Monthly Archives: October 2008

1,000 for 1,000

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On Saturday afternoon, 71 volunteers (including my partner and me) went around a local retirement community to install a new battery in each of 1,000 smoke alarm units in 788 homes in the community. (Some homes had more than one smoke alarm). This was purely a voluntary effort. Many of the volunteers were from the community itself, while others were from a supporting company that donated the batteries.

We got the job done in about three hours, and I accomplished it all while wearing my banana-colored Frye Campus Boots. (Nobody said a thing about the boots, by the way.)

The community had done a lot of work to line up those who would admit us volunteers to their home and do the battery change-out. We also distributed some home fire safety information produced by our county — and whose messages were based on content I wrote years ago. (Small world.) We even had a crew from a local television station cover our event, and a two-minute interview appeared later on the late-evening news, though I didn’t see it. My e-mail this morning was brimming over with messages from family and friends who saw it and sent kind messages of congratulations.

It was a lot of fun, with great spirit and camaraderie among all who participated. I have to tell ‘ya, though, I was wiped out. I got my annual flu shot first thing Saturday morning, and despite taking aspirin, the mild side-effects of the vaccination took their toll. By the afternoon, I was achy and sore, and got really tired. But it was all well worth it to know that my neighbors and friends are just a bit safer in their homes.

After going to bed at 8:00 last night and sleeping soundly, I awoke at sunrise refreshed and feeling great! I snuggled with my honey for an hour, then rose to prepare a great home-made waffle breakfast. That will give me energy to ride on a planned motorcycle ride on a gorgeous, clear, bright, and beautiful day.

Change YOUR smoke alarm batteries if you haven’t done it within the past year. And remember: life is short — wear your boots!

Confident in Boots

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Yesterday I received a message from someone who asked me if wearing campus boots would make him “look like a gay dude.” I scratched my head about this one, and posted it on “Boots On Line” as well to request feedback.

In reviewing the replies — some of which were funny, and some showed indignation — I stepped back, put on my Fryes, and thought for a bit.

The writer obviously is confused. I commend him, though, for having the courage to ask. I thought about it for a while. Since campus boots in general share some features of women’s boots (higher heels, rounded toes, tall shafts), perhaps he is confusing that boots with those features are worn by effeminate people — and his further confusion is that gay men are effeminate.

This is the ongoing challenge with straight people who are laden with believing social stereotypes, often passed down (like folklore) from closed-minded people.

Here is what I said in response:

It’s all a matter of self-perception. Campus boots were very popular in the 1970s and 1980s, but sort of went out of style after that. Most guys who wear boots these days wear harness boots, cowboy boots, hiking boots, or work boots. But it all boils down to how secure you are with yourself.

I don’t mean this the wrong way, but if you are insecure or lack self-confidence, then you may think that wearing campus boots makes you appear a certain way to other people. Campus boots have a slightly higher heel than most average men’s boots. Their rounded toe and general appearance shares similar features with some women’s boots. Does having a rounded toe and 2″ block heel make a man wearing the boots gay? I don’t think so.

Frankly, I think you fear appearing effeminate. Not all gay guys are prissy queens, and those who act that way carry on social stereotypes that straight people gullibly believe. I certainly am not a prissy queen, and I like to wear campus boots from time to time. Don’t take this the wrong way, but you should ask yourself if you are being affected by blatant stereotypes perpetrated by some closed-minded people.

Heck with it… wear what you like and don’t give a darn about what others may say or think. That’s THEIR problem, not yours, unless you choose to make it your problem.

The choice to wear campus boots has nothing to do with being gay or straight (actually or in appearance)… it has to do with self-confidence and self-perception.

I appreciate the responses that I received on “BOL,” but I thought that trying to put myself in the other guy’s boots might give me a different perspective.

I am a confident man. I long got over worrying what other people thought about me (my boots, clothes, leather, appearance, etc., etc.) I really don’t give a flying frig what others think about those things. I wear what I like, where I like, when I like. If others have a problem with it, that’s their problem, not mine.

Thinking about wearing boots causes concern for some guys. Then what type or style of boots affects others. There are a lot if things in this world that are a hell of a lot more important than those issues. Get over it. If someone says something about the boots on your feet, just say, “thanks!” and move on.

I know, I know, I’m spoiled because I live in tolerant, open, accepting, rather liberal and forward-thinking community. I know there are many other places in the U.S. (and the world) that are much less accepting of anyone doing or saying or acting different from established norms. Each person has to live the way is best for him. I’m not saying that these other places are bad — I am saying that I wouldn’t like living in such an environment.

Okay, enough sermonizing for today. I’ve got lots of places to wear my boots today. I’ve already gotten my flu shot. All afternoon, a large band of volunteers that I have assembled will be installing 1,000 new batteries in smoke alarms in the homes of seniors. We’ve got media showing up and a big party planned for the end of the event. Wish us well!

And remember: Life is short! Wear your BOOTS!

I’ve Been Bloggin’!

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I was looking at my “Blogger Dashboard” which lists all of my blog posts. I was amazed to see that this particular post makes #202 for the year, since I began blogging on January 25, 2008.

From observing other personal and political blogs, I figure I’ve been, ahem, “rather enthusiastic” in my frequency of blog posts. Probably over time, the frequency will slow down a pace. But there’s just been so much to share! Daily life in leather, information about boots and boot sightings, transitioning to a new Harley, community events and activities, my wonderful lifemate partner, close friends, my huge and raucous family, caring for my community and neighbors, living in a community that has a casual and mature kind of tolerance, and lots of other stuff. I have refrained from blogging on issues related to politics, as there are many others who do that much better than me.

My blog has served as an extension of my boots-and-leather website. I use this blog to describe current things I am doing, post a photo or two and say what I think about it, or give a glimpse into a life — my life — which is full, active, and for the most part, a heck of a lot of fun. Sure, I have some challenges and some down times, and I’ve had my share of problems and concerns. But I would much rather display that life really can be wonderful if you make it be that way. I try to do that… and share joy, happiness, tolerance, love, and affection for all things good. Yeah, there is the occasional rant about cell-phone-yapping cage drivers or thoughtless people and the ignorant behaviors they have demonstrated, but I don’t dwell on those things. I just pick up the trash, throw it in the garbage, and move on.

One expression that I fondly recall from an official who served the longest ever in an elected position in our state is that he often said in his speeches, “there are some who wake up in the morning and say, ‘Good God, it’s morning.’ Instead, I wake up and say, ‘Good morning, God!’.”

You know, he was absolutely right. I keep his expression top-of-mind each day, and say, “Good morning, God! What a great day You have brought to me and those I love!” I smile while putting on my boots, leather (or work clothes), embrace my Man, and mount my Harley and ride down life’s highway. … and smile some more. (and even sing, too, but you really don’t want to hear me do that.)

I give warm e-hugs to my blog followers, some of whom I know, and others I do not. I see regular visitors from all over the U.S., as well as Spain, France, Germany, Italy, the U.K., The Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Canada, Australia, Japan, and China. I send a special “shout-out” to my loyal reader from Justin Brands, Inc., who appears any time I mention Chippewa Boots, Justin Boots, Nocona Boots, or Tony Lama Boots. (She did reveal herself once when I inquired about who was lurking). Best regards as well to fellow kindred spirit bloggers Clint, Maf, Robert, and Roland.

And to my elusive lurking RCN-using local regular follower from Silver Spring — I see you too. I hope you (and everyone) has enjoyed what I’ve been expressing, and perhaps learned something. If not contributing to one’s education, at least learned that life can be — and should be — a wonderful thing to share with people you love.

Below is one of my very favourite recent photos. Umm, umm, umm, a booted cop on a Police Harley. Can’t get enough of that view.

Enjoy the pic, enjoy life, and remember: Life is short — wear your boots!

Forgetful in Leather

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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

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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!