A Little Rebellion
Dating myself… But back in the mid 80’s and recently moved from rural Alaska to the greater Seattle area, I was taking in the city life and all it offered. A friend was down visiting and we decided we wanted tattoos. It was my birthday gift to myself for leaving my teens and turning the big 2-0! Neither of us gave a whole lot of thought to what we wanted tattooed; it was more about just having a tattoo!
I’d seen a place on First Avenue in Seattle near Pike Place Market, so we headed off with much enthusiasm! We got a little nervous when we noticed a lot of ‘sketchy’ looking characters coming in and out of the shop. The employees were generously tattooed and looked eager to share their love of ink, too. We were definitely out of our element!
But, our minds were made up and after studying some designs on the wall, she chose a small heart and I got a small rose. We left with grins a mile wide, quite pleased with ourselves. When we returned to the apartment, she showed her husband and I showed my boyfriend. Neither of them was very happy with us!
A Practical Joke…
Said boyfriend and I married a few months later; tattoo and all. A couple of years later we were at my brother’s house in Fairbanks and I took my nine year-old nephew to the fair. We were having a pretty good time already when we discovered a booth with very realistic-looking fake tattoos. I laughed thinking about the Seattle tattoo and told my nephew the story. The temptation was too great and I just had to go for it!
When my husband and I got ready for bed that night, I made a big show of pretending I had a huge confession to make. I told him there was a tattoo booth at the fair and sorry, but I just couldn’t help myself. When he first saw the huge rose he said firmly “It’s fake.” I said “Oh no it’s not! Feel it!” He tried rubbing it off and I pretended like it hurt. It would only come off with vegetable oil, so the rubbing didn’t work.
He stomped around the bedroom and said “Well! You might as well just get them all over your whole damn body! And you might as well join a Harley gang, too!” He’d never gotten angry with me before, so I just had to tell the truth. I laughed and admitted it was fake, but apparently I’d been too convincing earlier! I had to go downstairs and get some vegetable oil to show him it would come off. He shook his head and asked if everyone else knew. I giggled and said “Oh yeah!”
Faded with Time…
Over the years my little rose faded nearly beyond recognition.
For at least five years I’d been saying I’m going to get it ‘fertilized’. Doug would just roll his eyes and shake his head again. I’d also been wishing I’d put more thought into what the tattoo was. I pictured a butterfly emerging from a cocoon; so symbolic of transformation and freedom – reflecting my years of healing and recovery.
Even My Tattoo Was Transformed…
This summer I finally made the appointment to fertilize my rose. When I went in, I found out she could tattoo right over the top of my sad little rose. A fresh start! I knew immediately that the time was right for my butterfly. It’s bigger and brighter than my rose; my wings are finding freedom, and so am I.
How about you? What’s transformed in your life recently?
Jan 08, 2013 @ 22:30:59
Our Cattle Dog’s eyes are naturally lined all the way around in black. She looks like she’s wearing heavy khol black eyeliner, and it’s gorgeous. I’m tempted to get that look tattooed around my eyes… but… needles so close to my eyes? Eek, never mind. I’ll stick with the eyeliner pencil.
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Jan 09, 2013 @ 05:29:32
😉 I think I agree!
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Sep 08, 2012 @ 11:50:14
Very odd, very odd indeed. I have a small rose and a butterfly. And one other one. No, no pictures. 🙂
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Sep 08, 2012 @ 16:43:09
Hmmm, that is very interesting indeed! Two peas in a pod?
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Sep 06, 2012 @ 16:14:30
Great tattoo, Denise. I love the way the butterfly shadows out. I don’t have a tattoo but my son always said he was going to get one. I’d just say ‘go for it!’ even thought I was a bit worried he may just do it! 😀
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Sep 06, 2012 @ 20:16:42
Thanks, Dianne! I like the shadow, too!
When my daughter said she wanted one, I said “That’s great, but you might want to wait until you’re really sure what you want and where you want it.” It seemed to take away the lure, because 7 years later she still doesn’t have one yet! (of course, I wouldn’t really mind! :-))
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Sep 06, 2012 @ 08:58:36
Denise, I can never see myself getting a tattoo, but I loved your story. It is so meaningful. I wish you the best in your new beginning.
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Sep 06, 2012 @ 09:10:08
Thank you, Lyn!
I’m looking forward to learning more about your learning studio!
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Sep 05, 2012 @ 21:28:39
That looks like the butterfly on my book cover. When they sent us the cover draft I was so excited to see it–perfect for a book on God’s transforming power. Maybe I should get one in honor of the book launch! LOL
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Sep 06, 2012 @ 05:51:39
I say “Go For It!”
😉
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Sep 05, 2012 @ 12:19:29
So pretty! I love how the shadow adds depth too.
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Sep 05, 2012 @ 12:33:06
Thanks Sheri! Your artisic eye is at work! 🙂
I love your photos -you have some amazing hikes!
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Sep 05, 2012 @ 12:36:01
Thanks, Denise. I’ve certainly seen some gorgeous sights this summer in the mountains. Glad I could share them with you, and it’s sweet of you to express your appreciation. 🙂
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Sep 05, 2012 @ 10:57:49
Nice ink. There are some amazing artists out there.
You definately found one!
Thanks for visiting SignificantEncounters.com.
My laptop is broken and I can not wait to get back to my blog!
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Sep 05, 2012 @ 11:11:39
Thanks Deborah! Yes,I think she did a great job!
I enjoyed your site and noticed we both appreciate Live Uncaged at http://www.marydemuth.com. 🙂
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Sep 05, 2012 @ 10:24:52
Lovely tattoo. I love butterflies. 🙂 I always thought if I ever get one, I’d have to get Mickey Mouse, the head/ears shape. But I’m too chicken.
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Sep 05, 2012 @ 10:50:24
Thank you! Mickey would a fun addition, too!
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