Tattoo You
Shaz’s faded “Blonde Veronica” tattoo.
I am very conflicted about the Tattoo.
Because I’m a fashion and corporate rebel, many are surprised there’s not one lurking under my R13 Jeans. But the fact is I don’t have a tattoo, or multiple piercings (only one hole in each ear, empty, stretched out from those huge hoops of the 80s) or anything permanent, involving needles.
Oddly enough, Jslow is also sans tattoos. I asked her why. “I knew my tastes would change and I couldn’t figure out the one thing I’d want to live with forever.”
When I was younger, and friends started getting them, I’d hear the naysayers bray, “you’ll regret that when you are older” nonsense. And now, it’s the older people that are getting them in droves. And true confession here, I’m pondering FINALLY getting one, but don’t want to be a middle-aged cliche. So I asked my dear, tatted friends Kelly (Kell) and Sharon (Shaz) why they got theirs, and how they make them feel. Here are their stories:
Kell and her recent “San Francisco Giants” tattoo.
Kell: Got my first tattoo at 47. Got it on my trip to Greece. Always fascinated with tattoos so thought ‘what the fuck’ I’m gonna do it. Needless to say we were drunk at the time and all I got was a small blue star on my lower back. It is true what they say once you get one it is kind of addicting. About a year later I added more colorful stars. Then I pondered the Giants tattoo for about a year. I knew that I wanted to do it, but took me a year to decide what I wanted and where I was going to put it. This tattoo really meant something to me and I just wanted to put it where I would see it everyday, but not necessarily everyone else.
I love my tattoos and am happy everyday when I look at them. I designed them and they make me feel just a bit more unique.
Shaz’s lotus tattoo, on her left calf.
Shaz: For my lotus tattoo,
the colors were chosen from an Asian art book and the lotus symbolizes my dedication to the spiritual practice of Yoga. It was done by an amazing Artist named Cecilia at a Studio in the Haight, around 2002 and the design was her creation.
I love this tattoo and always will. It represents who I am. It flows down my pale white calf in a bright and expressive way. It’s a true expression of me. What would Oprah say… My authentic self!!!
The “blonde Veronica” was designed by Markie (Shaz’s husband) and executed on my 30th birthday. Tiffany and Ashley came with me when I had it done and we laughed the whole time while I sweated and bled under great pain. The location was strategically placed in an unseen area. At the time I was blonde and this tattoo represented a pretty amazing time in my life living and working in San Francisco. It’s very playful and cheeky with a retro spin ! I’ve let this tattoo fade as the lotus is more true to who I am now.
What I love about both of their tattoo tales is that even the circumstances surrounding how and why they got their tattoos is part of the story and is so true to who they are and the spirit in which they live. They are both two of the most “unique” and “authentic” ladies I know, and their choice in tattoos reflects that.
A big part of me wants to take the plunge. But like Jslow, my tastes do change and I want to make sure I’ll love it forever. But I also love that Shaz’s Blonde Veronica faded like an old pair of jeans, comfortable on her own skin.
Should I give father time, and my own issues with “middle-age cliches” the finger and get one? I’m taking requests.
Wait. We have more thoughts. Keep reading.
I vote a big “yes.” I got my one and (likely) only at 44. In Beijing on one of my trips. But it is something I’d first considered when I was working at McDonald’s when 16 and a certain boy told me that this particular thing was the SEXIEST THING HE COULD IMAGINE. (hahaha – a sixteen year old in Newport, OR in the early ’80s – not that sophisticated). It took me almost 30 years to a place far, far away to get it. It’s not even a great tattoo in the big scheme of things. BUT I LOVE IT. And I love that I carried the thought/place of it for all that time and that the reality did not diminish the dream:-)
Hey Stormi: Thanks for the “thumbs up” — ha, now that would be quite the tattoo — a big “thumbs up”. I love your story. And I love that you love it. xoxo
I’ll be getting one later this year. Just figured out what it is and want to commemorate something in a meaningful way, a tattoo seems like the perfect way to do it. It’s something I need to remind myself of often and so while my tattoo will be tiny, it will be in a very visible spot, so that I can always see it.
Hey Monique: Dying to know what you are going to do. I hope you let me know. Thanks so much for sharing. xoxo
Just don’t put it in an area that’s likely to sag with time. I don’t think that would be a good look no matter what the tattoo. I was going to get a piercing in an unusual place on my ear for my 60th, but that day came and went, and I still haven’t done it yet.
Ha, yes, a sagging tattoo would pose problems. Unless that was part of the concept! Like a long gown…or hair. xo