Date: Mon, 09 Nov 1998 14:46:19 -0800 From: Eros Publishing Subject: Letter To The Editor Seattle's Leather Community sure does know how to put out the welcome mat. I have been involved in the leather scene for less than a year now and I am overwhelmed and amazed at the enthusiastic welcome into this wonderful family of leatherfolk that I have received. Over the past few months I have met some of the most genuine, caring individuals. It is often a very difficult process to come into a different lifestyle community as a "newbie",but I can honestly say that I have never felt more welcomed anywhere. It's taken me thirty years to finally find my true self and a place to call home. I am proud to be a part of this exceptional family. My tiny mind is all aboggle at the remarkable showing of trust and confidence that has been bestowed upon me with this title of Washington State Leather Ambassador. True, I worked hard to get it,because Goddess help me, I really wanted it. I wanted it as an opportunity to give back to the community some measure of all that I have received from it. It didn't happen easily, and I most certainly didn't manage it on my own. Many thanks to scores of wonderful loving people are in order. Starting with the folks who made what could have been a two day nightmare into a smooth and rewarding experience: Mikhail...sweet cuddly Spooky Bear...thank you for keeping the whole shootin' match running like clockwork;Lauri Miller....omigod you are a contestant's dream Mother. Every member of the contest staff I came in contact with smoothed the way in their own special manner. Thanks to all of you. If I tried to list you all here this letter would resemble an Old Testament book of begats. Special acknowledgements,as always,are due to the staff and management of Neighbours,where the contest was held. Now for the big list: Alleena.....Momma..where would I be without you? When I needed to know who to go to in order to find my path into this new world, you are one who guided me. I owe you the very happiness that fills me on a daily basis. Ralph and Tony. Many hugs and kisses.Or quiches. Or massive amounts of chocolate sauce. Eileen for inspiring my fantasy (Mary,don't ask),Boytoy and Laura for being fun when I need the diversion. Stephanie and Tammy for making competition seem like recreation. Remember our pact. I meant it and I know you did too. To my fantasy cast and crew: Rachael,Rebecca,Matthew,Toby(top,my ass!),James,Daniel,Gayle and Stephen. You are the best friends a nun could have. You put up with my directing style (style,you mean there was a STYLE there?) and made it all work. You did the hard part; you made me look like the diva I have always deserved to be. Aubrey Hart Sparks; you believed in me and gave me the benefit of all your experience. Thank you, Daddy. I 've saved the most important one for last. Raoul,Sir. You haven't the slightest conception of the impact you have had on my life. (Not to mention the impact you've had on my BACK!) You have inspired me to bigger things, to grander ideas, to greater expressions of myself. You are the light of my very soul, the warmth that fills my very being with more love and trust,and respect and honesty than I have ever known. Without your support I would have accomplished nothing. Together we are living proof that there are no borders or boundaries or barriers of any kind between people that cannot be removed. Thank you. Not bad for a straight boy. Thank you, Seattle Leather Community for this warm welcome. I look forward to a fantastic year of being at your beck and call. It's the least I can do. With love and gratitude, Sister Hellfire N. Dalmatians 1999 Washington State Leather Ambassador http://www.wolfenet.com/~aubrey/aubrey.htm