So much resonance in this post. I’ve bookmarked it. Thank you for sharing those parts of your story.
I too got an early tattoo covered, then had another one lasered off. The laser of 25 years ago left bad scarring. Although they are better at keeping the skin in tact these days my skin still looked bad from the laser. So I got the scar tattooed over! What a cycle! Anyway, that’s all to say I am happier with my tattoos now and really love them. They kind of map a journey and a difficult story. It sounds like yours do too.
Yes, they do map it for sure. But the journey has led me home to myself, and for that I'm most grateful. Have you ever written a story about your tattoos? I'd love to read it if you have or when you do. Thank you for reading and taking the time to leave me a comment. xoxo
Hineni, here I am. I love that. I love the commitment to being all of you.
My tattoos are all birds. Birds are the unnoticed creatures who are all around us, we usually don't notice them, but they live full and rich lives and they don't care whether you notice them or not, they just do their thing. I love them 💕
Here you are, Nan. It fills my heart to know you and read you. I have no tattoos and probably never will, but your “hineni” and semicolon bracelet are beauties.
Thank you, lovely Rona. The meaning of the tats are the reason I choose to have them on my body. Mostly, they are reminders for me should I get a little lost along the way. One more in the planning. Maybe soon. And then, who knows? xoxo
Love this so much! Great story and photos, but those semicolons - WOW. What an impactful symbol. Chills. Thank you so much for sharing! (I meant to get in on the tattoo bandwagon with my three but…it’s been a weird week!) xoxo
I really love seeing the photo of you with the koi -- and the story of the heart that was then incorporated. I think you've mentioned before, but what is the symbolism behind the one red semicolon? (I like that the new tattoo continues that with the red dots.)
Did I mention the symbolism? What comes to mind is that I wanted some contrast, and I felt, too that the pink one was me. And I had to "cross-brand" the new tattoo...have you noticed my commitment to hot pink? I chose it for my original design biz logo 12 years ago, and feel loyal to it. I have no pink anywhere in my home and wardrobe, though I did sport a pair of pink frames to go with my business! I guess I value consistency! The next tattoo (and yes, I know what it is) will probably not have any pink in it. xoxo
Another wonderful piece, Nan. I really enjoyed learning the stories behind your tattoos. (And seeing pics of young Nan!) I don’t have any tattoos because I have commitment issues. Kidding (sort of). But the semicolon tat is seriously tempting (just one for me, not a bracelet). I’d seen people with them but never knew the backstory. It’s very cool. Sorry for all the parentheticals here (I don’t know what got into me).
I'm glad you enjoyed the piece, and that you might consider a semi-colon tat (I love parentheticals). It's a wonderful gesture of support. I love the stand alone singles, too. I do have a next tat in mind (along with a black ink refresh for the semi-colon bracelet. I can't tell you what the next one will be (It's a secret). xoxo
It's a pleasure to include you, Beth. AND I just added another writer's piece. Someone I just met in the comments. All of the pieces were written by women and non-binary people. Love that. xoxo
Wow. That’s incredibly kind of you. I would be honored to have you add it. I thought about the serendipitous timing while reading your post but read it solely to receive your words and experience.
I'm definitely adding it. I didn't realize that you'd published it today. Yes, please. I'll shoot out a mention, too. Thanks, Jess! This way we're more connected. xo
And I didn’t come across yours until today. Tat posts unite! Watching my friend go through a literal metamorphosis after receiving her nipple tattoos was just…wow. I want everyone to know that type of redemption is possible and available. So, thank you 🙏 for sharing.
Oh yes! I have "DEFIANCE" tattooed down my left side, an ode to the blog series I wrote "A Year of Defiance" after my new husband moved me to the middle of nowhere and then went to play Army. I have a whale tail on my back that stayed just a lonely tail for WAY longer than intended thanks to COVID. The whale is now thankfully diving in to the ocean under the light of the sun and the watchful eyes of three birds - my grandmother, my mother, and my first pup. Most recently, I had "joy" tattooed on the inside of my wrist to remind myself to look for it everywhere. So much of my life in such small space. Art just for me.
How lovely. Art just for you. And the joy reminder! Yes. That's why I put the two tats on my left arm. So I can look when I forget. And, I know what's coming next. Another one I've been wanting for quite a while. But now I feel like I can get it, because I'm embodying what the one that's on the horizon symbolizes! Stay tuned!
Nan, just yesterday I was meaning to ask you what the semi-colon tattoo meant. Now I know its powerful message. I appreciate how you expertly weave your journey through the significance of each tattoo and the photos. I commented in your Notes post that one semester while teaching yoga at the community college it seemed that the entire class was either getting tattoos or had them. They were such works of art that the class collectively agreed to show and tell. It was such an incredible experience to learn what each symbol meant and why each person chose what they did. They were honest and open and so endearing to me that the memory is cherished.
I'm so glad you know more now. The semi-colon tat is very important to me. I hope more people elect to do something to raise awareness regarding mental illness and all that comes along with it. Tattoos are so personal and for the most part permanent, it's a real commitment, and one I'm glad I've made. I didn't feel the need to get another one for 32 years after my 2nd. I'm happy to be thinking along these lines today. I already know what my next tat will be, and when I have a minute, I'll design it. And then, who knows what might come next? xoxo
Love this, Nan. Your tattoos - but more to the point, your words - document your life’s journey exquisitely. The semicolon bracelet is beautiful as well as deeply meaningful. And the latest one: breathtaking. So sorry I wasn’t able to get my story to you within your time frame. Looking forward to reading these. 🙏💕
Thank you, Mary! I appreciate it whenever you read and comment on my writing. I love yours so much. I'm sorry you couldn't make the deadline, but major props for trying. I have a feeling you may be way more meticulous than I when it comes to releasing work into the world. Your dedication to craft is admirable. xoxo PS. Can't wait to read your tat piece when you do publish it.
Thank you, Nan, for offering the opportunity to share my thoughts. “Meticulous” is another word for “obsessive” and I am certainly that. The meaning of my tattoo has changed dramatically since I first wrote the story. A good thing to realize that we are always evolving. 🫶
Having dinner with you last week I got to see your latest tattoo up close. I love it. I've never been so tempted to get a tattoo. I love its meaning; Here I am. So glad you are.
“In the past year I joined Substack as a writer. I stepped up and stopped hiding myself, hiding my stories. I gave up thinking that I couldn’t measure up, that I wasn’t good enough. Good enough for what? I’m tired of that line and I took my red pencil to it.”
What a powerful statement to make and how wonderful. I love this. Good enough for what? Exactly. What a joy to find your writing this week!
I loved writing that sentiment. It's time for all of us to let go of negative self-talk. It does nothing good for us, and everything to derail us. We are so much better than our inner critics want us to know. Carry on, fellow writer! I loved your piece, too. xoxo
So much resonance in this post. I’ve bookmarked it. Thank you for sharing those parts of your story.
I too got an early tattoo covered, then had another one lasered off. The laser of 25 years ago left bad scarring. Although they are better at keeping the skin in tact these days my skin still looked bad from the laser. So I got the scar tattooed over! What a cycle! Anyway, that’s all to say I am happier with my tattoos now and really love them. They kind of map a journey and a difficult story. It sounds like yours do too.
Thank you, Nan.
Yes, they do map it for sure. But the journey has led me home to myself, and for that I'm most grateful. Have you ever written a story about your tattoos? I'd love to read it if you have or when you do. Thank you for reading and taking the time to leave me a comment. xoxo
Hineni, here I am. I love that. I love the commitment to being all of you.
My tattoos are all birds. Birds are the unnoticed creatures who are all around us, we usually don't notice them, but they live full and rich lives and they don't care whether you notice them or not, they just do their thing. I love them 💕
Thank you for your comment Sophie! Birds are the most fascinating creatures. How many do you have?xoxo
Technically only two, but one of them covers almost my entire back and was done in three full day sittings 😁
Wow!
I love this and all of your tattoos!
My latest post that happens to feature my origami crane tattoo.
I just read your post! Fabulous. Thanks for sharing it with me!
Thank you!!
This was so lovely, and I’m excited to read the other stories.
I have six tattoos but I’ve never written about them beyond a short social media post. Inspired by all these beautiful reflections!
Oh, Evan! You must write about them. Please? I'd love to read your tat story. xoxo
Here you are, Nan. It fills my heart to know you and read you. I have no tattoos and probably never will, but your “hineni” and semicolon bracelet are beauties.
Thank you, lovely Rona. The meaning of the tats are the reason I choose to have them on my body. Mostly, they are reminders for me should I get a little lost along the way. One more in the planning. Maybe soon. And then, who knows? xoxo
Love this so much! Great story and photos, but those semicolons - WOW. What an impactful symbol. Chills. Thank you so much for sharing! (I meant to get in on the tattoo bandwagon with my three but…it’s been a weird week!) xoxo
Thanks, Paula! Please write it when you can. I'd love to read it, and I'm happy to add it to my post when it's finished...xoxo
Stunning, Nan. All of it. I'm inspired. XXX
Thanks Ann! Inspired? In what way? Tattoos on the horizon? Writing? xoxo
I really love seeing the photo of you with the koi -- and the story of the heart that was then incorporated. I think you've mentioned before, but what is the symbolism behind the one red semicolon? (I like that the new tattoo continues that with the red dots.)
Did I mention the symbolism? What comes to mind is that I wanted some contrast, and I felt, too that the pink one was me. And I had to "cross-brand" the new tattoo...have you noticed my commitment to hot pink? I chose it for my original design biz logo 12 years ago, and feel loyal to it. I have no pink anywhere in my home and wardrobe, though I did sport a pair of pink frames to go with my business! I guess I value consistency! The next tattoo (and yes, I know what it is) will probably not have any pink in it. xoxo
Another wonderful piece, Nan. I really enjoyed learning the stories behind your tattoos. (And seeing pics of young Nan!) I don’t have any tattoos because I have commitment issues. Kidding (sort of). But the semicolon tat is seriously tempting (just one for me, not a bracelet). I’d seen people with them but never knew the backstory. It’s very cool. Sorry for all the parentheticals here (I don’t know what got into me).
I'm glad you enjoyed the piece, and that you might consider a semi-colon tat (I love parentheticals). It's a wonderful gesture of support. I love the stand alone singles, too. I do have a next tat in mind (along with a black ink refresh for the semi-colon bracelet. I can't tell you what the next one will be (It's a secret). xoxo
Fantastic roster of writers here -- thanks so much for including me, Nan! I'm looking forward to reading these stories from my fellow inksters ✍🏽😁💪🏽
Tattoo culture has changed in recent years and I hadn’t thought about the gender component. Interesting!
Yes, it's changed a lot. When I got my tats in my twenties, it was still regarded as somewhat unusual and daring. Now, not so much! I like that.
It's a pleasure to include you, Beth. AND I just added another writer's piece. Someone I just met in the comments. All of the pieces were written by women and non-binary people. Love that. xoxo
Thank you for choosing to continue your story and for being here, with us, to tell it. Ink is the best, isn't it?
Hey. I just looked at your piece about nipple tattoos. Do you want me to add it to my post? I'd be happy to. It's a great story. An important one.
Wow. That’s incredibly kind of you. I would be honored to have you add it. I thought about the serendipitous timing while reading your post but read it solely to receive your words and experience.
I'm definitely adding it. I didn't realize that you'd published it today. Yes, please. I'll shoot out a mention, too. Thanks, Jess! This way we're more connected. xo
Wow! Thank you for adding this piece into yours, Nan. Another powerful and beautiful tat story. ♥
A great piece by Jess Greenwood!
And I didn’t come across yours until today. Tat posts unite! Watching my friend go through a literal metamorphosis after receiving her nipple tattoos was just…wow. I want everyone to know that type of redemption is possible and available. So, thank you 🙏 for sharing.
Those pix were amazing! And the story is great. It's on the post now.
Thank you for saying that! Ink has the ability to say so much. I love that. Do you have tats? xoxo
Oh yes! I have "DEFIANCE" tattooed down my left side, an ode to the blog series I wrote "A Year of Defiance" after my new husband moved me to the middle of nowhere and then went to play Army. I have a whale tail on my back that stayed just a lonely tail for WAY longer than intended thanks to COVID. The whale is now thankfully diving in to the ocean under the light of the sun and the watchful eyes of three birds - my grandmother, my mother, and my first pup. Most recently, I had "joy" tattooed on the inside of my wrist to remind myself to look for it everywhere. So much of my life in such small space. Art just for me.
How lovely. Art just for you. And the joy reminder! Yes. That's why I put the two tats on my left arm. So I can look when I forget. And, I know what's coming next. Another one I've been wanting for quite a while. But now I feel like I can get it, because I'm embodying what the one that's on the horizon symbolizes! Stay tuned!
I love a cliffhanger!
Me, too!
Nan, just yesterday I was meaning to ask you what the semi-colon tattoo meant. Now I know its powerful message. I appreciate how you expertly weave your journey through the significance of each tattoo and the photos. I commented in your Notes post that one semester while teaching yoga at the community college it seemed that the entire class was either getting tattoos or had them. They were such works of art that the class collectively agreed to show and tell. It was such an incredible experience to learn what each symbol meant and why each person chose what they did. They were honest and open and so endearing to me that the memory is cherished.
I'm so glad you know more now. The semi-colon tat is very important to me. I hope more people elect to do something to raise awareness regarding mental illness and all that comes along with it. Tattoos are so personal and for the most part permanent, it's a real commitment, and one I'm glad I've made. I didn't feel the need to get another one for 32 years after my 2nd. I'm happy to be thinking along these lines today. I already know what my next tat will be, and when I have a minute, I'll design it. And then, who knows what might come next? xoxo
Yes, Nan, such awareness is needed.
Love this, Nan. Your tattoos - but more to the point, your words - document your life’s journey exquisitely. The semicolon bracelet is beautiful as well as deeply meaningful. And the latest one: breathtaking. So sorry I wasn’t able to get my story to you within your time frame. Looking forward to reading these. 🙏💕
Thank you, Mary! I appreciate it whenever you read and comment on my writing. I love yours so much. I'm sorry you couldn't make the deadline, but major props for trying. I have a feeling you may be way more meticulous than I when it comes to releasing work into the world. Your dedication to craft is admirable. xoxo PS. Can't wait to read your tat piece when you do publish it.
Thank you, Nan, for offering the opportunity to share my thoughts. “Meticulous” is another word for “obsessive” and I am certainly that. The meaning of my tattoo has changed dramatically since I first wrote the story. A good thing to realize that we are always evolving. 🫶
I love the photos and stories behind each of your tattoos, Nan. Thank you for including me in this amazing collection of essays. I am honored.
Thank you for joining us! I’m honored, as well. xoxo
Having dinner with you last week I got to see your latest tattoo up close. I love it. I've never been so tempted to get a tattoo. I love its meaning; Here I am. So glad you are.
Thank you, lovely! I'm glad you saw it first. Here we are, my friend, here we are. xoxo
“In the past year I joined Substack as a writer. I stepped up and stopped hiding myself, hiding my stories. I gave up thinking that I couldn’t measure up, that I wasn’t good enough. Good enough for what? I’m tired of that line and I took my red pencil to it.”
What a powerful statement to make and how wonderful. I love this. Good enough for what? Exactly. What a joy to find your writing this week!
I loved writing that sentiment. It's time for all of us to let go of negative self-talk. It does nothing good for us, and everything to derail us. We are so much better than our inner critics want us to know. Carry on, fellow writer! I loved your piece, too. xoxo