I'll tell you how this weekend went.

We went up to "Bay City" Michigan. Me, Roxann, and the baby "Sebastian". We set up right next to my friend "Paul". Right next to the promoters too.

OK, all set up. During the slow times, I decided to look over my van. I noticed, I had a "tire" about to "blow". Cords showing, all that. I knew it wouldn't make it home. Well there was a "tire guy" there. But he didn't have the right tire. That meant, Sebastian and Roxann were stuck there. Overnight, because he would try to find a "tire" for the morning. We were "stuck" in Bay City. A bad place really. I decided I'd stay awake all night as they slept in the tent. Sebastians first camping trip.

I stayed up, because I perceived problems. Oh, fuck.. I was right. Major problems all the way around. I don't worry about me, I worry about "Sebastian".

I stay up later then most anyway. I decided I'd be up all night. Problems all night. Problems thru the day too.

There was this "group" of super drunk people. Totally drunk, totally "beligerent". 12 of them, 1 of me. Well, I tried to tell them to "calm down". I said I had a kid, and whatever they "ignored".

This one big black dude comes up to me. He went "on and on" about things. He was like.. anyone fucks with me, I'll kill them. On and on (he was way bigger then me). I tried to keep all cool. I kept saying, "Hey dude.. I understand.. but I got my 17 mo son here". You gotta calm down. He didn't.. and this was hours. I was SUPER worried things would get out of hand.

Finally he left. I knew a bar with a pool table was a few blocks away. I felt all calm then, was near closing. I went to play some pool. Long story to this, but I can't say all here (to long). Anyway I came back.

The black dude came back too. So I decided to settle this "once and for all". Of course I didn't want to fuck with him direct. He'd kick my ass in a heartbeat. I wanted him "gone" and I knew how to do it.

Another vendor just drove in. I don't know where he was, what he was doing. I didn't care. He was drunk (I know). They call this man "Dirty Dan", and he is no one to mess with.

It was like 4-5am. I told "Dirty Dan my story". Dirty Dan (who sells guns and stuff) tosses me this "huge wooden staff". Tells me to take care of it. He says "beat that nigers ass". I was like, NO.. I don't want problems. All I want is my son to be safe. He then said "I'll do it"!! I tried to stop him.. I didn't want that. He took off to beat the hell out of the problem causers.

He went there, and they all calmed down. I can say right now, I don't know if what he did as good or not. He was "effective", but yet I was super worried because I had my son there. I just know how things can go.. and I didn't want my son caught up in it.

Word got around to ALL the vendors. They ALL support me. In the morning, everyone was on their case. I mean EVERYONE! So now, it wasn't "12" against me, it was "100" against them. They wanted to know what I thought.

I basically said "They was just drunk", but I got a kid to think about here. All I want, is it NOT to happen again. The promoters, vendors, and others said "we agree, and will deal with it".

The group was "kicked out". I mean complete. I didn't even want that. I know what it means. It means, people like me, major promoters, and others saying stuff. They will lose their business complete. To completely "oust them" wouldn't be hard. I didn't want that. Hell they have kids too (way I think). I wanted a good solution. If they were ousted from this one place, would be same every place. Promoters and top vendors have some pull.

So one by one.. all that were kicked out. Came by my booth to "apologize". One by one, they came by. Head hung down. I was like, it's ok. I just got my son here (I then made some free necklaces). His first "overnight outing". I told the promoter that too. I made things cool with them, and with the promoters. As long as the promoters know I got no problems, they are "still in". Promoters could care less about losing anyone with "second hand clothes". They do care about losing me. This I know. Not gonna have problems with them again.

Well, I "lost" at pool at the bar. I kinda did it on purpose. I am an "excellent" pool player. I was "playing them (lying in a way)", but once I decided to "play real", we didn't have time. I was ready to put a "20 spot" on the table (I'd win). Then I heard "You all gotta go in 10 minutes" (from the bar owners). Dammit. I am in a bar "every single weekend", and I handle myself well there. Wasn't paying attention to time. I drew them in, and had fun too.

I done showed all at the "bar" what I do. Some I offered a discount, some free stuff. Today, most all my sales came from that night at the bar.

I go into a bar. I wear my leather. On my left side of my jacket, I have a few hundreds designs pinned up. Patches on the back and whatever. I promise, anywhere I go "everyone" is looking. Everyone has questions. This is business to me.

I left the bar. Some "wierd fuckers" in this town. Anyway, he looked like "16" to me. Walking "downtown at 4am". He had a full "gallon" of "Whisky". He says to me.. I got this "gallon of Whisky", I just need someone to drink it with. Tempting to me, but he was "underage". I don't care why he needs it, why his girlfriend left. I declined. Not going to jail for someone I don't know. Not some kid.

5am. I get back to the booth. Another vendor I know pulls up. Well he is "of age", smoking pot.. had some "Whisky". Had his "girlfriend" there, but wasn't the same as his wife he had last year. Plus kid. Well, he had a mistress. Well, we talked forever. Paul would kill me for what I said.. but to me.. "marriage is commitment, not a legal paper". What they do is up to them. I just hope their hearts are right.

11am... Well all the other vendors were "open" (since 6am). Me, I was snoring. The market was open, and I was still sleeping in the tent. Big tent in the middle of the market. Nobody messed with me. Matter of fact, while I sleeping, the promoters took "Sebastian" to their booth. They sell "popcorn, candy" alot. Oh they fed him free, didn't mess with me.

Nice people there! The best of the best. Get this, there are over 100 vendors there. I have a tent in the middle of the show. They let me "sleep" till I was ready to get up. Nobody complained.

As I slept, they took my son (17 mo) all over. They sold candy and such, fed him.

When we left,, all they had to say was nice. THANKS GARY for coming bye. I broke every rule, but I was cool too.

Lots more I could say... but guess I am out. Take care all...

Gary