Monthly Archives: September 2013

Today is one of those days. Through our lives we have special occasions we remember with a smile. Then there are days we remember with sadness in our hearts. Today is a day we may all remember exactly where we were when this occasion happened because it was not on just a personal level…but on a nation level.

Some of us remember exactly where we were when JFK was assassinated – I was coming out of gym class in 7^th grade, in the locker room getting ready for my next class. And today…so many years ago, though it may feel like yesterday, I was standing at my vanity with a brush in one hand and my hairdryer in the other. I was getting ready for work, just like millions of others were. The stunned feeling of realizing it was not a news prank, but unfortunately breaking news still radiates unbelief in my soul as grief, sadness, and anger pour within me…how could this have happened.

I hope for all of us it was a moment in time we won’t forget…the lives lost, the lives changed forever, the bravery of our fellow citizens, firemen, and policemen. The truth of who in our White House knew this could happen must live with their knowledge and lack of action forever. Those who allowed those men to be trained as pilots must live with that regret as well. Saying “we had our eye on them” means nothing to any of those affected and living with daily grief.

The theories and speculations will go on forever, but it will do no good to anyone. What is done is done. Forgiveness may be given, but the details never forgotten. People say if you forgive you have forgotten. Not so, I forgive many people but I remember everything…words, actions, occasions. Because if we forget, what have we learned…nothing. We need to keep our boundaries guarded, we need to get the illegal immigrants back to their own country and stop being such a pushover country. Let them do it the right way. We need our governing body to protect our countrymen today, tomorrow and forever. They say they are doing their best to watch over possible terrorists but more needs to be done than “watching”…because if you close your eyes, that watching turns into nothing more than an apology later because those terrorists you were watching have taken our lives in their hands and are sitting back laughing at our generosity, kindness and naïve nature.

Here we are, again, talking about another country, Syria, to flood money, time, troops and other strategies, when what we need to be doing is taking care of our own backyard. I don’t care if that is not being “politically correct”. I don’t care if I’m being too callous for others to hear because I say what others don’t out of fear they may get berated for being unkind. It’s a balance act, and we are way out of balance. I know many people that have come to the U.S. through proper means and are proud Americans now. We can all recognize how, as countrymen, we have pulled together in more tragedies than we care to think about…from 9/11 to Hurricane Sandy…we are strong, kind, loving and generous. Nothing can stop us, so how about if we let our government know we voted them in office because we trusted them to keep our country safe so we could focus on each other. Not to worry about how good they look to the world by helping every other country when the focus should be on our own…our hungry children, our homeless, those in foreclosure, those who are ill, physically or mentally, with no medical insurance or other needed resources. Maybe funds could go into helping our unhappy teens that live in gang life because they are such lost little souls that anger keeps them from crying. Yes there are many sides to every story, this was just the tip of the iceberg and I’m sure I am misguided in some areas…but these words were fighting to get out of me so here they are.

This list goes on with the changes we need to see right here in our own backyard. As a civilian I am not privy to all the information the government has, their plans or any other pertinent data. All I can offer today is a prayer…a prayer for change to our country, knowledge to those in power and peace to the souls of those in sorrow.

You may wonder what I have to say about tattoos that would be of any interest. And to you, it may not be…it’s speculative truthfully, so you can stop here if you wish.

Someone recently asked what prompted the tattoos I adorn. Their thinking was that people get tattoos because someone else influenced them. That it is a fade among some and they will regret it later. The reality is I like Merlin (the magician) and I like flowers…so why not. I have other tattoos I’d like to get…a dragonfly and a memorial to my son that passed when he was an infant, but the truth be known I’m not as young as I once was and I might not heal as well…old skin and all that. Also because my husband is not a big fan of tattoos so why go there…right?

I wonder why there is such a stigma carried with tattoos, usually among my generation and older. It has been expressed that only hooligans get tattoos. Trailer trash, rebellious people with no sense of class, bikers or simply poor white trash. I’d like to see if I could shed a different view on these thoughts if you will indulge me for a moment. Let’s start with women who don’t hesitate to “put their face on” every morning. It’s a ritual of painting colors that enhance and accentuate. Some of us color our hair to hide the gray and look years younger, or maybe to highlight the color we have. Men, you too are a part of this discussion…you color your hair, change your facial hair with mustaches, beards and yes, you too pierce your ears. We dress each day to please ourselves and hopefully please others. Not everyone chooses to carry out appearance the way “society” expects…I’m not only referring to baggie pants – they are a story of their own and not one I know, I’m simply referring to the less conservative styles we see daily. There are those that go to tanning salons or lay out in the sun to get as dark as they possibly can…yes, that too is changing the color of your skin, just not in one spot…it’s all over you. We pierce our ears (a form of mutilation…right?) but instead of being degraded for it, we are encouraged with all the beautiful earrings available to purchase…come on ladies, you know you are glad it’s accepted, the clip-on style earrings hurt…a lot. But why would you want something on your skin you have to live with everyday for the rest of your life…I’ve been asked and I answer, because I can, and familiar makes me comfortable. The point is I love tattoos and I support artists. It is an interesting process and anyone who is talented enough to freehand beautiful pictures is all right in my book. I appreciate the gift they have and I’m honored to wear their work.

The history of tattoos began over 5000 years ago and is as diverse as the people who wear them. In case you are interested in reading further, here is a website that can explain in more detail…   http://www.designboom.com/history/tattoo_history.html

I can always tell a tat lover because they will come up and say “nice tat” or “where did you get your tattoos done” – some people have asked if it hurt, of which I tell them yes, it hurt a lot. There are people that have told me they want to get one but are too afraid of needles, wouldn’t know what to get or they don’t think they can endure the pain. I let them know I appreciate their honesty and suggest they start with a henna tattoo.

I watched a talk show once…so long ago now I can’t remember the name but they were discussing tattoos. The host asked the audience how many people had a tattoo – visible or not – and about 80% of the people raised their hands. There were people from all walks of life – from housewives and firemen to bank executives and doctors. Yes, some were required to cover them during their working hours, but they chose to have them regardless.

I’ve been told our body belongs to God and we are not allowed to “mutilate” it in any way…that marking your body is a sign of the devil. Really…you are going to go there when all the tribes that have practiced tattooing for centuries are God’s children too? It doesn’t mean they worship the devil; simply that it is their culture. Who has the right to approve or disapprove what other cultures do. Some say it’s because they don’t know God and don’t understand his teachings…no doubt those people are probably planning a mission trip right now to set them straight. Think what you want, it’s okay by me; we are all individuals. I’m taught if a child molester or murderer asks God for forgiveness for their sins, he will forgive them and off to heaven they go…that said, I think God will forgive those of us that like our skin decorated.

So if you are a tattoo adorner, wear them with pride. If you are thinking about getting one, I hope you go for it…the pain doesn’t last forever. If you still oppose or look down on those of us that have them…so be it.

No matter how you express your individuality, embrace it, love it and have fun.