In mid 1993 I ran off to Los Angeles, working delivery for a place called The Pink Dot.
I still knew some people and had a few connections from my last few visits. I had fun for the three months I stayed with an old pen-pal, Erta.
He was a photographer's assistant, and introduced me to Jay Blakesburg.

 

One evening, a group of four of us - Blakesburg photographer, a make-up artist / stylist and two assistants (Erta and I), head off to the Black House to do a photo shoot for a local magazine. Though only an aquaintance of Erta, Jay was kind enough to let me tag along as an assistant knowing how important this was for me. LaVey was an individual who had helped shape my philosophy. He had inspired me to read - a lot - and I wanted to tell him so.

 

I had the opportunity, in the front room - which was dim and smelled musty (like wet wood) - to be introduced to LaVey for only a brief minute. The house seemed busy as I saw a few other people were already there through another door behind everyone. Erta and I were soon rushed outside, but it was all I wanted. I know how important time can be, but also know that no one likes a babbling hangers-on, constantly praising you... well, most don't. My first and only time sitting outside on a San Francisco street... and well worth it.

 

I had simply told him although not a member of his Church, I agreed with his philosophy.

 

He smiled and said, "The strong blaze their own trails."

 

As always... inspiring!