Permanent midnight, indeed
Mollie Hemingway ·
Jul 28, 2010 at 9:54am
My children's babysitter just got a tattoo. It's actually a great one -- a small, simple line representing the craggly Icelandic mountain range she was recently stranded in when she got terribly lost on a morning walk. The experience was harrowing and the tattoo subtle and discreet.
I've considered tattoos before but have always been warned off. I once read that getting a tattoo is like picking out your favorite T-shirt when you're 19 and then having to wear it every day for the rest of your life.
Well then, what to say about this Huffington Post feature of the 19 worst pop culture tats? They're awful. This Clay Aiken one might be the worst. Or this one depicting Britney during her hair shaving episode. Bob Barker? Really?
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Jun '10
Re: Permanent midnight, indeed
Sometimes the regrets begin immediately:
Belgian girl admits lying about tattoos
http://nz.news.yahoo.com/a/-/odd/5673382/belgian-girl-admits-lying-about-tattoos/
Re: Permanent midnight, indeed
Somewhat in spite of myself, I love (well done) tattoos. But I dislike sleeves of tattoos. And I've only got one. Supposedly, they're addictive. But I find it hard to think up that many things I wouldn't mind having inked into my skin. One thing I do know: tats are much, much better a habit than piercings.
May '10
Re: Permanent midnight, indeed
A friend of mine loves getting tattoos. She now has seven or eight, I believe. All but one are Sanskrit words from yoga, which has proven vital to her emotional well-being. Normally, I would raise an eyebrow at so many tats, but the unity and thoughtfulness of hers strike me as beautiful.
The one non-Sanskrit tattoo is a Texas lonestar on her hand. I'd have to slap her if she ever had that one removed. ;) Without that reminder, I fear L.A. would corrupt her entirely.
May '10
Re: Permanent midnight, indeed
Inquiring minds James...
Re: Permanent midnight, indeed
Yes, we need details on this tat!
May '10
Re: Permanent midnight, indeed
Ditto what James wrote. I have one that was well hidden...until fashion changed to low ride pants. I love it, have never regretted it, have no desire to display it or get another one. I knew the moment I saw the picture in a Good Housekeeping magazine ad that "that was it". It was me in one whimsical symbol. But, it was not a whimsical decision.
May '10
Re: Permanent midnight, indeed
When we were living in Norfolk, I was reminded how unforgiving gravity can be to tatoos. Old sailors would come to church in short sleeve shirts with tats seeming to slide down their arms. You knew it originally was a scantily clad woman wrapped around an anchor on his arm, but now it looks like a faded blue gutted fish on a hook. I have a "go big or go home" philosophy about tats. I'd rather see someone covered in sleeves of well-done tats, than the occasional tramp stamp or the small star on the foot or chinese word for "peace" on the neck. It just becomes another accessory. Besides, tats are so last century. I think the next big thing is branding, perhaps the name of that special someone permanently burned into your skin. Or maybe go the performance artist route and carve into your skin with razor blades in front of an audience. Besides, you can never be a spy with a tat. Too easy to identify. That's reason enough right there.
May '10
Re: Permanent midnight, indeed
People get tattoos for very individual reasons. Some do it to make a statement to others. Some do it as a secret mark only for themselves. One size doesn't fit all and I figure by the time a round tattoo becomes an oval then the rest of the body isn't looking so good, either. So, who cares? :-) Live big. Enjoy life. But reserve your ability to look clean cut for a job interview. Besides, I love that no one expects me to have a tattoo...or a belly button ring.
Re: Permanent midnight, indeed
One of my friends once got a big job precisely because of her tat. But this was a job in Hollywood, so your point might still stand, Andrea.
May '10
Re: Permanent midnight, indeed
I used to consider getting a small cross tattooed on my cheek, where it could never be hidden. I had multiple reasons. (1) I could never hide from my faith. A reminder would stare at me in the mirror every morning. (2) I could never hide my faith from others, so I would be forced to always hold my behavior to a high standard. (3) It would be a public reminder of God, as the habits of nuns and collars of priests used to be.
Of course, my job options would plummet, as would many other opportunities. So I didn't get the tat. But if I become a rockstar one day, I'll have to consider it again. :)