Happy In My Own Skin

I knew before I even started down the path, that having tattoos I was going to get all kinds of responses to them.  The people around me, or who had to look at me every day, are nothing but supportive.  I put thought into any tattoo before I get it done, it is going to be with me forever.  I also made sure whatever I have done I can cover with a sweater-because you know, work.  As a result, I haven't really received any negative feedback.  I tend to run cold, so I wear sweaters more often than not, so tattoos and work have not been an issue.  The only people close to me that were not thrilled were my parents.  I expected that reaction from them.  But, they love me and want me to be happy and have mostly come around.

Yesterday was a different experience.  While buying some important items at Bi-Mart (peanuts for our murder of crows) a lady came up to me and said something like "Aren't you going to feel bad ruining your friends and families pictures with you tattoos?"  I guess maybe I was asking for it somewhat, I wasn't wearing my sweater.  It was a really nice day and I was too warm with it on.  At any rate, I was really surprised by the comment.  If it had been "sharkweek" I probably would have been more bitchy in my response, but I kept my cool.  I said something like "Not that it's any of your business, but I surround myself with supportive people who just want me to by happy and don't care what I look like."  I walked away before she could say anything else, or before I could.

Why do people feel like they can say things like that?  What about me said "Hey, ask me a potentially hurtful question?"  I understand that it's just part of the choice I made.  People are either really accepting, or really judgmental.  Thankfully I've been pretty lucky in my encounters, and really I am surrounded by a great group of family and friends.  I am more happy in my skin than I have ever been-which says a lot since I've always been a shy chunky girl.  I love the art that is now a part of me, and I love finally feeling happy in my own skin.

Yup, its me.  That lovely bird is just under a week old!

Fall Leaves

Previously I posted some pictures of my tattoos.  Since then I have acquired more, and I am behind in sharing pictures of them!  Here are some pictures of my fall leaves wrist tattoo, done by the wonderful Alena Chun at Icon Tattoo in Portland  Oregon.  It wraps all the way around, so it's hard to get a single picture of it.

How Could I Forget My Lock!

It may be small, but I love it just as much as my larger pieces!  I got this beauty (once again from the one and only Alena Chun at Icon Tattoo in Portland Oregon) when David got his first ink.  Again, not the best of photos, but you get the idea!

Healed Crow Tattoo!

Look at that face!

This is my most recent piece from the wonderful Alena Chun at Icon Tattoo in Portland Oregon.  This one is a little longer than the owl, and harder for me to snap a full pic with my handy dandy iPhone.  I'll eventually do a post with nicer pictures of all my finished pieces.  For now, this is what I've got.  I believe this finishes up the bird tattoos (but one never knows).  Once again, I couldn't be more pleased with how it turned out!  On to the next... (October-yay!)

Healed Owl Tattoo!

I realize this isn't the greatest picture (the bottom is cut off), but considering I took it myself with my iPhone I feel pretty happy about it.  My owl is another fabulous piece by the one and only Alena Chun at Icon Tattoo in Portland  Oregon.  It took a few sittings, but it was worth every single minute!  I am so pleased with how it turned out.  On to the next! ;)

Who's Got My Back?

These ducks do!

Finished and healed!

I love them!

This was my first tattoo, and it was a really wonderful experience.  I love the finished work; just thinking about them being their makes me smile!  Alena S. Chun was amazing to work with.  Icon Tattoo, where Alena works, is an awesome place!  All of the artists are amazing and talented, and the feel like a happy tattoo family, which makes the vibe there just awesome.  I can't say enough about the shop or Alena!  She was very easy going and calming, for me (a self proclaimed worry wart) she was the perfect person to work with.  Getting to know her, and finding out we had some similar book, tv, movie and music taste made the appointments feel more social fun and less like a tattoo appointment where I might experience some pain. This is not going to be my last tattoo.  I see how they can be addictive.  Hopefully this will not be my last with Alena either.  I look forward to working with her again, and adding her artistic interpretation of what ever plant or critter I decide I want next!  I also have to thank my sweet husband-as this tattoo was his birthday present to me (he asked me what I wanted, and didn't really flinch when I told him a duck tattoo).  He knows the story, and what this tattoo means to me.  Thank you. <3

My First Tattoo

This year for my birthday I wanted a tattoo.  David was on board, and supportive.  Ok, he's been beyond on board and supportive.  He is the one who washed it for me, put the icky sticky goo on for the first three days and then the lotion after.  My sister, Sara, introduced us to the amazing artist that did her tattoo and the rest is history!  So here is it, part one, healed and ready for part two (shading and color):

Art and tattoo by the amazing Alena Chun at Icon Tattoo in Portland, Oregon

More pics will come after part two has healed up, so sometime after Thanksgiving. :)

The Tattoo I Want!

I am kind of addicted to the tv show LA Ink.  At some point, I really want to get a tattoo, or two.  I really want an owl.  I have a thing for owls.  Corey Miller does AMAZING owls, this is sort of what I have in mind:

  

I'm still thinking about it.  I won't rush into anything... but someday....

~Emily