Today I moved one step closer toward permanently marking this chapter of my life. I called and requested an appointment with my tattoo artist. It's gonna be a big piece.... really big... as in, my entire back... but, it's a piece that I couldn't be more proud to get. A lot went into the design of it, and the time is right to have it etched into my life. So, by now you may be perplexed and wondering what could possibly be amazing enough to give my entire back... well, believe it or not, you're already looking at it.... this picture, right here ------>
So, an explanation of all of its components are probably in line. So, for starters, the tree. I simply can't get enough of these trees. They are everywhere in Guatemala.... they are called ficus trees and while we have them in the states, they can only be found in malls and inside buildings. In guatemala, they grow all over and while they are intended to be manicured and flat on top, I preferred the cute little bushy ones that have been slightly neglected for some time. On the walk to the dreamer center in guatemala, there are a row of these adorable little trees. Every day, we walk past them, and every day I fell in love with them more and more. The heart etched into the trunk ties this tattoo in with my owl on my upper arm. It's a deep love for what it is that the tattoo, itself is symbolzing... which, collectively is this journey I've been on for the last 3 years.
The next key component of the tattoo is the Quetzal bird. It's the national bird of guatemala and super rare. Only one person I've talked to has ever seen one.... but, this symbol holds so much historical context. I had originally thought of just getting the Quetzal, but the army used the Quetzal bird as their symbol during the civil war and that's not something I was willing to support with a full back piece. The quetzal is also the name of the currency in guatemala.... which is significant in all that it represents... and lastly, the way that the bird is perched so stoically is key... the people of guatemala are a proud people and I celebrate that. I think of Leidy and her proud eyes after the program that was put on at the center. Pride is something that the indigenous people of guatemala have somehow been able to retain through all the corruption and instability within their political systems.
Lastly, the flowers at the base. These are symbolic of my support systems. Those of you who have been by my side during this immense stage of growing have been incredible. Thank you. You know who you are. I appreciate you and all you do... I couldn't have done all that I've been able to accomplish without you.
Collectively, this piece summarizes the journey I've been on for the last three years. It's been amazing and transforming and inspiring. I can only hope that the rest of my years are as incredible as these have been... This piece of incredible art will inspire and remind me to do the things that I didn't think were possible.
And one last thing, to Chip Boles, thank you for designing this piece of work... I am so excited to add it to my canvas.... you're amazing!
So, an explanation of all of its components are probably in line. So, for starters, the tree. I simply can't get enough of these trees. They are everywhere in Guatemala.... they are called ficus trees and while we have them in the states, they can only be found in malls and inside buildings. In guatemala, they grow all over and while they are intended to be manicured and flat on top, I preferred the cute little bushy ones that have been slightly neglected for some time. On the walk to the dreamer center in guatemala, there are a row of these adorable little trees. Every day, we walk past them, and every day I fell in love with them more and more. The heart etched into the trunk ties this tattoo in with my owl on my upper arm. It's a deep love for what it is that the tattoo, itself is symbolzing... which, collectively is this journey I've been on for the last 3 years.
The next key component of the tattoo is the Quetzal bird. It's the national bird of guatemala and super rare. Only one person I've talked to has ever seen one.... but, this symbol holds so much historical context. I had originally thought of just getting the Quetzal, but the army used the Quetzal bird as their symbol during the civil war and that's not something I was willing to support with a full back piece. The quetzal is also the name of the currency in guatemala.... which is significant in all that it represents... and lastly, the way that the bird is perched so stoically is key... the people of guatemala are a proud people and I celebrate that. I think of Leidy and her proud eyes after the program that was put on at the center. Pride is something that the indigenous people of guatemala have somehow been able to retain through all the corruption and instability within their political systems.
Lastly, the flowers at the base. These are symbolic of my support systems. Those of you who have been by my side during this immense stage of growing have been incredible. Thank you. You know who you are. I appreciate you and all you do... I couldn't have done all that I've been able to accomplish without you.
Collectively, this piece summarizes the journey I've been on for the last three years. It's been amazing and transforming and inspiring. I can only hope that the rest of my years are as incredible as these have been... This piece of incredible art will inspire and remind me to do the things that I didn't think were possible.
And one last thing, to Chip Boles, thank you for designing this piece of work... I am so excited to add it to my canvas.... you're amazing!
