Count to five.

I do like the feeling of supertight sevens digging subcutaneously into my soul, but that is not the only reason why I love tattoos [tattoos with meaning to be accurate]. I do not view tats as gang symbols or signs of delinquency or inefficiency, but as pieces of art that delight and excite the eye. A story that has yet to be told. Most people say they would never guess that I had any ink done, which adds to the appeal I guess. It coincides with my theory that you just can't judge a book by its cover. 

#1) Faith- Faith inside a blue hibiscus- my favorite color & flower..

At the time I was an unwavering, devout Catholic.  So assured that nothing could shake my faith, I decided to make that statement permanent. However, as life always proves you to be wrong, I took a leave of absence from my religion for a while.  Not to say I lost my faith, no. I just rearranged my beliefs about it and found my own path to follow. & luckily for me, this specific character does not have a specific meaning. It doesn't mean a religious faith, it means a trusting/faithful devotion. Without this type of devotion, there can be no room for my second tattoo... 

#2) Love- The stuff of life. Without love, what's the point? My point exactly. I chose a cherry blossom, not only because it's one of my favorites, but because it symbolizes female beauty and dominance. This point of my life was dedicated to me. I was finding my inner beauty which lead to my self-actualization and determination to be a powerful woman.

#3) Peace- As it seems so fleeting, the only thing that keeps me alive is my constant search for peace. My name in Hebrew means -The Peacemaker- and that is the role I play within my family. I'm the one there to console the hurt and calm the angry.  It's been a life-long job, but the 21 years of experience prove to be useful in diffusing tense situations. Placed on a petunia, this tattoo is a dedication to the most peaceful woman in my life, my best friend, my mother. A petunia means "your presence soothes me," which could not be more true of my mother, and it was also her pet name for me. I couldn't be so cliche as to get a heart with a banner in the middle displaying the word mom for her dedication tattoo.

#4) Dragon- My birth year falls under this  powerful, mythical creature.  Many fear it, but those who possess its assumed power and strength are oftentimes successful.  All I want in my life is to be strong enough to get through each day and powerful enough to make a difference in someone's life. The coloring on this one was a little off, but the plumeria outline was all I intended on having, one of my favorites.

and then there were 5) Tranquility in a stargazer- Stargazer lilies are one of the most sought after flowers, with a range of meanings.  The meaning I like to relate to is purity of heart. Purity and tranquility, two qualities I strive for.

Five permanent images scarred into my skin. While I rarely get the chance to explain to people what these scars represent, I nevertheless intend on placing meaning behind ink, tramp stamps just aren't my thing. So for the one or two of you that read this blog, that's what they mean.

Credit for my back piece[s] owed to Jesse, for his light touch and aesthetically inclined mind.