I’ve been thinking about tattoos a lot lately. Well, I was thinking about them in college, but could never decide what I wanted on my body for the rest of my life. Plus, when my parents said he wouldn’t be totally and utterly pissed at me, it was kind of a buzz kill.
But now, I’ve been thinking about it a little more. I know, I know, tattoos are forever, and it’s rumored that one cannot be buried in a Jewish cemetery if they have one. Then again, I’m not “supposed” to have the eight piercings I have either. C’est lavie.
I may have come up with something I want: a dragonfly.
Its symbolism seems to sum up all my life changes in the past few months. The main symbolisms of the dragonfly are renewal, positive force and the power of life in general. Dragonflies are also be a symbol of the sense of self that comes with maturity. As a creature of the wind, the dragonfly frequently represents change. A dragonfly lives a short life, it knows it must live it to the fullest. It is also believed that if you see two dragonflies paired together that they represent love and maturity. The dragonfly has been a symbol of happiness, new beginnings and change for many centuries.
If that isn’t the essence of me, I don’t know what is.
Knowing me, I’ll probably chicken out. But I am going to think about it for a couple weeks and let the idea sink in.
I do think, if done right, tattoos are art. Body art. I just have to decide whether in 50 years I’m going to still feel the inspiration from a little dragonfly tattoo that I got when I was in my twenties…
Good for you! If you want it, go for it! I’ve been wanting a tattoo for something like six years now, but haven’t been able to come up with a combination of WHAT I want and WHERE I want it. All the places I think I’d like a tattoo would hurt really badly and, well, I have a fairly low pain tolerance.
I think this is an absolutely fabulous idea! I don’t understand why you’ve waited as long as you have. Who cares if you can’t be buried in a Jewish cemetery, you will never die. This is the greatest idea you’ve ever had. Make sure you get lots of bright colors and its placed in a very prominent place on your body so current and future employers, clients and dignitaries you have the privilege to meet over the years can see it and ask you about it. And your children, well that’s a whole different story. They will love the bright colors when they are young and curious, especially if it is rather large too. And explaining it to them when they get older will be lots of fun. And don’t forget your grandchildren too! They will want to know all the juicy details about how you decided on such an exotic animal! This is sounding better and better the more I type. Maybe you can wait until I come to town in November and I’ll go with you and watch. Maybe I’ll even pay for it! This is one of the smartest things you have ever thought up.
Dad
P.S. Was that a buzz kill?
Tattoos can be tricky. I wanted to get Corinthians 13:4 tattooed as a vine along my rib cage. In my head, it would be quite lovely, but you can’t guarantee it will be what you want. And then, you’re stuck with it. I’m glad I didn’t get it. I know a lot of girl (in particular) who are like “I HATE my tattoo” and wish they never got it. However, the meaning behind yours is touching. I always went with piercings instead; still body art, yet removable. But perhaps those bore you now, as they do me. I would say wait a few months while you research, if you still want it, go for it – but make sure you can hide it for work … and your wedding. : )
Love what your dad wrote, and of course I agree.
Will you please wait until after October 11th and give this alot more thought. They are very painful and very expensive and you have to find a really good person. Your father didn’t mention your grandparents when he was telling you all of the people you will have to explain it to.
is your dad very sarcastic normally?? haha. i think he was joking.
my suggestion: draw it on yourself, or have someone draw it on you with a sharpie and see what people say/what people think about then decide if you really like it/want it. i think its a cool idea. personally the permanent part scares me a little.
vince
good luck!
go buffs!
Funny you should mention dragon flies…I was mowing the lawn yesterday with the lawn tractor, when a beautiful, huge blue dragon fly flew up, looked at me, then flew right into the fan guard of the mower and cut just his eyeballs off! He was very much alive, but didn’t know where to go, so he sat on my arm the whole time I was mowing, flapping his wings, but afraid to let go and fly blind.
I felt really bad, but what could I do? I put him in a sheltered place and left nature to take its course. He kept touching his face like “where did my eyeballs go????”.
Don’t know why I told you that story, but there must be a message there somewhere…beware!
Is the risk of getting hepatitis and/or AIDS worth it? (I could say the same thing about boys, but that’s a lecture for another day.) I agree with Vince. Get a set of brilliantly colored Sharpies and get crazy. Have a party, let your “artsy” friends draw on you! The worst that can happen is that you will giggle hysterically when it tickles. Hell, the art work will last close to a week…if you don’t shower too often…tee hee.
Sundance, Yukon and Sophie miss you and say “hi”.
Me, too,
L