A Tattoo

[TheGuzilla]

now, I know a tattoo is an intensely personal decision that is permanent - I have 2 already.

but I would love to hear this group's ideas.

for years (in fact, 11 years) I have considered adding a Jazz Fest tattoo. it's where I met my wife, Jazz Fest & New Orleans are my soul.

post-Thing, I have since added the fleur-de-lis as a symbol. (rings, belts, cufflinks, etc.) pre-Thing, no sir, no way (even though my name is Lee and I enjoyed the play on words - but the Fleur meant more French aristocracy, with no shout-out to my Polish heritage...)

so, the question I ask this distinguished body is (twofold, semi-corellating)....

In the certainty I am getting a tattoo based on New Orleans & Jazz Fest. Do I:

A) Get the Jazz Fest logo.
B) Get the fleur-de-lis (thank you "justagirl" - you really put my feet to the fire)

and

C) Can ANY of you wonderful people send me a high quality image of the one I should get? (either fleur or JF)

act soon, and you may see your submission 2nd weekend... ;)

I eagerly await your thoughts...

[Zydekitten]

Well, as a resident tattoo expert (with 6 current and 1 old one that's been covered up by one of the current six) and one of the few late night owls still on here . . .

I'm more than happy to give my dos centavos worth on your most excellent query.

I got a beautiful fleur de lys tattoo in honor of NOLA and my love for it post-K in October of 05. I don't have a current photo of it (if you are interested, I'll take one and post it tomorrow), but here's the base art I used for the inspiration:

http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o67/Zydekitten/CS-Fleur-De-Lys.gif

[mightyradgumbo]

I am the holder/possesser/recipient of no tattoos, but I took many a Marine to the shop in my day to get that permanent reminder of a (sometimes, not always) temporary feeling. I recommend the fleur-de-lis as it is a beautiful centerpiece in the road to rebirth for NOLA. That is my humble, drunken opinion.

[festivalgirl]

It's late ... where are putting the tattoo? Don't know why that's the first thing I thought of?

http://www.fleurdelis.com/fleurs.htm

Kinda partial to C and V myself.

[TheGuzilla]

thank you both.... that's kind of where I'm headed. but wanted to hear the thoughts for sure...

ZK - it's like you're in my head...

One of my best friends (and current business partner) is a direct descendant of the founder of New Orleans (remind me, when we meet, to tell you the story of his telling off a waiter at Frankie & Johnny's - Whoo!) and his wife did the 1997 Mardi Gras poster.

anyway... she is working on a new design of the... what's it called? the snake eating its own tail.... the cada... no... whatever.

it eating its own tail, around the fleur, as a symbol of eternity, etc.

obviously I wait for that, if she's serious about it. but I would love the group thoughts on the power of symbols. and, already, you guys don't disappoint...

thanks y'all... symbols are power. and the world needs some willing soulfulness now...

[TheGuzilla]

It's late ... where are putting the tattoo? Don't know why that's the first thing I thought of?

http://www.fleurdelis.com/fleurs.htm

Kinda partial to C and V myself.

thank you darlin'! the tat goes on my upper leg, below another. my tats have a system to them... (well, both of them. not like I have a huge number or large tats, but there IS a system! ;-))

great designs, which I will happily employ - thanks for the reference!

I spent last Mardi Gras with Michalopoulos and I had just recently embraced the Fleur. he took photos of my rings to potentially use as new label designs for his "New Orleans Rum". good stuff.

thank all y'all. and please send more ideas.

I can think of no nicer group of people to help me permanently change my flesh...

;)

[Zydekitten]

thank you both.... that's kind of where I'm headed. but wanted to hear the thoughts for sure...

ZK - it's like you're in my head...

One of my best friends (and current business partner) is a direct descendant of the founder of New Orleans (remind me, when we meet, to tell you the story of his telling off a waiter at Frankie & Johnny's - Whoo!) and his wife did the 1997 Mardi Gras poster.

anyway... she is working on a new design of the... what's it called? the snake eating its own tail.... the cada... no... whatever.

it eating its own tail, around the fleur, as a symbol of eternity, etc.

obviously I wait for that, if she's serious about it. but I would love the group thoughts on the power of symbols. and, already, you guys don't disappoint...

thanks y'all... symbols are power. and the world needs some willing soulfulness now...
Snake eating it's own tail is the Ouroborous (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ouroboros )

and a very powerful and common symbol both as an archetype and as a mandala (both of which Carl Jung worked with a lot in his psychological work).

I think that's one of the best aspect of tattoos is being able to work with the canvas of your own body and express powerful symbology.

My first tattoo was a celtic weave (being a Scot and all), when it "blew up" - I got a blue lotus (very powerful symbol) to cover it up. I have the fleur de lys to honor New Orleans on my right inside ankle, and in December when I was in NOLA to help build houses in the Musicians Village for my birthday, I got a mudra with the eye of Buddha in the palm at Electric Ladyland on Frenchmen St.

[Zydekitten]

BTW, I collected a whole page of fleur de lys designs to use as possible tattoos and I'd be happy to send them to you, if you're interested, TG . . . :)

[ozzie]

It's late ... where are putting the tattoo? Don't know why that's the first thing I thought of?

http://www.fleurdelis.com/fleurs.htm

Kinda partial to C and V myself.

V gets my vote.

[TheGuzilla]

would love to see the designs. and MANY thanks for the ouroboros... of course that's it... keep forgetting that.

the only person I have ever admitted was my hero was Joseph Campbell. hence my symbology and such... oh, and Jazz Fest.

my first tat (again - I have a plan!) was my fraternity symbol. not as young & dumb as it sounds as I got it with a guy that was going through a hard time, as a symbol of unity.

[sidebar: I always thought the coolest tats were the symbolic / blue / Navy/ sailor tats, that reminded men of feelings & experiences they shared (think of your sailor grandfather, with his name of a ship & a mermaid on his tricep). as a result, all of mine are that kind of sailor blue]

that was on one leg. and I had devoted that leg to my "group identity" - hence, my fleur or JF tat goes on that leg too.

the other, my right leg, was to be devoted to my "individual identity" - and for that, there was only one choice.

A lion.

I could be no more of a Leo (if you believe in astrology, as I do) always was my symbol. post September 11th (I'm a New Yorker) well, it became obvious - my other tattoo is the symbol of the New York Public Library.

http://nypl.org/images/marc_header_gjk.gif

then... (here's where it gets weird) I always envisioned a family life. I met my wife at Jazz Fest, the day before I moved to Tokyo, Japan. and I fell in love with Japanese culture, but her too.

so I wanted to have her name above the crown of the lion. but I wanted to do it in the old samurai fashion, pounding the kanji character of her name using bamboo with ink into the skin. the PROBLEM was that there is no Japanese term for my wife's name "Charity" that is noble. the closest equivalent is NEGATIVE. (Japan is expected to take care of themselves, so "giving money to the poor" is looked down upon.)

so no go on that. (then I wanted to have our future childrens' names inscribed under the lion)

anyway... New Orleans is HUGELY important to us, so that has been added to the group identity side.

mmm... I've been drinking Abita Restoration all night... ;)

[ozzie]

would love to see the designs. and MANY thanks for the ouroboros... of course that's it... keep forgetting that.

the only person I have ever admitted was my hero was Joseph Campbell. hence my symbology and such... oh, and Jazz Fest.

my first tat (again - I have a plan!) was my fraternity symbol. not as young & dumb as it sounds as I got it with a guy that was going through a hard time, as a symbol of unity.

[sidebar: I always thought the coolest tats were the symbolic / blue / Navy/ sailor tats, that reminded men of feelings & experiences they shared (think of your sailor grandfather, with his name of a ship & a mermaid on his tricep). as a result, all of mine are that kind of sailor blue]

that was on one leg. and I had devoted that leg to my "group identity" - hence, my fleur or JF tat goes on that leg too.

the other, my right leg, was to be devoted to my "individual identity" - and for that, there was only one choice.

A lion.

I could be no more of a Leo (if you believe in astrology, as I do) always was my symbol. post September 11th (I'm a New Yorker) well, it became obvious - my other tattoo is the symbol of the New York Public Library.

http://nypl.org/images/marc_header_gjk.gif

then... (here's where it gets weird) I always envisioned a family life. I met my wife at Jazz Fest, the day before I moved to Tokyo, Japan. and I fell in love with Japanese culture, but her too.

so I wanted to have her name above the crown of the lion. but I wanted to do it in the old samurai fashion, pounding bamboo with ink into the skin. the PROBLEM was that there is no Japanese term for my wife's name "Charity" that is noble. the closest equivalent is NEGATIVE. (Japan is expected to take care of themselves, so "giving money to the poor" is looked down upon.)

so no go on that. (then I wanted to have our future childrens' names inscribed under the lion)

anyway... New Orleans is HUGELY important to us, so that has been added to the group identity side.

mmm... I've been drinking Abita Restoration all night... ;)

I can't stop laughing! I thought, hey that's weird to tattoo your future children's names... what if you don't have any, what if they're all boys and you did done tattoo girls' names. Took me a minute to get that you might do that after they arrive! Duh!

5pm Friday... must be time to down tools and grab a drink.... then I'll be able to think much more clearly. Cheers!

[Zydekitten]

Mmmm, loves me some Abita Restoration ale . . . and I loves your stories too. I also have had a lifelong fascination with Japanese culture and am more than a little envious that you got to live there! (Don't EVEN get me started on my extreme love of Japanese food and sushi - my whole bathroom has a sushi motif)

True, the Japanese tend to frown upon begging (unless you're a Buddhist Monk or Nun) and "charity" as we define it.

I haven't been lucky enough to visit NYC more than just a couple of times, but one of my favorite places is the Public Library and it's very grand and noble lions . . .

All of my tattoos are very symbolic and meaningful to me (as are my piercings): I've gotten each of them to mark an important event or passage in my life . . .and as such, I've given the designs a great deal of thought, as I intend to keep these on me my entire life (however long that might be).

So, I applaud your body art philosophy . . . as a piercer I know likes to say after he pierces someone . . . "Now, there's one more of us and one less of them." ;) :D

[TheGuzilla]

bless you Ozzie.

we have to have kids first. and my names for kids have met with resistance...

"Zeus" & "Apollo" don't fly with our last, (admittedly ridiculous), heavily consonated, Polish surname...

in my wife's opinion anyway...
;)

[Zydekitten]

bless you Ozzie.

we have to have kids first. and my names for kids have met with resistance...

"Zeus" & "Apollo" don't fly with our last, (admittedly ridiculous), heavily consonated, Polish surname...

in my wife's opinion anyway...
;)
Hey, I'm a firm believer in running potential kids' names through the "Taunt-o-meter" . . .

[TheGuzilla]

ZK - I truly can't wait to meet you...

NYC is a great place. Every type of human energy. Even the good ones.

The lions of the NYPL are striking. Their names?

"Patience" and "Fortitude".

double amen...

hence the tattoo...

I agree with your choice of passages. mine were always warrior symbols of a group, and an individual.

well, we'll see....

the history books will tell the tales...

[TheGuzilla]

Hey, I'm a firm believer in running potential kids' names through the "Taunt-o-meter" . . .

believe me... my last name starts with a "G." and I worship Francis Albert Sinatra. but my wife & I decided that we can't name a kid that can't wear his initials on cufflinks...

[ozzie]

About to visit NYC for the first time... very much looking forward to it except I hear it's bloody cold! :D

[Zydekitten]

Yup, that's what I love about NYC, although having mostly grown up in the S.F. area - I do find I reach sensory overload in Manhattan after a few days and need to get some mental rest :D

But, I love the energy and the variety there. The last time I was in NYC - in lower Manhattan in Jan. 05, I was lucky enough to catch Geno Delafose at a club there and expose a couple of my friends to some of the best Louisiana zydeco music anywhere.

I'm very much looking forward to meeting you and your Sweet Charity also!

I love the names of the NYPL lions - thanks for sharing that :)

[TheGuzilla]

tell me when good sir! I would love to show you about. and I do know a little about the town...

good fun...

[Zydekitten]

believe me... my last name starts with a "G." and I worship Francis Albert Sinatra. but my wife & I decided that we can't name a kid that can't wear his initials on cufflinks...

Yeah, I do too and he's a fellow Sagittarius (the day before my birthday in fact) - but I agree that would create a rather unfortunate monogram in these still unenlightened times . . . (LOL!)

[Zydekitten]

tell me when good sir! I would love to show you about. and I do know a little about the town...

good fun...
(Psssst, Ozzie's a "Sheila") :D

[ozzie]

tell me when good sir! I would love to show you about. and I do know a little about the town...

good fun...

We'll be there next weekend.... I'll have to check with our social director (Tangleupinblue) about our whereabouts!

This lady is heading off now or I'll miss my ride home with the kind sir. See ya at midnight when I'm sloshed and y'all are waking up! Cheers!

[stlbarb]

That is my humble, drunken opinion.

lent is over! glad to hear your off the wagon.

i have considered a tattoo for many years, deciding the location (small of the back) and somewhat the theme: musical notes, bars of the first riff of a song.
just could never decide what the song should be.
point of story: you'll know when you see the right one, otherwise just wait until it makes an appearance.

[ozzie]

(Psssst, Ozzie's a "Sheila") :D

Thanks for noticing Kitty! :D

[Zydekitten]

How could I ever fail to, luv!!! ;) :D

[Zydekitten]

well... it's late....

it's post 3:00am on the East Coast. thanks for the cameraderie, but I have to be up for an early flight.

I will, however, leave you with this thought. (true story)...

my soul was buried in the New Orleans earth. this was us digging it up.

that guy I told you about who was a direct descendant of the founder of the city? he's on the left.

I am in the middle.

on the right is his wife, who did the 1997 Mardi Gras poster.

hope to meet all of you... Good night... (I quote the Blind Boys of Alabama "I got a newborn soul!)

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w12/TheGuzilla/IMG_0191.jpg
That's such a cool story!!! And when I people ask me about my NOLA tattoo, I tell them I got it because my heart lives there . . .

Travel Safe, New Threadhead Friend!!! (Love the BBofA - saw them at HOB last Jazzfest)

http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o67/Zydekitten/saclotus_tat_sm.jpg

[TheGuzilla]

We'll be there next weekend.... I'll have to check with our social director (Tangleupinblue) about our whereabouts!

This lady is heading off now or I'll miss my ride home with the kind sir. See ya at midnight when I'm sloshed and y'all are waking up! Cheers!

the Radiators are playing a small club in NYC that weekend if you're interested... we are going Saturday.

[TheGuzilla]

That's such a cool story!!! And when I people ask me about my NOLA tattoo, I tell them I got it because my heart lives there . . .

Travel Safe, New Threadhead Friend!!! (Love the BBofA - saw them at HOB last Jazzfest)

http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o67/Zydekitten/saclotus_tat_sm.jpg

oh... I assure you... it gets weirder from there. (if Hunter S. has taught us nothing.... it can always get weirder...)

please do come meet us. we'll be up to Great Good...

(but it won't look that way....)

[TheGuzilla]

I forgot to mention...

solid art!

[Zydekitten]

Well, as it happens the Sacred Funk show is on Friday, the 4th . . . so I might just be able to ramble by y'all's Revowal at Johnny's . . . ;)

[TheGuzilla]

don't toy with me!

it's going to be epic. we have some Crescenterati who may show... but it will definitely be weird. I guarantee you that. in fact...

nope.

be surprised...

you'd be a welcome addition. AS LONG AS YOU ARE IN COSTUME!!! :mad:

make it so...

[TheGuzilla]

I'll also add... to sweeten the pie...

the symbol next to "Guzilla"?

the new burgee I made for this year. last year was my 10th anniversary of Jazz Fest. so I made this:

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w12/TheGuzilla/GUZOFSKIburgee.jpg

you see the heraldry -- purple gold green - X for 10th, fleur for NOLA rebirth, etc.

this year, we designed a new one, that will fly under our "Surrender the Booty" flag.

the one next to my name. lion, crab, numbers, champagne flute w/ the fleur.

symbols, darling, symbols...

[TheGuzilla]

please... tell me more, good people...

[Corona]

lent is over! glad to hear your off the wagon.

i have considered a tattoo for many years, deciding the location (small of the back) and somewhat the theme: musical notes, bars of the first riff of a song.
just could never decide what the song should be.
point of story: you'll know when you see the right one, otherwise just wait until it makes an appearance.
yes.....

[heyhon]

what tattoo shop in New Orleans does anyone recommend?

[Mojo Rises]

I have a Bama logo (A) tattoo on my a$$. Seriously,I'm a drunken idiot. (I did alot of stupid things in collge - but this was way before tattoos were "in") My wife hates it...I mean really hates it! She went to Ole Miss. Plus, I always show it off. I've had a ton of laughs w/ it over the years. I will include a pic if anyone wants one...

[swampwoman]

what tattoo shop in New Orleans does anyone recommend?

Eye Candy - 1578 Magazine in the lower garden district

http://eyecandytattoo.com/all.htm

ask for Donn

appointments are preferred

[where yat brah]

Here are a couple from a Saint's fan website. Maybe this will give you an idea of what you don't or do want.

http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u148/coastalp/fleurtat.jpg

Notice the plant of which the tat is made.
And

http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u148/coastalp/fleur20tat.jpg

[swampwoman]

here is a link to a WWL story about tattoos

http://www.wwltv.com/local/stories/WWL070906tpkatrinatattoo.3f013e4f.html

www.nola.com had a HUGE tattoo gallery around the same time but I can't find it now - it showed all the Katrina related tattoos folks created - if someone wants to poke around that site they might find it

[bluedog]

oh great thread! The hubby & I are planning to do Tats in NOLA ... I've been advised that Electric Ladyland is the place to go. I still have to figure out 'xactly what I want though. Want to incorporate a lot of things ... kids, love, nola ... thanx for starting this thread ... it will get the creative juices flowing. ZKitty post pics of yours? and anyone else?

[Zydekitten]

I got my most recent tattoo (mudra with eye of buddha in the palm) at Electric Ladyland on Frenchmen St., it was done by Randall and he was great!!! I highly recommend them!

Here's a link to his page on their website - they're good folks and excellent artists trying to keep their shop open after K . . .

http://www.electricladyland.net/randall.html

I'll get some photos of my fleur-de-lys and other tattoos posted on this thread today. :D

[Jacquesimomo]

thank you darlin'! the tat goes on my upper leg, below another. my tats have a system to them... (well, both of them. not like I have a huge number or large tats, but there IS a system! ;-))

great designs, which I will happily employ - thanks for the reference!

I spent last Mardi Gras with Michalopoulos and I had just recently embraced the Fleur. he took photos of my rings to potentially use as new label designs for his "New Orleans Rum". good stuff.

thank all y'all. and please send more ideas.

I can think of no nicer group of people to help me permanently change my flesh...

;)

This isn't about tats, but since you mention your rings, last year at JF I found Molly McNamara's booth and bought a beautiful FDL bracelet from her. It gets noticed all the time and gives me an opportunity to gently and briefly remind people about NOLA and her needs... check out her website:
www.mollymcnamaradesigns.com

Hoping she's out there again this year... great stuff from a local artist...

UPDATE: Looks like her website is down but her place apparently reopened on Magazine street after the thing.

[festivalgirl]

bless you Ozzie.

we have to have kids first. and my names for kids have met with resistance...

"Zeus" & "Apollo" don't fly with our last, (admittedly ridiculous), heavily consonated, Polish surname...

in my wife's opinion anyway...
;)

I have a Greek first name, Welsh middle name, Russian last name & Dutch-German married name! I'm my own melting pot!!

I am from NYC - we all had combo platter names in the 60's & 70's.

[Amy Winette]

now, I know a tattoo is an intensely personal decision that is permanent - I have 2 already.

but I would love to hear this group's ideas.

for years (in fact, 11 years) I have considered adding a Jazz Fest tattoo. it's where I met my wife, Jazz Fest & New Orleans are my soul.

post-Thing, I have since added the fleur-de-lis as a symbol. (rings, belts, cufflinks, etc.) pre-Thing, no sir, no way (even though my name is Lee and I enjoyed the play on words - but the Fleur meant more French aristocracy, with no shout-out to my Polish heritage...)

so, the question I ask this distinguished body is (twofold, semi-corellating)....

In the certainty I am getting a tattoo based on New Orleans & Jazz Fest. Do I:

A) Get the Jazz Fest logo.
B) Get the fleur-de-lis (thank you "justagirl" - you really put my feet to the fire)

and

C) Can ANY of you wonderful people send me a high quality image of the one I should get? (either fleur or JF)

act soon, and you may see your submission 2nd weekend... ;)

I eagerly await your thoughts...

I've thought about the JF logo too! I'm trying to make Jeff get one too (hee hee), so half for each of us. But they're wearing bell bottoms . . .

[Amy Winette]

I have a Bama logo (A) tattoo on my a$$. Seriously,I'm a drunken idiot. (I did alot of stupid things in collge - but this was way before tattoos were "in") My wife hates it...I mean really hates it! She went to Ole Miss. Plus, I always show it off. I've had a ton of laughs w/ it over the years. I will include a pic if anyone wants one...

No one asked to see a pix of your ass Mojo? I'm shocked ;)

[Zydekitten]

And how many people that you show it to, think that the "A" stands for the body part where it's placed?? ;) :D

[sophisticated sissy]

I have an idea for a tattoo that incorporates some of the motifs mentioned here.

In SE Ohio, there is an effigy mound called The Serpent Mound. It's over 900 feet long and is the largest earth effigy in North America. It is thought to symbolize rebirth due to its physical orientation with regard to the Vernal Equinox.

At the snake's mouth, there is a large egg.

For the tattoo, I thought it would be cool to put a Fleur di Lis within the egg.

However, I haven't been able to figure out how to best display the design. I thought it might look nice on the calf, but it could look pretty neat wrapped around the forearm, too.

[Zydekitten]

It would be cool on the back - either lower or upper. I think it would be a tough one to do around the arm, I don't think it would show off the cool design as well as a view of the snake and fleur-de-lys egg from the top.

[Headless Hornman]

I got my most recent tattoo (mudra with eye of buddha in the palm) :D

I first pictured that giant moth that can block Godzilla's radioactive breath, but then remembered that's Mothra :eek:

http://kaiju.boomcoach.com/s_mothra.jpg

[Zydekitten]

:eek:

[Zydekitten]

No, my MUDRA is like this (but in color):

http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o67/Zydekitten/vitarka.jpg

[where yat brah]

http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u148/coastalp/cat.jpg
been saving that special for ZK

[Headless Hornman]

No, my MUDRA is like this (but in color):

http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o67/Zydekitten/vitarka.jpg

I Google image searched mudra. Don't know if everybody gets the same results, what with Google's search algorithms and stuff, but the second hit is HOT. On further review, she looks like it's a bit cold out. BarryZipCode, where ya at?

[Amy Winette]

I just get stone statues!

[bluedog]

ok I think i have something put together for a tat and wanted some input ...


http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/bluedog1365/Webtat001.jpg

it is astrological symbols representing my family ... cancer, aquarius, libra, scorpio & taurus ....
I want to eventually get a fluer di lis to represent the rebirth of NOLA but I really wanted to get this done first. my friend did this for me .. she is an artist. what do ya'll think? and I do want "honest" opinions!

[TheGuzilla]

ok I think i have something put together for a tat and wanted some input ...

it is astrological symbols representing my family ... cancer, aquarius, libra, scorpio & taurus ....
I want to eventually get a fluer di lis to represent the rebirth of NOLA but I really wanted to get this done first. my friend did this for me .. she is an artist. what do ya'll think? and I do want "honest" opinions!

I think the meaning & the personalization of it are insanely cool. Particularly if you are also close with your artist friend - it's great to have someone you know & like conceive of an image that is just YOU.

obviously it's a rough sketch but I was surprised when you said what it was! couldn't see the symbols in it. which is kind of cool because I saw other stuff in it. but you'll certainly have to explain it to people if you put it in a visible area... I also think how it will look as a tattoo will depend significantly on size, placement and how the final version looks compared to the sketch. (how thick the lines / "brush stroke" etc.)

so, love the meaning but you're the one that's going to have to have it forever... as long as it means what you want it to mean and you like the design, then go for it... (and I'm a sucker for the astrology. we designed the logo above, next to the screen name, for this year's fest as I am a Leo and my wife a Cancer.)

[TheGuzilla]

I guess also, rereading my response and your question, that if you're not 100% sure then don't do it. you can always get one later, or work with your artist friend or another artist to get the ideal image worked out, as there ain't no goin' back. I've been thinking about the JF logo or the fleur for years, but deciding on which &/or which fleur image has been the question and the reason I started this thread to begin with...

[melajc]

ok I think i have something put together for a tat and wanted some input ...


http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/bluedog1365/Webtat001.jpg

it is astrological symbols representing my family ... cancer, aquarius, libra, scorpio & taurus ....
I want to eventually get a fluer di lis to represent the rebirth of NOLA but I really wanted to get this done first. my friend did this for me .. she is an artist. what do ya'll think? and I do want "honest" opinions!

In my humble opinion, it is quite beautiful.

Questions:

Where are you planning to display it

Colors and shading?

Are you getting it done this JF? I note that you indicated (god, can you tell I work for lawyers?!!!!)

Anyway -- saw that you'll be in NO second weekend. Look forward to meeting you then!

[ibjamn]

I think it's unique, personal & a great conversation starter! :) I love it!

I have Japanese characters on my left deltoid that mean drum woman, because I play a djembe. But the meaning can change, depending. Sometimes I have told people it means "beef w/broccoli, hold the msg" and sometimes I have said it means "get any closer & I will kick your scrawny azz"

[bluedog]

I think the meaning & the personalization of it are insanely cool. Particularly if you are also close with your artist friend - it's great to have someone you know & like conceive of an image that is just YOU.

obviously it's a rough sketch but I was surprised when you said what it was! couldn't see the symbols in it. which is kind of cool because I saw other stuff in it. but you'll certainly have to explain it to people if you put it in a visible area... I also think how it will look as a tattoo will depend significantly on size, placement and how the final version looks compared to the sketch. (how thick the lines / "brush stroke" etc.)

so, love the meaning but you're the one that's going to have to have it forever... as long as it means what you want it to mean and you like the design, then go for it... (and I'm a sucker for the astrology. we designed the logo above, next to the screen name, for this year's fest as I am a Leo and my wife a Cancer.)

my friend who is very dear to my heart only spent maybe 10 minutes doing this & I liked it right away (it definately a ruff sketch) ... I gave her a few images of our astrological "symbols" which are different from signs http://www.tattoo-me.com/funstuff/zodiac.gif and she told my story as she drew it out ... I'm Cancer (the heart of our family as she put it) my first child Brandi (from previous marriage) is Libra & on top, my husband Craig(who adopted Brandi) is Aquarius and has his arms around all of us (not sure if you can see this as she split up the symbol to form arms embracing) our next two children are below ... Cade is the Scorpio and Paige - Taurus (the bull & our last!) is on the bottom ... and once she was done i saw a femine figure on top & if you flip it upside down it looks masculine so I sold on the image ... but I do think it may need tweaking a little ... ????

I noticed your crab in your flag and knew right away there was a Cancer in your family:)

[TheGuzilla]

clicking on the zodiac.gif link you provided didn't have an image (at least for me). am I doing something wrong? I want to see!

[Zydekitten]

BDog - I LOVE the idea of the astrological symbols for your family in the tattoo, the artist that does it may have some ideas of working them together so they can be more cohesive and easily legible to folks looking at it - after all, that is just a rough sketch/inspriration . . . a really good artist will be able to fly with it and make your finished body art a truly beautiful one that does honor to your symbolism!

Here are my Post-K Fleur de Lys:

http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o67/Zydekitten/FleurDeLys_1_Resize.jpg


And my Post-Divorce Lotus:

http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o67/Zydekitten/Lotus_Small.jpg

[Zydekitten]

clicking on the zodiac.gif link you provided didn't have an image (at least for me). am I doing something wrong? I want to see!
I got a site, but no images on it . . .

[TheGuzilla]

Post-K Fleur de Lys:

http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o67/Zydekitten/FleurDeLys_1_Resize.jpg


saw the (excellent) lotus before but WHOAH! :D LOVE the fleur!

[bluedog]

In my humble opinion, it is quite beautiful.

Questions:

Where are you planning to display it

Colors and shading?

Are you getting it done this JF? I note that you indicated (god, can you tell I work for lawyers?!!!!)

Anyway -- saw that you'll be in NO second weekend. Look forward to meeting you then!

That's prob I haven't figured out where I'd like to put it ... either the upper back like just below my neck in between shoulder blades or maybe the left shoulder to cover an old meaningless tat ... or lower back ... or my hip area ... and colors and shading? Can't figure that out either! I did send this to Annette @ Electric Ladyland and I hope she/they can tweak it some as my friend felt to "under pressure" to finalize before I leave for JF ... I still need to set an appointment!
Looking forward to meeting you too! Will you be at one of the meetups @ Lena's? I'm so excited I'm gushing right now!

[Zydekitten]

saw the (excellent) lotus before but WHOAH! :D LOVE the fleur!
Thanks, I was very pleased with how it turned out also! :)

[Zydekitten]

That's prob I haven't figured out where I'd like to put it ... either the upper back like just below my neck in between shoulder blades or maybe the left shoulder to cover an old meaningless tat ... or lower back ... or my hip area ... and colors and shading? Can't figure that out either! I did send this to Annette @ Electric Ladyland and I hope she/they can tweak it some as my friend felt to "under pressure" to finalize before I leave for JF ... I still need to set an appointment!
Looking forward to meeting you too! Will you be at one of the meetups @ Lena's? I'm so excited I'm gushing right now!
The folks at Electric Ladyland are great!! (They did my mudra) I would think that this excellent tat would look really good on your upper back too - I hope you do get it during Fest, as I'd love to see it when it's done, Johnna!! :D

[bluedog]

I think it's unique, personal & a great conversation starter! :) I love it!

I have Japanese characters on my left deltoid that mean drum woman, because I play a djembe. But the meaning can change, depending. Sometimes I have told people it means "beef w/broccoli, hold the msg" and sometimes I have said it means "get any closer & I will kick your scrawny azz"


thanx!
OMG!!! you are too funny! I'm losing my wine over here!Sometimes I have told people it means "beef w/broccoli, hold the msg" and sometimes I have said it means "get any closer & I will kick your scrawny azz roflmao! can not WAIT to meet you in person! Ain't I s'posed to bring you sumthing from FL? Guava pastries? or was that CBH or mardigras baby? or someone else? damnit! freakin' supplements!
Who ever I promised Guava pastries to please come forward! and I apologize for my crs ...

[Zydekitten]

I think it's unique, personal & a great conversation starter! :) I love it!

I have Japanese characters on my left deltoid that mean drum woman, because I play a djembe. But the meaning can change, depending. Sometimes I have told people it means "beef w/broccoli, hold the msg" and sometimes I have said it means "get any closer & I will kick your scrawny azz"

Very funny and very cool, Jenn!! :D

Den and I have some beautiful djembes too - but no tattoos about them (yet anyway ;))

[Carolina Beadhead]

thanx!
OMG!!! you are too funny! I'm losing my wine over here! roflmao! can not WAIT to meet you in person! Ain't I s'posed to bring you sumthing from FL? Guava pastries? or was that CBH or mardigras baby? or someone else? damnit! freakin' supplements!
Who ever I promised Guava pastries to please come forward! and I apologize for my crs ...

T'weren't me ....

[bluedog]

clicking on the zodiac.gif link you provided didn't have an image (at least for me). am I doing something wrong? I want to see!

cancer http://z.about.com/d/altreligion/1/0/f/F/2/cancer.jpg

libra http://www.cafeastrology.com/images/librasymbol.jpg

aquarius http://admin.satyacenter.com/item_files/article_417_3.jpg

scorpio http://www.tattoosymbol.com/zodiac/scorpio.jpg

[bluedog]

clicking on the zodiac.gif link you provided didn't have an image (at least for me). am I doing something wrong? I want to see!

and taurus http://www.cafeastrology.com/images/taurussymbol.jpg

[Corona]

This is a fascinating thread....with Ibjamn's comic relief of course :) Kitten, I've always admired your tatt's. Bluedog, welcome to my world of tattoo placement paralysis! I want a fleur de lis SO bad but cannot for the life of me make a damn decision about where to put it. This is the one I have on my back....I had it done when my life exploded into hell a couple of years ago...the ohm sign in the middle....for much needed peace...the lotus for strength and my daughter's initials S A M around it because she is..well, the most important thing in my life. Was very cathartic getting it done...
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q242/coronaluver/Jazzfest06002_edited.jpg

[Corona]

and Bluedog...I love it. The best thing about getting a tattoo is that it's yours and it means something to YOU. That's what makes it special and unique. Go for it :)

[bluedog]

This is a fascinating thread....with Ibjamn's comic relief of course :) Kitten, I've always admired your tatt's. Bluedog, welcome to my world of tattoo placement paralysis! I want a fleur de lis SO bad but cannot for the life of me make a damn decision about where to put it. This is the one I have on my back....I had it done when my life exploded into hell a couple of years ago...the ohm sign in the middle....for much needed peace...the lotus for strength and my daughter's initials S A M around it because she is..well, the most important thing in my life. Was very cathartic getting it done...
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q242/coronaluver/Jazzfest06002_edited.jpg

b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l!!!!! was it done in NOLA? so lotus means "strength"? I like that! I may have to incorporate that in my next tat ... the fluer de lis & a lotus! hmmmmm ... I was so removed from NOLA before as I'd never been & never realized the music I love so much originated from NOLA(duh!) but I felt a strong connection .... but now I get it ... at least some what ... I think that once I visit NOLA it will bring me to a whole new level! Not to brag but I did a lot of volunteering locally for evacuees and fund raising for HFHMV after the thing and hope that my efforts & $$$ were appropriated as needed. I have never felt so passionate about anything ...

I'm excited about this new tat and thanx for all the input ya'll! I'll be sporting it after closing of JF but before Bonerama at Maple Leaf 5/6:D

[Amy Winette]

Love it Blue!! Can't wait to see what you do with shading/color etc :)

[mdfest]

I Google image searched mudra. Don't know if everybody gets the same results, what with Google's search algorithms and stuff, but the second hit is HOT. On further review, she looks like it's a bit cold out. BarryZipCode, where ya at?

good call!

[Corona]

For me it means strength....here's what I could find on the net:
As the lotus flower grows up from the mud into a object of great beauty people also grow and change into something more beautiful (hopefully!). So the symbol represent the struggle of life at its most basic form.

Lotus flower tattoos are also popular for people who have gone through a hard time and are now coming out of it. Like the flower they have been at the bottom in the muddy, yucky dirty bottom of the pond but have risen above this to display an object of beauty or al ife of beauty as the case might be. Thus a lotus flower tattoo or blossom can also represent a hard time in life that has been overcome. (That means strength to me....shorter to explain lol)

This was when I separated from my hubby, my dad got real sick with cancer and a suicidal staff member car-bombed my building (went through the glass about 3 feet from my desk)....all within 3 weeks of each other....thus the ohm and the lotus...
I'm excited for you Bluedog :)

[pokerchick66]

This was when I separated from my hubby, my dad got real sick with cancer and a suicidal staff member car-bombed my building (went through the glass about 3 feet from my desk)....all within 3 weeks of each other....thus the ohm and the lotus...
I'm excited for you Bluedog :)

:eek:

I learn something new about you every day.

[Orleansnj]

Corona - that qualifies as a very bad three weeks..... I can't even imagine. Just glad you'll be around for me to meet ya next week!

[melajc]

That's prob I haven't figured out where I'd like to put it ... either the upper back like just below my neck in between shoulder blades or maybe the left shoulder to cover an old meaningless tat ... or lower back ... or my hip area ... and colors and shading? Can't figure that out either! I did send this to Annette @ Electric Ladyland and I hope she/they can tweak it some as my friend felt to "under pressure" to finalize before I leave for JF ... I still need to set an appointment!
Looking forward to meeting you too! Will you be at one of the meetups @ Lena's? I'm so excited I'm gushing right now!

In for a dime in for a dollar-- I will be festing both wknds as my hugest expense was OZ brass pass. found cheap flights, etc., and an extremely open-hearted friend who opens up his house and heart to everyone.

I will try to hit every TH meetup. Which one will you be at?

Exciting about the tattoo! The only one I have is like a little jail house type tat on my right wrist I got about 2 weeks B4 Woodstock (no, did not go. did not have ride) when a friend said, "Hey, I learned how to do tattoos! You want one?" I said sure, she sterilized aneedle, wrapped thread around it and poked my wrist full of india ink. Surprisingly, a peace sign emerged out of the mess. And the rest is mystery.

I am so ghetto.

Since then, no real body art or piercings. I figured I would leave that to my two daughters and my son-in -law. Their stuff is pretty cool.

Well, better quit rambling and get back to work

Peace, I'm out.

Pam

[Corona]

:eek:

I learn something new about you every day.
yupperz....that I'm a survivor....like so many of us on here :)

[pokerchick66]

yupperz....that I'm a survivor....like so many of us on here :)

I know das right.

[Festvet]

thank you both.... that's kind of where I'm headed. but wanted to hear the thoughts for sure...

ZK - it's like you're in my head...

One of my best friends (and current business partner) is a direct descendant of the founder of New Orleans (remind me, when we meet, to tell you the story of his telling off a waiter at Frankie & Johnny's - Whoo!) and his wife did the 1997 Mardi Gras poster.

anyway... she is working on a new design of the... what's it called? the snake eating its own tail.... the cada... no... whatever.

it eating its own tail, around the fleur, as a symbol of eternity, etc.

obviously I wait for that, if she's serious about it. but I would love the group thoughts on the power of symbols. and, already, you guys don't disappoint...

thanks y'all... symbols are power. and the world needs some willing soulfulness now...
Francis Pavy did the '97 poster. He's did this year's too.

[bluedog]

For me it means strength....here's what I could find on the net:
As the lotus flower grows up from the mud into a object of great beauty people also grow and change into something more beautiful (hopefully!). So the symbol represent the struggle of life at its most basic form.

Lotus flower tattoos are also popular for people who have gone through a hard time and are now coming out of it. Like the flower they have been at the bottom in the muddy, yucky dirty bottom of the pond but have risen above this to display an object of beauty or al ife of beauty as the case might be. Thus a lotus flower tattoo or blossom can also represent a hard time in life that has been overcome. (That means strength to me....shorter to explain lol)

This was when I separated from my hubby, my dad got real sick with cancer and a suicidal staff member car-bombed my building (went through the glass about 3 feet from my desk)....all within 3 weeks of each other....thus the ohm and the lotus...
I'm excited for you Bluedog :)

wow! that is a lot! (((Corona))) but what a great way to memorialize your strength of spirit! awesome! and I absolutely LOVE your siggie ... it means even more now! thank you for sharing! I also enjoyed the way you described what strength & the lotus flower mean to you. Can't wait to share a moment with you at JF! I have 14 more "sleeps" YAY!

I will try to hit every TH meetup. Which one will you be at?

my goal is everyday!!!:D so many people to connect with so little time!!!

[TheGuzilla]

Francis Pavy did the '97 poster. He's did this year's too.
Festvet: as I wrote, the 1997 MARDI GRAS poster. (that other great holiday! ;) )
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w12/TheGuzilla/1997MardiGras.jpg

[Mojo Rises]

BDog - I LOVE the idea of the astrological symbols for your family in the tattoo, the artist that does it may have some ideas of working them together so they can be more cohesive and easily legible to folks looking at it - after all, that is just a rough sketch/inspriration . . . a really good artist will be able to fly with it and make your finished body art a truly beautiful one that does honor to your symbolism!

Here are my Post-K Fleur de Lys:

http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o67/Zydekitten/FleurDeLys_1_Resize.jpg


And my Post-Divorce Lotus:

http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o67/Zydekitten/Lotus_Small.jpg

I have a question - What does the crown on your tattoo represent? I really like it!

[Zydekitten]

I have a question - What does the crown on your tattoo represent? I really like it!
It represents that New Orleans is the queen of my heart, it also harkens back to its royal background from the original French settlers.

I'm glad to see this thread reappear, as I just got a new tattoo a week ago . . . jes cain't hep myself :D ;)

[Corona]

I wanna see it Kitten....c'mon!!!!!! ;)

[bluedog]

I'll show you mine! Show me yours!:D http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/bluedog1365/Webnola07012.jpg really a crappy pic and my tat was still healing at this point but here's my latest ... it has healed up nicely & makes me smile when I look at it! I'm jonesing for another! Just gotta figure out what to do ... I have 2 others that need to be redone a sun on my outer ankle & a daisy on my shoulder. I got them done YEARS ago and they really don't have any significant meaning ... I just got them to get them but I'd really like to incorporate something of substance to my meaningless tats. But really need help pulling something together. I used to say that my daisy stood for "simplicity" that I needed in my life and my sun stood for my daughter Brandi "You are my sunshine" ... but this was after the fact that I got them ... I just thought they were pretty while sitting in the chair ... it was after the fact that I came up with what they meant to me. Shallow I know ...

[Corona]

I'll show you mine! Show me yours!:D http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/bluedog1365/Webnola07012.jpg really a crappy pic and my tat was still healing at this point but here's my latest ... it has healed up nicely & makes me smile when I look at it! I'm jonesing for another! Just gotta figure out what to do ... I have 2 others that need to be redone a sun on my outer ankle & a daisy on my shoulder. I got them done YEARS ago and they really don't have any significant meaning ... I just got them to get them but I'd really like to incorporate something of substance to my meaningless tats. But really need help pulling something together. I used to say that my daisy stood for "simplicity" that I needed in my life and my sun stood for my daughter Brandi "You are my sunshine" ... but this was after the fact that I got them ... I just thought they were pretty while sitting in the chair ... it was after the fact that I came up with what they meant to me. Shallow I know ...
Nope...when it comes to tattoos, there are no rules...it's completely individual. If ya found meaning in them after, IJDM...maybe you liked them for a reason but didn't know exactly why until after..kind of instinctual....see....no rules girl :) Can you explain the newest one again? I'm curious. It's cool!

[Corona]

Here are mine, I can't remember if I posted the back one I have:
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q242/coronaluver/Jazzfest06002_edited-1.jpg

It was a re-do of one I got that wasn't too great....that's why it looks like it doesn't flow in areas. Sammy's initials are in there..the S A(at the top) and then M (which looks like a W lol!) You can see where he had to go over it...where the ohm sign. Even with the imperfections...it was so therapeutic...and so damn painful lol!

Here's my fleur de lis again.....I look at it all the time and think of New Orleans and how much I love her and all my friends who live there.
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q242/coronaluver/mytattoo-FleurdeLis_edited.jpg

[bluedog]

Nope...when it comes to tattoos, there are no rules...it's completely individual. If ya found meaning in them after, IJDM...maybe you liked them for a reason but didn't know exactly why until after..kind of instinctual....see....no rules girl :) Can you explain the newest one again? I'm curious. It's cool! thanx! OK the new one is my familys astrological symbols ... all melded(if that is even a word) together and flipped around cuz that what we are ... There is Libra, Cancer, Aquarius, Scorpio & Taurus. It's hard for some to see the symbols and I always get asked "What's the 222 mean?" LOL
I love your tats Lis! I'm gonna get a Fluer De Lis next ... gotta figure out where though. I'm really liking the placement of your Fluer de Lis ... *insert shifty eyes* might have to steal that from ya ... I keed I keed!:p

[Corona]

Steeleye- check this tattoo out...some dude showed it on the voodoo fest forum...I thought of you when I saw it...it's on his calf....so COOL!
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q242/coronaluver/voodootattoo.jpghttp://photobucket.com/

[nola_funk]

i don't have any tat's, but if i did i would get a fleur-de-lis.

[nola_funk]

btw, i would get a fleur-de-lis because it's the symbol of new orleans and florence, al. (my home and my home away from home)

[Corona]

btw, i would get a fleur-de-lis because it's the symbol of new orleans and florence, al. (my home and my home away from home)
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q242/coronaluver/mytattoo-FleurdeLis_edited.jpg

Yup, got this during Fest last year....makes me happy to look at it and I actually rub it when I'm struggling....it gives me strength.

[Zydekitten]

Yeah you right, Lis!

I feel the same way about mine. :)

http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o67/Zydekitten/FleurDeLys_1_Resize.jpg