I’m trying to think of the ways to appropriately express my appreciation for gifting me with the title of 2010 SC Leather Bootblack. It has been a little over a week and my head is still spinning from each portion of the contest. I have been running through my mind what I did wrong, what I did right and how grateful I am that I was entrusted with such a high honor.

There are so many to thank for this honor and as hard as I am trying not to forget anyone I am sure that I will. First, I must thank my incredible Master for allowing me to run and encouraging me. Without Him I can honestly say I would not wear this title. Then there were the select few, whom I will not name individually but know who they are, that encouraged me to run as well as encouraged me during times of doubt to keep me running.

I would like to thank those very special people who helped me get ready, advised me and spent time with me. Q, you will never ever know how much I appreciated you going out of your way to give me pointers and tips and encouragement. My promise to all who shared their knowledge and experience with me I shall more than willingly pass it forward.

I kept telling everyone that my greatest fear was to lose to myself. I believe it would have been much easier for me to have competed against someone. I thank those who convinced me that regardless of whether I earned the title or not I would never regret competing. They were absolutely correct.

Master Regi and Ms Jan should be honored for their hard work because if it had not been for them this contest would have never happened. The titleholders that attended were incredible. It was mind boggling that I should be competing in the presence of the finest in our leather community. The judges could not have been more helpful. I would like to thank and recognize the leather community who donated their time to fill the needs in every segment of the contest. I couldn’t have put together the baskets that I put together for the raffle without my very special leather friends who made donations. Thank all of you for not punching me in the nose for asking everyone 50 times to buy more raffle tickets. Your generosity went beyond and when it got to where I was asking for blood you continued to do more. If I have left anyone out I apologize. It is not that what you gave or did failed to touch my heart as every time I turned around there was someone doing something special.

I want to thank all the individual clubs throughout SC who offer education, social events, and support to their members for making our community what it is in SC. I want to thank MAsT Greenville and SC LOCK for supporting me in this endeavor.

I was fortunate to attend Master Taino’s Training Academy as many are aware. It was there that I found my leather heart. I was taught there how important it is to share what knowledge I have with others. Everyone out there new to the community or those who have been around for ages have a wealth to share with others and as a member of the community it is each and everyone’s responsibility to do so.

As 2010 SC Leather Bootblack, I offer my assistance to the community in any fashion that may be needed or wanted. It is such a high honor to wear my title, and I want everyone to know that I recognize the responsibility that goes with my title. I want you all to know that I will do all that is in my power to live up to that responsibility. As 2010 SC Bootblack I thank you all.

Yours in Leather

Slv pat

Saddlebag’s slut

2010 SC Leather Bootblack