Are Your Tattoos Just Ink On Your Body?

How a Tattoo Adds to an Identity: I love tattoos. They are usually so interesting and they are a great converstation starter. Ask any person about a tattoo and you will usually get a great story. I currrently have three. My first was an array of snowflakes. My second, a tribal horse head, came very shortly after. My third was a year later. It is a black and grey heart shaped lock on a ribbon. My daughter has gotten the key with the ribbon on herself. It ties us together and is very symbolic for both of us. It took me a long time to get the first one because I couldn't picture myself saying, "Hey kiddies, come look at Grandma's tattoos!!" LOL. However the artwork finally got me and as my boyfriend says, "Don't worry, everyone else in the nursing home will have them too!" I so can't wait to get my next one.

How a Tattoo Adds to an Identity: You would never know I have two, very large tattoos on my back if I didn't tell you or I didn't see you at the beach. They are not for everyone, they are not for judgement, either good or bad. They are for me. I took a very long time to decided what I wanted to make a permanent part of my body - and both times it has come down to what speaks to the essence of my spirituality and my personal mantras. They are my own, very personal vision board!

How a Tattoo Adds to an Identity: Tattoos are extremely personal. Therefore, I would not take the thought of having a tattoo placed anywhere on my body lightly. In fact, I waited 50 years to have mine tattooed on my ass and I love it!
I knew what I wanted, to a certain degree. The tattoo had to be a "part of me and my character" by telling a story. My entire life has been a story, so this tattoo was not going to be any exception. I thought about it long and hard. I went to a designer that a biker friend of mine had used and visited with him three times before he "got it right."
My tattoo is on my left butt cheek. It had to be discreet and classy because I am a business woman. I had the design of a Harley wheel as the base, with smoke, flames, & a heart. The word, "Desire" completes me. I love it!

How a Tattoo Adds to an Identity: Each of my tats has a story of why I chose them at the time I did. My first tattoo was the African symbol of the Ankh. During the time I chose to get it, I had been studying African history and politics. I was moved by our collective human history and our ancestral birth place of Africa. My second tat was a small OM symbol on my inner wrist and came after a year of studying Eastern philosophies. My third tat was during a painful time in my life and reminded me that I could survive it- the lotus flower. My fourth, matching tat with sisters is extremely special as it is 3 intertwining V's. Fifth tat is a key with my last name's initial "B". My tats definitely create part of my identity just as any part of my personal history has! My next one might be a Fire Bird and for good reason!

How a Tattoo Adds to an Identity: I have 3 tattoos and would get more, but I have other things that my money needs to go towards first. :) All tattoos have a meaning to me and I do not regret any of them....at least not yet. I believe they tell a story, make memories and creates an expressive outlet!