What’s on YOUR Tattoo?

Published on Wednesday, August 12, 2009 by Katherine

Have you ever had a question pop into your head that was completely random and called for absolutely useless information? I get those a lot. Are you surprised?

I’ve posed this question to several people and have been pleasantly pleased at the different answers I receive. Usually I ask, get a strange look (I’m used to that) and then I have to wait while they think out the question with great seriousness.

So here you go. “If you were forced to get a tattoo, where would you put it and what would it be?” Usually the first answer is, “I HAVE to get one?!” “Yes, you have no choice. You HAVE to get one.” Then comes the strange look. And then the fun part begins. They really REALLY think it over.

The most surprising answer I received was from a friend who is very “vanilla.” Nothing fancy, nothing showy. Just vanilla. This is a self description. His answer was, “I would have a thin chain tattooed around my neck with a cross at the bottom.” What a beautiful thought.

When I posed the question to my mother, a look of utter disbelief and shock crossed and remained on her face. I am used to that too. My poor mother. As a matter of fact her shock was so great I never received an answer. However, she did tell me what she would NOT get. No butterflies and no flowers. After all, “Everyone gets those.” I won’t tell you what I suggested for her. It brought great laughter on my part and a scowl from her.

Mine? I’ve got it all planned out. I even tried to construct it for you with my great artistic skillz. (NOT!) The Virgin Mary, of course. Then behind her would be the ocean – but in a Japanese painting style. I don’t want the waves rough as in the picture below – but more calm and soothing.

To represent my children, I debated. Yes, I have spent time actually thinking about this. Sad, no? But why go on if you can’t amuse yourself!

Shells? Perhaps. Starfish? Maybe. Then it came to me. Seaglass has a great significance to me and the members of my family. If you can find seaglass on the beach, you have SCORED. Especially if you can show it off with a little, “Nah Nah Nah Nah Nahhhhhhh.” All in good fun, of course!

So in the waves will be three oddly shaped small colored pieces, representing sea glass – and thus, my children. I would want red, green and blue. Vivid colors.

Now, where would I put it? I would have to ask you folks with tattoos. What hurts the LEAST!! I imagine my calf would be the spot.

My mother’s response to my imaginary tattoo? “Do you really think the Blessed Mother would like to be tattooed on you?!” Honestly, I’m not sure. I chose her out of my deep respect and love for her. So honestly, I don’t think she would mind at all.

I believe tattoos can reveal a great deal about someone. Usually people tend to choose something that has great meaning to them. Me? My religion, my children and the ocean. (My mother would NOT want to be tattooed onto me, trust me on that one!)

Time to share. Do you have a tattoo? Where and what? And if you don’t (like me!), and you HAD TO GET A TATTOO – what would it be and where?