I have many tattoos and always admire them on others. It’s a beautiful art and expression of life, soul and character. My husband does not have any tattoos and I love that also. You do you and you can’t go wrong, and if you do go wrong you can always cover it up with more art! Love the idea of walking poetry. 💚
You do you is the best. Also, for anyone that wants to share their tattoos, if you find a pic of it, just click "Copy link location" and we can share them in comments that way until Substack lets you post images in comments. Soon hopefully.
I only have one tattoo so far - a rainbow watercolour style blue bird with wings extended on the inside of my right wrist - a special honouring of my grandmother who loved the Wizard of Oz,
taught me to sing Somewhere Over The Rainbow and told me before she died that she would send her love in rainbows. Almost 30 years later when I ask for a sign a rainbow still appears. I love that all of the colours are a part of me now too.
This sounds BEAUTIFUL. I am saying this to everyone, but: If you find a pic of it, just click "Copy image location" and we can share them in comments that way until Substack lets you post images in comments. Soon hopefully.
I too, think of my ink as a narrative. A picture is worth a thousand words, or so they say, and each of my tattoos is a glimpse into who I am in ways I could never just tell you. I have a piece of the Walking Poetry Project, and it is one of my favourite stories to tell. Creating the image to accompany the words was an amazing way to connect to the poem. My husband and I celebrated our 25th anniversary with a tattoo commemorating the song that first brought us together and then reunited us after 11 years apart. For me ink is a permanent record of the things that make me who I am.
AHHHH I LOVE your anniversary tattoo! Saying this to everyone, too: If you find a pic of it, just click "Copy image location" and we can share them in comments that way until Substack lets you post images in comments. Soon hopefully.
Three and a half years ago my amazing husband was killed by a reckless driver while on his way to work at the age of 43. Three months later on his birthday, 9 of us, family and friends, got the same tattoo that he had on his left bicep. I was 44, and it was my first tattoo... now, I have two half sleeves. It became a form of therapy and expression for me. I soon realized that sitting for a three or four hour session was a pain that I had chosen... a pain that would have an end, something I could control. There are definitely more in my future... I would love to partake in the walking poetry project! Tell us more!
Goodness Kristine, I am so, so sorry. I Love this story, what an honor to his memory. Also, If you find a pic of it, just click "Copy image location" and we can share them in comments that way until Substack lets you post images in comments. Soon hopefully.
I just did a count and am a little surprised I have 6 now. a large purple rose on my shoulder covers a Cyrillic tattoo that was misspelled, so I have technically been inked 7 times. for me they help me remember and process chapters and chunks of life, especially the endings. I have a wrist tattoo tribute to Heath Ledger because his ending was so hard for me to process. my first tattoo was a battered (but not broken) heart inside my other wrist for the end of my first relationship.
I remember reading about the Walking Poetry Project and wishing I’d gotten involved. that poem will be incredible to see someday! also, I’m excited to share the fun fact of the origins of the word “tattoo” with everyone who will listen! thank you for that :)
SIX! THat's so rad. I'll do another WPP sometime, I promise. Also, saying this to everyone: If you find a pic of it, just click "Copy image location" and we can share them in comments that way until Substack lets you post images in comments. Soon hopefully.
I love all the reasons we get tattooed, even if I don’t always love the tattoos themselves. All of mine are symbols, intentions that I placed at various chakras or on my wrists where they invoke a commitment to devotional action…
Ahh these sound beautiful. Saying this again: If you find a pic of it, just click "Copy image location" and we can share them in comments that way until Substack lets you post images in comments. Soon hopefully.
My first tattoo was “Love;” on my wrist. I waited years and years because I was too afraid of my dad’s anger. It’s four years old now. The second was the word inimitable on my other wrist. Then two pieces of your work (one in your writing even). The lyrics “cages or wings…fear or love” from Louder Than Words. On my right thumb is writ•er (n.) For now the last is five stars on my left hand. Three purple stars for myself and my two alive babies, and two smaller orange stars for my two angel babies.
These tattoos make me, me. That first one four years ago was how I started reclaiming myself when I started this huge journey of healing from trauma. These are the things that have kept me alive and remind me why I try so hard to stay that way on the hardest days.
I LOVE this. "These tattoos make me, me." YES. Times 1000. Also, saying it again: If you find a pic of them, just click "Copy image location" and we can share them in comments that way until Substack lets you post images in comments. Soon hopefully.
Love this. I didn’t realize you had so many, and like you, one of my daughters had one that left scar tissue and had to be removed. I got my first at 42. It’s a crescent moon and stars with my daughters names around it. The next two I got in 2018, one to honor my Mom’s passing. It’s a butterfly sitting on an echinacea flower. She was always telling me to take it so I wouldn’t get sick. The last one, which funnily enough I haven’t looked at for awhile, and did last night…is a sunflower that the artist made using sacred geometry. I put it on my right rib and it signifies a relationship that was everything to me. I like the idea of getting more as time goes by. If I ever get married again, I would rather have ink than a ring, because it’ll be forever.✨
These sound so beautiful Karin. As always, we'd love to see them if you are keen. Saying it again: If you find a pic of it, just click "Copy image location" and we can share them in comments that way until Substack lets you post images in comments. Soon hopefully.
Where in SoCal is your friend "Spooky"? I just moved back to Ventura and am looking for a new tattoo guy. 😁 I only have 2 so far. One for my best friend/soulmate who ended his life, and one for my daddy that I designed and also added a quote from a favorite character.
I have several - each one represents a place I have lived. And my favorite tattoo is taken from the header of the menu , where I had the best meal of my life… so far.
Yes, I think Tyler said that we are unable to send images. Sounds like a good one- wish I could see it! I will try to remember the name of the restaurant the next time I’m in Montreal. Must have been quite the meal!
Waiting on Substack to get their shit together and allow images in comments....grrr...In the meantime, if you have them anywhere, google drive or anything else, you can share the link.
THAT is rad Kevin. SO rad. If you find a pic of it, just click "Copy image location" and we can share them in comments that way until Substack lets you post images in comments. Soon hopefully.
I also love the idea of walking poetry! I have only one tattoo - a treble clef in memory of my grandma, who instilled a deep love of music in me. It serves to both remind me of her and to remind me to keep pursuing creativity in my life. My dad once hated the idea of me getting a tattoo, but he got teary (happy tears) when he saw my tattoo and I explained its meaning :) I hope to get another one soon.
I swear I'll do another WPP! This tattoo sounds beautiful. If you find a pic of it, just click "Copy image location" and we can share them in comments that way until Substack lets you post images in comments. Soon hopefully.
I have one tattoo and it’s the word wave in script on the side of my right foot. Honored to be part of the walking poetry project and have a reminder that I’m connected to almost 1500 other people around the world. My best friend and I were inspired to sign up together. It was a spontaneous decision that we both committed to easily and it serves as a reminder of our friendship and willingness to try new things. I’m so curious what the final project will turn out to be! To see everyone’s tattoos together in one walking poem photo collage/essay will be incredible.
Honored to have youuuuu! I hope we can get so many more of people's photos soon! If you find a pic of it, just click "Copy image location" and we can share them in comments that way until Substack lets you post images in comments. Soon hopefully.
♥️ Love the stories tattoos tell. Love each of mine. Love that you were there for every single one of them! Love that we share a Montana tattoo and hopefully a few more from our upcoming adventures!
Today’s Signal Fire was serendipitous. I do not have a tattoo yet… but am going to get inked on the 28th/ next week! I’m so excited about this! I never thought I’d get one. Growing up, getting my ears pierced was a big deal. It sounds silly to say that I still “worry” about how my parents will react but I do. At the same time, at 55, (I know, high time to break free), I’m tired of always conforming to what people expect from me. Or, not doing things because I’m afraid of what they will say. Not that getting a tattoo is radical anymore- so many people have them. My oldest son got the coordinates of where we live on his forearm after his 18th birthday. I liked it and thought, why not? For his 20th birthday next week, he wants another tattoo so I said that would be his present and could I come along and get one, too? Then somehow we came up with the idea that the two of us and my younger son would also all get the same tattoo on our ankle- the sun and waves since they are my suns/sons and we live near a beach. My husband declined. I’m also getting the words “Be Not Afraid” on one wrist to remind me to take risks in my life as well as a quote by Emily Dickinson: “I am out with lanterns looking for myself” on my forearm. It is taken from a letter she wrote because she had just moved and was trying to locate all of her possessions but I have giving it a different meaning of trying to live more true to myself. Getting inked is a step in this ongoing process.
WE HAVE TO SEE IT! :) Please! If you find a pic of it, just click "Copy image location" and we can share them in comments that way until Substack lets you post images in comments. Soon hopefully.
I got my first tattoo on my 18th birthday, a tiny lizard to represent Jim Morrison - The Lizard King - the first poet I loved. I now have many, and my piece of the Walking Poetry Project is one of my favourites. I love how my body is a living journal of my life, and of the types of tattoo that were popular at various times in my life - from the bold tribal styles of my 20’s to the super fine lines that are my most recent additions. I grew up with a dad who was very anti-tattoos and am the only one in my family who has any ink. I also grew up in Aotearoa, where the ta moko of the Māori people have immense cultural significance. I think this contributed to my respect of tattooing as an art form and as a deeply personal form of expression.
Lizard King tattoo = Badass. "A Living journal" is the best way to put it. Ever. You're amazing. Saying it again: If you find a pic of it, just click "Copy image location" and we can share them in comments that way until Substack lets you post images in comments. Soon hopefully.
-One as a memory. It reads "Strength for today, hope for tomorrow."🤍💜
It's my favorite. By far... My mother and older brother also got their 1st tattoo when I got this one. It was after a very, very hard time in my life/ our lives.
My second one is a smaller one reading: "fearless" with an arrow before beginning of the word and after the end of the word (finishing out the arrow.)
I want one more and maybe something added into my one worded one.
What a quote! I love this choice Taylor. Saying this again: If you find a pic of it, just click "Copy image location" and we can share them in comments that way until Substack lets you post images in comments. Soon hopefully.
I have many tattoos and always admire them on others. It’s a beautiful art and expression of life, soul and character. My husband does not have any tattoos and I love that also. You do you and you can’t go wrong, and if you do go wrong you can always cover it up with more art! Love the idea of walking poetry. 💚
You do you is the best. Also, for anyone that wants to share their tattoos, if you find a pic of it, just click "Copy link location" and we can share them in comments that way until Substack lets you post images in comments. Soon hopefully.
I only have one tattoo so far - a rainbow watercolour style blue bird with wings extended on the inside of my right wrist - a special honouring of my grandmother who loved the Wizard of Oz,
taught me to sing Somewhere Over The Rainbow and told me before she died that she would send her love in rainbows. Almost 30 years later when I ask for a sign a rainbow still appears. I love that all of the colours are a part of me now too.
This sounds BEAUTIFUL. I am saying this to everyone, but: If you find a pic of it, just click "Copy image location" and we can share them in comments that way until Substack lets you post images in comments. Soon hopefully.
https://64.media.tumblr.com/6b2e10e2f97fde6b12a82cd4ad1b1541/9ebe85eff10210d5-ed/s1280x1920/c989e7c26402c88697f398e9bc28f9fe8cdf0427.jpg
I love this 340304.
Thank you 🥰 I’ll
get my second one when you do another WPP. ☺️
I too, think of my ink as a narrative. A picture is worth a thousand words, or so they say, and each of my tattoos is a glimpse into who I am in ways I could never just tell you. I have a piece of the Walking Poetry Project, and it is one of my favourite stories to tell. Creating the image to accompany the words was an amazing way to connect to the poem. My husband and I celebrated our 25th anniversary with a tattoo commemorating the song that first brought us together and then reunited us after 11 years apart. For me ink is a permanent record of the things that make me who I am.
Wow, this story with your husband sounds breathtaking!
AHHHH I LOVE your anniversary tattoo! Saying this to everyone, too: If you find a pic of it, just click "Copy image location" and we can share them in comments that way until Substack lets you post images in comments. Soon hopefully.
Three and a half years ago my amazing husband was killed by a reckless driver while on his way to work at the age of 43. Three months later on his birthday, 9 of us, family and friends, got the same tattoo that he had on his left bicep. I was 44, and it was my first tattoo... now, I have two half sleeves. It became a form of therapy and expression for me. I soon realized that sitting for a three or four hour session was a pain that I had chosen... a pain that would have an end, something I could control. There are definitely more in my future... I would love to partake in the walking poetry project! Tell us more!
I’m so sorry about your husband! It sounds like you found a beautiful way to honor him, but also foster some personal wholeness from the loss. 💗
I’m so sorry for your loss too. I love that beautiful way your family all came together to remember him.
Goodness Kristine, I am so, so sorry. I Love this story, what an honor to his memory. Also, If you find a pic of it, just click "Copy image location" and we can share them in comments that way until Substack lets you post images in comments. Soon hopefully.
I just did a count and am a little surprised I have 6 now. a large purple rose on my shoulder covers a Cyrillic tattoo that was misspelled, so I have technically been inked 7 times. for me they help me remember and process chapters and chunks of life, especially the endings. I have a wrist tattoo tribute to Heath Ledger because his ending was so hard for me to process. my first tattoo was a battered (but not broken) heart inside my other wrist for the end of my first relationship.
I remember reading about the Walking Poetry Project and wishing I’d gotten involved. that poem will be incredible to see someday! also, I’m excited to share the fun fact of the origins of the word “tattoo” with everyone who will listen! thank you for that :)
SIX! THat's so rad. I'll do another WPP sometime, I promise. Also, saying this to everyone: If you find a pic of it, just click "Copy image location" and we can share them in comments that way until Substack lets you post images in comments. Soon hopefully.
I love all the reasons we get tattooed, even if I don’t always love the tattoos themselves. All of mine are symbols, intentions that I placed at various chakras or on my wrists where they invoke a commitment to devotional action…
Ahh these sound beautiful. Saying this again: If you find a pic of it, just click "Copy image location" and we can share them in comments that way until Substack lets you post images in comments. Soon hopefully.
My first tattoo was “Love;” on my wrist. I waited years and years because I was too afraid of my dad’s anger. It’s four years old now. The second was the word inimitable on my other wrist. Then two pieces of your work (one in your writing even). The lyrics “cages or wings…fear or love” from Louder Than Words. On my right thumb is writ•er (n.) For now the last is five stars on my left hand. Three purple stars for myself and my two alive babies, and two smaller orange stars for my two angel babies.
These tattoos make me, me. That first one four years ago was how I started reclaiming myself when I started this huge journey of healing from trauma. These are the things that have kept me alive and remind me why I try so hard to stay that way on the hardest days.
I like how these tattoos are tied to your journey to reclaim yourself and the stories they tell.
I LOVE this. "These tattoos make me, me." YES. Times 1000. Also, saying it again: If you find a pic of them, just click "Copy image location" and we can share them in comments that way until Substack lets you post images in comments. Soon hopefully.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kpJ1a7z6knYIijgaqDOpOuTek7xu3dEa61sA8frT9_4/edit?usp=sharing
I love this so f'ing much.
Love this. I didn’t realize you had so many, and like you, one of my daughters had one that left scar tissue and had to be removed. I got my first at 42. It’s a crescent moon and stars with my daughters names around it. The next two I got in 2018, one to honor my Mom’s passing. It’s a butterfly sitting on an echinacea flower. She was always telling me to take it so I wouldn’t get sick. The last one, which funnily enough I haven’t looked at for awhile, and did last night…is a sunflower that the artist made using sacred geometry. I put it on my right rib and it signifies a relationship that was everything to me. I like the idea of getting more as time goes by. If I ever get married again, I would rather have ink than a ring, because it’ll be forever.✨
These sound so beautiful Karin. As always, we'd love to see them if you are keen. Saying it again: If you find a pic of it, just click "Copy image location" and we can share them in comments that way until Substack lets you post images in comments. Soon hopefully.
Where in SoCal is your friend "Spooky"? I just moved back to Ventura and am looking for a new tattoo guy. 😁 I only have 2 so far. One for my best friend/soulmate who ended his life, and one for my daddy that I designed and also added a quote from a favorite character.
I have several - each one represents a place I have lived. And my favorite tattoo is taken from the header of the menu , where I had the best meal of my life… so far.
What was the header and what was the restaurant?
Garde Manger in Montreal, Quebec
Was the restaurant
ive tried to transfer the images...sorry Laura, the tech is beyond me trying to figure it out.
but the Header was a Mermaid holding a glass of champagne.
I switched the Mermaid to a Merman and it is on my inner bicep.
Yes, I think Tyler said that we are unable to send images. Sounds like a good one- wish I could see it! I will try to remember the name of the restaurant the next time I’m in Montreal. Must have been quite the meal!
It’s worth a visit. In Old Town near Norte Dame. There’s no signage, it’s one of those, IYKYK. Check it out. Amazing
Waiting on Substack to get their shit together and allow images in comments....grrr...In the meantime, if you have them anywhere, google drive or anything else, you can share the link.
THAT is rad Kevin. SO rad. If you find a pic of it, just click "Copy image location" and we can share them in comments that way until Substack lets you post images in comments. Soon hopefully.
I also love the idea of walking poetry! I have only one tattoo - a treble clef in memory of my grandma, who instilled a deep love of music in me. It serves to both remind me of her and to remind me to keep pursuing creativity in my life. My dad once hated the idea of me getting a tattoo, but he got teary (happy tears) when he saw my tattoo and I explained its meaning :) I hope to get another one soon.
Love this! I’ve also thought about getting a tattoo to honor my grandma, she’s such an important person in my life.
I've never regretted it :)
I swear I'll do another WPP! This tattoo sounds beautiful. If you find a pic of it, just click "Copy image location" and we can share them in comments that way until Substack lets you post images in comments. Soon hopefully.
I have one tattoo and it’s the word wave in script on the side of my right foot. Honored to be part of the walking poetry project and have a reminder that I’m connected to almost 1500 other people around the world. My best friend and I were inspired to sign up together. It was a spontaneous decision that we both committed to easily and it serves as a reminder of our friendship and willingness to try new things. I’m so curious what the final project will turn out to be! To see everyone’s tattoos together in one walking poem photo collage/essay will be incredible.
Honored to have youuuuu! I hope we can get so many more of people's photos soon! If you find a pic of it, just click "Copy image location" and we can share them in comments that way until Substack lets you post images in comments. Soon hopefully.
♥️ Love the stories tattoos tell. Love each of mine. Love that you were there for every single one of them! Love that we share a Montana tattoo and hopefully a few more from our upcoming adventures!
LOVE THIS SO MUCH too Wa. We need more. :)
Today’s Signal Fire was serendipitous. I do not have a tattoo yet… but am going to get inked on the 28th/ next week! I’m so excited about this! I never thought I’d get one. Growing up, getting my ears pierced was a big deal. It sounds silly to say that I still “worry” about how my parents will react but I do. At the same time, at 55, (I know, high time to break free), I’m tired of always conforming to what people expect from me. Or, not doing things because I’m afraid of what they will say. Not that getting a tattoo is radical anymore- so many people have them. My oldest son got the coordinates of where we live on his forearm after his 18th birthday. I liked it and thought, why not? For his 20th birthday next week, he wants another tattoo so I said that would be his present and could I come along and get one, too? Then somehow we came up with the idea that the two of us and my younger son would also all get the same tattoo on our ankle- the sun and waves since they are my suns/sons and we live near a beach. My husband declined. I’m also getting the words “Be Not Afraid” on one wrist to remind me to take risks in my life as well as a quote by Emily Dickinson: “I am out with lanterns looking for myself” on my forearm. It is taken from a letter she wrote because she had just moved and was trying to locate all of her possessions but I have giving it a different meaning of trying to live more true to myself. Getting inked is a step in this ongoing process.
i feel any tattoo should be personal...its part of you once you get it. good luck...
WE HAVE TO SEE IT! :) Please! If you find a pic of it, just click "Copy image location" and we can share them in comments that way until Substack lets you post images in comments. Soon hopefully.
I got my first tattoo on my 18th birthday, a tiny lizard to represent Jim Morrison - The Lizard King - the first poet I loved. I now have many, and my piece of the Walking Poetry Project is one of my favourites. I love how my body is a living journal of my life, and of the types of tattoo that were popular at various times in my life - from the bold tribal styles of my 20’s to the super fine lines that are my most recent additions. I grew up with a dad who was very anti-tattoos and am the only one in my family who has any ink. I also grew up in Aotearoa, where the ta moko of the Māori people have immense cultural significance. I think this contributed to my respect of tattooing as an art form and as a deeply personal form of expression.
Lizard King tattoo = Badass. "A Living journal" is the best way to put it. Ever. You're amazing. Saying it again: If you find a pic of it, just click "Copy image location" and we can share them in comments that way until Substack lets you post images in comments. Soon hopefully.
I have two tattoos.
-One as a memory. It reads "Strength for today, hope for tomorrow."🤍💜
It's my favorite. By far... My mother and older brother also got their 1st tattoo when I got this one. It was after a very, very hard time in my life/ our lives.
My second one is a smaller one reading: "fearless" with an arrow before beginning of the word and after the end of the word (finishing out the arrow.)
I want one more and maybe something added into my one worded one.
What a quote! I love this choice Taylor. Saying this again: If you find a pic of it, just click "Copy image location" and we can share them in comments that way until Substack lets you post images in comments. Soon hopefully.