ms SELF 2007.  In August I will be on the road to Philly for Ms World Leather and maybe, just maybe, the start of a new journey.

           Again I have to thank M’Lord for his support, his help and his love.  I could not have done what I have done or come this far without him.

Until next time, big hugs, loads of love and lots of leather.

Solitaire

January 1, 2007

Busy does not even begin to describe the state things have been with me.  A lot has happened in the past few months.  I will start with July and go from there.  Happy reading!!!

In early July I was privileged to be able to speak to members of NOBLE, New Orleans Bondage & Leather Enthusiasts, at a CPR and First Aide Class.  In addition to talking about SELF I was able to assist with the class by demonstrating proper CPR technique and allowing myself to be used as a “crash test dummy” to show the recovery position used during First Aid.  Many thanks go out to Lord Sean of NOBLE for allowing me to help out and talk about the great things SELF is doing for the leather community.

Later on in July I was able to speak with the Baton Rouge TNG Group at their monthly meeting.  I spoke about finding your path and following it, doing what felt right inside of yourself and staying true to it.  The TNG group had many questions and I was more than happy to answer them and to help them find sources of information. The Next Generation is very dear to me because I had no one to talk to me when I first found the “submissive” inside and I continue to stay in contact with them for any guidance or heart felt advice needed.           

August brought much fun!  The Krewe of AmonRa is one of the largest gay Mardi Gras organizations that call New Orleans home.  They are known for their beautiful costumes and grand pageantry during the Mardi Gras Season.  During the off-season they hold a Mr. & Miss America contest for anyone brave enough to enter.  That night I was a special guest of one member of the Board of Directors of AmonRa, Ricky Callais.  Ricky has been a dear friend for many years and reigned as Queen AmonRa 2006.  He was very supportive in my title bid for Ms SELF and has been supportive since winning it.  I thank him from the bottom of my heart and look forward to being a special guest at the AmonRa Ball in February 2007.           

Labor Day Weekend in New Orleans is host to Southern Decadence.  Wow what a weekend!!  Southern Decadence was awesome beyond words!  To feel and see the sense of leather family that permeated the weekend was something that made my heart want to burst.  Playing hostess to Kyle and Nic here for the weekend was super.  Being able to share with them what makes New Orleans special for Decadence was great. Being a special guest at the New Orleans Bears and Bear Trappers dinner and Sire Ursus contest highlighted the Friday night of Decadence.  I was able to meet International Mr. Deaf Cub 2005 and have a great conversation through the aide of an interpreter.  At the end of the contest I met Julius, Sire Ursus 2006 who was a great big teddy bear, literally!! After the Bear event it was time to head down to the local leather bar, The Phoenix. This venue provided the perfect backdrop to meet the contestants for Mr. Louisiana Leather and run into friends, old and new.  One highlight was running into Wayne, one of the contestants for Mr. SELF 2006.  I love him and his one really big tattoo!!   When Nic and Kyle arrived I presented them with official Decadence pins and gave one to be delivered to Lady Catherine.  I was able to speak with the contestants for Mr. Louisiana Leather. One contestant asked for advice on what to say to the judges during the interview.  My advice was simple, be yourself, give them who you are, what you stand for and don’t try to bullshit them, they will see right through it.  Little did I know that the person I gave that advice to would win the title the Saturday night.  Saturday started with a great breakfast and some catching up with Nic and Kyle, then it was off to get ready for the highlight of the weekend, the Mr. Louisiana Leather contest.  I was privileged to be asked to perform “Leather Is a Girl’s Best Friend” at the contest as part of the entertainment.  It brought back great memories of the performance at SELF and the standing ovation that left me speechless.  Mr. Mark Steinbaur won the title of Mr. Louisiana Leather that night and I agree with the judges on their choice.  Louisiana could not ask for a more dedication leatherman to represent them.  After the contest it was down to show my guests the fun of Bourbon Street during Decadence.  Much fun was had and no bail money had to be raised!! Sunday morning found us headed back to the French Quarter for Breakfast with the New Orleans Bears and the Southern Decadence Parade.  The great buffet style breakfast provided the energy that would be needed for the upcoming trek during the parade.    A hour later M’Lord and I found ourselves walking with Julius, Sire Ursus 2006, in the parade and it made for great laughs.  We were able to hand out tons of cards for SELF 2007 and left some in some of the bars down in the Quarter.   By the time the parade was over I had sore feet, a sore back and one compliment of being the “hottest red headed dyke in leather” seen by a random parade attendee.   Going on record I have to say that in all my years of attending Southern Decadence this has been the best and most memorable one. On a special note, the weekend would not have been as perfect as it was without the corset and boot lacing skills of Nic.  A blue ribbon goes out to Nic for being “The Fastest Corset-Lacer-Upper” in the south!!

Dallas was host to Beyond Vanilla 16.  The theme of “Beyond the borders of imagination… and off the beaten vanilla path” set the backdrop for a weekend of high-energy seminars.  Each seminar I attended provided a renewal of spirit.  Many things were learned.  It was a weekend of renewing old friendships and making new ones. The vendor market provided some great shopping and trip to Torrid and to Electric Boutique helped me add to the wardrobe that every girl needs!!  Much fun was had over the weekend when I was able to participate in the Boy Patrick Teeter Totter-A-Thon to raise money for .  This organization provides needed items for families and children with AIDS.   I had not been on a teeter-totter in years but it I found it is like riding a bike, you never forget how.  I had a wonderful teeter-totter partner in Edge, a fellow Louisianan that also attended BV.  Thank you for the wonderful time and great laughs had. 

The aroma of bratwurst and sauerkraut provided the backdrop for the Lords of Leather October Fest Fundraiser.  The Lords of Leather Hurricane Relief Foundation benefits from all money raised during this great event.  There were many talented performers there that night and I felt privileged to be included in the line-up.  “Leather is a Girl’s Best Friend” and “When You’re Good To Momma”, from the movie Chicago, were the perfect numbers for the great crowd in attendance.  You have to love an audience that places donations into your cleavage!!   It was a bonus-included night to be able to catch up with Mark Stienbaur, Mr. Louisiana Leather, and invite him to SELF 2007. On Saturday, October 21st I was able to give back to the group that I call my immediate leather family.  We had our annual Halloween Auction and Costume contest.  I cannot put into words how much doing this means to me.  Before and after SELF this wonderful group of people supported me.  Before SELF they gave well wishes, positives thoughts and prayers.  After SELF they gave the same and then added to it by making a fund to help me with my titleholder responsibilities.  Over $2000.00 was raised that night for the club.  It would not have been possible without the generous donations and the very generous bidders.  As of right now there will be a large contingent of members from the group headed to Atlanta come next June and I look forward to showing them how great SELF is! November provided fun and adventure with a trip to Baltimore.  Just Play 06 was an awesome all woman weekend and was the best birthday gift a girl could get from her Sir.  From the seminars to the birthday cake, and birthday spanking, a wonderful time was had.  It was great to meet people from the SouthEast area there and contact was made for a trip to Florida some time next year.

I look forward to the events on the calendar for next year.  From the looks of it there will be no time to spare.  When I was told that I would be a “little bit busy” for a year they weren’t joking and honestly speaking, I would not change a thing.

June 16, 2006 Solitaire's first column

Where to start?

It started as an idea, doing something that would allow me to give to the community that I hold so dear to my heart. I shared my idea with friends, received support beyond belief, and then did it. I sent my application for Ms Southeast Leather Fest 2006.

A very big change happened 2 months after the application was sent, M'Lord Ernest offered a collar of consideration to me. I was honest with him, told him how much I wanted to do this and why. I told him it would take a lot of my time, it would take of my energy but in my heart, I felt it was something I had to do. His support has been nothing short of amazing. I am at a loss for words when it comes down to what he has done for me to allow me to give to the leather community.

When we arrived at the hotel the feeling was, I am really doing this, oh yes I am.

We went up to help with preparation for the event, packing goody bags, rolling t-shirts and having fun. We met family; that is right, family, which had only been a name on an email or a voice on the phone before tonight. I have never felt as accepted as what was given to me that first night. It was amazing.

Friday was a day of meeting people, browsing the vendor market, meeting with the SELF-committee, selling raffle tickets, (in a very creative way), and watching the mad bidding for items from the auction. The energy was fantastic.

Saturday was full with nervous energy. During the day, anticipating the interview with the judges was by far the hardest part. Answering the questions was easy, hoping they understood my reason for running for the title, hoping they understood who I am and what I stand for was the hard part. I cannot express how I felt at the words of encouragement from people I met there. They accepted me for who I am. Thinking back to Saturday night, I have never felt so much energy and support before from such a wonderful audience. From the moment, I stepped out on stage for Hot Bar Wear until I sang the last note of my Fantasy presentation I a wave of positive energy surrounded me. The electricity energized me; pushed me to show them exactly who I am and what I stand for.

When it was announced, Ms SouthEast Leather Fest 2006 is, Solitaire, I felt like the dog that had been chasing the car for so long and had no idea what to do with it now that I finally caught it.

What do I want to do with this next year? That question has so many answers. I want to educate, and talk about keeping education as a priority. I want to be able to visit groups in the region and tell them about SouthEast Leather Fest. How it is here to help everyone, whether you are new to the lifestyle or have been around many years. I want to raise awareness that whether your motto is SSC, Safe Sane & Consensual or R.A.C.K., Risk Aware Consensual Kink, education is the key to making both of them stand true. I want to talk about NCSF, National Coalition for Sexual Freedom, and the positive strides they are making so we can live our lifestyle. Yes, from the looks of it I am going to be a very busy girl.

In closing this, my first column, I would like to thank SouthEast Leather Fest, the producers and everyone behind the scenes, for making me feel like family. To my friends that have supported me, it means more than you will ever know. To my home group, RSVP and our wonderful leader, your support makes my heart swell with pride.

Finally, to my Lord and Master, Ernest, your love, support, and caring has shown me that a girl can go after a dream, chase it until she catches it but can still be firmly chained to the one she serves with all her heart. I love you.