I don't know how many times I've heard that statement from fans wanting us to show up at this or that venue. It's sorta true. I *can* go to DragonCon, Scarborough Faire, Maryland Renaissance Festival, some Con in the mid-West, or whatever, but the problem is can I afford it? And the sad answer is "no".

Making a living with music is an interesting game. I don't make a lot of money. Every month is a struggle to make ends meat. Not to mention the price of gas is high.

Fortunately, I turned my career into one where I have paid 'vacations'. When I want to see a new part of the country, I try to book some gigs and go. That way, I'll at least break even and not send myself into horrible debt like I had in the 90s. But even that is not that easy. The cost of flying is expensive. Gas prices continue to climb. And many of the solo house concerts I book are poorly attended because most people still think of me as a member of the Brobdingnagian Bards and don't realize that I have my own music separate from that group.

Ultimately, unless I can turn my trip into a paid 'vacation', I really can't afford to take most trips at present. Not unless, I have an exceptionally good month selling CDs online to pay for the voyage.