Marking and Meaning

    Getting a tattoo is a big decision, in fact, a huge one because you're making the choice to have an image or text on your body forever (or at least until you cough up enough money to get it removed).
    I realize that this is a confrontational topic because so many people agree that marking your body forever is stupid and a waste of money while the other half of people are on the other side of the spectrum. But as I am in the process of working to get my 2nd one while my best friend is working on her 3rd, I am forced to reason with my aunt who isn't too happy and my mom, who would rather I not permanently mark my skin.
    And while I love both of them dearly, I stand with the argument that it is my body. Add on to that, that I live under my own roof and they technically can't tell me what to do, but I do respect them and their advice, I just choose to ignore it when it comes to this.
    I have always been attracted to tattoos, ever since I was younger. I was one of those kids that would draw on myself with sharpie or pen, ignoring the arguments and warnings of ink poisoning. When I got older and had my own money, I would be the one with hennas on her hands or back (to be fair, I still love henna, and am getting more and more into it). Once I turned 18, I knew I wanted to get a tattoo, and my want was only furthered when I found out that my dad had gotten one (thanks for not telling me dad). But I did wait because I am a pros and cons kind of gal. The want waned a little and it wasn't until Felicia really started getting into tats that my love rekindled for them.
    I can still remember her texting me to make plans to get our first tattoos together as moral support for each other. At first it was all talk, then one chilly day in February (Feb. 18th, 2015 to be exact) after going to lunch and checking prices at a local tattoo parlor, I said what the heck and traded my leggings for a pair of shorts and Felicia drove us back to the parlor and we gave the artist our design and waited while he prepped. I am not ashamed to admit that I had a brief moment of panic at this point.
    I was the first brave soul. He put the stencil on, readied his needle, asked if I was ready and began to permanently mark my skin. I am forever thankful for Felicia being there because she was the hand that I held until I realized that it didn't actually hurt, the pain was more of annoyance. 5 minutes later, I was done and he began to sterilize his stuff again for Felicia's tattoo.
    Looking back on this moment now, several months later, I am really glad that I not only went through with it but also did my own thing. Yes, I kept it a secret from my mom for all of a day and a half, but she wasn't angry at me, she just wished I had waited or hadn't done it.
    Now, I am not saying go out and defy your parents on tattoos, but if you are really set on getting one, talk to them, explain why and show you have done your research. I am really grateful to Felicia because she did her research on different parlors in town and she looked at everything before making a decision for us. But also, think about what you're getting, because as I mentioned earlier, it is permanent. We chose cameras because for us, that is our passion and for me, it is what I want to do with the rest of my life.
    Let me know what your opinions on tattoos are down below in the comments, as well as if you have any!
    XOXO

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check out my Pinterest board of tattoo ideas ;)