SIR’s CLAW 25 Travelogue: Eventualities

Having gone of over the logistics and volunteer aspects of CLAW 25, it’s time to review the events that the Pup and I attended together or on my own. In some cases, I had to deviate from my posted itinerary in order to catch up on rest or adjust my class attendance for one reason or another.

The educational aspect of CLAW is the biggest draw for me and I look forward to seeing the slate of offerings every year. Inevitably, there are more than a few classes that catch my eye and I relish the task of planning out my attendance.

Other draws of CLAW are the dinners and the VendorMart. When my Pup and I attended our first event following the pandemic, we signed up for all the dinners to cover our bases. It wasn’t cheap and we missed more dinners than we paid for which was a bummer. Since then, we’ve learned to cherry pick the meals and how they align with our respective itineraries.

As for the VendorMart, I enjoy perusing the booths and their wares. This year, I picked up more Leather gear than play gear, a change from previous years. It’s not a bad change, just different. I did pick up a few items for electro play but I’ll get into that later.

Without further adieu, let’s get into it.

PARTIES

Because of the logistics, it was a chore to try to attend parties at the I-X Center and the Leather Stallion. The Pup and I attended the Dick-Off Party on the first night. It started off well as we entered the Stallion, the familiarity of the entrance was comforting; however, the mood started to sour soon after we entered the back patio area.

It could’ve been that we were tired from being in airports most of the day as well as the surly Lyft drivers. It could’ve also been that our interpersonal experiences up to this point had been less-than-positive. It could’ve been the fact that the ride to the Stallion from our hotel felt interminable. I know that my mood wasn’t great; so unwell was my mood that when a young, tall, white kid in the throes of twink death intentionally bumped into me before insincerely mumbling, “Oh, I’m SO sorry, SIR“, I was completely fucking done. The Pup felt the same way and we took another Lyft with another unfriendly driver back to the hotel.

The next party we showed up at was the Gear Party a couple nights later. This time, we attended with a buddy. The experience was night and day compared to the first night. This time, I was able to find room for a cigar and to get some dancing in. The lights, the men, the Leather, flesh sheening with perspiration, I felt at home and smiled at Alice in Wonderland DJing at the turntables. I thoroughly enjoyed the brief time we were there, the only dark spot was the fact that I lost my Leather gauntlet gloves reserved specifically for cigars. It wasn’t too great a loss, the fact that I was able to dance sort of assuaged it. Still, I’d worked to break in those gloves. I hope the person who found them enjoys them.

SIR’s grade: B-

DINNERS

This year, we attended two dinners: Welcome to the I-X and the International Leather Family Dinner. I chose to forgo the BLUF Dinner because CLAW 24 was, to understate it, a disjointed gastronomic Winchester Mystery House of an affair. Also, to have to drive 20 minutes to and from the I-X for a dinner was added work. Most nights, we opted to forage for food in the Ohioan wilds of Cleveland to mixed results.

As stated previously, the Welcome Dinner was held at the I-X in a large room populated by round tables draped in plain white tablecloths. Decoration was scant save for sporadically spaced red, blue, and white spotlights pointed upward providing subtle contrast to the plain, off-white patterned walls. The food was served buffet style: Chicken, creamy pasta primavera, steamed vegetables, rice pilaf, and rolls. Side salads with dressing also awaited, the beverage options strange: Hot coffee or iced tea. There was no water offered nor were there salt/pepper shakers. Attendance was, like the decoration, sparse with entire tables empty. In a message sent to my Daddy, I described the atmosphere as “airport bunker meets nursing home conference room.” At least the food was decent and the service good.

From the International Leather Family Dinner

The other dinner we attended was the International Leather Family Dinner; this time, it was served. Upon sitting down, one was greeted with a decent table setting including a salad and dessert (cheesecake). In signing up for the dinner, one was given a choice of entree. I chose beef and was served a fist-sized cut of meat. Rolls were provided and the beverage options as strange as the first dinner: Hot coffee or iced water. The atmosphere was more lively as CLAW put up a backdrop for folx to pose in front of; however, the walls remained unadorned. There were more people this time around and we sat with a two couples from Los Angeles and Chicago.

The meal itself was good. The meat succulent and coated with a nice sauce. The vegetables and rice providing pedestrian substantiality. The salad was most welcome with options of Italian or ranch dressing. We talked with the couple from L.A. more than the Chicago guys who seemed nice enough. It was nice to be with fellow Californians especially given how hostile Cleveland was. The dessert was alright, though it felt like the cheesecake had been sitting out for sometime as it was losing its shape from warming up. A few bites and I was done. Service was…not so great this time. I had one cup of coffee and was left waiting for a second cup that never came. Fortunately, there was water but a coffee would’ve been better.

SIR’s grade: C+

VENDORMART

I’ve always enjoyed the CLAW VendorMarts, I like seeing the latest offerings of well-known brands and learning about smaller businesses engaging in the grind to cater to us Kinksters. It’s always a treat to find some bit of gear or a gift to take home. Below is a listing of vendors I bought items from though I’m not sure what I got from some of them. There was a LOT to see!

Aurora Clothiers
I thoroughly enjoyed the energy of this vendor. They had a different outfit on every day and it was refreshing to engage with someone so brave and audacious. One day, they were Alice, the next some other princess. All the items were well-made and catered to bookworms and science fictioners as well as Kinksters and Leatherfolx. What I purchased: Patches, cigar cutters, washcloths, air fresheners/luggage tags, cap

Barking Leather
Great selection of gear. What I purchased: Leather ties for my Daddy and I.

Cockeye Kink
Always enjoy checking out what these folx have especially when it comes to hardware for my gear. They do great work on-site as well. What I purchased: SIR and Daddy adornments for Muir cap expansion straps.

The Dungeon Store
I almost bought too much from these folx. They had an awesome selection of electro toys as well as books. What I purchased: Electro tools, Wolverine claws, book on cigar play, penis plugs

FM Leather Design
This was the first vendor I bought something from. Great gear of great quality. What I purchased: Leather Pride Flag bar vest

KNucks
Smaller business selling decent wares; check them and support. What I purchased: Leather Pride wristband and Sniff cap

Le Chateau Exotique
In one of the “last” trips through the VendorMart, I stopped by this vendor and found what has quickly become one of my favourite pieces. Check them out. What I purchased: Black and blue Leather bar vest

Leatherwerks
I was looking for a Muir cap because I’d left mine in the room. Stopped in for a cap and left with more than I thought but all great items. What I purchased: Christmas decoration, Muir cap, popper toppers, “cleaner”

Misc. Etc.
I helped this vendor unload at the beginning of the event. Specializing in stuffies, we stopped by and picked something up for my Pup for when I am away from home. What was purchased: Wolf stuffie wearing a customized Leather vest

Neesh
Loved the energy of these folx, the Pup helped them unload at the start. I chatted with the main guy who gave me some good words on “cleaners.” What I purchased: Favorite cleaners

Perfect Ash Cigars
Because I left my good lighters at home, I picked one up here and grabbed a couple of cigars. Very chill folx at this booth. What I purchased: Butane lighter and two flavoured cigars

Rainbow Cammo
I had a great conversation with Malcolm about his business and his service. We connected as Veterans, him USMC, me USAF. We were both touched by Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT) and it was great to see someone making their way with so much conscientiousness for the environment and for people. I loved that he stood at rest while we chatted; sexy guy to boot. What I purchased: Leather-scented body soaps and wax melts

RUFF Studio/BurlyShirts
I helped BurlyShirts with load out in CLAW 24 and help unload and load out again for CLAW 25. I love this booth and it’s not just because the Daddy running the operation checks all the boxes for me though I have to say watching him manhandle a dolly was enough to make me swoon a little bit. The t-shirt designs are sexy, funny, and sometimes subtle, they fit well. If you see this vendor out and about, stop by and buy some shirts. WOOF the Daddy for me. What I purchased: LOTS of t-shirts for my Pup and buddy at home

Spring Hill Wood Works
i ran into this vendor in CLAW 24 and picked up some sweet gifts for my Daddy including a GORGEOUS Leather collar emblazoned with the appellation BRAT. This time, I got something different for myself. This vendor makes quality impact gear that is carved with different things like flags and titles. It’s always an interesting trip when I come by this vendor. What I purchased: Wooden paddle with the POC Leather Pride Flag carved into it

Stompers Gloves
At the time, I had touchscreen gloves on order from Mr. S Leather. These folx had some on sale and I chatted with them about the gloves. I had originally asked about a pair of gauntlet gloves seeing as how I’d lost mine dancing at the Stallion. My eye scanned over the display and settled on a sweet pair of gloves. Super nice guys at this booth. What I purchased: Cashmere-lined, Leather touchscreen gloves

SIR’s grade: A

CLASSES

TheMaster Ra demonstrating fire play at CLAW 25

Erotic Fire Play presented by TheMaster Ra
Fire play has been one of the kinks I’ve been curious about. I had no real conception on what it meant and I’m glad I attended this class. Held on the cigar deck, Master Ra went over the basics of fire play and provided a demo. It was amazing and illuminating. What I enjoyed was finding out how other Sadists find their kicks through their particular kinks. Whereas I enjoy hearing sounds of someone in pain, the instructor had a huge smile at the smell of hair being burnt off the body. We both wore the same big smile, it was great. Fire play is something I’d like to know more about and would entertain trying at some point.

Daddy/boy & Sir/boy: Exploring Dynamics presented by TheMaster Ra
The Pup joined me for this class and Master Ra was once again at the head of the class. I enjoyed this class because it reinforced a lot of what I already do as a SIR but also provided more information in a structured format. The roles of SIRs and Daddies were expounded upon and the importance of these folx in our Communities is vital to survival. It was stressed that simply picking up a Muir cap at the VendorMart or carrying around gear that you’ve never used do not a SIR/Daddy make. These roles require experience and care, empathy and confidence, a willingness to teach and to learn. I really did like this class because it felt validating, that I’m doing something right here.

So You’ve Decided to Become a Handler. Now What? presented by Daddy Nick
I was stoked to be able to attend this class because I’d missed the last one at CLAW L.A. I’ve been a Handler for sometime now but have never understand what it really means. Daddy Nick provided a great overview and insight into the role. We started out the class singing the theme song to “The Golden Girls” and were stopped at the line, “Your heart is true, you’re a pal and a confidante.” (Daddy Nick then said that this was a different crowd for sure because, had the Pups been singing, they wouldn’t have stopped and would’ve gone tails to the wall HARD to the end of the song. Imagine a room of Pups howling, “AND IF YOU THREW A PARTY, INVITED EVERYONE YOU KNEW! YOU WOULD SEE THE BIGGEST GIFT WOULD BE FROM ME! AND THE CARD ATTACHED WOULD SAY, ‘THANK YOU FOR BEING A FRIEND!’ DUUUUN-DUN-DUN-DUN DUN-DUN DUUUUUUNNNNNNN!” That would be a sight I’d love to see!) They pointed out these these are the things Handlers are to the Pet Community; Handlers are friends, pals, and confidantes. We provide safety for Pets to enter their Petspace, we hold them when they need it, we teach them lessons, and bring them back in line by going all Sophia Petrillo with a “Picture it. Sicily. 1935.” story. It was during this class that I came to a realization that I identify as a Wolf. More on that to come. This was a great class.

The Dom’s Guide to Tickling presented by Erik11
This was an amazing class and opened my eyes to the possibilities of future scenes involving tickling. As the instructor was demonstrating, he kept pulling out tools that I already had in my arsenal. He introduced other tools and I was hooked. Watching him make his demo boy squirm and squeal on the table really satiated something deep in me. I’d also found another nook and cranny in my kinky English muffin. Tickling is a form of sensation play and one could induce anxiety and fear with a sudden lunge or a word. And who doesn’t like to inspire fear in a boy’s eyes? DOINK.

Mentoring Inexperienced Submissives presented by Sir Erik
SIR’s theme for CLAW 25 seemed to be dynamics. From SIR/Daddy-boy to Handlers to Mentoring, this year appeared to be the time for me to look into my roles and find out what I’m doing well and what more I can improve upon. This class was comprehensive and well-taught. Sir Erik presented his side of things, then allowed his boy share his story of developing a Mentoring dynamic. What I learned was that I need to afford some grace to those seeking my counsel, though not too much, but to also strive to guide someone with care and, well, love. I can’t say that this class softened my heart by very much but it did get me thinking about how I can be a better Mentor to those who wish to engage in a Mentorship dynamic with me. The first step would be for the prospective to step up and ask, then we’d go from there.

Introduction to Electro Play presented by TheAlphaBoy Noble, Boy Midas & Boy MJ
The last class of CLAW 25 was on electro play, it was a basic class but very informative. The presentation was casual and involved a demonstration of attachments and areas of the body to apply the violet wand. The instructor showed us some great tools that inspired me to run to the VendorMart and pick up some new toys from the Dungeon Store. This was a decent introduction into a kink I’d like to develop more and a great class to cap my educational experience for CLAW 25.

SIR’s grade: A+