Tattoos

Not too long ago, most Americans associated tattoos with sailors, bikers and sideshow artists. But tattoos have become more popular in recent years, and the people who get them are as diverse as the styles and designs they choose.

Tattoos are made by injecting ink into a person's skin. To do this, they use an electrically powered tattoo machine. The machine moves a solid needle up and down to puncture the skin between 50 and 3,000 times per minute. The needle penetrates the skin by about a millimeter and deposits a drop of insoluble ink into the skin with each puncture.

I have  been fascinated with tattoos ever since my brother came home with his first when he was 17, even though my mother was ready to kill him for getting it. I was 8 back then and I don't they were as popular then (or I didn't realize it) as they are now.

I didn't every think I would get one, or want one for that matter. Wrong! I got my first tattoo in 1990, and it wasn't planned. (sounds like a pregnancy not a tattoo..lol) My roommate at the time wanted company when he drove to New Hampshire to get his tattoo. I went for the ride, little did I know I would get a tiny heart where my heart is on my chest.

My first tattoo

I thought I was done after that, my curiosity had gotten the better of me, but it was tiny and I was all set. My roommate said to me, "you'll get another one, they're addictive" He was right, but it wasn't until the summer of 1998 that I got my second. 

I had decided that long before that summer what I wanted and where it would be placed. This time it was an ankle tattoo of roses. I still love it! Now that I look at it has meaning that I  wouldn't realize the depth of it until after all my children were born. If you look closely there are 5 roses, 2 large roses representing Michael and I, a medium rose representing Brian, and 2 small roses representing Nicholas and Matthew. It was even more perfect now.

I have seen many tattoos and some, maybe most are done on a whim, and I believe if you truly want something you should get it, but something like a tattoo which is permanent should be meaningful and well though out, not just done because.

OK on to the next tattoo, yes another one. I met Michael on a blind date in 1990, he is my soul mate, I have said this many times and I really do believe I would not be whole without him. That being said this next one has to do with us.
I have always told my children, when they ask if they can get a tattoo, that yes when they are 18 they can, but everything should be thought out and don't get someones name. Words that  I will choke on.

A good friend of mine turned me onto ambigram tattoos. For those who don't know an ambigram is a word, or two words that can be read right side up or up side down. In 2009 I got an ambigram of my name and Michael's name on my leg. My children give me a hard time about having dad's name tattooed on me after I told them never tattoo someones name. I tell them that dad is a part of me, and forever will be, no matter what happens, and besides if we ever drift apart there are plenty of other Michael's out there...just joking!

Michael

Maryann

If you have read my first blog then you know the story of my parents and how my dad died when I was only 6 and my mom when I was 15. Despite this, my parents were my strength, my driving force to become who I am today. I miss them every day and I hope they are looking down on me and are proud of what they see. I decided I wanted a portrait tattoo of them on my shoulder, now don't get me wrong I researched this for a long time and even thought of submitting an application to L.A. Ink with hopes that Kat Von D would personally do my tattoo. I had seen how awful some portrait tattoos had come out and didn't want this permanently done unless I could trust the artist.
My ambigram was done at Visions Tattoo in Medway Ma and since I liked how this studio ran their business, (no walk-ins, consultations, and honest about placement and size) not just out for the all mighty dollar, I decided I would give them a try. All I can say is thank you, thank you, thank you. 
I sat in the chair for almost 3 1/2 hours (start to finish) and couldn't wait to see the results, and they brought a tear to my eye what a fantastic job. Again thank you Canman you are awesome!!

Here is the picture I brought to the tattoo studio. From my parents wedding.

Here is what made me cry! Amazing!

I thought that my mom would have been disappointed in me for having so many tattoos, but on my last visit to Italy I learned more about my mom, and realize she is where I get my spunk and attitude from. Thanks mom, I know you are not rolling over in your grave, but winking at me instead.

So that is the story of the tattoos I have, will there be more, who knows, I always have ideas going through my mind, and will follow my heart.

I know this...In My Life a tattoo is a lifetime commitment, and I am committed to my life.

I would love to see some of your tattoos, and if you are in the neighborhood for a tattoo or even a piercing (got my nose pierced here as well) and live in Mass, go to Visions Tattoo in Medway Ma.

http://www.visionstattoogallery.com/