November - December 2012
Austin,TX : We decided to leave a couple days early, buying bike trailer tires along the way. We arrived to stay at the Red Roof Inn. Wanting to see Big George before we do our surrounding area Tattoo Tour Named "End of Days" because this was the year, the world was coming to an end. AGAIN. This Tattoo tour was one of many "new" stops.
San Antonio, TX : We haven't been to SA in a long time. We stayed at the KOA Campgrounds and did our tattoo appointments. KOA was nice for being in the center of town. Met a great group of G.I.'s, they are the men and women who volunteer for our Country. THANK YOU SOLDIERS Didn't get to tattoo Our Dark Angel yet, but soon. We also met with the President and his wife, our Cupid for a business lunch. It had been too long. And it was nice to see an old friend. Before we headed down the road, we got a couple front tires from a tire shop in S.A. did barter/cash deal for two front used tires. (later the GOOD one blew out on us on the way back to Happy, TX)
Magnolia,TX: We never have anything bad to say about our living arrangements in Magnolia. Pelican St is our home away from home away from big city lights. By the time we got there the Ambulance was having problems, what kind of problems. Point somewhere and I can probably tell you a "problem." We were able to stay long enough to take care of clients that were able to travel to us and were not completely busy with the Thanksgiving holidays and family. We appreciate everyone for coming to see us. It's just a good stopping location for us and it allows us to fix and repair, when needed, while still able to work out of it and allowing less wear and tear on the truck motor. Spring and Tomball clients we thank you!!! Winners of the "Most Cozy Accommodation Award: G and K Priester & Jane. :) For having a little room to call our own and having us over for Thanksgiving dinner.
The calm before the "Knowles Men Reunion 2012"
Day before the bike rally, Friday: George and I went to go get the boys. Kenneth, Kyle and Ralphie. Jennifer allowed all the boys to come with us. We picked them up at their home in Kingwood. Mixed emotions were coming from all sides but the pick up went well. The road trip was a first with anybody in the back of the Tattambulance. The boys adjusted well. George, Kenneth and Kyle helped some kids on the side of the road. Let's just say our crew looked like a REAL Road Crew and the other 9 kids looked like kids. :) George sure does know how to make good looking men. :) We got to Austin and stayed the night at the Red Roof Inn again with the boys in a suite we got at a discount for "paying it forward" with the kids on the side of the road. Uncle Jimmy had to be kicked out of the motel room so we could get some sleep. We had an early day the next day.
Dec 1st, Saturday: We sprung out of bed and got everyone showered and dressed for the Bike rally. Picked up Big George and there we went off to Canyon Lake. We got to our cabin first, discussed how the boys can help when we get there and then went to set up at the bar. Got plugged in, set up and where there early enough to watch them depart, about 30 bikes rode off over the hill. Leaving all the Knowles men behind, this time, but gave them time to visit. Big George got to spend time with his grandsons, Kenneth, Kyle and Ralph. Jimmy showed up later and it was a Knowles Generation of sorts. This was the year, Uncle Jimmy was coined, Family "DRUNKLE" it seemed to be the general consensus of the table. And we later were reminded Drunkle has no couth.
The Hill Country Road Runners: Another prime example of exceptional citizens who ride and help the community that surrounds and supports them. The accommodated our clan and that meant a lot to us. They allowed on of the boys to participate by picking the winning ticket out of the jar. Ralph, got the honor. The DJ was kind to promote the tattoo raffle all day and at the end of the night, I passed out a few cards. We were able to help with the tattoo raffle and donate whatever proceeds we made MINUS $40. We took that to cover our fuel costs. We did a few tattoos and we believe we did the right thing because now somebody else's child may have a gift for Christmas. :)
George and I worked like had planned. The boys got to see that. It was awesome to have them around because they assisted in getting the Ambulance leveled outside and help out their father. Their help that weekend was much needed. George and I were blessed to have them there. On Sunday afternoon, we had to put the boys (K & R) on the bus home to go to school on Monday. Kenneth stayed behind to be with us.
Week after the Rally:
Little George & Kenneth Welding Project: Bike Trailer. 4 Days later...done before contempt began. The boys got to work together and several things were rebuilt and stronger A relationship, a talk, a task.
Kenneth and Big George met our Green Glitter Fairy who lives in her colorful Mushroom House. Where you sleep on a cloud while you drift off into the star lite sky into Dreamland. I, Inkie, got to have facial and hand treatment done with some awesome chef inspired hippie nature loving products. I smelt like roses all day.
Our Green Glitter Fairy , Darci, won the Most Righteous Award 2012. For going above and beyond, breaking the thresh hold from client to friend with one kind request. Thank you so much. Her sleeve is also another example of two artists who have combined their artwork to create such a colorful canvas. Her Drawings and Ideas, his technique and vision have come along way within a year. When we get together, we recall our first time we all met, her tattoo and how it all started. From Stars, to Robots chasing Butterflies, to hot air balloon elephants, to a windmill ,to a bee with honey farts. Super Pal, indeed. A Chef who makes all food with "Love and Smiles" from her Heart.
Drunkle & MetaLISA: Hosted a Last Minute BBQ: Before we leave up North. Kenneth may have seen into his future. Watching his dad (older brother) interact and maintain self control with his uncle (younger brother). Kenneth seeing a similar situation happen in his future with his younger brother, when they are both a little older, wiser, beat up and still stubborn as hell. We here for a little bit, hopefully you can move some shit around to come hang out. We want to thank our family for just putting up with us. Thank you.
The Return to Happy:
We left early that morning to head back to Happy, TX where our home has been waiting for us. Trucking along up 281 towards Llano, TX and we get a blow out, SUNDAY MORNING at 7:59 A.M.
in the middle of past the bridge and almost over the hill. GEORGE got on the phone and started calling AND DID EVERYTHING to get some dude motivated and help us get off the road. As we waited, we watched the sunrise over the hill country as we had a picnic brunch, walked over and read the historical marker down the slope and get the creek name: HONEY CREEK. Mobile Tire Service Men. WINNERS. He was a book of Historical knowledge about his area war locations, Indian tribes, gun history, military history and so forth. He also shared a helpful hint for purchasing USED tires. People we meet along the way.
Homecoming wasn't like we told our son it was going to be like. Disappointing and honestly boils my blood. We left unhappy and feels like we lost something. No matter the paradise you can create, there is always a snake in garden and we are snake charmers. Good thing about being a Gypsy, don't like your neighbors, you can move. RV Parks are like Tattoos. "Cheap Tattoos aren't GOOD, GOOD Tattoos aren't Cheap." Pay the extra money for privacy.
AMARILLO for a week:
We had to get Kenneth home but he got to experience what we do and how we do it. We do it, one tattoo at a time. He was able to get his first tattoo from his father, a JUDY ANNE Memorial Piece. It was an emotional day at our homestead. To honor such a beautiful soul who touched so many lives. 3 Hours later, Kenneth survived a full right side chest plate memorial tattoo.
Coming Home: George had this crazy idea of pulling the trailer and the bike trailer behind that. So....after figuring out that TRAILER LIGHTS are my husband's WORST NIGHTMARE, we rode down the road, OUTLAW STYLE!! The Tattambulance, a 32 ft RV and a Small Bike Trailer. One behind the other. 8 TX DPS officers later we were in the clear, well until we got home. It's not everyday when you see shit like that let alone be the one on the road. The Tattambulance is a beast for towing all of it and my husband is the BEAST MASTER.
Back in Canute, OK: Somebody told us before that George brings the cold. We got here and the next day, Christmas, there was a big, cold snow storm that moved through the area. We had a White Christmas after all.
The FUTURE:
What it holds for us is always UNWRITTEN. We are making this home. And when we leave it will be to do another Tattoo Tour but we have a place to call our own. Maybe our life style is not for everyone but it sure does make for great memories, new folks and like always, "leaving a mark." Our next stop is always a future adventure. Will you be our next stop?
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Open Road Studios Tattoo Company
AWARDS 2012
Most Righteous Award 2012: Darci, Super Pal: Green Glitter Fairy
Cozy Accommodations: G & K Priester & Jane, Magnolia, TX
Best Quote of the Year: "I had a collection of Baseball Bats when I was young and I didn't play any baseball." Philphy Phil, Retired "Bad Ass"
New Addition to our Comic book, VILLAINS: Tramp Stamp Man and his Minion: Pecker Wood.
Honorable Mention:
Martinez: He was there with on the Island, surviving along with the rest of us, made it off to work somewhere else and met up with us in Magnolia.
B -ANNA Split: For helping me make George's Birthday just a little better. Sharing her bananna splits. THANK YOU bunches.
S & L, Two Sisters on the Island: We have a "cheer quad" These girls always came by to see us when they were on the Island. These two are trouble without being "Trouble-makers" Lots of love, ladies.
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Another year has passed and what a year it was. We do what we do because of people like you. Always humbling that we so much support. We will continue to travel down the road as long as you call for us.
We want to wish everyone a Happy New Year.
Let 2013 bring you and your family lots of Love, Laughs & Prosperity.
See you in the Funny Papers,
Capt Tattoo & Inkie
"Making our dreams a reality, one tattoo at a time."
https://www.facebook.com/LittleGeorge.Capt.Tattoo
