Chicago Ink- Maybe

Friday, February 20, 2009

My girl crush Mr. Lady posted yesterday that a tattoo shop in Chicago is prepared to offer BlogHer attendees a discount and possibly a free drink or dinner during the conference weekend. I'm taking this as a sign. I've wanted to get a tattoo for awhile and I'm a finalist for a trip to Chicago! But... A few things are standing in my way.

I hate needles. Loathe needles. Abhor needles. Prolonged exposure to needles is my version of hell. Mr. Lady did volunteer to hold my hand, which would definitely help. Also, there's my scar to consider. I'm not sure I want to pay for a tattoo just to have it scar over. Speaking of paying for one, I don't exactly have a tattoo fund and saving for one is not the highest of priorities. And I have no idea what to get or where to put it. Details.

I've been thinking I should get something representative of the number three. We are going to be a family of three and three is a magic number (Schoolhouse Rock. Please tell me you remember?!). Since we're going to be a family of three (not ready to discuss, please don't ask) I think a permanent symbol of the power of three is fitting, no?


I've been looking online at different meanings, religious beliefs and cultural ideas about the number three and have liked a few:


*Three is the strong number in Taoist symbolism because it is the center point of equilibrium.


*Japanese: The Three Treasures are, Mirror, Sword and Jewel--that being Truth, Courage and Compassion.


*Africa Ashanti: the moon goddess is three people, two black, and one white. (I can fudge a little here I guess)


*Pythagorean three means completion. (Really like this, but not sure I want the symbol for Pi as a Tramp Stamp)


*The symbol of three is the triangle. Three interwoven circles or triangles can represent the indissoluble unity of the three persons of the trinity.


*Three is a moving forward of energy, overcoming duality, expression, manifestation and synthesis.

*Three is the first number to which the meaning "all" was given. It is The Triad, being the number of the whole as it contains the beginning, a middle and an end.


It seems that three is the way to go but I have no idea how to put those ideas into a piece of art. Do you have any ink? Did you have your tattoo drawn up by someone? If you have any ideas or suggestions for me I'm all ears!



Picture from here (man, I wish I could Photoshop like that!)

14 comments:

  1. I always liked the Chinese symbol for strength. Because that's what I'd need to get a tattoo.

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  2. Came here from Twitter. Interesting post! Sorry I don't have any ideas. No tats here, either. I absolutely could not stand the needle and the blood. I've seen it done, and there is just no way. Hope you get your courage up. And good luck on being a finalist for BlogHer. You deserve it!

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  3. I don't know how I missed your scar post the first time around. I've always thought you wore low cut dresses because they looked great on you and you were so confident that you didn't need to hide the scars. It impressed me.

    No ink here--and there never will be. I think it's a bit of a generational thing.

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  4. I saw Mr. Lady's post today, and I've been meaning to get a tattoo in memory of a bff who died of breast cancer in 2004. She loved sunflowers. So, I know that's what I want as part, if not all, of my tattoo (which would be my 1st). Now, with the Chicago deal on the table, it's like the universe is telling me to get off my butt and decide what I want it to look like, and where I want to have it. I'm deciding between my foot (which apparently hurts like hell) or hip.

    Maybe we can hold each other's hands.

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  5. Three has always been my favorite number!

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  6. I have a tat on my ankle and yes it hurt! But I do not regret it.

    I do have another symbol for you. Remember the show Charmed? Why not the Triquetra? The Triquetra is considered to represent the triplicities of mind, body, and soul, as well as the three domains of earth, sea, and sky. It is a Celtic symbol. Me, I personally love the tree of life, but like you do not have a tattoo fund and it is not priority. Besides, I may be getting a bit old for ink. =)

    ps. I have the School House Rock videos and pc games!

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  7. I've got three tats. (Nice tie-in.) I'm going for a fourth. Being a complete freak of nature (apparently), tattoos don't bother me even a little. The feeling of getting one is more *annoying than *painful. (Yes, I know how weird that makes me.)

    At any rate, as a mom to three kids, my fourth tat is going to be three stars done in their birthstone colors.

    Honestly? Whatever you pick you're stuck with forever, so my only advice is to LOVE whatever you choose. I mean, LOVE it.

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  8. LOL. Your'e hilarious. I do NOT do needles. NOT EVER. But I'm dying to know what you decide.

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  9. Wait. Is that the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel on her tongue?

    Cuz....

    COOL!

    Except for the needles thing.

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  10. The symbol for "Ohm" has a prominent looking 3 in it. Check this out:

    http://www.vanishingtattoo.com/tattoos_designs_symbols_om_ohm.htm

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  11. Sarah- I'll have to look up that symbol.

    forgetfulone- I wasn't thinking about the blod, just the needles! *shudder*

    Jenn- Thank you (I think, LOL!)

    califmom- Cool, a threesome!

    Anne- Nah, age is just a number!

    blognut- It just feels like the direction I should go.

    Cheri- Can't wait to hear it. Over cocktails in the jacuzzi perhaps?

    Steph- You lucky, lucky woman!

    MOAH- Maybe I'll video it. "Least painful places to get a tattoo" for Chic Critique.

    San Diego Momma- Umm, it's Photoshop silly!

    Jamie- Thanks! There's one I like but the flower looks like it's a smoking a bowl. Maybe it can be revised a little!

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  12. As long as you don't get the tongue tat, you can come hang out with me :)

    :::kidding::: :)

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  13. Oh wow, I don't think I could do a tattoo, they look painful!

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  14. No ink for me. I'm one of those that just doesn't get it. You are beautiful with your scars, don't you forget it.

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