If you are in the neighborhood, drop in and say hello. See you there.

Jeffrey Payne, Mr. Texas Leather 2009.

First Runner up: Brendan McGovern, Mt. Leather Ottawa 2009

Second Runner up: Alan Penrod, Mr. Atlanta Eagle 2009.

Winner of International Mr. Bootblack 2009 is McG of the Black Eagle Toronto.

You can see all the photos of the event at the International Mr. Leather website.

This was my second year attending the IML as a contestant and it was more fun than ever. I saw old friends, fellow contestants from last year and made new friends this year. The contestants and organizers were very sociable and friendly. Everyone had a great time.

The event was held at the Chicago Hilton. First year for the staff at the hotel having the contest. Everyone seemed to enjoy having us there. Two of the female employees told me “One of the friendliest conventions we ever had with the little perks to it, like great bodies and cute butts!”

Here I am with my good friend Mike Lunter, Mr. Missouri Leather 2009, backstage waiting to be introduced to the crowd for the first time.

In the center is another good friend of mine, Rick Burgess, Mr. Minneapolis Eagle 2009.

Second from the right, here I am waiting for the “Pecs & Personality” segment of the contest.

My question from the emcee was: “Since you have created a collection of 155 vintage lunchboxes, imagine you are going on a picnic. Which lunchbox would you select and why? And what would you put in it?”

The crowd had a huge laugh at the lunchboxes. My response:

“The Dukes of Hazzard, because I had a fantasy of Bo and Luke tying me up on thier farm. And since I have a sweet tooth, I’d would include in the box whipped cream, chocolate syrup, cherries… oh, wait, I can’t cause I don’t have one… and strawberry syrup.”

Here I am listening to a pep talk given at the ballroom by the “handlers.”

Here are Mike Lunter and me being introduced on Sunday night to the audience.

I owe a big thank you to Jerry Miller of St. Louis who helped to create new leather and alter the old in time for the IML event. Also thank you to Philip Dietch for all the help and hard work in preparing me for the IML experience.

While we were at IML we took time to visit the Leather Archives and Museum. It’s a great place to visit and full of amazing history. Also went out to eat at some fabulous restaurants with friends. If you can imagine 10,000 men in full leather running around in Chicago (above and beyond the usual leather crowd living there) you can easily imagine how many times we were stopped by passerbys asking what was going on. Someone even remarked, seeing a crowd of leather men and women, “Look! It must be a Harley convention!”

A great time was had by all. If you have not yet been to an IML contest, you need to do so next year. The event is fun and the crowds are full of great, friendly folks and lots of incredible eye-candy! It’s held in Chicago every Memorial Weekend.

Tuckers Place was one of over 130 restaurants in St. Louis participating to raise money for EFA (St. Louis Effort For AIDS). Thanks to the staff and owners of Tuckers Place and the crowds of patrons arriving for a great meal to benefit a great cause. The evening was a huge success. Here are some photos from the event.

Charlie Schoenherr, Mr. Midwest Leather ’08-’09 (left), Mike Luntar, Mr. Missouri Leather ’09 (center), Mike True, Mr. Gateway Gay Rodeo Association ’08 (right). 

Patrons Trudy and Judy enjoying dinner at Tucker’s Place.

Dale, caught by the camera having dinner at Tucker’s Place.

Mike Luntar, Debbie, Charlie and Mike True.

Ed and Andy, Mike Luntar’s longtime partner.

Tucker’s Place is known for wonderful steaks as well as chicken and fish. My personal favorite, though, is the Pork Loin = 1 1/2 inches thick with their own special sauce.

Located on 12th Street in the heart of the historic Soulard neighborhood near downtown St. Louis.

Meanwhile the Mr Missouri Leather 2009 Contest will be held March 6,7, and the victory Party March 8th, held at JJ’s Clubhouse in St. Louis.   Don’t forget,  if you want to be a contestant, only a short time to register.  Go to JJ’s Website.

 Some great pictures by Ned ‘s Photography (615-481-7551)

The Fabulous Eva Destruction, who sold raffle tickets at the event, and myself.

Eva spread joy and glitter all over Van Goghz.

Kathleen and Kris

Left to Right: Wes, MrMidwest Leather 2005, Scott, Mr Missouri Leather 2007, and Bruce

Charlie  and Dale

Left to Right:  Brad,Steve,and Scott

Left to Right: me, Gary Iriza, International Mr. Leather 2008, Sir Crisco Mr. Dixie Belle Leather 2007.

Labor Day of 2008, I teamed  up with the 1st runner up of MrMidwest Leather 08, Terry.  The two of us entered the GOAT DRESSING event at the St.Louis Gateway Rodeo Event, where we took 4th place out of 28.  Not bad for beginners!! 

I  had such a great time with the cowboys, that I have joined the St. Louis Gateway Rodeo Association (GWGRA).

In January I went to Peoria with the cowboys from St. Louis and celebrated my birthday at the Peoria bars . There I got my birthday spanking where many participated!