The Tattoo I Can Show You

Steve's (SC) story of a young dragon:

I got my dragon tattoo as an homage to Bruce Lee. Simple as that. I originally wanted to have it done on the inside of my forearm (like David Carradine's character on Kung Fu), but I allowed myself to be talked out of it by the tattooist. (So it is on top of the forearm.) We went to the field for 3 weeks immediately following. So I was unable to properly take care of it, causing premature fading of the colors. In the years since, I have learned quite a bit about my dragon: My dragon has arms and wings, but no legs, making it a hybrid between a Chinese and a European dragon (or a landmine victim). Chinese dragons are provided locomotion via magic. European dragons have arms, legs, and wings to get around with.

Important to note: this tattoo was done while in the Marine Corp. Always take care of your investment as best you can. As it should, it will become a part of who you are as your ink grows with you. Unique creation as extension of self and stamp of time.

Treat Yourself Through Expression

Donna's (SC) story about her first tattoo:

I have always wanted a tattoo since the first time saw one. When I was younger, they were much more taboo than they seem to be now. That made them seem so exciting and exotic, but I was always told tattoos were for floosies so I made myself think that it wasn't for me.

When my ex-husband and I got divorced, I decided that I deserved to treat myself to the tattoo I had wanted for so long. At the time that I got mine, anyone could go in with you regardless of their age. So, my daughter Kelly, her friend Kim, my daughter Courtney, and their dad went with me. Now of course the place we go requires you to be 18 or older. I am glad we were able to bypass that requirement this time so my daughters could be there.

I was very nervous, especially after I thought I saw this woman bleeding before I went in for mine. Turned out, it was just the red ink running down her side. She was getting a Mickey Mouse tattoo on her lower stomach. My tattoo was painful at first but I am so glad that I got it now.

My tattoo is of 2 roses - one red and one blue. One for each of my daughters. It is on right my ankle. Now that my girls are pretty much grown, I can look at it and think of them everytime I do. It also reminds me how happy I was the day I had it done. That was about 15 years ago and now I would like to get another. I think a dragonfly would be appropriate. We'll see...

May the year's end
Make time to
Call upon memory,
Thinking of those
Moments made,
Reflections to see.
And as the year begins
Bring with it
Sweet reverie,
Imagining all those
Dreams to come,
Pasts soon to be.

~JK