A few recent pictures of me. For the followers. :3
The first is from a recent screening of the Kony 2012 film. The second was Halloween - I was the Big Bad Wolf to my friend’s Little Red. And the last one was.. two weeks ago, before another friend left for Australia.
Let’s talk tattoos.
They’re such a beautiful form of expression, and in the pictures above you can see the five I’ve gotten so far. Each is fairly small but very meaningful. Both in appearance and location. They haven’t really come up in my blog yet, and I thought they would be a nice insight into my life. And the way that I think. So here’s a quick run-through!
1. Zodiac symbol for Cancer on my hip.
This represents me at the very core, my key traits. I wrote about this in an earlier post, but I truly believe that I encompass the characteristics of Cancer. They have been a constant for me since childhood and will probably continue as such. I chose to put it
on my hip since that’s where life begins, and I received my sign at birth.
2. Four stars on my chest/shoulder.
These were done after I went to college and got my first apartment. They represent freedom and courage as I journey forth on my own. For the first time, I have to rely on myself to reach for the stars and succeed in life. I’m the captain of my own ship. The compass that points north. So for that reason, they’re located over my heart - the ultimate source of guidance.
3. Artsy peace sign on my wrist.
During my freshman year of college, I went through a really dark period and it seemed like the world was against me. That was my perception, of course. With some help I was able to come back and reposition myself in a way that is very fulfilling. But it wouldn’t be possible without a tranquil and optimistic outlook. This tattoo on my wrist shows that I can find - and make - peace anywhere I touch. Like strokes of a paintbrush.
4. Three text hearts along one finger.
This one is most personal or private. My explanation varies slightly depending on who asks and how close we are. I was very insecure until late high school, when online friends helped me learn to love myself. The tattoo is in recognition of one person in particular - we came out to our families together, and he has supported me through so much. We have met in person, and we are friends to this day. He is such an amazing soul. And the symbolism is particular to us.
5. “Imagine” under the peace sign.
Newest piece of ink. It represents the John Lennon song, which I find truly inspirational and incorporate into my overall attitude toward life. Lyrics are not enough when taken out of context, so I chose the title instead. It is juxtaposed with the peace sign for the common theme. This type of world that Lennon envisioned is possible, and we can create it with our own hands through peaceful relations and active social justice. It simply takes a new perspective.
Blonde, blue, black.. and green. It’s been a colorful year.
St. Patrick’s Day with my Columbians.
This. I just wanna be there right now, with them. It was our last class in Firenze.
Picture of myself and two friends. Newish. I think it was taken in September, when we were getting ready for this big dance. Sobriety is questionable.
The time I dyed my hair blue, and then black. I did this mostly out of need for something bold. I had thought about black or blonde, and an assignment for Social Psychology gave me the chance to take it a step farther. I had to do something outside the ordinary - just for a day - then write a paper about the reactions and normative social constructs. Challenge accepted. Unfortunately, the color didn’t last and my mom asked that I dye it before the holidays.




