So how do you feel about tattoos? Love 'em? Hate 'em? Got any? I don't, but tattoos intrigue me. They always have. That's why I'm starting this new series dedicated to tats. As usual, these anecdotes and musings won't necessarily be posted consecutively or regularly but will appear in my usual meandering way. I'll discuss fascinating topics like lesbian tattoos old and new, the time I almost got a tattoo, my disastrous Mexican temporary tattoo and as a bonus I'll even throw in some tattoo haiku.
Tattoo Chronicles will start off by regaling you ALL THIS WEEK with the story of my father's tattoos.
30 comments:
Ugh. Not you, tats. Not so sure how this craze got started, but I could live without it.
In the day, tats were worn mainly by sideshow people, criminals and drunken sailors. I admit, that prejudice is still embedded in my brain. But then, it's none of my business what one does to one's body.
I would like one, I just can't get past the fear of the needles and dirt.My daughter has several, one beautiful on that everyone thinks is a necklace and a large one on her calf with tiger lilies that is just beautiful.I think having too many borders on the shocking but I do like them.I hope your day is a good one.I'm looking forward to your stories,,
I've been thinking of getting one, but fear what it will look like when I get older. For that reason, I think if I get one I'll place it somewhere most people won't be able to see. Like on my back or something. My husband has 7, some of which I know he doesn't really like anymore, so I'm making mine simple and really meaningful.
My Dad had three tats that he got during WWII, and over the years, I remember the color fading, leaving only the dark outlines on his arms. .he said he did it out of boredom when he was stationed over in Africa. (He was a member of the Flying Tigers). But they were beautiful designs, full of detail. .one on each upper arm, and one smaller one on a forearm. He also made me promise that I'd never, ever get a tattoo, which was an easy promise back then, because "No woman EVER got a tattoo, only guys!" lol
A friend of mine got a cute little hummingbird years ago, positioned to make it look like it was perching on her bikini line. .she says now, that the bird has "somehow" migrated south, to where you can only see the upper tip of the wing. So those of you youngsters, who never think of such things, consider what time and gravity will do to your body art. lol
Tats have always intrigued me too, Debra, and I look forward to reading your new series! I know that it will be enlightening, and fun!
Although they can be scorching sexy :) I don't like tattoos and I usually find people who have them irresponsible. Not always, of course, but usually.
I think they look great....on other people. I'm afraid of needles, any kind.
Mary
most small tats are fine... big ones will show as so much 'dirty' flesh on aging folks as their bodies lose elasticity and begin to sag....
Have one, designing another, (designing one for DH) and a GOOD QUALITY tattoo is a piece of art you can always take with you.
The problem is there are so many bad/mediocre ones out there, and people who have things put on their body that are placed BAD and are just ugly.
The history of tattooing is fascinating and some artists here in North American do excellent work.
I find it sad that the overall perception is they are for freaks and sideshow people.
Women didn't used to wear red either unless they were prostitutes...things have changed....
XXOO~~
Anne
I felt as if I were deliberately inflicting pain on myself getting my ears pierced once. I think that, since I have a needle phobia but have had ten non-elective surgeries, my perspective on tats is skewed. I have two friends who are now having them removed. I know a young woman who did not get a job in PR because of the number of tats she had. Not a fan and never will be, but as another pointed out, what someone ELSE does with his/her body is not for me to judge, period. I have seen beautiful ones. I think I would consider having a press on picture for a while because it could look pretty.
There is also the fact that I have the attention span of a fruit fly sometimes. I'd get sick of having the same picture in the same place. I'll be interested in reading your series, though. It could be fun.
Oooo don't forget about the lovely henna "tattoos" ~ Mehndi. And prison tatts - apparently blokes can tell if another bloke has done time by their tatts. Which reminds me of the movie "Eastern Promises" and the symbology of the tatts the Russian mafioso receive.
I got a tattoo of a sun on my right ankle when I was 30. Got it at a biker parlour on the Danforth in Toronto. Pretty scary place... My father was so upset, he said he made it all the way through WW2 and didn't get a tattoo. I almost got a small kidney this year, but figure I'll opt for a kidney charm instead. Like them but don't want another enough to go through with it.
Ooh this is gonna be fun and interesting!
I have a small one-a sun-and it now has great meaning for me.
I'd like more, but am undecided.
I'm fickle, and am afraid I'll hate it a few years from now..
Don't have one, won't get one. Can't imagine the *pain* ... no matter how pretty! And why isn't plain old skin pretty enough??? Another soapbox???!!!!! ;D ;D ;D
Should be a fun week!
I've got three tattoos. Bryan has none. I guess that means I've got a 300% higher chance of having hepatitis. Yay. Seriously, though, I want to get more soon (tattoos that is). It's been a while.
wow, didn't really take you for the tattoo type!
Great post and comments. I don't have any but love them. That said I think some thought should go into the subject and location. I've seen beautiful works of art that maintain their beauty. I've also seen some rather bad pieces of crap sitting on a woman's arm that at first glance looks like she's been beaten. I've thought about getting one but often wonder what it would look like as I age. So that makes me wonder if it's possible to get a tattoo that as the skin sags will become another picture. Now looking into the beautiful intricate henna tattoos.
Can't believe you are posting this.....I'm 65 years young....never had a tattoo...but this year I plan on getting one. Just a tiny rose or butterfly on my shoulder. The only thing is ....... I don't want it to hurt! LOL LOL
Jo
Me again. .I've had henna designs put on my hands and arms a number of times. .once from a woman from India, who was doing a work program at the shop where I get my hair cut (and annual October pink streak dropped in across the top). .she owns her own shop in India, and wanted to learn more about the techniques used in the U.S., to then teach her staff. .anyway, she offered to do some Henna designs, and I took her up on it. .SO beautiful! (and I hate to say it, but SO much better than the ones that I've gotten at Ren Fests) But it was nice to finally have it fade away, because then I could choose another design!
tats are one of the oldest art forms. ancient civilizations where people had no jewelry, homes or clothes to show off decorated themselves with tats to decorate themselves. i have 7 that i have had for 40 years. when i got mine only sailors and marines had them. i live in a major city and back then there was only one tattoo parlor. now there is one on every corner. i am actually thinking of having some of mine tattooed over! plus, at my age i should get sleeves done. they would cover the sun damage!
about 35 years ago I got an 8-ball tattoo..now? it looks more like a pool stick.
My father had great tattoos. He always told us that he wished he never got them but he never acted like he was ashamed and nearly never covered them up. I think he just didn't want me or my sister getting one. I feel like I missed the tattoo revolution like I missed the home video revolution (mostly). I admire the work when it's really well done. You know a great tattoo when you see one. I just shudder sometimes when I think of the women whose tats will not age well.
My wife has a unicorn tattoo (impulse college moment) and a kid just asked her yesterday: "is that a donkey?"
Quality is important when it comes to tattoos.
Interesting idea for posts! I have enough pain in my life, I really don't need more. A family member got one and then a terrible skin infection and I am super sensitive. I like having my skin clean and clear but can see the appeal. For those who do not live with chronic pain, perhaps they need it to feel alive. Me? I have enough, LOL.
Why can't somebody invent like a 48hour tattoo that will wash off but look like the real thing for 2 days. The temporary weekend tatoo. Take it for a test drive. If you like it, come back, we make it permanent. Think it over. This is for life. OMG. I could make a fortune if I knew more about tattoos. Oh well, it comes and goes.
When I was 40 I got my first tattoo. And said that I would get one every 5 years! The last one I got was at 45......I have fallen behind a bit and 'owe' myself a few more!
Tattoos are very subjective and I feel can look pretty good on some people.....but that again is totally subjective.
Oh yes, I took along my 18 year old nephew for my first one and he got his first one.....his Mom (my sister) almost killed me! lol
Tattoos have always fascinated me. I don't have any myself, though my three kids all have at least one. Looking forward to this series.
Not a fan of the tats.
I have 4, one on the back of my neck, one on each shoulder, and one on the inside of my right wrist. I am planning on a half sleeve. No, I don't care what they will look like when I turn 60.....we aren't promised tomorrow and I like them and want more today.
I got my first tattoo when I was 18. It was about 1 year before being tattooed became so mainstream. I enjoyed the "rebel" part of it. I still added to my collection and now have 5 but I wish all these soccer moms would slow their roll with their ankle bands and tramp stamps.
I love a beautiful tattoo; such an interesting art form. I got one at 41 (based on my own design) and have always wanted to get another. The only thing that makes me hesitate is that I donate blood every 56 days (helping 3 lives) and if I get a tattoo, I can't donate for a year. I have fibromyalgia so I know about pain, but getting the tattoo wasn't painful. I felt it, yeah, but it wasn't painful.
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