Revolting...: I like pricks!

Since I was 10 I knew I would have a tattoo. I fell in love with ink at of all places church! There was a woman a few pews ahead of me and as I glanced at her leg I saw a dainty rose tattoo adorning her ankle. I didn't get an up close look but I didn't need one. I knew what it was and I knew one day I would have my very own! After that momentous Sunday I kept my peepers peeled for anyone sporting ink. I'd stare at the lines and shading with admiration and plain old curiosity. Questions zipped and ideas swirled in my grey matter. When would I get my first tattoo? Better yet, how do you get one? How would my parents handle it? Was it going to hurt? I was bewitched by this ancient art form and fast forward 11 years I was hooked!

I got my first tattoo at the ripe old age of 21. That's right, I know usually people turn 18 and rush out to mark themselves with their new found independence from childhood. Not this kid! I wasn't worried to much about the pain by then because I figured if it hurt that bad people would stop getting them right? I was more concerned with what I would get. I wanted something that had a deep spiritual meaning and that in 30 years I'd still want on my body and yadda yadda yadda! So after much deliberation and scouring the Japanese dictionary I went out and got the character for daughter tattooed on my right upper back. In 45 minutes it was over! I did it! I joined the ranks of modified people across the world! I felt more connected with my body and my heritage. That was the beginning of the end for me and for my bank account!

So here I am, 24 tattoos later preparing for yet another 4+ hour session tomorrow to work on my Oni 1/2 sleeve. I'm not looking forward to the hours of pain but the end result is worth it. And that folks has become my outlook on life. I know in an instant life can go from butterflies and rainbows to daggers and skulls. I've even come to expect the pain but I don't let it hinder my experience on this earth. If I didn't know I was in a valley then I most certainly would not know when I was on a mountain.