Tattoos

melmac86 · April 2012

For those of you that have them - how did you decide what you wanted (realize some things might be personal, so no big deal if you don't really care to share)? How did you decide where to put it? Where are "typical" places for a girl to get one? <-- Is that a stupid question? Do you regret any tattoos?

I never really considered myself one to get a tattoo. The idea that it's there forever kind of freaks me out. Lately though, I've been thinking about it. I don't have a clear picture of what I'd want or where. I was thinking of something to honor my grandma and to remind me of her. She died in a car accident when I was 8 and it still hits me hard. I have Irish roots, so I was maybe thinking of a 4 leaf clover with her initials. Possibly on my right wrist or my side...nothing too big.

LaSak87 · April 2012

I got a calla lily on my foot not long after I got married. Those were our major flowers at the wedding and I just think they're so elegant looking. To me, they represent femininity and grace. I also have "Let it be" on my wrist because I am a huge Beatles fan and I have a hard time letting go. The letters face me so I can read it and use it as a reminder. I have it down a little further and it can be covered with my watch if I need it to be covered.

melmac86 · April 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_tattoos-6?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:f66df40d-889f-47cc-9deb-1a4bc76783ccPost:56db46aa-186f-48ad-933f-de72e086a646">Re: Tattoos</a>:
[QUOTE]I got a calla lily on my foot not long after I got married. Those were our major flowers at the wedding and I just think they're so elegant looking. To me, they represent femininity and grace. I also have "Let it be" on my wrist because I am a huge Beatles fan and I have a hard time letting go. The letters face me so I can read it and use it as a reminder. I have it down a little further and it can be covered with my watch if I need it to be covered.
Posted by LaSak87[/QUOTE]

Where on your foot is it? Kinda in the middle? I was thinking my foot, but wouldn't know where to put it. I like your tattoos. Those are really nice ideas since they mean so much to you.

motoLyn · April 2012

I have a beta fish on my back that looks like a henna tattoo. I got it because I love and respect the ocean and i love the way betas look with their swirly fins. I want to get another tattoo on my ankle after the wedding of a sea horse or a pink lotus blossom. What are you thinking of?

LaSak87 · April 2012

What were you thinking of getting? There are certain things to consider when getting a foot tattoo because you're not really supposed to wear socks or shoes that cover it while it's healing. I either wore flip flops or flats that were open at the top (got it done in the summer). I kind of also want to get text on the inside of both of my feet...one line on each.

melmac86 · April 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_tattoos-6?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:f66df40d-889f-47cc-9deb-1a4bc76783ccPost:40f75966-245c-4650-9e3d-7e378a6c26b6">Re: Tattoos</a>:
[QUOTE]I have a beta fish on my back that<strong> looks like a henna tattoo</strong>. I got it because I love and respect the ocean and i love the way betas look with their swirly fins. I want to get another tattoo on my ankle after the wedding of a sea horse or a pink lotus blossom. What are you thinking of?
Posted by motoLyn[/QUOTE]

Bolded part is a really neat idea. If I got a tattoo, it would be the four leaf clover with my grandma's initials (see above) <img src="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/scripts/tinymce/plugins/emotions/images/smiley-laughing.gif" border="0" alt="Laughing" title="Laughing" />

I have little tolerance for pain, so I'm already nervous and not even 100% at this point that I'm getting a tattoo. eek.

Swazzle · April 2012

I got my first tattoo when I was 17, it's a Chinese symbol that means courage it's on the left side of my lower back. I got it as a reminder to be brave because of things I went through in my childhood. This means a lot to me but I desperately wish I was young, dumb, and cliche with the whole Chinese symbol thing. My other tattoo is a claddagh it's on the inside of my right foot, under my ankle bone. I'm Irish and I love claddaghs and what they stand for love, loyalty, friendship.

LoveBug82510 · April 2012

I have 2. One is of a red rose for my Grandmother. Just above it is my son's name Jon. It's on my stomach just above my right hip bone. My 2nd tattoo is on my lower back (aka Tramp stamp). It's a tiger lilly with tribalish type scrolling on either side. It's black/grey. I haven't had the heart to get coloring to it. I actually regret getting my 2nd tattoo. I shouldn't have gotten it in that spot. But oh well.

I love my tattoos and I plan to get one more. I know exactly what I want - the fire dancer from DMB and have my initials along with my siblings initials put around it. My sister has one and it looks like this:

My brothers plan o get the same tattoo. I'm going to scale mine down a bit as it's quite large....

melmac86 · April 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_tattoos-6?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:f66df40d-889f-47cc-9deb-1a4bc76783ccPost:ea7b6731-4533-43b2-9d25-856510c529fc">Re: Tattoos</a>:
[QUOTE]<strong>What were you thinking of getting?</strong> There are certain things to consider when getting a foot tattoo because you're not really supposed to wear socks or shoes that cover it while it's healing. I either wore flip flops or flats that were open at the top (got it done in the summer). I kind of also want to get text on the inside of both of my feet...one line on each.
Posted by LaSak87[/QUOTE]

bolded part: gahh. Is TK being dumb and not showing the 2nd part of my original post? (Not being snotty, just curious cause you and moto both asked).

Besides the fact that I couldn't wear socks/shoes, I also read that it typically hurts quite a bit more on the foot (for obvious reasons). Your tattoos look awesome!

LaSak87 · April 2012

Thanks! I think Lyn and I were both posting at the same time which is why I just saw it

The one on my foot took about an hour and it was pretty painful, but the worst part was the two days after. My foot was pretty swollen so I spent a lot of time with it propped up (and DH getting me food and drinks..ha!)

melmac86 · April 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_tattoos-6?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:f66df40d-889f-47cc-9deb-1a4bc76783ccPost:010477c7-abac-4e79-8e39-a7e3e8dab687">Re:Tattoos</a>:
[QUOTE]I got my first tattoo when I was 17, it's a Chinese symbol that means courage it's on the left side of my lower back. I got it as a reminder to be brave because of things I went through in my childhood. This means a lot to me but I desperately wish I was young, dumb, and cliche with the whole Chinese symbol thing. My other tattoo is a claddagh it's on the inside of my right foot, under my ankle bone. I'm Irish and I love claddaghs and what they stand for love, loyalty, friendship.
Posted by rdr716[/QUOTE]

Lots of people have the Chinese symbols, but it's still something important and meaningful to you so that's good. I actually don't know anyone personally with a Chinese symbol. I like that you have a claddagh. I really want a claddagh ring; so pretty.

melmac86 · April 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_tattoos-6?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:f66df40d-889f-47cc-9deb-1a4bc76783ccPost:d615cf0a-3505-4b9c-b1f6-b87a40e03135">Re: Tattoos</a>:
[QUOTE]I have 2. One is of a red rose for my Grandmother. Just above it is my son's name Jon. It's on my stomach just above my right hip bone. My 2nd tattoo is on my lower back (aka Tramp stamp). It's a tiger lilly with tribalish type scrolling on either side. It's black/grey. I haven't had the heart to get coloring to it. I actually regret getting my 2nd tattoo. I shouldn't have gotten it in that spot. But oh well. I love my tattoos and I plan to get one more. I know exactly what I want - the fire dancer from DMB and have my initials along with my siblings initials put around it. My sister has one and it looks like this: My brothers plan o get the same tattoo. I'm going to scale mine down a bit as it's quite large....
Posted by LoveBug82510[/QUOTE]

That's really neat that you and your siblings would have the same/similar tattoos. My younger sister is almost 17 and we talked about going together to get the same tattoo, in the same spot when she's 18. Again, probably just something small.

melmac86 · April 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_tattoos-6?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:f66df40d-889f-47cc-9deb-1a4bc76783ccPost:d0c36644-71eb-4e3f-9549-bbb8198ddff0">Re: Tattoos</a>:
[QUOTE]Thanks! I think Lyn and I were both posting at the same time which is why I just saw it :) The one on my foot took about an hour and it was pretty painful, but the worst part was the two days after. My foot was pretty swollen so I spent a lot of time with it propped up <strong>(and DH getting me food and drinks..ha!)</strong>
Posted by LaSak87[/QUOTE]

Ooo! A definite bonus to getting one on the foot :)

DanieKA · April 2012

I have a cluster of stars and a moon on my upper right thigh. Not far from my bikini line. I got it when I was 19. There's no real meaning behind it, I just like it. It's faded and needs to be reoutlined and revolted. Honestly, I hardly remember it's there. I catch it occasionally in the mirror after a shower, but it's not something I notice or think about daily. I decided to put it there because I wanted it somewhere "hidden" but not so hidden, if that makes sense. I didn't want anything on my arms or ankle or legs where it would be seen in a business setting. But you can see it just fine when I'm in a bathing suit or something like that. Didn't want lower back or neck. Thigh seemed like a safe place for me! ETA: I should say that FI's back is completely covered. I LOVE it! Seriously, it's so hot! You can't see it when he wears shirts, so he looks like a normal buttoned up gentleman, and it's like this dirty little secret that he's totally tatted up. Crazy! Also revolted=re colored. D@mn auto correct/mobile site!

melmac86 · April 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_tattoos-6?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:f66df40d-889f-47cc-9deb-1a4bc76783ccPost:e7c4e0ea-d860-4f7d-bd27-469259bc8b94">Re:Tattoos</a>:
[QUOTE]I have a cluster of stars and a moon on my upper right thigh. Not far from my bikini line. I got it when I was 19. There's no real meaning behind it, I just like it. It's faded and needs to be reoutlined and revolted. Honestly, I hardly remember it's there. I catch it occasionally in the mirror after a shower, but it's not something I notice or think about daily. I decided to put it there because I wanted it somewhere "hidden" but not so hidden, if that makes sense. I didn't want anything on my arms or ankle or legs where it would be seen in a business setting. But you can see it just fine when I'm in a bathing suit or something like that. Didn't want lower back or neck. Thigh seemed like a safe place for me!
Posted by DanieKA[/QUOTE]

Yeah, see this is what I'm not sure of...finding the balance between being able to cover it up, but having it not be SO hidden. I think my current job is somewhat flexible with tattoos as long as it's nothing offensive or outrageous. I don't plan on changing jobs any day soon, but it's still something to think about.

prbright · April 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_tattoos-6?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:f66df40d-889f-47cc-9deb-1a4bc76783ccPost:56db46aa-186f-48ad-933f-de72e086a646">Re: Tattoos</a>:
[QUOTE]I got a calla lily on my foot not long after I got married. Those were our major flowers at the wedding and I just think they're so elegant looking. To me, they represent femininity and grace. <strong>I also have "Let it be" on my wrist because I am a huge Beatles fan and I have a hard time letting go. </strong>The letters face me so I can read it and use it as a reminder. I have it down a little further and it can be covered with my watch if I need it to be covered.
Posted by LaSak87[/QUOTE]

<div>
</div><div>I have a let it be tattoo also! It's on my rib cage, curls around my boob. haha I got mine for the same reason. I tend to hold onto things and let them bother me and upset me and I got it as a reminder to myself that there are some things that you just need to let go or leave alone.</div><div>
</div><div>
</div><div>I got mine on my rib cage because it's easy to hide and people don't lnow I have it unless I tell them I do. The only people who ever see it are me and FI.</div><div>
</div>

LoveBug82510 · April 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_tattoos-6?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:136Discussion:f66df40d-889f-47cc-9deb-1a4bc76783ccPost:c29e243a-100f-4b48-a0d2-ce5ae8e39cc7">Re: Tattoos</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Tattoos : That's really neat that you and your siblings would have the same/similar tattoos. My younger sister is almost 17 and we talked about going together to get the same tattoo, in the same spot when she's 18. Again, probably just something small.
Posted by melmac86[/QUOTE]

I have to go and get mine....I don't know if my brothers have gotten their's. I'm still not sure where I want to get it at. My bf has 3 tattoos - one on the back of his neck (some kind of irish symbol), one on is right leg (a sun) and one on his right arm (a nice cross). He wants one more and he wants to get one with me. Seriously don't know what tho?

bsidebella · April 2012

I have 6 tattoos, plus I did my undergrad thesis on tattooing and its history. It's a near-and-dear topic to me! My tattooist calls me the "Walking Talking Tattoo Encyclopedia". For example ... did you know that the tattoo needle as we know it has changed very little in terms of design since its invention in 1888?

How did you decide what you wanted?

I chose symbols or sayings that were very close to my heart, so that I could always look at them and be reminded of something. I love the theater, so I have a tattoo of the Greek comedy/tragedy masks. I love rabbits, my Chinese zodiac is the rabbit, and my favorite book is The Velveteen Rabbit - so I have a rabbit tattoo! There are more, but those have the shortest explanations.

How did you decide where to put it?

All of my tattoos are easily hidden. I don't have any tattoos that would be visible in a professional world, unless I want you to see them (one of my tattoos is on the back of my neck, for example, so it's only visible if my hair is up). They're kind of like my dirty little secret!

Where are "typical" places for a girl to get one? <-- Is that a stupid question?

There are no stupid questions! Based on observations, girls tend to go for "dainty" areas: feet, neck, hips, wrists. It's rare that a girl will go for a bicep tattoo, for example.

Do you regret any tattoos?

I do. I have a memorial tattoo for my father on my calf. I loved it at first, but now I'm thinking it's too big and too bright, and I should have gone with a smaller design. I also regret my first tattoo, which is the theater masks one. The artist had a bit of a heavy hand and the tattoo looks amateurish and unprofessional - the shading's wrong and the lining is not smooth. Luckily, I have a wonderful reputation with my tattoo shop, and my regular tattooist has offered to "fix" the tattoo for me whenever I'm ready.

CASK85 · April 2012

I have two tattoos. The first one I got is on my inner left ankle and is a black sun. It represents my high school swim team (long-ish story) which was a huge part of my identity during my formative years. I got it when I was a junior in college.

My second one is a large colorful Koi fish on my right side between my hip and about where my breast curves. The Koi symbolizes perseverence (there is a legend about a koi that swam upstream and up a waterfall and upon reaching that goal it turned into a dragon). I got it at the beginning of grad school to remind me how far I've come and to keep going.

I haven't regretted either of them yet, although when I'm an old lady I might. The one on my side hurt like a biitch because 1) it was on the rib cage bones and 2) it has a lot of shading and colors. I'd like to get another one but I'm not sure where or of what yet.

IrishDreamer · April 2012

I have a phoenix on my lower back. It has special meaning because I always tend to come back from the BS life throws at me.

My brother's girlfriend is working on a kind of a "family tree" tattoo design for me and three of my four siblings. Trying to combine the family tree aspect, along with the seasons to coordinate when our birthday's are, as well as not too masculine for me and my sister, and not too girly for my two brothers. I don't think she is getting very far lol.

I want another one or two, at least

melmac86 · April 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_tattoos-6?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:f66df40d-889f-47cc-9deb-1a4bc76783ccPost:18d87d16-8520-4282-986e-aefdc823e5cf">Re: Tattoos</a>:
[QUOTE]I have 6 tattoos, plus I did my undergrad thesis on tattooing and its history. It's a near-and-dear topic to me! My tattooist calls me the "Walking Talking Tattoo Encyclopedia". For example ... did you know that the tattoo needle as we know it has changed very little in terms of design since its invention in 1888? ;) How did you decide what you wanted? I chose symbols or sayings that were very close to my heart, so that I could always look at them and be reminded of something. I love the theater, so I have a tattoo of the Greek comedy/tragedy masks. I love rabbits, my Chinese zodiac is the rabbit, and my favorite book is The Velveteen Rabbit - so I have a rabbit tattoo! There are more, but those have the shortest explanations. How did you decide where to put it? All of my tattoos are easily hidden. I don't have any tattoos that would be visible in a professional world, unless I want you to see them (one of my tattoos is on the back of my neck, for example, so it's only visible if my hair is up). They're kind of like my dirty little secret! Where are "typical" places for a girl to get one? <-- Is that a stupid question? There are no stupid questions! Based on observations, girls tend to go for "dainty" areas: feet, neck, hips, wrists. It's rare that a girl will go for a bicep tattoo, for example. Do you regret any tattoos? I do. I have a memorial tattoo for my father on my calf. I loved it at first, but now I'm thinking it's too big and too bright, and I should have gone with a smaller design. I also regret my first tattoo, which is the theater masks one. The artist had a bit of a heavy hand and the tattoo looks amateurish and unprofessional - the shading's wrong and the lining is not smooth. Luckily, I have a wonderful reputation with my tattoo shop, and my regular tattooist has offered to "fix" the tattoo for me whenever I'm ready.
Posted by bsidebella[/QUOTE]

I did not know that fun fact about tattoo needles! Thanks for sharing all that info :)

melmac86 · April 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_tattoos-6?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:f66df40d-889f-47cc-9deb-1a4bc76783ccPost:dd69d8ec-5d4a-423a-9e85-b5e211079a68">Re: Tattoos</a>:
[QUOTE]I have two tattoos. The first one I got is on my inner left ankle and is a black sun. It represents my high school swim team (long-ish story) which was a huge part of my identity during my formative years. I got it when I was a junior in college. My second one is a large colorful Koi fish on my right side between my hip and about where my breast curves. The Koi symbolizes perseverence (there is a legend about a koi that swam upstream and up a waterfall and upon reaching that goal it turned into a dragon). I got it at the beginning of grad school to remind me how far I've come and to keep going. I haven't regretted either of them yet, although when I'm an old lady I might. The one on my side hurt like a biitch because 1) it was on the rib cage bones and 2) it has a lot of shading and colors. I'd like to get another one but I'm not sure where or of what yet.
Posted by cschiano[/QUOTE]

Koi fish are awesome. There's a huge pond of them at the zoo here and I love to watch them. The rib cage def sounds like a place where it'd hurt. I suppose that'll happen anywhere there's not a lot cushion.

melmac86 · April 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_tattoos-6?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:f66df40d-889f-47cc-9deb-1a4bc76783ccPost:fa434032-3573-493b-9fc9-cfa1ecc33f56">Re: Tattoos</a>:
[QUOTE]I have a phoenix on my lower back. It has special meaning because I always tend to come back from the BS life throws at me. My brother's girlfriend is working on a kind of a "family tree" tattoo design for me and three of my four siblings. Trying to combine the family tree aspect, along with the seasons to coordinate when our birthday's are, as well as not too masculine for me and my sister, and not too girly for my two brothers. I don't think she is getting very far lol. I want another one or two, at least
Posted by IrishDreamer[/QUOTE]

I like the family tree idea. Sounds like it's a lot of work to create it. I'm the worst at drawing/art. My stick figures are even laughable.

melmac86 · April 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_tattoos-6?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:f66df40d-889f-47cc-9deb-1a4bc76783ccPost:56c59aaa-64e6-48cd-829b-c23574603cdb">Re: Tattoos</a>:
[QUOTE]I have none but am planning on two: one on my wrist ASAP and one on my ribs, like under my left breast, when I reach my goal weight. Wrist design: Latin for "I'll either find a way or make one." Representative of my perserverence in all things in my life. Rib design: Latin for "While I breathe, I hope." Hope is sort of my life's "theme," if you will. This is also the state motto of South Carolina, which is very special to Mo and me, so it has a double meaning.
Posted by LivLeighton[/QUOTE]

These are really cool. I like the fancy writing of them. Would that be the type of writing you end up using? You'll have to let me know how bad you thought it hurt when you get your wrist one.

Peaseblossom55 · April 2012

I always wanted to get one of ballet shoes, but I never knew where. I didn't want it in a place where it could be seen at work or even where I may have to cover it up for theater. So I still haven't gotten it and probably never will, oh well.

redheadtmk · April 2012

I have four. My first is on my left hip and has since stretched due to weight gain. Its not too bad though. Its the gemini sign and a crown for personal reasons that are a long story.

The next one I got was the chinese symbol for Aunt. It actually is the word for "my mothers sister" versus being the father's sister. I have many neices, nephews, and godsons who are very important to me. all from my sisters and girl friends.its on the back of my neck.

The third one is a dragonfly on my right ankle. My best friend and I got matching ones to remind us of our last big road trip through the south before she got married and started having babies. (3rd one just born on the 13th yeah!!!)

The last one is the word New York spelled out in the shape of an apple. The word washington is spelled out in the shape of a leaf. and the words "roots and wings" are spelled out in the shape of the stem. I grew up in Washington (my roots) which is the largest apple producing state. Not too long after high school I moved by myself to NY which is the big apple and where I found my independence or "wings". It is on one of my shoulders. Since I can not see it I honestly do not remember if it is my left or right!

I really wanted an invisible ink tattoo but they had too many problems with the ink so not very many places will do them. I dont want to risk problems so I will either wait until they get ink that works or go with out. or maybe i will give in and get white ink. It will be 2nd Chorinthians 5:7. We walk by faith not by sight. I have trouble with trust and faith in others so it has become my favorite verse.

IrishDreamer · April 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_tattoos-6?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:136Discussion:f66df40d-889f-47cc-9deb-1a4bc76783ccPost:07f7b0f6-e190-4219-a792-3d95f6bb9483">Re: Tattoos</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Tattoos : I like the family tree idea. Sounds like it's a lot of work to create it. I'm the worst at drawing/art. My stick figures are even laughable.
Posted by melmac86[/QUOTE]

Yeaaaaah. It's proving to be more difficult than any of us had planned. But one of my bucket list items is to get a tattoo with a parent and siblings. My dad is always up for another one - and since he got one with each of my brothers - he won't have a problem with it. But in order for my oldest little brother and me and my sister to get one - it's got to have special meaning. We are all very close, so the family tree just seemed to fit.

msuprincess04 · April 2012

I have four. Well, three.

1) When I was a senior in high school I was a raver. I went to parties, lied to my parents, and did a bunch of stuff I'm not proud of. But, I think I needed it. I learned alot about myself that set me up to clean up my act and be awesome in college and beyond.

Anyway, at that time, on my 18th birthday, I got "princess" in Japanese on my lower back. It had a funky design on either side. I picked that spot because it was easily hidable. I picked that ink because my raver name was "princess" and I became a huge dork about that with everything princess on it. Do I regret it? No, it was what it was. It's who I was, not who I am.

2) I got the symbol for cancer on my inner right ankle. It looks like swirling shooting stars, but really it just looks like 69. Yes, I'm still a 15yo at heart.

I picked it because I was bored and wanted something that wouldn't change. Pretty sure my birthday won't change. It's on my inner right ankle because I wanted something a little more flashy, but still easily hidable. It has no thick black lines, almost all color. So a little foundation and nylons and it disappears.

3) I got a little blue triskel on my left hip. Why? Because my friend wanted it and I wanted to piss her off so I got it before her. I was in Scotland. It's a long crazy friendship. Do I regret it? Sometimes. Our relationship changed after that. But I'm pretty sure it was headed there anyway. Just wish I had been a little more grown-up about dealing with it. I was 20, what did you expect?

4) I got tattoo #1 covered. It now had a purple dove in the middle with some design around the bottom and "peace" written along the top. It's a really bad tatoo, but the most meaningful. I spent 4 years in Air Force ROTC, getting healthy, happy, and growing up. I got medically disqualified weeks before commissioning. Still, the military will always have a special place in my heart. Anyway, the tattoo is in remembrance of that time "The soldier prays for peace for he must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war." General Douglas McArthur. And, well, I didn't want Japanese on my back when I spent a month in China.

Because I just wrote way too much about me. Here's your questions:
Common places: hip, tramp stamp, ankle wrist
Regrets: Never. They are reminders of who I was and how far I've come. And, kinda funky too.

Stina51286 · April 2012

I have two. One on my foot which says Believe and surrounded by little stars and a shooting star. My saying is that if you believe you can do something, you can. Do not let someone tell you otherwise.

My first one I got is on my lower back with blue and pink flowers and tribal lines. No real significance behind that one. I was 18 and saw something similar and really liked the idea.

peekaboo2011 · April 2012

I have one. I really debated about doing it for a very long time, but I ended up getting it at the perfect time in my life.

I had promised myself that if I got into grad school, I'd get a shark on my ankle. I ended up not getting in to grad school, but about a month after I broke off my engagement I got in to the internship of my dreams. I got a white ink tattoo on my right wrist. No one knows it's there unless I show them.

It says "Streng dich an" People always comment that I have "d!ck" on my arm because it's in a script font, but the phrase means "push yourself" in German. It's actually a line from the chorus of a song that I fell in love with while I was in Germany - "Streng dich an, lass nicht locker fang an, das zu zeigen woran dir wirklich was liegt" (Push yourself, don't slow down just start to show what really is inside you)

Since I had just broken off an engagement and a really long relationship, and was trying to start down what I thought was my dream, it was really fitting. Things have since changed - I love my BF, and while I ended up not getting in to grad school again and getting out of the field, I love where I am. My tattoo is a daily reminder that if I push myself, I can go anywhere and do anything. While I don't need it every day, there are some days that I don't feel like I can get out of bed or that there's too much going on. Those are the days that I will stop and stare for a minute and remind myself where I am and where I came from.

PhotoDerby · April 2012

I have four.
My first I got at 19, with my ex-FI.
Regrets? We got tattoos that went together, but I don't regret it. One of the things I said when we got them was that it had to be something I thought would be beautiful no matter what happened between the two of us. And I'm glad I did, since clearly it didn't work out. The smartest thing to do would have to not done it in the first place, but I was young and stupid and in love.
Placement: Hip. It hurt. I cried like a baby. The 300 lb tattoo artist leaning on my ribs for four hours did not help.

Second tattoo is from my favorite childrens book, The Little Prince. It's an illustration from the book of the Little Prince flying through the sky pulled by birds.It goes from my shoulder to my elbow. It has a quote under my arm that says "And now here is my secret, a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye." It didn't hurt much and it has been something I had contemplated getting since high school.

Third tattoo was never supposed to be what it is. I had always planned to get a memorial tattoo for my step grandmother, and had the entire thing drawn out, but ended up changing it since I realized I need to be able to get a job. I had always wanted a chest piece, so I made sure I did something pretty and simple. It's a fall scene with leaves blowing off branches across my chest with the line "Autumn is a second pring where every leaf is a flower." Instead of doing it for my dearly departed s-grandmother, I just kind of combined all the things I love. It is the tattoo I have that shows the most. My only regret is now it looks weird when I wear necklaces.

My last tattoo is all text, smack in the middle of my forearm. It's a part of my favorite poem, I got it after ex-FI and I broke up. Pablo Neruda's Sonnet XVII really just moved me. The part I have is "I love you as certain dark things are to be loved, in secret, between the shadow and the soul" in a flowy, handwritten font. My only issue is idiots are always misinterpreting it. A model I worked with once said to me "OH that's so cool, it's like, the perfect quote for those of us with so much darkness inside." I nearly barfed.

I almost threw in photos, but this is a ridiculously large block of text, and I just needed to get the tattoo related word vomit out. I've been itching to get a new tattoo and this thread just made it worse!

Tattoos

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