Fresh ink: Live.


I always knew I wanted a tattoo, but I never really went for it because I couldn't decide on what. What did I want on my body forever? And where. Where could I put it where it's generally covered up? About a year and a half ago, I started seriously thinking about it.

Words are special to me. There's so much meaning behind one simple word, that I knew my tattoo would be a script of some sort. But I didn't want anything too big, either, because when I'm older, I didn't want to worry about falling out of love with it, or it being too specific that it didn't mean anything to me anymore. I wanted to be able to grow with it.

So I chose the word "live". I hope for it to be a daily reminder that fear should never make you say no; that you should never become complacent in life; so that you never stop exploring and learning new things. A few years ago I was stuck in a life that I can't believe I was able to justify. I did nothing, I was sheltered, I never lived. When I got out of my relationship, I started to realize the world around me that I had kept out with my own barriers. It's like I opened my eyes to a new life, one that I truly wanted to experience or, well, live.

The placement was easy. Ribcage. It's hidden except when I'm naked or in a bathing suit, which made it a sort of intimate location and I wanted it to be special to me.  The font, however, was another story. After seeing this font on a picture I loved, I went searching for MONTHS. I couldn't find it and resorted to Twitter. Some awesome people helped me out and we figured out what font it was. I was finally able to pull the trigger and get it done.

My newest problem? I think I've broken the seal; more tattoos, please.

31 comments:

  1. Uggggh, yes! I got my first tattoo back in 2009, am slated to go in for my next one on the 8th of July, followed by a consultation the next day to start adding to the original 2009 piece.

    It's a slippery slope, Kelly. A slippery, delightful slope. Love yours!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's such a slippery slope! You know, the first one is such a big deal but once it's done you're like....that's it? easy peasy. Let's do it again. Ahh!!

      Delete
  2. This really makes me want to get another tattoo - a word on my ribcage. I think you totally chose the right place, and I LOVE that font...

    I may copycat you one day... different word different font though. This photo is stunning too... SOOOOO cool.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Congrats on your tattoo! It looks great and I love the font!

    -Sharon
    The Tiny Heart

    ReplyDelete
  4. Cool tattoo! I have mine on my arm. I'm constantly wearing long sleeves to work even when it's hot ugh. You've inspired me to get a ribcage tattoo :)

    Mabel
    Life of Mabel

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I would love one on my arm but I feel the same way about the workplace. What did you get on your arm?

      Delete
  5. I saw this on Insta and wondered if you'd do a post! I love, love, love it. That font is beautiful. (What is it??) And girl, ink is soooooo addictive. I have two, but my "to get" list has like half a dozen on it. I'm starting to save for the next one now... ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Emma :) The font is Capistrano BF. Took FOREVER to find! Yep, it's so addictive. Gah!

      Delete
  6. Kind of obsessed with your tattoo...so awesome!

    Annie
    The Other Side of Gray

    ReplyDelete
  7. Best choice ever! I wish I could have one too, yours look perfect: the size, the place, the word... lovely!

    I just followed you on GFC. If you want, we can follow each other on other platforms. Just let me know!
    www.astylevictim.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Pamela! Thanks for the follow too :)

      Delete
  8. Okay...so I am not normally a tattoo fan (I am too big of a chicken) but I really love this Kelly. It's beautiful and so simple. It's not an "in your face" type of tattoo...which only works on certain people I suppose. In other words, nicely done friend!

    Secondly, your post on living alone is awesome. I always tell my girlfriends who live alone that they really do have the best deal. Don't get me wrong...I love my husband and lil baby. But living alone is so so freeing. You don't need to answer to anyone and it's YOUR space to do with as you please. I love that you embrace it :)

    xo - Marion

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Awe, thanks Marion :) I'm glad I was able to make a non-tattoo fan look twice ;)
      And living alone has been so awesome! They should definitely be taking advantage of the freedom for now!!

      Delete
  9. Love this. Tattoos are totally addicting - I got my first one a year ago after a ton of deliberation (ribcage too) and now I have a huge list of more that I want.

    Lydia in real life

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Seriously, SO ADDICTIVE! It's awful. Isn't the ribcage such a great place?

      Delete
  10. Ooh go you! This looks awesome, and I love the meaning behind it too. I don't have any tattoos but I've definitely heard they're addictive! Just steer clear of face tattoos and I think you're fine ;)

    life-etcblog.blogspot.com.au

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Corinne :) You know, I was thinking of getting one on my face.... Just kidding! If I ever EVER say that, please smack me.

      Delete
  11. congrats on the new ink! I love it:) Yeah, after my first tattoo, the next 9 happened within months of each other lol! They are addicting. I'm waiting for baby girl to arrive to get my next one, which I originally wanted to get for my birthday.

    xo, Joanne

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! I know it's crazy I keep thinking of all the new things I want to get.... But I'm making myself wait a while even if I have a new idea just to be totally sure. Don't want to get too impulsive over here but it's hard!

      Delete
  12. It looks really pretty! I've been thinking about getting a tiny, meaningful tattoo as well lately, still not too sure though!

    Inge
    www.fashionenvie.be

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Inge! It was hard to just go for it but it'd been on my mind for almost two years, so that's how I knew I really wanted it.

      Delete
  13. My gosh, it's just beautiful and I feel like it suits you so very well :) And I'm happy to hear how much thought and meaning you put into getting this little piece of art :) May it indeed be a daily reminder for you ti live your life without regrets :) x

    ReplyDelete
  14. They are definitely addicting, I have 7 and I'm saving up to get my next one now. I love your meaning behind the tattoo, and so happy that your in a much better placed now.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Glad you persevered on the font...it's gorge!

    ReplyDelete

Anonymous comments are temporarily disabled to avoid spam.
Thanks for taking the time to comment!