Shout-Outs June & July

Since J.J. started, I have tried to take the time to thank each one of you for stopping by to check us out, both Ester and myself.

In a very short time, numbers have grown by leaps and bounds.  One thing I hear over and over is how people appreciate my bluntness.  …Which brings me to the point at hand.

Not long ago, Ester ran a piece called Dark Days.  That piece was brutally honest and really showed how this place can get to you.  At the time I wrote that, I was deep in a hole.

Bear with me for a moment….

I am a 32-year-old, tattooed prisoner who spent the last 15 years of my life as an addict to street drugs.  I talk shit about my life and Ester brings it to you on Jailbird.  I laugh and refer to all of us as Hooligans.  Yeah, you al are a lovely bunch of Hooligans.

Just three days after Dark Days dropped, letters of support and encouragement came in from all across the U.S.  That’s not joke!  People I have never met, or barely know, took the time to show me some mad love.

You guys really reached out to me.  Here I am, trying to reach out there, and when push came to shove, the Hooligans reached in here and picked me up.  This shout-out is for you.  You know who you are, and each one of you is awesome! 

One comment really hit me.  I made a comment in Dark Days about the people who hauled ass on me.  An old friend said, “Let them go!  Replace them with people who love and truly care about you.”  When your letters began to roll in, I realized that I already have.

Sure, there’s gonna be some haters, but hell, stick around long enough and the Hooligan crew might just win you over J

Maybe you just started coming by.  Perhaps you are not sure what to think of this blog.  It all started with just my immediate family and a few friends.  Today, this project has Hooligans all across the U.S. and even farther.  Many of the people who read just don’t leave comments.  I wonder at time just how many readers there really are.  Honestly, it doesn’t matter.  The people who are here are incredible.

Thanks to ALL of you.  I felt such love the other day as I sat and read your beautiful letters.  Some of you sent jokes and made me laugh.  Others spoke heartfelt words of encouragement.  You are an incredible bunch of people.  I am unable to read other blogs (ha!  …Or even this one!), so I’m not sure how they work.

That’s why I’m taking time to tell you all this.  If you are a part of this project, you are a part of something big.  J.J. has picked up some truly wonderful people J

Please remember to tell Ester thanks.  This would not be possible if it weren’t for my kick-ass sister (really – it’s weird for me to type this stuff up.  Michael, do you think I can’t hear you talking about me?  I’m RIGHT here!  Hell-o!?  Ha ha!)

Much love to you sissy, and a big Thank You to the Hooligan crew.  You truly are a lovely, one-of a kind bunch!

-J.J. 


P.S. EThoma, thank you from both of us for the stamps!  I am sure Scottie appreciates your generosity too!  XOXO-Ester Jean

Dirty South

This is a shout-out and piece Mike made for our friend Cari, who promotes J.J., runs her own business, and somehow finds a way to read and comment on posts, plus keep mail going to our favorite Jailbird.  Thank you for all your support, Cari!  Thank you for all the ways you took care of my brother when he needed a friend like you.  This will be in the mail on its way to you :)  Much love from both of us!

Big Ol' April Thank-You

“I’ve been looking over the latest updates Ester has sent me.  Australia, Africa, Hawaii, Germany?  ...There are many others.  Even if I don’t mention you, I still see you.  This blows my mind, so I wanted to once again thank you all for making J.J. what it is.

Not long ago, Ester and I decided to talk mad shit to anyone who would listen :)  We’re staying true to that – nobody’s selling out around here!  I told Ester at the start that my goal was 500 hits.  At that time, 500 was a huge number.

That’s kind of funny now – Ester told me nearly a month ago that we hit 5,000.  Then a little over a week later, she said we passed 6,000 hits.  Ester puts the stuff up where you can read it, but you, the readers, make J.J. what it is, and what it will be.

I’m going to always talk mad shit to anyone who will listen – that’s just how I roll.  But I’ll be damned if J.J. isn’t starting to change even me a little.  Maybe you have seen it as well.  Go to the beginning and read Stripper Diaries.  Then flip to the front of J.J. and meet my brother Corey.  Did you see that?  Don’t get me wrong, Stripper Diaries is some funny shit.  But I understand if that pissed some people off. 

Hear me out:  If you’re new to J.J. and you’re not sure how to take this, dare to stick around.  I’m gonna say some shit you don’t like.  That’s bound to happen, after all, just look how many of you there are!  I just might go and completely redeem myself in the next post.  One can only hope, huh?  :)

Friends, I’m all smiles.  I’ve seen the West Coast pick up, now we’re overseas.  If we could get Texas off their tractors and onto a computer, they might redeem their sorry asses too! 

To wrap this up, I thank each and every one of you.  I see you all, and I feel very privileged that you all are listening to little ol’ me!

I’m gonna keep on writing and making art.  You keep passing the word, and I’ll make sure you have some wild shit to read and look at.

Ester, thank you, sis.  There would be none of this without you.  Don’t think for a second I ever forget that.  A guy couldn’t ask for a better family than I have.  I take a humble bow to both friends and family.

– Thanks!  J.J.

 P.S. this is for Dawnie (and is overdue by a month or two!):

How awesome to see both you and your sister once again a part of my life.  I have been touched by both of your comments.  You cracked me up when you mentioned the ‘tickle-machine.’  Gosh, I forgot all about that.  We held each other down ‘til you were about to pee your pants.  I saw it all over again and was all smiles J  Thank you for that memory!  That’s the very thing that helps me do my time.  Beautiful memories, and I thank both you and Brooke for so many.  Share J.J. with anyone you want, and please stick around – nice to have you both in my life again.  Much love, M.S.”

Happy Birthday, California Girl!

Today is Candy's birthday and Michael and I are proud to say she was our first fan!  When I published the first piece on J.J., she was reading.  She is the first person to order a t-shirt at the conception of Tattoo'd Hooligan, and she has been a badass about encouraging both of us through the entire project. 

Michael hasn't met Candy.  Neither have I.  We have talked on an almost-daily basis for well over a year now.  When I was waiting for my husband to come home from Afghanistan, she was almost as excited as I was!  ...Because I hadn't met her, and we had just been talking online through a mutual long-time friend, I was a teensy bit worried about telling her dates for his arrival home.  One night while I was drinking wine and painting my toenails, I called her home on the West Coast just to chat... and make sure she wasn't a terrorist spy (remember that shit Candy??  HAHA!).

Candy is a beautiful woman, a loving mother, and a wonderful friend.  Michael mentions her by name when he writes because he knows she has been with us since the very beginning.  We want to wish Candy a beautiful birthday today!  Candy, thank you for being our first fan, thank you for encouraging me along the way and for keeping in touch with both me and Michael.  We are so blessed to have someone in our lives who shares her wisdom, humor, faith, and hopes with us.  From the bottom of our hearts, we love you and appreciate you!  And in honor of your bas-assedness, this is a piece Michael made for you.  He didn't know your birthday was coming up so quickly, he just sent me the piece and said it was for you.

Happy Birthday Candy!  

And to all our fans, thank you for coming, thank you for commenting, thank you for staying, and thank you for spreading the word!  Much Love!! 

(Copyright 2011, M.S.)

Shout-Outs from March

“*Brooke!  Just lookin’ at your picture here.  You’re rocking pink hair.  I didn’t know if maybe you were trying to disguise yourself or something.  I get that some people don’t want to be tied to this project in any way.  There are behind-the-scenes stuff we don’t share.  …Like the people who get a hold of us to say, “Under no circumstances can you use our names on J.J.”  So, trying to be clever and all, I thought that maybe I could abbreviate your name – that way only you would know I was talking to you.  Clever, huh?  Um… do you know what that would look like then?  B.J.  And while I was laughing to myself about that, I read [Ester’s update] further and saw you were headed to see Lady Gaga.  …At which time I thought, well, maybe I should keep the B.J. joke to myself.  Then I thought, ‘No!  If she’s headed to see Lady Gaga, then she’s got a little freak in her J’

I hope you enjoyed her show, and hope you will continue to enjoy the J.J. freak show J  Thanks again Brooke!

*Jenny W.  You were worried about offending us?  HA!  Perhaps you meant my little sister.  You really can’t offend me J  For real.  You asked an awesome question. 

Could rehab vs. prison have set me free from drugs?  No.  Not in my case.  I used drugs to escape from my life. I used until they took control of me.  At that time, I forgot what I was running from.  Honestly, I didn’t even care then.  I just wanted to be high.  Rehabs usually hold you for, what, 30 days?  …60 days?  Let’s say even for 6 months.  An addict needs time to find the root of the problem, then needs to address that problem.  Only then can you move away from the addiction.

Truth is, Jenny, I wasn’t to the root of my evil in 6 months.  Three years have gone by since I last used.  I’m gonna tell you some real shit, because you asked.  I fixed that stuff I was running from.  I put that hurt behind me.  However, I will never go and be in a room with coke again.  One day, if a girl needs a script filled, with love, I’ll tell her to fill it herself.  I’m worried I would fall.  I’m so strong in so many ways, yet weak in many others.  That’s how I’ll stay clean.  …By recognizing my weakness and keeping a positive support group around me. 

Oh, and please never worry about offending – ask whatever you want.  Great question J    

*Erica H.  Great question: When do I get out?  In a hot-minute.  Ok, I know – that’s kind of smart-assed - sorry.  If I stay out of trouble, no more fighting, tattoos, and so on, then I’m down to about 7-8 years left.

Listen, your husband and Ester and I need to talk.  Without getting ahead, or blowing future surprises for the rest of the J.J. crew, I am totally down to look at the ‘production possibilities.’  That’s yet another plan, and it’s crazy you should ask J  Thank you for reading, and please pass on a thanks to your husband as well.

*Penny…  Glad to see you around again.  Last time was a long time ago.  You can be proud of me today.  Back then I was leaned over a plate of coke with a straw in each nostril.  Today I am clean and trying to get back the life I lost while I was off the track.  This J.J. thing has been so cool.  The people it has brought back into my life… I am truly blessed.  You and I know some of the same people J  Crazy to see all our paths crossing again, huh?  You be blessed, woman.  You stick around, ya’ hear?”

From Ester à (MOM!  LOOK AWAY!!!)

“*SweetMelin, My dear friend.  You have been here from the very start of J.J. and I want to say thank you, thank you, thank you.  You’ve made several comments.  Let me address a couple J

Did I ever fear an overdose or dying?  Unfortunately, no.  If I got close enough to O.D. or die, then I was really fuckin’ high, and that’s right where I wanted to be at the time.  It’s sad but true.  That’s how I lived.

OK, that said, let’s lighten things up some.  Racist?  Never.  Homophobic?  HA!  Not hardly.  I mean, if I’m in the shower, look over, and a dude is looking at me while he’s jacking off, I think I have the right to ask him to point that thing somewhere else.  Now, on the street, I have been two guys on a girl.  I sold ecstasy for nearly three years.  There have been plenty of times wild ass shit has happened.  And I think this conversation is now headed South, and quickly.  I think it’s a compliment when a gay man finds me attractive.  I guess personally I find a woman’s body a complete work of art.  There is far more to admire on a woman’s body.

That being said, I am so glad both you & your son follow this.  Please never take offense to me.  I just love to talk shit J  

*Angie G.  Nice ride!  I was just sitting here admiring your picture.  Looks good – the bike!  The bike!  Harley Davidson V-Rod.  Looks like you’re about that life.  Awesome!  You know a bunch of us ride.  We’re going to have to put a ride together when I get out.  You read My Friend Paulie?  Well, Paul has a beautiful Fat-Boy.  That’s probably what I’ll get.  Not sure because I love the music when I ride.  I may do an Ultra Classic.  …Something comfortable with a radio.  Then build a chopper for the short rides.  OK, so enough of all that.  You need a Tattoo’d Hooligan shirt.  Wait until the new stuff comes out.  We have some bad-ass biker stuff in the works now.  Skulls and crossbones and shit.  Listen, thanks for chillin’ with us.  I mean that, and feel free to pass J.J. on to anyone else.

Much love.     

*Anonymous…  Hmmm… you chicken!  I see your comment.  You wonder what 4X4 I had in the mud hole?  Do you really wonder?  Sounds like you already know.  You referred to my dick as a 4X4 – sounds like the voice of experience.  That was good shit!  Was it the mud hole or the water hole?

*Terry L., Yeah bro, looks like a train-wreck from here as well.  …Both my life, and that picture Ester used.  If you can stomach my ups and downs and the terrible language, please hang out with us. 

Military Shout-Outs from J.J.

"To the men and women who protect and serve our country:

I would like to personally thank you for putting your life on the line for people you don’t even know.  I put my life on the line for people I don’t know, but in a much different way.  …And they may wish they could take a bullet after reading my shit!  Before I get side-tracked, THANK YOU!

Thank you Noah for protecting and serving my sister.  You must be doing a good job because she is smitten J.  It’s been a very long time since I last saw you.  We were kids in a canoe race if I recall.  We will have to catch up in the future.  I really want to find out about the different water-boarding techniques.  You’ve got all those high-tech weapons.  We’ve got razor blades melted into toothbrush handles.  Keep safe doing what you do. 

Jokes aside, you risk your lives and my hat is off to you.  Perhaps my bullshit can bring a smile to your faces.

To my brother-in-law, Oz, Much love to you man.  You have also managed to nail down one of my sisters.  My sisters are the most special ladies in my life.  I am blessed as their older brother to know they have stand-up men in their lives.  Also a big thanks to Oz for allowing Ester to make this thing happen.  You are the first on my list to get ink when I get out.  I mean that.  Love you, brother.

You have heard about my friend Paulie, who is also a service man.  Much love to you, your wife, and your family.

My older brother was also in the service.  His main ‘detail’ now consists of a wife and five troops.  He may sometimes feel like he’s in a battlefield!  Haha.  Sorry bro, just playing!  …I remember what huge families are like J

To all of our troops, men and women, hats off and Much Love,"

M.S.

Stand Up & Represent (and Shout-Outs!)

(Holy crap, I found it!)

"I’m looking at my last update here.  What I see is that the stars representing our East Coast visitors are plain smashed.  I can’t even see through all the stars on the map.  So my question is, ‘What’s up on the West Coast?’

I see you in California.  Matter of fact, I see all four stars along the west coast.  My dirty south has come through strong.  Guess that’s the whole ‘southern hospitality’ thing – spreading the love.

Honestly, I don’t know many people on the West Coast, but I’ll bet you do!  So, yeah - I’m talking to you!  Show a locked-up country boy some love!  Let’s see what can be done about that West Coast.  I mean, we’ve got soldiers in Afghanistan, dodging IEDs, sniper shells, and car bombs who still sign in!  They’re getting back from a hard day on the battle field and what do they do?  Sign on to J.J.

And what are you doing, huh?  …Dodging traffic on the way to 7-11 to buy a Slurpee?  Stand up and represent!  My next update comes in one week!  Make a call, tell a friend, show some love!  Let’s change the ‘Wheezing West Coast’ to the West Coast Warriors.  Wow- you see, that just sounds badass!  One week:  Let me see what you can do! 

Here are our most recent shout-outs:

Sabrina!  Talk about a blast from the past, huh?  Did you fall out of your chair?  It’s been a long time.  Glad you came by to check out my ranting and raving.  Always nice to hear people from my past are doing well.  Stick around – more cool stuff to come J  Tell your brother I said hello!

Angie!  So you remember the guitar playing, pot smoking, class-skipping… ok, ok, ahhhh well – I’m finally getting my shit together.  Ha!  You may remember the van in the parking lot… ok, so we’re all a little older now.  Hey, feel free to tell any of the old crew you’re still in contact with about this project.  …And take a dip in Higgins one time this summer for me, please J

Nick!  Home team from way back in the day.  How’s it hangin?  Ok, right – Salt N’ Peppa can say it and it’s cool.  I say it and it sounds odd.  Thanks for reading.  I also appreciate the comment referring to Stripper Diaries.  I was worried that just pissed people off – glad to hear somebody got a laugh.  Stick around!  I’m glad to have you on board!

Abby, Thank you for loving me.  You may frown on what I’m doing here – or did you just laugh?  I can’t see from here, but I’ll tell you this: Your big brother loves you tons!

Brooke, I heard you had stopped by to listen to me talk aboiut my failures in life J  It’s been quite a journey!  Today I’m a little older and, dare I say, a little wiser?  A lot has changed since we were little kids having snow-ball fights.  Beautiful memories!  I pray that you, my friend, are blessed and the sun shines brightly on you and your family.  I hope you stick around – the end is better than the beginning.

BEAU, My dear friend, as you read this, you find yourself a free man.  I imagine that has to be the best feeling.  My day will come.  The next time you see me, I’llbe on that side of the fence as well.  Until then, I am happy to know you are back with your family.  Do the right thing.  Never forget where you’ve been.  Keep your focus on the straight and narrow. 

Last, but not least, enjoy sex with something other than your hand!  You lucky bastard!!!

Shout-Outs for February

So, I’m sitting here looking at this week’s update.  Even sitting behind these walls I can’t help but smile.  I don’t know you personally, probably never will.  That’s why I am so touched – to see how many of you come by J.J.

Florida and Georgia – congratulations, you have completely smashed your states and I thank each one of you. 

Canada, you add more every week.  You rock!  I used to travel through the Windsor tunnel and come to Canada from Michigan, so I could legally drink at 18. 

Michigan, you’re really holding your own – much love.

Kentucky and Tennessee – the best home-made shine I’ve ever had came from there.  Left me naked and passed out in a ditch – people say I was shouting, “I can fly – I can fly” right up until I passed out.  Umm… Thank you?

 Gracie, thanks to you, New York readers blew up the map.  Make sure your friends from work, school, and wherever else know I see them.  You spiked the activity on J.J. for like a week straight.  Hopefully nobody disowns you over my shit!  Love you Sis!

Minnesota, Wisconsin, how are you, Eh?  Every time I think of your states, I think of the movie Fargo, one of my faves.

California, Alabama, Louisiana, thank you all so much.  As long as you continue to read, I will write.

Keep checking in, pass the word.  You guys make this thing grow.  Once again, thank you all.

H.A. Turns 34

Yesterday was a friend’s birthday and we had a party for him.  Please, join us for a birthday party.

First, meet the birthday boy.

We call him H.A., which stands for Hell’s Angels.  If you don’t know, the Hell’s Angels are a nation-wide biker gang.  H.A. is an enforcer for the Angels, part of the heavy-duty task force.  The Enforcers are to the Angels what the Marines are to the U.S. military.

H.A. Turns 34.

Obviously we can’t run out and buy a cake with candles.  We improvise.  I personally drew him an awesome piece of art.  He is also an artist, and appreciated my picture.  That’s the “normal” part.

Then the blanket party. 

(Pig in a Blanket -- not a blanket party).

Prison is different from being on the outside.  You don’t hug, you bump fists.  You don’t cry; you get angry.  You don’t talk things out.  You fight. 

So when it’s a birthday, or someone is about to go home, you throw a blanket party.  You wait until the person is asleep, then throw a blanket over them, hold them down, and beat the shit out of them.  No head shots, no groin shots.  Body shots only.  I know this sounds terrible.  This is how we show love.

It’s not intended to hurt the person.  This is another level.  When it’s over, the ‘victim’ stands and smiles.  You look around and see your homeboys.  These are the guys who have your back.  In prison, it’s all about who has your back.  A man who stands alone is vulnerable.

Sometimes we make a goulash.  This time we ate Philly cheese-steaks, sweet and sour chips, and drank soda.  We have a canteen and these items are purchased with the money we are sent by family.  Scottie picked up the tab on the food items.  He said to thank his wife Laura.  Thank you Laura!!!

I made a cake.  Well, what it is: three honey-buns stacked on top of each other.  A layer of peanut butter is spread in between each bun.  Then I whip 2 cocoa packs with peanut butter and spread this icing on the top and sides of cake.  Then spread crunched Vanilla Wafers on top and sides.  It’s a big freaking mess, but tastes heavenly.  We chop it all up and eat like finger-food.

Traditionally, I think of women preparing the food.  My Mom always cooked for us growing up.  Here in prison, it’s just us guys.  Preparing our food is nearly as fun as eating it.  One guy is mixing a sauce while another cuts and dices something.  It’s a joint effort.  One I can’t help but look at sometimes and smile.  Here we are, the rejects of society, felons, killers, drug-dealers, yet we are still people.  We are men who have wives, children, brothers and sisters.  We have feelings.  I’m a writer.  I look at all of us sometimes and see a greater picture than meets the eye.  Everyone in prison is hard.  Take a closer look and you’ll see what we are is people.  We love, we feel, we hurt, we’re not that much different from you.

We sing “Happy Birthday,” then eat.  Our scary Hells Angels friend has a smile from ear to ear.  We tell him we hired a stripper that will stop by later.  His smile disappears.  The only strippers in here are men who dress like women.

Earlier I mentioned we throw parties when it’s a birthday, or someone is going home.  A dear friend of mine is very close to going home.  I met Scottie a few months ago.  He is an awesome guy, and has been supportive of Jailbird in many ways.  His sense of humor is a lot like mine and we have many laughs together.  I am happy to see him go, but he will also be missed.  Scottie is married and can’t wait to be home with his wife.  Both Scott’s wife and mother visit Jailbird.

I feel honored to have met Scott, but we will be returning him to his mother and wife very soon.  If he comes home with a few bruises, that’s because we love him so much.

Thank you both for braving Jailbird.    

And this from Ester:

My husband and I watched this movie recently and really enjoyed it.  ...Just passing on the recommendation :)

Shout-Outs from J.J.!

To the newbies, and readers in general:  I see many more of you who I will address as time allows.  Leave me a comment or message and I'll holler back.  ...Or remain anonymous.  It might be safer that way :)

...Come on.  You can't be a chicken all your life!!

Sally F: My update from Ester this week included a couple of comments.  …One was about my first mini-bike.  There was a fire, followed by a small explosion.  Did I learn my lesson?  Hell no!  Instead, that bike gave me dreams of someday being a biker.  My goal back then was to do anything possible to impress the love of my life, Brooke.  Uhhh… can I say that?  I’m still getting used to how this blog stuff works….

Cari:  Hey woman!  Thanks so much for checking in.  You’ve been a friend to me for many years now.  It’s probably safe to say you saw the rise and fall of me.  You offered advice but never pointed fingers.  Glad to see you hung out long enough to see me begin to get my shit together.  Thanks for not giving up.

Candy:  Wow, looks like you started something; I now refer to Jailbird as J.J.  You were right – it’s so much easier.  I’ve been writing and drawing my ass off.  Last month I ran through three full ink pens.  That’s a lot of freakin’ ink!  …Lots of good stuff to come.  Thanks for your question and comments.

Sister Gracie!  Hey sissy!  Since you don’t write anymore, I’ll just give you a shout-out from here.  Seems a lot of my pen-pals find it easier to check up on me here at J.J.  That’s fine.  I’ll talk to you here then.  Just one question – what am I supposed to do when I need to play the big brother role and give you advice?  Yeah, didn’t figure you’d want all these people to read our dirty laundry.  Hmm – guess you’d better lighten up and write.  …Unless you want the Canadians to know you stay out too late and drink too much.  What are your grades these days anyway?  Luuuuuvvvv you!

Paulie:  Nice of you to grace us with your presence.  I know you’re busy, so J.J. should work out nice for you.  You can find out all the stupid shit about me you didn’t already know, then type me two or three sentences in reply.  Honestly, I’ll accept this from you since you’re out there saving our planet from the bad guys.  Maybe you could hire my sister Gracie so she has an excuse not to write too!

Mom, Are you there?  Hello?  Yoo-hoo!  Ok, cool, so you’re not here.  Perhaps you also missed “Prison Sex” while you were out with your boyfriend.  We really need to set you up with some sort of a curfew.  Wouldn’t that be fun?  You sure assed my life up with one.  10 o’ clock?  Come on Mom – how would you feel if I told you, “Be home by 10 p.m.?  OH!  And keep your bedroom door open when your boyfriend is over.”  YES!  This blog shit is great!  I can talk to you and you can’t say a damn thing back!  He he!

(From Ester – I am not 100% sure which of these sisters Michael is talking about, because it’s spelled “Catie” – you know which sisters you are.  Mike hacked both your names and now I don’t know which frickin’ one of you he meant!  Sorry!  However, if this is some weird sexual reference, I say NOT FUNNY!):

Catie McD…  Murphy’s window.  Do you remember?  God, it’s been so long ago.  Times were far more simple then.  …At least for me.  Crazy, I was remembering looking down through that window.  Glad to hear you are doing good.  Tons of fun memories from Lakeside.

Justin C!  Three words for you: Immanuel Baptist School.  Playing air hockey, wearing uniforms – hmm… reminds me of here!  Ok, so it wasn’t this bad.  We had Miss Cari to look at.

Emma, I’ll always remember you as the girl from across the street.  I think we got in some trouble one time.  I know that doesn’t sound like me, but….  I hope life is good to you and your family.  Tell Ted I said, “Whazz up?”

Miss Ester:  Thank you for your comment on the hot stripper, or should I say not-so-hot stripper?  Karen had other things goin’ on besides her face.  She was real… flexible.  Her ‘sex appeal’ outweighed her ‘curb appeal.’

Lacey, I was riding the other day, the wind on my face, headed to a beach somewhere.  I thought I saw you there.  Good times.  I’m blessed to have great memories.  They pull me through these hard times.  Thanks for checking this out :)

Sherri, I feel honored to have met your son behind these walls.  Scottie makes me laugh every day.  He will be coming home soon, but I think we have a friendship that will last, and I look forward to having a cold beer together as free men one day.

Laura, Glad to have met your husband.  Hope your schedule is clear for… hmm… about 6 months after he gets home!  Thanks for following my bullshit.

Jennie, thanks for your friendship.  You rock!  Your letters are awesome, and your pictures are the shizzam.  Keep coming by.  I have some really cool art coming soon.  Much Love.

Kristina!  My bro’s girl!  You must be great to be putting up with my brother.  All my sisters like you, so you have passed that test.  And that’s a huge one!  Keep an eye on my brother, ok?  He’s real special to me :)

Phillip, Hey Dude!  Thanks for holdin’ the fort down while I’m gone.  Take good care of Mom ‘til I get home bro.  Give her lots of hugs from both of us – You’re the man right now, so what’s right.  I love you!

Ashleigh, I don’t have any hair for you to cut.  However, when I need one next time, I’m looking you up.  You really should shout out too.  It’s been a while little lady!

Fritzon, Since my mom made me promise no more ink, I’ll need you to finish doing me up.  We’re setting a date homie.  Have your people get with mine, ok?  I’m a hop and a skip to the gate :)