by Brad Benedict
BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA
That Bradshaw Boy
Well, it looks as if the stars are out over Louisiana again. Matt Bradshaw, one of the biggest stars on the scene at this time, is now a resident of his home state again. I hear he dropped in on Hibiscus Bookstore to do some shopping, and according to Patrick, he was really impressed with the selection of movies there.
Oldies are the good ones, according to Matt, and apparently the book baron has a mighty good selection. Perhaps I’ll run into him the next time I stop in.
The last time I saw Matt was at George’s over two years ago. He and Buck Phillips were there. As I recall, they had just starred in a movie together. I’m not sure if Buck still lives in New Orleans or not. He was living there at that time, but I haven’t heard from him in a while and don’t know exactly what he’s up to other than making more good movies.
Matt has been in some great ones. I guess my favorite was a certain shower scene with Logan Reed. I don’t remember the name of the movie, but I recall that it was one of the hottest scenes I have ever witnessed on film. I do love a great bonding, and these two did it just right.
Well, Matt, if you should read this, let me know when you are coming back to Hibiscus, and I will meet you there. Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday are good days for me. Or I’ll try to catch you at George’s.
That Colley Guy
Following the most gorgeous leatherman around the country is a tiresome job, but someone has to do it. I’ve made myself available to be of help any time Mark Colley needs me. Of course, we have separate schedules, but we manage to work it out as often as possible.
After a whirlwind trip along the Atlantic Coast of Florida, he made it back to Louisiana long enough to take off again to the Sunshine state. At least that was the plan the last time I talked to him. Last week, he was in Miami and Fort Lauderdale, where he took in the leather scenes there, and this past weekend his plan was to be in Jacksonville. He’s doing a great job combining his job duties with traveling to promote his Mr. Louisiana Leather 2003 title.
Scheduling activities in the same areas has helped to make his situation much better. Promoting the title is important, but his job always comes first. He has worked long and hard to get where he is in the world of corporate management, and it has paid off handsomely for him.
Next May, Mark will compete for the International Mr. Leather 2003 title in Chicago, and I’ll be there cheering him on in any way I can. He will also be at the American Brotherhood Weekend in Washington, D.C. in April. I’m hoping he can make it to Fort Worth in March for the gay rodeo being held there. If not, I’ll be there passing out his calendars and telling everyone how great he is.
I did say he was gorgeous, didn’t I?
That Wicker Girl
I was in Cortana Mall last week getting the Colley T-shirts made when I ran into Minette and her friend. I always did like this sweet child. She has always been one of the most personable women I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting.
I go back a long way with Minette. She has her work, and I have mine, but it was always nice to sit down and have a drink with her at the Hide-A-Way. Now we have to settle for chance meetings, or attending parties together at Ambush headquarters on Bourbon Street.
It’s those Ambush parties that are so much fun. On Mardi Gras Day, we have a blast doing the T&D thing. She goes for the T thing, and I’m a D man. My camera is always available for such great sights.
Minette is still doing the ambulance thing and really loves her work. This was eventually what led to the closing of the Hide-A-Way. She just didn’t have time for both, and work came first. If I’m ever in need of her kind service, I trust she will be on duty.
Well, maybe Winstead or Pat or Ben might do too. Hopefully, that time won’t come, but we can always wish for the cream of the crop. I’ve just named four of them, a nice crop at that.
That Winstead Chap
I hadn’t seen John in quite some time, but that all came to a halt when he came walking through my door and spent the afternoon with me. He seemed a little different, but maybe it was because I hadn’t seen him for a while.
Actually, I had gone by his house only a few days before. I stopped in at my favorite Mexican restaurant and had too many margaritas to drive home. Since John lives close by, I decided to drop in on him and sober up.
Well, that wasn’t to be. He was at work, and I ended up driving home and hoping I could make it in one piece. Needless to say, I went to bed early.
John and I talked at length about what had happened to us since we last met. I guess it was good for both of us. I’ve always considered him to be one of the best catches out there, but he doesn’t seem to have the luck he needs to reel in the right one. I listen to his stories. I share some of my stories with him. We always pass a good time. I like that.
Now we are planning a little party with friends at El Rio this coming Friday. It will be fun to relax with those we love.
That Lewis Stud
I don’t talk about Frank too much, but now is the time to tell you about this fabulous human being. It’s not often that you meet someone who is so comfortable to be with, to talk to, and to share with. That’s my Frank.
We keep planning on going to Mexico to be with friends and run around the beach naked. It sounds like it would be a barrel of fun, but I’m not sure exactly how my barrel would look. As a friend told me once that I needed to live a little, I suppose I’m hankering to do this just to say I’ve been there and done that.
After its all said and done, I’ll probably have the misfortune of being on one of those old men pages in my birthday suit. There’s nothing wrong with that. I’m game, but I just hope I know about it in advance so I can prepare for the worst. The Internet is good, but it does have a way of sharing a little too much sometimes.
Sharing is what I do with Frank. He’s comfortable with me, and I’m comfortable with him, and I even think he has some wonderful friends, especially that cute little Mark stud. I’ll have to talk about him later. It’s difficult putting him in the same category with Frank, but then one never knows. It’s all in how you get acquainted, and I suppose I’m waiting for that big acquaintance to take place. Maybe he can join us on a sunny Mexican beach.
Until then, I’ll keep enjoying Frank’s company whether it’s at a chance meeting at George’s or at Hibiscus or at a fabulous breakfast at Christina’ s. We enjoy each other, and that’s what counts. Frank is just one of those nice guys that you love to be around, and I definitely plan to keep up with this one for a long time.
About Damon Again
I guess it’s been awhile since I mentioned Damon in my column. He isn’t to be confused with the book baron. This is a young and handsome stud muffin, and I mean a really nice one at that.
I believe the last time I saw him was at the old Mirror Lounge on Third Street. (Gosh! I miss that place!) He was sitting across the bar with a friend, and I took their picture. I had wondered what had happened to him, and, great balls of goodness, he showed up in the Lords of Leather den last Saturday.
It was one of the best surprises I’ve had in quite some time, and this was all due to Little John who brought him along for the meeting. His guest status was actually after the meeting adjourned, but nevertheless, he was one of the most welcomed ones I can ever recall.
I go back with Damon quite a number of years. I think I lusted after him, but then I’ve done that with so many guys I guess he’s just another notch in my gun of life. Whatever his relationship is with Little John, I hope it is a good and lasting one. Both are so deserving of a little happiness, and I can’t think of it happening to two nicer people.
Oh, and by the way, if a sitter is ever needed with this one, I’ll be the first to volunteer. I’m sure that would be okay with LJ.
The Big Holiday Ahead
If you haven’t been to the Spanish Town Mardi Gras Parade, you have missed a wild and crazy event. It’s quite unlike any of the parades you see in New Orleans and other cities. After all, look at the way it started.
A bunch of happy go-lucky gay studs got together and went parading around Spanish Town in a convertible and started a tradition that has grown over the years. It is now an eagerly awaited event with people camping out the night before along the main streets of downtown Baton Rouge. Between this event and the July 4th fireworks spectacle, old Red Stick can claim the Saturday before Mardi Gras as their very own.
The following day, lots of Red Stickers, especially the leather variety, merge on the St. Bernard Cultural Center in Chalmette for one of the biggest and the best of the Mardi Gras balls. The Lords of Leather Bal Masque XX is going to be a special event this year. With a theme of "A Different Drummer," these guys are going to show how they march to a different tune and a very special one at that. If you think you know leather, you may be in for a shock. This is a history lesson you will never forget.
On Lundi Gras, Onva always throws a big party at his place in the French Quarter, but I’m not sure he’s going to follow through with that this year. He is one of those very nice (and silent) workers at the LOL ball. He’s a major supporter and very much appreciated. He’s just a very nice person to know, and I’m pleased to have him as a friend.
Mardi Gras day is always a big one in the French Quarter. You haven’t experienced this event until you do it on the balcony of Ambush. It’s like a private party but it is also one of the most enduring events of the ball season. It is much anticipated, and if you show, they will throw. They have the biggest beads on Bourbon Street, and they will share the balcony this year with the new King Cake Queen X and her Queenateena friends. Teryl-Lynn Foxx will be the reigning "Voodoo Queen" and will be leading this 16th year of celebration.
With the celebration ending at midnight, the streets are cleared and the Lenten season begins. In a way, it is the beginning of a new year of celebration, but it is also the end of something very special. If you get the chance to attend this year, make the most of it. Otherwise, you will have to wait for Southern Decadence to do it again.
Did I say Southern Decadence? My goodness! Time does fly when you are having fun!
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