Category Archives: leather lifestyle

Movin’ On

Posted on by

A note for readers of this blog and my website: I have removed some pictures from my website and about a dozen blog posts for a reason that I do not wish to say publicly. It’s difficult for all involved. I am torn between my firm belief in the right to free speech and expression (which includes non-risqué photographs) but also in not engaging in actions that bother puritans.

I figure that the person who started the whole thing is from way beyond where I live and has nothing better to do but to act as a “net nanny,” which resulted in pressure on people I know to communicate their displeasure with a few photos on my website which displayed an appreciation for a group. I am learning that the group’s national administrators do not want to acknowledge that a gay man can be an out and open part of the group for fear of harming their “brand”. Poppycock.

I anticipate that those who are involved with this matter are reading this blog, and this message will assure them that the actions have been completed as requested — and thoroughly (as best as I can determine). While I removed those photos because they asked, the more I thought about this censorship, the more I wanted to disassociate myself from endorsing the group.

I’ve decided that as a result of this situation (and this decision has been reaffirmed through discussions with my partner and my 8th brother), to return to activities for which I joined the group (that complained about the photos) and not pursue more active participation. I have plenty of other things to do than let this stuff annoy me.

Now, let’s move on to more happy subjects!

Three days ’til my partner’s birthday! Since his special day is in the middle of the upcoming week, when I have less time to work in the kitchen, I spent a lot of time yesterday preparing him his favorite meal: home made manicotti, raised yeast rolls, a well-balanced salad, and from-scratch, lemon meringue pie. I had the pleasure of treating him to a fine meal last night. I also gave him his birthday present early — a new LCD monitor for his computer — so he could enjoy using it while he is off work today and tomorrow.

What was funny is that he said that the best “treat” I gave to him was taking his old CRT monitor to the e-waste receiving facility for disposition. He can’t stand having junk around the house! I have him to thank for not having a house and garage full of stuff that we’ll never use. His rule: volume in = volume out. And he enforces it!

Just seeing him smile with his treasures and treats made it all worthwhile. He brings many smiles to my face each and every day, so I am glad that I can begin his “birthday week” so well. Happy birthday, il mio amore!

Spotted In Leather In Public

Posted on by

I had a busy day today. After a nice morning snuggle with my partner and reading the Sunday paper together in bed, I prepared home-made Cialda (Italian waffles) for my partner. I then headed over to my aunt’s home to take care of a bunch of things, get some groceries, and some other chores.

At noon, I facilitated in a political forum, where some politically active friends of mine and I educated about 50 attendees about the lower tiers of the ballot. Positions for the Board of Education and questions brought to referendum are often overlooked when all the talk and focus is on the top of the ticket. I continue to urge and persuade people to cast an educated vote, and vote the entire ballot.

What did I wear? An open-collar dress shirt and my side-laced leather jeans over my Chippewa Hi-Shine Engineer Boots. Why? Well, these jeans and boots are very comfortable, and look good. That’s all. I just like them. Nobody said a thing — and most attendees in this forum were seniors.

After that, I headed over to an electronics retailer that had a product that I wanted to get for my partner for his birthday next week. (I can’t say much more in case he reads my blog!)

While in the store, a nice-looking guy with a goatee and great smile walked up to me and said, “you look familiar… are you Booted Harleydude?” He looked down at my boots and leather jeans, then into my eyes and said, “you gotta be!”

“Yep, that’s me!” I said as I reached out to shake his hand and give him a big smile in return. Turns out that I met a loyal reader of this blog and a fan of my website. He’s a biker and told me that he has used my website to decide on a purchase of a new pair of boots to use when riding. He followed my website’s link to Stompers Boots and bought himself a pair of Chippewa Firefighter Boots which I have raved about since I got mine last year.

It’s nice to meet someone locally who has read my blog, and who has found my website helpful. He’s a nice guy. I’m glad to have met you, M, and look forward to keeping in touch. Thanks for coming up to me to say “hi” and taking some time for a chat. Also, thanks for your confirmation that my choice at the store was a good one.

Life is short: wear your boots and leather! And don’t forget, if you are a U.S. citizen, be sure to vote by Nov. 4 if you haven’t already! The image below is pertinent.

Growing Beyond Leather Fetishism

Posted on by

I think I can say now that when I wear leather, it is for functional purposes only, not as fetish wear. The last fetish leather event that my partner and I attended was IML in 2007, and to tell you the truth, both of us didn’t have a good time. When Mid-Atlantic Leather (MAL) weekend followed in January, 2008, we just didn’t want to go. When the ASGRA rodeo was held in September, just up the road from where we live, we just decided that we had been there enough, and didn’t want to go.

I knew it would happen, sooner or later. I’ve just grown beyond leather fetishism. (I have blogged about that before). As I have settled into a permanent, monogamous, relationship, and as some things have changed in our lives that make it less desirable or even interesting to go to leather fetish bars or events, I have arrived at the conclusion that it’s time to go through my leather gear and cull out the stuff I won’t be using any more.

I will keep most of my leather coats, jackets, jeans, pants, and breeches, which I continue to wear while riding my Harley or just “around”. I like how they feel and look. I will also keep certain leather shirts and vests for the same reasons. But other than that, the rest of the stuff will be moving along, over time.

These types of things happen when one gets older, settles down, never goes out to dinner or to attend social gatherings, and is “married” to a guy who doesn’t like to be around other people. Further, in scanning the pictures from the recent Folsom Street Fair, I realize now more than ever, I’m really not into that scene. Seriously, I have just grown beyond it. I don’t think it is wrong. I do not think poorly of the guys who attend those events. I am very glad they have fun when they go. Those events, and the fetish wear that goes with it, just are not for me any more.

This is a fairly monumental decision in my life, but not unexpected. It was like when I gave my cherished Tonka toy trucks to a nephew when I was 13… I still liked them, but had grown beyond them. I have “grown beyond” (in age and interests) leather fetishism, but not leather functionality. That is, if the gear works for my continued passion in motorcycling, then I’ll keep it.

My visits to IML, MAL, and the Folsom Street Fair will be on-line. That’s okay with me, and my partner. I’m curious if this type of thinking has occurred with other monogamous couples as they have aged and settled down. If this has happened to you, leave a comment.

Wearing Leather in Public

Posted on by

I continue to be asked from time to time, or read comments on various boot- or leather-oriented websites that there are some people who wonder about wearing leather (or just boots) in public.

I differentiate between leather gear that is purely fetish-oriented and leather gear that has an ongoing functional purpose. That is, leather gear such as leather pants with a codpiece, a harness, leather jock, or full leather cop uniform is purely fetish wear. “Functional leather,” as I call it, are leather garments made for purposes such as for providing protection while riding a motorcycle, as well as for general fashion. Items such as a leather blazer, bomber jacket or coat, and leather pants fit the bill.

I have a lot of leather gear that I have acquired over time that fits the “functional” category. I wear this gear regularly in fall, winter, and spring. Sure, I’m an avid motorcyclist so I have an ongoing “excuse” to wear and be seen in leather. But I don’t ride in the rain, or when there is snow and ice on the ground. Even in those months when I’m confined to using my truck to get me from place to place, I still choose to wear leather pants, jeans, shirts, vests, and jackets.

I explained in my posting titled, Who Am I In Leather and Boots? about why and how I wear functional leather around my community — to meetings, visits with family and friends, or while out and about running errands and such. It’s no big deal. But to summarize, as far as I am concerned, wearing leather in public is not a problem for me because everyone who knows me knows that wearing boots and leather is my “signature” in casual and informal settings.

I don’t wear leather all the time. There are places I go and things that I do where wearing leather is not appropriate. For example, the “business casual” dress code at work is not so “casual” as to accept me wearing leather jeans. At church, I might wear a leather blazer and nice looking cowboy boots with a pair of (cloth) slacks. (My partner is always in a suit, but that’s who he is.) If I am testifying before a county board or council, I may even wear a shirt and tie with slacks (and dress cowboy boots). It really varies. All guys change what they wear depending on what they’re doing and where they are going. Leather is just a part of my wardrobe, not the entire thing.

If you are hesitant about wearing leather in public, keep these things in mind:

  • Your self-conscious feelings are more of your own thoughts than anyone else’s. Most people really don’t care. Seriously.
  • Think if your hesitation to wear leather in public is out of concern about how you perceive yourself and the image you portray to others. If your image-as-perceived-by-others is that important to you, then dress the part and forget wearing leather.
  • If it is not common for you to be seen in leather, then someone may say something. If they do, what can help turn the situation around is to be prepared with a response:
    • Your primary response should be non-verbal.
      • Smile!
      • Stand up straight
      • Give a clear indication that you are pleased to be wearing leather.
    • Consider saying something like one of these comments:
      • Like the jeans? I think they’re cool!
      • My wife (or partner) gave them (pointing to the leather item) to me for my birthday. Doesn’t s/he have great taste?
      • I like how this vest looks with this shirt!
      • I haven’t been more comfortable in my life in a pair of jeans.
      • I thought these leather pants were stylish. They look great, and feel even better!
      • Thanks for noticing! Isn’t it (pointing to the leather garment you have on) nice looking?
      • Grrrr… those hoodlums might run in fear now when they see me (giving an evil grimace, of course, all in jest).
      • Just wait until you see the Harley I’ve picked out at the dealership!

By expressing delight and pleasure in your gear, you will both improve your own self-confidence, as well as invite anyone asking about it to share your joy. If they see you as being really happy and comfortable in your gear, expressing confidence and style, they will either join you and give a compliment, or at worst, just remain quiet.

In summary, these are the tricks to wearing leather gear in public:

  • Get quality, good-fitting gear. (Read my Guide to Leather Gear for info about why this is so important.) Cheap gear from websites that cater to straight bikers looks crappy and hangs funny on everyone except the model wearing it (and for whom I betcha it was tailored).
  • Choose when it is appropriate to wear leather, but choose to wear it more than once a year or on Halloween.
  • Express pride, confidence, and happiness while wearing it. Smile, stand up straight, and look like you enjoy it.
  • If it is not common for you to be seen in public in leather and someone says something, smile back, and point out what you are enjoying about it, and invite them to share your joy.

It really is that easy, and isn’t as hard as some may think. It begins by looking inward, and losing the fear of worrying about what others think.

Life is too short to be worrying about what others think. Wear your boots and leather!

First Time for Everything

Posted on by

Here I am in my (usual) tall cop boots, leather breeches, leather shirt, and leather jacket. My cousin is visiting from California. I lent him a pair of boots (obviously, he’s not accustomed to wearing them), a leather jacket, and gloves. I invited him to join me on a motorcycle ride today.

It was a great ride, though it was a bit “crisp.” The warmest it got was 55°F (13°C), but it was bright and sunny on a cloudless day. The leathers felt great, as did the boots. We enjoyed seeing the deep blue autumn skies, as well as the patchwork of reds, oranges, yellows, greens, and browns of the leaves on the trees. The swirl of fallen leaves parting around us was thrilling to watch as we leaned into curves and on the hills on the four-county trek along Maryland’s byways and back roads.

What I enjoyed most was seeing the smile on my cousin’s face. He had never ridden on a motorcycle before, and I am honored that he placed his faith in me to take him for his first ride.

Famly: what it’s all about. As I often say, I’m showing those I love that I love them.

Here was our view, below.

Who I am In Leather and Boots

Posted on by

I have had a bit of dialogue with a close friend about my blog post about wearing tall boots and leather out in the community when I attend meetings, or just “around” as I go about my business.

This post is a follow-up to my post that I wrote yesterday. In that message, I was extolling my pride in the openness and tolerance of the community in which I was born, raised, live, and serve.

But actually, there’s more to it than that. Certainly, living in a community that accepts me for who I am, who I choose to love, and how I choose to express myself is important to me. But I have to go back and think — heck, I have worn boots since age 10, and leather as soon as I got a motorcycle when I was 20. I just loved to put on my first pair of leather chaps, vest or biker jacket, Frye harness boots, and ride to my destination (usually to classes at the University).

No one said a thing. I rode a motorcycle. I showed up in boots and leather. The two went together. Simple as that.

After graduation, beginning to work and getting involved — very involved — in community affairs, I continued to enjoy getting to where I needed to be on a motorcycle. Naturally, then, I continued to wear leather.

As I earned decent money and saved up some, I began to buy custom leather gear. It fit better, looked MUCH better, and performed well for how I use it (that is, for protection as I ride my bike, as well as for comfort and style). Custom leather pants, shirts, and boots were purchased over time.

So as I went out and about in my community, visited family, friends, or even appeared at public hearings and countless community meetings, there I would be, in boots and leather.

This explains, then, why it’s not really an “issue” when I show up at community meetings, family events, or at the shopping center in boots and leather. Nobody says a thing. I need not worry about someone making a “Village People” wisecrack because boots and (most often times) leather is what people expect to see me wearing. Heck, I truly feel that some of the leaders in our community and my neighbors, family, and friends would faint if I showed up in a suit. Or if I did (show up in a suit), that is indeed when I might expect to hear a wisecrack of some sort. (What, you’ve become a lobbyist now?) I can just hear it.

My thinking today is a little different from yesterday in the sense that if people had not previously seen you in leather before and then you appear in something that, to them, is a rather dramatic departure from the expected norm, then it’s likely someone will say something.

In my case, leather and boots are what I usually wear. It’s just who I am. But if wearing this gear is not common for you, and you wear it and someone says something to you, just expect reactions that may include comments that possibly could be perceived as being unkind. Instead of feeling self-conscious about it, prepare yourself with come-back phrases like: “cool, huh?” or “like my new duds?” or “I thought the boots were smokin’ hot!” … you get the picture. Express delight in your gear, and that will more likely win over negative noodles, or at least silence them.

Life is short: wear your boots and leather!

UPDATE, Thursday morning: here I am at work, in “business casual” street clothes and cowboy boots. I don’t always wear leather. It’s not acceptable in my office, but there’s a leather jacket hanging behind my door, boots on my feet, and chaps & gloves locked in the TourPak of the Harley that I wore on my ride to Metro. So “no”, leather is not worn “all” the time, but in my “off-time” when I’m runnin’ around my community, attending meetings, visiting family, helping friends and neighbors, then you’ll see me in leather jeans, perhaps a leather shirt and/or vest, and more often than not, tall biker boots. It’s just who I am.

Forgetful in Leather

Posted on by

My mother, my siblings, and my partner have all said over the years something to the effect of, “if your head weren’t screwed on, you’d lose it!” Implying, fairly accurately, that I am forgetful.

My excuse: I have so many things running through my head that I forget some things some times. My partner is sooooo very forgiving of that persistent problem. I’m glad I can type as fast as I think, or I would forget what I am writing about.

Oh, yeah, right — subject of this post: I am forgetful in leather. This morning was rather chilly at 50°F (10°C), but at least it was dry. I got the red-piped chaps from my gear closet and put them on right after I got dressed, and well before I left the house. They’re just so comfortable. My partner doesn’t even ask any more when he sees me in dress clothes for work with chaps on. He knows I’ll be riding my Harley to the Metro.

This morning, he just gave me his usual warm, lingering embrace, kiss, “I love you,” and grabs his lunch to leave for work himself… and I go about sorting through agenda items across the dining room table for a meeting in which I will participate tonight.

Okay, back to the subject: to get myself to the Metro for my commute to work this morning, I did my T-CLOCS, put on my warm Motocross leather jacket, helmet, eyewear, gloves, and rolled the Harley to the end of the driveway, fired it up, and took off. I enjoyed a nice ride to the Metro in the cool autumn air.

When I got to the Metro station, there was another biker parking his bike in the reserved motorcycle spaces, and we talked as we secured our respective motorcycles. I removed my briefcase from the TourPak and put my jacket, gloves, and helmet inside. I locked it up, as well as the bike six-ways from Sunday. Then I covered it: out of sight, out of mind.

Off I stroll to the Metro entrance, chat briefly with the peppy free-rag newspaper guy, go into the station, through the turnstile, and down the escalator and get on the next train to depart. It is then that I look down and see that I still have my chaps on!

Oops… but man, they are SOOOOO comfortable. I don’t even feel them when they’re on. So I just rode the rest of the way to my exit station with them on, and walked to my office. It was only then that I took them off.

A few people on the train gave me an odd look, but didn’t say anything. I would have worn them all day had I not noticed… and for a meeting with the Big Cheese today, perhaps wearing chaps with a sport coat and tie might not be a good thing. (smile.)

Life is short: Wear your boots and leather (but note to self: remember to put all of the leathers away when you park the bike!)

Leatherin’ Up and Leatherin’ Down

Posted on by

While autumn is my very favorite season of the year, with the crisp, cool nights and pleasant sunny days, the weather can be quite variable. Last night, we had a series of very strong thunderstorms blow through. Nothing bad happened, but the storms ushered in cooler air.

This morning, I stepped outside to get the newspaper at oh-dark-30 and stood for a few minutes gazing at the astronomical wonders above me. It was an exceptionally clear sky with Orion and other constellations dramatically observable.

I thought, “oh good, I can ride the Harley to Metro today.” I didn’t ride it yesterday because the storms that occurred last night were predicted to happen earlier than they actually did. Better safe than sorry.

I came back inside, prepared lunch for my partner and myself and packed them up. Shortly thereafter, my partner wished me a good day, and we embraced, looked into each others eyes, and as we do every day, we sincerely say to each other, “I love you.” With a quick “ciao ciao, hai un buon giorno!” he was on his way.

I finished up a few things then got ready to go to work. I put my lunch in my briefcase along with the other stuff I have to take to work, and put it in the TourPak on the back of my Harley. I set the alarm and locked up the house. As usual, I did the quick “T-CLOCS” (tires, controls, lights, oil, chassis, sidestand) check of my bike, and everything was in good shape.

I keep my most often-worn biker leathers on a rack in the garage. I pulled out my leather biker chaps, and put them on. Then because it was cool, I put on my Motocross leather jacket. It’s nice and warm yet doesn’t get hot because it has vents I can open if I need to. I put on my helmet, adjusted my eyewear, then donned the gloves.

I mounted my trusty iron horse and backed out of the garage, then shut the door with the remote. I looked up again at the beautiful starry sky and thought about what a nice ride I’ll have on such a great “leather weather” morning. I slowly walked the bike to the end of the driveway, then started it up. I start it far away from the house so rumble-rumble Harley reverbs won’t disturb the neighbors (as much) by echoing off flat surfaces like the garage door.

As I kicked the bike into first gear, it suddenly started to rain. What? Where’d that come from? I looked up, and there wasn’t a cloud that was visible, but sure-as-heck, it was raining — and raining harder by the second! Uggghhh… it’s bad enough to ride to the Metro in the dark, and it’s never any fun to ride in the rain, but thinking about doing both caused me to reconsider my transportation decision this morning. I’m not saying that no one should ride in the rain in the dark, but since I have a safe alternative sitting right there in the driveway (my truck), why take a chance? People around here drive like crazy anyway, especially during morning and evening “rush”. They can’t see motorcycles in broad daylight, much less in the dark while it’s raining.

So with some sadness, I turned the bike around, clicked the remote to open the garage door, and drove the bike back inside. Off came the gloves, the eyewear, the helmet, the jacket, the chaps… and put them all away. Back into the house to get the keys to the truck and put the keys to the Harley away, and grab a light windbreaker instead of the leather gear. Re-secure the house, then into the truck, and off to Metro. I was a bit vindicated in that it was still raining along my route, but it had stopped soon after I got to the Metro station, and it probably won’t rain again all day. Shucks.

Oh well, “better safe than sorry.” I can ride another day. With a fairly new bike, I just really didn’t want to take chances in the dark on roads that are more slick with a light coating of rain than when they are dry or completely wet from a heavy downpour. I dread what’s coming soon — wet leaves. Yuck…. I’m already dodging rutting deer.

Life is short: wear your boots and your leathers — but be safe!

Last Day of Summer

Posted on by

Today is, officially, the last day of astronomical summer. Autumn officially begins tomorrow mid-day. It has been an exceptionally delightful week, weather-wise. Moderate day-time temperatures with low humidity, and cool, brisk mornings. Sure feels like autumn to me.

Thus, the leathers are breaking out. Yesterday when I was at the bike cop rodeo, I just dressed “biker” and wore my red-piped leather chaps and a matching red-piped shirt under my Motocross leather jacket. I soon took off the jacket and put on my vest, which I wore the rest of the day. Since I knew that I would be on my feet a good part of the day, I wore my Chip Firefighter boots, which are very comfortable to stand in for hours, if necessary.

By mid-day, I took off the leather shirt and just wore the vest with a t-shirt, but I kept on the chaps because they just felt good, and weren’t hot.

Today, I was running all over doing a lot of things. I took my elderly friends grocery shopping early. I had on my naked leather jeans and Chip Hi-Shine Boots with a long-sleeved t-shirt. Later as it warmed up, I changed into jeans, short-sleeved t-shirt, and my old, previously-mudded but very comfortable tall Chip Engineer boots. I hopped on the Harley and hung out at the local fire station for a while, preparing for Fire Safety Month activities (in October.)

After that, I came back home, prepared lunch for my partner and me, and then took off again on my Harley to run several errands. It was such a beautiful day! Sunny, warm, and perfect for jeans, t-shirt, and a vest. On my way back home, the boys (that is, my boots), found a little mud. Ooops. (smile)

My partner laughed when he saw me, and helped me take off the muddy boots and jeans. I went inside and got very creative in my kitchen. I made a huge lasagna from scratch (except store-bought noodles). I made the lasagna in advance, since it’s always better upon second heating, after the flavors have a chance to mix during cooling after the initial cooking. When all that was done (two hours later), my partner and I soaked in our hot tub.

I put on a pair of leather jeans again, and a pair of Wesco boots, and my Stompers Boots t-shirt. I then prepared dinner, which we enjoyed outside on our deck. After that, I had to go meet some neighbors about a project that will start tomorrow in our neighborhood. I am so glad to live in a community where I can be dressed in leather and a Stompers shirt and nobody says a thing.

Last day of summer has been great… and I look forward to Autumn, when leather is more a regular part of my daily wardrobe outside of work.

Life is short: wear your boots and leather!

Leather Gear Guide Published!

Posted on by

I am pleased to announce that my Complete Guide to Leather Gear will be published soon in a major magazine that serves the Gay community. (Not a porn mag; this is a serious, topical, monthly publication with a wide circulation.)

I had to edit the article to a shorter form, and then submit it. Their editors did some work with it, but did not change very much of it at all. I’m pleased with their work. I am thrilled to have this work published!

Who woulda thunk back in high school when I was struggling to write my next composition in English class that over many years hence, not only would I have had articles published in mainstream magazines, some chapters in some academic and technical books, but also in a major Gay magazine? Not me! I wonder if what my English teacher would think? (LOL!)

Nonetheless, having this work published in a major Gay magazine is quite achievement about which I am very proud. I owe this achievement to several things:

  • First and foremost, the great foundation of education that I received in one of the best school districts in the country. I especially want to thank my Latin teacher for teaching me English! (Seriously, I could not write well at all until Latin helped me learn about my own native language).
  • My partner’s patience while I was working on this Guide and not insisting that I do more “honey-do” projects.
  • Several friends who reviewed and contributed to the Guide for me in both words and pictures (especially my buddy Chris for his editing and buddies AZ and Paul for their photos). I couldn’t have done it without them.

When the mag his the streets, I’ll announce it here.