I'm gonna get me some ink

[roadie gal]

My SO thinks it's a midlife crisis... but I'm going to get my first tattoo at the ripe old age of 51. I've been thinking about this for a long time.

I'm going to get a turtle with wings. The turtle has been my totem animal for a long time. It's single minded, strong, tenacious and connected to the earth. In some cultures it's associated with medicine and healing. The wings are symbols for the times when things go easier or better than expected. They're a contrast between the groundedness of the turtle and my occasional flights of fancy. They're freedom. Last, my sister, who died last year after a long battle with breast cancer loved pictures of angels and winged things. So this brings her along with me always.

I've been asking locals with tats where they got theirs done. One place kept coming up. So I went there and talked to them a few days ago. The place was clean. Everyone was very nice and welcoming. I'd expected a "biker hangout" kind of feel. But it wasn't like that at all. The artist says he's going to have my drawing done tomorrow. I can't wait to go and see it!

[TsPoet]

I'm 43, have no ink, and I'm jealous!
Your design sounds wonderful, and the fact that you have such a clear idea of what you want is terrific.
go for it.

[Zen]

i think I was 45 when I got mine.
Your design sounds great and well thought out.

[Veronica]

Well I'd never get a tattoo - too afraid I'd hate it later - I've always admired ones that have been well thought out and have meaning. I like turtles too, ever since we went to Hawaii and I got to swim with them.

Veronica

[kacie tri-ing]

Cool! Can you post up the drawing when you get it?

[OakLeaf]

That does sound cool! Looking forward to seeing the design (and the tat, if you're comfortable sharing it here when it's done).

[Kimmyt]

I took my mom to get her tattoo when she was 48

[Selkie]

Got mine when I was 42! ENJOY. Can't wait to see it.

[badger]

I love that your tattoo's going to have so much meaning. Much better than some random chinese character people get that means little.

Where on the body are you going to get the tattoo?

[PamNY]

Cool! Let us know how it goes. I want a hawk on my ankle (and I'm 59).

[Tri Girl]

Cool!! I still want one, but am afraid to pull the trigger and make it permanent.
I LOVE the meaning. I think those make it far more special. I'd love to see it when it's finished.

[badger]

may I suggest the inside of the leg for your tattoo location?

I would imagine that the symbol is more of an inspiration for you, not for viewing by other people? I could be wrong.

When I got mine, I knew that there's a high regret factor to something permanent, so I actually got it where nobody can really see (near my left hip bone). I'm glad I got it there, because it was for me, and I sometimes do regret getting it.

[pfunk12]

I got my tattoo when I was 40 - after a relationship ended and it was a very sad and painful time for me. I call it my "midlife crisis" tattoo . Getting the tattoo was very empowering to me. Mine is a butterfly. I found a poem on the internet about how a butterfly is about a new beginning so I thought it was appropriate.

So...good for you!

[XMcShiftersonX]

Good for you! I think it's important to have ideas well thought out, and thought about for a long time before getting them. Then of course have an artist that you think is good. I already have 1 1/2 sleeves, and huge flowers around my waist (and more to come!). Enjoy your tattoo!

-Jessica

P.S. - Here's a link to my tattoos: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?ai...3&l=39fe83c761

[Bike Chick]

I got my tattoo when I was 40 - after a relationship ended and it was a very sad and painful time for me. I call it my "midlife crisis" tattoo . Getting the tattoo was very empowering to me. Mine is a butterfly. I found a poem on the internet about how a butterfly is about a new beginning so I thought it was appropriate.

So...good for you!

Got mine at 41--also a butterfly and for very similar reasons. It's in a very private place that no one can see unless I decide to share it. I've had it 10 years and have never regretted it.

It was very empowering to me as well. I hope you enjoy yours as much as I have mine. Share a pic when it's done if you feel comfortable doing so.