OT: If you're tattooed, share your story?
Tattoos and those who have them used to be considered to be from the “wrong side of life": prisoners, gang members, bikers, sailors doing god-only-knows-what with god-knows-who as they travelled the world. “Good people" from “good families" wouldn’t be caught dead getting one.
A tattooed woman was nearly unthinkable, unless you were to visit your local freak show or, perhaps, a Polynesian island.
We all know that things have changed quite a bit now that tattooing is in its heyday. In fact, it’s become so commonplace as to be mundane. And yes, you might say that in some cases, we’ve gone more than a bit too far. Although, upon reflection (and some in-depth Googling), “a bit" may be somewhat of an understatement.
Yes, that IS an eyeball getting tattooed.
But what’s the story behind all the ink we’re seeing in today’s society? It can’t all be explained by too much booze while on Spring Break in Cancun and too many bachelor parties in Vegas. While a lot of ink can be passed off as a mere impulse buy, one that’s no different from a Snickers bar at the cash register, most body art can be explained in deeply personal terms: “I had this done when . . . “, “I got this design to honor . . ."
There are serious reasons and crazy reasons. Sad ones and joyful ones. There are tattoos to memorialize lost loved ones and to act a reminder of good times. They celebrate birth and death and pretty much everything in between.
To those of you who are among the inked, what was your reason? Why that design, on that part of your body, andthat point in your life? What were you thinking? Were you thinking at all, or acting on impulse? Was it your first and last tattoo, or just another in a long line in your, shall we say, personal collection?
I want to hear about it. I want to know your inspiration or, if you will, your INKSPIRATION. “My Inkspiration: The Tattooed Tell Their Tales" is a work in progress which will, if God is willing, allow me – as researcher/author and, at times, photographer – to tell your story.
I want to hear the where and why and when behind what is now a part of you forever. Tell me your story. Or, “stories", if you have more than one. If there’s one thing I like more than looking at and admiring someone’s body art, it’s hearing about the genesis of its very existence.
For more information on how you can be a part of this, email me at [email protected]. And let YOUR tale be told!
Banded 10 years & maintaining my weight loss!! Any questions, message me.
on 2/22/12 11:46 am
My sister got the word Happiness on her wrist, one niece got Hope on her hip, another Dreams on a hip and my BIL got a cross on his left chest.
I decided to get the word Faith on my left chest above my breast. Faith is very important to me. It has pulled me through the hardest times of my life when nothing was going well.
Eventually I want to get a compass rose (for my love of travel), our dog's name (Mabel) and the word Grace.
People who know me would never suspect that I have a tattoo. They don't need to as the meanings are so personal to me.
We finished our tattoo night by going to Cold Stone for ice cream. When their parents and I are gone, my nieces can look at their tattoos and remember the fun we had that night.
On my right upper thigh I have a heart that is pierced with the stem of a rose, with a few drops of blood. It didn't come out the greatest but I remember I got it done because my heart was broken by a break up. A few weeks ago I learned that he had passed away and I was glad I had my tattoo. It is now a tribute to him. Although it didn't work out we remained friends (and lovers) for many years until I knew I had to let him go. I can honestly say he was the first man I really loved as an adult and the first man I ever made love with (as opposed to having sex).
My favorite is my tramp stamp. I worked on the design mentally for years and knew what I wanted. It was to commemorate me reaching goal with my first WLS. Unfortunately the weight loss wasn't as permanent as the tattoo but I feel like I have been given a second chance.
It is a Lady Taz devil, my alter ego and online identity.
WLS 10/28/2002 Revision 7/23/2010
High Weight (2002) 240 Revision Weight (2010) 220 Current Weight 115.
My second tat is a Celtic Cross, and it is so beautiful and I got it because I love celtic art work, and it also honors my grandmother, who died when I was very young.
I haven't quite figured out my next one yet, but I have promised myself that when I am in the 180's (I'm at 207 now), that will be my reward. Hopefully by then I will have a design that I like. I want it to be something that honors some of the loved ones I've lost in the last year, and also as way to symbolize "faith, family & friends."
I can do this...I know I can. It's just going to take time & patience.
"Never give up on a dream just because of the length of time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway."
Valerie
DS 2005
There is room on this earth for all of God's creatures..
next to the mashed potatoes
Inked on several occasions and locations -- all custom work (no stock designs) with special meaning. All with the philosophy that ink should have special meaning in your life, tell something about your life story. Here they are in order (can upload pics later when I have time and get some taken).
1) On thigh, from Big Island in Hawaii, petroglyph turtle ("honu") nest to petroglyph woman with dotted blue wave in background in aboriginal style. Designed by me. Symbolizes life with partner which we both had done around year 12 together (now together 24 years).
Rest are from favorite artist on Maui (Samson), all designed by him and me.
2) On upper left arm.Stylized tribal-type overlapping waves with petroglyph honu in middle (my totem... in many cultures means feminine strength, energy, perseverance, patience, mother earth, etc). Colors overlap is small section -- symbolizes the shared life of two individuals *****main distinct, not merged.
3) On lower right arm (waited until into my 50's for this one since it shows most of the time). Honu on field of tribal design that symbolizes the land, the renewal of the sea, family, and community.
3) Added to design in #3. After my DS surgery and weight loss, I wanted something to symbolized the great changes in my life. Samson came up with spirals coming out from the other design, representing new life coming from old. He then "decorated" the spirals (which have the meaning) with several Polynesian symbols and designs.
4) On upper left arm, along side #2. Traditional Hawaiian design commemorating my climb up Mt. St. Helen on my 61st birthday. Obviously something that I could never have done pre-DS. Symbol for path (myself and ancestors who travel with me) going to top of mountain, to the sun. A few more details as well which are best understood if you see the piece.
So that is the story of my ink (so far...). Don't know what else I might have done, but probably want to have one done with the traditional hand-tapping technique for the spiritual meaning. I will work on that with Samson (who is Hawaiian and has mastered several techniques -- I am fortunate to have been adopted by him!).
-- Sandy
HW 275 BMI 42, lowest weight 130
CW (sustained) 137, BMI 21 Now am: Half the person by weight, twice the person by health!
