I finally did it. Yes, I got my second tattoo. It’s a year late, but that’s okay. You see, my first one I got in honor of my 50th birthday. The second was to celebrate turning 65. But for several reasons, it took a year. It was worth the wait. Thanks to Brey at burntmoth.ink for making it happen.
I’m very excited about my tattoo. It is nothing complicated, just a floral armband that took her less than an hour to do, but it is perfect! And that’s all that is important. I’m the one who has to look at it every day. Tattoos are personal. They are forever. Unless you want to go to great lengths to have it removed or “renovated.” They tell a story and usually have a special significance in someone’s life.
We know that the art of tattooing has been around for thousands of years. Some were used as medical treatments. Some were used to label people as criminals or prisoners of war. They were used to identify people.
In the early 1990s, researchers discovered the mummified remains of Otzi the Iceman in the Otzal Alps of Europe. He sported more than 60 tattoos that dated back to between 3370 BC and 3100 BC. I have trouble comprehending how long ago that was, but it was a long time!
When I was growing up, tattoos were thought to belong to a certain segment of society, namely sailors, gang members, bikers, or people who spent a drunken night on the Vegas Strip. In the early 2000s, tattoos started to become more mainstream. Even then, people were told to wear long sleeves when on the job or to get one only in a place not visible to the public. Just in case. Nowadays, tattoos are seen for what they are: a work of art. Some are colourful, some are black. Small, huge, hidden, visible. It does not matter.
A survey conducted a year or so ago by Narrative Research discovered that about one-third of Canadians have at least one tattoo. Funny enough, those living in the prairie provinces are more likely to have a tattoo. That’s cool! I live in a prairie province. Millennials and Gen X are more likely to have tattoos than Gen Z or Boomers. Boomers are the least likely to have a tattoo. And I was surprised to learn that women are usually more likely than men to have a tattoo.
Baby Boomers, or Generation Joneses such as I, are catching up. It is becoming more acceptable for us older folks to have a tattoo. Are you thinking of getting one? Why not? There is no age limit. You are not too old to get your first tattoo. You are not too old to get your eighth tattoo!
Whether it’s your first or it has been a few decades since you got inked, there are a couple of things to mull over now that you’re older. For example, location. Thanks to the loss of collagen, older skin tends to be a bit thinner. So, consider getting something on the shoulder, back, forearm, or outer thigh. Mine are both on my forearm. You should talk to your doctor about complications with any medications you are on, especially blood thinners. Remember that as our skin ages, it gets thinner and takes longer to heal. It may be wise to choose an uncomplicated design with thicker lines. Or book several appointments if you want something more detailed. That’s something that your tattoo artist can discuss with you.
And then there’s the aftercare. Yikes! So much info. I’m lucky because I have two kids close by who have many tattoos and don’t hesitate to tell me what to do. My biggest problem is that you must keep your new tattoo out of the sun for two to three weeks. Then, if it has healed properly, you can apply sunscreen. A tattoo is like a wound. Your skin has been pierced. You need to take care so infection doesn’t set in. Anyway, it is July, and in my neck-of-the-woods there is finally some sun. I sure don’t want to hide inside for a couple of weeks, and I’m not going to wear long sleeves. So, what do I do to protect my tattoo, especially while I’m on the pickleball court? After searching and searching unsuccessfully for a suitable armband, my friend Dawn suggested I cut the toes off a thin sock and wear that on my arm. Genius! It works!
Tattoos are so much more creative now compared to the days of “I love you” in a gaudy red heart. They are an expression of our dreams, a tribute to loved ones (two- or four-legged), or a commemoration of a special event. Heck, they may be just a whimsical image you found somewhere. It doesn’t matter. What does matter is that when you look at it, you feel good.
If you are thinking of getting a tattoo, make sure to keep in mind how long you can sit at one time. You sure don’t want to get the jitters when your artist is working on you. Anyone who can sit for several hours while someone pierces their skin with a needle gets props from me. Yikes! For me, the hardest part was getting up onto the bed. And then I almost fell asleep at the end. Just a few more minutes and it would have been lights out. If you have something in mind, find an artist and talk to them. They want your tattoo to be an enjoyable experience for you. After all, you are their resume!
I’m already thinking about what I want next. Who knows? Maybe I’ll get my whole arm done. A sleeve. LOL. I won’t wait 15 years for the next one! And I will have it done in the winter.
Interesting Reads & Things
https://koolsvilletattoolv.com/the-role-of-tattoos-in-pop-culture-movies-music-and-more/
Wanderings Art 