I’m not sure when I decided I wanted a tattoo, but once I did that’s all I could think about.
Months were spent perusing websites and library books looking for just the right design. I knew I wanted something Celtic, a nod to my heritage. Each element was significant, as were each color. (And no, I’m not telling what they mean.)
When I got that first tattoo, I was still a little ambivalent about getting permanent ink so it was small… about the size of a silver dollar.
I loved it, and the Mister, who was a lot ambivalent about me getting inked, liked it. I also knew, even before I got home, I wanted another one.
That was 12 years ago…
This time I took my daughter to photograph my adventure. She as only ten the last time, highly inappropriate to take an adolescent into a tattoo parlor.
I did my research again, piecing together something that would be equally meaningful to me.
There was a quote I wanted to incorporate, one that has always been significant, especially these last couple of years.
“What does not kill me, makes me stronger.” ~ Friedrich Nietzsche
I wanted to keep with the Celtic theme and had that quote translated into Gaelic.
“An rud nach maraíonn mé, neartaíonn sé mé”
(If you are fluent in Gaelic, and I got this wrong somehow, please keep it to yourself…. kaithnx)
To get this to fit around the existing tat, the artist I was working with recommended we enlarge it so the font fit better and still be legible. He also touched up the color on my old tat so it blended in better with the new section.
I was fine with that…
The staff and tattoo artist I worked with were awesome. They listened to what I wanted and made it happen. I could not be happier with the results.
Thin spiral notebook 
Like the tattoo and the quote that goes with it. What does my bro think about it (not that it really matters LOL)?
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SO love it!
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WOW! I am in awe of your rockstar-ness, that is one awesome tattoo and I’d totally get one, if I weren’t such a wimp about needles and stuff that, you know, hurt. Good on you, my friend!!!
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Beautiful!
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You have WAY more courage than I do. But I like what you’ve done.
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Beautiful! Awesome how you incorporated the smaller previous one into the new one. Love the saying. I do not have any tattoos, and though I have given it some thought, I have pretty much decided against it (biggest thing is my fear and aversion to needles!) My 2nd daughter has several and they all have significant meaning. My youngest daughter, the 18 year old is planning hers out. I told her I would not pay for it, so she is patiently saving and planning!
Bernice
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OMG I love it! What does the Mister think?
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It looks terrific. I like the size and detail. I have 7 tattoos. Maybe the one you get Bobina and I will be with you. Taking your daughter was perfect.
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It’s beautiful! I really like it.
I am constantly planning tattoos in my head. Currently, one to represent my kids, and one to represent my best friend of over 23 years.
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It looks amazing! I am itching for my next tattoo as well. I know exactly what I want, I just need to find the time to go!
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