I’m 57 and I Just Got My First Real Tattoo
I have mixed feelings
This tattoo is pretty big. I have a very small ouroboros that I got when I was 23, but it’s on my shoulder and no one ever sees it. I wish I had gone bigger.
The “Lolas” are my book club. Eight women who have been together for 27 years.
The eight of us have been through the deaths and illnesses of parents, cancer, a stillborn baby, divorce, and the death of our founding member, who died in her early 40s from breast cancer.
Last year we decided to get tattoos with our book club name and a design of our choice.
I am in no way under the impression that I look super cool with a large tattoo on my forearm, at this age. I’m doing it because I love this group of women and want to show my support.
The pine tree is important to me because I’m a tree-hugger, and it represents the vacation spot that we went to as a family for 25 years, in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
The clouds were added because my artist thought that I needed to tie the book club name and the tree together with a design. I'm not sure how I feel about them. I would have been fine with just the letters and the tree.
It's too late now.
My husband’s reaction was “Oh my Gawd.” This is funny because he never talks like that. I think he was trying to cover up his distaste with a valley girl accent. But I knew he wouldn't like it anyway. He’s conservative. His favorite sex symbol is Mary Tyler Moore.
My mom was interested to see it, and made some approving mumbles, although I know she thinks I'm too old. My mom thinks if you're over 50 you shouldn't carry a big purse, wear statement jewelry, or have long hair. All things I still do.
My dad hates tattoos. I showed it to him, but it's OK. He has dementia so I'm sure he forgot a minute later.
My son's girlfriend loved it. God bless her.
It's kind of funny when I'm teaching yoga and students notice my tattoo for the first time. So far no one has mentioned it, which leads me to two conclusions:
- They don't really look at me or think I've had it all along.
- Do they think what the hell is she trying to prove? She’s old!
Or perhaps they figure that all yoga teachers have to get tattoos as part of the certification process.
Whatever. This is my aging earth suit. I’m liking the tattoo more and more.
My goddaughter died suddenly of an aneurysm at the beginning of the Covid-19 Pandemic. She was 14. I am fortunate to have this aging body. I’m fortunate to have as many years as I’ve had on this earth.
My tattoo doesn't look as cool or sexy as the ones the girls have on the Tattoo Girls Instagram page. But I'm OK with that.
I love my Lolas, and I’m glad that now everyone can see just how much.
Thanks for reading!
