Sunday, February 7, 2010

some rocks and a tattoo...

I finally did it - I made an appointment to get a tattoo.

I've been thinking about doing this for a couple of years as a way to celebrate not only my weight lose but all the changes that have taken place since then. But finding that one image that would signify all those changes has been just about impossible. Come on, look at all that has happened! There was all my hiking; climbing 14er's; adventure race camp and my first race; the 5 races following that; my love of running; mountain biking; my new and amazing friends and so on. How in the world could I find one image that would show all that?

It finally came down to one image that is pretty common on the trail - a cairn. What's a cairn? Basically it's "a single stack of rocks intended to mark a path, a territory, or a specific site." 



I've seen them all over when I hike, particularly in Moab.  There have been many times on the trail that if I hadn't seen a cairn, I would have gotten hopelessly lost. They guided my steps and kept me safe.

More than that, they signify the changes that have taken place in my life. I've said many times that the people in my life have made all the difference in who I am today. Those who place cairnes are thinking of those who will come after and those who find and follow them are trusting travelers who went before. What better illustration of our relationships with each other.

All this put together made it pretty clear that this is what I wanted to mark my body permanently with. Next up to decide - who is going to do it?

I got lucky there - a friend suggested we check out West Side Tattoo in old Colorado City and spent Friday being completely impressed with the place. I picked the artist I wanted, made the appointment (this Friday), placed a down payment, and I was all set!

So, what is it going to look like? Look to the right - that's it. The artist is extremely talented and I'm excited to see what he will do with the final product! I will post pics right here as well when it's all done.

Another step, albeit small, in this journey. 



6 comments:

Bryan a.k.a Durek said...

So, what does the tattoo look like? Do you have pics you're willing to post? I've had a similar idea for a cairn tattoo and would like to see what your's looks like. Thanks so much.

Mini Me said...

Hey Bryan, You can check it out here. http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/It3lBv_ySKQdvnNxBIdMVtiKsWQlatlHsN82nU-eKsU?feat=directlink I liked how it turned out. When I got it no one knew what a cairn was and it was the first one they had ever done at the shop, so it was definitely unique!

Bryan a.k.a Durek said...

Thanks so much for sharing that pic - that is an awesome tattoo! Definitely helps me in considering mine. Thanks so much.

Mini Me said...

Once you get it done, I'd love for you to post yours - kindred spirits need to stick together!

Nat said...

Hi Mini Me,
As was Bryan I am keen to see your tattoo also, especially after he has mentioned that it is an awesome one. I have followed the link you have posted but it tells me the page is unavailable, do you have it posted anywhere else please?
Thanks
Nat :)

Mini Me said...

Hi Nat, sorry about the link, here is the correct one - https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/It3lBv_ySKQdvnNxBIdMVtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=directlink

I've loved having it, it was a great choice!