I got back into Tattooing.

 Before this month, I had not used a "Tattoo Machine" in over 17 years... on top of that, it was not even a "real" machine( ask most Pro's out there and what I am using now shouldn't be counted either). It was a "Home Made Gun" built from a walkman motor, bent spoon for the frame, mechanical pencil for the Tube and Tip and yep... a guitar string for my needle. All hooked up to a Radio Shack adjustable power unit and light switch... I was the "High School After School Tattoo Artist" workin' in his garage, from 2:30-5:30, until my Mom got home... You wanted "Black Flag Bars", "Anarchy Symbol", "A Yin-Yang", "Boots", "Dead Kennedys", "FEAR"... whatever, any punk rock or simple design you wanted, I'd put it in ya! HAHAHAHA!!! I gave it up shortly there after a drunkin' afternoon session when I gave myself a pretty deep scar where a Modern Tribalism Tattoo was supposed to be. It was also around the time I was getting into "Body Piercing".

 I started working for Jeri 'Shiva' Mezler @ Spear of Shiva (the only Body Piercing Shop in the Central Vally) in September of 1994, Down at 222 W. Olive Ave. just outside the Tower Dist. Very shortly after we moved down the street to the "Art House" location(in the Tower), where I would spend the majority of my Apprenticeship. He started me at the bottom. Cleaning, running errands, Driving him everywhere, reading tons of books(like my Gauntlet Guide, Mien Kampf, Psychology and Basic Anatomy books), watching Charles Gatewood Videos, making body jewelry and setting up for him and the other two Piercers in the shop who had completed their Apprenticeships ahead of me, first Julian 'Ganesha' Martinez in 95 and second Dana Dinius in early 96 (who was also my roommate, toward the end of my apprenticeship). I loved it! I really learned allot about Basic Body Piercing techniques and Jewelry making. Didn't get paid AT ALL for the first year, but... he did get me hired on over at Cafe Intermezzo. I worked there nights and some mornings, the rest of the time, I was at Spears. My second year is where things opened up for me. After being a "Pin Cushion" for every type of Piercing you can imagine, I was aloud to assist and finally perform "Basic" body piercings. I took to it like a fish to water! Ears, Nostrils and Navels, I did nothing but those for about four months, then I got to do my first Lip, then an eyebrow a month later. The waiting for something new was KILLING ME!!! So, I asked Jeri what he thought about me practicing on friends after hours back at my condo. He was good with it, so long as I made sure to tell everyone, I was not performing their work as a "Spear of Shiva" employee... So, "The Process" was born. (I got the name from the Skinny Puppy CD that was released around that time, I liked to listen to it as I worked. Still one of my all time favorite albums.)

 That was the name I took on for my shop, in my home. Jeri gave me my very own "Medical Exam Table" and helped me get some new tools, let me make jewelry for my jobs, so long as I made what he and the other guys needed first and gave me needles, most of the time free, but if I did pay for them it was with a very nice discount. Things were going great! I completed my second year under Jeri and decided to continue working from my place and for him part time, pretty much so I could continue to get my supplies and help him in a Jewelry venture we were hoping to get. I was averaging 12 to 15 piercings a week, not bad for a guy only open from 8pm to 12am Thursday through Saturday, Monday through Wednesday by appointment only. I did everything! Nipples, Nostrils, Navels and Tongues were my bread and butter! Flat piercings, Lip's, Eyebrow's, Lebret's, Septum's, Orbital's, Conche's, Treagus, Labia, Hoods, P.A.'s, Frenums, Lowrums and all other specialties were what I loved to do, what I lived for! Stretching were fun but once I showed people how to do it themselves, I really only ever had to do it on a special case basis. I made my own tapers and plugs, used Master locks and U Bolts as ear weights. Good times!

 I am realizing, I got completely side tracked talking about my "Piercing History" rather than why I gave up Tattooing, till now. During the time I worked for Jeri we had a tattoo artist named Nate Banuelos. His side of the shop was called "Acme Art". He was like a God to me! His color work was so impressive and his technique so down I figured I could never be as good as him. He did a custom freehand eyeball tattoo on my right shoulder, it's a dedication piece to Tim Armstrong, from when he saved me from getting my ass kicked by a bunch of skinheads looking to beat up punks in Berkeley, but that's another story for another time... Now, where was I? Shortly after we moved to the "Art House", a second Tattoo Artist came to the shop, Ron Earhart. This guy is INSANE!!! His work completely blew me out of the water! I had never really checked out "Bio Mech" before, it's pretty cool shit, come to find out it's what he specializes in now. After watching he and Nate work, it was over... my thoughts of ever becoming a Tattoo artist were toast. Until this year.

 A very good friend of mine Ruben Garcia has been honing his craft of Tattoo Artistry and performed a couple pieces on me as experiments to test his abilities. It blew me away to know that he has only been Tattooing less than two years! His work is Sick! One afternoon when on a mission to procure supplies for Ruben's Tattoo ventures I ran into a very good old friend of mine, who low and behold is a Tattoo artist as well. We all began talking about one thing or another and Ruben asked me, "Why don't you give it a try man?" Will, my old friend whom I used to know as Billy stated, "Yeah man give it a shot, the only thing you have to lose is the time spent learning and trying."

un-noticed, I can and will cause those around me to reconsider their predisposed judgements of who and what I'm all about. I had major support from Ruben and Will to do this, they were ready to pour knowledge and resources into my lap and were just waiting for the word, "Go!"

The Wybie and Coraline Photo Board I did for our Pumpkin Patch (Wybie's Pumpkin Patch) Cool name huh? Yea, my Wife is pretty Awesome!

A Kintaro I spent an evening drawing the line art and then coloring in pencil, to work up to tattooing.

 So... with the two of them donating gear to me, I pieced together a "Beginner/Apprentice Type Kit" and started working on stencils. I started watching videos, mimicking line strokes with my pens and color pencils, creating flash and stencil line art in my notebook, my Machine still un-touched. Ruben gave me a call one day, "Well, you try out that machine I gave you yet?" "Naw mang, I'm still warming up to it, been drawing allot and practicing shading and coloring techniques." "Don't be scared Rob, get in there and do it! You got all those pumpkins left over at you place, hit um up!" He was right, I have about 30 or so leftover pumpkins from a patch. But Will gave me a couple huge sheets of practice skin to mess with, so I went to work on that first... not knowing exactly what to expect.

My very First Outline, took 12min.

Changed up settings on my Machine and Did the color work, took 90min.

 This progress got me excited! So I started free handing, letters, shapes, all kind of stuff on the practice skin. Then I had this Geisha I had downloaded the Line Art for from the Internet, but had no color example. So I used my imagination and drew it up on my sketchbook.

The Geisha and another piece of Flash I borrowed and re-drew.

 But I had to Tattoo her! My machine seemed to be running a little sloppy and unpredictable, kept dropping out at particular angles and would often stick or jam up going into the practice skin. So, online research time! I watched video after video of how to tune my machine and set it up correctly for Outlining. I also paid a visit to Will and he hooked me up with a stainless 3 round tip, barrel and grip. Since I have a box of 3rl (Round Liner) needles, it just seemed right to use instead of the disposable one I had been... re-using. Fixed the shorting out issue by replacing the top washer on my rear spring with a "Dime", tightened everything up and checked it out. WHAT A DIFFERENCE!!! The balance, the weight, grip size and better control, running super smooth! I was ready to get down!

The Geisha Outline on Practice Skin.

 That was it, I was hooked! But I only had so much practice skin and what about those Pumpkins? 

First Pumpkin Tattoo.

And after that, the rest is history...

 Rotten Robbie (All Freehand)

 Traditional Anchor (from stencil of Flash)

 Freehand Dagger. (dried out quick without enough Bag Balm)

 Freehand Dragon Outline

 Freehand Fire and Blossoms, with rings for smoke later... (yet to do the smoke)

 More work on the Dragon.

 Freehand Lil' Dark Angel.

 Hello Kitty, Traditional. Blew my stencil, so done mostly freehand. (Bird is evident)

 Snake. There is much more to it, all freehand, but in the conservation of time and space, I'm only showing the front of it... (perhaps the rest another time)

Hello Jason! (It's not even Friday the 13th)

 Well there you have it, my work to date, well except for my other work making stencils and re-drawing line art. But it is good practice. Not sure how long it will be till I Tattoo someone, but I'll make sure to post pic's. I'm happy doing what I'm doing for now and that is enough for me. Thanks for looking! "Cheers!!!"

I've become a Twit.

http://twitter.com/#!/ThatRottenGuy

That where I be.

Peas.

I'm back...

 Tonight a heated debate started on, of all places, Facebook. I know right... but well, some valuable points were made and tho they were few, I don't mean in Farmville or Dope Pedlar, Mafia War or whatever other game they have to keep you logged in and "occupying" the page when you could be far more productive elsewhere.

 Should you choose to follow that thread here is a link:

 http://www.facebook.com/robert.harwood It's the most recent thing I posted, it talks about the confusion over the OWS "Occupy Wall Street" or "99%" whatever label suit you best. All because I chose to share the photos of the leftover mess on the streets of our beloved City of Angeles.

The below rant is my closing statement pulled, so not to add more dung to the pile, I chose to post it here since I feel, everyones shit needs to go somewhere... enjoy.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  Hell yes, always Stand for Something! The youth are so passionate, they know it all and have all the answers... But, not really. They gotta get out there and make a mess, strike out on their own for a bit, know what it is to struggle and provide for someone other than themselves. I miss(but not really) the solo days of living on Doritos and bong rips, watching "Mi Vida Loca" with not a damn thing to do. But we all gotta grow up, put our big boy pants on and get kicked in the teeth once in a while... The world loves to kick you, especially when you are down. I stopped letting it for sometime now, even when life is bad, I know it could get worse, the trip is not to let it. So I do what I gotta not to let it. I chose my Faith in God and his word to see me threw the darkest hours, cause there is always a light, his light! You just have to know where to look. I can show you, took me a very long time to recognize, but I have and you can too! But that is another conversation, for another time and I am willing to have it with any one of you, just not right now. "Cheers!!!"

 Back to the topic at hand.

 Yea, we had a open and detailed conversation at my in-laws over the Thanksgiving Meal regarding this situation. My Wife's cousin Joey was nearly in the Oakland riot not far from his home, he was lucky enough to disperse and duck into a bar to escape violence and arrest. The one time, as we all joked, his Grandmother was glad and gave thanks to God... he was in a bar. We all came to the same conclusion. We are glad people are wanting to take a stand, or be it "a sit" in this case and say something... But what are they saying!?!? What do they want, how do they plan to achieve it and what kinds of steps need to be taken to make something happen? Cause this "us against them" mentality is getting them nowhere. The media only shows you what they want you to see and hear. Violence, unwashed masses, people yelling with their mouths shut, gnashing of teeth. Who is going to stand up for these groups? Be a Voice, a Leader to get them organized and united? Put a pamphlet of information in every hand, on every doorstep, car window and storefront? Graffiti, tho it looks nice ain't sayin' shit! Ranting threw megaphones at one time was music to my ears, now just causes them to ring. What is to be done of this? Keep getting arrested for coping a squat in a park like a vagrant? What will it prove?

 Screw "The Man", little or big! Screw Greed(corporate or otherwise), Gluttony, The War's, Hunger, Homelessness, Addiction, Alcoholism, Fascism, Capitalism, Communism, Socialism, any ism and schism! "You pickin' up what I'm puttin' down!?!?" "Flee from the City, it's getting Shitty!" Need I go on... all we are saying, give Peace a Chance?

 You know what I want to occupy? A Flippin' Job! I'd like to be able to pay my bills on time, every time! I'm not trying to get over on anybody, just a semi-educated, blue collar guy doing his best to raise a family and provide for their future! Is that wrong!?!? What's your American Dream?

 Hea, "99%", "OWSers", "Occupy Army" or whatever other bumpersticker you wanna wear, just so I can figure out where I need to fit in, tell me what you want... or sit the F down! I got shit to do!

I'm out... PEACE.

I have been away from my computer...

 and blogging from my phone is frustrating.

 So Sit tight and I'll be back soon.

"Cheers!!!"

-Rob.

Aww Naw Son... It's Black Jesus!

BLACK JESUS

  Man, this ain't right, right here... but damn it's funny!!! And another reason why I have a content warning! So sit back, chill and don't take it serious... it's just comedy! Peace!

I hope you laughed...

Peace!

OMC How Bizarre

 It really is amazing the effect music has on us. The way it shapes our memories and holds us in a place and time, if just for a moment... This fact is so very true for me when I listen to the "How Bizarre" Album by OMC (Otara Millionaires Club). I'm sure many of you remember them as a one hit wonder by their hit single by the same name, "How Bizarre". But I know them from their album in it's entirety. I love this CD! So severely underrated. This album really had no success in the States, but in other countries, especially "New Zealand"(where the group comes from) it got much play and was in a solid rotation. Spawning many singles for radio play. None hit bigger than "How Bizarre", but still gained recognition.

 My favorite tracks, "Land of Plenty", "Right On", "On the run", "How Bizarre", "Never Coming Back" and "Lingo with the Gringo". Not that I don't love the rest! But these stand out to me. I really like this album set to loop in a CD player. I can let it run 3 to 4(hell sometimes more) times over. The beats, rhythms and rhymes. Use of horns and so much percussion. This album has it all, a real treat. So much better than the crap we are forced to endure each time we flip on the "Clear Channel®" station of choice. But you really have no choice... "Radio plays what they want you to hear"(Thanks REEL BIG FISH) and it's mostly commercials. I refuse to play that game, so I dig threw my old stacks and racks to give me sonic freedom!

 I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Pauly Fuemana (Jan 31st 2010), the lead vocalist and driving force of the duo that was OMC. Alan Jansson was the other half of the band and due to conflicts over royalties, the two split from making music together in 1998. So "How Bizarre" was their one and only release. For me, it's one of my favorite "Summertime CD's". It invokes dreams of long road trips and playing at the beach, warm breezes and sitting in an EZ-Chair with a beer, letting the sounds pour over you like the rays of the "hot hot sun". I really can not imagine a world where this music does not exist. This album speaks truth and triumph for it's young artists, coming up from humble beginnings in Auckland. Otara is one of the poorest suburbs in Auckland. However, this album and it's hit single have become the countries largest selling musical export of it's kind. "How Bizarre" is the biggest selling record ever to be released by an act originating from and recorded in New Zealand. Having sold around four million copies world wide.

 I was lucky enough to have an early release which came with(Track 11) the cover song of " I Love LA". I remember thinking it was my least favorite song on the album, back in the late 90's. But cherish it now, as I do the rest.

Please enjoy a few choice tracks

 I really hope you took the time to check out these songs, I dig each of them. Thank you for your time.

"Cheers!!!"

My Baby Loves J-Pop!!!

 At the end of my wife's favorite Anime, "Bleach" there is a very catchy little song that get's my baby girl up and dancing! The following video is her jam!

"My Pace" - SunSet Swish

"Go Baby Go!!!"

"Enjoy!!!"

Happy Saturday!!!

 Today I would like to play a little music!

"Enjoy!"

ZWAN: Honestly

David Bowie: Heroes

ThieveryCorporation: Web of deception

The Jealous Sound: The Fold Out

ZWAN: Lyric

Here comes my faith, to carry me on
a faith, not a grave
a fight to stay strong
so I stand accused of playing numb
I know it as wrong
for I give my strength
I give my heart
take these chains
and hold them as ours
for I must shine
and I will a star
in a season all mine

a lyric, a time, a crusade, a line
one minute, a friend, a road without end
a lyric, a time, a crusade, a line
one minute, a friend, a road without end

so here is the view
I cast about
I'm leaving no room
for you to get out...
you'll never get out

Dove, can't you cry without an aside
be warm invite
I need you as my way
across my life
to spend these years
create a new thought
for I give you strength
and offer my heart
take these chains
and hold them as ours
for I must star
and I will shine
in a season all mine

a lyric, a time, a crusade, a line
one minute, a friend, a road without end
a lyric, a time, a crusade, a line
one minute, a friend, a road without end
a lyric, a time, a crusade, a line
one minute, a friend, a road without end
a lyric, a time, a crusade, a line
one minute, a friend, a road without end
a road without end

Hope you enjoyed!

"Cheers!!!"

Away from my desk

My two cents.

 Today I received two pennies with my change, from purchasing sugar for my coffee(gotta have it) and snacks for my children at the local Walgreens. The trip to the store is not the important aspect to the story, you see it's the two pennies.

 One, the first is dated 1964. What a time to have been born! The introduction of the Ford Mustang, Vietnam, Jeopardy(the game show) hits television, The Beatles dominate the pop charts, The Rolling Stones release their first album, James Bond is the Man in "From Russia with Love" and Malcolm X leaves the nation of Islam. What a crazy and exciting time in history! I know there was so much more happening then that I left out, but I think you get the point. What this penny must have seen and paid for. Yet, it's not worse for the wear, sure it shows signs of age but still has a brightness and clarity to it's appearance, all words are legible, especially the words "In God We Trust."

 The second is from 1994 and upon first glance of it's face it keeps up a good appearance. Defined lines and detail are present. You can see the waves of Lincoln's hair and the lucidity of his face. His beard is clear and defined… still something is a miss. Deep gouges in his coat are present and hard scratches on his collar can be easily seen. Though his face is clear, his eye is tarnished green and stained from time. The words I know by Faith are there, are illegible and covered by grime.

 I flipped both pennies over and revealed even more about their histories. It's amazing what we carry on our backs, the same is true for the life of a penny. Lincoln 64' is crisp and clean and aside from a few bits if tarnish in the word "United" I would have thought this penny was only but a few years old. Lincoln 94' is destroyed, cuts, scratches and deep, deep gouges are seen. Not one word is legible. Crust and grime is everywhere like a green veil hiding it's worth beneath.

 This is where I began to have a revelation, God dropped in, put a few things in my head and now I'd like to share them with you. Though both pennies are 30 years apart in age, they cary the same worth and value. However, their lives have changed them and made them severely different, in appearance.

 I would like to start with Lincoln 64'. This penny has aged gracefully. Every detail is clear, every word is legible and Lincoln's face is not distorted or covered in any way. This penny is 47 years of age and there is no question it has lived a full and good life thus far.

 Lincoln 94'… I wish I could say the same. But the evidence is clear. Years of neglect and abuse are obvious. Sure he puts up a good front, his hair is ok and his beard is clean, but he is dull and lacks vision. The deep scars and gouges are like cuts and holes to his very soul. Wounds that look like they will never heal. The unclear and covered words make a statement to me of, lacking faith and trust in God, covered by the filth and pain of the world. This penny is only 17 years old, but bears the pain of one much, much older. I identify with this penny in many ways… but there is good news.

 Like Lincoln 94' I too aged quickly before my years and felt like the scars I bore could never heal. I covered my heart over with the filth and pain of the world, my eyes were blind to the glory and I lacked vision in so many aspects of my life. It wasn't until I placed my faith in God that the layers of grime began to fall away, the scars started to heal and I began to feel clean and whole again. It's that cleansing, revealing, showing of love and restoration of Faith that bring Grace into your soul! Threw baptism I felt Faith renewed and I had the ability to shine!

 Well, the same came true for Lincoln 94'. I just gave him a bath in the sink. Threw pressing in and dedication I was able to smooth out the scars and gouges in his coat. From the washing of the water I was able to remove the grime and stains that covered his eyes. After much care and cleansing all words were evident, especially "In God We Trust". This penny went on a great journey and though we only just met, I know after today neither of us will ever be the same. This lil' guy will always be in my heart. 

 How about letting God do the same for you? 

That's my "Two Cents".
.Peace.

Well, I gotta say something...

"SOMETHING!!!"

In the immortal words of Rocket J. Squirrel, "Now here's something I hope you'll really like!"

I know I do... 

"Cheers!!!"

-Rob.

Remakes, Ripoffs and Reminiscent Youth.

 First, let me start by saying, "I LOVE HORROR MOVIES!!!" Always have always will! Anyone who knows me, I mean really knows me, understands my passion for the macabre and even respects the lengths I will go to to obtain only the choicest of "Cuts" for my collection(yes I really did that, hang on, there will be more). True at times I have been a bit of an Elitist or Über Nazi in regard to the films I will spend good money to see and own. Must be Original, Must be Blood, Must be Fresh… Now, this is not to say that I won't check out a low budget Slasher or Splatter Film from time to time or even a B-Movie "T n' A" Grinder. But where I have always known you can't go wrong, is in the big guys! Hooper, Romero, Craven, Cronenberg, Hitchcock, King and Carpenter. I left out Sam Raimi only to give distinction to his "Evil Dead" series(I love these movies), cause the Spiderman movies are good, but not horror! See, I also would have listed Ridley Scott, but… "Aliens" is Sci-Fi and though I do enjoy the merging of the two(Sci-Fi and Horror, for those of you not keeping up) I wanted to list the reflect "Horror" Writers, Directors and Producers.

 NOW… Time to rip threw the meat, dig in and really pull out the guts of this posting! To me, over the last 10 plus years it seems my beloved genre has been plagued by a virus on an epic scale… REMAKES!!! Nothing and I mean nothing has been pissing me off more than the serious desecration of bodies of work by these cheap knock offs! And now, to top it off… as if they hadn't worked over some of my absolute favorites. I'll give you a list, "My Bloody Valentine", "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre", "Halloween", "Prom Night" and "A Nightmare on Elm Street". These are only a few, there are soooo many more. But now… they are coming out with, "The Thing"!!! AAAARRGGGGHHHH!!! Why!?!?! Why must you take nearly every one of my favorite movies of my youth and shit on them!?!?

 Here's the thing… I'm gonna go see this movie. Why? Because, I want to see how good or bad it can be. Thing is, some of these remakes have been ok(can't believe I just said that, but it's true). Like if I had never seen the original "Texas Chainsaw Massacre", I would like the new one. It was dark and creepy and had good special effects, pretty good acting and a few new added twists. Not bad. But, why couldn't it have been a "New Body" of work!?!? Why a remake?

 I really like Rob Zombie, I have respect for him and his love of horror. But he took almost every move he grew up on and ripped them off! "House of 1000 Corpses" was not original it was a throw back to films of the 70's and 80's. Did it pay tribute, perhaps. Did it turn on a few new fans, maybe… was it original, No. His remakes of "Halloween" and "Halloween II" have made allot of money… still I have refused to see them, perhaps someday, but not anytime soon. I enjoyed "House of 1000 Corpses" and "The Devil's Rejects", they were fun, but didn't really pull me in and capture my interest or imagination. They were just kinda there...

 Ok, why I am so upset about the remake of "The Thing". The Thing was the first horror movie I watched in it's entirety as a child late at night in a very dark room. AND I LOVED IT!!! It scared the crap out of me and I fell in love with the genre of Horror. After watching this film I searched out everything(at the time) by John Carpenter! All the "Halloween's", "The Fog" and "Christine"(without which I would have never gotten into Stephen King). I then branched out and started watching Hitchcock films. "Psycho", "The Birds", "Vertigo" and Alfred Hitchcock presents. Wes Craven was next, I started with the "Hills Have Eyes" and moved right into the "Nightmare on Elm Street" series. Wes Craven's movies would dominate my Horror viewing pleasure during the 80's and 90's along side Tobe Hooper "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Part one and two", "Salem's Lot", "Poltergeist" and "Invaders from Mars" to name a few… and of course, The Man… George A. Romero, without whom I would not have, nor would America have such an obsession with Zombies!

 To my favorite creators of Horror: Thank you all for your contributions to this beloved genre, you opened a door and I ran in gobbling and gulping everything I can find! Classic, Foreign, Cult, Splatter, Slasher, Grindhouse Drive-in, B Movie, Bollywood Horror, German Underground, Vampire, Monster, Zombie, Psychological and let's not forget Blacksploitation Horror(Scream Blackula Scream). Oh yeah!!! Love's me the Horror!!!

 Some of you may or may not know. I used to head up a local chapter of Horror Fanatic's called "The Central Valley Horror Drunx". Where we used to get together drink beers and watch Horror Movies. "Friday Night Frights" were our big get togethers. It was fun, but fell apart when the prevailing Chapter(from Hollywood California) wanted to lay down a bunch of rules and off the wall garbage. Like spamming "Fangoria" and sending "hate mail" to various companies. Yea, I couldn't get onboard and drag my friends into it. So we shut it down and walked away. I would love to start up "Friday Night Frights" again, just as more of a friendly social gathering to enjoy our favorite genre of film.

Our Flyer/Poster

 You see it all started with that one movie… Without "The Thing" I may have avoided the genre of Horror all together, probably not… but it could have happened. The first time I tried to watch "Cujo" and "Poltergeist", I was like seven or eight. They gave me nightmares and I avoided being scared for the next two years. Then one night, during the month of October(in 1986). KTVU Channel 2 was showing scary movies every friday night in preparation for Halloween. I made it a point to stay up and conquer my fears! With a can of Dr. Pepper to keep me awake and a snickers to nibble on, I curled up in my Papa san chair and watched with eyes glued to our giant 24" TV screen. That night changed my life forever… 25 years ago I saw "The Thing" for the very first time, I've since seen it well over a dozen times and still love it as much as the first time.

 Now, 25 years later the remake comes to theaters… I have to see it. Who's with me?

Gifts: part 1.

 Mmm-kay, Kids… We are going to talk about gifts today. No, not the kind YOU give at Birthdays, Holidays, Special Occasions, Anniversary's, Social Events and what not. I mean "Gifting's", like the kind you possess, hone and craft to show how lovely and talented… oh, and Important you are to the world. Then of course there is by these gifting's you show absolute Glory to God for dropping said Gift into your existence. Ok… So what do I show?

 Wow! That is the smakeroo isn't it? ANNND… to top it off as to kinda slap you again, you get multiple gifts and you have absolutely no clue as to how to share them or even recognize what your gifts are. Oh, and check this… some people run around denying their gifts, never to know the shear magnitude God want's to bless into their Life. Well… I've been wrestling with what my gifts are. All my life, everyone around me tells me what they think my gifts are. But I just don't know. Then I think, "Hea, I feel like I have a seldom touched gift in me I'd like to explore, I've shown exceptional talents in and around this media, I will dip my toe in and test the water…" But see here is where I'm at… I'm not about "Try" anything. Did you not read the TITLE of my blog? "I don't try anything, I just do it!"

 I'm living this Life without trying. I'm here, in this head, moving to the beat with this body delighted at the breath of life and the wake of a new day. Cycling threw routine after routine, existing in freedom, but not quenched by my status. Remaining ever faithful, ever sure, there is something... something spectacular I am meant to do! Raise your hand if you feel this way… hands all over the,(well let's be honest, I only have so many readers) CITY… are going up right now! Yea, are we ever quenched of our thirst? Do we ever feel completely fulfilled?

 Well the Bible says… Yes, I know! Not the point of this statement, but thank you for your care and understanding. Not my point today, try back tomorrow, perhaps I'll be so moved. Really, I'm not to terribly far from what the Bible says(just wanted to be cheeky for a second), because I want to express a slightly deviated view of the topic at hand.

 "HOW TO RECOGNIZE YOUR GIFTS."

Still with me?

 Good, I was to say the least, a smidge worried. Would you really want to see how this plays out or is this guy so completely out to lunch that it's time to grab mine? Up to you...

 Ok, first. I'm not looking for a pity party or any forms of condolence, so please and thank you. You maybe thinking, "I know you and I know what your gifts are and you have nothing to bitch about"… really? Your wrong. What you may think is a gift for me, may actually be the thing that I hate the most.

 Prime example, I have been told my entire adult life that I am a heck of a Salesman. That I can talk anyone into buying anything. Ok, folks to me, this is not a gift, it's a curse! Gonna drop a few reasons why on ya, hang in there. #1 I hate money, I hate everything about it. The fact that we use it and are slave to it. #2 I'm a good liar and I hate that about myself. #3 I am tired of people telling me I can talk their ear off! "You have a Great Mouthpiece, you can really speak!" Fuck you! I can type too! I know a lil' sign language, wanna see? This subject heats me, can you tell?

 I apologize for my use of profanity, if I have offended your delicate nature… this boat ride is not for you, time to jump ship. 

 Back to the lesson at hand. I used to take pride in owning a living room, office or lunch table. Didn't matter where, I would pull you in, feed you what you may or may not have wanted to hear and you would buy my product… whatever it was. Weed, Alarm Systems, Auto Parts, Pills, Computer's or Upgrades, Holes in your body and the jewelry to go in them, Speed, CD's, Tickets or T-Shirts. I once moved a stolen guitar to a kid who lived three blocks from the origin of said crime… and I was good with that! The heck did I care, I was getting paid!

 I didn't steal the guitar by the way… however I am a pretty good thief, but that's another story. You wanna know the worst part? I had a fixed number in my head that I wanted to get paid… 250.00, good money, fair price and a good mark up since I only paid 100.00 for it from a scared chump(will remain nameless) who ripped it off… cause I told him it was a good idea!("Manipulation", another gift? guess again.) Anyhow, after the transaction was made, I walked away with 460.00 cash, I even waited in their living room as the kid's Dad ran to the ATM. He was so doe eyed, I could have sold him my piece of shit car, sitting just outside, if his kid didn't already have one nicer sitting in the driveway(gotta love car salesmen, my kind of scum).

 The above statement gave absolutely no Glory to God and just remembering it, makes me feel… like I keep un-earthing the dead me, dusting him off, shaking his hand and buying him a drink. That sucks. No, being a salesman is not a gift… at least not for me.

 Now, I know and yes I agree. God has given me a talent for cooking. First born out of necessity to survive and later cultivated by passion to be something more than sustenance. Ok, I'm with that. Now… How do I get paid for this, or better yet how do I share my talent with the World? Then again, why would I want to? The WORLD sucks, really! People are willing to walk right over you as you have your entire life spread out on the sidewalk, desperately trying to fix the new and giant hole in your backpack, that disheveled it's contents, leaving you naked and exposed with all that you have amassed, directly on the floor... No, I'm just unsure if I enjoy being kicked in the nuts repeatedly. The World has a love for doing this to me. I'm sure I'm not the only one.

 So here I am asking, how can I make my gifts work for me? Am I choosing the right one to run with? Am I going to be contented with it's outcome or am I going to hop the next train into interest-ville and take up something new? Here are a list of gifts I may or may not have recognized in myself over time.

Cooking(I love food. Everything about it)
Art(Creating in many different ways)
Music(I love everything about music, instruments, history, culture)
Mechanics/Electronics/Construction(I'm good with my hands)
Agriculture(I'm good with plants, I love the science behind it)
Acting(I'm a good Liar, perhaps in the right media, it's no longer lying)
Writing(I love to write, sometimes life gets in the way and then it spills to the page)
Photography(I have always had a passion for this)
Talking to people(yea, I like to meet people. I love communication)

Dreaming(I used to have wonderful dreams I wanted to fulfill, too long have I put them on hold, till they've all but shut up)

 So now what? What do I do with my list? Find a need, look for that hole and fill it! Easier said than done.

To be continued…

Peace.

Just cause it's so dawg gone funny...

 My lovely wife turned me on to "part 2" of this video collection and I am now a huge fan of The Possum Posse! Check um out! It's dawg gone funny n' such.

Part 1.

Part 2.

"Cause it's a Guy on a Buffalo!!!"

HAHAHAHAHHAAAA!!!!

"Cheers!!!"

I will not be rushed...

 Good things come to those who wait.

The Hobo Code and the Chewing Gum...

 There is nothing more... well ok a few things, but seriously! This bugs me to the core! GUM on the bottom of my shoe! That's right folks, Daddy is on a rant... I wanted to come clean spill by guts, leave the blood on the alter and skip away free , blessed and happy. You know... old school. hahahha!

 Naw Son, rules changed... I gotta talk about the un-courtious nature of some of our citizens!

 This works me over. Stepping in GUM is one thing. But then having a giant glob stuck to the bottom of your boot when you gotta ride home on your Harley is something completely different. I jumped on my bike after a stellar performance laid down by the Magnificent and Mighty "The Hobo Code" this evening. They put down the funk, jive, punk, rock and let's toss in a jingle jangle of the "real deal", hard to the freakin' core tonight that would make "Yo Momma" stand up, clap, dance around, light a match and yell out praise to that goodness right there!!! "Of this here band... I tell you what!" They RAWKED!!! Yeah... and then some!

 Rob's vocals were on point! The Man, could be heard, crisp and clean... and no caffeine(awesome Root Beer here BTW. Yeah, best in town!)! Kyle laid it down... DAMN! He is a killer Bass Player! I give it up to him big time! Dave was tight, on hit and his and Kyle's vocals were clear and clean! Rob's guitar? Oh, what can I say, he owned that stage tonight! His big noise, feedback meltdown at the end was mind-blowing! After rockin' a stellar 45min set with "The Heaters" he stayed up there and gave his all! Fantastic Show tonight, marked a reunion for the "Dirtbags and Dust Bunnys"! All were in attendance to support our favorite "HomoSapiens!"Great times and great memories! "Cheers!!!"

 But then, I am outside saying my goodbyes, given hugs and obtaining blessing and prayer for my long ride home(takes 10min, but whatever). So yeah, I start my Harley, kick her into first and away I go. Then I notice, my foot is stuck to the peg. "What??? Crap!!!" My foot it stuck to the peg and shifting is gonna be a problem! Now... If you are anything like me, you do not want an obstacle in your way, that clearly does not need to be there... but it is! This wad of GUM wanted to ruin my entire evening and perhaps my safe ride home. But, um... no sir, that's not me and I ain't goin' out like that!

 I pulled over, grabbed a stick worked off what I could, said a prayer and got back on the road! I have the safety, love and grace of Jesus over me and I will not be flawed! Long story short and what not, I made it home...

The remaining gum on my boot.

 But I'm fired up!!! About what kind of "Silly half-sack, crazy nut, dirt diggin', triflin', AAAAHHHH" fool leaves a giant wad of chewing GUM on the sidewalk or street so someone else can come by and step in it!?!?! I'll tell ya what kind... a little kid, that's what kind!

 On closer inspection of said matter, it was a wad of "Strawberry"(I can smell it!) Hubba Bubba or Big League Chew. You know the kind kids wanna make a big chewing wad mess of... yeah, and I stepped in it! Great! So now, my anger level has come waaaaaaaayyyy down. The RAGE is over and I am humble once again. See, I don't get mad at children. They just don't know any better sometimes... My kids! No, they know better... but I just can't say the same for other kids in the community.

 Folks, if you have kids and you are gonna let them have a big wad of mess like that, be in control of what they do with it! Make sure they dispose of it properly! Cause the next biker that steps in a wad like that, may not be so nice! He may not be a Christian and being as such... well, it may not be so pretty when he talks about the entire transaction later over beers with his buddies. There maybe a story of missing teeth and cleaning of the bottom of his boot with a tongue or some other soft and moist object... (I know right, yeah I did type that! It's in your mind, now... chew on it. hahahahaha!)

 So anyhow, not a bad night at all... glad I got to get that off my chest and glad I got to have such a fun evening with my friends! Sorry if I had ya built up to receive a huge dose of my past dramas and dilemmas, but this needed to be heard and it was fresh... fresh as the gooey mess I still have to remove from the bottom of my boot.


Anyhow..."Cheers!!!"



---Say, um if at any time during my blog you wanna chime in and drop some words of advice, correction or just wanna say "Hi". Please feel free. You know, constructive criticism is vital to a young, ok not so young writer looking to see if he captures any level of interest or not. So um, yeah... hook it up with a comment already!---

Love you all!

-Rob.

Be expecting...

 Not that I plan to use this blog as a confessional, but um... yea, layers are wanting to peal off. Crap that I have harbored for too may years is wanting out and gone. Givin' it to God and setting this captive free!

so um, be expecting...

That is all for now.

.PEACE.

Sharing Testimony...

 Wow, it's so crazy to hear yourself admit to someone the struggles you have when you are sharing testimony with them... Hi my name is Rob and I am a Drug Addict/Alcoholic. But by the power of God and my Faith in his Love, I don't struggle like I used to anymore. Can I "legally" say I'm not tempted…NO. There is always temptation, it's what we do when that sin nature creeps up on you, that sets us apart. Do I have all the answers… No. Thank God I have been given the resources to find them. Sure I don't struggle like I used to and I don't have the cravings like I used to, but every now and then there is a voice that try's to talk me into it... I know that voice very well... It's my own. It's what happens when my flesh gets weak to temptation and tries to over power my Spirit. It's those times that I trust in the word the most! God's word will quiet the voice... every time! It builds my Spirit Man up and keeps my mind and heart right!

 I recently shared my testimony with a very close friends mother yesterday. I'm still reeling from the level of disclosure I offered. It was like a valve was opened and all I could do was continue to pour it out. I even confessed to having lied about something for so long it was hard to discern the truth from the lie. (the following is just that)

 It was 1994, I was involved with some people(drug dealers) who were not so nice and I used to go to them to purchase my drugs(for distribution and personal use). Well one lovely afternoon, while I was supposed to be at work, I stopped in to pick up an "Ounce" of Speed(Meth if you are not sure of what I am talking about), so I could make it threw my job that evening without issue. I worked for a company called "Murphy's Express" we delivered VHS movies to your home after you phoned in an order. Not a bad gig, but the hours kinda sucked. So anyhow, there I am purchasing my drugs in a hurry, clamoring to leave when I forget the golden rule #2 on a pick up… "always party your supplier a quick rail before you bail". Well having been in a hurry and on the clock I put my bag in my pocket and made for the door. My dealer jumped up and was like, "Hea, don't you wanna party real quick before you just jet off?". That should have been my cue. But I replied, "Naw I'm good, I gotta get back to work." Opened the door and walked outside. Rule #1 "Never trust a junkie!" I no sooner stepped off the porch when I caught a fist to the back of the head. I went down to the grass and mud and proceeded to catch a serious ass wooping. The entire time I've got three speed freaks kicking the shit out me and a thwacked out broad yelling, "Yeah, that's what you get for disrespecting up in my house MF'er!" (she didn't even live there, she was just dudes girlfriend) So anyhow… this is where the lie part comes in.

 I was on the clock back at Murphy's, I had a bag full of movies that I needed to deliver between two houses just south east of Belmont and maple. When I got back up from the fetal position I was in in the front yard. A plan began to formulate in my mind. Give them(my dealer and his old lady) the movies, apologize for the "dis-respect" and tell the boss(back at Murphy's) you got jumped in the hood and the movies got taken. Sounds good, get's me good on all fronts.

 So I did… Gave up the movies and apologies, partied everyone in the house a nice fat gagger and headed off to work. As I drove back to my job, the plan was very clear in my head what I needed to do. Go directly into the office and play out this huge drama... The first time I told that lie, was when I walked in the door. Then after I was given the rest of the night off, I re-told the story to my Mother, to explain why I was home so early, then I told a friend and another friend and another till finally it was the only truth I knew. I even re-told the story, much later in life, when talking about my time having worked for Murphy's Express.

 Until the real memory came back and I admitted the truth for the first time, yesterday... to my friends Mother.

 I'm glad God opened my heart to let that burden of that lie and dark piece of my history come out. I feel a level of freedom. I just wonder what other forgotten truths are going to surface next. Time will tell...

Peace.

A return to the satyrical documentation I call Life...

Yes friends... I'm back! Your friend and humble narrator has been suffering lack... No, not of positive events or even social gatherings, just simply a lack for what to say. You see friends, I... have had writers block. HAHAHAHAHA! Can you imagine? The cat who can yammer on and on about the difference's in absorbency, quality, value and strength between Brawny and Target brand paper towels, has been suffering for words to put to screen. Lately, I feel as though I haven't had a moment to compile thought in my head, what with chasing children and crying baby, looking for work and having one social event after another every weekend, it has felt like there has been hardly enough time to breathe. I know, I know...boo-hoo you. Woe is me... Well no more. You see I have wonderful happenings and not so, to document and disclose for your reading pleasure! All of which begin with the starting of two wonderful kids lives together.

Yes, I'm talking about the wedding of my cousin Andrea to her best friend and father of her child, Christian. What can I say, it was a fantastic time! The wedding took place in Ben Lomond, California. If you are not familiar with the area, let's just call it the Santa Cruz hills, just before Capitola. They reserved a fantastic house in the middle of a park there to have the wedding and reception. My family did all the cooking and decorations. I was in-charge of the BBQ, shocker I know... The kids waited till sunset to have the ceremony, a setting I'm finding to be quite popular with young Brides and Grooms as of late. Everything went off without a hitch. The reception was fun and lite, there was food and libations, dancing and even a candy table(something else I'm finding is quite popular amongst young weddings lately). It was a child friendly event, my youngest Son being the ring bearer and his little cousin, Andrea and Christian's Daughter, Presley the flower girl. They all spent the evening running around having a blast. Great Time!

  Now, on to the not so wonderful happening's of the same weekend. This event took place far from my Grandparents home, thus causing them the need to drive a great distance to attend. My Grandfather has not been in the best of health lately and needed to visit the doctor prior to embarking on said journey. He did and at said appointment was switched to a new medication, one he has never taken before and was not aware of its side effects. Well, long story short and allot of suffering on my Grandfathers behalf, this adventure landed him directly into the emergency room of our local VA hospital upon his return to our lovely home town. Where he spent the next week hooked up to machines and suffering from renal failure. A fate that could have been avoided had the proper care been administered to him in the first place. I'm not pointing fingers, nor do I wish to open any can o' worms, but this did not need to happen. Well, after much prayer and many days of work by many hands, my Grandfather is back home resting and re-gaining his strength. Praise God for that!

Ok, on to some more happy times! Having not been around to host our Annual Forth of July BBQ and Party. My lovely Wife came up with the idea, "Let's host a July 24th party!" I said, "Rock on and let's do it!" What a fantastic time, it went off without a hitch. We had tons of food, friends and laughs! Around 50 people in attendance, including men, women and children(the children out numbering the adults). We ate, we swam, we laughed and even ate Alcohol infused whipped cream... hahahaha! Great time had by all! Who would have know a group of God lovin', Bible thumpin', Church goin' folks could have so much fun on a Sunday evening after Church!?!?! WE DID!!! I love this group of people, they are family, not just "Church Family", but Family! "Cheers to all you Crazies who came!!!" And to those who were unable to make it... Summer ain't over yet!

 Peace, Love and Chicken Grease!!!

First Annual Summer Session a Success!!!

  Yep! We had a Blast! Earned a few new bumps and bruises, worked our butts off... and made some great memories! Enjoy the Pic's.

"Cheers!!!!"

  The Pool will be full till next year...

 "Summer Session V2.0"

See you then!

Wow... has it really been that long.

 Nearly a month since I last posted... huh, well then now, I best get the juices flowing. What is new and exciting that makes me want to say a lil' sumthin' sumthin'?

I'll get back to ya...

Peace.

I love you Fresno!!!!

 Fresno, you complete me... you make any-day of the week, worse! By just doing what you do.

 Let me count the ways....

   #1

The Bulldogs

     

 A group of disorganized thugs who do nothing but terrorize our community, sell dope to kids, gang rape young women, kill innocent civilians and oh yea... Tattoo their own children as young a 7 years old with gang affiliated "Paw Print" tattoo's! Don't believe me... check the next photo.

   #2
Car Theft

 Currently we are ranked number 5 in the nation for Auto Theft. Back in 2009 we were moving up the chart from number 10. After having dropped off the Top 10 chart for a few years... Why do you ask? Because it is far easier for an officer to write up a "Cell Phone Violation" than it is to bust car thieves.

 I don't have the numbers in-front of me, but I'm willing to bet the number of cell phone violations out numbers the amount of car thief apprehensions and arrest... I'm just sayin'. Don't get me wrong, I don't hate the police, far from it. I just think there is "real" work out there for them to do, like keeping our homes, families, businesses and vehicles safe from invasion, theft and harm. How many times has a cell phone harmed you? But yet it's "Enemy Number One" when you are driving.


#3
Glorifying Thug Mentality

 Yo, we bad! You disrespect, n' we have to F youz up! Thug Life B'tchez!!!

Yea... you're tuff!!!

#4

The Tiny Razkals (I spell that right?)

Who cares! Asian gang puttin' in much work. Known for Rape, Murder, Home Invasion, Car Theft and a slew of other crimes all over the Central Valley, State and now Country. Yea! So proud!

#5

A community living in fear!

  This should really be number one cause this bothers me the most! Our lovely city and community is living in the shadow of all this crime. Fearful that we will be the next victim if we were to do something about it. Well guess what? You are a victim! A victim of terror, you are letting yourselves be victims and you don't even know it! Stand up! This is your home, your community and as shitty as it may be... Your City! You wouldn't let someone walk into your home, shit on your rug, wipe their ass with your drapes and just let them leave... would you? Look at what is happening outside your door! To your walls, fences, favorite restaurants and children's schools. Oh and while I bring up children... Do you want them to be next? The next victim inline to live in fear? Think about it people. We can't live like this, it's no life at all. 

 Now I planned to write about urban sprawl, poor driving and other things that bother me. But I think I hit on a note that really needs attention. Crime can not win any-longer, it's time to win back our community!

Peace.