Saturday, May 31, 2014

Review of "Welcome to Out-Of-Towners" Dinner

Friday, May 30, 2014.  Here is the pre-event publicity for this dinner.

Photo by our beloved Scott Smith

Last night's dinner was informal, closely-knit and utterly brotherly, just as it was meant to be. 

It felt wonderful to be around such fine folks, and just unwind.  I really needed it.  I could let go of the Hard Work Phase, and ease into the Playful Success Phase.

As I told these fine folks at the end of the dinner:

Yes, I did a lot of work, leading up to this weekend.  I prepared the way.  However, none of my ideas would have the slightest chance of succeeding without my trusted brothers making them come true.  Without you, I am just some guy in an ivory tower, thinking too much.
This weekend (the last time that I am directly organizing events of any kind) is going to be deliriously successful, all due to the team stepping up and playing full-out. 

There are even MORE folks arriving from San Francisco this morning, and I can trust my brothers to be superb hosts, guides and playmates.  They have proven their character and worth, many times over.

I'm glad that last night's mellow, sweet dinner was exactly the right size, and set a great tone for the weekend.  I slept really well afterward (for the first time in weeks).

After this weekend, I can shift from being a leader that others support, to being a source of support for OTHER men's leadership.  After 33 years of active leadership, I'm ready.

TODAY's multiple events are all about intensity and Tribe, and all of us on the team are READY!



Posted by at No comments:

Sunday, May 25, 2014

Two Exciting Dinners, Coming Up Soon, and Why


From Papa Tony:

There will be a dinner on Friday, May 30, and one on Saturday, May 31.  I have made a big fuss over the Flog Swarm and the Movie Night, and haven't given nearly enough attention to the dinners.

Hopefully, this will help folks to understand why the dinners are so important.

Welcoming Out-Of-Towners

Friday, May 30, at 6PM. 

Location: Everybody must RSVP to SignMeUpForEvent @ gmail.com, before 6PM on Wednesday, May 28.  It's crucial that we have an accurate head-count for the sake of the restaurant staff.


On Friday morning, Mike Skiff (the director of the Folsom Forever movie that will be shown on Saturday night), and several members of the Folsom Street Events Board of Directors will be pulling into San Diego.

There will be 400,000 kinksters roaming the streets of San Francisco this September, and San Diego sends more out-of-towners there than any other city, anywhere. This has intrigued our brothers and sisters in San Francisco for years, and they are coming down to see what all of the San Diego fuss is about!

The dinner on Friday night is about warmly and informally welcoming these fine folks to our second annual Family Reunion Weekend, and making sure that they fit in, as soon as possible. This is our chance to build friendships across the miles!

Gear Invasion at Harvey Milk's American Diner!

Saturday, May 31 at 6:30pm
Location: Harvey Milk's American Diner, at 535 University Ave, San Diego CA 92103-3117


From Ian Morton:

Please Gear Up and join Mr. San Diego Eagle 2014, Paulo Batista and community member, Ian Morton as we kick off the a "Gear Invasion" at Harvey Milk's American Diner before the West Coast premier of Folsom Forever! Like the Gear Invasion of R Gang Eatery last year, there is a prix fixe menu for one price that will include non-alcohol beverages, a shared appetizer, main course and gratuity!  Alcohol is NOT included in the price.

The cost for the meal will be $30 (including gratuity,) and will start with platters of onion rings and sweet potato tots to share and include a choice of:

Oven Roasted Turkey Dinner with fixins

Shepherd's Pie (mmmmm - meat!)

The Castro Burger

Grilled Teriyaki Salmon w/ Mango Salsa (low cal)

Pasta Primavera (vegetarian)

Check here for menu descriptions.

Also, it makes life infinitely easier if you bring cash! I will collect before the entrees are served and give you a meal ticket so the servers know that you are with the Gear Invasion and paid in full! If you need to use a credit card, the cashier will be given some of the tix as well, but please plan to pay before you are seated.

Bonus entertainment:

Papa Tony will be presenting Magnum with his Master's Cap during this dinner.  He has earned it the hard way, over months and months. Let's all applaud our newest Leather Master!

This is the actual Master's Cap that will be presented.
Posted by at No comments:

Review of Second Practice for Flog Swarm

Photos by the ever-charming Scott Smith!
In the spirit of discretion, there aren't 
a lot of pictures to share so very publicly.
From Papa Tony:

Saturday, May 24, 2014:

Something happened at this event, that has never happened before, in San Diego's entire history:

A kinky men's affinity-group has hosted an event for the pansexual crowd to share and enjoy.  And, my GOODNESS - Didn't everybody enjoy it!

The men who showed up as hosts are the Heavy Players in our Tribe.  We have already long-since learned to trust, love and respect each other.  So, it was easy to take the same pleasures that we share, and to open it up further to include our brothers and sisters who wanted to get to know us better.

At the beginning, I asked everybody to step up and OWN the upcoming Flog Swarm - To bring the festive, the fun and the ferocious!  Based upon what I saw that afternoon, that won't be a problem at all.

My own personal goal for this event was to see how well everybody worked together as a team.  I was deeply gratified, far more than I had dared to dream beforehand. I had requested that everybody arrive with open hearts, and that's what happened.


We all then broke into three basic groups:

Click here for video

1. The folks who wanted to hone their flogging skills (beginner and advanced). We practiced the basic moves, and a few worked on Florentine Flogging (two floggers at once) and advanced throws and grips.  We even covered a bit of Flog Dancing!


2. The folks who were practicing for the Kinky Tableaus that will be part of the entertainment on stage, when Saturday's big event arrives. Our masterful artists were arranging, re-arranging and styling the various configurations with complete artistry and focus!




3. The folks who will be providing the pulsing heartbeat of the Flog Swarm - The drummers and percussionists, led by our superb Drum Master.  This is a major part of what will make the Flog Swarm so TRIBAL.  As I mentioned in my last review, these folks stayed FOCUSED like lasers. I admire that intensely.

Conclusion

There were delicious snacks, ample amounts of toys, a glorious, overcast day (not too hot, not too cold), easy-going players, and a superb locale.

The only thing that could have made it even better, is a larger reserve of strength.  We were all pretty wiped-out after a few hours.  Happily endorphinated, but exhausted. There were hugs, cuddles, and lots of joyful laughter.

Many thanks to the entire team, from FMSD and Club X - You made a BIG difference, and made history.  Everybody did their part, and now, we all get to share in the glory.

After this breakthrough event, the main question is "Why not do this more often?"  Given how perfectly everything went, I can't imagine any reason not to. Everything flowed from moment to moment, because we all had a firm foundation of deep mutual trust.  As time goes by, more and more folks are going to be wanting IN.

So, let's plan for it!
Posted by at No comments:

Friday, May 23, 2014

Event Updates as of May 23

Note: This is the SHORT version.  The LONG version can be seen here.



Friday, May 23 through Sunday, May 25: IML Weekend in San Diego @ San Diego Eagle, at 3040 North Park Way

Friday:
"Cowboys and Kinksters" - 9PM Gear night, Wear your cowboy or leather gear. Paulo's birthday celebration.

Saturday:
10PM: Underwear Contest and Jock Strap Auction

Sunday:
BBQ 4 PM - until the meat runs out.



Saturday, May 24 from 1-3pm: The second practice is a pansexual party (including gay males, since folks have been asking)!  The team is getting bigger! Bring a towel if you want a swim after! We have floggers for you to use, so don't let lack of a flogger be an excuse for you to miss this event!  Details.



May 23-26: International Mr. Leather 2014 Contest in Chicago

http://imrl.com



May 28, 7PM: FMSD Demo Night, featuring SIR Ron, Professional Dominant

TOPIC: "A Night of 1000 Clothespins - An exploration of devices that clamp."
Location: Please RSVP to signmeupforevent @gmail.com

As a BDSM Etiquette & Protocol Practitioner, Sir Ron has been active in the Leather and BDSM Lifestyle for over twenty years. His educational efforts focus on alternative lifestyles, kinky relationships, Dom/sub dynamics and Sadist & Masochist exploration.

He facilitates BDSM classes and demonstrations specializing in corporal punishment, intense sparking electric play, caning, paddling, rope bondage and scene negotiations.

As a former Marine, Sir Ron believes in maintaining a strict tradition of etiquette & protocol, teaching the core values of Trust, Honor, and Respect within his leather family.



May 30-June 1: LGBT Film Festival, brought to us by the fine folks at FilmOut San Diego



Friday, May 30, 6PM: The Second Annual Family Reunion Weekend kicks off with an informal dinner at an excellent, inexpensive restaurant. If we get enough interested folks, then it will be a buffet. We need an RSVP beforehand at SignMeUpForEvent @gmail.com, so that we can negotiate a lower group rate and a buffet.



Saturday, May 31, 12 Noon: Flog Swarm.  As of May 23, we have 82 participants signed up, with more RSVP'ing every day. It's going to be magnificent, fun, and utterly Tribal. We will be asking for an optional charitable donation at the door - 100% of proceeds go to charity.  Details.



Saturday, May 31, 6:30PM: Gear Invasion Dinner at Harvey Milk's Diner.  There will be a Master's Cap Presentation Ceremony, lots of out-of-town guests, and excellent food. Dress up if you've got it!


This is from last year.

Saturday, May 31, 9PM: Movie Night. Meet outside of the North Park Birch Theater for the Gear Contest and Group Photo. Then, once we go inside, it's time for announcements and a few Folsom Street Fair stories.  Then, it's time for Folsom Forever, with a Director's Q&A after the movie.  After THAT, we will head on over to the Eagle (a couple of blocks away) to discuss the movie.



June 6-8: Los Angeles Pride, with the parade on SUNDAY, June 8.



Hosted by Jon LeatherBoy Somerville and Ron Brundige LeatherAlpha

Cigars, tobacco pipes, cigarettes, and dip welcome.
You don't have to be a tobacco enthusiast to enjoy the socializing!

$3 Well Drinks, $3 Domesic Bottled Beers, and Happy Hour Menu Specials until 6PM.

Bootwhite on site, so bring your leathers!

Open to all genders/sexualities (21 and over).
Posted by at No comments:

HUGE MOVIE NIGHT in one week!!!

PLEASE help us promote this event, via forwarding this email, or on Fetlife: https://fetlife.com/events/254842

We want as many kink/leather/fetish folks as possible, 
to show the world how San Diego sisters and brothers can turn out, when the request is made.


This is all part of the big, annual Family Reunion Weekend array of events.

<PosedPanorama1.jpg>
This photo is from last year.

Saturday, May 31, 9PM: Movie Night. Meet outside of the North Park Birch Theater for the Gear Contest and Group Photo. Then, once we go inside, it's time for announcements and a few Folsom Street Fair stories.  Then, it's time for Folsom Forever, with a Director's Q&A after the movie (get your tickets here).  After THAT, we will head on over to the Eagle (a couple of blocks away) to discuss the movie.

Folks from the Board of Directors of Folsom Events will be there, and the director will be attending.

This is a really wonderful celebration of San Diego's kink community, so come on out, and get your tickets early!

NONE of this is about making a profit… It's about breaking down walls between parts of the community that deserve to be much closer.

Tell your favorite friends: The whole weekend is a big, warm hug...
Posted by at No comments:

Thursday, May 22, 2014

Video, Photos and Review of Men's Flog Swarm Practice

Photos by the shimmering, bubbly and effervescent Scott Smith!
Pre-Event Publicity From Cobi

Wednesday, May 21, 2014:

This will be the first flogging practice for the upcoming Flog Swarm. This practice is for men only, and replaces our regular meeting night so I hope to see everyone there. We have plenty of floggers to loan and people to work with you, if you're new. This is a great opportunity to learn!

Introduction

From Papa Tony:

The first Flog Swarm Practice went very well, and gave me complete confidence in the success of the Flog Swarm coming up in a week and a half. I explain it here.

Here is a miniature version of what I told my brothers, once the social portion was done:

I came up with the original Flog Swarm, and set this one up as well.  From this point onward, I am handing it away.  If you have an exciting idea for the evening, I urge you to step up and let us help you make it happen.  This is all about intimacy, trust and community, and if you have something to add to the mix, let it loose!

We now have 80 RSVP's from folks who I know and admire, so the event is guaranteed to be a success. Think of this as an old Judy Garland/Mickey Rooney movie: "We've got the barn, so let's put on a SHOW!"

There are scads of plans already settled, and in the pipeline, but we want MORE. My goal for this event is that we all discover just how wonderful everybody can be, once they have the space and the approval. Let's leave the shyness, the concerns and the considerations OUTSIDE, and play like happy, well-loved kids together.  It's time.

Your hosts for the Flog Swarm, so far, with 
more showing up this Saturday, 1PM at the same location.

This was about 2/3 of the floggers that were made available.
Order yours here, and I recommend the one at the top of the page.

Lessons


I got the Flogging 101 Tutorial ball rolling, and then got distracted.  Suddenly, Frank, Cobi and Magnum stepped up and began teaching beginners masterfully and thoroughly, and Rob started showing off his Florentine Flogging (two floggers at once) advanced technique.

So, I just sat my big ass down, and admired them in action. It was enormously satisfying to see these men being so powerful and majestic.

Click here to see the video

Click here to see the video

There was a surprisingly large number of men who were eager to learn for the first time, so we will be continuing the lessons on Saturday at 1PM at the same location, and at 6PM on Tuesday with very closely-guided training.  Email me at papatony @mac.com for the location.

Drummers

This is where the magic REALLY took off.


Our brother Jason showed up with two drums from his collection, and agreed to be our Drum Master for the Flog Swarm. Originally, we had planned to simply play rhythmic music through the sound-system, but the energy shifted. Folks began to insist, weeks ago, that the only truly Tribal way to get the crowd-energy pumping like a big, powerful heart is to have live, passionate DRUMMERS.

You can't argue with that!

Our Drum Master Jason has lots of experience, both with drumming, and in kinky play.  When we needed him most, he stepped right up, and he taught rigorously, patiently, and masterfully.

There will be a LOT of drums at the Flog Swarm for the crowd around the Swarm to use, and if you have percussion-instruments of your own, BRING them to the next practice, and to the Flog Swarm.  We're ready for you.


One of my very favorite parts of this event was seeing the men step up to learn drumming.  I kept waiting for SOMEBODY's attention to wander, but it never happened. These men were utterly fixated, and it would have taken a stick of dynamite to pry them from their lessons.  No amount of money, bullying or whining can make a man this dedicated to learning and growing - It simply has to be built-in, right down to the core.

I'm thoroughly eager to see these men grow into their power and majesty as future Drum Masters!



Conclusion

Once again, our brothers have stepped up, and in the best possible ways.

As I said above, lessons will continue, on Saturday and this Tuesday night.  Everybody is going to get  coached, with the goal of having the Flog Swarm be thoroughly satisfying for everyone who is ready to PLAY.

This is the last time that I will coordinating a large event - I am shifting into a Tribal Elder/supportive coach mode.  It was my goal that there be a good-sized team of leaders involved in this Flog Swarm from the very beginning, so that the tradition can continue for years to come, if that's what people choose.

They showed up!
Posted by at No comments:

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

The Flog Swarm, Explained

Photos by the ever-superb Scott Smith

From Papa Tony:


On Saturday, May 31, FetishMenSanDiego will be hosting our next Flog Swarm at 12 noon. Details here.

Clearly, this is something new, and difficult to understand, because it's not even remotely like typical day-to-day life.



So, I will explain it:

The men of FMSD have found a way to establish deep trust with each other at EVERY event, so that everybody goes home happy. We post pictures, videos, articles and audio of our events, which are clearly well-attended and joyful.

We also host events that are NOT posted online.  These small gatherings are more intimate, ecstatic, playful and Tribal.


The Flog Swarm is a BIG gathering (72 folks so far, with ten days to go), but it's the same theme.  It's a way for somewhat-overwhelmed, modern human beings to experience the endorphins of communal joy and relaxed intimacy, in an absolutely safe and welcoming space. We can leave the problems of the world outside for a while.

Think about that.


How can we claim this?  Because we make this sort of promise, and deliver on our promises, ALL OF THE TIME.  When a team is this tight, this trusting, and this interconnected, we can flow from one moment to another, and guide the crowd from one delightful experience, and into the next. This is how an affectionate team works together, when it's not about dominance games.

I could go on and on, but the point has been made.

If you miss this event, you WILL be hearing about it for years to come. The men and women who will be a part of this will have plenty to say, and all of it will be good.

Posted by at No comments:

Monday, May 19, 2014

Masters and Slaves: Next Butchmanns Experience is Coming Up!

Note from Papa Tony:  I attended this event last year, and plan to do so again, this year.  I strongly recommend it for any man who wants to get in touch with his inner Master, or his inner slave.



From slave nick:

The All-Male Butchmanns Experience is scheduled for June 13 -15, 2014.

There is only one All-Male event each year and this is it!

Butchmanns is a weekend-long event, starting on Friday night, and ending before 6 PM Sunday at Arizona Power Exchange in Phoenix AZ.

About Butchmanns Experience

The Butchmanns Experience is an intensive educational weekend designed to provide an opportunity for self-discovery in pursuit of self-actualization. The event includes hands-on training in basic SM practices, protocol and rituals, and a view of leadership and obedience through the lens of Master/slave dynamics.

Butchmanns Experience allows us to explicitly visit areas that challenge and soothe us for the purpose of identifying who we are. Happiness comes from living authentically. When we are ready to be who we truly are, we encounter the next step on our path.

The emphasis of activities is on personal transformation and growth and includes intentional flogging, ritual temporary piercing, the call to serve and be served, and transformational mummification. These activities are further explored through in-depth discussions. The environment is structured to encourage safely entering new experiences, with the instructors and staff supporting each individual's unique experience.


Butchmanns is a not-for-profit, all volunteer organization.

To learn more, please go to our Web site, or contact this slave at nicktanc @yahoo.com



Posted by at No comments:

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Updates as of May 14

If you haven't been paying attention, NOW would be a good time to look more closely:


It's coming up fast: the biggest weekend in San Diego's Gay Leathermen Community in a long time.  If you miss it, you will kick yourself!




Friday, May 16 (third Friday, every other month), 10:30pm: STUD Night @ the Eagle, at 3040 N Park Way. Featured guest will be local hottie and PuP Seth Fisher.



Saturday, May 17, 9:30PM: LL Bear Dance Party @ Rich's, at 1051 University. Third Saturday of each month. Great music, fun dancing. VERY cruisy.



May 17-18: Long Beach Pride, with the parade on SUNDAY May 18.



From: Mr. Long Beach Leather 2013, Marc Ransdell-Bellenger:

As you may or may not know my hometown of Long Beach CA is traditionally the first in the country to kick off Pride Season. This year it is May 17th and 18th, with the parade taking place on the morning of the 18th.. As Mr. Long Beach Leather, 2013, I would like to officially invite you to march with the Long Beach Leather contingent in the parade. I hope you accept my invitation and enjoy the hospitality of Long Beach’s Leather community has to offer.


Saturday, May 17, 6 PM: International Mr. and Ms Olympus Leather 2014 Contest

Doors open at 5 PM

Los Angeles Ballroom on the second floor of the Hilton LAX on Century Blvd.

Approximately 12 men and women will compete for this International title. Each will present tantalizing fantasies on stage.

You can attend International Mr. and Ms Olympus Leather 2014 without missing Long Beach LGBT Pride Parade and Festival. The contest will be over in time to make it back to Long Beach for the late parties and the parade on Sunday morning.

Attached are International Mr. and Ms Olympus Leather 2014 log at 294px and photo of International Mr. Olympus Leather 2013 Praxxis and International Ms Olympus Leather 2014 robyn. robyn is lower case by design.



Sun May 18th at 11am: Monthly Community Brunch at Sunset Temple.  The cost is $20.  Net proceeds to be split between The Leather Foundation and The Imperial Court of San Diego.  We are honoring Tom Dickerson for his work with both organizations.



Every Sunday, 4-8PM: Barbecue at the San Diego Eagle, at 3040 North Park Way



Wednesday, May 21 from 6-9PM: Get ready for the Flog Swarm! First training and practice is for men only.  It's all about building intimacy and trust. Details.



May 22nd: Commemorative Postage Stamp release day: San Diego's team of champions have arm-twisted those in charge, so that we are FINALLY getting a Harvey Milk Forever postal stamp.

From Bill Neilson: Kudos to Nicole & Big Mike, Frank & Tom!!!… Event Heads-Up: Our Very Own LOCAL Restaurant ‘Harvey Milks American Diner’ Is planning a huge ‘PARTY’ for this Very Special ‘Commemorative Postage Stamp release day: May 22nd, 2014 ’... Monitor FB page for updates https://www.facebook.com/HarveysHillcrest ... Or visit (soon to come) new redesigned website http://harveymilksamericandiner.com/



Saturday, May 24 from 1-3pm: The second practice is a pansexual party (including gay males, since folks have been asking)!  The team is getting bigger! Bring a towel if you want a swim after! We have floggers for you to use, so don't let lack of a flogger be an excuse for you to miss this event!  Details.



May 23-26: International Mr. Leather 2014 Contest in Chicago




May 30-June 1: LGBT Film Festival, brought to us by the fine folks at FilmOut San Diego



Friday, May 30, 6PM: The Second Annual Family Reunion Weekend kicks off with an informal dinner at an excellent, inexpensive restaurant. If we get enough interested folks, then it will be a buffet. We need an RSVP beforehand at SignMeUpForEvent @gmail.com, so that we can negotiate a lower group rate and a buffet.



Saturday, May 31, 12 Noon: Flog Swarm.  As of May 13, we have 64 participants signed up, with more RSVP'ing every day. It's going to be magnificent, fun, and utterly Tribal. We will be asking for an optional charitable donation at the door - 100% of proceeds go to charity.  Details.



Saturday, May 31, 6:30PM: Gear Invasion Dinner at Harvey Milk's Diner.  There will be a Master's Cap Presentation Ceremony, lots of out-of-town guests, and excellent food. Dress up if you've got it!


This is from last year.

Saturday, May 31, 9PM: Movie Night. Meet outside of the North Park Birch Theater for the Gear Contest and Group Photo. Then, once we go inside, it's time for announcements and a few Folsom Street Fair stories.  Then, it's time for Folsom Forever, with a Director's Q&A after the movie.  After THAT, we will head on over to the Eagle (a couple of blocks away) to discuss the movie.



June 6-8: Los Angeles Pride, with the parade on SUNDAY, June 8.



Hosted by Jon LeatherBoy Somerville and Ron Brundige LeatherAlpha

Cigars, tobacco pipes, cigarettes, and dip welcome.
You don't have to be a tobacco enthusiast to enjoy the socializing!

$3 Well Drinks, $3 Domesic Bottled Beers, and Happy Hour Menu Specials until 6PM.

Bootwhite on site, so bring your leathers!

Open to all genders/sexualities (21 and over).

Posted by at No comments:

SOCAL Leather Sir/boy/Bootblack and Puppy Contest DEADLINE


The deadline for contest application is just a month away.  If you are interested, text 585858 Contest, go to the Southern California Leather Facebook page,
or email me at producer @southerncalifornialeather.com.

Contestant form is here.

It's gonna be very entertaining.  Friends and supporters will be able to vote for contestants via text message. Contestant numbers will be assigned the first week of June!

Sir Mike
Posted by at No comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)