Chinese Symbol for Family

Shelly has several tattoos. However, I think this one has the most meaning to her. It's the Chinese symbol for family.

"I got this one on February 28th. My son and I both got tattoos, mine is the Chinese Symbol for Family and he got this really cool tattoo of bats coming out of his rib cage! I chose the Family one because family is the strongest bond there is. In fact, my cousin is getting a matching tattoo."

Tattoo Artist: Pony Boy

Tattoo Studio: Louisville Tattoo Company, 1235 Bardstown Road, Louisville, KY

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For Grandmother - Breast Cancer

This tattoo is one of those that got me started thinking about doing a blog with stories. Last summer, I saw this pink ribbon tattoo when Brandy was doing a bikini car wash. When I asked her about it, she said it was for her grandmother who had breast cancer.

U. of L. Cards Fan

This is Deb's story about her tattoo of a Cardinal.

"I didn't think I'd ever get a tattoo - what what I put on my body that I'd love til I die? But, I'm a big U of L fan. Always have been. So, in the fall of 2006, I decided to get a U of L fighting Cardinal tattooed on my foot to support the team!

The Cards are the only things I'll love til the day I die!"

Tattoo by Shirts and Skin, 8663 Preston Highway, Louisville, KY.

Mardi Gras - In Memory of Her Mother

You can barely make out the tattoo on the wrist of the bartender at Coyote Ugly. She promised to send me a good picture and the story.

The tattoo is of the symbol for the Chinese Year of the Monkey. She said that both she and her mother were born in the Year of the Monkey. When her mother recently died, she decided to get this tattoo in memory of her mother.

Mardi Gras - Heart

I don't have a story on this one. I was reviewing my photos and noticed this tattoo in a crowd shot. So, I though I'd add it in.

Mardi Gras - Looking for Love in All the Wrong Places

I noticed this tattoo on the lower back of a young lady standing outside a gay bar. I asked her if it had any special significance. She said it stood for love and her quest to find that someone special. Since we were outside a gay bar, I asked her if she was looking for a guy or a girl. She replied, "Probably a guy, but she was open to other possibilities."

I decided to point out the obvious. If you're looking for a relationship with a guy, a gay bar might not be the best hunting grounds! She agreed that I was right. However, she said gay guys are so cute, funny, and nice. She wondered if she could convert one. I suggested that I didn't think that was very likely. She agreed that I was probably right. I wished her well on her quest.

Mardi Gras - La Dolce Vita

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I met this young lady while waiting for a parade to start. She and her friend have several tattoos and told me they have photos on the internet. I gave her my card and asked her to send info. Here's her e-mail.

Hi there,

I ran upon your card when cleaning out my purse the other day! I think the two pictures you have of me are better than any I have.

My Foot-
My first tattoo is of the Kanji symbol for immortality. After looking over several, maybe even 100's of designs, symbols, etc. this one "came to me"....I knew it was the one. For me it represents the soul being immortal. My mother died when I was young and she was the nicest woman I've ever met...she was the embodiment of love. This tattoo is a constant reminder of her and that no matter what happens in life...the soul is immortal. Probably a year later I had the cherry blossom branch and buds added to sort of make it more feminine.

My Neck-
My very good friend, Mandy, gave me the gift of a friendship tattoo for my 30th Birthday. We spent quite a while at Cheap Trx trying to decide what to get...eventually we found designs and then with help of Stan and Jim we decided on "La Dolce Vita" (The Sweet Life). Basically, we've had a lot of trials and tribulations throughout our lives and wanted to bring a little positivity in...her tat has a little different design than mine, but the La Dolce Vita is the same. A few months later I had the cross added...my mother was a very Christian Woman...so this, too...has a significance. And, I thought it looked cool.

Thanks so much,

Allison