Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings

Subject: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: Kim C
Date: 24 May 01 - 11:31 AM

I say it's "sorta" BS, because it seems like us arty types are more predisposed to what the general population would call unusual adornments, tattoos & piercings being among them; and including, but not limited to, strange haircuts/colors, wild nail polish, and outlandish clothing.

While I wear five earrings, personally I prefer tattoos to piercings. I do have a violin on my right hip, so to speak. (see, it's a musical thread) Also I have a Zuni bear fetish on my left side, just under my ribs. (This one shows in a bathingsuit.)

Anyone else? Unusual adornments? Any of them musically inspired? Do tell.

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: GUEST,UB Dan
Date: 24 May 01 - 11:47 AM

what's a zuni bear...is it one of those grateful dead dancing bear things?

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: UB Ed
Date: 24 May 01 - 11:48 AM

No tatoos for me, but I have gotten into trouble looking at them before. There was this girl, Rose, with a rose tatooed on her..ahm ..chest and my current girlfriend was not pleased at Rose's invitation to admire her...ahm...art.

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: Kim C
Date: 24 May 01 - 11:55 AM

Here's a picture of a Zuni bear:

See here

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: GUEST,UB Dan
Date: 24 May 01 - 12:02 PM

cool...thanks for the link

Subject: Lyr Add: TATTOOED LADY (from Smothers Brothers)
From: GUEST
Date: 24 May 01 - 12:11 PM

THE TATTOOED LADY as sung by The Smothers Brothers
Sung to the obvious tune.

Her eyes were Siam,
Her nose was Hindustan,
And on her knees was Greece,
Her back was Brazil,
Her chest was Bunker Hill,
Her hips, they were Constantinople,
Just then I saw my wife, and to avoid a future strife,
I let the rest of the world go by.

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From:
Date: 24 May 01 - 12:19 PM

I've got two largish holes in my left ear, one about 20mm wide, the other about 18mm. I've also got some tattoo's, but they're kind of spiritually inspired, rather than musically.

Paul

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: Kim C
Date: 24 May 01 - 12:21 PM

What's the obvious tune?

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: kendall
Date: 24 May 01 - 12:25 PM

Tattoos and extra holes have never appealed to me. Someone asked Dear Abby why men wear ear rings, she replied "I dont know why WOMEN wear them!" It reminds me of the clothing young people wear, they want to be an individual, but, it's like a uniform! They all look like the Clampetts had a yard sale!

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: Justa Picker
Date: 24 May 01 - 12:45 PM

I once dated a woman with piercings along the length of both eye brows. At the end of the date, as we stood on her doorstep, I was unsure as to whether to kiss her, or, hang a shower curtain on her.

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: chip a
Date: 24 May 01 - 12:55 PM

I have an eagle on a limb in front of the moon on my shoulder blade. My daughter drew it and I had a tattooist put it on. I love it and will probably get more.

Chip

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: Les from Hull
Date: 24 May 01 - 12:59 PM

A musical link...

'On her back she has tattooed a map of Ireland
And when she takes a bath on Saturday
She rubs the Lifebuoy soap around by Claddagh
Just to watch the suds go down on Galway Bay'

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: Matt_R
Date: 24 May 01 - 01:03 PM

Oh, you could hold on to Dallas
Spend the night in San Antone
Reach Amarillo by morning
All the cowboys wanted a view
Of her Texas Tattoo...

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: Les from Hull
Date: 24 May 01 - 01:23 PM

"Roll up, roll up, see the tattooed lady,
See the lovely lady with the pictures on her skin.",
In went the lads and they began to cheer,,
To see that on her back were all the towns o' Lancashire.,
There were Odsall Bottom, Manchester City,,
The town hall standin' in the square.,
There were Oldham, Bolton, Ashton-under-Lyne,,
'Coal pit up at Burnley were lookin' mighty fine,,
Till someone shouted "Daddy, don't go down the mine",,
At the Rawtenstall Annual Fair.

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: Matt_R
Date: 24 May 01 - 01:25 PM

He's got a tattoo on his arm that says "Baby"
He's got another one that just says "Hey!"...

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: mousethief
Date: 24 May 01 - 01:27 PM

At this point, to me (this is not meant to apply to anybody else), I can't see a reason for getting either a tattoo or a piercing. Looking at it from a cost/benefits analysis point of view, it would hurt a lot (cost), so it would have to have a GREAT benefit to make up for that. And tattoos are so permament; what if I change my mind?

Thus, I can't think of any benefit that is great enough. Making a statement? At this point the only statement a piercing or tattoo makes is, "look at me, I can follow trends." Being individual? See previous comment. Rebellion? Against whom? Nobody is telling me not to. For the heck of it? Not nearly good enough to compensate for the cost.

Maybe I'm missing something?

Alex

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: mytoycar
Date: 24 May 01 - 01:28 PM

Kim C, this might seem strange but for about two years I have wanted to have my BACK pierced. I also wear five earings and have my nose peirced I dont have any tatoos as of yet, but I should have one by the end of the year... Ijust have to gain the corrage.
prew*^_^*

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: Biskit
Date: 24 May 01 - 01:42 PM

An' on a Sunday afternoon he's a dirttrack demon in his "57" Chevrolet! Rapid Roy was one of my favorite JC tunes Matt,..Thanks for the memory!.. back to the thread, I'm what you would call "heavily" tattooed. It would just take to long to list/explain each one but my favorite is the nekkid warrior chick on the pegasus with the vines coming up from the earth trying to keep them down it is called "Earthbound" and is an original work of art takin' up 90% of my back It took about 36 hours for that one. PEACE -Biskit-

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: GUEST,UB Dan
Date: 24 May 01 - 01:46 PM

tattoos are just like a favorite piece of jewelery or clothing. Or a nice piece of art you would hang on a wall. An original Monet would cost enough money (ha ha) that you better be sure you'd always want to look at it. What about an expensive instrument...do you ever intend to trade it in? Tattoos are permanent but if you find it aesthetically pleasing it is a nice thing to have. Its not exactly the same as going along twith the crowd or following a trend...it is something you should get for yourself. The trick is not to get a tattoo just because its trendy...that would be like being stuck with bell bottoms for the rest of your life. Something personal though, never wears out, and even though we change as individuals, it can serve as a reminder of our past. I don't have a tattoo, but I've always liked them.

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: mousethief
Date: 24 May 01 - 01:56 PM

You can always sell an original Monet if you get sick of it. I didn't say that getting a piercing or a tattoo was equivalent to going along with the trend. I said that that is the statement it makes. Quite a different thing.

Alex

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: chip a
Date: 24 May 01 - 02:06 PM

Don't see the logic in your new explanation either Alex. Maybe I'm missing something!

Chip

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: Kim C
Date: 24 May 01 - 02:12 PM

I can only speak for myself....... I got mine because I like em and for no other reason. When I got my first one it was still so un-trendy that I had to go out of town to get it. Mine are not there to make a statement, since they don't show, but sure, some people's are.

And some people get really ugly tattoos. But that's their choice. :-)

Vive la difference!

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: mousethief
Date: 24 May 01 - 02:13 PM

Right now it's appparently very popular to get a piercing or tattoo. Whatever your PERSONAL reasons are for doing so, it will be seen by some or many that you bump into as your acquiescence to the current trend. The PERSONAL reasons may be "going along with the trend" -- in other words, you might actually be getting a tattoo or piercing in order to be trendy (although probably nobody really uses that word to describe himself). But then again maybe not. Perhaps you are getting a tattoo for some other reason -- your SO finds them sexy and it's an act of love on your part, for example (there are probably tons of other reasons but this one just came to mind; roll your own here and please don't flog me for not thinking up a good example!). But personal reasons aren't apparent to the vast public who will see the pierced eyebrow, for example. They will just see another pierced eyebrow, and think of the "trend" and think that you are just another part of same.

Does this make it clearer?

Again let me say I am not trying to say that getting a piercing or tattoo is "wrong" -- or that the trend should be shut down or reversed or ANYTHING of the sort. In this post I am just trying to distinguish between the "statement" that your actions make, and your actual reasons for making those actions, which could be quite different.

Alex

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: Kim C
Date: 24 May 01 - 02:14 PM

I can only speak for myself....... I got mine because I like em and for no other reason. When I got my first one it was still so un-trendy that I had to go out of town to get it. Mine are not there to make a statement, since they don't show, but sure, some people's are.

And some people get really ugly tattoos. But that's their choice. :-)

Vive la difference!

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: Metchosin
Date: 24 May 01 - 02:21 PM

I guess if you had an anchor tatooed on you forearm and a single earpiercing, it might not be considered BS, for those have rounded the Horn, but if its a number of studs in your dick, I can't think how it would be relevant to folk music, unless you play slide guitar in a really strange manner.

My youngest daughter wanted to get a celtic knot tatooed above her breast a number of years ago. I asked her how she would have viewed a peace symbol tatooed above my breast. "Not cool Mum", was her response, so I pointed out that what's cool now, may not be cool for you a few years from now either, and with tatooes, reversal is a bit of a problem and that I'd never regretted that any adornments that were fashionable during my youth, wasn't removeable or washable after the fact.

Our conversation didn't disuade her from her from having her body indelibly marked, her final decision, not to go for it, was finally predicated on the high cost of the "art". I guess the blood of a Scot courses through her veins in other ways.

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: chip a
Date: 24 May 01 - 02:24 PM

Alex, I understand. It's just that I'm getting older and my vision ain't what it once was. Makes it hard for me to split hairs that fine.

:) .. Chip

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: mousethief
Date: 24 May 01 - 02:26 PM

I'm still young, so "why I do this" and "what other people think of it" still makes a pretty fat hair.

Alex

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: Metchosin
Date: 24 May 01 - 02:34 PM

just as an afterthought, there has been a considerable upswing recently, in the number of cases of Hep C in the prison population in Canada, related to the common practise of tatooing in those institutions. This, despite the fact that they are sterilizing the needles used. The disease was found not to be transmitted via the needles, but in the ink itself.

Another good reason to think about it.

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: GUEST,UB Dan
Date: 24 May 01 - 02:44 PM

mousethief, you mean you can't sell a tattoo if you don't like it anymore...when will skin grafting technology ever catch up to this worlds ever changing needs!

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: Kim C
Date: 24 May 01 - 02:49 PM

ooops! That wasn't supposed to post twice. I kept getting errors and didn't think it posted at all. If there's a sweet little elf out there who can fix it, that'd be swell.

Mister likes my tattoos. He doesn't go in for body piercings, though. I went and got a fake belly ring one day and said, Honey, look what I did! He had this horrible look of disappointment on his face until I said, It's not real!!!!!!!! :-D

Now remember, we're not just limited to things that hurt here. Who's ever had an unusual adornment of any kind?

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: UB Ed
Date: 24 May 01 - 03:29 PM

What about those tongue post thingies? What's up wit dat?

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: Kim C
Date: 24 May 01 - 03:33 PM

I haven't figured that out yet. I guess it's all right for those what wants em. But if it's going to interfere with my food, it's not for me.

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: DougR
Date: 24 May 01 - 04:10 PM

Gee, Alex, such a long post.

As for me, no tatoos, and no holes in my body I wasn't born with.

DougR

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: chip a
Date: 24 May 01 - 04:39 PM

Well, I guess it's as my sainted mother always said: "One man's fat hair is aother man's thin hair."

Peace,

Chip : )

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: chip a
Date: 24 May 01 - 04:40 PM

Well, I guess it's as my sainted mother always said: "One man's fat hair is aother man's thin hair."

Peace,

Chip : )

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: chip a
Date: 24 May 01 - 04:40 PM

Well, I guess it's as my sainted mother always said: "One man's fat hair is aother man's thin hair."

Peace,

Chip : )

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: UB Ed
Date: 24 May 01 - 04:43 PM

Chip, did Mom offer any advice about repeating yourself? LOL

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: chip a
Date: 24 May 01 - 04:48 PM

How'd I do that?

Sorry, I think it's the age thing again.... : )

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: Matt_R
Date: 24 May 01 - 04:49 PM

Personal adornment? Yep! When I was 11 I stabbed myself in both knees with a really sharp pencil, puncturing the skin. Now I have these groovy green dots on my knees! Of course they're in reference to Chuck Close's use of pointilism...very trendy!! I always see hot babes checking out my knees when I wear short.

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: Kim C
Date: 24 May 01 - 05:07 PM

I think that's how people did tattooing in primitive times.........

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: SINSULL
Date: 24 May 01 - 05:13 PM

There used to be a check out clerk at a local store who had a hole pierced in his ear big enough to fit small stuffed toys and plastic alligators. A new use for Beanie Babies. It was gross.

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: GUEST,Karen
Date: 24 May 01 - 05:41 PM

I've heard those tongue-piercings are leading to a lot more chipped teeth. At least that's what dentists are saying.

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: Kim C
Date: 24 May 01 - 05:43 PM

I've seen that. I don't care for it. But it ain't my ears.

If I were gonna pierce a body part, I reckon it would probably be my nose. But that's at the top of the Ain't Gonna Happen List, right up there with Romantic Weekend with Daniel Day-Lewis......

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: GUEST,Karen
Date: 24 May 01 - 05:54 PM

Oooh, I liked him best in "Last of the Mohicans"! It was the long hair and those shirts that showed his chest!!!!

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: katlaughing
Date: 24 May 01 - 05:55 PM

Well I got my tats before it was so common. First rule of tattooing, put them in a place where YOU have control over who sees them. So, I have a few flowers cascading around and under one breast. And a small vine of flowers on my upper right shoulder.

As for the other, well some things a "gyrl" will never tell.:->

My SO introduced me to tattoos. He has an original piece of artwork of a dragon, and other pieces on his chest and upper shoulders.

I do have one tattoo which is recent and very visible. It is on the inside of my left wrist and is of a very special, personal spiritual symbol, which design was given me by a close friend. This was the first one which has felt like a "ritual" work and has deep symbolic meaning for me and my friend.

There are places which still do tats in the old way; that is, using bamboo and organic ink. The tattooist places the bamboo over the skin and taps it with a rock or other hammer-like isntrument. I had a woman neighbour, back east, who'd been in the military. While stationed in Japan she had a full back piece done in this traditional manner. It was really incredibly beautiful, but the thought of the pain made even me wince!

Roger's best works were curiously enough done by two brothers in Denver, who happened to be cops during their day jobs! Superb artists.

kat

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: CarolC
Date: 24 May 01 - 06:08 PM

When I was about 16 or 17, I took my pet rat to the movies on my shoulder (he was mostly hidden under my hair until we got past the ticket guy.) Does that count as an unusual adornment?

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: GUEST,Karen
Date: 24 May 01 - 06:13 PM

Was the movie "Willard"?

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: CarolC
Date: 24 May 01 - 06:18 PM

It was before 'Willard' came out, but not by much. I got a bit of ribbing about that.

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: Ruthie A
Date: 24 May 01 - 07:06 PM

Ooh, I love piercings. I don't know why - there's just something about them I find oddly addictive. I've just got a single pair of earrings at the moment. I had my bellybutton done at Easter (I really don't know why, I don't even like how it looks)...then my parents found out... I'm currently aspiring towards a nosering, some eyebrow rings and a tattoo of a pentagram (I'm Wiccan) around my bellybutton. I'd love to have my lower lip pierced (like Eliza Carthy) but it really doesn't agree with playing flute.

Yes, my clothing is outlandish and my hair changes colour every month. It's purple now. I like it, I might have to break all records and leave it this colour for a few more weeks.

Ruthie

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: Mooh
Date: 24 May 01 - 07:58 PM

Personally, I wouldn't care to be pierced, but I have no other bias as everyone else in the family has additional holes. But I've been considering tatoos, especially ones which will reflect my family (crest), faith (celtic cross), loves (music, fish, nature), or any combination of these and other things. I'd have to provide the art. Perhaps the inlays from my guitars would be cool (brook trout, trillium, kingfisher), or St. George spearing a dragon, or St. Michael (after whom I'm named), or maple leaves in fall...I'm thinking.

...or a catfish leaping from a banjo...

Peace. Mooh.

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: kendall
Date: 24 May 01 - 08:04 PM

When Thomas Jefferson wanted to make a statement, he wrote the Declaration of Independence, when Abraham Lincoln wanted to make a statement, he wrote the Gettysburg Address, when FDR wanted to make a statement, he gave his "Day of Infamy" speech. My nephew wears baggy pants, green hair, and a face full of schrapnel. Sigh.

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: CarolC
Date: 24 May 01 - 08:07 PM

When my son wants to make a statement, he makes a movie. (Cool!)

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: alison
Date: 24 May 01 - 09:02 PM

OK.. I want to know........ how do you get your back pierced? (someone mentioned it further up the thread).....

somehow I'm getting this vision of someone using it to hang you from a coat peg........

and as for the tongue piercings...... they are supposed to be great for....... well you know....... *grin*.....

maybe one of the fellas can comment....lol...

slainte

alison

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: DougR
Date: 24 May 01 - 09:44 PM

Alison! I'm shocked! You couldn't be referring to er ...well ...you know ...uh ...gulp ...er ...? Are you? :>)

DougR

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: Bill D
Date: 24 May 01 - 10:14 PM

I suspect 'that' is like water beds..it sounds exotic, but gets boring and humdrum...(mostly is the 'idea' of it, I'm guessing...if I want to introduce interesting sensations, there are LOTS of ways that dont involve danger and infections

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: alison
Date: 24 May 01 - 10:28 PM

HEY!!!! I like my waterbed!!!!!

but I ain't getting my tongue pierced for anyone..... lol.....

slainte

alison

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: Bill D
Date: 24 May 01 - 10:46 PM

I liked MY waterbed for 10-12 years..now it is work..(to get in & out of!)...and piercings? You saw my pic, alison..I don't need more adornment to scare the multitudes!*wink*

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: catspaw49
Date: 24 May 01 - 11:06 PM

I got "Personal Adornments" aplenty. I got scars everydamnwhere. From assorted racing accidents I've been sliced, gouged, broken, and burned. From the damn sailboats I have assorted scars from top to bottom and a 6 inch one up my back from surgery that was a result of catching a blow from a boom in the small of the back, and that one damn near drowned me. Then of late, I've been hacked upon and punctured as needed to repair my heart which is the result of my misspent youth. Plus, I'm about to pick up a couple of small holes to continue the repair.

Why the fuck would I want a tattoo?

Spaw

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: Peg
Date: 24 May 01 - 11:16 PM

Tongue piercings are one of the most septic-prone piercings out there; even more than belly buttons. I knew one woman whose tongue piercing got so infected the swelling started to close around the piercing; but to remove the stud would have mneant the flesh woudl seal in the infection and make it worse; she suffered for weeks...our mouths are NOT clean places and that is why lip and tongue piercings are kind of nasty...

Ironically enough, genital piercings are far les prone to infections; urination is one reason they are what is called "self-cleansing" (this is a piercing term), as opposed to other areas where one must clean the piercing repeatedly to prevent infection.

I was engaged to a guy with several genital piercings. He later got a tongue piercing.

(shrug) Nothing special about it either way. There's metal where there wasn't any before. But no new super-powers. I think he thought the added attention might get him more sexual attention; perhaps it did. But I don't think piercings in and of themselves enhance sexual performance or pleasure.

Not in my experience anyway. Though I do like nipple piercings on men.

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: Bill D
Date: 24 May 01 - 11:23 PM

*ouch*...my mind just conjures up images of some dissatisfied lady YANKING one...no thanks...

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: Bill D
Date: 24 May 01 - 11:25 PM

ummm...spaw...you could just color all the scars with different color magic markers....neat effect, huh?

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: catspaw49
Date: 24 May 01 - 11:45 PM

It's 1942 and my Dad and his friend are going off to war. His friend's father took them to the railroad depot and as they waited for the train, not much was said. Dad had said his goodbye's at home amidst the usual "Be carefuls and Come home safely" type advice. His friend's Dad said nothing, but as they prepared to board the train, he finally spoke:

"Ernie?"
"Yeah Dad?
"There's somethin' I need to say to you."
"Okay Dad....."
"Son, I should've told you this before....."
"Yes Dad?"
"Boy, whatever you do....Don't get tattooed."

Spaw

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: SINSULL
Date: 24 May 01 - 11:52 PM

Spaw, When someone yells "Coming About', you're supposed to duck. Now just maybe some creative type could design around your scars - a map of the world with rivers and capital cities, maybe...

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: mmm
Date: 24 May 01 - 11:58 PM

My kids , the older ones have piercings and tatoos, and their hair has been different interesting shades, I dont really mind it , its not something i would do , would look rather silly on me. I look at it this way my Mom couldn't understand the way I dressed when i was younger so i don't see as this is really any different, just that I am not as freaked out by it as my mom was by the things I wore and did . mmm

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: catspaw49
Date: 25 May 01 - 12:06 AM

Yeah Sins....and when the clevis on the vang snaps you yell, "Aw shit...AAAHHHGGGGHHHH!!!"

Spaw

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: katlaughing
Date: 25 May 01 - 12:20 AM

Spaw. I've alway said if they had to crack me open for heart surgery, I would get a zipper tattooed on the scar afterwards!

I had a friend who was born in Japan while her parents were working over there. She used to joke about having "Made in Japan" tattooed on the bottom of her foot.

Peg, interesting what you say about piercings. If one has each nipple pierced, one can have a lot of fun, wearing a necklace which dissappears into a plunging neckline. Leaves a lot to pique the imagination. No, mine aren't. I did one myself and it hurt so much I took it out and let it close. Likewise, if one has genital piercings, one can have a lot of fun going without undies and attaching some teeny-tiny bells to the rings. Drives people nuts trying to figure out where the ringing is coming from!:->

Not everyone gets tattoos as a sign of rebellion or whatever. A lot of people get them just because it feels good and they consider it art and/or they do it as a spiritual thing. My son has three which he designed himself. My oldest daughter is saving her money for one. Our youngest got her belly done, but had such an allergic reaction to the metal, even the hypo-allergenic, that she had to take it out. It was scary as she got a horribel infection around it, even being as careful as she was.

When I met Rog he had 3 roses on his right shoulder. He told me as an engineer he could never wear a wedding ring, too dangerous, but that when he found the right person, he would get their name tattooed under the roses. THAT to him was a permanent way of making a commitment and is why he has had my name, Kathleen, on his shoulder lo the many years.:-)

kat

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: Metchosin
Date: 25 May 01 - 12:35 AM

As far as unusual adornments, nope, most of them are fairly usual for a woman of my age and compexion: freckles and stretch marks. At 5'2" one can't always go from 115lbs. to 167lbs. in the span of nine months, twice, and come back again unscathed. I don't display them publicly, but I do cherish them.

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: catspaw49
Date: 25 May 01 - 12:38 AM

Katmyluv, that's a sweet story, but I can't help but think if he'd had "Gertrude" tattooed there it would've made a lot funnier ending!

Spaw

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: Justa Picker
Date: 25 May 01 - 12:49 AM

I once considered a "genital" tattoo that would have read:

Caution: Objects May Appear Larger Than They Seem

...but figured I'd never live it down. :-)

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: catspaw49
Date: 25 May 01 - 12:52 AM

Yeah JP, but to get it all on, they'd have had to start on your stomach!

Spaw

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: Justa Picker
Date: 25 May 01 - 12:54 AM

LOL

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: Metchosin
Date: 25 May 01 - 01:04 AM

Sort of reminds me of the old joke about the young novice nurse who returned to the nursing station, quite nonplussed, after giving a bath to an older gentleman and noticed he had his nickname "Shorty", tatooed on his penis. One of the more experienced nurses thought that hard to believe and decided to check it out herself. She returned half an hour later somewhat dishevelled and amazed, sat down and somewhat breathlessly said, "It doesn't say Shorty, it says Shorty's Bar and Grill, Shrevesport, Louisiana.

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: catspaw49
Date: 25 May 01 - 01:11 AM

Yeah Mets...but what's the other one where it looks like Wendy but is actually some long phrase beginning with WE and ending with NDY? I suppose I could make one up, but it was funny the way it was.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: mousethief
Date: 25 May 01 - 01:22 AM

CarolC, you had a pet rat? You rock. I had a pet rat named Izzy about 3 years ago and she was awesome. I never tried to smuggle her into a movie theatre, though. But I was like the Pied Piper when I took her to the park on her leash. All the kids crowded 'round me and their mothers stood 20 feet back and yelled, "I'll be right here when you're done looking!"

Alex

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: Metchosin
Date: 25 May 01 - 01:27 AM

Sorry don't know that one Spaw, but I'm sure, given your prodigous capabilities, you could do just as well.*BG*

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 25 May 01 - 02:13 AM

A British tourist is on vacation and goes into the bathroom (loo). He is standing at the urinal when a dread-locked islander walks up next to him and begins to pee. The Englishman glances over, smiles, and says "I hope you don't find this improper, but I couldn't help noticing you have a "W" and a "Y" tattooed on your member. I also have these letters tattooed. When fully extended, it reads "Wendy", my wife's name. Are you also married to a Wendy?"

"Ah no, mon. When fully extended mine reads "Welcome to Barbados! Have a nice day!"

Anyway, tattoos are associated in my mind with Navy Veterans of World War 2, and always looked like something that needed to be scrubbed off. However, it does strike me as an amazing marketing achievement that so many half-wits choose to have the Harley-Davidson logo tattooed on their bodies. Body piercing, I believe, has little to do with beautification or individualism, and a hell of a lot to do with low self-regard and mortification of the flesh. Every person I see with rivets and knobs sticking out of their faces seems to be saying "Look at Me, for God's sake! Can't you see I'm in pain!"

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: CarolC
Date: 25 May 01 - 03:43 AM

Yeah, mousethief, I had several back in the early 1970s when I still lived with my parents. My first and favorite was Simon. He's the one I took to the movies.

I used to let him run free around the house some of the time, and he would come when I called him. At night, he used to like to go check on everybody while they were sleeping and then he'd come and beg food from me to take to his nest.

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 25 May 01 - 03:48 AM

One earing. Thinking of an anchor tatoo on one arm and a celtic band tatooed around the other. Any truth in the rumour that the bands were to show how far you can push your arm up a cows bum???

I like waterbeds as well. But never ever ever get one pierced...;-)

I think I have mentioned it somewhere before but in the window of the tatooists at Whitby it says words to the effect "The difference between people with tatooes and without is that the ones with never take offence at the ones without."

Cheers

DtG

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: catspaw49
Date: 25 May 01 - 04:17 AM

Why did I know I could count on you Leej?

Spaw

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: GUEST,Joe
Date: 25 May 01 - 04:22 AM

Hello Well myself I have four tattoos and you can't see any of them when I wear a t-shirt All of them have a personal meaning to me. I could literally be covered with tattoos since my friend is a tattoo artist,but I learned after having my first tattoo covered up you really need to know what you want where you want it and why. I have no piercings and don't really care to have any. I have wanted a tattoo ever since I was 7 I got my first one at the age of 20. Tattoos are not for everyone It is a personal choice as with anything else and if you are thinking about getting one get all the facts and know for damn sure what you want and how you want it. I have also found getting other tats and trying to get them to blend together later is a pain if you don't have a plan worked out.I can also say I'M NOT A TRENDY ASSHOLE DO WHAT I WANT DO WHAT I FEEL LIKE(OFFSPRING).Hey Cat some people get tattoos to show where they've been or to reflect a little of themselves,like when sailors sail the seven seas they would pierce there ear as a symbol but all the scars you have shown what you been thru and what type of person you are(tough as nails).I do know a women who got tats though to cover up scars she recieved in a car wreck.Metchosin Well you might find this strange but I find stretch marks from giving birth to be very attractive.

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: Lyndi-loo
Date: 25 May 01 - 04:22 AM

On the bosom of sweet Abigail
Was tatooed the price of her tail
and on her behind
For the use of the blind
Was the same information in Braille

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: kendall
Date: 25 May 01 - 07:23 AM

My wife and I had a water bed, it didn't help, in fact, I called it THE DEAD SEA.

Bill, the way to avoid dissatisfied women is, make sure they are SATISFIED!

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: jeffp
Date: 25 May 01 - 09:18 AM

Two other variations on the tattooed peter joke:

Puny -> Punxsutawney

TINY -> TICONDEROGA, NY

For myself, one earring, not tattoos.

jeffp

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: Kim C
Date: 25 May 01 - 09:49 AM

Yes, pet rats and battle scars count.

My tattoos are for fun. When I want to make a statement, I write a song. :-)

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: Les from Hull
Date: 25 May 01 - 10:18 AM

I don't know how true this is but one tradition of sailors and gold earrings is supposed to relate to having enough gold available to pay for the cost of a proper funeral of the washed-up body of a drowned sailor.

Les (not tattooed or pierced at all)

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: Kim C
Date: 25 May 01 - 10:49 AM

Hey Les, I heard that, but I also heard another one... that some of the sailors, having been to the Far East, were acquainted with the principles of acupuncture. Supposedly there is a pressure point in the earlobe that when manipulated properly can ward off a headache. Thus they could sorta tug on that earring to ease the pain. I don't know.

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: Lyndi-loo
Date: 25 May 01 - 10:53 AM

I'd have thought a mere headache wouldn't have bothered them after having been flogged and keelhauled. I don't suppose acupuncture could take away the pain of that

LL (who's a great believer in the power of acupuncture)

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: Kim C
Date: 25 May 01 - 11:20 AM

The crew of the Bounty was documented as having been "heavily tatowed." I don't know about their piercings, though.

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: Les from Hull
Date: 25 May 01 - 11:26 AM

Tattooing was always a nautical thing. Coming as I do from a seaport town, I recognised that the first thing that young lads back home from their first trip to sea (either deep-sea fishing or merchant ships) was to get a tattoo.

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: Kim C
Date: 25 May 01 - 11:44 AM

There's documentation for tattoo artists in the Union Army during the Civil War. 'Course they didn't have eletric needles back then... also I read that in the mid 19-th century, tattoos were a fad among the European royals.

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: GUEST,Leprechaun
Date: 25 May 01 - 11:49 AM

I find tattoos quite useful. I can't count the number of time people have lied to me about their names, and then I figure out who they are based on their tattoos. Then off to jail they go!

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: Bill D
Date: 25 May 01 - 11:57 AM

....just reading and noting that "tattoo" must be one of the more frequently misspelled words around. I chat online with someone who HAS tattoos, and seems to have a mental block against putting in the 2nd 't'.... one interesting 'spelling checker' is a search engine. I searched on 'tattoo' and got 566,088 hits...but still got 50,136 on 'tatoo'.

(in my mind, 'tatoo' would be pronounced TAYtoo)

ok, carry on...don't mind the nit picker

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: Kim C
Date: 25 May 01 - 12:04 PM

Bad spellers of the world, UNTIE!

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: Bill D
Date: 25 May 01 - 12:18 PM

(I used to actually possess a pamphlet on population with a rubber-stamped label by the "Untied Wichita ZPG".)

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: Biskit
Date: 25 May 01 - 05:02 PM

Half Wit!!??L EJ I'd match you wit for wit anyday mate! as for my Harley Tattoo If I had to explain,...you still wouldn't understand. Peace, Biskit

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: DougR
Date: 25 May 01 - 05:17 PM

As a guy, kat, I can imagine it would be a lot of fun looking for the source of the ringing! :>)

DougR

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: katlaughing
Date: 25 May 01 - 05:34 PM

I am sure it would be, DougeR! Just the thought of it puts a big smile on my face! :->

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: Ruthie A
Date: 25 May 01 - 05:49 PM

Another story I heard about pirates and hoop earrings was that they believed they would improve their eyesight. I'm currently trying to convince my parents that a few more piercings would mean they wouldn't have to buy glasses or contact lenses for me ever again. It's not working.

Ruthie

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: Amergin
Date: 25 May 01 - 05:53 PM

let me see...i have both ears pierced...and a tattoo of a smiley face on the back of my hand...between the thumb and the forefinger....

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: GUEST,John Gray/Australia
Date: 25 May 01 - 07:57 PM

When the sailor was asked, why he married the fat, tattooed, lady he replied ; she gives me warmth in the winter, shade in the summer, and moving pictures all year round.

Back in 64 I was 16 year old sailor on a carrier that pulled into Hong Kong. Us young blokes all trooped up to Pinkies, the most famous tattoo artist in the world, to get the obligatory tattoo. Almost like a rite of passage for Australian sailors of the time. We had to wait whilst he pierced a woman's ear. We had enough beer in us to say hey - lets get an ear ring instead of a tattoo. This in a time when male piercings were unheard of. We thought we were the coolest things on the planet but our captain didn't. He was horrified to find several of his young sailors sporting ear rings. He was pretty astute though. His ruling came down that unless we could prove we had Gypsy blood in us within 48 hours we had to take them out. Well, we hadn't received any advice as to maintaining the hygiene of the piercing so in two days they were mightily infected and, as they were too painful to touch, we fronted up to the sickbay to have them removed. The doctor took one look and said; self-inflicted wound, pissoff. We ended up in the shipwright's shop with a plumber cutting out the ear rings with a pair of side cutters. Now that was a lesson that impacted on us, and I still didn't get the tattoo. All this knowledge was to no avail when the lady in my life became attracted to piercings, at the age of 48! Well Kat, the down south bells are a lot of fun and yes, the tinkling does leave some with furrowed brows.

JG/ F.M.E.

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: Hawker
Date: 25 May 01 - 09:05 PM

When I was a little girl (35 years ago) my grandma had a friend who was a very well to do indian lady. She came for tea at my grandma's house and I remember her showing me those spots they wear on their forehead and explaining all about them and what they were. She also told me about her nose peircing and that the indians believed that evil spirits entered the body at unprotected openings such as the nose and ears. This was prevented by adorning the openings with protective gemstones hence the beautiful earings and nose stud. Now some 35 years ago it was not common, unless you were of a race such as this to have nose peircings, but Oh! how I wanted to have my nose peirced! I never did, and regretted it. I did have my ears peirced as a teenager. On my 10th wedding anniversary (2 years ago) I was passing a shop which advertised doing nose peircings and I impulsively went in and had it done. I LOVE it, it took me over 30 years to get what I wanted, and though being a "grown up" I was worried what my mother would say, she just said "Oh, you've finally had it done then, when other kids wanted their ears peirced, you always wanted your nose done!"
I would advise anyone contemplating having their tongue peirced though to think hard, my sister had hers done and it cost her a lot more than the peircing! she had broken several teeth on the bar and the dental fees have been extortionate! she has now taken it out!
It is a matter of personal taste, but I am not sure that I would have a tattoo, it's too late if you change your mind, a stud can be removed
Be happy with or without adornments!
Lucy

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: kendall
Date: 26 May 01 - 01:11 AM

I saw a sign that said "Ears pierced while you wait."

AS i UNDERSTAND IT, THE ORIGIN OF THE WORD TATTOO, is,Tap toe. The act of turning the tap at closing time. It must be so, an old Scot told me.

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: katlaughing
Date: 26 May 01 - 01:53 AM

Only in the military, Kendall!**BG**

The custom of beating or playing "tattoo" as a solemn conclusion to the military day is an honored one, which grew out of humble circumstances. It began with a simple Army routine, which originated in the 17th century when British troops, then engaged in Holland, were billeted in towns and villages where local inns were the social centers for the soldiers. Military authorities, faced with the problem of calling stragglers to their quarters, sent a drummer through the streets. His beat was the signal for the innkeepers to stop the sale of beverages. The Dutch idiom was "doe den taptoe" which freely translated means "Turn off the taps." The word "taptoe" was absorbed into official documents and is now generally accepted as the origin of the word "tattoo."

HOWEVER:

Tattooing was an integral part of ancient Tahitian society. It was far more than merely a bodily ornament. Tattoos would indicate a young girl's sexual maturity, freedom from food tabus and other restrictions, genealolgy and one's rank within society. Nearly everyone in ancient Tahitian society was tattooed. The early French explorer Bougainville noted that "the women of Tahiti dye their loins and buttocks a deep blue" and Captain Cook returned from the Pacific with stories of the art of tatau (hence, the origin of the word tattoo). Shortly after the missionaries arrival the practice was strictly banned, as it was viewed it as a sinful glorification of the flesh. In recent years, however, the art of tattooing has enjoyed a renaissance. Tahitians, and other Polynesians as well, are once again taking pride and interest in their cultural heritage, finding their identity in the revival of many lost arts--including the traditional tatau.

katintotradition!:->

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: dr soul
Date: 26 May 01 - 05:42 AM

Formy 40th birthday, my wife took me to a jewler and we had one ear pierced. I'd love a tatoo - I've seen some excellent art, as Kim C suggests, BUT . . .

I have an unusual blood type (only 2-5% of us share it). When I donated blood for the first time, the blood bank asked if I would consider donating regularly - every eight weeks they tap me and draw a beaker or three. Before I'm allowed to bleed, I get two sets of 20-odd questions, one to fill out, and another verbally. One of them is:

"Have you had a tatoo or piercing?"

(By the way, another these days is, "Have you spent more than 6 months in the British Isles since 1996?" - mad cow disease phobia).

Last visit, I asked the lab tech what the problem was. He said that some tatoo artists reuse the ink by pouring what they've haven't used on client A back into the bottle. If client A has Hepatitis C, the rest of the clients are at risk, and so their blood is contaminated.

A damn shame, eh? I think we need tattoo artists to be certified by public health authorities as complying with good practices, so I could get the tattoo I want AND still donate blood.

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: Jeri
Date: 26 May 01 - 08:21 AM

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the US say there isn't enough evidence on tattooing spreading HepC. My opinion: the virus isn't even believed to spread sexually, so if it can't live in those fluids, how could it survive in ink? (So maybe the ink's made of something closer to blood than other body fluids.) Oh well - I suppose we'll hear something in a few years, but it doesn't hurt to be careful.

I've repeatedly thought about a tattoo, but never got one. I worry that I'd want to change it after a while. I'm definitely not the type to get big tattoos, but I enjoy looking at them on other people.

I have my ears peirced in the conventional way. I'm allergic to most of my earings - even the hypo-allergenic ones. Although I've thought about getting more holes in my ears, what's the point if I can't wear what I want in them? Forget the other body parts!

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: Metchosin
Date: 26 May 01 - 06:30 PM

Don't know Jeri, but as recently as two weeks ago, the CBC Radio had an interview with a Canadian medical authority who made the announcement of the link between the rapid rise in Hep C and tattoo inks, in the Canadian Prison population. They said the ink source was directly responsible and I doubt Canadian Authorities would make the announcement without research to back the claim.I would assume that the inks contain small amounts of blood contamination picked up during the process.

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: Peg
Date: 26 May 01 - 07:18 PM

I have a friend with Hep C who has a LOT of tattoos; I have another one with it who got it from a blood transfusion many years back...

Re: the ink; well, it sounds to me like it might be blood it survives in, and blood mixed in with that ink...

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: katlaughing
Date: 26 May 01 - 07:43 PM

I would hope that health board certified tattoists would be a tad more careful than your average pin & inkpen prison tattoist.

My tattooist shows me where everything is coming from and pours the ink into a small basin which she then throws away after using it on me exclusively. I don't think they'd stay in business for long if they made everyone sick.

kat

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: Amergin
Date: 26 May 01 - 07:45 PM

Exactly, Kat, folks should actually investigate the tattooists they are thinking of seeing...instead of just walking in off the street....

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From:
Date: 26 May 01 - 08:03 PM

...I got this blue tattoo up the side of my head..Mike

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: lady penelope
Date: 26 May 01 - 09:11 PM

But when do the authorities admit to haemophiliac sources being corrupt? as a non haemophiliac who gets tattooed I stand less ( much less ) of being affected by any "blood desease" going around than any dental practitioner!

I am a pagan. I do believe in personal sacrifice! But so does every inspirational speaker in the USA.

and as to actual tattoos. If you don't want to die with your tattoo proudly displayed on your body, then don't get tattooed!!!!!! If you think your design will look like crap in 10 months time then don't get it tattooed!! No ONE is making you get a tattoo. How you decorate your body is one of the last bastions of civilisation. Oh dear......

End of Rant

TTFN M'Lady P.

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: mytoycar
Date: 02 Jun 01 - 03:00 PM

well, do scars and the like count, cause Im 1 of those teenagers who cuts them selves Im not proud but I grown to have a thing for scars, tatoos and piercings (hanse my new boyfriend I think)
prew

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: leprechaun
Date: 02 Jun 01 - 08:30 PM

You want to impress somebody, hack something off. A nose, a finger, an ear, or some other appendage. Tattoos, piercings, scars, they're all for sissies, and so popular nobody is disgusted by them anymore. Yes indeed, amputation is the next logical step in the self-mutilation craze.

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: GUEST,guinnesschik
Date: 03 Jun 01 - 01:24 PM

Unfortunately, "different" types of self adornment seem to be much more accetable if you're young. *sigh* I dyed my hair purple a couple of years ago, and all hell broke loose. Parents pulled their small children out of my path; fellow musicians whispered behind hands; folks freaked out over a temporary hair color. Those with permanent makings caught less flack than I.

Sad thing is, I loved my purple hair. It made me feel giddy to see it in the mirror, and I felt very young and exciting.

Blessings on you if you do what you want with personal decoration, be it piercings, tattoes, of hair color. Purple hair made my public life a living hell, and when I complaine dabout it, a friend said, "You knew what you were getting in to."

Life's too short, do what you want. I just have to be a platinum blonde now.

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: mytoycar
Date: 03 Jun 01 - 01:35 PM

WHY? my mother mrs duck is in mid forties and has in the past year has bleached and dyed her hair purple and green and no one comlained, I am only 17 and had my hair so that one side was pink the other green abit like a punk cruella devil and that was when hell broke lose so if you want a tatoo or just to dye your hair its you desicion and no one can stop you, as long as its within reason.
And to mr leprechaun lit me tell you some thing from some one who suffers from self-mutilation as a way out, ampitation is not a good thing, so when youve had your hand taken off and cant hold a new born baby to apprechiate its wonder HA!!!! that shows how much we care about our bodies, Tatooing and peircing adds to its glory cuting bits off is an arrogant way of expression at least with tatoos and piercings you can have them removed from you you cant replace a finger or a nose!

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: Kim C
Date: 04 Jun 01 - 01:21 PM

Around here, people who stick things in you have to be licensed by the health department.

Guinnesschik, maybe people reacted badly to your purple hair because you weren't confident enough about it. If it's what you really want - and let's face it, unusual hair colors don't hurt anybody - go out there and DO IT and be PROUD of it and don't WORRY about what everyone else thinks.

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: guinnesschik
Date: 04 Jun 01 - 02:59 PM

Actually, confidence is no problem. I've long been a self proclaimed weirdo (too poor to be eccentric). My point was that I raised more eyebrows than folks who have undergone permanent modification. Maybe it's just because the Dallas area is a little stodgier than the rest of the nation, or maybe people were just jealous of the fact that I was having more fun than should be legal. Whatever the reason, it became a real problem, more with Himself than me. (He hated all the comments and sideways glances.)

Oh, well, I love being blonde, too, and temporary hair colors are getting better....

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: Kim C
Date: 04 Jun 01 - 03:25 PM

Dallas is stodgy? Heck, come to Nashville. There's plenty of people around here with unusual hair.

(maybe if you had styled it in the shape of a Stetson....... ;-D)

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 07 Jun 01 - 06:09 PM

Early forties actually and noone in this house ever had hair pink and green and no hell ever broke loose but hey if its attention you want........

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: mytoycar
Date: 08 Jun 01 - 03:13 AM

Yes they did for a short while but then you wouldnt notice if I left to day or maybe next week, And I did get stick for it not from you cause what was it you said oh yes 'I object about you' basically we all know that you hate me!

And says the attention seeking woman who well we wont go in to what YOU'D do for attention!!

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: alison
Date: 08 Jun 01 - 04:08 AM

prew, there is a time and a place for fighting the bit out with your mum, (and believe me I've been there... done that)..... but doing it on an internet forum isn't the way to sort it out.......

slainte

alison

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: Amergin
Date: 04 Jul 02 - 09:02 PM

I just got my right fore arm tattooed...the other day.....a serpent going around the arm....with the tail in the serpents mouth....the ouroboros...

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: NobleSavage
Date: 04 Jul 02 - 10:43 PM

I have the Serpent Mound tattooed on my left upper arm, another Mound Builder design on most of my forearm, and a tattoo-friendly-adaption of the belt buckle from Sutton Hoo on my right forearm They are all in full color.

They are all works of art and I am very glad to have them--they were done by one of the old-timers of the craft and are a testimony to his skill. They look better to me every day.

NS

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: Hrothgar
Date: 05 Jul 02 - 05:40 AM

Very exhausting, being tattooed, so they tell me.

That's why people who have it done look a bit drawn.

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 05 Jul 02 - 08:39 AM

I've got a sun on my left shoulder and a moon on my right shoulder. They didnt hurt when they were done.....it was just like pins and needles!!!! I want a third tattoo at the bottom of my back but I've heard that definately hurts!

I wear five earings and I used to have my belly button pierced but I lost it in a drunken state at the Yorkshire Gathering this year!!!!!

Having lots of fun

Cat

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: Mr Happy
Date: 05 Jul 02 - 11:04 AM

you lost your belly button??

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: Bullfrog Jones
Date: 05 Jul 02 - 11:37 AM

I've had a pierced ear since the seventies when I used to wear a bluebird (of happiness) -- these days it's just a plain silver ring. I always used to say that I'd never get tattooed in case I regretted it when I got old. Then I realized that I *am* old! I'd mentioned it to the Beloved (who has a bird on her buttock) and told her what I'd have if I decided to get a tattoo done, then promptly forgot all about it. Come my birthday 2 years ago, she whisked me away for a weekend trip to Wales (the land of my father and mother), where we stayed at a lovely old hotel called The Dragon in Montgomery. Then she took me to a tattoo parlour she'd researched and told me that she'd pay for my tattoo. Which is,of course a Welsh dragon over my heart!

BJ

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: mack/misophist
Date: 05 Jul 02 - 02:09 PM

I have seen some wonderful tattoos and in a way, it breaks my heart. I don't think art should be made in order to deteriorate. That's what happens when a young person gets a wonderful tattoo. Look at the old codger's arms, where the lines have thickened and blurred and the design can no longer be seen. Some day that will happen to your beautiful phoenix and the golden carp curled round your shoulder. Wait. develope your taste. Work on your designs. Get it done when you're 40.

Piercings: Some are ok. Some aren't. That's your business. But the one through the bridge of the nose IS INSANE!!!!!!!!!!! At least one person I've read about has died from infection. The upper nasal passages are a highway into the brain. Don't do it.

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 05 Jul 02 - 02:53 PM

No Mr Happy I didn't lose my belly button I lost the bar that went through the top of my belly button!

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: C-flat
Date: 05 Jul 02 - 06:06 PM

The nearest thing I've got to piercings are a pair of cuff-links!:-)

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: lady penelope
Date: 06 Jul 02 - 10:07 AM

Dyes are now far better than those of twenty years ago. They last longer ( fade less ) and 'spread' less ( are less liable to look like your mascarra's run ). You still have to look after your tattoo but sunblocks are now more effective ( the main cause of 'spread' is direct sunlight ) and you can show your tat. off with impunity.

Here's a thought. The more blue in a dye (blues and blacks for example ) , the more likely they are to fade and spread. If you have a tattoo that has little or no blue or black it will 'age' far more elegantly.

The less fat or muscle there is between your skin and a bony area of your body, the more painfull it will be to get that area tattooed. However this does not apply to your calf muscles. Because of the large blood supply that goes through you calves there are far more nerve endings ( to control blood circulation, heat loss etc. ) , which makes it one of the most sensitive areas on you body. Just ask Parker, who got a beautiful tribal flame tattoo on his left calf. It took three goes to complete it and that was with a topical anesthetic!

TTFN M'Lady P.

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: mack/misophist
Date: 06 Jul 02 - 12:10 PM

thanks milady

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: JeZeBeL
Date: 06 Jul 02 - 03:27 PM

Hello everyone...I've finally made it back to the forum.

Piercings hmmm? I used to have about 25 piercings when I was at university...some of which my parents never knew about. I still have 8 holes in my ears...6 in the lobes, one in the cartlidge at the top and my tragus. I have just recently had one of the holes put back in my belly button...Bearing in mind I used to have 4!! I took all my piercings out when I left uni as I wanted a job. I kept the nose piercings but unfortunatly that became a problem when rapper dancing and it got ripped out. Ouch!!

I would like to get some more interesting holes in my ears again...but we will have to see depending on what job I get. I want a tattoo. I have alsways wanted a star or flower on my ankle, but I don't know how much that would hurt. I'm not a wuss!! I am still undecided as to what tattoo to get, but when I find the right one i will get it done.

Jez xx

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: GUEST
Date: 08 Nov 02 - 12:48 AM

i like chains connecting

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: GUEST,vectis
Date: 08 Nov 02 - 12:27 PM

I'm definately considering treating myself to one now I'm 50.
A tattoo, that is.
I fancy a dragon, done in sepia, round my bicep.

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: Glade
Date: 13 Nov 02 - 04:54 PM

On the back of my right hand I have a pattern of Celtic knots in blue and yellow. My mother thought I was left-handed so she and my aunties inked them into my right(turns out I'm ambidex). Great-grandparents, grandparents, great-uncles & -aunts and all their friends had have tattoos so it's something trad. Faces, hands, wrists, collarbones, ankles seemed to be favourite sites. Chains and knots; stylized animals, birds, snakes; delicate freestyle flowers were the artworks of choice with blue, gold, and silver predominating colours interspersed with red and green. The tattoos are holding up well, then so are my old folks. It's phased out a bit. I was at the tail-end of the last generation that had tattoos as a matter of course. My younger sister and cousins have gotten a wider variety of tattoos and sites as young adults and sometimes with modern technology. Both my ears are pierced once in each lobe just like all my female relatives. The men usually have only one ear pierced any-old-where but usually the lobe. Some of the GenY'ers have multiple piercings and are musing about further ones. I can't see the attraction myself.

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 13 Nov 02 - 06:57 PM

Just one thing to say. Ouch.

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: Jeri
Date: 13 Nov 02 - 08:09 PM

Glade, did your mom and aunties actually do the tattooing?

I don't know that I ever would have gotten more than my ears pierced. (Just one hole per) I'm allergic to almost everything they make earrings out of and I wish they'd invent plastic wires. I have loads of earrings I love but can't wear anymore. Anyway, piercing's are out.

I've been thinking of getting a tattoo for ages. I can't decide what or where, though. I want it somewhere that can either show or not depending on my mood. Maybe an ankle or wrist. I don't like people tattoos and animals can come out pretty strange looking. (Hey Spay, maybe I ought to go for dragonflies on my hooters, eh?) I like patterns though. I like Celtic knotwork and ivy. I really wish someone could do a scattering of fall leaves, though, with all the different colors and shadings. It would probably be too complicated.

I haven't decided on anything because I'm afraid I'll get tired of it and be stuck with it for life. I have scars though. I'm stuck with those, but I didn't get any of them on purpose.

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: Kim C
Date: 14 Nov 02 - 12:09 PM

Jeri, I think someone does make silicone wires for earrings. And don't think a tattoo is too complicated - there are some fabulous artists out there doing some absolutely phenomenal work. Next time you're at a bookstore, flip through some of the tattoo magazines. A picture I recently saw, was a full-back tattoo of the Hermit from the tarot deck, overlooking a city. Pretty incredible.

I'm hoping to get an old tattoo refreshed after Christmas, if I have a little money. :-)

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: rock chick
Date: 14 Nov 02 - 12:23 PM

I would liketo have a tattoo on my rear end but haven't got down! to it yet, at the moment i have BRIGHT red hair, this i can chage when i get fed up with it, it's good to be / do what ever you want. My daughter had two tattoos one i like the other NO she also has her tonge pierced, me i wouldn't go that far.

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: lady penelope
Date: 14 Nov 02 - 03:05 PM

Jeri, if you want to be able to cover your tattoo depending on your mood, your wrist is not necessarily the place to put it. Come summer you may find it a bind to wear long sleeves or odd looking sweat bands. Wrists and ankles are often very painful to tattoo, so bear that in mind.

If you're not sure about what you want done then I would say you deffinitely haven't "found your mark". A good way to find out what's possible, though, is to look through a few different tattoo mags ( if there's one near and not too dear - a tattoo convention! ).
You can visit tattoo arstists studios, all of them will have standard patterns/pictures ( called "flash" ) up on the walls. Most of them will also have an album ( or in some cases lots of albums ) of photographs of tattoos they have done. This is the best way to get an idea of how a tattoo artist performs.

When you find an artist who's style you like, you don't have to get a standard piece. Only two of my four tattoos are from standard flash and even they had changes made to them to meet my wants. Most artists are happy to do commisions ( this does not necessarily means the tattoo will be any more expensive, depending on what you want of course! ) and many of the best tattoos I've seen have been the simplest.

But the main idea is - if you can imagine it you will be able to find someone to tattoo it!

Happy Hunting!

TTFN M'Lady P.

Subject: RE: Sorta BS: Tattoos & Piercings
From: Glade
Date: 14 Nov 02 - 04:05 PM

Yes, Jeri, my mother and aunties did the tattooing. They also tattooed my oldest son. My other children haven't wanted any (yet).
Glade