ADVENTURES OF LUCKY AKA TODD LAMBRIGHT

17 and eleven

2011-01-02T14:18:00.000-08:00

A new year, 2011, was set into motion watching fireworks from a boat, with a head full of the dreams of a whole new level of awesome. I am extremely grateful today for the poison free life I began 17 years ago. Today brings to mind memories of starting over and the emptiness that those poisons left me with. Now years later my life is full of more people and levels of awesome than I could have ever imagined. A very special thank you goes out to everyone from day one to now that has made my life what it is.

That all being said, I am prepared to make this next year count on more levels and in more ways than every year before it. Last year I was reminded of the true strength within me and in the people I have around me. This year I intend to set out to make the most of what I have in my life. I am entering into a year with a head full of some big plans. So here's to, family, strong friendships, hard work, and lots of moments that do go beyond 10.

Ready or not life, here I come, and this time I am not alone. Hahahaha

2010-02-21T19:18:00.000-08:00

Since the first day of Mr. Hebrank working at Identity Tattoo there has been a push for all of the artists in the shop to get into the same issue of I want your skull. It is a great publication all about the use of skulls in art. Well not only did we finally get it together all at the same time. Shawn also has an interview and did the artwork for the cover. If you want to pick one up go to iwantyourskull.com
The long Minnesota winter is nearing a close and this old hibernating bear is up and ready for spring. A lot of living and clowning around has been filling my days and nights. My friends and I took Zoe and her friend Izzy to the motorcycle show. As you can tell she is a girl after her dads heart. Two years old and you can see the genetic passion for what these motor bikes have to offer. Or it could just be she knows it makes her dad smile.

Minnesota also gave us a great blanket of fresh snow. This time old mother nature decided to keep the temperature up and Zoe, Odin and I got to have a great day of fresh air and fresh powder to fill our lungs and minds with unfiltered air and the pulsing of our hearts after a long winter of sub awesome temperatures.

I have also ventured out without my lil awesome and even got to go enjoy the tropical climate of the Mn Zoo. It was an awesome break from the norm. They even had an indoor sandbox to play in . Nothing says overgrown kid than sitting with 30 children in a sandbox in February.

I also had a strange night of insomnia, after two hours of sleep the painting that has been beckoning me for months now yanked me out of bed. Filled me with an epic amount of energy and before I knew it it was finished. Along with three others that were born of the same streak of madness.

Thank you to all of those who have spanned my life and all those who continue to aid in the creation of what is destined to be the most epic year of my life to date.

P.S. Dear life thanks

Yet another year

2010-01-02T18:26:00.001-08:00

The bells of time have rung again and have closed out yet another year of time. 2009 brought a true test to my integrity and ability to withstand harsh realities and change. It also brought some amazing friends to the surface of the ocean of my life. I was given amazing times with my daughter and have her and many others to thank. From my dear parents, brothers and sister, to my amazing friends, thank you for all of the support and sense of family you brought to what was a trying time. Today I have 16 years of the good life under my belt. A special thanks goes out to my Dad for being the one to enable me to get where I needed to be. I am now embarking on the journey that will be 2010. For my family,friends and clients we will make this a good year. Its time to take back the power of the ways of the world and get out and live. I can guarantee some amazing times, laughs and lots of great tattoos. Thank you to everyone who has helped shape my life and those who will continue to be a part of making this an EPIC year. I know the guys from the shop will play a huge roll in this year as they are part of the very fabric which makes up my family. So here's to living in the moment, and enjoying those who care enough to be with you through the good and bad. Lastly to my Zoe for being the shining light in the rough seas and the cool wind that settles my soul.

Feeling productive

2009-09-26T14:55:00.000-07:00

Every once and awhile I get inspired to do a little painting, by inspired I mean Shawn Hebrank lit a fire under my posterior. The new issue of I want your skull is coming soon and with a few friendly reminders from Shawn we will hopefully have everyone in the shop in the next issue. I really enjoyed painting this and am looking forward to the getting back in the swing of painting on a semi regular basis.

Proud weekend for Identity Tattoo

2009-09-23T08:52:00.000-07:00

I have to say that this last weekend was definitely a very proud moment in my life. I have spent the last four plus years building a business that was always a dream for me. It is now a reality and It really sunk in this weekend at the Minneapolis Tattoo Convention. Ben Rettke and Shawn Hebrank not only took the ropes for the convention but brought the thunder. It was a great feeling to see the shop take home a good number of trophies, from best of show as well as two tattoo of the day trophies, but most of all to see the showmanship and teamwork that went into this weekend. They guys brought their A game and showed what the shop is all about. I cannot tell you how grateful I am to have such great guys to work with and to keep the pressure on each other to continue to push one an other to continue to up our game.

A special thanks to Kyle for keeping the guys in what they needed, even when it included the military crawl between underneath table and between massage table. Also a special thanks to all of our clients that make the whole thing possible. Without the support and loyalty these things could never happen.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this place possible

money magnets and tattoo conventions

2009-09-17T20:11:00.000-07:00

Thanx to Seth Ciferri for building me these two money magnets. They may be a little obnoxious but they have proven to be two of the best running tattoo machines I have ever used. Gold is truly an amazing conductor of electricity and with that kind of money inside the magnetic field, lets just hope there is some truth to the myth, if you place money within a magnet field it would attract more money.

On another note the shop got a face lift with all new vinyl on the windows and the pavillion sign out front of the shop. I also had them added to my truck. I just cannot seem to get enough of that army green.

The shop will be working at the kingpin tattoo convention all weekend. If you have work from us come show it off, and hang out. Ben Rettke and Shawn Hebrank will be tattooing all three days
friday2-12 saturday 12-12 and sunday 12-8

A weekend up north

2009-08-11T05:24:00.000-07:00

Well my good friend Stephen had a big party this last weekend to celebrate the years he has thus far walked the earth. Let me tell you without him alot of things may never of happened. I was fortunate to be on the LIST and be able to bring my amazing daughter along for the experience. The weekend was packed full of good times. We got to live in the moment and enjoy the amazing Fort Coskran that Stephen and Wendy have built.

Zoe and I also got to enjoy the company of so many friends and live life to the fullest outdoors. Although the weather was a little wet, we enjoyed splashing in the lake, eating hand fulls of wild raspberries, walking up and down the trails, building small forts with Izzy, Atticus and Wolfgang and just enjoying what the outdoors had to offer. I could not of asked for anything more.

In keeping with Mr. Albie Rocks love for fire we built a log cabin fire with a birch bark sleeve for a chimney. With the help of Lonnie it became an awesome fire to watch. Sometimes its easy to forget how clear your head can become if you just take the time to get back to the outdoors.

Thank you for the time we were given

Vip Parties with the BIG BOSS

2009-08-07T04:46:00.000-07:00

Last night was a fun chance to take the shop to a VIP party for the opening of the Bodies exhibit at the Mall of America. Since Shawn Hebrank is taking some time with family on the east coast, we got to bring the real boss of Identity Tattoo along. It was a fun event to attend, private viewing, good food, and old friends to catch up with. Zoe kept the guys in line and escorted them around insuring they did not get into any trouble.

Tiny Pint Size Snake skull

2009-07-09T09:06:00.000-07:00

Summer is here and it seems par for the course that I feel like a one armed juggler. The shop is doing well, staying busy and planning for the Kingpin convention in MPLS this September. I have been taking lots of time to enjoy with my daughter, and have even managed to get some time ,all be it minimal, to begin to recharge my internal battery. Here is a little and I mean little painting I did yesterday for an upcoming book call pint sized paintings. It is two by three inches. It was a whole different process trying to paint that small but proved to be amazing for my brain. I am going to do one more as soon as time permits.

Outside of that the Bearded Lady Motorcycle show is coming up quick so if you're into old bikes and a carnival atmosphere come down and join in the fun.
It will be held on the 25th of July at the 331 club in Nordeast. for more info go to www.myspace.com/beardedladymotorcycleshow

Grateful for a great day

2009-05-19T06:37:00.000-07:00

Monday sacred Monday, a day to recharge the internal battery. What a great day it was, my daughter and I went on a great adventure while the siders finished the house. Off on a bike ride, we met up with our friend Adam and road to the park to play on the slide, swings and climb around. There is nothing that sparks my inner battery more than climbing and running around with my little girl. The innocence, the zest for life and the unbridled glee is so contagious. It makes me feel like a new man, or child for that matter.

As the sun began to heat us up we decided to go tromp through the nearby woods. There were downed trees to investigate, along with old leaves and new growth. We even found a bunch of mushrooms but no morels. The peace and solace found in the outdoors makes me wonder sometimes how I ever could get too busy to make time. With dirt on our hands we used a little stream water to wash up before we got back on our trusty bicycle steed. Back to the house to eat a little food.

Life thank you for what we have been given.

Fun day of skully's

2009-05-15T06:11:00.001-07:00

Today was a fun day of tattooing and trying to keep up. In times of growth and change, staying busy at the shop gives me a sense of order and clarity in my life. Ashley got her feet done today and in typical style she sat great and we had a lot of fun. The weekend looks to be another busy one and for that I am stoked. Thanks to all those who keep me busy and let me do fun tattoos.

Mothers and Fathers

2009-05-11T05:08:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of me with two of the most important people in my life. From day one they have shaped me and loved me into what I have become. Between Mothers day an my Fathers birthday I am reminded of where I came from and what made me the person I am today. Parents do everything they can to help there kids grow into good people. I owe everything to these two. From teaching me to have faith to learning how to be nurturing. They have given me not only life but a life. My tenacious will to work through life came from these two great people. Never quit, never give in and never accept that life cannot get better. I love my parents more every year as I learn to love, understand and accept what all they have given me. How to be a good fair person came from them. A willingness and ability to push through trial and tribulations , yep from them. A great work ethic and love for fairness. You got it, they gave me everything that has shaped me into the fair and loving man I have become.

Thank you Mom and Dad for all of your guidance your perseverance and love over the years. You may of thought I was not paying attention, but know that you have made a good person and are loved more than you will ever know because of it.

I LOVE YOU TO THE MOON AND BACK

2009-04-29T06:43:00.000-07:00

Every morning I am reminded by my amazing daughter that every day is new and exiting. She is always ready for any and all adventures that lie ahead. A child like faith in the world, is something we often loose as we grow. Zoe has given that back to me, like a child running down a dark tunnel, I will run head on into anything and everything that life can through at me. The spiritual basis of this kind of living can only breath new life into my soul. Life is truly what you make it, I am dead set on letting the breath life has given me, is well used. Time with my daughter, time with friends, time with family, time with my spiritual guides know as my dogs, and of course time with new people. I am on a new adventure, but I have faith that life has great things in store for me. There is no way, when life betrays you, that if you look deep within yourself, it has merely redirected you to people and things that will truly see you for the great person you are able to be. Life, ready or not HERE I COME!!!!!!!!!

Family time

2009-04-26T06:30:00.000-07:00

Today was packed full of Zoe and myself living out loud. Zoe was out on an adventure, packed with animals playing with other kids and hanging out with her dad. The day was packed with looking at houses, going to the zoo, running around, and even getting some new PJ's. Living in the moment is always so much fun when you have a willing accomplis. I cannot even begin to put into words the amount of living that got packed into today.

Thank you world for the time I have been given.

Light

2009-04-03T22:49:00.000-07:00

Life can be a tunnel of darkness at times but in that time of darkness we are forced to look inside of ourselves. All I know is there is light at the end of the tunnel. Life is full of the unknown and I am not sure what the light will bring but there is a light.

Its Over

2009-03-24T20:57:00.000-07:00

The cryptic battle of my life is closing. Once the dust settles I will reevaluate and focus once again on what life has to offer. In the mean time, friends I need a life raft. I am the sinking ship so throw me a rope and lets get through the turmoil. I am here to seize what joy life can bring but I will need a village. The shop is great and I am glad I have such a great group of guys and loyal customers to keep me busy as I adjust to some personal life changes. Go out and make things happen live like you mean it. I will do the same.

Life madness in action

2009-03-24T19:25:00.000-07:00

Life can be so strange, I am at a point in life where most of my dreams have come to be reality. I do not even know where to start with the next chapter. I have all of the toys an overgrown kid could want and awesome daughter and a great family. I have begun to realize the only new goal I have is to make more time to live and spend time with friends and family. I really want for nothing but time with those who matter to me. Time with family, friends, and even my dogs have fallen to the side at time on my quest to hunt and gather all those things that I surround myself with. At times through the years I have seen friends fall off as schedules and life get in the way. I have at times been a sinking ship and without a few very important people I would of found myself at the bottom of the sea. Other times I have been the positive for those around me to anchor to to keep from sinking. If you are a sinking ship grab onto something positive as wasted time wrapped up in misery is still time out of your life. If you are the life raft make time for those who reach out to you. In this modern day we have begun to recognize people by email rather than face. It is all so backwards. We have technology to stay in touch and cars to get to those who matter but we continue to treat life and people like emails waiting to be deleted. I can only change myself, so with that said I encourage everyone to make things happen rekindle that spark that the years and life have tried to put out. Live for today as that may be all you have.

I would like to say that I had a great weekend, I tool a bike ride to the park with my daughter. We climbed everything in sight until her little legs could climb no more. We wrapped up sunday and continued good old quality time on monday living in the moment. Monday is always a special family day and will always make for a good week if I honor it for what it is.

Dear life thank you for the breath I have and the time I have been given. I will do the best I can with it.

Spring is in the air

2009-03-08T09:32:00.001-07:00

With the clocks moved forward the transition has begun. The transition is slow and sometimes never ending, or so it seems. Be assured when the spring arrives the transition into summer will be easy and packed with light. Life has its own seasons and to quote Winston Churchill "If your going through hell keep going." Seasons in life take time and the light will always come. Serenity should be clutched in your soul, for you can only change yourself and the way you see life. Here's to a transition into spring, strap some springs to your feet cause it is time to jump.

Cryptically life is just a transition between seasons so stay focused and enjoy every moment. The more you focus and persevere the more of springs blossoms will sprout.

Its Gonna Be A Rough Ride

2009-03-05T22:03:00.000-08:00

When life hands you rocks paint faces on them. I am embarking on a whole new journey, a new freedom it is time to heal old pains. It may be a rough transition but life is full of rough patch's. Heres to getting through and getting the amazing gifts that soon follow. Time will heal all and I am about to become more driven as a father an artist and a friend. Get ready to live folks cause truth can hurt but it brings clarity.

Cupcakes and good times

2009-02-21T19:37:00.000-08:00

I had a real blast today doing this cupcake. Not only was I given lots of freedom, but I love doing happy silly tattoos. We got the important bits, fluffy colorful cupcake, stars and the most important her daughters name. Kelly did awesome, not only did she sit like a champ but we had some good laughs.

The shop was off the hook today lots of foot traffic but everyone got to do some fun unbridled tattooing. I am very fortunate to have such great days at work. From good clients to the antics of my co-workers today I just had it that good.

Thanks life I needed that.

A good day at Identity Tattoo

2009-02-20T22:40:00.003-08:00

Identity Tattoo, enjoyed another not casual Friday, we were there looking sharp all day through. Ben did a little juggling and managed to tattoo more than he had planned for the day. Shawn drank way to many Dr. Peppers and finished the last three hours on a tattoo he started yesterday. All and all even with a little fresh snow outside the shop was in great spirits. There was plenty harassing one and other, and even the clients got in on the madness. I got to do a fun neck tattoo to close out my day before eight o'clock hit and I turned back into a Dad. Thanks for another day unlike any other day.

Friday the Thirteenth

2009-02-13T19:55:00.000-08:00

Broken mirrors, ladders to get under, umbrellas open indoors and of course some spilled salt without tossing any over the shoulder.

Since childhood I have had a fascination with the concept of a jinx, luck and fate. The number 13, and the concept of bad luck has intrigued me. As life unfolded I found the answer to change on why things happen based on my bias and mindset. I did always find that the best times and events in my life followed the hardest times. Was it the pain and difficulty that made the great times seem so grand or vise versa.

What I do know is we tempt fate daily and Friday the 13Th is a day that I celebrate exactly that, to dare the hard times, to tempt those great old superstitions. I know the other side will make the good times that much sweeter.

Identity Tattoo was in rare form today. Not only was today not casual Friday but a Friday the thirteenth as well. We wore ties, broke mirrors, spilled salt, opened umbrellas and of course went under the ladder. Shawn and I both got to do some really fun tattoos today and even Kyle got in on all the fun. Today was full of great tattoos, lots of tempting fate and real living.

A day like no other

2009-02-08T19:52:00.000-08:00

Today was unlike any other day, because each day holds its own reality. The weather is now melting the winter blah away. It comes with its own toll, muck and grime trying to fool you from the change that has begun, but warm and inviting in its own grey way. The smell outside today overtook the look of brown and white. It smelled like life, no real smell of cars exhaust just the smell of all of the moisture in the air as the wretched snow melts into the awaiting earth. The thaw, although not as exiting as spring is a time of change in this little piece of the world. To pay the toll I spent some time outside in the yard with the dogs who were very exited to run without freezing their feet off. The toll was the never ending quest for dog poop but hey its still cold enough to get it up before it foils the spring air when it arrives. A good bucket full later, the dogs were tired from all of the running and wrestling. A good vacuum and some carpet shampoo got the car back from the darkness of winter. I had some fun and relaxed while my daughter little miss Zoe napped. All and all it was a celebration of sorts, the first step towards spring and a day like no other. Good or bad each day has its magical moments some days, you just have to look a little harder to find the bright spots. Here's to a great month of days like no other and a little bit of life in each moment.

Your heart is a muscle

2009-01-16T19:15:00.001-08:00

At times you have to sit back and think of all the madness life has thrown at you. It tends to happen when your in a room alone and the silence is deafening. You think of times where you thought you were on the right path with everything in place to make the big magic happen. Suddenly the game plan changes. These are times to learn from and and times to regroup.

When your heart and soul hurts you did well. You had purity and true emotion. Others may not of seen it clearly as they have their own battles to fight, but you loved with all you had. It will not ease your pain, and does not get you out of learning better how to express yourself, it does however mean you lived. True heartbreak can only happen when you are vested in the soul of another. When you are willing to go to the ends of the earth to be there for them. You may be to late as they may have checked out, but you know you were ready for anything. At his point you must begin to make the choices to put yourself together and get back on track living and making the most of the day you have. Tic tock the clock of life is ticking. Go out and live for the moment you have, keep loving. As Shawns old mantra went " Your heart is a muscle the size of your fist, keep loving keep fighting"

That's all of my cryptic madness for now, get out there and live, love, and enjoy life for today may be all you have.

Growth is a real good mantra

2009-01-14T21:26:00.000-08:00

I am reminded daily when I look in my daughters eyes that she has a lust for life that we often lose as we grow. So that makes me think at times that growth is bad. Well truth be told the loss of that is not growth at all but a step towards dying. Every moment that we let slip by without at least a bit of that lust for life = one step toward the grave. The walking dead are not medically dead just mentally dead. I am aware that life is at times poison and we all must partake. Like Jim Jones and his followers we drink the wine not knowing when it may kill us. So I am going to attempt to grow moment by moment. Beware it WILL be contagious. Like a dog exited to smell the air, or a child with no concept of mental pain I am on a childlike mission to really get it done. The lust for life is the antedote to what life throws at us.

Time to make life, make art, make today awesome.

F.T.W. LIVE LIKE YOU MEAN IT

2009-01-13T21:14:00.000-08:00

I often am reminded these days that in this world of technology and high speed life, that we forget to REALLY connect with those that matter to us the most. This may seem weak, sappy, or a sissy like thing to say but I fell it needs to be said. I am a part of a very interesting industry and have noticed that there are a lot of folks who just seem to miss the point of life.(Myself included) The stories are often the same, everyone wishing they would of taken the time to say or do what they wanted. Screw those who see you as weak for caring. We are here to LIVE, I am often guilty of saying I will get back to living as soon as I ............... or it will be better once this is over. Well sometimes it is to late. So to those of you who have been putting the most important people in your lives on hold while you make more money to buy more stuff to make up for not being available. STOP. I have learned way to many times that it sometimes ends up being to late. So to sum up my soap box appearance. If you love the ones in your life make the times together matter, talk about real stuff, before you find yourself alone with nothing but your mass of stuff. I will miss everyone I have passed by in my life, at one point or another, and at this very moment it has become entirely too clear.

Go live, for once your ride is over there are no more tickets.

This goes out to the most amazing Stone who slipped down the stream.

Goodbye 2008

2009-01-01T19:15:00.000-08:00

Here is an amazing picture my mom took when we arrived in Indiana on Christmas eve. My holiday with my family was great and proved that being with family is important. We enjoyed way to much food, shared stories of times past, and enjoyed just being all in the same state even if it always goes so fast.

Well another year has come and gone and although historically not a great year it has had some strong points. I hope everyone had a good close to 2008 and trust we are all ready to do what ever it takes to make living in 2009 live up to its potential. Time is moving fast in this computer age so take time to shut down the information highway and turn off the television and make time for those who matter to you.

As for the shop we hope to see a lot art get made this year and hope for a lot of new fiends and projects. There will be new stories to tell new tattoos to do and many good times for Identity Tattoo this year.

Here's to everyone who we meet having an experience.

I am back from the dead

2008-12-16T17:21:00.000-08:00

I have returned from the doom of trials of moving and settling into the new home. It is amazing and I am certain this grand place will be home to many memories over the next 20 years. In my web absence I have been a regular handy man of sorts getting the new castle set up. The garagmahal will be done by spring allowing me to abuse my gasoline using metal devices. The appliances are all in place and many many more mundane upgrades of sorts.

The shop is settling in with a new artist and Shawn and I have began to adjust to a new sort of flow and all new shenanigans.

Today we are recovering from the sub zero weather that snapped us like a large rubber band. We all got to tattoo fun stuff all day and although it has cut into our shenanigan time it has been fun.

Here is one of the traditional/ old school tattoos I got to do today. Not my everyday thing but I had a great time and enjoyed the sheer simplicity.

I am now going to prepare to sail off into the abyss of the frozen tundra, with no fear of the sub zero love that awaits me.

the season has now changed

2008-11-05T13:21:00.000-08:00

To start off the finally for this fall, Kevin McNutt has completed his move to New York, he now resides at Empire State Tattoo. Identity tattoo is now adding a new artist Ben Rettke, he will help to fill the void, and keep our clients in awesome tattoos. Shawn Helped out greatly last week by holding down the fort here at Identity while I moved into the new house. Last week for me was a busy one, I closed on the new house, which for those who have ever bought a bank owned home is a feet in itself. The move went really well. Shawn came and helped before he went to the shop to hold down the fort for me, my home boy Ryan worked like an animal, and my brother Tim flew inform Arizona to help me move. The next day my friend Sarah helped move boxes to the right room or floor, and my brother and I finished up the last load. Without every ones help the process of moving would of more than likely killed me. My wife and I have been burning the midnight oil to try to get the house settled for hibernation season. All and all I do believe that this is all of the change I can handle for now. Thank you to everyone who helped and my clients for understanding the necessity of my absence from work.

Lastly a shout out to good old Saint Joseph for do what he does getting the old house sold in 3 weeks.

Great weekend.

2008-10-21T08:20:00.000-07:00

This last weekend was a well needed one. Saturday at the shop was good and busy and proved to have a couple fun projects for everyone.

Sunday was a great adventure down south to Belle Plain for some family fun at the orchard. From brisk tractor rides to watching my daughter play in a large batch of pumpkins, there were plenty of smiles to be had. There were even old tractors to sit on, there was no shortage of things to explore. Monday followed with a nice day off with my little one and was filled with errands and a bike ride. As the time to close on the new house nears it was great to separate from all of real life's madness and just kick back and enjoy some time with my wife and daughter. So here's to great fall weekends full of leaves and pumpkins.

Going up Nort for the weekend.

2008-10-10T16:34:00.001-07:00

Well I am off to the Iron range of Minnesota. My dear friend Lonnie is getting married this weekend. He will soon be one of us who has freely entered into an institution (marriage). The wrench although it may fit Mr. Albie Rocks philosophy, was painted on this card for their joint love for outlaw racing. I am certain that there will be alot of crazy behavior and old times relived. I am pretty exited to see them and join in the festivities. The drive should be great as the leaves should be at peak and northern Minnesota is very open and amazing. So here's to reds and oranges and the smell of fall.

A whirlwind of change

2008-10-08T13:11:00.000-07:00

As the leaves change we are nearing the last day for Kevin McNutt. His last day will be October 25th. This last weekend was his kickoff party and trust me there were may folks in attendance.

As for shop change Shawn and I are getting set up for the transition to having two tattooers. Along with that we are getting our stuff ready for the new website. Other than that we are tattooing painting and planning out new stickers and t shirts.

As for me personally I am getting ready to put the motor bikes away for the winter and enjoy the bonfires of the fall. I am also in the middle of closing on the sale of my house and the purchase of a new castle. The new castle will be complete with the garagemahall. It will be a temple of sorts to my personal weakness. I was fortunate to sell the existing house in three weeks and find a grand new home to raise the little one in. I am very exited and stressed at the same time. To keep my sanity I painted a little goat action between appointments today.

Thats about all I know of life today.

Fall is here

2008-09-25T08:08:00.000-07:00

As the temperatures begin to drop and the leaves get set to change colors, Identity Tattoo follows suit with some change of our own. Kevin McNutt's exit date will quickly be upon us. As of November first, Shawn Hebrank and Todd Lambright will be the two tattoo artists tatttooing at Identity Tattoo in Maple Grove MN. Mr. Kevin is moving to New york to work at Empire State tattoo. He will return for a few guest spots a year at Identity Tattoo and trust we will keep you posted. If you need to keep up with him his web site is www.kevinmcnutt.com

Identity Tattoo also in the midst of giving birth to an all new web site. Thanks to the one and only BFH (BIG F*&KING Hands). The changes will be smooth and very user friendly so stay on the alert for a new site launch, going down in several weeks. There will be direct links to Todd and Shawn's blogs as well as new artwork and tattoo galleries. Not to mention some random images and bits of fun. Here is a sneak peak at the artist headshots.
The one and only Bird Flu Founder Shawn Hebrank

The Blur of maddness Todd Lucky Lambright

We also have some hoodies ready to blast off to keep all your torso bits warm at all those fall bonfires. They are limited so stop by the shop and get your gear before your size disapears into the great abyss.

BOSTON TATTOO CONVENTION

2008-09-19T07:49:00.000-07:00

Well, we are back no worse for wear from the bca convention. I have to say as much as I do not like doing conventions good times were had and great people watching was plentifully. The flight out on 9/11 was not the best flight plan but we did arrive intact with our equipment. That being the case it was a success. Our first night was a great adventure of stickers and spotting a demon know to cause the bird flu, (Shawn Hebrank) perched on the steps of a random church.

The following day the adventures began to unfold. I got to meet several of Shawns bird flu crew. We also were able to hang out with the berserkers from New Hampshire, Albie Rock and Jessie Guercia. With our booths right next to one and other we were able to share in each others random acts of lunacy. Between Shawns yelling and the hot fire spat by Albie it was certainly and event in itself.

Shawn kicked it off by attacking the chest of no other than one of the bird flu crews greatest supporters, Anthony TYRANT. This lead the way to some fun tattooing and set the vibe off right. Thanx goes out to all of the folks who we met that were amazing and kept us in food and coffee.

Back from Sturgis

2008-08-16T15:56:00.000-07:00

Sturgis South Dakota is an amazing place to watch the debauchery and other feats of mankind. The most important part of being out there, for me is the amazing roads and amount of unbridled wilderness just outside of town. From Needles highway to the devils tower the views and banked corners are breath taking. Not to mention coming upon animals in there own setting. While out riding I got to see some really amazing animals somewhat unexpectedly. Around a corner in the rain I came upon a heard of about 50 buffalo, nothing like watching a tribe of animals who know nothing of the hustle of modern day. About a mile later there was a heard of wild donkeys I felt right at home with a bunch of jackass's. Other than the mountain goats and other odd animals. We watched the strangest people a person could ever see.

The funniest thing was when we noticed all of the official sturgis shirts being bought by all of these guys in I only buy American shirts were made in China. That was rather funny considering all of the grief I got for riding an Italian bike amongst the sea of Harley's. Sometimes its the little things in life that make me giggle the most. It is great to be back at the shop and back at home with my amazing daughter Zoe and goofy wife.

Even a dead goat

2008-08-03T19:33:00.000-07:00

Well it was a busy week at the shop. Shawn and I confirmed everything for the Boston convention this September. Kevin got some crazy new sunglasses and I tried to stay in the moment.

I am leaving Thursday morning for a trip out to Sturgis, I will return the following Tuesday. I plan on relaxing and putting some miles on the motor bike, while avoiding as many drunk idiots as possible. Shawn will be out of the shop until Friday so in the mean time Kevin McMongrel will be holding down the fort.

Even a dead goat stops to smell the roses, that is the key to life, live in the day and know that those important to you will be there in the future.

THE BEARDED LADY HAS COME AND GONE ONCE AGAIN

2008-07-27T20:45:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all those who where involved in the epic adventure know as this years Bearded Lady motorcycle show. I had a great day filled with good friends, and amazing motorcycles. There was some old fashion freak show madness and good food, pizza, burritos, and even some cotton candy. Once I recovered from an amazing day off with the bearded lady, An afternoon of lawn care awaited me. After grooming the lawn and other odd chores there was just enough time for a quick shower. The time had come for my wife Mary and my daughter Zoe to head down to MPLS to a House warming party, thrown by the one and only vegan maniac Shawn Heshrank dot com and his lovely wife Meryl dot com. In keeping with tradition, an extremely large fire was created in the grill to insure the gods would smile upon the tasty treats being served. Shawn manned the grill and cooked up some very tasty vegan goodness. Then it was time to head back to the castle to put the little one to bed and plot the psychic take over of the universe.

END TRANSMISSION