That time I got a tattoo...but I was on a blogging break; so you don't know about it

Let me back up about 14 years or so ago...

When my sister went to college...her first independent "I'm 18 and can do what I want" decision was to get a tattoo.

My mother was less than thrilled about it.  My sister didn't try to hide the tattoo or didn't even keep it from them...but nonetheless, I know my mother was not happy.  Not sure about dad...he probably was in the same camp, though.

Since then, she has added 2 more to her "collection", if you will - one that she & her hubby got together and her kids' initials on her foot.

I'm not sure when my personal desire to get a tattoo kicked in...but I would have to say that it may have started back when I was in grade school...when I went to a certain camp...a church camp no less...and learned this song:

I've got a daisy on my toe
It is not real, it does not grow
It's just a tattoo of a flower
So I look good taking a shower
It's on the second toe of my left foot
It has no stem, it has no root {cause that wouldn't look good}
I've got a daisy on my toe
My right foot loves my left foot so {kissy sound}

Several years ago, my BFF and I started talking about getting a daisy on our toe...on  the second toe of our left foot.  We've gone back and forth on the issue...should Christians have tattoos...we've researched it...we've looked in the Bible...discussed the pain factor, many, many times...we did our due dilligence and then decided (well, I did anyway) that it was Ok. And she is OK with it too - especially once her uncle, a Methodist minister, showed up with one. ;)

So, we started talking to different people about what...where...we looked at pix online...this that & the other.  And somewhere in the midst of all that, I started thinking about this necklace that I own.  My parents gave me the necklace several years ago...it's a heart shape with a Jesus fish and cross in the center.  It's one of my favorite necklaces - it's unique.  I've never seen another like it. And I thought, "Hey! That'd be a great tattoo".

Last year I had pretty much decided I was going to get that tattoo for my 35th birthday in June...and then came to a screeching halt when I found out that you couldn't swim for at least 2 weeks.  So, I put the whole thing off until September.

And Labor Day weekend of 2011, this is what I did...

Of all the things I could've gotten, I thought this was the best choice.  I love it.  And it's unique...the artist looked for something to "go by" other than my necklace when he was trying to draw it up...but he couldn't find anything.

So, there you have it...just call me "Girl With the Heart/Cross/Jesus Fish Tattoo". :)

And just so you know...my mom & dad have come to terms with their tattooed children (and son by law) and are OK with it.  I don't think they are going to join the tattooed world anytime soon, but they are OK with us having them.