In my late teens I decided I want to rebel. In the mildest manner possible. I was never one for starting a revolution, but I wanted to do the things my parents didn’t want me to do. So I took up smoking, drank heavily on a Friday night, got the top of my ear pierced (I wanted to get my nose done to really piss my dad off but I chickened out!), I occasionally inhaled (ahem!) and I got a tattoo. A tiny star at the top of my arm. The star was taken from the front of a friend’s wallet. I walked into a tattoo shop on Union Street, Plymouth, told them want I wanted and got it done there and then. It cost me a fiver. It wasn’t anything special to anyone else, but to me it ticked a box and actually I really loved it. It’s not the neatest work I’ve ever seen, but do you know, I had it done with all my heart and therefore I’ve never wanted to change it. I also didn’t want another one. It served it’s purpose, I’d been there, done that, so to speak.
Although actually that’s a bit of a lie. I have always thought about having another one. I saw other people’s and admired their creativity and courage. But I was looking for something small, nothing fancy. No names, no frills and flounces. Something that meant something, but nothing too painful. I couldn’t find anything that ticked all those boxes, and I was in no rush, so I let the idea go.
Then I had a baby and pain took on a new level of meaning. Pah! I’ve had my entire abdomen cut in two and a person removed. I got over that! What’s a tattoo compared to getting off the bed after a C-section? But I still couldn’t find anything I liked. I played with the idea of having something designed. Something with more stars (I love stars), possibly intertwined stars? Three intertwined stars to represent me, Ben and Oscar? Hmmm. Maybe. But it did get me thinking about the concept of family. My family. And that got me thinking about who I was now, what that meant and about my place in the scheme of things.
And then I realised, that no matter what happens in life, it will never be just me, ever again. Even if my family were to leave me, in any way, I will never just be me again, because I have given birth.
I will always be, regardless of what happens, Me and …….
And that’s when I realised what I had to have.
Me & …..
Oooooh I love it! I have a million designs I want but no money. I love tattoos that have meaning. Great little post x
Thank you so much Cherie. It took me so long to decide on it and wasn’t that expensive (although more than my £5 star from 1997!) When the right one comes along you’ll know.
That’s awesome! I like it and it means something to you which makes it extra special. I have three tattoos myself. A dolphin on my lower back that I got as an act of rebellion (but not until I was 21. lol) and the second two are unique to each of my boys. I plan on getting three more, all with meaning behind them. It looks great! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks! They all sound lovely! In my early teens I always wanted a dolphin like Mark Owen had on his hip – I was such a Take That fan hahahaha!
You’re welcome:)
Great idea. I also think tatoos have to mean something. I had one when my grandad died it says strength in Chinese and when I met hubby I got the symbol for love. They are small and in secret places but I’d love one on my wrist too. I just can’t decide what.
Thank you Catie. I love both of those – what great ideas and that they all mean something to you makes them so special. Deciding what to get is hard, but when you find it, you’ll know! xx
Great tat and love the meaning 🙂
Thank you so much!
Now that tattoo looks lovely and serves the meaning..
It’s nice to see our life changing.. how our thoughts have changed…Once we wanted to do everything our parents said no…and now we are in their shoes….
Different phases of our lives….
Exactly. Isn’t it weird? I wonder what Oscar will be like at that age sometimes. Not like me that’s for sure!
Oh I love it, what a great idea too. I got my first tattoo at 30 and love it! #TwinklyTuesday xx
Thank you so much!
I absolutely love tattoos and hearing the stories behind them, infact im writing a series of posts at the moment about my tattoos http://wp.me/p6qaxF-9q #TwinklyTuesday
Ooo exciting – I’ll pop over and check that out!
I always love the idea of having a tattoo..but i am a chicken!! I love the & sign it looks cool but also classic..good choice! 🙂 #twinklytuesday
Thank you so much. It really doesn’t hurt very much (especially once you know what pain really is!) A small one is done within 20 mins.
I love that!! Such lovely meaning. I’ve wanted another tattoo since I had Zach but nothing yet has sprung to mind! I’ll have to get my thinking cap on! Thanks so much for linking up with #TwinklyTuesday
Thank you so much – I love it. When you find ‘the one’ you’ll know!
Wow, thats beautiful! Such a lovely read! Thanks for sharing! Suz x Beauisblue.com
Ahhh thanks Suz! I’m so glad you enjoyed reading it.
That tattoo looks so rock & roll and special! I have one before I became a mother and I think I fainted =P
#TwinklyTuesday
Do you think so? Thank you so much! I bet you wouldn’t faint if you had one now you’re a mother. Pain? Pah!
Oh it’s so beautiful and such a nice story. I think every tattoo has a story worth telling – either funny, or emotional, or educational.
And thank you for reading my tattoo article and leaving the link there, I like reading other blogs. Andreea @pennyplainfit
xx
You’re welcome and thank you! I love a tattoo with a story too!