Not that I don't love a good TSA strip search, but the look just isn't me.
If you're a regular reader, you know I got my first tattoo back in April, and you know I lifted my shirt to show it to you here.
That post explains the significance of my chosen ink, and I'm happy about when and where I got it.
But technically, it's not the first tattoo I ever tried to get. Back when I was a 19-year-old college student, I was certain I'd someday make my living as a writer. I was right about that, though clearly there's a fuzzy path between "serious journalist" and "author of funny smut." No matter, a writer should have a tattoo symbolizing one's writerly ambitions, and my 19-year-old self settled on the quill.
Keep in mind, this was in the era before internet was readily available, so I pored through the clip-art books in the student newspaper office where I worked. I printed my favorites and saved them to floppy disc (remember those?!).
And then...well, I didn't get around to doing it. Several times over the course of the following 18 years, I meandered into tattoo shops and inquired about placement and pricing. Once in Venezuela and once in Eugene, Oregon, I showed up at a tattoo parlor with my mind made up to get the ink RIGHT THEN....only to discover the shop was closed.
I took that as a sign, and eventually gave up.
But I've recently been feeling a renewed vigor both for the tattoo idea, and for my own identity as a writer. And so the time seemed right to do this:
No, the initials don't belong to my gentleman friend, nor are they an abbreviation for the punchline of my favorite dirty joke. They're my parents' initials (yes, my mom and dad have identical initials) and they're intended as a tribute to the people who deserve credit (or blame?) for making me the person and the writer I turned out to be.
By sheer luck, my appointment landed on my mother's birthday, so I got to honor her big day by desecrating my virgin flesh with her initials.
Feel free to insert your own "virgin" joke here.
I'm utterly delighted with the new ink. I can also tell you without reservation that a tattoo on a nice, squishy, fleshy body part like this is a whole lot less painful than one on a bony, thin-skinned ribcage.
So there you have it. My new tattoo, and a tangible badge of honor that I am a writer.
Wait, does this mean I have to toss my laptop and start crafting manuscripts with quill and ink?
8 comments :
Very cool!
I have a favorite quote I've been considering for a new tattoo. (I have one.)
"The love of learning, the sequestered nooks, and all the sweet serenity of books."
This quote is on the wall in my living room. It's a bit long for body art, but a young artist friend did a gorgeous open book with a few pages flying out. I want to put that on my ankle. Just need the $$ to do it.
The other one? It's on my back. *winks*
I have three planed. Actually I had called a studio and set up a consultation before I got laid off so being unsure about money and stuff I decided to hold off.
The first one is a hamsa, which I want on my shoulder blade to celebrate five years of independence...I've also wanted a Hamsa tattoo since I was about fourteen years old.
The second two are both quotes.
"I must not fear. Fear is the mind killer. Fear is the little death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain. I must not fear."
Although I'd consider shortening it to just the first three sentences. I want that on my rib-cage.
Then I also want "Begin at the begining, the king said gravely, then continue on till the end, then stop" on my wrist.
I love tats! I have 6 of my very own. There are very addictive and I'm proud of every one. I'm glad you found the desire to get the one you always wanted.
I'll ask again in a couple of years and I'm sure you'll have at least one more.
I have had the same idea! But with a scroll added to the quill. It's so great that you have parents who support you, and by the sound of your blog, they deserve the dedication.
And that's a smashing looking feather.
Love it! I'm hankering for my third, which would also be a tribute to my family. But I know it's going to be crazy expensive, and I have so many more pressing expenses, like a new bed. Yanno? ;)
Love it! I have one planned for when I sell my first book. :0)
That's a cool tattoo! A quill tattoo looks better than a laptop tattoo, but I think a typewriter tattoo would also look good. :) I draw the line at cell phone tattoos, though.
Congratulations! Now that's dedication to the writerly arts.
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