Poll…On What I Should or Should Not Do
Ξ April 10th, 2008 | → | ∇ Uncategorized |
All my life I have wanted a tattoo, but I struggle with the belief that “God did a pretty damn good job with me so why should I fuck with his handiwork” thing. In the bible there may or may not be something about not messing with our bodies, but if I truly followed that I probably wouldn’t have pierced my ears, right? (And let’s not even discuss the fact that I am considering piercing my nipples.) So I can’t claim religious beliefs for the no tats yet.
I really, really love artwork on others. But for me? Nope. Honestly it is probably because I have seen such crappy tats that I have become paranoid, thinking ink on me would look crappy. Especially if I lose the damn weight that I need to get off and my skin changes or if I got an artist that was less than a perfectionist.
When I was 15 I wanted a small red heart on my right outer ankle. The next year I somehow came up with the concept of a beautiful redheaded mermaid, 40s style, sitting on a dolphin that is jumping out of the water. The pinup mermaid would have her head thrown back laughing and be holding a margarita in her hand. Here we are twenty years later and I still want the same image.
I won’t get it though. In order for the detail that I desire the tattoo would have to be huge. Which means that I have no clue where to put the design. There is absolutely no way that I would go for the tramp stamp lower back region that is so popular these days. And higher up on the back would be something that I could never see so I won’t even bother. I love this design and would want to see it often. Stomach is too large so that is out. So for now, no mermaid and dolphin tattoo.
However I have something else that I really think I could live with forever. While in Hawaii last fall visiting my uncle and aunt I had the opportunity to view some ancient petroglyphs. The “strong woman” drawing kinda grabbed me so when I found a magnet with the image it was quickly paid for and brought back home. She has a good space on my fridge. Every day I look at Strong Woman and I just love her. In 20 years I honestly think I will still love her.
Maybe it is that my mom was so strong, maybe because I am surrounded by such strong women both personally and professionally, but I think it might feel good to have this Strong Woman on my right shoulder blade. Like there would always be a strong woman behind me, no matter what. Mom is no longer here for me to get support from by simply picking up the phone, but she will always be a part of me. Would this tattoo, this Strong Woman who always had my back, possibly help me in some way become the stronger woman that I truly desire to be? I don’t know, but I really am considering this image:
Anyone wanna tell me their opinion? Be brutally honest. Comments are open…
on April 10th, 2008 at 12:14 am
I’ll be honest…
Until your “I think it might feel good to have” becomes a “It will feel good to have” — don’t do it.
on April 10th, 2008 at 12:14 am
I say you go with Kermit The Frog wearing dreadlocks and smoking a doobie. Isn’t that profound?
No really, if you want a tat get it. You only live once. Make it personal to you and get it where it means something to you whether you can show it to people or not. It’s for you, not them.
on April 10th, 2008 at 12:23 am
shiny - amen. for a jewish dude, you often have me thinking “preach preacher!” in my head. (except when you talk tofu.)
othur - i do collect frogs, but i will allow the dreadlocked kermit pass this time around. thanks for playing! (thanks for the you only live once comment. xoxo)
on April 10th, 2008 at 12:31 am
I, too, have been wanted a tattoo for a long time and haven’t gotten one. I agree with what Shiny said though, that’s definitely something you want to be sure about.
on April 10th, 2008 at 12:39 am
Shit, now I offended you with the frog reference. I knew I should have went with Underdog. He makes a way better stoner.
on April 10th, 2008 at 12:43 am
amanda - without a doubt, i agree. one must be sure before inking something that is a forever item. thanks for stopping by and commenting!
othurme my dear - you know it takes more than that to offend me. you are loved. (i remember loving unnderdog!! too cute.)
on April 10th, 2008 at 3:53 am
I have a somewhat large redheaded mermaid “tramp stamp”… so I suppose that cast’s my vote.
http://picasaweb.google.com/toriblaine/Tattoo/photo#5089786329476269106
on April 10th, 2008 at 7:16 am
tori - holy cow woman, you rock! i’m so glad you shared the photos. she turned out great. where did you get the work done? (i have a huge issue with who to trust for the mermaid tattoo. a simple one like strong woman could be done by just about anyone, but for the dolphin & mermaid i need a spectacular artist.)
on April 10th, 2008 at 7:18 am
like you i have had a particular image in mind for a long time. i haven’t had it done for pretty much the same reasons. placement and quality.
i think the strong woman tat would be good above the ankle but think you should wait a bit longer before doing it. if you still ~love~ it after say, three or four years then go for it.
just not in black. i’m so sick of black. a darker shade of your freckles would be cool. something organic looking to reflect that the strong woman is a part of you and your heritage.
on April 10th, 2008 at 8:34 am
I think when I move up to Kentucky, you should come over, and you, me, and Turnbaby can all get tattoos of Adam’s ball sack.
Just a thought.
on April 10th, 2008 at 8:45 am
heather - what is it that you have in mind? i promise not to steal your idea. regarding the placement of strong woman, i like the idea of her having my back, always behind me with strength. she is for me, not for others to see. interesting idea about the dark freckle coloring. i’ll have to think over that one. thanks for the suggestion, pretty lady!! (cute gravatar, by the way.)
fab - i want adam’s ball sack all over me, but not as a tattoo…have you seen that thing? not. pretty.
on April 10th, 2008 at 9:16 am
I’m not a fan of tattoos on myself, but I think if they mean enough to someone, then go for it.
Of course, I’d smack any kid I ever had who wanted one.
on April 10th, 2008 at 9:30 am
Morning babe!
I have 2 tatts
calf and bicep
both cartoon dragons
Calf was done with my middle sister as a bonding experience,my moms advice as when she was alive. we got brother and sister dragons. Love i did it too with her….
second one is the brother of the calf dragoon on my bicep looking up blowing smoke into rings…love him too…..
symbol of my sister bond with me…
wish i have not ? not a chance
something else ? yes on bicep maybe but got another on of them lol
just make sure it means what you want and your doing it for something close to your heart.
I will doing another one I am sure .
on April 10th, 2008 at 9:49 am
I’m pretty much exactly like you are. I’ve always wanted one but never knew what to get. I finally saw this YouTube video of a girl getting a cupcake on the back of her neck and decided that was “the one”!
But like you, I still am not sure I want it on my body no matter how much I love the design I finally picked. I am totally with Shiny…until you are completely sure and excited about it, don’t do it.
on April 10th, 2008 at 10:14 am
adam - you? with kids? i would LOVE to see that day. can i be aunt becky?
hedge! - i love dragons. my cousin (who will be with me in kentucky) has the most gorgeous dragon tat that i have ever seen. when she gets drunk i’ll get a picture of it to post over here. the head of the dragon is above her belly button, his arms are grasping her sides and his tail snakes down her thigh. huge tat, but so damn gorgeous. i went with her while she had 3 hours or work done and there is NO way i would get something on my ribs. that little girl is tougher than i am! ouch.
hill - my little snuggle snack! only difference between us is that i know exactly what i want. it is the where and who to trust that kills me. i have a feeling that by the time we are snuggling in philly i will no longer be ink free.
on April 10th, 2008 at 10:29 am
I have two tattoos, and both of mine “mean” something to me. When I’m 80, I will still know what they mean.
I say go for it.
on April 10th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
I’ve got 3 tats, all with meaning…but I took my time & thought it through & KNEW I wanted them with no questions. Take your time…and I LOVE that strong woman one!
on April 10th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
the artist that did my mermaid has retired, but I found some great artists over at South Lake Tahoe… and for the record, that tattoo is over 10 years old and I lost over 150 pounds since I got her, so don’t worry about it changing much thru the years.
on April 10th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
As far as being finicky about finding a perfectionist artist - you damned well should be. Its not like you’re buying a car (that would last 10 years - and look how much reseach we - well the rest of the world but me - put into THAT one). This would be with you forever. You should seek out and accept only the best.
I love love love the strong woman tattoo. Its not so obvious and garish that EVERYONE would know what it is, but you would know. And that’s the important part. And I really like the idea of a more organic color.
And I’ll totally get your redheaded mermaid pinup (probably sans dolphin). I really want a pin up tattoo, but have been looking for a long time to find the right one.
Just don’t do it this weekend with Mr. M. Mark.
And DEFINITELY don’t let mom. Well, if she’s sober I guess you can…
on April 10th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
Love, love, love it. I’ve always wanted a tat but struggle with where and what, also. But the image (strong woman) and placement (always at your back) ROCKS! Go for it.
on April 10th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
britt - i knew you would have my back on this one. see? strong woman!
tug - i think wanting something (mermaid on dolphin) since i was 16 counts as taking my time considering i will turn 37 in july. but honestly, i simply cannot imagine my feelings on the strong woman design changing. since my mom died (see 2nd post “why the cliff”) i have been trying to figure out the tattoo that would be the perfect way to express some of those feelings i am struggling with. strong woman will always be special.
tori - you just gave me an education, woman! i didn’t know that one could lose that kind of weight and still keep artwork so beautiful. great to know. i’ll be in reno in may…tahoe is a short run that we always make. i might email you for names of places to consider. although i will have to get the work done AFTER i pudding wrestle ginamonster & her roller derby team. don’t want them having an unfair advantage!
sarah - i’m glad you undnerstand my concern for the artist selection. i want to have a perfectionist do the work. can i just tell you how happy it makes me to have you telling me to accept only the best? happy girl wiggle reading that! because i want only the best for you in EVERYthing that you do.
there was a beer ad back in the day with a pinup girl sitting on the beer sign (bud?) with her head tilted back laughing and a beer in her hand. looked great…terrific ad. guess that is sort of why i went for the mermaid on a dolphin…dolphins have always been special to me and swimming with them in cabo this year made love them even more, if that is possible! so i’ll keep the dolphin with the mermaid.
oh…ummmmm…i already asked your momma if she wanted to get a tattoo or piercing while i got work done and cousin got something pierced on saturday in kentucky. she was VERY open to the idea…even considered getting the redheads and thoroughbreds logo (i said she was forbidden from doing that). i do promise that we won’t have consumed gallons of bourbon before getting any work done and that i won’t let her do anything stupid. interesting that i wouldn’t let my mom get a tattoo and yet i am encouraging your mom…interesting indeed…
on April 10th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
Oh hell, as long as you got her ok sober, have fun and do it… I was just having this awful picture of what Monday would be like when she got back and was goin’ nuts cause she got a tattoo. tee hee… encourage her. That way she won’t flip if I get one.
on April 10th, 2008 at 3:20 pm
And if you don’t get it done this weekend, we’re makin’ a date to get them together.
on April 10th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
sar - knowing how much thought i have put into my design ideas i would NEVER let your mom make a rash decision. she is precious to me and i would never fuck with her like that.
even if i do get strong woman this weekend, and it is looking good, i still need to get my pinup mermaid. i’m thinking jester’s court might be calling us both. i would love to share such an experience with you.
on April 10th, 2008 at 7:49 pm
the one i want…
it’s multi layered. like me. in the shape of a ladybug (viewed from above) to represent cheeks. her other, secret (only mommy is allowed to use it and only between us) nickname is bug. short for ladybug.
don’t tell her i told you.
air brushed red, white and blue to match j’s reaper, in honor of his and my dad’s military service and my country of birth. (and my country of choice. it’s just as fucked up as i am. we’re a perfect fit.)
but under it all, barely peeking through in white would be celtic knots on one side and traditional pueblo indian art on the other to represent the two parts of my heritage i most identify with. (mom’s german/irish, dad’s pueblo/puerto rician)
with so may meaningful layers and my desire to have the colors match ~perfectly~….
it may be a while before i find the artist i want to do the tat. i would ~love~ to have chris garver from miami ink fame do it but i don’t see that happening. his background and tattooing style resonate with me.
on April 10th, 2008 at 9:18 pm
DO IT. You know what you want and you know what it means to you. It’s your body and your decision. I agree on the shoulder blade too. Oh, and I collect dragons — about 40 or so (photos in my gallery). I don’t usually post links to my own articles, but here’s one regarding.
my tattoos
on April 10th, 2008 at 9:19 pm
Whoops, stupid HTML. Let’s try that again: Ink Addiction — http://danjeruskurves.com/archives/229
on April 10th, 2008 at 11:45 pm
The strong woman image is tasteful and it clearly has deep and everlasting meaning for you, I think maybe you have already made your decision darlin.
Follow your heart in this matter and you can’t go wrong.
on April 10th, 2008 at 11:50 pm
re: Your response to me earlier - I think you answered your poll.
DO IT, own it, make it YOURS!
I truly love the strong woman having your back thing!
on April 11th, 2008 at 1:42 am
heath - i can appreciate wanting garver (a good pittsburgh boy!) to do your art. he is incredibly talented. kat was who i dreamed of for my pin up mermaid simply because every portrait i ever saw her do was stunning. love! not really feasible, though.
dk - i knew i liked you for a reason! dragons are amazing.
truk - i’m a sucker for a guy who calls me darlin. how did you know that? anyhow, you are so right. if we can find a place around here, saturday evening is the day!
tug - you are so right. thanks for the support. yet another strong woman behind my decisions. love it!
on April 11th, 2008 at 6:54 am
for portraits, kat is your gal hands down. for what i’m looking for, garver’s my man.
on April 11th, 2008 at 6:51 pm
Get what you want where you want it. I have two and love them both. Would like to get more, but S says no. She likes the ones I have and says I don’t need anymore. She has to look at me so I say I will do what she likes. And to speak of S, she also has one. Here is a girl who grew up in a family that did not even have TV until she was married to me and out of the house. Strict Christian upbringing and she felt the desire to be tattooed. The tat means very much to her as it is a symbol of her love for our four daughters. If you can find something that means much to you (as it seems the “strong woman” does) then pull the trigger and get it done. You do only live once and you need to enjoy yourself while you are here. If you fall out of love with it, there are treatments that will wash it away. And I’d also like for you to know that if the “strong woman” lets you down, I have your back as well and Adonis Van Don does not let people down…
on April 12th, 2008 at 3:14 am
heath - amen!!!
dvd - thank you for being you and for always supporting me. very, VERY apprecaiaed.