The reality is I got my first tattoo because one of my best friends was getting her first tattoo and she wanted to do it together. She even paid for mine. I had two different Latin phrases I had thought about getting tattooed. My friend talked me out of just getting a phrase tattooed. Said I would end up looking like a book page. I either was gonna go for “per aspera ad astra” through difficulties to the stars or “Dum spiro spero” While I breathe, I hope. I had an idea for the first quote that I was pretty attached to at the time. I don’t even remember it really. My friend talked me into going with the second quote and a sparrow tattoo. Ended up being a traditional swallow tattoo. Honestly it was 2004 in San Francisco in the mission district, I can spout bs about sailing and going on a journey. I had traveled far from my home and wanted to travel even further. The reality is the tattoo artist probably did like 3 more swallow tattoos that day. I have a hella basic not super well thought out tattoo. It’s pretty at least. It could use a refresh. Brighten the colors up again.

My friend got the phish symbol tattooed on her lower back. Hated it within the year and to cover it up tattooed a cherry blossom tree over her entire back. At least I still like my tattoo, when I remember it’s there. I’ve panicked a time or two getting out of the shower about what’s on my back, before I put my glasses on.

My mom and sister call it my bluebird of happiness.

also look at the quoted post in that quoted post for 4 more options 💜