I do not have fond memories of my first tattoo experience- I was 16, attempting to rebel and it resulted in my Mother not speaking to me for 3 days. I knew it wasn't going to take much to beat my first one but I was adamant in making sure it had a special meaning. I'm not sure how proud Oliver would be of this task- after my first tattoo he called me a 'tart' (typical brother!) however no matter how much tattoo's divide opinion I think you should always respect those who wish to have them.
Choosing my tattoo proved to be more difficult than anticipated, my original idea of the number '23' seemed a bit too predictable so I decided to wait for the perfect one. A few weeks ago I was browsing the Internet and had the idea for the tattoo I wanted. As soon as I saw a few designs I knew it was 'the one'.
Since my brother passed away there has always been special moments when I feel like he is around, and it has been the same for my family. On the day my brother passed away I picked up a white feather from our garden and kept it in my pocket. Since then they have always turned up in the most unusual moments and provided comfort in knowing my brother is around. Whenever they appear (trust me they really are the strangest and unexplainable places) we put them in a little box on our fireplace. I know it may seem daft to some but I genuinely think you cannot comment unless you ever experience something similar. I have spoken to many people who have their own special ways of knowing passed love ones are around.
So today my lovely friend Jazz took me along to Ultimate Art Tattoo in Sutton
http://www.ultimatearttattoos.co.uk/index.htm and I was greeted by the lovely Adam. I was petrified to say the least- more so for the pain than the thought of having a tattoo I didn't like! I heard that the ribs is one of the most painful places to have so it was never going to be an enjoyable experience, even with The Simpson's Movie for me to watch (that's what you call customer service). The design was confirmed and before I knew it I was lying on the table and I heard that dreaded noise as the needle came towards me. I wish I could tell you it didn't hurt as much as I imagined but it was actually worse! The only thing to make it better was the hilarious conversation throughout the whole hour and a half torture. For that long you would think I had a dragon on my back but alas I will have to save that one for next time. I am really happy with the result and I am pleased that my Mother is still speaking to me!! The time has come for me unveil my work of art...
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| Me & the lovely Jazz |
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| Before the needle |
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| Enjoying the Simpson's! |
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| Beginning to take shape.. |
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| Adam |
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| PAIN! |
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| Not my prettiest moment |
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| The end result :-) |
So another (more painful) task bites the dust. Please keep reading as more tasks are completed and I really appreciate each and every one of you who supports me in what I am doing. I really do hope that in some small way it will make you think more about doing something you have always wanted to do xx
Wow that looks even better than it did earlier. Well done Grace. Love Jazz
ReplyDeleteIt looks lovely! I'm thinking of getting a feather in a similar place, although the thought of the pain is putting me off a bit! x
ReplyDeleteA feather is a lovely tribute to your brother. Gloria hunniford says the same thing about feathers after she lost her daughter caron keating who was on blue peter. She says she finds them in the weirdest places. I think it's a lovely idea to keep them all together. Love reading your blog.
ReplyDeleteWell done, Grace, I read your blog in the Company magazine. It's such a lovely thing you are doing, and I am sure Oliver is watching down on you, with immense pride.
ReplyDeleteThat looks amazing.I too read about your blog through Company and I have enjoyed catching up on your journey. All the best. xxx
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