Set the scene... 17 year old nice private school girl, good grades, school choir, keeps lizards, motorcycle learner's permit... Decides that she wants a lizard tattooed on left upper arm. Figures that if she still wants it exactly as imagined when she's 40, she'll get it done. Fast forward, 39, married, three kids, professional person, working on PhD, driving luxury car (and v nice motorcycle) ... Walks into ink parlour, with baby in sling, organises appointment for upcoming birthday...
Proudly showed it off at birthday party, to the amazement, interest, curiosity and support of my guests!
The lizard is amazing! I love it, it's exactly what I wanted, even tho I still had some odd ideas about people with tattoos! Baby loved tracing lizard as she fell asleep. Eldest child doodled mummy's tattoo, middle child whispered his wishes to it. Husband, a lifelong anti tattoo type decided he had to get one. Romantic tats for two, I got second inking (pentagram between shoulder blades) while he got shoulder lizard. While later, single and fancy free; added silhouettes of two more pets and some decorative banding.
Late last year driving desire to add a white ink ourobouros on r forearm. Few days later, my darling mac, Spiral, comes into my life. She is coming with me for my next inking!
Yes, tattoos are addictive, yes, one does need to be sure about what they are doing/ getting, yes, one needs to feel trust in their tattoo artist, and what have I learned? Tattooed people come in all shades, some are "nice" some aren't, and most are quite responsible adults who work, pay taxes, raise children, keep pets (!) but all are a bit extra-ordinary!