Mark Bee

I have a history of impulsive tattoos. (Story of my life in general!) I have several that I planned out and thought about for months. I've been happier with some of the more recent, more impulsive choices I've made. Like Lori, I am getting mostly traditional tattoos, which I think (IMHO) lend themselves to more impulsive choices. I guess it depends on your personality. What works for me is certainly not going to work with everyone else. That said, I would not change any of the decisions I've made over the decades. (In relation to tattoos that is...other choices I've made? Yeah, well, can't win 'em all I guess.)

It hasn't come up for me yet, as I've been able to do all of mine in one sitting. But when I do get to large pieces I will likely tip each time. If only because life is expensive these days and if I can put a few extra bucks in the hands of whomever is tattooing me, then so much the better. That tip money might come in handy. Edit for clarity: I always tip for every tattoo i get. I'm just commenting about how I'd tip when I get around to doing multi-sitting tattoos.

This ^^^ Rescuing animals of any sort is a very awesome thing to do. I got my wee orange kitty that way. Life changing for the both of us. Thick as thieves. I don't know how awesome this is, but it sure feels pretty great. After ditching pro-sports 19 years ago (as a fan, defo not as any kind of athlete - unless rolling over on the couch occasionally counts as athleticism) I have rediscovered Major League baseball. I started with the Jay's season opener a few days ago and was amazed at how much I missed the game. I've even got my butt in gear and gone to a game and got tickets for a couple more. I missed the ballpark, the crappy hotdogs, the overpriced peanuts, and the raging drunks all around me in the nose bleed seats. More than anything though, I have rekindled my long-time love of the game. I was a die-hard fan from '77-94. It sure feels good to be back in the park again. So, maybe not high-end awesome, but it is a nice feeling and what's more, my partner Erin is totally into it as well. Another thing we enjoy doing together.

Such a good idea! I'm going to take advantage of my similar status and see what I can get brought into the uni library.

Sadly, it looks like Canada has been left out of the screenings. Hopefully it will make it here soon - or be made available to purchase as a dvd or download.

As promised, here are a couple of pics taken the day following my session with Nick Colella during his visit to The Pearl Harbor Gift Shop. I admit my photographic skill are weak at best. Nick is a helluva a guy and does killer work. Excepting the part that hurt like *^$, the experience was awesome, and since I'll be in Chicago over the summer, I hope to get at least one more done by Nick. So the inner bicep is tender - who knew?

I can't listen to anything while getting tattooed. I just have to sit there and take it. The Pearl usually has good music playing in the background, and that's cool. I can't deal with headphones when I'm on the table, though. My current distraction is seeing how long a fisherman's friend can last. (answer: 40 minutes, if I'm careful.) I have trouble keeping up a conversation too. I can talk on and off, but most of the time I'm pretty happy to be silent and get through it.

Hey Shaun - lemme know next time you head to The Pearl and I can give you some more things to see and do in the area. Its brilliant in the market in the summer.

Good idea, Graeme. I'm happy to start. The shop I go to is The Pearl Harbor Gift Shop on Kensington Ave in the heart of Toronto's Kensington Market. There are several good places to eat in drink in the immediate area. I'll list my favorites: Food 1. Pho Hung Vietnamese Restaurant - cheap, tasty, and proudly has the worst service around. But the pho is so good you won't care. On Spadina Ave just north of Dundas on the west side of the street. 2. Ajisen Ramen - like the name suggests, it's a Japanese noodle shop. Tastiness awaits! Also right on Spadina a little north of Dundas. 3. El Trompo - like Mexico City style tacos? This is your place. Friendly, reasonably priced, and very good. It's on Augusta Ave just south of College Street 4. Nu Bagel - on Augusta Ave. this is the best place to get a Montreal style bagel in Toronto. For those who don't know, Montreal bagels are simply the greatest dough-based product in the planet. It will run you 9$ for a dozen and 5$ for 6. Always fresh and perfect. Meet your new partner in weight gain.

I've got two more to post but i currently feel like I've been hit by a truck. I'm having trouble getting good pics too. I'm excited to post the dragon Nick Colella did on my inner bicept last night. Holy mother of god that's a tender spot. Sleep was elusive.

I deal with it by sneaking in for a walk-in or two. Something small to tide me over.

Always great work coming out of The Pearl. Tim does brilliant work. Congrats on a brilliant tattoo.

Welcome, Mushu.

That's a shame. I hope it works out for you.

I wish I'd thought about cabbage leaves - never occurred to me. They'd fit an elbow nicely!

I'm in the same boat. A few of my friends have tattoos, but of my closest friends, I'm the only one with pieces down my forearms. I too have been getting "the look" from people who just don't understand. I am pretty sure they will adjust and be ok with it once the initial shock wears off. And if they don't, well, not much I can do about that. As for my family, well...that's entirely different. I will get no support on that end. That's one of the reasons I like this forum so much. I may not have like-minded tattoo collectors and fans in my personal life (except for my fiancée, who is AWESOME) , but I find them here. Finally a place I can talk tattoos with people who get it.

Ha! Me too. I had my elbow tattooed a couple of days ago and I got "swellbow." Its down now, but it was a sight.

Congratulations!

Hi Wavey - hope the healing goes well.

Wow! That is an amazing collection - Hat's off to you!

Thank you, hogg. I'm very happy with it. I can't stop admiring @heathenist 's latest and @Iwar 's knee tattoo. I have reconsidered doing my knees after seeing his. Also - @living4today 's tiger is spectacular. Such amazing work on these pages. Simply amazing.

Welcome aboard!

Thanks and congratulations to you too! I'll certainly report back and post pics along the way.