Tattoos

So, I was asked the other day (again) about my tattoos. I think the question was something about what my reason for getting them is...I don't recall the exact question. But, it was a good conversation. I think it made sense and I think we came to an interesting place about each other.

First, I want to voice an opinion. I believe that if you have to ask my opinion on whether or not you should get a permanent piece of artwork on your body, the answer is easy. Not only no...But, hella no. If you have to ask me what you should get...the answer is simple...NOTHING!

Tattoos and body art are incredibly personal. I don't subscribe to the trendiness of it. I also don't have a problem with your lack of tattoos. If you find it necessary to be some "hip" version of yourself...awesome. I just don't think that it should be something permanent and socially pressured.

For me, tattoos are a way to make the pain and sadness of life beautiful. (I have one crappy piece that needs love and a cover-up. But, let's make that the exception...not the rule.) Shitty things happen to us. And, somehow we manage to get to the other side. We are naked and abused. We go hungry. We thirst for love and walk through this life carrying a pretty heavy load. For me, nothing beautiful has happened without pain or suffering preempting it.

The weather is beautiful today. I mean it's perfect. The sun in shining, it's in the 70's. There is a slight breeze and you can smell the scents of cut grass and someone must be barbecuing. But, it has been cold and rainy for what feels like an eternity. The memory of the dark and gloomy weather almost makes today more perfect. It provides a context and a perspective.

So, if you look at the blossoms on my arm or the butterflies on my feet...remember that they are a reminder. They remind me of the pain and loss. But, they also remind me that there are days like today. They remind me that in an moment, an hour, a week...this pain, irritation, frustration, etc. will be replaced with a rainbow, a butterfly, snuggle, resurrection, or giggle.