2Tat or Not 2Tat - I'm Still Kicking! - ghostriter's Blog - Bakersfield.com

Mar 13, 2009 at 07:03 AM : I just don't get...

I just don't get it. Tatoos just look so trashy (to me). Why would anyone want to destroy their beauthiful bodies with a nasty ink stain?

To each their own, I guess.

Mar 13, 2009 at 07:03 AM : One more time...

One more time I'll say that I'm not putting anything on my body that I can't take off if I change my mind.

Mar 13, 2009 at 08:03 AM : Pretty nice....

Pretty nice. I have seen that place, I drive by there all the time. How were thier prices? Fairly decent? I've been thinking of getting my first one and after getting sticker shock in Vegas last weekend, I am just curious.

Mar 13, 2009 at 08:03 AM : I agree with witbee...

I agree with witbee and Nancy, I've never liked the looks of tats and have, in fact, turned down mutiple offers of free ink.

My 19 yo nephew has ink on the brain and comes proudly displaying each new piece, seeking my opinion. I have stated time and time again that I'm not impressed and if he MUST continue, to try and keep them where they can be covered with a shirt. He is bewildered that I made it through 4 years in the Marines and didn't get a single tat.

I nearly got one about 20 years ago. I even had it narrowed down to two choices, the Maui & Sons shark logo with a pair of RayBans to be placed on my bicep (Thank GOD I didn't do that one) and a lawnmower on my chest (in which I would need to shave a patch of chest hair off regularly) which I STILL think is funny.

I may relent and get the Dodgers logo on my arm if they ever win the World Sderies again, but for now, I remain a blank canvas.

Mar 13, 2009 at 08:03 AM : I'm still...

I'm still fantasizing about getting my second tattoo. I know almost exactly what I want and where I want it, just have to get around to actually getting it done. I may need to check this place out.

Mar 13, 2009 at 08:03 AM : I have 4 my...

I have 4 my favorite is the black widow on my arm. But I made sure they can be covered up. What I don't understand is the women that get full sleeved or people who get them on their neck and face! That's over the top to me. it will look hideous when they are in their 80's.

Mar 13, 2009 at 09:03 AM : Tattoos were really...

Tattoos were really cool during my early 20s, in the middle of the grunge era. So were piercings. Nearly everyone I knew had nose rings, tongue studs, "tribal" tattoos, etc. I just never did. Mainly for the same reason Nancy cited: permanency is too permanent for me.

Not to mention I have enough "beauty marks" (which other people call blemishes) as it is.

Now if they had "plastic surgery parlors" in town, it might be a different story.

Mar 13, 2009 at 09:03 AM : Too funny Cat! I agree...

Too funny Cat! I agree with you on the permanence. Tastes change...the only thing that HASN'T changed about me in the last 25 years is my sense of humor and my love of the Dodgers (43 of my soon to be 47 years)

spamcode--WIFFS, one letter away from a strikeout!

Mar 13, 2009 at 09:03 AM : I only have one...

I only have one currently, and it is a memorial for my youngest boy who is now gone. I know for a fact that I will never regret it. The one I want later is along the same lines, but it will be for all my kids. Neither are as big as Alex's. My advice is to never put someone's name on your skin unless it is one of your kids' name. Think through every tatt idea you have, VERY thoroughly. It took me two years to decide on one, and Alex took about the same time.

Mar 13, 2009 at 09:03 AM : My nephew's...

My nephew's largest is his son's hand and footprints with his DOB and name in the middle of his back. It's nice but if he has more kids, he's out of room!!

Mar 13, 2009 at 10:03 AM : I love...

I love them! I would be covered from head to toe if I were a touch more crazy :0)

Dwayne Johnsons tattoo is to die for! Or maybe it's just because it is on him! Mmm cute!

http://www.mostbeautifulman.com/athletes/dwaynejohnson/bio.shtml

Mar 13, 2009 at 10:03 AM : Who's Dwayne...

Who's Dwayne Johnson?

Mar 13, 2009 at 10:03 AM : The Rock

The Rock

Mar 13, 2009 at 10:03 AM : I agree he's...

I agree he's gorgeous~ I mean his tattoos are gorgeous~ LOL

Mar 13, 2009 at 10:03 AM : Yeah, I had to study...

Yeah, I had to study those pics very, very carefully...you know, to evaluate the tattoo.

Mar 13, 2009 at 10:03 AM : I think tats are...

I think tats are great.

For other people. Not me.

Mar 13, 2009 at 10:03 AM : ...

I've seen some nice butterflies on the small of some very elegant backs.

--virgil

Mar 13, 2009 at 10:03 AM : Oh, HIM!!! Yummy!...

Oh, HIM!!! Yummy! I'd like to check him for ticks...! ;P A guy that sexy deserves a better name than Dwayne.

Mar 13, 2009 at 11:03 AM : Would probably never...

Would probably never get a tattoo, but have one picked out just in case. Hexagram 23 from the I Ching.

But perusing geek tattoo sites I start to waver...a caffeine molecule, maybe? Nitroglycerin?

I once saw a geek tattoo, well:

(Presumably under the hat is a < head > tattoo...)

Mar 13, 2009 at 11:03 AM : Rickldo, A lawnmower...

Rickldo,

A lawnmower tattoo on your chest IS funny. In fact, it's flippin' hilarious! I think you should do it.

Sorry to hear about your love of the Dodgers, though. ;-)

Mar 13, 2009 at 11:03 AM : His tats are...

His tats are exquisite! ;-P'''''''''''

He has a very cute personality too..

He was on Leno last night and he is very cool.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExTTXNG083Y ( 3:42 is the best!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2c9YO0Z4U-E

Mar 13, 2009 at 11:03 AM : If a tattoo...

If a tattoo is done correctly and with some thought it can be awesome.

Some people will put just about anything on their body's. You can just tell it was totally drug and/or alcohol related lol!

BAD-http://www.hahastop.com/pictures/Stupid_Tattoo.jpg

NOT SO BAD-http://i.ehow.com/images/GlobalPhoto/Articles/2343717/tattoos-12-main_Full.jpg

Mar 13, 2009 at 11:03 AM : It probably looks...

It probably looks better then the front.

Mar 13, 2009 at 11:03 AM : I admit I've got...

I admit I've got a crush on an actress with multiple tattoos. I overlook them because she's the fifth-most-dangerous liberal in America.

(And cute as a bug otherwise...)

Mar 13, 2009 at 11:03 AM : ...

Lana , LoL ... makes me laugh !

Thanks!!

--virgil

Mar 13, 2009 at 11:03 AM : Your welcome...

Your welcome virgil. ..........;<))

Mar 13, 2009 at 11:03 AM : I've...

I've seen some nice butterflies on the small of some very elegant backs.

I've heard that those are called "Tramp Stamps"

Mar 13, 2009 at 11:03 AM : ...

" I've heard that those are called "Tramp Stamps"

I suppose it depends on who's wearing it ...

--virgil

Mar 13, 2009 at 11:03 AM : ...or who sees it.

...or who sees it.

Mar 13, 2009 at 11:03 AM : ...

or, mabey who puts it on!

--virgil

Mar 13, 2009 at 11:03 AM : I love to see my...

I love to see my fellow youth buck conformity by getting tatted like all the other youth. Rock on in your unique and rebellious skins!

or as House says, "you want to be a rebel, go hang out in the library with all the asian kids who don't care what you think about them....of course they are there because of intense pressure from their parents, but the point remains"

(paraphrased)

Mar 13, 2009 at 11:03 AM : So far younger...

So far younger daughter (having dinner with her tonight!) has resisted getting a tat. (I may be behind the knowledge curve on that).

Still 14 piercings as of last update, though...

Mar 13, 2009 at 11:03 AM : I never wanted a tat...

I never wanted a tat because don't want noticeable markings in my profession. I like to be icognito.

Mar 13, 2009 at 11:03 AM : Unless you're...

Unless you're defining "youth" as people under 50, you're probably not spekaing to the majoirty of folks on here who are thinking about getting tatted. Got my first one at 21 (back in the 80's), and have been wanting another ever since. Back then, I was a rebel.

Mar 13, 2009 at 11:03 AM : ...

"I never wanted a tat because don't want noticeable markings in my profession."

That's why tats especially are a moral thing for ya, huh?

--virgil

Mar 13, 2009 at 11:03 AM : Got my first one at 21...

Got my first one at 21 (back in the 80's),

I was 21 four years ago, most tats are pretty lame (insert chinese symbol which for all whitey knows could be "I love c****)

A lot of guys I know get them because they think it makes them the biker/tough guy image (if one needs a tat for to feel masculine then they've got other issues going on). I don't know why girls get them, but rebellious it aint. A woman's body is the mona lisa and I for one would never deface the Mona Lisa.

Mar 13, 2009 at 11:03 AM : Back then,...

Back then, I was a rebel.

Back then?

Disillusioned when Cindy Lauper when out of style eh? I hear it's making a comeback in some LA circles

Mar 13, 2009 at 11:03 AM : Moral? Who...

Moral? Who said anything about morals? When you're out on patrols in say, Iraq, bad guys watch you and kidnap soldiers (hopefully someone in the leadership) and cut thiers heads off and put it on the news for the world to see. For that reason, I wear no name tape, no tattoos, No religious preference on my dog tag, or any type of marking that would allow the bad guys to clue in on me. It's not about morals at all unless you are inferring survival in some wierd way.

Mar 13, 2009 at 11:03 AM : right...

right ...

--virgil

Mar 13, 2009 at 11:03 AM : There are, reportedly,...

There are, reportedly, lots of misapplied Chinese characters out there.

There's an old urban legend about a woman who knitted some Chinese characters she copied off a restaurant menu into a sweater design. Supposedly when translated they meant "cheap, but good."

Imagine *THAT* as a tattoo...

Mar 13, 2009 at 12:03 PM : Why do you think they...

Why do you think they give us velcro nametapes, Virgil? Morals?

Mar 13, 2009 at 12:03 PM : um ......

um ...

--virgil

Mar 13, 2009 at 12:03 PM : oh .......

oh ....

--virgil

Mar 13, 2009 at 12:03 PM : jf~ that's...

jf~ that's interesting. I had a friend,now deceased,who was a Viet Namm vet. He hated "tats" but had his intials on all of his limbs~ in case he was "relocated" from any of them.

Alex is one handsome young man ghost! You know how I feel about tats,money is all that is keeping me from having one.

Mar 13, 2009 at 12:03 PM : Not too be too...

Not too be too gruesome but the tattooing would be merely wishful thinking in this war as usually there are very few discernable parts when there is a "relocation". We have really good DNA teams to identify though, just in case. We also tie dog tags to the boots.

Mar 13, 2009 at 12:03 PM : jf~ that is what I...

jf~ that is what I always said, that the body might not be in such swell shape~ back then DNA was not so good.He was young,headed off to a dangerous place~ I think it was more an act of hope than desperation....

Mar 13, 2009 at 12:03 PM : ...

Here's some morality for you ...

http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/uncensored

perhaps a bit OT ( yes, off tats).

--virgil

* don't go to link if you're offended by war graphics.

Mar 13, 2009 at 01:03 PM : All the more reason...

All the more reason not to wear noticeable markings...

Mar 13, 2009 at 01:03 PM : ...

No.

Just all the more reason to think about what's really important.

--virgil

Mar 13, 2009 at 01:03 PM : Right. Like...

Right. Like some butterflies on the smalls of some elegant backs. That's really important.

Mar 13, 2009 at 01:03 PM : ...

sometimes.

And I would say, also, too bad for you if that is all you got by which to measure what really is important.

--virgil

Mar 13, 2009 at 01:03 PM : I got more...

I got more than that but it's better to keep things barney level for you. I recognize you have a limited perspective when it doesn't pertain to legalized narcotics/drugs.

Mar 13, 2009 at 01:03 PM : Thanks, sage!...

Thanks, sage! I tell everyone he's too good-looking for MY own good!

You should have seen my Jordan. He was so adorable. Of course, where my boys are concerned, I am not prejudiced in the slightest (looks in mirror to make certain nose is not growing....)

Mar 13, 2009 at 01:03 PM : LOL~ ghost I...

LOL~ ghost I hear you! My eldest was the spitting image of me~ so you know he was good looking! Kelsey was a blend of the Mr. & I ~ but his heart/spirit was the most beautiful part of him.

Spam Code: HUPPY one letter short of happy

Mar 13, 2009 at 01:03 PM : barney...

barney level and marijuana legalization ... from your problem with people having tattoos.

nice ...

--virgil

Mar 13, 2009 at 01:03 PM : First it was...

First it was morals. Now it's a problem. Now do you see why I keep it "Barney" with you? No one has a problem with tattoos (except maybe you if they aren't on the elegant smalls of backs). I don't have one for the stated reasons. I have no problem with them. I don't find them to be rebelious or necessarilly original, however, there is no problem.

Mar 13, 2009 at 01:03 PM : okay. A...

okay.

A moral problem with tattoos in the small of elegant backs?

--virigl

Mar 13, 2009 at 01:03 PM : LOL, sage...wish I...

LOL, sage...wish I could have known them.

OK, virg and jf...be nice. This is supposed to be a ~~HUPPY~~ HAPPY post!

Mar 13, 2009 at 01:03 PM : ...

I don't see a problem ( or a particular moral issue) with butterfly tattoos in the small of elegant backs.

--virgil

Mar 13, 2009 at 02:03 PM : I guess they...

I guess they are okay on the small of an elegant back. I don't see the morality in it at all. It's more about aesthetics for me. I overheard an army spouse the other day talking about "tramp stamps". Maybe she's the one with a morality problem but I doubt her issue is that deep with it as it is to you.

Mar 13, 2009 at 02:03 PM : There is no nastiness...

There is no nastiness here, ghostriter. Virgil and I argue about sheer nothingness all the time. It's like a blogger's version of Seinfeld.

Mar 13, 2009 at 02:03 PM : oh...okay.

oh...okay.

Mar 13, 2009 at 02:03 PM : ...

--virgil

Mar 13, 2009 at 02:03 PM : I apologize for the...

I apologize for the personal attack. It was out of line and uncalled for.

(Happy Birthday, Jason).

Mar 13, 2009 at 02:03 PM : ...

we're okay, Francais.

--virgil

Mar 13, 2009 at 02:03 PM : Hey! That rhymes.

Hey! That rhymes.

Mar 13, 2009 at 02:03 PM : If I was young I would...

If I was young I would want one, now I am old might sag now...My daughter has tats and it looks fine on her, guess its what you like...

Mar 13, 2009 at 02:03 PM : As long as the person...

As long as the person who is looking at them likes them, that is all that matters.

Mar 13, 2009 at 02:03 PM : Just had to jump in...

Just had to jump in here... I have approximately 18 hours of work total on my back, starting from just below the collar to my tailbone. It started out as a "tramp stamp" and went from there. All of my art has a meaning to me. It tells a story. I have had work done at pivotal points in my life, my first was on my 30th birthday. My latest is a really cool, old school Sailor Jerry design of an anchor with a two part banner that says "U.S.N." and "Daddy". I got the idea from my deceased father's anchor he got during WWII while in the Navy. By the way, I am 43, I have 3 wonderful children and I am a "professional" in my field. I have it covered up during the day. People can be a little judgmental... I prefer to be judged for who I am and how I treat you, as opposed to how I choose to express myself.. My artist is Frost at Pain is Beauty on 18th Street. My 18 year old daughter has 3 done by him too.

Mar 13, 2009 at 04:03 PM : mrsE...I have heard of...

mrsE...I have heard of that place. It is good too. We went to this one because of the friend connection, but stayed because of the artwork.

Mar 13, 2009 at 07:03 PM : ghost: ...

ghost: It's late for chiming in on this one, but I'm going to do it anyway.

Frankly, over-tattooing gives me the creeps. I saw a middle-aged woman recently with ink all over her arms. She looked like an old biker babe who'd definitely seen better days. Or maybe not.

Tattoos are definitely matters of great personal opinion, and it seems to me that a person should get as many he or she wants. Just don't be surprised if some of them make other people want to gag.

My granddaughter has a "pet" yellow and white snake and wanted to have a yellow/white snake tattoo on her upper arm. I did plead with her not to do this because of the possibility some day of a gauzy, sleeveless, white wedding gown. She thought more about it and has no snakes anywhere I'm aware of.

HowEVER, she does have a Harley logo on the small of her back which is noticeable when she bends over to tie a shoe, etc. When I've seen it I do get a slight case of creepy-crawlies, but I avert my eyes. She's beautiful, and I lover her, but I'm so happy she didn't get that snake put on her upper arm. And I suppose that wedding dresses don't have to plunge down to the small of the back. Thank heaven!

She has a Harley, too. I've never asked her if she takes the snake for a ride.

Mar 13, 2009 at 08:03 PM : alicen...mine is...

alicen...mine is rarely seen, as it is most often hidden under my scrubs. It is on the outside of my left calf, and consists of my son's name, the day he was born, the date he was taken from me, and a small heart with a tear falling from it. The only time anyone sees it is if I wear a shorter dress or shorts, which is VERY rare! It makes me feel as if my little boy is with me always, and gives me comfort.

Mar 13, 2009 at 10:03 PM : I'm going to get...

I'm going to get one on the small of my back: "Maximum Capacity: 2"

Mar 17, 2009 at 03:03 AM : I got my belly button...

I got my belly button pierced for my 40th birthday. Since then I've gotten three tatoos, all thought out well in advance. All can be covered. All have a lot of meaning to me. Even my "tramp stamp" <tee hee> I'm now 48 and don't regret any of them. Except when I'm around my mom :-)

I believe it's all a matter of personal taste. I saw a girl one day in a minimart who had her kids names on the back of her neck in pretty large letters. I remember thinking the names were cool, but what a strange place to put them.