Piercings and Tattoos

Day 8 of the challenge - piercings and tattoos.

Well, I have both. Nothing terribly odd about that, really. As I have tried to convince Mr. L, tattoos are very mainstream, and most everyone I know has at least one thing pierced.

I had my ears pierced when I was in college. While others were having friends hold ice cubes on their ears to deaden the lobes, and then jabbing a not-so-sterilized darning needle through that tender flesh just hoping the holes were somewhat even, I had my ears pierced at a doctor's office. The deadening was much more effective, and they actually measured to be sure of symmetry. If I remember correctly (it's been a lot of years), I took excellent care of the piercings warding off the dreaded lobectomy caused by filthy, pus-oozing, un-cared for pierced ears of which my mother so vehemently warned.

I quit wearing earrings years ago when I just did not need one more thing to do before I left the house. I do not remember the last time I had earrings in my ears, but the holes are still there, so should I decide that I need those adornments again, the opportunity remains. Frankly, I do not see it happening.

Most people who know me well, know the story of my tattoo. It is a Celtic cross, designed specifically for me by my tattoo artist, a lovely young man from Indiana who was a visiting
tattooist (?) at the Christian Tattoo Parlor in Nashville. He was there because it was Fanfair week and business was brisk. My 80 year old friend, Bernie, and I did not realize that we (she) would be the center of attention in that particular tattoo parlor on that particular day. Not a lot of 50 and 80 year old Sunday school teacher types are getting tattoos, or so some people think.

My tattoo artist was a great (or not) advertisement for tattoos as he was pretty much covered. He had lots of piercings too.  Just as Mr. L feared - multiple piercings and tattoos go hand in hand.  When I see someone with multiple tattoos, I always think of the story about the Nazis flaying tattooed people and using the skin as lampshades. I was about 6 when I was told this story, and it has stuck with me better than other information that might be more accurate and that would certainly be more uplifting.

I decided to get my tattoo on the top of my foot. I chose this for two reasons. If I was going to have a tattoo, I was not going to hide it, and, I figured as time progressed the top of my foot might be the only place on my body that does not sag with age. Turns out I was right about that!

While I did not ask Mr. L's permission to get a tattoo, I did discuss it with him. He had a sort of hands off approach, but I knew he was thinking, "you can take the girl out of East Nashville, but you can not take East Nashville out of the girl."  I suspect he thought a pack of cigarettes in my rolled up tee shirt sleeve would be next, but I have yet to adopt that fashion statement. He could not quite offer his approval, but he also figured it was my decision. He did not, however, approve of his paying for it. Tattoos are not cheap.

My son had never had a prouder moment as when I told him I was getting tattooed. My daughter was equally down with my decision as was my daughter-in-law, who actually came to cheer Mz. Bernie and me on. These three family members are no strangers to tattoos. Makes me think of the song lyric,
 "I like my girls a little on the trashy side.

If you are considering a tattoo please understand that it hurts....like a #<*+.%. And, if you go to a Christian tattoo parlor, cursing is not allowed. That is unfortunate, but the motivation that half a Celtic cross would be hard for Sunday School teacher types to explain, Mz. Bernie and I called on the help of the Holy Spirit, and managed to get through it without embarrassing ourselves or being asked to leave.

I was very careful to care for my tattoo as instructed, as the last thing I needed was the Switzer Disgusted Look from Mr. L because of extensive medical care needed for an infected, pus-oozing foot. Pretty much, I would never have lived that down.

I am often asked about my tattoo -when I got it, why I got it, what it is (won't share that with my tattoo artist), and did it hurt. So, there you have it.

Day 8 - challenge - piercings and tattoos - check.