Markings that tell a Story

Ever been fascinated by something as a child and when you heard the grown ups speak about it they made it seem so bad?

Ever see something so beautiful or what you thought was beautiful and when you pointed it out to someone else they saw the opposite?

I have and I am sure so have many others.

This post is about Tattoos.
My Tattoos and the story they tell.

I have always been fascinated by the idea that someone would have such conviction on an image or belief enough to mark their bodies with it. Or that something made such an impression on them that they wanted to carry it with them forever.

Tattoos bring forth many thoughts and emotions. A lot of misconceptions and opinions. They never go by unnoticed that's for sure.
They can be great conversation pieces, they can break the ice, they can even let you know just how judgmental our society can be.

I have 5 Tattoos. My first was in my mid 20's. At the time I got it, it was not very acceptable because of the placement. It is above my butt in the waist area and it was called a "tramp stamp". I never used those words or thought of it as such, but I did run into people who would. Unless I wore an open back or something of that nature or unless you were a close friend, family or my partner you would never see it.
I chose this area because of my admiration for the lower back, I think its a very sensual place on a woman and I wanted the art piece I chose to be an expression of that. I chose vines with yellow Roses and a small butterfly fluttering between them.
Yellow Roses are not a choice many make everyone is stuck on Red, I always have to go my own way and Butterflies are delicate, they start off as not so pretty and break out into this beautiful free spirit.
Rare choices and growth...that is that story.

My 2nd and 3rd Tattoos came in 2007, after I returned from P.R. from visiting my friend Cynthia in the hospital. My visit with her and the reason and circumstances that bought me there changed many things in my life from my beliefs to my daily living actions and emotions.
I got a heart on my left hand wrist that is shaded starting in black at the tip and grows lighter as it expands.
It is to some a Black heart, to me it is a reminder to be loving but be guarded not everyone deserve your love so freely.
I have on the back of my neck the word BROKEN. The font and placement I chose were deliberate, it is a very strong word and one that has caused many NOT me, mixed emotions. I hear many jokes like "who broke you?" or "oh your broken?, how can I fix you?" It lets me know how closed minded many are and how very few people are mindful of words, their meanings, their power, their purpose.
I love this piece, I am so proud of it because I don't see a negative I see growth, experience, openness and life.

My 4th and 5th Tattoos I got in 2012, after a bump on the road changed the course of my life's journey.
On my right foot I got a symbol of the Sun with my daughter's initial E.
She is my sunshine, she is my pride and joy. She is the best part of me and one of the main purposes of me being on this earth. When I put my best foot forward I put my right foot so that is why she has that placement. She is always my inspiration to do my best and even when I don't that I am still loved.
On my right forearm I have an Hourglass with wings.
Time is precious, time is valuable, time is priceless. Once it is gone you can never get it back. Be mindful and respectful of time.

These pieces are an extension of me of who I am, of my life's journey. They are an artistic expression, a creative outlook on all of what life has taught me and of the growth I have experienced.
They are not low class or trashy or mistakes or picked out on a whim. They have been researched, drawn by friends, discussed and thought of thoroughly.

I am not the first and I won't be the last. I shared this because I have found that many people just need to start a conversation. To learn and to be open. Those old school thoughts on Tattoos are ridiculous. The negative labels on people who have them no longer should hold true. All types of people use this form of expression. This is no longer just for group A or group B.

I will say I am firm believer in purpose and reason. I am not about trends or fitting in.
As a parent my daughter has always been aware of my pieces and shared in my experiences.
When she came to her own conclusion that she too loved this form of expression, I had 2 rules:
-after the age of 18. I am not signing anything to give you permission. This is a conscious choice you need to make and you should be held responsible for doing so.
-research and come to me with a clear reasoning behind your choice. If you can't articulate why you want something, then it is not going on your body.

This is a collage of my pieces.
I love them and have no regrets.

As parents it is always important to be true to ourselves. To keep our own identities and not allow it to become just mom or just dad.
Why would we want to loose who we were before our children came into our lives?
Shouldn't they be additions to our all ready greatness?
Why would I stop being a creative and free spirit, if I did so then how could I teach my daughter to embrace these qualities in herself?

Freedom of expression and creativity come in many forms. If we don't really understand something then let's talk about it. Communication.
I wouldn't want my daughter to go behind my back and mark her body just because I wasn't open to a respectful discussion.
I have run into a few kids that have and the results weren't so great. Kids today express themselves in many ways from clothing to hair to piercings to Tattoos. It is really not a big deal. Pick your battles, set some guidelines and let them be.

Always stress free xo