1 Step Forward, 15 Backs

Tonight I went to an art event called 1 Step Forward, 15 Backs that was organized by the dude who drew M's latest tattoo. There were fifteen back pieces on display, lots of appetizers, and tons of people with tattoos. Most of the people had full or at least half sleeves and I could just see the wheels turning in M's head!

Most of the art wasn't exactly my style, as I enjoy pretty things like flowers and rainbows, rather than scary skeletons. This didn't stop me from appreciating the immense talent the artists have though.

Here's one picture taken with M's iPhone. Of course I forgot the camera at home. This is the only pic we could get without a glare or weird reflections showing up.

And here's big D with our bowl of meatballs!

Being surrounded by so many tattooed people made me think, just for a minute, about getting another small piece done. I really like inside wrist tattoos but first, what would I get, and second, would I really want a tattoo in a spot that cannot be easily hidden? Hmmm.

Happy 1st Birthday, Tattoo

I had been thinking about getting a tattoo for a while. Deciding what I wanted was the hardest part. So, I kept thinking and thinking, for a good couple of years, then one day I magically knew! I went into Waycool, a highly regarded tattoo shop in Toronto, and booked an appointment for a few days later. It was all so fast, I thought I'd have at least a few weeks to work up the courage!

I had found an image of a cherry blossom tattoo on the deviant art website, printed it off, and brought it in with me. I was picturing the tattoo would be 3 inches, so I was quite surprised when I went in for my appointment and saw that the artist had drawn it to be around 7 inches long! I thought, what the heck, go big or go home!

This was day one. You can sort of see the scabs starting.

So away we went, but had to stop after 5 minutes because my body had gotten so clammy. I think I was in shock because I don't remember a lot from the beginning. The artist kept telling me to breathe, so that's what I focused on for the hour and a half that it took. By the end I pretty much wanted to die.

The next day someone at work asked to see it to make sure I could still get an epidural if I ever needed one! So don't worry, it's more on the upper lower back, if that makes any sense. No "tramp stamp" for me!

I don't think I'll ever get another tattoo. Mostly because of the pain, but also because I don't have a spot to put one. I don't want one in a spot that is noticeable, so that really doesn't leave a lot of places.

I love my tattoo and don't think I'll ever regret it. And of course it has a special meaning. I often forget it's even there, but when I do get a glimpse of it, it's like a sweet little surprise every time!

M on the other hand, is way past addicted.

You know you're hardcore when you can study while getting tattooed!