Tattooed You.
So instead of being a good mother and writing some heartfelt post about how my kid started school today (he did) and I cannot believe I have a fourth grader (I totally can) and how fast summer went (it dragged like a cats’ ass), I’d much rather discuss something more interesting. Tattoos.
Specifically, the one I am going to get worked on today.
Back in January, I was all, IMMA GET A NEW TATTOO! on Twitter, and I decided that I had to do it now, RIGHT now, because I lack impulse control. I was fortunate to be referred to someone whose work I loved, who is like world famous and shit, and she got me in because someone canceled, which is kinda like kismet and stuff.
This is what I wanted, a phoenix tattoo:
And after my first appointment, I came back with this:
Then, I went back in February to get this done:
THEN, in April I went back to get the color filled in:
Awesome, no? (if’n you like tattoos, I suppose)
Today, though, I’m going back for touch-ups and, like I said before, because I don’t plan ahead very well, I’ve finally decided what I wanted to do. First I was gonna be all, “IMMA MAKE THAT PHOENIX RISE FROM SOMETHING!” because people are always like, “Nice Peacock,” and I’m all, “Imma shoot you.”
And I probably will, some day.
But today, I want to put something THERE, where the nifty arrow is pointing. Last night, because I am brilliant, I asked Twitter. Twitter said that I should put in that space:
1) a meatball
2) RIP Tupac
3) Bacon
4) a giraffe
5) OJ Simpson’s Face
Twitter is an asshole.
I’m adding something into that space because eventually I want half of my back done. My mother, she will shit a brick (she hates tattoos), but I’ve always wanted something part of the way down my arm. Not, like, SLEEVE style, because I am a chicken shit, but something that goes along with the Phoenix.
So, Pranksters, what would YOU put there?
Holy jesus, that’s freakin’ amazing. You are a brave woman. I got two tiny hearts with my boys names in them (blogged about it) and barely got through it. I am impressed, to say the least.
Doesn’t a phoenix merit some flames?
Or how about a flaming bottle of Smirnoff?
First of all I have to say that I LOVE it!!! I have a faerie that covers the bottom half of my leg… and still needs work!
For what to put there…. I’ll have to think on that for a bit! I’ll get back to ya!
shit. a serious question. well. ok. obv, fire, ashes & tears are all logical & what not. ashes really aren’t pretty, just sayin’. i vote fire.
I’m guessing Dumbledore is out of the question then? I know, I know, I’m banished to twitter with the rest of the assholes.
ha ha ha, that made me laugh pretty good. Becky don’t banish the funny people!!!!
FLAMES!
“Twitter is an asshole.” – BAHAHAHAH
Okay, now that I got that out…
Perhaps smoke or fire? both? REAL original, I know. I know.
My husband’s phoenix rises from flames (pretty typical, right?), but *I* would put something there that represents the earth.
Ummm…something that incorporates a spiral. Shit. I’m predictable as rain in Seattle, huh?
So jealous. I haven’t had any new ink in 3 years and in that time I’ve managed to plan half a dozen new pieces. Can’t wait to see what you choose!
Perhaps a beautiful sun might work in that space, maybe a celestial design from the Renaissance era? That might go well with the whole “Phoenix from the flames” theme, and also represents rebirth. Just my two cents. I could talk tattoos all day.
Or you could just get “Trust No Bitches” written in script.
Heh, still laughing.. Don’t have any tattoos, but my first has to be TRUST NO BITCHES in flowing script, fo sho.
The most beautiful, elegant script, well, EVER.
You should get Dumbledore’s face. He had a phoenix.
(AT least I didn’t suggest having the phoenix erupt from bursting encased meat.)
I would say use some kind of sun for the Phoenix to come out of. Don’t know what to tell you to put on the arm for a “sleeve” type tattoo unless maybe you can put the sun there and work from that??
Just my 2 cents. I am still trying to get my nerve up to get my 1st tattoo. :/
It is a beautiful tattoo, and does not look a peacock to me. 🙂
Fire. Phoenixes reborn and rise out of the ashes of fire.
I am huge believer in shading. With my most recent tattoo I got some shading added to it and my previous one that I had.
here is the finished product: http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs052.snc4/34974_468462218447_660653447_6423343_3456445_n.jpg
Also, reading the wiki on Phoenix’s (mythological ones) I really like the idea of a nest of very detailed twigs and stuff for a next that is buring and your phonenix is either escaping or heading towards it.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenix_(mythology)
how about a nest, with little flames for eggs… or is that the lamest thing ever?
You could always put “Shut your Whore mouth” in some kind of caligraphy or firey font.
SHIT. You stole my line. I knew SOMEONE would beat me to it.
The other option? “I Luv My Crotch Parasites.”
And TWO people beat me to it!
Damn all you bitches. That was my thought too. Nothing says “rebirth” like “shut your whore mouth.”
I think we’re all banished to the likes of the twitter folks.
Break the rules and add water somewhere???
How about a Glade Plug-In? *ducks*
How about….wait for it….”Shut Your Whore Mouth” 🙂
Okay, but in seriousness, I like the sun suggestions.
I like the idea of the sun and Google Images has some cool ones.
http://images.google.com/images?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4ADFA_enUS352US352&q=sun&biw=1276&bih=786
My vote would be for the fourth down on the right – a “twisted” sun.
i have never replied but tattoos is kinda my thing… (i’m covered)
i would do something earthy… or watery.. maybe water in a not so usual format, like your bird is a not so usual kind of bird (which makes it cool) I’ve had the best luck explaining my stupid ass ideas to my tattoo artist, and he normal is able to interpret them into paper as something awesome!!
good luck!! so far it’s gorgeous and i’m sure it will continue that way. and as a tattooed lady to another.. go for the sleeve.. it’s cooler that way… 🙂 otherwise ya just look like ya chickened out and with the huge tattoo you’ve already got i know your no chicken!! 🙂 i have one (well all over but) all the way across my chest.. talk about hurt!!!
you can do it!! all the way around the arm isn’t really that bad. 🙂 and it looks awesome!!
Obviously, that’s where the bird poop lands…
(and I’m not even on Twitter)
Looks like you need to get an account now!
I’m with everyone else…you gotta have flames for your Phoenix. The challenge will be getting it done in such a fashion that the colorful Phoenix doesn’t get lost in the flames.
My back? I’d probably opt for a crossword puzzle. That way all the people who take turns fucking me up the ass will have something to do.
But that’s just me.
Man I’m kinda drawing a blank. Because I like things to be balanced I keep thinking you could have whatever is on fire on your back rebuilt and improved on your arm (for some reason I’m picturing a burning forest on the back replaced by a field of wildflowers). I just like the idea of showing the whole fire-phoenix-life after cycle
Go with the classic depiction and go from there.
Also, include more pictures of yourself in various stages of undress. It will help with tattoo ideas…or something.
I agree with the flames Idea.. but maybe a quote that is meaningful to you, or a phrase of sorts.. possibly having to do with fire? or something along those lines.
I have a quote on my back and It is one of my favorite tattoos. 🙂
Ok, so now that I’ve given it a moment’s serious thought, what about some script? (I’m assuming you are leaving the site of the phoenix’s birth for your back) I don’t fully know what the Phoenix represents to you, but what about something from Shakespeare’s ‘The Phoenix and The Turtle’?
1. You rock. It took me 30 years to get my first damn tattoo, and then 4 months of writing about it on my blog.
2. The phoenix is absolutely beautiful.
3. How about it rises from despair? However you define it. Maybe some kind of Hieronymus Bosch conglomoration of things you’ve risen above? Or you could just go with bacon, because everything’s better with bacon.
First.
soooooooooooo beeeeutiful!
Please don’t take offense when I advise against Dumbledore. Yes, he had a Phoenix, but, well… yeah.
A sun or egg type circle (maybe craked opne) surrounded with blue flame would be my vote.
How about flames coming out of a woman’s… Nevermind
lessee… there is the traditional ball of fire or other flame type thing phoenix rises from. Or perhaps a big sun? You could go all elemental & put a big wave in front of sun, getting fire & water in it, maybe sketch in a bit of beach below the water for earth and add a tree off to one side for air. Though your arm may not be big enough for all that so maybe just the waves and have the sun & tree on your back.
I totally agree with the people that said you should do something earthy. Rising out of the fire is too… well, expected. Something earthy, or water would be totally different and make it your own. Save the flames for a different tatt.
Oh, yeah, the Phoenix will be rising from air and light. I should have said that.
hmm. i kind of like it how it is. i currently am all about words, so i like the idea of putting a relevant quote near it. also, most of my tattoos are kind of disjointed though – each represents a different period of my life, but most don’t have anything to do with one another :/
i also like the idea of going with water or earth, instead of fire. or ‘rip tupac’. that’s probably what i’d do.
Put a zipper on your arm partway unzipped with the “inside” of your arm visible and the phoenix coming out.
How about “Phoenix —->”
HAHA – or “Not Peacock —>”
“Shut Your Whore Mouth” as some have mentioned, but I would “It’s A PHOENIX Asshole!” below it.
First of all, ABSOLUTELY AMAZINGLY GORGEOUS WORK!!! im a big fan of the inking and this is great work. Something like that could have gone horribly awry and it is awesome! I would be very careful about what you put there, just because you dont want it to get too busy. I think its perfect the way it is…it’s kinda like arm cleavage ( but not in the upper arm fat kind of way ) – it leaves you wanting to see more. And then those who are lucky enough to see the rest of it can be all blown away by this gorgeous artwork on your back. But if you must, make it small and definitely go with the idea of the phoenix, rising from something burnt and bad to this blaze of beauty, more amazing than anyone would’ve expected…ya know, kinda like My Aunt Becky !
sorry, I have no idea what to put there, but that is one fucking awesome tattoo, and I had to tell you that. Every time you post pic’s of it, I love it. it is really gorgeous and both reminds and re-inspires me to get moving on my next tattoo. I’m not so good with pain tolerance, so not so big. Still, the 1 tat I have is on my hip, and I really want the next one to be in a spot where people see it more. I am thinking my forearm. For most job interviews I can get away with long sleeves or full length sleeves, so I could hide it if I felt a need, but for the most part, visible. I’m still trying to decide. And I need to find a kick ass artist like yours to turn my feeble idea into an awesome tat.
Good luck, and I can’t wait to see what you do. Maybe flames that also have a sort of image like a mandala. I want a mandala like the purple spirit mandala I saw on a blog once. I forgot the blog name, sorry. Maybe I’ll try to e-mail you the image. Again, I cannot wait to see new photos! That is a great tat you have!
LMAO @ “dragged like a cat’s ass” SUCH a visual. And so true.
I think there are a lot of great ideas listed above and I’ve got nothing to add in that regard, but just wanted to say, that bird is absolutely GORGEOUS! And I am not a tattoo-y type of girl (read: chicken. shit.)
Hmmmm…I really like it the way it is. However, a super cool sun would rock, too (especially with the whole “rising out of air and light” theme). To appease everyone, maybe you could combine the Twitter stuff with some of your Prankster’s comments…like flaming bacon, maybe?
I’m not a tattoo person. Mostly because I have no idea what I’d get if I ever decided to get one. That said, though, I quite honestly think what you’ve got now is beautiful as is. I love all the colors and how vibrant it is. No help, I know, but just my thought!
It’s soooooo pretty. Prettttty! And deeeetaaaaillled!
Pretty much that’s all I’ve got.
(But tangentially: I’m always afraid of tattoos because if I’d gotten a tattoo at various points in my life, I would have had Tweety bird, or Klimt’s The Kiss, or Sting’s face. I’m pretty sure that until I can absolutely believe in my own good taste, I’d just end up with some version of the Justin Beiber of tattoos.)
Tupac swimming in bacon! jay kay jay kay.
what about flames of some kind? it would have to not be cheesey, but then it could be like the pheonix rising from the ashes.
ps
love the pheonix. love it. it’s a powerful image.
Phoenix eggs? Or is it a boy phoenix?
Just have the whole freakin’ Hogwarts castle put on there.
I think you should have “Shut your whore mouth” translated into a foreign language and have it added in a flowery script.
As someone with currently 13 tattoos (one of which is a half back piece of epic proportions) none of which is tiny… I suggest clouds but not regular clouds. Put your favorite things in the clouds, kids names, spiders, vodka bottles, fun stuff like that.
What’s wrong with RIP Tupac?
What about the clouds and sun that are in the picture?
Hmmmmm… I’d go with something earthy but feminine and that compliments the phoenix, but isn’t matchy matchy. I’d be more concerned about staying with the same style more than anything. Maybe an abstract suggestion of the sky and clouds, like in the picture you posted originally? Or something complimentary, but unrelated, like orchid blossoms?
Gorgeous, gorgeous tattoo.
Your balls are so much bigger than mine.
I would definitely put Wilbur’s face on there. Failing that a few strips of bacon would look hot.
Nice peacock!
What about a sunset on the horizon scene? Something without a lot of lines, that will fade before it gets up to the phoenix and not blend or overpower? That way you get your fire, but not as obvious as hot rod flames.
The feather of a peacock?
I recommend a site that I learned from at Toy With Me, http://ugliesttattoos.com, so you can see what NOT to do. BTW, be carefull, this site is HIGHLY ADICTIVE. I spent something like 2 hours the first time I entered it, and every single time afterwards…
A sun just starting to rise from a cloud bank?
Oooooh That is so beautiful! I do love tattoos and although I really have no suggestions except that I like the original piece from which you got your idea so maybe you can incorporate some more of that! 😉
holy awesome tattoo, batman. i’m kind of jealous because i love tattoos but am totally chicken and, to date, the only marks on my skin are old acne scars and those just aren’t anywhere near as pretty.
i wish i had a suggestion on what to put underneath but don’t…i can be useless like that.
Can’t improve on perfection is what I’d say. off the top of my head maybe a red mushroom with a pixie sitting on it smoking a hookah pipe?
How about a flowing ribbon and arrow that says, I’ma fucking Pheonix asshole, not a peacock!
I totally love it btw…:)
A dragon is often paired with a phoenix. Here is an interesting article about their meanings and pairings in Chinese art and culture: http://www.npm.gov.tw/exhbition/dro0001/english/c1main.htm
Really well down flowers, with particular meaning to you, maybe with very vivid dark lines and sort of a monochromatic color scheme to keep it from competing too much with the beautiful colors in your existing phoenix. Maybe lilies or something with a dramatic look and simple colors.
The phoenix is -amazing-. I’m jealous. 😀
I seriously, SERIOUSLY get why you’re not having RIP Tupac or a Meatball because honestly? Who could possibly choose between two of the awesomest things you could ever have tattooed on your body right? I mean they’re both right up there with the Tasmanian devil.
Are flames or smoke to (butch) cliché? The phoenix rose from the ashes right? OR something that you associate rebirth with…like a vagina! Shut up Jen! I mean magician’s hat! JEN! I mean a blossoming bud of plant like entity.
Maybe some kind of pretty, swirly vines with flowers representing each kiddo…like maybe their birth month flower, unless it’s a carnation or some other ugly ass flower, then never-the-eff-mind. Can’t wait to see what you decide!
PS…I totally wrote a long ass reply to your blog yesterday, FULL of all kinds of nice, mushy stuff about how wonderful you are, how much I love your blog (and zee Prankstas)…and I hit reply and fuckity-fuck if I forgot to put my Name* and Mail*!!! GAHHH!!! Here-O Disappear-O!!! And fuck if I was gonna remember it all and write that shit again.(Sorry B, but I gots 5 kidz and uninterrupted time is next to nil around here.) Lots n lots of XOXOXOXO to you!!!
I covered my belly to stop me from wanting a tummy tuck. I have pan, a fairy, a tree and some clovers.
I want a nice snake twisted into a triptect (like the charmed necklace) eating its tail right under my boobs in that triangle area. But money and boyfriend are stopping me at the moment.
I love yours- it reminds me of Suess’s bird who ate lolliberries. I agree with fire- maybe a tree burst into flames? since it looks like a bird, but is not screaming pheonix, the fire needs to be put under her or on your arm at some point.
How can you go wrong with Bacon?
I dunno. You are obviously much better at this then I could EVER be. This is probably why I don’t have any tattoos. I can’t make up my mind on ANYTHING. Sometimes, I go home at lunch time and change my clothes…just because I can’t ever make up my mind.
My oldest really wants a tattoo, and has drawn it all up herself, it’s in Latin. She is an artist, she makes beautiful things, I just need to accept it. I posted about it, with a photo of her drawing of what she wants. I am still a bit traumatized at the thought of it, but am slowly getting over it.
http://makingmonkeysoup.blogspot.com/2010/07/learning-i-have-no-say-in-matter.html
Well since i interpret those to be some sort of broken tracks, train tracks, roller coaster-something, it seems only natural to put what fell off the tracks-I am going to leave that up to you, but perhaps whatever fell off-the pheonix is rising from… ??? cant wait to see what you choose. PS I am writing you a song-not in the freaky stalker kind of way, but in the you inspire me kind of way… to be continued…
I don’t know, how about your zodiac or a rune, or a Chinese saying?
your mother’s name. 🙂 you’re a survivor!
still definitely not a robot.
Love the tat!
I always thought it would be cool to get my kids’ names or something that represented them, and the fact that you have overcome so much with your kids, wouldn’t that kind of tie into the whole “Phoenix Rising” concept?
I don’t know, maybe this idea is totally lame? LOL
How ’bout instead of having it rise from the flames, it rises from the ashes, the ashes of past crappy-bad things that you have lived through and become stronger from as a result?
A scence of destruction on one side and a scene bursting with life and enrgy on the other!
I am SO with you, Becks! I am currently designing tattoo number six, and I am excited! I already have six and seven worked out… and you know me, my ink tends teo be all about message, but there you go.
Bacon, or sausage, so the phoenix can burst into flames, thereby cooking its food and then devour its salty goodness once it is reborn.
Cool!
This is in jest. You could have the phoenix (sp?) rise from a face of smiling Richard Simmons, or other famous person like him.
That might not be your first choice, but then, people would say: “a bird flying away from Richard Simmons???, Whaaaaa?”
And then they’d never forget your tattoo.
Have a Good Day,
Rob
Poo. I didn’t even know you had a tattoo! I have one of puckered lips, but Imma let you guess where!
for some reason all i can think is what would dexter do? new season this sunday! holla!
Gorgeous ink!!
Okay…flame outline..but the inside be a skyline/where the water meets the clouded sky. OR the big flower on the top of a lily pad all open-y and blooming, in the air and light colors – here’s hoping that made more sense than a rambling drunks musings…if not add some vodka for translation :o)
Wow, Becky, it’s simply awesome! I kinda like the sleeve thing now that I’ve seen a lot of women with them, but I didn’t at first. I’m a big fan of word tattoos. I’d go with a quote that’s banded around your arm. But then I haven’t finished mine yet . . . lol.
Someone has probably already said this but doesn’t phoenix rise from the ashes? How about a burning egg?
Ouch, ouch and ouch! Maybe the tattoo should rise from a tree branch, mountain peak, or ouch!…sorry, distracted by pseudo-pain.
A ROBOT because OMG Aunt Becky is a Robot! I just got an email from mommywantsvodkabot after I left a comment with a spankin’ new email address. Tee-hee!
ZOMG. Just started reading your site (yes, I am a little late to ‘discover’ you), and it’s one of the few I really enjoy reading consistently. Like how you started this post – if I have to read one more ‘let me tell you how much I ADORE my children!! Sweetness! Sugar!! ad nauseam’ I was going to go drink the rest of that wine in the fridge, while gorging myself on my hidden ben & jerry’s, pronto. So thankyou, for being more real. And apparently having the best damn tattoo artist I’ve yet to see.
Dude, I know. I’m dead tired of hearing about everyone’s perfect kids. I really, really am. Sorry, y’all, but I’m sick of it.
OOOOOOOO! I just had another thought.
“My crotch parasites are better than your crotch parasites.”
BWAHAHAHA!
BWAHAHAHAHA! Then, “you shut your whore mouth.”
My perspective may be a bit…skewed…
I hope to one day have some form of Phoenix rising tattooed over my heart. It is, to me, a powerful symbol of change, of return, of the endlessness of the soul’s cycle (not to get deep or anything). It’s a symbol of renewal, and of the ability to rise up from conflagration and be beautiful despite having been scorched to ash.
So, Mizz Aunt B…what are YOU rising up from? What are you transforming from? What are you leaving behind in the cold ash as you blaze forward into a new day? THAT’S what you should tattoo on your currently blank slate.
Mind you, I’m nuttier than a Claxton fruitcake, so maybe my thoughts would be better used to line a bird cage…but there you have ’em.
Good luck, sugar…I will be delighted to see what you’ve chosen.
Shade and Sweetwater
K
I’m going to get some clouds and swirls underneath the phoenix some day. And eventually, the sun. Someday, someone will turn on the sun for me.
Oooh, lovely…
I had a thought this morning when I read your reply (I know, thinking is SUCH a dangerous pastime)(But I like livin’ on the edge, yo) – what if the Phoenix were rising from the clouds and toward the sun which you hope to attain?
Don’t pay me too much mind…I know how personal tattoos can be. All of mine have meaning, and I don’t much care what anyone else thinks about how they “should” have been executed because hello? My body, my intent, my ink!
It’s cool, watching yours take shape…thanks for sharing it.
Shade and Sweetwater,
K
The first thing that came to mind when you said rising from air and light was a tornado for some reason LOL
Placenta(s)
Actually since u seem like a bright (as in hyper happy go-lucky type) I think if the phoenix didn’t have so many black lines (or none at all that it was all just color) the color would have been much lovelier but hey I’m not tattoo artist….yet*evil laugh* and i think it is lovely. Granted i did have issues trying to see the phoenix in the original drawing. ANYWAYS id say that it should be flying from a tree or in a sunset. OH! in between a firey sun and pale full moon with a colorful color change in the back ground. ah this would be so much easier to draw for u! >_< Le gasp my mind is exploding with creativity! IT BURNS!!! Jk
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reading above a lot of people say "fire" but i think that would only match well if the phoenix was fire like colors or else it would look like it was burning to death maybe if the flames were rainbow colors? o.0 I think if u have it up in the air in anyway it would look more phoenix like and if someone said "nice peacock" u could say "its a phoenix, peacocks don't fly duh." Lol
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Holy crap could this message get any longer?
Hope i'm not too late on u getting ur tat finished but hey i'm sure what ever u end up getting will be lovely. lets just hope the same artist can do it cuz if a different one tried the different styles could mess it up and look tacky and tack is a no no for lovely tattoos such as yours.
Is it too obvious to say fire? I think given the style of the pheonix you have there, you can make something that doesn’t suggest skulls and motorcycles but is clearly fire. Perhaps because “The Phoenix and the Carpet” was a very meaningful book to me as a kid, I like the idea of a fire with an egg in the ashes. Phoenix not only rose from the fire but will do so again, an infinite number of times.
Beautiful Tat Girl!