Inked (and charmed).
Getting a tattoo has been on my mind since college. You know, the time when all young women consider getting inked. Even some of my more conservative friends fantasized about what their tattoos would look like back then.
A rose on the small of my back, or on my ankle, that’s what I kept thinking I would get throughout my twenties and early thirties.
At the age of 34, life’s journeys through both chronic illness and acute illness cause me to ponder something more meaningful than a generic rose. (For those who might be be squeamish of possible infections from unsterilized equipment, never fear. There is a shop in Boulder owned in part by registered nurses who give talks around the country about tattooing safety – this is where I would be inked.)
At first, I considered a design incorporating the flowers or the birthstones of my nephew and three nieces. Before long, however, I decided against this for a couple of reasons – (a) the husband’s brother and sister-in-law are expecting their first child in November, leading to a need to add on to the tattoo and therefore, (b) that subject matter seemed more appropriate for a charm necklace, something I could make myself and add to as needed.
Now I am seeking out a design that acknowledges the battle over a severe acute illness and subsequent surgeries as well as the continuing battle over anxiety and depression…and symbolizes the developing amateur athlete that has emerged since the type 2 diabetes diagnosis five years ago. Based on a final design, I would then decide where best to place the tattoo.
Over the next few weeks, I will sketch out a few designs (of both the necklace and the tattoo) and post them here, looking for constructive criticism. I may have a more talented artist come up with final renderings, particularly when it comes to the tattoo.
By December 5, the one year anniversary of the invasive surgery that kept me out of the ICU, I hope that both projects will be complete.
Posted on August 18, 2010, in Family, Health, Writing. Bookmark the permalink. 9 Comments.
Awesome!!!
I’ve been wanting to get a new tattoo (I have two) for a few years now. I have an idea of what I want but nothing definite yet.
Had no idea you were inked, though I’m not that surprised…
I have three small tattoos that I got in college and have always wanted to get a “real” piece to remind myself how wonderful life can be even panic attacks and chronic illness may be part of it. I keep coming up with ideas and then go back and forth on them. I figure I will be inspired at the right time.
Inspiration is everything in life, isn’t it? Not just symbolic tattoos…
Sounds like an awesome idea! I’ve been dying to get a second tattoo but I can’t seem to pull the trigger. I think I want a Picasso peace dove on my inner wrist, but I’m terrified I’ll regret it at some point. For me it would symbolize the inner peace I’m working on to cope with my physical and mental illnesses. I need to just do it.
That sounds lovely..
good for you! tattoos are pretty powerful, and can be awesome reminders of places you’ve been – physically, emotionally, spiritually. can’t wait to see your designs. and remember – a great tattoo artist can take your inspirations and create a design for you – which is an excellent way to collaborate. xo
I definitely need that reminder of how powerful I became over such a devastating acute illness. (And thank you for the advice on collaborating with a tattoo artist!)
I can’t wait to see the design(s) you settle on.