Monday, May 28, 2012

Ch-Ch-Ch-Chaaanges!

Well, the whirlwind of whirlwinds settled down only to become a new and fresh sort of windy change! (How's that for fantastic metaphor combining? You like that? I knew you would.)

In a few short days, I will be officially a New Yorker. I've been considering a relocation for a few years, and then last summer decided to make it happen, but only once I was done with my title-year. (Can't have too much happening at once, can we?) So, in the last two months since IMsL, I've been finishing up some major art projects (which will all launch this summer!) and packing up my entire life. On the plane back from California, flying into Maine, it felt like the transition of ending my title-year, ending my then-current projects, and moving was very far away. And now that I am in the home-stretch, it's bananas how fast it went by.

Being in New York is exciting not just for my art and design, but for the fact that I will now be closer to communities of people that I have had the privilege and honor of becoming closer with this year than ever before. I'm sad to be leaving a community I really did truly grow up in as a small queer, but look forward to simply expanding that community further.

All that being said, I'm ALREADY planning a kd-take-over of the tri-state area, and here are some things you can already find me at...!


June 16 - New York Leather Pride
New York, New York
I'll be bootblacking!

July 14 and 15 - International Deaf Leather
Baltimore, Maryland
I'll be teaching my Giving Good Chair class!

August 3 - 5 - The Floating World
New Jersey
Still confirming, but probably bootblacking!

August 10 - 12 - Toronto Leather Pride
Toronto, Canada
Still working out the details! This might be too fantastical for me at this moment.

August 31 - September 3 - FetFest!
Baltimore, Maryland
I'll be teaching!

September 13 - 17 - ComiKaze Con!
Los Angeles, California
NOT bootblacking or leather related, but for all you comic nerds out there, I'm a guest panelists and tabler!

I have a few things in October and November I'm considering, but those are the big ones for now.

I'm looking forward to this new adventure - and new people to adventure with!

Saturday, April 7, 2012

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Volunteer for IMsL!

Volunteer Sign Up is filling up fast for IMsL 2012 Weekend and will be closing soon. Please go to the website TODAY and fill out a volunteer application if you want to save money and be a part of the IMsL team -- http://bit.ly/gxZu1v

Also, our room block at the host hotel still has rooms of all types available and the deadline to reserve a hotel room has been extended to Friday, March 23rd but it will absolutely not be extended again. Our group rate of $129 plus taxes is good for up to four people in a room. You can reserve a room through our website -- http://bit.ly/fEm4Z1 -- Stay onsite this year so you don't miss a moment of the fun and action all weekend.

Monday, February 6, 2012

Woof!

If you liked it then you shoulda put a [cock]ring on it.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

International Ms Leather 2012 is HOT HOT HOT!

San Francisco, CA -- Every day at IMsL Weekend is an adventure!

THURSDAY registration and play spaces open (ALL weekend!), and attendees can jump feet first into the weekend with classes, the smokin' Seduction performances, the Seduction After Party and Speed Tricking! And new this year--the Littles Slumber Party and Petting Zoo.

FRIDAY starts our vending and educational intensives! Plus our charity silent auction adds more shopping flavor. Speed Tricking continues, and our ever-so-popular Hospitality Receptions take the day away! You can get your boots and leathers made lovely by our IMsBB contestants and special guest bootblacks, and enjoy the IMsL Contestant Interviews as well. Display your colors during the Opening Ceremony, roast the outgoing titleholders, enjoy a Uniform Party by the D.U.C.! And the contest structure for the bootblacks has been changed and updated, and it’s more exciting than ever--be there to cheer them on as they take the stage for the first time Friday night for Speeches and Pop Questions!

SATURDAY continues with wonderful 90-minute workshops, the sexy Boots and Cigar Party, our IMsBB contestant interviews, and, the reason you’re all here, our internationally revered IMsL and IMsBB contest with another amazing opening number designed by Skeeter! Our IMsL contestants will participate in an all out, hot and steamy contest as they answer pop questions, give speeches, strut their stuff in hot wear and entertain us with their fantasies on stage.

SUNDAY doesn’t let you down though! The contest may be over, but come and enjoy our keynote brunch with Tristan Taormino. After filling your belly and mind, come Make Play Happen with hands-on education. And to leave you feeling right, party with more of our Hospitality Receptions, our Wind Down Party with special DJ--Gayle Rubin, and AfterGlow Party!

We have a line-up of fantastic workshops for 2012. We’re honored to have 25 nationally and internationally renowned educators and experts, including, but most definitely not limited to: Hardy Haberman, teaching 'Interrogation and Abduction'; Lady Hilary with 'How to Get the Most out of a Leather Event' and 'Impact Play: Implement of your Choice'; Q will show you it’s 'Not just Boots, Not just Leather'; while Lamalani covers Rope Bondage. And for folks new to IMsL Weekend, Lolita Wolf will share tips on how to make the most of the experience with two sections of 'IMsL 101'. But don’t let us tell you -- come see for yourself! http://www.imsl.org/newsite2010/mainpages/workshopsandpresenters.html

Additionally, IMsL could not happen without our fantastic volunteers, and we want to reward folks for helping us put on a wonderful event! Volunteer 8 hours to receive a 40% discount on a Weekend Package. Volunteer 16 hours to receive a 75% discount on a Weekend Package. Volunteer shifts will be assigned based on your preferences and what shifts are available, so don’t put it off! The earlier you sign up, the better chance you have of getting the shifts you want! http://imsl.org/newsite2010/mainpages/volunteer.html

So join us, register now! Volunteer now! Participate in the largest event for leatherwomen...and EVERYONE that loves ‘em!

International Ms Leather Contest
International Ms Bootblack Contest
March 29 - April 1, 2012
San Francisco, CA
www.imsl.org

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Southwest Leather Conference!

Oh, where do I even begin!? Southwest was so amazing!

I've never been to the southwest area of the US, at all, ever, so the terrain was beautiful and fascinating. During the course of the conference, I didn't get to really rock out outside, as I was judging the bootblack contest and teaching so I was running around indoors a lot!

Southwest was my first opportunity to judge a contest this year (my other was GLLA and I unfortunately missed out because of my Ridiculous-but-Magical Knee), and honestly?, I really loved it. I enjoyed having to be analytical and attentive to the bootblacks in a different way, and I liked being able to hear everyone's stories. (Voyeur, remember?) Also, congratulations are in order for Bear, the new Southwest Bootblack 2012!

I also got to run amok with my IMsBB brother, Jayson, and , uh, take care of the current Ms SF Leather...

(Image courtesy of my sash-husband, IMBB'11 Jim)

Jim and I also decided to rent a convertible and drive up to the Grand Canyon. We were warned a few times about what to expect, but our (misguided) adventurer hearts went anyway and well...


We are awesome.

Thanks for the wonderful and magical time, Southwest!

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend!

It feels like it's been forever since I was at MAL, but it's only been a week or so! Hopefully my recap won't be too wonky... I shall number it for clarity!

1. MAL is ... super sexy. I developed my usual whiplash from being surrounded by so many hotties.

2. I had so many amazing people sit in my chair! Great conversation, and super sexy boots. Good times.

3. I finally got a Wesco shirt (thanks, Henry!), and I'm a little obsessed with it. It makes me feel like some sort of secret Wesco super hero, because of the logo being so crisp and pretty.

4. I also added some days to my trip so I could stay in DC and see wonderful people. I've found that during events themselves making time for people is hard, but seeing people during my downtown pre- or post- events is best.

5. I am always struck by how very short I am when I wander through the hotel lobby of a men's event. But this also places me at perfect, uh, other heights.

6. What also strikes me is that I have finally been around the country enough and met enough people that I am starting to know people at every single event. That started a few months ago, but it's just so wonderful to know so many great people and be able to build community with them.

Thursday, January 5, 2012

2012 Travel Schedule!

January 13 - 15
Mid-Atlantic Leather in DC
I'll be bootblacking!

January 20 - 22
Southwest Leather Fest
I'm judging and teaching!

February 9 - 11
Providence Fetish Fair and Fleamarket
I'll be bootblacking!

February 17 - 20
Dark Odyssey: Winter Fire
I'm coordinating the bootblacks!

February 24 - 26
Seattle Boot Weekend

March 23 - 25
KinkFest in Portland, OR

March 29 - April 1
International Ms Leather 2012
Step-down

So far, I've managed to cover everything but the following trips:

Seattle Boot Weekend - $300
Dark Odyssey: Winter Fire - $56
My trip back from IMsL - $170

There are a few ways to help me seal the final financial deal of my title (and keep in mind 20% of donations go to the Women's Leather History Project!):

1. If you want to get a piece of art out of the deal, you can order a print here: Society6: Katie Diamond Any art prints related to leather or boots or sexuality have a note that 20% of those proceeds go to the WLHP. And the rest will go to my travel fund!

2. You can click here to donate directly to me via PayPal:






3. You can sit in my chair when I bootblack at an event! 




Thanks so much!

Volunteer at IMsL 2012!

Applications are now being accepted to

Volunteer at IMsL 2012!

IMsL could not happen without our fantastic volunteers, and we want to reward folks for helping us put on a wonderful event!

Volunteer 8 hours to receive a 40% discount on a Weekend Package.
Volunteer 16 hours to receive a 75% discount on a Weekend Package.

Volunteer shifts will be assigned based on your preferences and what shifts are available, so don’t put it off.
The earlier you sign up, the better chance you have of getting the shifts you want!

Sign up now at www.IMsL.org
click on REGISTER then click on VOLUNTEER

Save money and have fun as part of the IMsL team!


International Ms Leather / International Ms Bootblack
March 29 - April 1, 2012
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway Hotel
San Francisco, CA
www.IMsL.org