Blaue

At a museum once, saw the alphabet into colored pencil tips.  I thought that was pretty cool, but those sculptures are AMAZING!

After going through a break up, I ended up spending a few weeks on my friend's sofa while I figured a new living situation. During that time, I was already signed up for my office's "lunch club" where our staff all pays one person to make a lunch that was special to them. Rather than admit that I couldn't handle this during my crisis, I attempted to make a lunch that included freshly fried french fries.
Cut to the day of the lunch, I'm rushing around because I'm woefully under prepared and just trying to get something together. I remember I need to start cooking these fries and absentmindedly I toss a bunch of damp potatoes in oil that's too hot. It instantly boils over and now I have a small grease fire on the stove in my open office. I shout for help and without thinking, attempt to pat the flame out with my hands (do not recommend). Three or four colleagues run up behind me and are able to quell the flames while I slink away to the bathroom to tend to my hands.
After a few minutes of trying to get myself together, I walk out of the bathroom to see 20 pairs of eyes on me and instantly breakdown. As I'm sobbing, my boss (and soon to be closest friend) says, "no, no, no. No need to cry. This is just.. this is just a physical manifestation of where your life is at right now." I decided to keep that moment of support from a dear friend with me and got an outline of a frying pan on fire on my inner arm.

Coming to accept the tattoo(s) you have is one of the best lessons I've learned from getting tattooed.  There's so much trust involved in being tattooed, because no matter how much research you've done on artist, how many portfolios you've looked at, how excruciatingly you studied the stencil before having it put on your skin, when it comes down to it, you're basically trusting a complete stranger to permanently alter your body and appearance.  As someone who generally likes to be in control of everything, getting tattooed allows me to practice letting go, being present in the moment, and accepting things I can't change in a way that few other things in my life can.
I only have three tattoos, but I have one that I had a harder time accepting than the others because the lines aren't as bold, the colors not as saturated, and stylistically is just a bit off from the bolder style I've learned that I prefer.  I don't regret the tattoo, and I certainly don't hate the tattoo, but the point is, even if I did, it's there now!  Nothing I can really do to change it so it's not worth worrying over.
I think your tattoo looks lovely and well done.  I agree that it would be prudent to hold off on completing the sleeve until you feel more certain that's what you want.  I think it looks fine as a stand alone piece.

At the ripe old age of 59, and I can hardly believe I'm that old, I can tell you that what people say about regretting the things you didn't do more than the things you did do is 100% true. I don't have many regrets as I try to find the good in all my experiences, but the few I do have are regrets about things I wished I'd done.
I was in a motorcycle accident 10 years ago, almost lost my leg, was inconstant pain for about 5 years and was in physical therapy trying to walk without a limp for 7 years on and off. I could cry about that, but my wife at the time asked me for a divorce the week I got home from the hospital and I wound up meeting the love of my life. In my book, even the accident worked out pretty good! Life is all about how you view it.

I think it's beautiful and stunning.  I love it's placement and that it is only on half of your back (I love asymmetry).  I can relate to your tattoo remorse.  I am also a mom in my 40s and recently got my first and second tattoos.  Both times I had a little freak out, but I grew to love them.  For me it definitely took a some time to feel like they were my tattoos and part of me.  I hope that you will grow to love it because it really does look amazing, strong & powerful.

Well, if it's really 2.5' x 2.5' it's going to be very difficult to cover! :)
(Presumably it's really 2.5" x 2.5"...)

How many of you folks that think the parents would be so rough on their children have children of your own? They may still dislike tattoos, may be upset, disappointed, etc., but they aren't going to stop loving them. Your perspective changes a lot when they are your kids.

Mine usually lasts only 1 or 2 days, is quelled by a mild slap, and is never as bad as poison ivy or insect sting itch.

Day three.Healing nicely.Just Aquaphor.

I find the beeping very annoying (particularly when I'm watching on netflix).
I wish they'd either not beep it, or have a script which didn't "need" to be beeped.

I'll add a little something that may be useful but not likely an eye opener.
As a former bike racer who has had many nasty roadrash injuries over 3 decades, as well as a retired paramedic, the key to minimal scarring/best healing is to keep the damaged skin moist during the first 4 to 5 days of healing. Tegaderm/Saniderm is always a great bet.
Does this sound familiar? A fresh tattoo is similar to roadrash in the way the body reacts to it, just not as traumatic. Protecting it under the moist membrane allows everything to heal without drying out and scabbing, which we should always avoid.

to get back off topic, @sophistre, did you get something at Liberty?!
i definitely feel the apprehension and know that i'll have the "here we go again" thoughts when finally decide what to get on my torso. fuckin ribs, chest, and stomach... spots where i know i'll be earning it.
you're so right... as wise and wussy as we get, we still overcome it and get tattooed because they're that worth it. it's all part of the wizardry.

Honestly, the little pain involved in healing has been very minor compared to the actual tattooing. The worst for me is that when I brushed against a tender area, it brought back memories of the initial pain. Really, though - it is just bothersome for me (but I've never suffered swelling or bruising yet).

I liked the video, thanks for sharing. I want to go hug my folks now ... :)

My Great Aunt Tudie. She was a good person. I aspire to be like her.

That was sweet.

Yoga has taught me a lot about breathing through pain.

Tomorrow I get my first tattoo at Saved in NYC with John Sultana. I'm nervous and excited! ... eeep! (I feel like I'm bragging, saying from where/whom I'm getting my tattoo, but I'm supposed to share that info, right?)

Tomorrow I get my first tattoo at Saved in NYC with John Sultana. I'm nervous and excited! ... eeep! (I feel like I'm bragging, saying from where/whom I'm getting my tattoo, but I'm supposed to share that info, right?)

Tomorrow I get my first tattoo at Saved in NYC with John Sultana. I'm nervous and excited! ... eeep! (I feel like I'm bragging, saying from where/whom I'm getting my tattoo, but I'm supposed to share that info, right?)

Tomorrow I get my first tattoo at Saved in NYC with John Sultana. I'm nervous and excited! ... eeep! (I feel like I'm bragging, saying from where/whom I'm getting my tattoo, but I'm supposed to share that info, right?)

Tomorrow I get my first tattoo at Saved in NYC with John Sultana. I'm nervous and excited! ... eeep! (I feel like I'm bragging, saying from where/whom I'm getting my tattoo, but I'm supposed to share that info, right?)

Tomorrow I get my first tattoo at Saved in NYC with John Sultana. I'm nervous and excited! ... eeep! (I feel like I'm bragging, saying from where/whom I'm getting my tattoo, but I'm supposed to share that info, right?)

Tomorrow I get my first tattoo at Saved in NYC with John Sultana. I'm nervous and excited! ... eeep! (I feel like I'm bragging, saying from where/whom I'm getting my tattoo, but I'm supposed to share that info, right?)

I (like most everyone here) am looking forward to seeing what John creates for you. He is an exceptional artist!