Tattoo Tuesdays: Talk Shop To Me

It is 2014 and you know what that means?!? Honestly I don't know what that means, it just sounded like an appropriate beginning to a post...the first post of 2014.

The latter part of November and the entire month of December were CRAZY for me. One of those occasions where you are stuck between wishing the time away and wishing for things to slllllllllloooowwww down. Yeah that kind of crazy.

In other news, Tattoos have been on the brain. Ideas are floating closer to the surface and they are all pleading "Me! Me! Me!" I got a quote...oh didn't I tell you? (insert wink) I'm not quite at the necessary funds level to go for it, but I'm close. I've been chatting it up with my fellow ink crazies, all the "inky" details. My honest to goodness hope is before mid-February. My best friend is leaving for Korea and I have wanted her to be my tagalong since darn near the beginning of the ink madness. We shall see. My Tattoo budget is being heavily "preyed upon" by the impending need for more piercings as well. We all realize, as a writer, I have voices floating around my head, right? Well they also plead for the ink and the holes as well. Confusing, right? (insert smile)

I have many thoughts right now, some good and some none too pretty. That being said this post is an update and a sharing time, rather than a wisdom/from the mouth of babes (me being the babe) time.

The Tattoos:

Pinterest Find

Wow, talk about crazy for color! I'm still up in the air about color, but I absolutely love the strikingness* of this tattoo. The purple/pinkish/magenta? color is bam in your face. I am not a huge fan of placement, mostly because I personally don't like my back and therefore do not own backless clothing. How would I show off such gorgeous ink? Octopuses are always a winner in my world.

Pinterest Find

 

I am all about showing off your craft, your creative outlet...and yes being a beautician is a creative outlet. Placement is spot on for me. The red works, it helps with the over all "popping" vibe. The scissors are by far my favorite part of this ink. I like the old-fashion appeal. According to Pinterest this tattoo is by Xoil Tattoo.

Pinterest Find

 

Why are you looking at me? Oh...wait...because I picked another Octopus tattoo? I can't help myself, this tattoo made me sigh. (insert wink) I am a sucker for forearms, what can I say? The shading and detail is awesome. Can I touch it?

 

 

Updates and in other News:

I'm giving the 'ole 365 photography project another go. If you would like to follow and/or encourage the process please do so! You never know when you might be a part of it. (insert wink)

 

 

I reopened my Etsy shop today! I'm putting my knitting and other creating techniques to the task of some Etsy fun. Take a look and tell me what you think. I have more things listed than I have before and I'm anxious for feedback and of course to sell something.

 

From the shop of yours truly, RapaciousCurls!

 

 

If you guessed that I'm hyped up on caffeine while writing then...Ding! Ding! Ding! We have a winner!

 

  

"Write it. Shoot it. Publish it. Crochet it, sauté it, whatever. MAKE."

~Joss Whedon

 

 

Find me on Pinterest

 

 

 

Footnotes:

• *Is strikingness a word? (eyebrow raise anyone?)
• I wrote this post in silence, can you believe that? No music today (insert sad face).

Tattoo Tuesdays: Where Words Fail, Music Speaks

Music has a way of closing the largest gaps of social differences. It also has a way of doing the very opposite. However, if you let it (and I implore...do it) music can perform magic.

It seems in every relationship, the good and the bad ones, there is always a song or two or a never ending flow of  undiscovered music that happens because one person decided it was time to share something. I can think of at least one song associated with each of the old and gone friends and the newly made friends. Music is universal, it succeeds so often where we mere mortals fail. Scary what power it holds over us...over me.

Though our hearts (and minds) rarely escape experiences unchanged, music is the gift that keeps on giving. Music is one of those blessings I sit relishing/musing, much as I do with words, "Wow, where would we be, where would I be if God didn't see fit to give us the ability to create symphonies? The ability to write 'foreign little creatures' on lines that direct the sounds of a heart."

Music tells a story. It tells you 'I love you'. It tells a world 'someone broke my heart'. It tells a generation 'get your shit together'. It stirs a well brewed pot of trouble. It can lay to rest a modicum or a plentitude of fears.


Today I'm running Tattoo Tuesdays as a theme post. All tattoos are music inspired. I know, as if you couldn't gather that already. (insert wink)

Photo credit (Flickr/Pintrest find):
Ana Luisa Pinto's '#2 -- mondays are for music'

 

Remember my mentioning of the 'foreign little creatures'? They are speaking a language all their own. According to the photographer, the notes are an actual song. I don't read music, oh to be so lucky, but perhaps you do. Tattoos tell stories and of course this tattoo is brilliant (though it may be the photographers doodling, I can't be sure) because music is telling that story too. Me and finger tattoos...sigh.

 

Pinterest Find

Tattoo Artist: Ellen Westholm

 

I'm not a rose tattoo kind of gal. Truth be told I don't really like real roses even. However, I like this tattoo very much so, rose and all. My first thought, "Hey that looks like Bokeh effect on a tattoo!" I don't entirely, honestly, understand what Bokeh is, but the background feel of this tattoo looks like the Bokeh effect button I use for editing photos. I like it! It has an old world feel with the shading/coloring. Now...I wish I could read what the words say. Can you read it? Sleeves of course equal always a winner in my book.

 

 

Pinterest Find

 

One of my favorite music quotes* is Frederick Delius' words: “Music is an outburst of the soul.” 

This tattoo, for me, is reminiscent of those words. I grew up with cassette tapes and sometimes I get a bit nostalgic and miss them. Then I remember numerous occasions of frustrations with cassette players eating away at the intestines of the cassette tape and I think "Erm...no, I'm good." 

I am a little iffy about the red coloring. I know my Mum's first reaction would be, "Is it suppose to represent blood?" (insert smile) Otherwise love the concept.

 

 

“Where words fail, music speaks.”

~Hans Christian Andersen

 

 

 

Footnotes (my feet have kickass boots on today, what about you?):

• *This quote is etched on the back of my iPod. I think I have mentioned this before.
• Music today - Thank you Spotify for having The Head And The Heart's new album, Let's Be Still! I can't buy it before Christmas, but I can surely indulge on Spotify.

Tattoo Tuesdays: I Wish Resilence Was A Friend Of Mine

Perhaps you're familiar with the saying "Wish in one hand, spit in the other"? I cannot count the number of times I have said this to myself over the years. I think it is such a common "go to" phrase, you are more likely to hear it than "good morning".

I hope to never dissuade people, or even my own children someday, to give up the practice of wishing and dreaming. They are such close companions of hoping. Just wishing and hoping

and thinking and praying and planning and dreaming*. They are most definitely the 3 musketeers of a million and one hearts. As much as I love to preach the "wishing gospel", there is a downside, much like other things in life, two sides to every coin.

I wish I had this.

I wish I was skinner.

I wish I had that.

I wish I was as pretty as _______.

I wish I could just do it.

I wish I was more like _______.

I wish I was stronger.

Wishing can and does get me (us) into trouble. I get caught up in everything I don't have and the qualities I lack, that everything else, the heart of the matter (me), is shoved aside forgotten...left to rot and fester. Scary how quickly we slide into the lifestyle of the "rich and famous", blessings and talents we may already possess loosing any merit in our minds.

I don't have a quick fix for you. If I did I would greedily consume as much of it myself as I could and then consider sharing. Selfish, aren't I?

Maybe the first step is confession. That's not easy either, though, but I've said it before...confession is good for the soul. Damn hard to do, especially for hard hearts with a super dash of stubborn, but good nonetheless. Hello my name is Maddie. I wish I was strong and never had to think of weakness again. I wish I was a resilient monster. Watch out world...yeah not so much.

Funny how the writing process works. I didn't have these tattoos before journeying out to write my words. I let the words guide me first and then started thinking Oh shoot! I need to match the ink to the words, don't I? I will let you be the judge of their cohesive (good word...co-he-sive...say it slow, feels good on my tongue) nature.

Pinterest Find

Sometimes our promises are strong enough to keep us going...no wishing needed. (insert wink) This is a tattoo I will get. The cleverness of placement and meaning of a pinky promise, yep this is a winner in my books. I love the reminder and of course hand/finger tattoos and me are like this (crosses fingers). If I'm honest, the photo is what initially drew me to this tattoo.

Tumblr Find

I like at first glance (for me anyways) how this tattoo looks like it is in a different language. The typography is definitely a factor for me and the encouragement of placement, in that everyday you will be pushed to remember. Stop existing. Start LIVING.


Last, but not least!

Pinterest Find

Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket**--no wait tattoo it as a sleeve. (insert wink) You know me, the more black "fill in" ink the better. I don't know why exactly I am drawn to tattoos like this, but goodness knows I'm not in the realm of being brave enough to undergo that much "prodding". I like the slightly abstract feel of this tattoo.

Another wishful moment:

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Romans 12:12

 

Footnotes (I think it is sleeting and guess who has Rope Souls on today!):

• *Dusty Springfield of course!
• ** Has anyone notice how often I reference songs in passing? Perry Como sing it to me!
• Music listening was a treat today. I need to remember to "clean up" my Watch Later playlist on YouTube. Talk about wide range of taste!

Tattoo Tuesdays: Many Minds, Many Words

I have my days of internalizing. Bloody mess and an extreme annoyance, it would seem, to those around me. I am a complicated contemplative lady. I think the Proverb*, "Even a fool is thought wise...," rings a little too loudly. Of course I like to scream (mentally of course, ladies never scream or shout) "Read between the lines!"

Today I am pleading the internalize moment, think of it as pleading the fifth only less legal ramifications. (insert smile) I know I normally pull out the ole' soapbox, which never has many opportunities to collect dust, and connect the dots of the tattoos with my thoughts for the day. However, today the tattoos will be speaking for themselves. They don't need much of an introduction, as is often the case with art...it speaks for itself.

Tumblr find.

This tattoo is so reminiscent of a design I have been thinking of for my arm, I instantly "liked", "reblogged", "pinned" and I'm now sharing it with you.  I am reminded of Howard Pyle and an Art Nouveau print's love child. If I were to show this tattoo to my Mum, I know her immediate response would be "Oh let's embroider that!" Outlining detail is great. I would love to find the original artist responsible for this tattoo.

Art is not a transcript nor a copy. Art is the expression of those beauties and emotions that stir the human soul.

~ Howard Pyle

 

 

Other Features for Today:

 

Pinterest find

 

Reference, placement and clever...what's not to like? The typography could be a smidge cleaner, but this is coming from a nut. (insert wink)

 

Pinterest find

 

Three things come to mind, a Dreamcatcher meets Steampunk meets an Aquatic creature. This tattoo wants to tell me a story...or wants me to tell it's story.

 

 

Final find...

 

On late night shopping ventures with my sister, we always stop in the book section. Last night we made our way to the magazines and stood there wishing we could subscribe/purchase a particular magazine. Which magazine? Inked. The cover featured one of the best examples of a good facial tattoo that I have seen in a long time. I couldn't find a great picture of it online, but I did find the small image below. You could go to your local grocery for a closer look. (insert wink)

 

 

We both appreciated the tattoos subtlety. Yes I know a face tattoo isn't exactly subtle, but this tattoo has an elegance and lacks the glaring/screaming "I have a face tattoo" attribute I've seen before.

 

 

Talk about life – but in your own way.

~Howard Pyle

 

 

 

Footnotes (the ballads are in):

• *Proverbs 17:28
• Music delights today Little Green Cars and a new to me Autumn Playlist on Spotify



Tattoo Tuesdays: Quick Feature

This is my first Tattoo Tuesdays post in several months. I want to do it justice because I like tattoos and Tattoo Tuesdays' post so much, but my internet keeps freezing. Today will be a quick post; this way I'm less likely to toss the computer across the room. Anger management classes may be in order. (wink)


Pinterest had some fine pickings today. However, the first feature is curtsy of Tumblr by way of a friend's email.

According to this person's Tumblr the middle tattoo pays homage to this guy's, Hero Jaejoong, band. Below that is “Hope to the end” (Bible quote: I Peter 1:13) and left G-clef is “The pleasures of the mighty are the tears of the poor" (a Latin proverb). The right G-clef is “A song will outlive all sermons in the memory," quote by Henry Giles. Thanks Anna for sending me this tattoo!

Another Tumblr find. Tattoos with color are awesome to me. I know the colors fade over time, especially if you don't go back for touch ups, but they are so pretty and alive.

You know me and "Day of the Dead" things. I like the placement too!

Of course an anchor tattoo has to be featured!

Quote of the Day

“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” 

~Mae West

Tattoo Tuesdays: The Key to Conformity

I'm starting today's post a little differently. It is time for a little bragging! Well in edition to bragging, I wouldn't be where I'm at if it wasn't for followers, random stumblers and the diehards out there. I recently hit over 20,000 views on my blog! (victory dance) In addition I'm breaths away from 2,000 followers on Google+, recently bypassed the 400 mark on Twitter, and have almost reached 10,000 views on Flickr! I'm ecstatic and I realize some of these numbers may seem low to others, especially for how long I've been active on these sites, but even the 'little' landmarks mean something to little ole me. Thank you for sticking with me and even joining me along the way!

~~~~~

Often times when people find out that I have a blog they want to know right off, "Well (insert the skeptic voice over)...what do you blog about?" Then I precede to the list the topics. Unfortunately, I've allowed myself only time for Tuesday's posts lately, which means TATTOOS. I guess this comes as a shock to some as my flesh is naked of the ink that beckons to it. I even admitted recently that the idea of sleeves is very alluring. I want a tattoo. I want tattoos. I know what I want. I know where I want it. I know who I want to do it (and in my case there are two someones).

However, there are so many arguments and hold ups in the bag that it is difficult to sort between the do's and the don'ts. Whose views do you conform to? Which or what voice do you listen to? I'm still pondering these questions and my biggest thing is pay attention to what would be pleasing to God. I know what some say about tattoos and I realize it is more than just a decision of whose side are you on. It is ongoing thing to pray about, but in the meantime I'm trying to accomplish other goals that lead to the tattoo stage (for one....money). I guess I'm saying don't let your tattoo be an act of revolting against one sides views and don't get a tattoo to . . . to get a tattoo. That is your 'sage' advice for the day, if you can call it that. (insert smile)

I'm not sure if the above had anything to do with today's tattoos; it was just something on my mind I wanted to share with you.

Another featured tattoo by Deanna Wardin @Tattoo Boogaloo

 



I am a proclaimed Haiku Hater. We have a club, did you know? Perhaps it comes from having to write the blasted things in poetry class, but the poems aren't my cup of tea. The minute I saw this tattoo I was jealous and had to retract my previous hatred for ALL haikus.

Never forget:
we walk on hell,
gazing at flowers.

The lettering is gorgeous and placement is surprising, but I find myself liking it more for that reason. Flower detail and coloring, nothing short of awesome! I have no idea what the haiku actually means, but this is how I interpret it (yes as a Christian...don't roll your eyes!); the world in which I or we live in is the only hell some of us may ever know, but the knowledge that someday we will be in heaven is our 'gazing at flowers' moment and/or experiencing the moments that make life bearable here on earth. (Get a closer view of the tattoo by clicking here.)

Other Features for today:
 

Tattoo by Musa

 

I'm falling in love with abstract tattoos. I can't help myself! The weirder they are . . . the better!

 

Tattoo by Cody Eich @Studio 13, His comment (from Tumblr) about this tattoo:
This piece was inspired by some of the painterly tattoos coming out of Europe as of late.

Again with the abstract! The colors really make this tattoo for me. The tattoo artist, Cody Eich, is even in my backyard (kinda, sorta). He inks in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

I found this tattoo via my sister on Pinterest. Then I followed the links to a brand new favorite blog. She also has a Tattoo Tuesday post on her blog each week! Check out Tiffany's blog at Drops of Jupiter!

Of course placement is awesome and 'veiny' (Is that a word?) arms doesn't hurt either. I'm sorry I have to say this . . . Plaid! He is wearing plaid!!!!! I like this tattoo also because it makes me super curious as to the reasoning behind getting it. Blue plaid boy where are you? (insert big grin)

"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” 

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Tattoo Tuesdays: I'm Not A Reject

Pirates are in my blood. I'm fully convinced that in one of my past lives I was a hellion of the sea. The movies, books, sea worthy tokens, symbols, etc., you name it I'm gonna plunder the heart out of everything pirates. Who doesn't want to be a pirate and what girl doesn't dream of a pirate sweeping her off her feet? Pirates are the ultimate badass bad 'boys'.

This may come as no surprise to you, as in the past I have featured numerous tattoos with a nautical flavor, but The Goonies was (and is) one of my favorite films growing up. My cousins, siblings, and I could quote the movie in its entirety; we watched it so many times. I'm a certified Goonie with my very own "Goonies Never Say Die" t-shirt even. It is a club we all want to be a part of after all. The Goonies are all about adventure, trouble, heroics, booty, and always up for a laugh. What pirate wouldn't be proud to call a Goonie one of their own?!?

Goonies live by it and this tattoo pays awesome tribute to it, "Goonies Never Say Die!" I love the shading and colors of this tattoo. The skull is perfect with a gold-ish tone (very pirate) and the lettering of course is stunning. I especially like how the lettering is not constrained to the banner and it spills over onto the other parts of the tattoo. I wish I knew the artist.

Do you have a favorite Goonies quote?

Mouth: Mikey! Come here and make me feel like a woman. Come on, give me a nice, wet, lickery kiss.


Other Features for today:

Let's be matches! I'm a sucker for matching tattoos. It is extremely sweet, romantic, and these matching tattoos speak to me of a declaration "Be my Anchor!"

Sink or Swim tattoo by Deanna Wardin

This tattoo has a very watercolor, simple clipart feel to it, but I like that, it is not a bad thing. I like the simplicity and the color of the water is anything but boring. Deanna Wardin is a tattoo artist at Tattoo Boogaloo in San Fransico, CA. I follow her on Flickr and love her inking.

 

Anchor me up! Hello! It is an anchor . . . plain and simple.

 

“To the Hesitating Purchaser:

"If sailor tales to sailor tunes,
 Storm and adventure, heat and cold,
If schooners, islands, and maroons
 And Buccaneers and buried Gold
And all the old romance, retold,
 Exactly in the ancient way,
Can please, as me they pleased of old,
 The wiser youngsters of to-day:

-So be it, and fall on! If not,
 If studious youth no longer crave,
His ancient appetites forgot,
 Kingston, or Ballantyne the brave,
Or Cooper of the wood and wave:
 So be it, also! And may I
And all my pirates share the grave,
 Where these and their creations lie!”

~Robert Louis Stevenson

Tattoo Tuesdays: ... And the Beat Goes On

We interrupt this broadcast to bring you . . . life.

My life and everything that goes with it has felt like that lately. I tossed things to the side, including blogging, hoping I'd find time, energy, and motivation to get back to 'normal'. I'm not sure I've found normal yet or if I'll ever know what that looks like, but I don't want to give up on writing. It is one of the few things that makes me tick.

Reality checks can be harsh, especially when it is someone else slapping you in the face with it. We are selfish beings from the day we are born. I know I need to snap out of my mode of thinking often and realize "Hello! It goes on . . . life and you need to stop you're bawling!" Do a mental stamping of your foot with me, "But I don't want to!" Did it work? Do you feel better? No? I didn't think it would help, but still try to get out of the repetitive cycle that tells you "I can't." You will feel better I promise or if you would like, host a pity party. I'm there, if you have cupcakes with sprinkles. (insert commiserating smile)

It seems like it should be that simple, right? Life goes on . . .


Other Features for today:

Do you know what Teamé means? I didn't either and so I used my handy dandy . . . Google Translator. If I'm correct in deciphering this tattoo, that it does indeed read 'Teamé' and if Google Translator is correct . . . Teamé is Estonian for 'Know'. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong. However, just from what I'm seeing of this guy . . . I would most definitely like to know him. Well at least meet him. Great tattoo and I'm digging the gauges.

Jared Leto! Here's a guy who can always wear eyeliner and it is fine by me. (insert big grin) I have seen these symbols before and tossed them aside quickly as "Something evil." Well no more! I decided to look up the intriguing and attractive triangles (can I touch them?). What did I find? They are the Greek elemental symbol for 'air'. I suppose they could still be considered pagan by some, but at least the triangle with a line symbol isn't something demonic. Of course if you were walking behind Jared Leto this symbol could be 'earth' too . . . Never mind I don't have a clue. I decided to check further online and I'm even more confused, but hey it is Jared Leto.

A tattoo in the sketching stage I like the overall tattoo, but I would probably drop the roses. I'm not a rose person. Give me a 'heart' any day though!

Tattoo Tuesdays: One of These Things Is Not Like The Other

"Men in general judge more from appearances than from reality.
All men have eyes, but few have the gift of penetration."
~Niccolo Machiavelli

A rare occurence for me . . . I have very little to give you in terms of words today. I didn't want to miss sharing some awesome tattoos with you, even if I'm running a little late. After some mental rest I'm hopeful to be back on my game and bringing you more of my 'nonsense'.

I decided not to focus on one tattoo today, but several. Each tattoo is not as it appears. Enjoy!



Tattoo Tuesdays: Where do you wear your heart?

I imagine I am not the only person in the world who wears their emotions on their sleeve . . . or better yet, a giant flag waving in the wind proclaiming to all how I feel, etc. This can be annoying, frustrating, and so many levels of 'vulnerable yuck'. I'm still a private person a good deal of the time. I can't help thinking, though, that at times it would be nice to wear the emotions at the right time, for the right person, in an open 'free the bird from the cage' way. Let your words be silent and the emotions speak for themselves. Life just isn't that easy and we get to live the adventure of voicing these precious feelings for good or bad.

Pinterest find for today. The detail is subtle, but enough that I stare at it wondering if I have an innate attraction to veins and the blood that gives our hearts true life (i.e. not our emotions). Oh wait . . . I do. Biology, Science, Health class . . . never my favorite subjects, but this tattoo is just (sigh) the right fit. I much prefer this style of heart for a tattoo than a Valentine's heart.

Other Features for today:

Goldfish will always be synonymous with childhood for me. All things aquatic
usually share a place of high regard in my life anyways . . . you know this.

Tattoo Menu: Yes, I would like one please. Does it come with the guy? (insert grin)
Tattoo by: Rosana ‘Derma Donna’ at Dermadonna Custom Tattoo in Amsterdam, NL
Found via: Pinterest and TattooSnob

Point me in the right direction . . . please.

I don't want to be at the mercy of my emotions.
I want to use them, to enjoy them, and to dominate them.
~ Oscar Wilde