Holy crap....ok time to catch up.

Ok so since I stepped up who could tell one would not have time to keep up on the blog? Wow is it crazy busy!

So lets catch up over the next few days!

September 2-6, 2010

Three days after step up am off to Anchorage, Alaska.  The really far Great White North!  So I hop on this little puddle jumper to fly into Seattle and then transfer to Anchorage.  The flight was ok but I got into a bit of a squabble with the attendant.  So I get on the plane with my jewels (not the family ones!) in my carry on and he turns to me and states that's not going to fit in the overhead.  Pish Posh!  It always fits in the overhead...well guess what...it didn't!  So he tells me we can put it under the plane....umm yeah not gona happen on your gay flight attendant ass!!  There is no way my jewels are going underneath.  Well there is a little closet at the front of the plane with might I add poorly packed luggage.  My bag can fit in their quite fine...but does the air stuart let me?  No...he's like it has to go under the plane.  I advised hell to the no its my jewels and they are fragile and in no way do I trust the monkeys loading things under the plane with my jewels.  So after a few choice words he advises me well you can put it under your seat but you will have less leg room.  Well duh!  Thanks captain obvious...but if ya haven't noticed there are like 10 people on the plan...Im sure I can stretch into the seat beside me.  That's the first part...then its later in the afternoon, early evening on the second plane.  Well that one is full of wonderful old ladies and the gayest of flight attendants you could imagine...more gay that that joke about the flight attendant and the princess!

So after a few extra shots in my drinks and a 3 hour plane ride and 1 phone number later, I land in Anchorage!

Eldon picks me up and its the most beautiful airport I've seen since traveling over the past 5 years!  We pop into Mad Myrna's for a couple cocktails and then off to Rosie Rotten's where we are staying for the next two days till Saturday.  Thursday is a nice laid back day with a roast at one of the martini bars.  Now I will say one thing...Alaskan's know how to drink....REALLY drink!  And this is just the first night...we make it back to Rosie's after the show and after a few more cocktails, off to bed...its been a long night.

So friday is the In Town show...fabulous performers and its wonderful meeting so many people.  It is truly amazing how an entire state bands together to raise money.  So plans are falling into place for their weekend and I get asked to sing the Canadian National anthem.  WOW! What an honour!

Saturday...oh my...what a day!

So we start with a light breakfast and up early that day so we can go on the Bear Run that they do every year.   They pile people on buses and send them down do a biker bar in the middle of nowhere. So we start the day off with a couple of shots, pile on the bus, the servers get stripped of their shirts and let the party begin!  Hot HOT HOTTT!  Jello shooters, beers and a 45 min drive.  What a blast...

We pull into the parking lot of this place and Eldon and I jump of the back of the bus and in we go.  So the thing with this place?  They sell $10 dollar pitchers of Alabama Slammers.  Great deal...so many photos and chit chat and drinking takes place until the bbq is ready.  Now I have to admit I know the picture is out there...and may be on my facebook somewhere...of a picture with my head through a hole in the wall and a sign that states "I was mounted in Alaska!"  How true it could be...there are a lot of VERY hot bears there!

So one of the other afternoon participation events is the competition of Emperor of Bear None Alaska.  Its a party title that comes with a walk at their coronation.  So I win for Emperor and the Empress that wins is Bootsie Carmichael, current Empress from Las Vegas...guess I got another wife this year!

Well we get back to Anchorage and back to the hotel.  Not even time for a nap...just a nibble and then off to the Out of Town show.  I get ready to do my performance and I am quite hammered at this point.  Thanks ALASKA!  But luckily enough not drunk enough that I can't pull out a flawless performance.  

So some of the wonderful people I met there was the Ho Family...of course I get made the

Oh Canada Ho...along with that I became a member of the Manacotti and Rotten families.  That makes me the Rotten Ho Manacotti.  Fun! 

Well the end of the night is coming to a close and I can be found in the cooler with Ma....MAAAAAAaaa!

She's the mother of the Ho family...the woman has the best watermellons on the planet.  And I don't mean what you are thinking! Its actual watermelon soaked in vodka....damn skippy thats good.  Needless to say it wasn't that great the next morning coming back up!  Sunday becomes a write off and I recover most of the day after protocol is in.  Coronation comes around and I am still ill.  But as they say, "Chin up, Boobs out, Its show time!"  I make it through coronation and a few cocktails later I start feeling better.  The night draws to a close and they crown the winners. Empress Paige and Emperor Cory.  What a wonderful couple!

may have mI spend the night hanging out and drinking with Cory.  Its wonderful actually getting to know Cory more that night.  Monday is laxed and sleep caught up on and finally my time to leave this wonderful magical place (and believe me Disney Land has nothing on Anchorage!).  After an all night flight and transfer I am back in Edmonton and resting.  But the weekend couldn't be what it was without a few special people so a big shout out goes to Cory, Paige, Eldon, Joni, Victor, Ma, Pasta Mama Manacotti, Spike, Scott and anyone else Iissed.  

And the winner is...

So needless to say life was a zoo from the out of town show onwards...so lets catch you up on the weekend's events...

The Out of Town Show was held at The Junction Bar and Eatery.  In case you haven't heard its our newest gay bar.  Very quaint, wonderful owners and nice dark corners!  But don't let that fool you...everything you do can be seen!  And whether you are hungry or not you HAVE to order something from their menu!  It's to die for...personal recommendations are the turkey sandwich.  They actually cook turkeys to have real turkey meat!

Dee and I worked the door that night and it was a stellar show with people from all over the Imperial Court System.  Not a soul got past us as we are big on everyone being equal and contributing to the organizations success.  Even the candidates Dee and I paid for our tickets and we worked the event.  We finished the second set and finished the door at that point.  Now we could chat and talk with our out of town guests.  Some of us had a little too much fun drinking with our friends...I finally managed to sleep at around 3.

Saturday August 28, 2010....Crowing Day.  Am I nervous...not when I first wake up cause Mike and I run to get coffee and muffins for the girls.  When I get back however, and think of everything I had to do...the nerves kicked in fulltime and I was a mess.  We finally got to the hotel at 1:45 pm and I had to race up to Hospitality to hand in my protocol.  Just made it but nerves still were driving me crazy.  Lucky Dee takes me over to the bar and the orange juice and vodka takes the nerves away.  We do a lot of last minute running around, a couple more cocktails and then its show time.  5:24 pm....

Now for those who don't know what a coronation is like...its something you must check out.  6 hours of drag and protocol that is sure enough to entertain anyone....including my coworkers who finally managed to get there and find the hotel.  They must have arrived while I was upstairs changing for my candidate number.

So it starts off with a few glitches, bar performers not there yet, costume problems, you name it and all of a sudden they are 30 min ahead.  SH*T!  I run up to my room, throw makeup on, the costume and all of a sudden there is a knock at my door!  Its my roomate and president of the board. I'm on right now!  So I race downstairs and find that Dee is performing.  I was supposed to be before her so luckily I am ready and perform.  The nerves are completely gone and I hit that stage like I was meant to be on it.  Our number is practically flawless and after I am done the amount of people coming to me including some of the craziest performers in our community are amazed.  My number is fierce.  I start off in full suit, glasses and hat, do a little diddy, then my back up dancers lift this huge hoop with curtains on it and while I costume change, the curtains drop and here I am in leather pants, a white corset pvc, and a pair of pantyhose fishnet style stretched across my back and shoulders down my arms.  It's hot and something totally I don't wear at all.  I will have to keep this standard of performing up now! Pictures coming soon I hope as my camera didnt have any!

Finally, the time comes, the fourth set has just about finished and Dee and I are sequestered in the back room.  Its nerve racking waiting there for the previous monarchs to come get you.  Then all of a sudden they are their and your wisked rapidly down the hall and awaiting at the door and all you can hear from the outside is Your newly electeded Monarchs Emperor 35 Lj Steele and Empress 35 Dee Luv!  

Protocol is read, crowns are placed and its time to start and we turn to greet our kingdom.  

Now there were many times I have watched others step into this position, cry, complain, love and laugh and just be massively affected by the power of this situation.  I, for the most part just shook my head and said its crazy, I will be humble and kind and composed and nothing will cause me to react.  WRONG!  When you see the people standing there to congratulate you and say their respects its so surreal and when you see your partner there waiting to be first...well you cry to be honest cause there is just so much emotion to take in.  I'm very much an empath and react to those around me so I have learned to create a huge barrier to prevent this but those walls came crashing down.  And do you know what?  I am glad it happened.  That feeling right there is one that changes you as a person and how you see things.  Even now drawing on that memory I mist up.  There is no other sensation in the world and for everyone you see to be involved and a part of it is one of the best treasures in the world.

So dinner is ready and I will be back later to tell you the groundwork for our year.

Much Love and Puppy Kisses,

His Most Imperial and Sovereign Majesty, The XXXV Elected Superhero Wannabee, Playful Puppy Emerald Emperor of Edmonton and all of Northern Alberta

Lj Steele

One Show Down.....

Well its official...I'm on the homestretch to Coronation XXXV!  Last night was the in town show at Flash Niteclub (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=110626435626517&ref=ts) where we kicked off the weekend festivities.  Now I know I haven't been able to update this much the past week but with many 3 am nites spent on preparing outfits, doing choreography, making sure stuff is place etc etc its been kinda busy...my future kingdom for a RED BULL!

So we had over 20 performers last night at our in town show with many title holders and the wonderful Buddy's Beauty's!  There was also courts from Vancouver, Las Vegas, Calgary and Winnipeg there.  My apologies if I have missed anyone!  It was a wonderful show had by all with some numbers that were crazy, made you cry, made you laugh and made you go WTF!  Even some virgin performers were out last night which we love to see.  If Dee and I are successful we want to foster and mentor this growth of our community with these new performers...after all...who will perform when the Old Ones are gone (Dee!!!) just kidding!

So tonight is our second night and I thought I would take a few minutes to let you know the remainder of the weekend...would love to see the followers out and about at the events.

In Town Show
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Location Flash Nightclub
$5.00 Cover (everyone pays)
Showtime 9:00 - Protocol 8:00 (NO LATE PROTOCOL)
Hosted by In Town halves Marni Gras and Jim McBride

NEW- Awards will be given out on this evening and not at the ball

Mother Jean Lawson

President's Award

Citizen of the Year

Millicent Lifetime Achievement Award

Out of Town Show

Friday, August 27, 2010
Location The Junction (former Boots location)
$10.00 cover (everyone pays)
Showtime 9:00 - Protocol 8:00 (NO LATE PROTOCOL)
Hosted by Out of Town Halves (Roxy/Breyanna/Cory)
Big Onion Command - Will be selling "raffle" tickets for this, the winner will be allowed to give the command to whomever they want.

Hospitality

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Managed by Empress Ida Claire

10:00 - 3:00 & After ball until 3:00 AM

Located in the Hotel 

Coronation Protocol

Saturday, August 28, 2010

11:00 - 1:00 (NO LATE PROTOCOL ACCEPTED)

one walk one title please

send advance PROTOCOL to Biggayball@shaw.ca

Coronation

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Doors open 5PM, Coronation begins 5:34 PM

Coast Edmonton Plaza

www.coasthotels.com

10155 105 Street Northwest
Edmonton, AB T5J 1E2
(780) 423-4811
Please call directly and ask to be put in the ISCWR block
Room rates are $109.00 per night + taxes

Opening number by Anniversary Monarchs

Ticket Prices $40.00 in advance $50.00 door

Seating first come, first served

Silent Auction 

Victory Brunch

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Location The Junction (former Boots location)

$20.00 cover

11:00 AM

Coronation Survivor's Mimosa Party

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Location Woodys

Following the Victory brunch

Tough Drag

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Location Woodys 

9:00 PM 

The important part to note is to make sure you get out and vote at the Coast Plaza on Saturday at 5:34!

See you all out and about!

What is the Imperial Soverign Court of the Wild Rose

The Imperial Sovereign Court of the Wild Rose (www.iscwr.ca) is operated by The New Royalist Social Society of Northern Alberta. The N.R.S.S.N.A. is a registered non-profit society incorporated in the Province of Alberta under The Societies Act of Alberta.

The mission of the N.R.S.S.N.A. is to raise funds, through activities by the Imperial Sovereign Court of the Wild Rose, for charities and other organizations which either provide direct services to the gay community of Edmonton or which work to promote an accepting attitude to gays and lesbians in the community as a whole.

The Society is governed by a Board of Directors elected at the Annual General Meeting, held at the end of September. 

The mission of the Imperial Sovereign Court of the Wild Rose Social Association is to foster and promote acceptance of gay positive attitudes.

In addition to some of the other positive aspects of the Court System, perhaps the best is that our organization is open to everyone. Our membership is made up of every aspect of society lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and heterosexual. A person's gender, lifestyle or mode of dress has no bearing on being a member of the court "family." 

The objectives of the ISCWR are to:

1. to provide funds to the John M. Kerr Memorial Scholarship fund
   
2. provide a forum for education, support and acceptance of all sexual orientations and lifestyles
   
3. to further relationships with businesses and organizations within our local communities
   
4. to hold functions and fundraisers to benefit the communities
   
5. to help those in the community who are in need of our assistance.

Campaing Posters

The man of steele....Only a true superman geek here!

And in case you are wondering I'm as playful as a puppy and follow human k9 traits...google it if your daring...

Let the games begin!!!

Hey Folks!

Sorry I'm a little late...just let me catch my breath!  Note to self no marathons unless I quit smoking!

So the campaign for Emperor and Empress XXXV started on July 28, 2010, and what a start it had!  It was a crazy couple weeks leading up to the start with many 2:00 am nights.  Posters to design, sash to create, emails to send, business cards to get done, photos to catch up on and lots of communication!  But we were ready to go and my campaign actually started in the wee early morning hours of July 28 with a facebook status change!  WOW! Over 30 well wishes by the time I got home from work that day.  Thanks to those of you who visited me on Lj Steele's Fan Page on face book!  It is now coincidentally changed to Lj Steele for Emperor XXXV!

So I am the sole candidate for Emperor XXXV and my counterpart is a queen in the city of champions that goes by the name of Dee Luv.  Now we are no strangers to each other as 2 years ago we ran as prince and princess XXXII together.  So we know what we were getting into when we decided we wanted to be together as Emperor and Empress.  We work well together and just seem to compliment each other even if she is old enough to be my mother...or father depending on which way he's tucked!  What this means being sole candidates is that we actually are simply campaigning against ourselves for a YES or NO vote.  Even though we are out there working towards stepping up next year, we are out there to support the end of the 34th Imperial Reign of Big Daddy Pump and Ivanna Diamonds...

So we started out night out at Woody's pub...Dee decided to start there as she was thinking of wings as she hadn't eaten...have you ever tried to eat chicken wings in drag with lipstick on?  Not a pretty sight!  Luckily she bows out of the chicken (well the food anyways cause there was enough young skinny boys out that night) and we kick off our fist stop of the night.  Terrance is the manager of Woody's and we listen to some of the local patrons singing Karaoke!  Some were great and some well....lets just say they won't be on American Idol for any reason!  But kudos to them for getting up there....I know its not easy getting up on a mike!  So from there we head over to PRISM www.prismbar.ca.  But not before we stop in to our soon to be newcomer to the gay bars Junction!  Deb and Tracy, current owners of Prism have been working feverishly with members of our community to get what used to be BOOTS Bar revamped and up and running for our entire community, not focusing on any one staple of our community!  Its coming along and the plans they have are wonderful!  I sit eagerly by awaiting its open.  Maybe I will even try and swing down next week and grab a hammer to help!

So at PRISM its our local wing and Karaoke bar on a Wednesday night and many supporters of our organization are there awaiting our arrival despite nearly being carried off by mosquito's!  And believe me with all the reign we have had in Edmonton, my elbows and ankles look like pin cushions!  Popping in we have a couple cocktails and sing a couple songs before wanting to head to our next location.  I do have to say a special thanks to Dayzi and Jeffylube XXXpress for bringing me back a gift from their New York trip...when I said bring me back something sparkly they listened!  I know have two beautifully sequined fedoras to add to my already extensive hat collection....loves my sparkly precious!

Our next stop is Play Niteclub, our trance and house contender.  Wonderful subterranean location and great vibe!  Its the pre-shambalah party tonight and for anyone who has ever gone knows what a party Shambalah Music Festival can be.  Its a little quiet but of course we are super early so this gives Dee and I a great opportunity to open up and share some of our past experiences.  You know...the typical first date chatter...and if we are to be husband and wife this upcoming year then communication is the key!  This is a valuable conversation and I was so happy we got the chance to just sit and chat!

Lastly we are off to Buddy's which is the same location as Woody's but just downstairs.  www.buddysedmonton.com.  One thing you can always count on is this bar...they are ALWAYS there when you need them and the staff there couldn't be friendlier!  It was my major haunt back when I was a skinny little go go boy twink!  Oh the glory days....So after a few cocktails and some chit chat with the staff our night has come to an end for night one of a fabulous campaign.

Our next official campaign show is August 7 at Prism so hope to see you all out and about!

One small step for Lj...many more on the road ahead....

WOW!  Ok..so its a reality.  College meeting tonight of past monarchs...what a fabulous process.  I really felt I was prepared and things got put into perspective tonight.  Been a tense couple of weeks preparing this application and I felt I was truly ready to handle the interview process...and I must have been as my application was accepted.  So I stayed late at work as the meeting wasn't starting till 7.  So off to prism I go. www.prism.ca  Ooops its closed...no sense sitting waiting for over an hour on an empty stomach!  So I decide to go for a bit to eat...how suitable. A sushi restaurant beside a lesbian bar...ok maybe I will convert for an hour or so!  Woo hoo..all you can eat...so I sit there and have my attention split between the book I am reading, the cute little asian girls that keep giggling at me and you guessed is SOCCER!  I love to watch this sport...have you ever seen an ugly soccer or rugby player? 

Pop on over to the meeting where I spent a good part of the meeting outside perched on a pole...insert what joke you like here...waiting for my turn to come in.  Happily I have found out the candidate for Empress is the person I was hoping to run with Dee Luv.  She finishes her interview and leaves for work as I am called in.  Now this totally feels like I am in a John Grisham novel as I walk to the front of the pack.  And I use pack..each one of them sitting their, eyes on you like your a lemur in the frozen tundra, ready to pounce like a bunch of hungry wolves.  I take my seat at the front and await.  My application is reviewed and apparently I need to use more comas...too many run on sentences?  NEVER! its part of my charm.  Insert breathe here!  Then come the questions...I couldn't be happier to have been asked all the ones I am.  It helps me learn and it certainly did tonight.  I never knew I can come across as bullheaded or headstrong.  Usually I have an idea, go for it, ask peoples thoughts and try to help them learn my vision.  Note to self...must learn to listen more carefully...SQUIRREL!  But on a serious note...it was beneficial.  They college takes its recommendation to the board immediately after my review upon which the board votes on their recommendations.  Good news.  I am advised immediately following the board meeting my application has been approved and I can commence campaigning as of July 28, 2010.  So...bring on the preparations, the thoughts and the meetings with Dee (the Empress candidate) to prepare for a successful campaign.  So what is this crazy world I am a part of...stay tuned for my next entry..The ISCWR!