Tuesday it was nice, finally the sun. Got most of the roof brightened up.
5Pm cold beer from Jim’s homemade keg holders that were awesome 50′s era refrigerators.
I must have been pretty ripe because Lew said I need a shower and a shave real bad, so he put me up in a hotel for the night. Didn’t realize how bad I needed that.
Finished roof Wednesday. Flag looks better then when I did it in 2006. Also painted an eagle on one of the sheds. Got (much needed) few extra bucks to get to next state. Dusted off the jar and did my ceremonious shot of moonshine.
Had to stay back at the Mciver Park site again, so I did on Wednesday nite. Awesome fire, franks on a stick. I saw the two headlights about a mile away when it was right in front of me I could now see the wigglin shiny black nose, aimin for my hot dog. The big raccoon stayed for awhile till we ran out of franks. See pics.
Drive to Everett WA in Morning.

Rain, rain, and more rain, and then some more. Flag I did here in 2006, looked perfect. Would have touched it up, but rain, rain, rain. Was waiting on donations to get to my debit account so I cud move on to next state. Stayed at Lakeside campground. For 3 days. Only entertainment was the action at the lake. The geese, ducks, frogs (didn’t step on any). Got a pair of binoculars at a yard sale to watch the giant osprey try to catch fish in the lake. On the last day he got one. Best show at the lake was the bat frenzy at dusk. I stood motionless on the lake dock in the bushy area where the mosquitoes spawn. One, then two then dozens of bats skimming the surface at every vibration. I bravely made a hand motion once in awhile and they came inches from me, stooping when the split second, knew I wasn’t edible.
I took a few pics. And all u see are pairs of eyes. (see pics)
My buddy Patrick (the creature) lives in Seattle but was in NY while I was in his town. He got back Sunday nite. His lovely wife put me up. Food, beer, warm bed, shower, and laughs. Monday morn before I left we had Breakfast at this old school yet hip diner. Patrick sent me off with a few bucks for gas, a fresh bottle of whiskey, their beeeeeeaaautiful baby Emma took some pics with Jimmy, and I was on my way for a long tough drive to Butte MT.

-SL

Sorry so behind in journal entry. Had some rough days, I do not have an agent, assistant, or rep.
Bare with me. My priority is to paint Old Glory…everywhere I can.

After the Fhelps thing in Topeka, I headed to Dodge City KS to repaint the Flag on Kustom Auto Radio
on Wyatt Earp Blvd. Chrissy was happy to have it put back. After she had to replace the old roof a lot of town folk were upset that their Flag was gone. She put me up in motel for 3 nites, paid for the paint that was 50% off at the local SW paint store. Had a few cocktails at the local Vet Forum with the local vets. Butch worked at Kustom and had been thru a wild ride from his stories. He was at one time a travelin carni. I liked that. Betsy needed some medical attention. Her trani wasn’t rite. Butch took a look and saw that the U joint was busted and it could rip out the whole transmission if she weren’t fixed now. Chrissy paid for the parts and Butch did the surgery. I made it to Albuquerque NM on nickles and dimes. Easter weekend. The roof was fine. Was gonna do a tiny touch up, but right after I set my tent up at a campground- 40+ mph winds and cold rain were keepin me in tent to keep it from blowing away. Got thru to facebook at one point to let my friend know I was strapped and was in need of donations. And they came thru.

Spent the nite in tent on asphalt parking lot of VFW Post in Glendale AZ. As I was on my aching knees, Stomach growling, back broken from sleeping on asphalt, This large shadow cast cast over me. I turned and there was a burly fellow who said; I am John Rigione and I’m here to help you. He put me up in a Ramada hotel and took me to “MeatBallZ” Restaurant that his buddy Robert owned and I ate like I do at home, for the next 3 days. (For those who live in AZ, GO THERE, YOU’LL LOVE IT!!)
Drive to Cali thru desert was surreal. So open is this land, as far as the eye can see. It boggles your mind. One of my favorite things is to drive, drive, drive. People fly everywhere, but you cant’ smell touch, and taste what you see from 30,000 feet.
Barely got to Escondido. Betsy had a major exhaust leak and losin power. The climb up those Cali mountains near Jagumba were too much for her. 15-20 mph up those hills and she was screamin. A fan of my work saw me and commended my efforts. Tylor wound up repairing the nasty exhaust leak, She feelin better.
Stayin with  CA host (Vet Wayne Louth and his Mom and Debbie). They are treating me too kind, like some movie star. I yelled at his mom (jokingly) and told her to treat me like family. Yell at me if I leave a dirty glass on the table, etc.
Found rooftop to replace the one that was destroyed when they tore last one down.
Did two “Paint Flag in 7 mins to Free Bird” performances. One in front of the Municipal art Gallery, at Cruisin Grand Car Show. Half of auction sale went to A Veteran;s art program.
The other at a Glass blowing studio. Gary and Cherrie had this awesome place in the hills. Their yard was a maze of many paths covered in their glass works. They had an open house where visitors come and watch them make glass. Music, wine, and art. They requested I do the freebird flag there. I did, and auctioned it off. Half of auction sales went to “Wounded Warriors”
Turns out the owner of the roof Flag in Escondido (George Weir) is a real hero in the community his asphalt company fills the city’s potholes for free. I begged him to come to Staten Island (LoL).
Started Roof Flag on Sunday. Very steep roof. Heard the news that nite of OBL (satan’s son) getting his due bullet in the eye. I know that you all were hit with that Patriotic punch upon hearin of it. It is dire that you maintain that feeling so we can ride the tide and get this great nation back on top!!!.
No reason we can’t! We are the leader of the world. Not imperialistically, but to lead humanity in the right direction. Regardless of what may be said of our ways, the World wants us on top. The World NEEDS a father figure.

Watched a story on California’s Fox news this mornin. I was a bit taken back how crazy I sound and look. I thought you get less nuts as you get older. Oh well. No apologies here. LoL.
Miss my folks back home. By the way, you all should know that I get too much credit. I owe every ounce of my talent, passion, and hard work ethics from my parents.
Look forward to my girl Jesse’s visit on the road soon! Heller.

On way to Las Vegas Nevada. Got a Flag to touch up. And paint some others. I’ll be comfortable stayin with my cuzs’ Lisa and John.

Way to go Seals!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By the way, don’t worry bout the media not showin you pics of OBL on ice, I’m workin on some of my thoughts. I’ll send images when the canvas is dry.

SL

Got into Topeka Saturday nite. Before I checked into hotel, I took a drive by the Phelps compound to envision the next day’s creative invasion. There wasn’t a singe car on the entire block. The compound was dead quiet and not a single Flag on the property. Hit the hotel bar for some liquid inspiration and drew out my plans for “1st Amendment” attack to take place the next day (Sunday) at High Noon.
Sunday morning, blood pumping through my head, heart and hands. Pull up to the compound at 11:15am. The street that was empty last nite is now full of vehicles. Not one spot on entire block. Also noticed 20 large, brand new Flags rising from their fence. All upside down. They new I was a comin! But they don’t know what they’re in for.
While tryin to figure out new logistics and where and how to unveil this magnificent portrait, a women pulled out of a spot directly across street form entrance of Dracula’s Castle. She lived across the street and was leaving for work. Someone high up is on my side. Darted to the perfect spot.
This cool dude (Toby) was just hangin around and introduced himself to me. He wound up givin me a hand getting the veiled painting and easel to the roof of my truck.
At high noon exactly, I cranked up my truck’s radio to the sound of Lady Gaga (the creepers hate Lady Gaga), climbed to the roof of the truck and unveiled my masterpiece.
A few passers by oggled and gave thumbs up. As I proceeded to add the creeper’s compound (burning in flames) to the background of the portrait of Fred and Shirly, The Topeka police department showed up in force. They were takin pics and measuring distances of Betsy (truck) to curbs. I hopped down and introduced myself to the PD. Always respectful of the PD, anywhere I am. They said they received a call/complaint. They handed me a citation for the loud Gaga music. Even though it couldn’t have been that loud, It’s a 1989 suburban,  with same factory, busted speakers. I took the summons like a man with no argument. I had bigger things to do. Respectfully gave them all my legit paper work.
Finally Lieutenant Haggart approached and let me know the city’s ordinance in regards to protesting at the compound. I let him speak. He told me that protesters must be at least 50 feet from the WBC, and that I was 16 feet away. Way to close by law. That’s When my long planned trick came to light. I said; with all due respect Lieutenant, I am not protesting or picketing. I am familiar with my right as an artist. I am just a mere artist legally parked on a public street, and I happen to have a PAINTING on my truck. It is not a sign. It is a work of art. Therefore I am not protesting and I refuse to move from this public spot on this particular street.
Lt. Haggart called his chief, the city attorney, etc. He came back over to me and said; we don’t know what to do in this case, so we have to let you stay. I could see in Lt. Haggert’s eyes that he just found out who and what I was. I gave him the look of respect he deserved and he to me as well, without words spoken.

I JUST HUMILIATED THE DEVIL!
Everyone wants to confront these creepy crawly scum suckers, but they sue everyone who dares step on a strand of grass that is on their property line. It seems they have the city by the loins. They prod around knowing no one dares come to their turf.
Hehehehe. Hello honey I’m home!
I got nothin to lose, and I’m crazier then any of you inbred, ballbags! And NOBODY knows how to use the 1st amendment better then me (25 years of Activism in NYC, baby).

They thunk I’d be a piece a cake. They expected some screamer with a sign with some bad words on it.
Well they got the Charlie Sheehan of the art world at their front door for 3 days.

I stayed and painted for 5+hrs. And they must’ve been livid that I got to stay at their front door painting a portrait of Grampy Phelps, in pink panties and high heel shoes, riding the devils lap, while his daughter Shirly (dog’s body) with her tongue hangin out was waiting for a ride on Satan’s lap.

Little by little they came in and out. Takin pics of me. One big bald Phelps paced back and forth in front of me for the 6 hrs I was there. Supposedly to intimidate. At one point he was joined by one of the pale, dead stare, children (poor things) and they began to sing unrecognizable hymns. Naturally from the top of my truck while painting their compound in flames, I began to sing over them. Not yelling or protesting, but putting appropriately directed words to song. Oh the sheer pleasure of giving these
@#$%^*mutants a VISCIOUS TASTE OF THEIR OWN MEDICINE.

I was goin to leave Monday morning to my destination Dodge City to repaint the rooftop Flag mural. But somethin told me to stick around. I’m getting under their thin skin. I’m stayin!
Pulled up next day (Mon) in front of Shirly Fhelps home (they own homes on every corner near the compound). Put the painting on the hood of truck for all to see, and started to play my harmonica loud and screechy ( not well). The creepers were startled. Running in and out of each others home, making calls, driving frantically around the block and back and fourth. Like ants when u put syrup on ur finger and drag it across their determined marching line. They were scurrying in disarray. HE’S BACK!

3 cop cars and  Lt. Haggert. I cud see the (very subtle) smirk on his face while he was getting out of his squad car. He knows why I’m here. I know why he’s here. There’s an unusual showdown. I’m not the usual visitor to this compound, and I’m honored that they sent the best to deal with this. A mutual respect. We both have a job to do and we both respect each others stance. It’s what real men do!

He gave me the run down. The crybaby creepers were getting frustrated that someone was getting to them. They all came creepin out when the cops they called, showed up. Lt. Haggert said; this is a citation for residential picketing, and politely suggested I leave. He knew my response before I said it.
With all due respect Lt., I am not picketing nor protesting. I am just parked on this public street playing a soft sounding harmonica, with a painting on my truck.

I stayed till sundown. It it was glorious to win on day two!!!!

Was set to head to Dodge City for sure on Tues Morning, but for some reason my truck drove itself back to Shirly’s creep cave. I could not leave without one more shot at the creepers so-called legal iron curtain. I parked in same spot as yesterday. I put painting on hood of truck, and opened a bag and had lunch on hood of truck.
I said to no one aloud: Ah just parked here on a public street having lunch. Ham sandwich and Twinkies!
No harmonica today, respect to the lieutenant. Today we are going to sing. And sing I did. Don’t believe I can get arrested fro singing happy songs, eating lunch, with a painting (not sign) on  truck.
Ten minutes later squad cars and yes, my friend Lt. Haggert. Once again the inbred creepers scurried to the Lieutenant. I received a third citation. I was ready to get cuffed and bring national attention to this theater of macabre and violation of my rights, but my (gray area) plan worked again. Haggert said the city attorneys office is STILL trying to find out if I am in the wrong, so he cannot arrest or order me to move. Win # 3.
Crazy !@#$%^& creepy inbred, haters, so-called  legal champs – 0
Crazy,  America luvin, scraggly, dirty, traveling, Patriotic artist  -  3

Had to redo the Flag in Texarcana AR. Ron had to replace roof last year, and was happy for me to replace the Flag. Was down to last bit of funds so I had to camp out at the local KOA for three nites.
Had to search and chop my own firewood. Bugs, bugs, and big bugs as you can see in the photos.
One nite sittin by fire, eating my franks and beans, An awesome display of fireworks appeared over the tree line. Ah the glorious illuminating celebration!
( John Adams, writing to his wife at Boston, on the 3d of July, to communicate to her the grand event in which he had acted so important a part, hailed that second day of July, 1776, as the most memorable epoch in the history of America. “I am apt to believe,” he said, “that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward, for evermore.)

It can get weird on the road!
As I was driving West on I30 on way to Denton Texas, there was a pick up truck 20 yards ahead of me.
We were cruizin at 70. His truck veered to the shoulder and I heard a pop sound, and realized he hit   a small armadillo road kill. Several minutes later he swerved, I heard it again, armadillo. Coincidence? I asked copilot Jimmy. Third time he did it, I realized he was playing a twisted game of pop the dead armadillo. And people call me crazy.

Laura and John Esterling are the owners of a Locksmith biz in Denton TX where I did the roof in 2006. They treated me like their own then and did this second time around to refurbish their beloved Flag. Some folks just become family. And they are.
As my funds are always drying up so fast (4 bucks a gallon!!. Start drillin baby) I did another rooftop for a Patriot named Frenchy  and a Flag on a large pole for Luigi’s Italia Cafe, and made a few bucks for the trip ahead.
NBC 5pm news and Front page of Denton Paper.

Leave here tomorrow (Sat). Before I hit Dodge City KS, I’ll be making a pit stop in Topeka to unveil an appropriate portrait of the disgusting Reverend Phelps. I will park in front of his Westboro “HATE” church and display it from the top of my Red, White, and Blue truck. This !@#$ is using the 1st Amendment to disrupt the funerals of our brave soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice. Well this NYC artist knows a thing or two bout the First Amendment and I’ll give him a dose of his own medicine.

Will try to get to VFW airport before I head to Kansas, to greet, welcome home, and thank a group coming home from Afghanistan.

Arrived in Hinesville GA for 3rd Flag repair. Deal at hotel. Need to upload images and journal.
Took needed shower, went to American legion, partied with all kinds of vets. Whiskey, pool table, and southern hospitality even for a yankee from NYC. Real America. Sunday, It’s overcast. Repaint Flag tomorrow on Tom’s Auto Repair on 84 east.
On schedule so far.

SL