So, I got a .....

TATTOO!

If you had asked me a year ago if this was something I would do, I would have laughed at you and said not for a million bucks!

Interesting how things change once you have lost both of your parents.  Right after my father passed away last May the idea first popped into my head.  I talked about it with my family and they were rather surprised to say the least.  I agreed that I was emotional at the time and would "sit" on the decision for awhile.

When it comes to betting on who in my family would get a tattoo, I'm a big fat loser!  Both of my children have tattoos and always told folks that I thought neither of them would ever get one.  

So after waiting several months, the tattoo idea came back to the top of my retirement to do list.  Next, I had to figure out where I was going to go and WHO was going to do my "ink" - look at me trying to sound cool 😂

It really helps to know talented people who are your chosen family and have equally talented friends.  Here's your six degrees of separation - my best friend's daughter's college friend who went to school to be an art teacher decided to pursue a career as a tattoo artist instead.  Even better, the shop where she works is only 30 minutes from my house.

Jaycee Shine, (here's a link to her Instagram) was absolutely amazing from start to finish!  I completed the consultation form online and explained what I was looking for and the inspiration behind it.  I got an approval email and my appointment for January 30th was set!

Drumroll please.....

 You can see the fine detail, color and line work that makes Jaycee's work so beautiful.  This is on the inside of my wrist, however we moved it up a little so it wasn't near the tendons, which apparently can be very painful to put ink near.

Talking about pain, this whole experience wasn't painful!  I had done my research and also asked my kids to describe what it felt like.  I also made sure that I was well hydrated.  I also didn't think I would want to watch her work, however, I watched the entire process from beginning to end - it was fascinating!  The only time it got a little "spicy" was when she had to use the bigger needle for the shading.  As soon as she took the needle off my skin, the pain was gone.

So, why did I get a blue and white teacup?  Well, my mum was English and always said there was nothing that a good cup of tea couldn't solve.  I'm also a big hot tea drinker - milk, no sugar.  The blue and white design is modeled after the painting on Delft china which comes from The Netherlands.  My daddy was Dutch.  I collect Delft and brought a piece with me so we could make sure the colors were correct.  

While I never thought I would do this, it was a great and at times, emotional experience.  I like to ask people the inspiration behind their tattoos and now I'm looking forward to telling people about the inspiration behind mine.

Toodles until next time....