In March, during the Lo Down Ho Down that Mike sponsored, was the first time I put needle to skin, under the watchful eye of the good Mr. Martin, & the first few that I did were shaky, crazy, & well,... my first tattoos! It was great to be surrounded by all kinds of American sharp skins & Bettie Page love children, coaching me & regaling everyone in all the assorted tattoo secrets, stories & myths, drinking, carrying on, & having a friggin great time, but the fact was that I was just a little pup.

Fast forward to October, & the same crew reassembles to watch & see how far I've come along,.... hmmm, now everyone is all standing in line, waiting their turn! Ah, the vindication! Don't worry kids, draconian laws or no, I'll be back down to make sure everyone gets good & inky!