Big Day

Today I did something that I have been thinking since college. I got a tattoo! The design is a maori swallow. It is very delicate. And I like the symbolism of the swallow.

Swallow tattoos are associated with loyalty and fidelity - swallows choose a mate for life and will only nest with that bird and no other.

They carry a message of hope, when sailors saw a swallow they knew that land was near.

Freedom.

It's a symbol of good luck for adventurers and travelers who will always find their way home. The swallows return home to San Juan Capistrano every year. So the tattoos were used to say that you will always come home.

They are a sign of loyalty and pride.

The swallow tattoo is a sign of enduring life, love and hope. It represents enduring courage and happiness.

Do not let anyone tell you that it does not hurt, because- it hurts.

I have been trying to think what it feels like. So, here is what I came up with.....

It is like being scratched with a sharp object very slowly and deliberately over and over again.

It reminded me of the torture method that is death by a thousand cuts.

I also had the oddest thoughts as I breathed through the pain....

"Christmas is a magical time at home" was among them.

I also was thinking of lyrics, tensing my arms, sweating, and I shuttered once. I am just happy that I got through it and I am happy with the end result....

too bad this was not on my 30 before 30 list.... oh well....

Still it was a great adventure.