Delicious

The clouds are moving awful fast
I wonder if we can catch them -
What once looked like a koala bear
Now looks like a dragon.

I want to pull them from the sky
To keep them by my bed -
Still just like a photograph
To keep inside my head.

But they will play so far away
In a place apart from ours -
Shifting in a sky of blue
Until we find the stars.

~JK 2/8/09

When Under the Influence (of Friends, of Course)

Carrie's (NC) story of her first tattoo:

My first tattoo was done when I was 26 years old. I had it done at Myrtle Beach by a guy named Shane at Elite. I always wanted one but was too scared to go through with it. But I went to the beach with a bunch of my friends who all had tattoos already and wanted new ones. So I went with them. When I got there I was looking around and was like “I am not going to get one.” However, my friend told me that if I didn’t get one that he wouldn’t get his. So I watched another one of my friends get his done that same day and I decided okay, if I don’t do it now then I won’t ever do it.

So I got a butterfly. I love butterflies. At first when I sat down I was so nervous that I was biting by nails. It was crazy, but I got it on my right leg and I love it. I am ready for my second one already. I am planning a trip back sometime in the next month to get another one. He was great and I love his work.

Lessons to be learned from Carrie: 1) friends are persuasive, but only when you really wanted something in the first place 2) make sure you get something you will continue to enjoy, whims often become great memories 3) get one, you will likely want more

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

Holding On

My fourth (and fifth) tatoo had much more thought behind it. This tattoo was also not only inked by Dave Scearce, he also helped designed it, and this picture certainly does not do his art justice. I knew I wanted this one to be in honor of family. Specifically, this one was fashioned after something that has always been a part of my life: my teddy bear.

This bear was given to me by my maternal grandfather for my first birthday. We were very close. He unfortunately passed just two years later, and this teddy bear became a symbol of stability in my life. We are all given trials to face as we grow older, and we often look for a constant to keep us grounded. This object usually helps us find comfort when we need it and aids in needed reflection. Although not always as tangible as a teddy bear, we venture to attach meaning to find sense. For 24 years, this bear has seen me through more than even I can sometimes imagine.

The idea began as only getting the bear with angel wings to reflect that people are there for you even after they are gone. It grew into the angel and devil looking over my shoulders because family is there in good times and in bad (and sometimes help lead you both directions). We are faced with decisions everyday. It is not a novel idea to say our past influences where we go in the future. However, this idea is something to think about on occasion.

**Thanks to Dave for all his work and doing this tattoo on my and his birthday last year. I also thank him for sharing his birthday cake in the process.

Edge of a Constellation

To dream of your face
with a star above your eye
and the moon behind your smile

the pillow becomes inadequate
when thinking of your skin
and sheets disappear
when remembering your arms

To walk with you
in the night sky
rolling on the clouds
made from memory and hope

a breeze from the window
becomes your warm breath
the faintest sound
becomes my name on your lips

To have a moment
the late air takes
as quickly as at brings

~JK 10/5/07