Lets Talk Tats...

I have tattoos. Seven tattoos. My first one was inked here on Guam ten years ago and rests on my lower back. Its your typical "tramp stamp" as my Mom fondly calls it, as its a magnolia bloom with the sign of the Pisces in the middle. Easily hide-able.

Number 2 is a small purple Hershey's Kiss in the nook of my hip (cover-able by a simple bikini bottom), that was inked in Buenos Aires.

Number 3 sits on my ankle and is the Latte Stone, the same little shape that is on our Save the Dates.

Its numbers 4-6 that we are discussing today, as they are much more visible and their display is questionable for the BIG SHOW.

I cover them every night for work because I simply dislike seeing tattoos onstage. Its tacky. The performers are suppose to look uniform and in character, and a personal tattoo is distracting. I have thought about this a number of times as the big day approaches and I'm not sure yet if I feel the same way about weddings. I have seen brides proudly display their tattoos and I applaud them for their spirit. I just don't know if its right for me.

Tattoos 4, 5, and 6 count as one piece and are my BFF tattoos:

MOH Barrettes and I got them in Washington D. C. when we were on tour, dancing with a recording artist. They symbolize the stars of Orion's Belt, "our" constellation. When we met 10 years ago, we use to sit on the beach and watch lightning storms over the ocean. Orion was clear in the night sky and sat in on our first conversations together. Their placement on our arms was not clearly thought out, as from our own views they are hidden, but from other people's views, when looking at us, are plain as day.



I have come to love these little guys, as much as they ended up looking a bit like bullet holes (thats another story altogether). They feel just as a part of me as do my eyes, and I think they wouldn't be that noticeable on the big day. They're easy to cover, but I will be wearing white and I would hate for the makeup to rub up against my dress or others' clothing. If I don't like them in our wedding photos, they're easily photoshopped. Hmmmm....

Tattoo number 7 is the one that troubles me the most. It was such a cute little piece:

This was one of my favorites. I was 25 and going through an enlightening point in my life. I was living in Manhattan and in love with the world. This little journal entry went with it:

"......come meet me in the park and lay in the grass with me so I can play with your hair. All I think about is love. I'm so in love with love. Live in love. Its perfect and simple. Self love, family love, romantic love, friend love- its all just loving the world you live in. So much life to live and love to look forward to. A gift I give to myself and in turn share with you......"
"I think I could get a tattoo today. Call me. I have to come home and change these wonky jeans. Did i mention that tulips fully opened are f*cking gorgeous? So yeah, call me or just come up to work and visit me......"

just ♥ . no outline, no black.

MOH Barrettes got another tattoo with me that day. His also had a heart in the design of it and we were just giddy with joy. Then last year, he came out to the island for my birthday and we of course did a tattoo day.

MOH Barrettes got a latte stone on the back of his calf and Mr. Barrettes added a koi fish to his sleeve-in-progress. I wasn't sure I wanted anything but of course I couldn't resist. I wanted an arrow through my little heart to signify that it was 'pierced' by cupid, but I also wanted a purple bow. I love bows. My bow and arrow didn't quite turn out as I expected, as I let the artist cover the little heart with a larger one to accommodate the bow. Boys don't spend their childhoods drawing hearts. I should have known better and drawn it myself. My cute little love heart turned into this:

(all photos: Miss Barrettes)

I loved the bow but hated the heart. Its totally gross and wonky. I thought it might grow on me, but its almost a year later and I still don't dig it. I'm thinking about getting this one removed and either re-doing the small heart, or putting the small heart on the other wrist. I definitely don't want this one for the wedding. My heart isn't in it. (Pun intended).

Lesson learned. I know from now on I need to draw an idea myself, even if it's small. I also want to get inked by a woman. Women obviously have a different perspective and Mr. Barrettes and I both think I would like a female artist better next time. I certainly am not done with my body art, much to my Mother's dismay. I may have one more added to the bunch before the wedding, but it will be covered. I'll leave that story for then. For now, I'm looking forward to my first removal!

What are you doing about your tattoos?