Well, our girl has been determined to get a tattoo for about four years now (maybe more, who knows). Our standard answer was always “when you’re eighteen.” Because that is the age that you no longer need parental permission.
She turned 18 in October. We thought she’d run right out and do it right away, but she’s been taking her time, contemplating design, meaning, placement.
We got the call yesterday. “I did it!”
It’s a chrysanthemum on her leg, which is what my mother’s name (Kikuko) means in Japanese. It also stands for determination, which this girl embodies. So it’s a perfect symbol.
A few people have asked me if I’m freaked out. No, I’m not. If she had a drug or alcohol problem, that would freak me out. Or if she was clinically depressed or had a serious illness or injury. Those things would freak me out. But a tattoo in honor of her grandmother? No, not at all.
December 8, 2008 at 8:43 am
mucho cool. love it. i assume this is her leg? hard to tell. love the symbolism, the colors, the determination.
(I have three small tats all symbols of strength…and I want two more. caution: they can be addicting)
and what a cool mom you are (and I completely agree) with your thoughts on the subject.
i figure I can never ever tell my sons they cannot get tattooed, or do crazy hair things, or even get pierced since I stare back at them with a pierced nose, tattoos and a crazy hair.
like you, if they are good kids, doing well, in school, etc, i dont care. i believe in self expression and for many, our body is our best canvas.
congrats to her.
December 8, 2008 at 8:58 am
It’s a cool tat, made more so by its meaning. Like Suz, I have three tats and I am planning on my fourth to celebrate making it to 40. And I think they are waaaaay addicting!!
December 8, 2008 at 10:35 am
That’s a pretty one! I wonder if she will have to have it “refreshed” once in a while to keep it looking crisp.
Of all the ways you could abuse your body, tattoos are pretty benign.
December 8, 2008 at 10:39 am
M pierced her nose when she turned 18, but has held off on getting “inked.” She has three very cool ones planned, all meaningful and lovely, so when she does get them I think I’ll feel like you about them. This one’s lovely, btw!
December 8, 2008 at 7:44 pm
I’ve been thinking about getting a tattoo ever since Pact camp. I would like one that represents family connections. I think your daughter’s choice is wonderful!
Your post reminded me of the children’s book entitled Chrysanthemum. It is about a young mouse and her classmates who make fun of her name. Chrysanthemum, the mouse character, shows determination as she takes pride in her long name. Now, I get the connection. The author also wrote a delightful book called Sheila Rae the Brave. My youngest loved this book and I read it over and over to him. Here is a link to the first book… http://www.kevinhenkes.com/mouse/02.asp
December 8, 2008 at 9:07 pm
I, college daughter, love my tattoo more and more as it seeps into me forevaaa!!! I am currently icing it with a bag of fresh Wisconsin snow because it feels like spikey spiders are crawling around poking me. Lovely, right?
While the tattoo was not inspired by the childrens book about a mouse, I did indeed read it, and enjoy it and did not mind making the connection before I got the tattoo.
It was a big one for my first tattoo, 3 hours and 45 minutes, but I am so proud of the artist and myself. AND shout out to nana!
December 9, 2008 at 9:54 am
It’s beautiful. She’s quite the thoughtful young woman.
December 10, 2008 at 2:21 pm
Beautiful + meaningful = a perfect tatt
December 11, 2008 at 4:45 pm
I just think that is so incredibly, incredibly cool. What a wonderful daughter you have.
December 11, 2008 at 8:10 pm
I’ll never be brave enough, but, as a prickly Scot,I’d love to have a thistle tattoed on my upper arm, with the slogan, “Wha daur meddle wi me?”
The chrysanthemum is beautiful and I hope the spikey spiders go away soon and leave the bonnie flower in peace.
December 15, 2008 at 9:16 pm
1. I LOVE the tattoo.
2. I think you have an Uber Amazing Blog:
http://justenjoyhim.wordpress.com/2008/12/16/uber-amazing-blogs/
