Fingers and Toes? C'mon.....

My homeboys lead hazardous lives.
Rollerblading and phone answering have left two of the best crippled and complaining this past week.

By all means, send them some condolences and well wishes,
but save the high fives and trophies for my little brother.
He's been doing his share of pig-kissing at the University of Maryland,
and came down with a gluttonous case of Avian Swine Flu.

I do feel bad for him, and hope it doesn't leave any permanent changes, like feathers or a curly tail.
And I guess it's being passed around campus, and all the Terps are coughing.
So here's a sketch I did for a temporary logo/mascot change.




So keep on fighting, don't give in!
M-A-R-Y-L-A-N-D
Maryland is vomiting!

Award for Budleigh’s Lily Farm wine

Within three years of opening their vineyard on Dalditch Lane, Budleigh producers Faye and Alan Pratt (pictured left) were delighted to find that their red table wine has been a hit at the South West Vineyards Association's annual blind tasting.

The husband and wife team who run the two-acre Lily Farm Vineyard won trophies for their 2007 vintage at the tastings, held at Kenton Vineyard near Exeter on 4 September.

“Our first vintage has been awarded The John Buchan Agronomy Shield – Best Red Wine from a small scale producer – and also a bronze award in the main red wine category where we competed alongside top wine producers in the UK,” announced Mr and Mrs Pratt, from Moormead in Budleigh. “We are very excited to have received such prestigious recognition of the quality of our wine and we will work to maintain this standard in future vintages.”

Lily Farm Vineyard made national headlines in 2007 when picking of its Rondo grape harvest began a month before anywhere else in the UK.

A World War memory via the Web

Otter Valley Association (OVA) members were urged to use the internet to research local history during the talk given by Dr Todd Gray on 5 September in East Budleigh, previously reported on my pages http://budleighbrewsterunited.blogspot.com/2009/08/new-englanders-view-of-old-england.html8/new-englanders-view-of-old-england.html

On a personal note, that advice was borne home to me when I received out of the blue a few days ago an email from Argentina. The writer had contacted me after reading about a sad but inspiring episode during World War Two that I had described in my book Oundle’s War, published in 1995 and featured at http://oundleswar.blogspot.com/

Major Patrick Dudgeon MC (pictured above) had nothing to do with Budleigh Salterton as far as I know. A former pupil of Oundle School in Northamptonshire, he had joined the Royal Corps of Signals at the outbreak of war, and won the Military Cross for ‘gallant and distinguished service in the field.’ Later he was engaged on various secret and dangerous missions by submarine and air in North Africa while serving with the Special Air Service Regiment.

Operation ‘Speedwell’ was Patrick Dudgeon's last mission. The plan was to reduce the rate of German reinforcements to the south of Italy by attacking rail communications between Genoa and Spezia, Bologna and Pistoia, Bologna and Prato, and Florence and Arezzo. Had the operation been properly supported in terms of aircraft and supplies, it has been argued, the strategic advantage gained would have been immense.

On 7 September 1943, two aircraft took off from North Africa carrying two groups of SAS men. By midnight they had landed successfully in the mountains north of Spezia, some hundreds of miles behind the German lines. Patrick Dudgeon set off with his six men to attack the Genoa-Spezia railway. Two members of his group succeeded in blowing up two trains on the Spezia-Bologna line, and finally made their way back to British lines. Patrick Dudgeon, with fellow-soldier Trooper Brunt, then ambushed a German amphibian and succeeded in killing a number of the enemy before being captured near Parma.

It was clear to the Germans from the explosives he was carrying that Patrick Dudgeon had been hoping to reach a further objective, but nothing could make him give any information about the target. In the presence of his staff the German General responsible for the interrogation expressed admiration for the British officer's courage, but gave the order for him and his companion to be shot the next morning on Hitler's orders.

News of Patrick Dudgeon’s capture and death came after the war in the form of a letter to his father from the German army Captain who had acted as interpreter at his interrogation, and who wanted to fulfil his pledge to the person he described as the bravest English officer he had ever met. (Right: Victor Schmit in 1943)

My Argentinian emailer turned out to be the grandson of the German officer who had befriended Captain Dudgeon shortly before he was executed. Attached to his email was a copy of the original letter that his grandfather Victor Schmit had written in 1945. I found it so affecting that I decided to reproduce it here:

Luxembourg

May 11 1945.

Dear Sir,
By this letter I fulfil my word pledged to the bravest of English officers I met in all my life. This officer is your son, Captain Dudgeon, who fell for his country in Italy on October 3rd 1943. Before he died I had to promise him to give you information about the circumstances and the spot he was buried.

I was at that time a platoon commander in the 65th Infantry Division of the Germans. My unit lay in the Passo della Cisa about 30 miles west of Parma on the road Parma – La Spezia.

About 0100 o’clock a.m. I was wakened by my men who told me they had captured two English soldiers driving in the direction of Parma, their clothes were smeared with blood, in their bags they had about 40 pounds of explosives. I went down and found in the Guard Room two English soldiers, one of whom a captain. When I asked who they were they gave me their military cards. I reported to the Coy. Comdr. and later to the Division. The Divisional Officer on duty told me that half an hour ago a German Sgt and a private driving towards La Spezia had been shot and the car stolen.

This having happened several hundred miles behind the lines and the two soldiers carrying explosives they had to be treated as Greischarler (? Freischarler) and would probably be shot.

The battalion commander who had arrived in the meantime tried to get out of your son anything about his purposes, where he was coming from etc.etc., I being the interpreter. When the German insisted your son asked me to translate “If you were my prisoner should you betray your country talking about your mission?”

Upon this my captain told him that probably he had to be shot by an existing order of the Fuhrer. Captain Dudgeon took the news, answering something like this - “All right I’ll die for my country”.

When my captain had withdrawn I sat beside your son on the straw and we were speaking together all night long. He told me he knew little of Germany, that he had been during his holidays to Switzerland etc.

In the morning the Divisional Commander, General Von Zielberg, informed the Bn. That he would come and see the English captain before he was to be shot. I told him (your son) that the German officers were scandalized that an enemy who had behaved in so brilliant a manner had to be shot but were mightless against an order of the Fuhrer. To me the behaviour of the young officer of 23 years old had made such an impression that I couldn’t help telling him when we were alone “Your country may be proud of you. If you were not my enemy I should ask you to be my friend”. Captain Dudgeon gave me his hand saying “I thank you for telling me that”.

Page 2.


The interview with the General was quite resultless. At the end of it (all German officers were present) the General told me to translate to your son the following sentence –
“Sagen Sie ihm dass ich vor Seinen Haltung alle Achtung habe. Er wird, mit seinen Kameraden in einer Stunde erschossen.”

Your son saluted militarily and left the General. He asked me to stay with him until it would be over. He gave me your address asking me to inform you. He asked for a protestant priest. Before he died he asked to die with free hands and open eyes. He knelt down for a short while praying with his hands in front of his face.

Then he got up and died like a hero.

I wasnot allowed to give you notice of your son’s death by way of the Red Cross as the enemy was to have no information whatever regarding the efficiency of the parachutists. So I had to wait and keep the address hidden up to now. The grave of Captain Dudgeon is 200 metres South West of the Chapel on the Passo della Cisa going in the direction of La Spezia, 100 metres behind the last of the buildings.

I am, Yours sincerely,

Victor Schmit,

C/o Veura Schmit - Zoller
HOSTERT
pris de Luxembourg


And perhaps, after all, in my mind there is the vaguest connection with Budleigh. Shortly after settling here two years ago, while sunbathing on the beach, I was struck by the sight of 30 young men jogging along Marine Parade towards the coast path. On a weekday? Suddenly – it must have been the haircuts – I realised that they were marines from nearby Lympstone. Probably on a 30-mile jog, in training for Afghanistan. Possibly some would never return alive. And I thought of all the tragic loss of life of young people which I had described in my book: Patrick Dudgeon was only 23 when he died.

Above: Victor Schmit with his grandson Rodrigo Quiroga Schmit in 1966

Another rape in Budleigh Salterton?

Below: The Rolle Flats on Budleigh’s sea front are now one of the town’s major landmarks, thanks to planners who gave the go-ahead to the demolition of Budleigh’s best known hotel.

The headline may seem sensationalist, and this story may appear nimbyist. But ever since arriving in Budleigh Salterton I’ve been struck by the number of fine old buildings in the town that have been destroyed, to be replaced by architectural eyesores. Budleigh is a lovely town, beautifully situated, with an interesting historic heritage. That has not helped to save it from the greed of developers and the stupidity of planners.

The full story of this desecration is told in a series of 20 or so files kept on a shelf in the town’s excellent Fairlynch Museum. The title of one of the files, 'The Rape of Budleigh Salterton', seemed to me to be highly appropriate.

Right: Clyst Hayes House on Exmouth Road,

Budleigh Salterton. Planners have given the go-ahead to its demolition.

So when I received a letter from East Devon District Council (EDDC) inviting me to comment on the impending demolition of Clyst Hayes House, it seemed only natural to make the following response.


27 September 2009

Dear Sir/Madam

Your ref: 09/1857/RES Letter dated 17 September 2009
Clyst Hayes House 4 Exmouth Road Budleigh Salterton Devon EX9 6AF

We have already registered our objections to the proposed demolition of the above property in letters to EDDC Planning Service dated 26 March 2008 and 10 October 2008.

Along with many other Budleigh Salterton residents, including the Town Council, we feel that the demolition of Clyst Hayes House would constitute a flagrant disregard for, as our Councillors have already stated, “guidance laid out in the Budleigh Salterton Design Statement.”

The Budleigh Salterton Town Design Statement (TDS) notes in at least three of its sections that the greatest threat to the open rural character of the town is from infill or “backland” development, where large gardens are particularly vulnerable to opportunistic development (4.5.3), quoting examples of large detached houses saved from demolition or “successfully converted to multiple occupancy” (5.6.2), and suggesting that “greater attention should be paid to the sub-division of large houses of distinctive character rather than the soft option of demolition and redevelopment of the site.” (5.9)

Clyst Hayes House is described in the Site Description by EDDC, available on the internet at http://www.eastdevon.gov.uk/dc_report_091208_08-2519-out-central.pdf
as “a large slate and render, Edwardian house of attractive proportions.” This description would clearly indicate on the basis of the TDS guidelines that the property should have been considered as a strong candidate for being preserved and restored.

On your website at http://www.eastdevon.gov.uk/planning-budleigh-salterton-town-design-statement East Devon District Council states that “The Town Design Statement was adopted as interim Supplementary Planning Guidance to the emerging East Devon Local Plan on 13th October 2004. It's [sic] guidelines add detail to, and complement, the Local Plan policies and will be used in the determination of planning applications and to guide householders undertaking works not requiring planning permission.”

By approving this demolition, East Devon District Council is making a mockery of its publicly stated policy with regard to such buildings, and demonstrates a lack of integrity which we find hard to understand.

Yours sincerely

Michael and Anthea Downes

Above: Clyst Hayes House garden: a tempting prospect for developers who would like to see it filled with houses.

The Adventures of Sheldon & Duncan: A Zen Moment Together

My blog hasn't had a sense of normalcy for awhile. My regular features like the Sunday Art Review, The Saturday Seven and Philatelic Friday have been on temporary hiatus while I have been majorly busy at work. Those features take a fair amount of planning and work to produce. So I thought it was about time for a fresh installment of The Adventures of Sheldon and Duncan. So here goes. I captured A Zen Moment Together, the two boys relaxing by their favorite Chinese room divider at our beach house. To know Sheldon Gryffindor and Duncan Diggory is to know that they rarely have such a quiet moment together. But last night, these two boys seized the moment to actually sit still and enjoy the cool pleasant breeze. After a long hot weekend in the desert, they recognized the difference in the temperature of San Diego compared to Palm Springs. This past Saturday Duncan had his first groom, turning him into a fine young Poodle. He looks so cute, doesn't he? Anyway I thought I'd capture this Zen Moment with the two boys, as it is indeed a rarity. Other than the 18 hours of sleepy-time, the balance of their days are spent running, jumping, rough-housing, playing fetch and Olympic relay races around the house. Earlier on Sunday, back in Palm Springs they staged their own agility course competition bobbing and weaving in between our long row of palm trees along the west side of our property. I never knew Poodles could run so fast. Anyway it was so nice to see the boys relaxing last night that I just HAD to snap this photo. Thanks for stopping by today, I hope you have a great week.
-Rick Rockhill

Don't try this at home, kids.

I'm pretty good at the internet.

It's true.
I've been threatening to make stickers or buttons that say just that,
and I know you want one.

But I've got nothing on Molly, Meryl's fellow MFA'er.

Molly also just aquired a letterpress, and with grand visions of setting type for mail art and sexy promotional pieces, I plunged headfirst into a very scary project.
A full poem, cut-and-pasted into a readable image.
Normally, I'd say 'no way'.
A stenciling nightmare, and Linework Hell.
But for Meryl, Molly, and all of the people on the mail art list, I accepted.
Ha.

I Go Back to May 1937
by Sharon Olds

Re-arranged, stenciled and tattooed in the shape of two wings.
6+ hours of tattooing time alone, 1 sitting.

Molly did make one part super easy for me though.
She sat perfect for the whole time.
No kidding.

And no, don't even think about it.
I'll never do anything else like it ever again.



(click on the image to see it full-sized)

Fett et Fête

My official work week is over.
Of course, I'm working tomorrow on my day off, but I always seem to be doing that.
What an a-hole.

Ever meet anyone who raced an Ironman competition?
Ben and Todd had their hands full with two female Ironmen each today.
And while dotted M's were the only item on the menu for rooms I and II,
I was happily black and graying it up on some Boba Fett action.
I'm not so sure about that weird lamp post he always has sticking to the side of his helmet, but this was an awesome end to my week.




After work, Todd, Kyle Mack, Meryl and I went to 'Indelible', the art show made up of tattoo artists being put on by MPLS Deth Crew.
I have to hand it to them, they did an awesome job.
It'll be up for a month at the 33Design Gallery if you want to check it out.

Meryl documented the night for me.

The walls looked good.



So did Todd and Kyle in their matching 'Never Quiet, Never Soft' shirts.



Todd telling me who was who.



Meryl and I, in front of the pig piece.



And, the pig piece.
(The hippo was on the other side of the room, and we forgot about the camera by the time we got over there)



There was some super hot work showing, and I'm glad I was a part of it.
Thanks to Todd and Kyle for coming into Minneapolis and hanging out.

(Todd just posted a sneak peak of his IWYS submission that he finished today. Check it out here, cause it's dope)

Queen Latifah's "Persona" New Album

Queen Latifah's latest album "Persona" debuted a few weeks ago to some mixed reviews. It took me a few times listening to warm up to it, but I've since decided that I like it a lot! Without a doubt, it is a distinctive installment from her other six studio albums. In this collection, Ms. Latifah presents several facets of music. She collaborated with a range of current artists including Missy Elliott, Busta Rhymes, Shawn Stockman, Dre (of Cool&Dre), Marsha Ambrosius, Mary J. Blige & Jadakiss.  The lyrics, vocals, and production validate her versatility across multiple genres, displaying her talent and appreciation for a broad range of music. In fact if you look closely at the cover art, you see Queen Latifah dressed in various fashion styles, representing the intended ecclectic nature of this album. The first few songs are a combination of pop, techno, and electronic dance music, which have fairly broad appeal. The other songs present a soft Hip-Hop and R&B sound, paying tribute to her musical roots.

In general, I wouldn't consider myself a Hip-Hop fan, but there are a few artists whose music I like, including Ms Latifah. The Hip-Hop tracks on this album are enjoyable and offer insights to her views on life. Perhaps because those tracks aren't hard core Hip-Hop that some early fans are mixed in their opinion. I for one, happen to like "Persona". While this album may not be her absolute "career best", I do think it is a worthy addition to my iPod music collection and recommend it to you. The next time I see Queen Latifah in Palm Springs, I'll buy her a martini and congratulate her on another creative contribution to the wonderful world of music.

-Rick Rockhill

Helping Your Pets Live Longer

Today my company's blog posted an article about our Pledge to Premium Pet Nutriton. This is part of a larger goal to educate consumers about why feeding a high quality pet food can really make a difference in the quality of life of a dog or cat. As is the case with people, what you put into your body has an impact on your health and well-being. That’s why choosing a high quality premium or natural food really makes a difference over the life of your pet. Pets lives are too short as it is, so if better nutrition can help my pets live longer and have fewer health problems, I’m there! Last December it was so hard for me when we had to put down my beloved Koshimi, but he lived a long life (16 years), mainly because we always fed him a really good natural food. Which is why I feed Sheldon, Duncan and Owen one of the best quality foods available so they too can live a long life. How do you know if your pet's food is high quality? Well, just read the ingredient panel on the bag.

It should start with high a specific protein, like chicken, lamb, salmon, turkey, duck, venison, etc. Never buy a food that says something generic like “poultry” or “meat”. You should know what kind of specific protein is being used in your pet’s food.


The next ingredients should be things you recognize and understand. Look for other specific proteins, like a fish, egg, pea protein, etc. All good foods also have fat to provide energy. Most have a carbohydrate source such as rice, or potato, etc. Look for other ingredients you recognize such as flaxseed, blueberries, cranberries, tomato, eggs, etc. Most pet foods will also contain some vitamins and minerals toward the end of the ingredient list. Those help ensure it is nutritionally complete and balanced. A really high quality food should never contain any artificial preservatives, colors, flavors or chemicals. There has been lots of controversy around ingredients such as wheat, corn and soy. Unless a vet has diagnosed a specific food allergy, most pets aren’t allergic to wheat corn or soy. Technically those are not bad ingredients, but in my personal opinion I prefer a specific meat or fish protein in the first few ingredients. Anyway, that’s my opinion for those of you interested. If you want to know more, check this out.

Rick's Roadshow: Las Vegas, Revisited.

Last week I was back in Fabulous Las Vegas attending a pet industry trade show. I've been so busy that I've scarcely had time to write much, although I did manage to snap a few photos worth sharing here. This first photo above left is of the Luxor hotel and casino. If you've never been to Vegas, it is the city of lights and sights. On one street you can find all sorts of themes: an Egyptian style pyramid, replicas of a NY city skyline, the Eiffel Tower, St Mark's Square in Venice, and Cesar's Palce (sort of). One night I had a roof top dinner with friends and enjoyed this spectacular view of the famous strip, overlooking the Luxor pyramid. It is quite the sight to see.

The next night was sushi at a hot restaurant called Shibuya, located at the MGM Grand hotel. Regular readers know I like some types of sushi, but when it gets too wierd I stop eating. Lucky for me there were mostly more "normal" types of sushi. They had such interesting presentations in everything they served. Check out these two platters- so colorful and inviting. Too bad some of it was slimy, raw fish, I was really craving a steak.

All in all, it was a fun evening. Later we went out for a quick drink, when I took this photo below. I just like the way the lights blurred.

It seems artsy without being too psychadellic. Anyway that's all for this post. I'm in Boulder, Colorado today so busy as a bee once again. Thanks for stopping by.

-Rick Rockhill

Integrity Matters

Integrity: (n) adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty. 
synonyms: rectitude, probity, virtue
antonym: dishonesty

Have you ever known someone whose behaviors and actions demonstrate a complete lack of integrity and moral fiber? A controlling person who uses fear to manage others? Someone who leaves a path of destruction daily? An individual devoid of common manners or social graces? How about someone who uses aggressive language and intimidation as standard behavior? I'm sorry to say I know just such a person. As a result of their own actions and personality, I believe this individual will have a trail of negative karma for a very long time. In my view, life is just too short to deal with such negativity, so I choose to limit interaction with such individuals at all costs. Instead, I prefer to spend my time with virtous people with a positive attitude, and a smile on their face. That's my advice to you for the day. If this helps one person this week I'll consider this rant worth the time it took to write and your precious time to read it. Thanks for stopping by.
-Rick Rockhill

New seasons.

Happy First Day of Fall!

Did you feel it?
So nice.

We were feeling pretty good over at the shop today,
our first day back to work after the convention.
Instead of a ego boost from winning "tattoo of the day", though, I'm feeling lots of pressure to up my game.
The convention felt like a formal introduction to the Minnesota tattoo community after a very insular two years of working in Maple Grove.
This perceived sense of entering some new spotlight has me intent on raising the bar.

I'm looking forward to the Off the Map Tattoo guest spot that will be here in little over a month.
There's a few really exciting tattoos that I'll be doing there on a lot of my (ir)regulars.
I need to do 100 drawings this week, but I'm alright with that.

Today I had some open time and was very lucky to get such a creative walk-in idea given to me.
A camel in a lotus, marking the first day on the road to recovery.
What a lovely day to start.
I hope everyone enjoys the new season.

Mandatory Insurance Scheme for Filipino Expatriates

Yesterday night I watched the City 7 Channel news a tv channel from U.A.E. I was astonished about the news on the mandatory insurance scheme for Filipino Expatriates in United Arab Emirates.

I guess this news could make a leap of security to all Filipinos working overseas. If the Department of Foreign Affairs and the rest of the Philippine Consular Offices around the globe make this in effect to all the OFW’s regardless of the length of stay in a particular country then we will worry no more.

Financial freedom is what all OFW’s were aiming for; we worked so hard to the point that some works 12 hrs a day and some 18 hours more. Basically we are not robots; our physical body will one day get tired and eventually gave up. If that time comes then we are ready, we are protected by this OFW insurance scheme!

Back in the Philippines, Phil Health, Social Security System and other Pre need plans were all program necessary for all OFW. It’s like saving for the rainy season. We can’t afford to get sick, but if ever that happens we should be ready to shoulder whatever expenses incurred. This is not hoping of getting sick or being morbid. It is having heath security and gaining financial freedom.

    

Lemonade

These were the Minneapolis Tattoo Convention shirts that I made and gave out to my clients/friends/supporters this weekend.

I always make some limited edition shirts for conventions and guest spots.
I had big plans for this convention since it was held on our home turf, but I failed miserably burning a screen.
Twice.

So, with very little to work with and only one day to make 30 shirts in, this is what I ended up doing.

I taped up an acorn-shaped metal cut out (that a customer had made for me a few months back) and placed it somewhere near front and center of the shirt.



I then sprayed bleach water at the metal acorn, let it sit for a full minute, and watched the bleach eat into the shirt.



The shirts get rinsed out, and hung up to dry.



I hand painted the messed up screen with screen filler, since even our drawing fluid was too old and chunky to use.
The antlers and the XI were then screened separately once the shirts were dry.
I did all the woman's shirts at Identity Tattoo, but had to do all the guys shirts in my basement a few hours before the convention started.

That's how you do things right the wrong way.

There's still a few left over.
I'll make a tally when I get to the shop tomorrow.
Stop by or email me if you're interested in picking one up.

Minneapolis Tattoo Convention, all wrapped up.

I had two tattoos that I had wanted to finish today at the convention,
but apparently not enough time.
I didn't even mess around at all.




I had Jeff the Chef first thing,
he sat like a champ, and let me do whatever I wanted.
He didn't even get nervous when I took a break and told Ben that I had no idea how I was going to finish it.
I scared off some onlookers when I jokingly asked for color advice for the sky.
No kidding, this one kid looked so upset and took off.

But we got it figured out, mostly.
It went on to win the "Tattoo of the Day", which was super flattering.
I'll get a better photo soon.



Spending so much time working on Jeff's tattoo meant that Rachel's got pushed back, and we didn't get to finish it.
Sorry Rachel, and thanks for being such a good sport!
I took a quick photo at our stopping point because I liked it so much.
We'll finish it in two weeks, and I'll post the real picture then.



Ann came with Rachel for most of the day, and brought along an awesome present.
What's better than a case of Dr Pepper?
A bag of antlers!

MPLS Convention, Day 2.

Is this thing over yet?
Who's idea was this?



I started the day off with a very excited Mr Shoemaker.
We did this black and gray owl (with white highlights) sitting in a dead tree hole.
He sat great for four hours, and I was super happy with it.
I'm hoping that it stops being so red and hurty looking someday, and I'll take a new photo then.



I also tattooed a panda and lantern thingy on Chef Ryan that I kept getting ahead of myself on, and added extra parts as I went.
Which was cool, but it meant we didn't get to finish it today.
Ryan's entire posse came down for the event, rocked the convention shirts I did up, and egged me on.
My best behavior started wearing off right about then, but luckily Meryl showed up with a bag full of vegan Chinese food to put me into an MSG coma.
So I never got too out of line.

Actually,
East Coast Convention attendees,
the Bird Flu Crew shirt wearing kids,
and anyone who might have ever witnessed the Turnpike times would be shocked at how quiet and good I'm being out here.
Minnesota Nice is the M.O. out here.
I'm just trying to not pee in my own pool.
Or something.

It is a different story in the midwest.
Folks in Boston grabbing handfuls of stickers when they hear that word "free".
Throws them into a greed-fest frenzy.
Out here, when people are told all the stickers are free, they politely ask if they can take two, because their friend who's back home with the flu would really appreciate one as well.
What? Yeah. Take a few. Really.
I've been here 2+ years, but it still feels weird.

So tomorrow we go and do it all again.
I have two more pieces left:
a lighthouse-treehouse and an antler/egg/rose combo.
We'll be a man short, but he is the short man.
Oh! Oh!
(don't worry Todd, we'll make you proud)
(ish)

*the first two photos were blatantly stolen from Mr Shoemaker's facebook page. thanks to him for documenting the day so well!

Furry Friends are Fun

This morning I was watching the two poodles and cat run around the house like complete maniacs, chasing each other, playing and having an all-around great time together. It made me smile seeing them so happy together.At times it was like a high speed train, just blur of fur whiring past, with the occasional squeal, elongated me-ows and gentle barks as the three of them ran back and forth. Whenever I thought it was getting a bit too rowdy, I’d shout out their names and tell them to calm down. They would slam on the brakes and stare at me as if I were crazy. I could almost hear them say “Aww dad, we’re just playing!”. Just a short while later, the three of them were curled up together asleep, resting in total bliss, content with the companionship of each other. It reminded me how important companionship really is throughout the animal kingdom. Most people, dogs, cats, birds, baboons, whatever- all seek companionship. I can’t imagine our lives without a pet. When things get stressful, there is nothing like a kitty asleep in your lap to calm you down. Or being greeted by a wagging tail by a grateful dog to see you again. The stress just drains right out and makes you feel grounded again.



If you don't have the companionship of a pet today get one. You'll be amazed how much they enrich your life. The shelters have so many dogs and cats that need a good home right now, there are plenty from which to choose to meet your lifestyle and home. So don't be lonely or bored- do what the rest of the animal kingdom does, find a furry friend and snuggle!
-Rick Rockhill

Day 1 of the Minneapolis Tattoo Convention

Rebecca was my first tattoo, and she rocked out so hard.
She got this slow loris on her forearm and sat well for about 4 hours.
She made funny faces the entire time, but her arm stayed still.
After we finished, she went home, took a nap, felt dizzy, and puked.
No kidding.
I doubt she wanted that info on my blog,
but it's an important part to the story.
The "conflict", if you will.
Even after puking and being dizzy, she got a ride from her neighbor back to the convention to enter the "Tattoo of the Day" competition.
What?
I know.
Out of all the contestants, the judges ended in a tie, so they called two people back up.
Who?
Rebecca (#13), and Ben's client, Eric (#1).
So it was an Identity Tattoo face off.
A big congrats to Ben for taking home the trophy.
And an even bigger thank you to Rebecca for coming back to the convention all beat up just to show off your swollen and hurting arm.
(and for bringing me homemade vegan lasagna!!!)



Matt was my second tattoo of the day.
We drew this "the one that got away...a couple times"
tattoo on in Sharpie, and then beat him up till the show ended for the night.
He also was a seriously good sport and missed his ride home just to enter his tattoo in the competition as well.
What was his prize?
A ride home from Kyle Mack!
Yay!
(we can only hope he made it home in one piece)
Matt cracks me up, and I appreciate the bottomless amount of freedom he gives me with every tattoo.
About halfway through I realized I was biting so hard from the colors of Bex's fat bird that I did not too long ago.
Hmmmm....






Anyway, thanks to everyone for helping to make it a very successful first day.
Two more to go....

TV Shows of the 1960's

I may have been born in the late 60's but I always liked to watch TVshows from the 60's in syndication. I ran across this video montage of TV shows that started their run durig the 1960's. How many did you watch? Check this out...you may as well have a seat, this runs for seven minutes...


Which shows were among your favorites? C'mon, leave a comment.
-Rick Rockhill

He gets salt water animals in a fresh water state.

I didn't do many big ticket tattoos last week.
I didn't do many small ticket ones, either.

Luckily, Adam came to the rescue by coming to Minneapolis,
and getting an octopus squeezed into a skinny shin space.
I told him I was going to do it in purples and yellows,
but of course I did it in the muted earth toned palette that I always do when not under strict customer orders.
(if you look close, it IS only purples and yellows, they're just mixed together.)

And then, to further celebrate my appreciation of umber, ochre, and sienna, we went out for Ethiopian food.
So good...



Now I'm pretty much focused on the tattoo convention happening this week in Minneapolis.
It starts Friday, kids.
I got six people getting big tattoos.*
Antlers, lighthouses, trees, fish, owls, eggs.
Shirts, stickers, buttons, magnets, and Dr Pepper.



* I do have one person who might have to cancel, though,
so if you feel like you missed the party and want in, let me know asap.
(lance chance)

My Fantastic Forties....

Now that I'm well into my early 40's I can honestly say that life is in fact better than my thirties. (Well so far anyway). I feel better than I did then; I try to take care of myself by doing the following: stay out of the sun, get my daily allotment of sleep, keep alcohol to a minimum, avoid too many processed foods, take my barrage of vitamins, and supplements (including fish oil), and eat fresh foods and vegetables. Regular readers know I am an advocate of organic foods, primarily to reduce the amout of pesticides I consume. But more recently, I have been particular about certain types of proteins we eat. For example, I now try to eat wild caught salmon, grass-fed beef, free range eggs and free range organic chicken. I've read that grass-fed beef has as many omega 3's as wild caught salmon and is actually pretty good for you. Who knows for sure. If I had just one piece of advice to someone, I'd say eat less processed foods. Anything pre-made, from a box or fast food. Oh and whatever you do, avoid high fructose corn syrup ("HFCS"). It's bad. I mean really bad. Eat regular sugar before HFCS. Don't get me wrong, from time to time I splurge and eat junk food. But I don't let it be part of my regular routine. Pay attention to what you eat. Read labels. If you can't pronounce it, google it. As the saying goes, your body is a temple. Well now you didn't come here for me to lecture you so I'll stop here. Here's hoping for another 41 years- at least! In fact I hope to live to over 100, like my great grandfather Luigi.
-Rick Rockhill

Dinner at Circa 69 at The Riviera Resort & Spa

Last night we went out to dinner at Circa 69, which is the fine dining restaurant at the ultra hip and glam Riviera Resort & Spa in Palm Springs. I've written about this hotel several times; it is one of my favorite new destinations in town. Back in its heyday, "The Riv", as it was known locally, hosted many great music legends who performed here, including Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr, Duke Ellington, Elvis Presley, etc. It was a hangout to the stars to see and be seen. Its multi-million dollar renovation two years ago restored the glamour and made it chic once again. As a local, I've frequented the Riviera numberous times for dinners, cocktails, or parties. These first few photos here of the interior I "borrowed" from the web, but I've taken many photos and posted in other posts here previously.

I've dined at Circa 69 several times previously-the food has always been delicious. Its one fault had been service. One time I pitched a fit, as I was entertaining important business associates and the service was downright dreadful. So last night we thought we'd give it another shot. I had heard they had a new General Manager, so we wanted to give him an opportunity to redeem himself. Much to my delight, the service was excellent! Our server was professional, appropriately speedy and knowledgable about the menu. Circa 69 is back on my "recommend list"! Its been awhile since I've posted a restaurant review, so I'm out of practice.

We started out in the "Sidebar Lounge", a sophisticated, hip, cozy room with fun mirrored accents and crystal chandeliers.  I ordered my signature Blue Raspberry Martini. By the way I am happy to report that this shirt I am wearing fits me again. I bought this in Hawaii several years ago; it was made by the locals and I just loved it. I filled it a bit too much for a few years, and now I can wear it again. Ok, back to Circa 69. The dining room is very dimly lit for the ultimate ambience. The servers provide tiny little flashlights that clip onto the menu. I tried to take photos of a few dishes, but my flash was too bright and I was too hungry to fiddle with the settings, so these are a bit washed out. Anyway, here goes:

left: Organic, grass fed filet of beef, with Roquefort crust, short-rib ragout, on a bed of mashed potatoes and asparagus. The top piece was a fancy cut potato crisp.

left: Sea Salt Roasted Organic Chicken, with wild mushrooms, midnight tomatoes, goat cheese dumplings and madiera cream.

left: Red Snapper, served with sauteed shrimp, spanish chorizio, steel-cut oats and piperade sauce. And for desert:

left: Warm  chocolate cake, oozing with warm dark chocolate, servved with sauteed banana on a caramel sauce, with ice cream, garnished with raspberries and fresh mint. Wow it was delish! So Circa 69 redeemed itself and I am pleased to recommend it to anyone visiting Palm Springs. Thanks for reading today.

-Rick Rockhill