Portraits on Kimm - as opposed to portraits of Kimm
I've always been fascinated by tattoos. The notion of a permanent picture on one's skin has intrigued me since I was a kid.
For my first foray into tattooing I chose a portrait of Grim Death himself. The lettering on his scythe reads 'Leather is Better'. I figured that when I'm 100 years old and completely addled in a nursing home the kind people wiping the portion of my anatomy where this puppy appears will read it and know I used to be a wild child. Done at Sailor Fred's Golden Needle in Rochester, N.Y.
My second tattoo was one of those 'life lesson' kinds of tattoos. I thought I was in love and decided it would be a highly romantic gesture to have our names tattooed on my bicep. Eleven - count 'em eleven - weeks later, the relationship was OVER and I was left with this name permanently etched on my arm. I got this gem to cover the name up, and I've always found it ironic and appropriate that it's the single ugliest tattoo in God's creation. Lesson learned. Never get a name etched into your skin. Bad, bad, bad. Done in Nashua, New Hampshire, in no shop worth remembering.
I got this beauty to commemorate the first vacation Mike and I took together. Also learned that tattoos done on the calf have a big ouch factor. Done at Sailor Fred's Golden Needle in Rochester, N.Y.
My next tattoo was one that I'd been wanting for a long time, a real wraparound. This one took two very painful hours to get, but was well worth it. Done at Your Choice Tattoo, Inc. in Hempstead, N.Y.
Finally! A kitty tattoo! My friend Marie designed this one, then watched - and winced - as it got put on. Done at Your Choice Tattoo, Inc. in Hempstead, N.Y.
After my cat Spirit died, Marie gave me a beautiful pin that reminded us both of her. I took the pin to Vegas and an artist there turned it into this tattoo. For me getting this tattoo was a very bittersweet experience. On the one hand, the tattoo was beautiful and getting it involved sitting with my hand braced in the lap of the very blonde tattoo guy. On the other hand, we spent the hour chatting about our families and looking at pictures of his kids and grandkids. Damnit, when did I become a grownup? Done in Las Vegas at the shop on the Strip just down from the Stratosphere, and I wish I could remember the name because they're great people and do nice work.
This one was also done in Vegas. Same tattoo shop I can't remember the name of, talk about your senior moments! Different artist, same friendly and professional service. Nine paw prints altogether, and this one is a big hit at the animal shelter.
Sorry my photography of these isn't the greatest. I'm not as agile a minx as I used to be!