I posted a little in Introductions, but I thought I’d post more pics and some of the “story” behind the tattoo here.

First pics of the day I got it, a little over 2 weeks ago.

And the finished tattoo, picture taken by the artist:

This was one week later: (excuse my crappy pictures)

This was today, so 2 weeks and 3 days later:

I originally toyed with the idea of getting a tiny tattoo to cover a scar I had on my shoulder from a mole-type removal. I never had a great idea for a tattoo though, so I didn’t pursue it too much. Within the past 6 months, my husband had also been talking about a tattoo, so because we were talking about it more, I thought more about what I’d be happy with if it was going to be on my body for life. I used to be anti-tattoo, btw. So for me to even highly consider this type of thing was crazy. Then one day it hit me, get a red-winged blackbird. There are a lot of reasons; it’s kinda like an onion of reasons. There is the simple reason, such as they remind me of my Grandma (passed away 11 years ago). She always used to point them out like they were a big deal, like seeing a bald eagle on the side of the road. The deeper reason would be that seeing the bird makes me remember life when it was simple, when I wasn’t complicated, when I had less baggage, etc. It’s like a pure, sweet memory. Anyway, I’ve read enough on here to know that some people get tattoos for a deep significant meaning, and others like like something and want it on them. That’s cool, either way. For me, I needed something with meaning or it never would have happened.

We asked around for recommendations and settled on the Ink Factory in Hudson, WI. The artist told me that to get the detail that I wanted, it couldn’t be a tiny tattoo. I was fine with it as long as I could cover it with a short-sleeved shirt. I want it visible, but there may be an occasion where it should be covered, I figured. I’m 30 and not planning on a career where it would be an issue (I’m a stay-at-home, homeschooling mom of 4 right now!), but you never know (I said to myself).

My husband also got a tattoo that day, too.

He has plans for more work on this shoulder. I said I was done after this one, but it was only a few days and I had drawn up the design for the next one. I may be asking for placement advice on that one!

Sorry it was so wordy. I don’t really have an outlet IRL to share this kind of stuff, so I figured since I’m pretty good at joining forums, I’d try this one!