get inked.

Is it me, or is blogging just a little bit easier after a glass or two of wine?  I always get so nervous about people reading my writing.  Maybe it's just beginner's stage fright, or maybe it's leftover from my days as an aspiring journalist when editors were constantly ripping me a new one.  Experienced bloggers, how do YOU get comfy before a post?

Well anyways, I have a full glass in hand now, so on to post #2!

I have to say, I was really touched by all the wonderful compliments on Sophia's blog (www.kechi-kechi.blogspot.com) about my tattoo!  I LOVE everything about tattoos, when they are done well, and it's so refreshing to see how much more accepting society has become towards girls with ink.   

You can see most of my tats in this pic.  I got my first tattoo, the Chinese character ("beauty") and the lotus, when I was 16, and although it's much less prominent than the other work on my back, it will always be incredibly special to me because 1) it was my first and 2) my best friend in the whole wide world also has a lotus on her back <3.  My back is actually three different tattoos that took a total of about nine sessions (probably about 25 hours total).

The tattoo at right is my most recent one.  It is a wire mannequin on the side of my rib cage, about 2.5" tall.  I love it because it's everything my other tattoos aren't -- it's small, simple, black & white, and not organic (with the blossoms, wind, and peacock, I was beginning to feel like a botanical garden).  The picture is right after my session, so I'm still holding the bandage (which I think is actually a doggie pee pad).  Eventually I plan to add a phrase in French, but I am still wrestling with the idea of having words on my body forever.  For some reason, it seems like much more commitment.


I wish I had a picture of my best friend's tattoo.  She has some sparrows and orchids in a huge piece on her back, and it's one of the most gorgeous tattoos I've ever seen.  Sadly, she is quite camera shy.

But don't despair, I have a few other amazing tattoos I can share with you:

My little sister's leg

My little's sister's arm (and face...isn't she gorgeous?)

P.S. My sister and I are so close to our artist that last year for his birthday, we baked dozens of mini cupcakes (with rainbow sprinkles!) and dropped them off at the San Jose tattoo convention for him...how often do you suppose that happens?

My friend's side...without face, but trust, she's also gorgeous.

The best part about both these girls?  You would never think they have the massive amount of inkwork that they do.  I <3 undercover bad ass bitches (that is a post in its own).

Well, I'm sure you guys are getting tired of reading this by now, so I'll just say good night and hopefully some of you will still be around next time I login :)

xoxo,

V