Thursday, May 19, 2011

like a bird

Did I ever tell you I have three tattoos? I do.

I love them all for the most part, except for the one on my ankle.

I don't hate it, but it's not exactly how I wanted it. I was young  and let the tattoo artists bully me into a design and colors I didn't want. The colors I never liked have now faded and I feel the design is way too young (which I knew even at 22).

That one,  once I have the funds, I will be covering up with a tree. I have the basic design ready. It will be feminine and graphic and simple. But it will be very large and therefore expensive.

First though, I have another tattoo in mind. I'd been planning this tattoo for years to put on my forearms, but I now work in a very conservative office and since two of my tats are already visible, I'm not going to make them more uncomfortable and I think I'll be moving it to my shoulderblades.

The metaphor:

Do you know about the swallows of San Juan Capistrano? Every child who grows up in California learns about the California missions and my favorite was always Capistrano, speficically the swallows. Every year, the swallows migrate south for the winter (I assume) and every year, without fail, they return to San Juan Capistrano.

I've always loved this idea of this, felt it suited my personality uniquely, the idea of wings and roots, of something that migrates and roams, but always returns to the same place. The nomad that always goes home.

So I'll be getting a swallow on each shoulder blade. Graphic, of course, not too cartoony or realistic. Something like this:


Or this:

Or maybe this:


Hopefully I'll start it soon. And I'll keep you updated with photos of course. Of course.

14 comments mean you love me:

themajessty said...Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

I VOTE FOR THE LAST ONE.

Fabulously Awkward said...Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

I love the idea and the meaning behind it. I love the first two or second...

(P.S. I had similar meaning behind my hummingbird tattoo. As an aside, it's really difficult to find bird imagery that doesn't look cartoony.)

amydpp said...Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

oh, lovely. truly lovely

Ms. Salti said...Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

I love the idea... I think it's important for tattoos to have meaning because otherwise, they tend to just become markings on our body. I want to look at mine and be reminded of their significance and not grow tired of them.

My favorite swallow is the 2nd one, but I tend to lean more toward contemporary/abstract stuff. I can't wait to see all your new ink!

The Woven Moments said...Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

The nomad that always goes home.

BEAUTIFUL!

I like the black/white one way better. It makes you see the actual BIRD more instead of just the colors. (Not that I get a vote, of course.)

Can't wait to see more!

Nush said...Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

I like the first one or the last one best. I like your thinking behind the tattoo. It is always nicer when there is an actual thought behind the image.

Have to say, the tree tattoo sounds like a really cool concept! Would love to see the design ideas on that one. I had one that I was contemplating getting done but I didn't in the end. It might still end up on the wall instead... :)

jerrod said...Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

sexyandy!

can't wait to see...

Skye said...Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

that sounds awesome! I actually like the shoulder blade area for birds- kinda gives you the idea of wings but without being too obvious. have you posted pictures of your other tattoos before? I want to see! :)

PorkStar said...Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

I like the last one. I don't have any tats though. Small ones on women look actually pretty nice.

Satan said...Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

oh, i wouldn't worry about the tattoos on forearms/office environment very much...
i have forearm and wrist tattoos. when i was in portland i worked at a law firm, and no one gave a shit about my tattoos. conversely, since it's cool there more than half the year, long sleeves also takes care of that problem nicely.
just sayin' it's not always good to change what you want for one job, because you never know what you'll end up doing later!
i love the idea, and i think they'll look great!

Lori said...Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

I like the 1st one. Simple. Clean.

Not that it's up to me, of course. ;-)

alonewithcats said...Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

I also vote for the first one. Simple and clean.

I shall live through you and your tattoos, as I am too chicken to get one of my own.

Liz said...Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Wait, you can't say that you have 3 tats and not show us photos of the 3! Tease, tease!

Chris (Nonspleen) said...Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

You know I work in San Juan Capistrano, yes? I see those birds EVERYWHERE! And ironically, the SJC swallows don't have the standard swallow tail, but just a regular one. But only nerds like me would notice. ;-)

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