October 29, 2006
Kathy and I spent the whole day going over a new budget. We call it the Bisbee Miracle Budget, after the manner in which it came to us (at 1:30 in the morning I said, “Are you asleep?” and she said, “Nope,” and we got up and went over our sorry financials and made a vow to clean up our act).

Meanwhile, here’s a few comments from the Email bag:

“What the hell is a ‘performance’ hat? Do you wear it in the bedroom, and does it help?”
—Charlie Waters

Yes it does. Especially when I’m working the missionary financial angles.

“I told you awhile back that I wouldn't pester you anymore but I lied. My cousin, 'Bullshit Jim' from Chandler sent me a newspaper article about True West which includes a picture of you and the Brinks. I was quite pleased to find out that the magazine is doing so well. I got out my magnifying glass to check out Mrs. Brink (My eyesight isn't what it used to be) and she sure is a fine looking lady. I didn't bother with you nor Mr. Brink. I did notice however, that someone had cut off the lower part of your necktie. My wife and I were planning on going to Michael Hickey's Book Expo this past week but her stones started rolling again so we had to cancel. Major disappointment. It sounds like you did quite well selling books.”
—Daniel J. Patterson, Arroyo Seco, CA

Yes we did and yes, Trish Brink is a fine looking lady. And she’s not a bad publisher either.

“We need pictures for those of us who couldn't make it to Tombstone. please.”
—John Mitch

Photos coming tomorrow, including Mrs. Brink.

“My copy of True West arrived yesterday and I love the Classic Gunfight, especially your artwork and map. It's a great one.”
—Tom Bicknell, our historic consultant on the Ben Thompson gunfight

“PS. Maybe in a year or two we could do another Ben or Billy Thompson gunfight. I'm thinking maybe Ben's Christmas night Capital Theatre shootout.: after he survived that one a lot of people in Texas thought he was living a ‘charmed life.’”

“Wealth consists not in having great possessions but in having few wants.”
—Esther de Waal