I have 10....telling an autobiography in abstract.
The first two are small rosebuds entwined in barbed wired on each shoulder blade. They represent early life in captivity.
The third is a long stemmed rosebud entwined in barbed wire on my abdomen, off center towards my right. It signifies growth in a cage.
The fourth is an artists rendition of a druid rune which symbolizes pain. That is on my right bicep. The choice of placement signifies that my strength (in my right arm) can withstand the pain [of the cage...]
The fifth is a gothic whirl on my lower spine, signifying blowing winds and upcoming change.
The sixth is a series of scallops on my left upper, outer thigh, representing armour or protection (as in a shield).
The seventh is my rendition of a coat of arms representing the Goddess. It is on my left calf.
The eighth is a wreath of roses, some open, some buds encircling a stack of coloured gems, standing above a fantasy knife. They represent beauty, value and strength....and show that a knife can cut hard and soft objects,equally. I am each object. This tattoo is on my left bicep, closest to my heart.
The ninth tattoo is a rose in full bloom with a long stem. This tattoo begins between the two small rosebuds, continues the length of my spine, and ends just above the whirl. It signifies opening to the sun, accepting oneself, and breaking free of any binds that held previously.
The last is at the nape of my neck, just above that knot at the top of my spine...it's an initial. L for Lou. That letter is blue.
All the tattoos that have roses in them have colour - the roses are red, the stems are green. The gems are blue, green, purple, orange, pink. The knife blade is a steel colour, the handle is entwined with yellow. All the rest of the pieces are black.
I'm considering getting one more....a fleur di lis in honour of the Katrina victims and survivours and for the city of New Orleans. I'd put it near or on a lower part of my leg...to show the journey that begins with a footstep towards recovery.
Why put tattoos on my body?? They are commitments to a lifetime of moments, moments that have shaped me. They are signposts on a timeline.