Aa
OT - Rita's Tattoo Update
Hi Everyone,
I just wanted to once again thank everyone who wrote letters to LA Ink on my behalf, and who got so excited with me and for me. Having that dream to think about for a while really lifted my spirits after a long, hard winter .. :)
I hope you all won't be mad at me or disappointed in me, but I decided to get the tattoo done locally. Once I stepped back from being caught up in the excitement, and looked at things rationally and realistically (alot of you know that's how I try to approach everything, lol!), I ultimately came to the conclusion that local would be better for me in the long run.
The trip out there and back would have taken a huge toll on me physically, and it would have probably caused me to crash for a week or two - and I just don't want the crash right now, when I'm just starting to feel a bit better lately. Then there was the cost - I don't think the show picks up any of the expenses (I sent an email to them flat out asking, and they never responded, so I took that as a "no"). My husband would have moved heaven and earth to make this happen, and so would some friends of mine that I've had for the last 18 years, but I just can't see going into debt or borrowing money or using someone's frequent flier miles or whatever, for something that is ultimately selfish and trivial in the long run.
It would be different if I was trying to arrange a stem cell transplant or something, but I just am not comfortable doing all that for a tattoo, you know? I also realized that because this tattoo is SO personal and meaningful to me, I really wasn't comfortable sharing it with thousands of strangers watching the show. I mean, I'm getting it done on my side because I DON'T want just anyone to see it - I want to only share it with people who will understand how much it means to me ... people who understand my personal journey. (Of course, I will post a pic here once it's done, cause if anyone understands it all, it's my family here!).
So I began to investigate local options, and found a guy who I think will do just as great a job as LA Ink would, based on seeing some of his work and talking to some people he has tattooed. He has been tattooing for 17 years, he owns 4 local shops that have a great reputation, and he's won some awards for his tattoos as well. I think he will be able to make my "vision" turn out beautifully.
I had my first meeting with him last week, and really liked him and got a good feeling from him. I am going tomorrow for the actual drawing of the design, so we can get it perfect and exactly how I want it. (It will be neat to see how it looks when he draws it up, cause it will obviously be a little different from my original drawing). Then I will get the actual tattoo done on May 4th - I'm so excited!! I think it is going to be cool to have my idea expressed in a different way, from what I've been able to do with my drawing and actual floral arrangements here at home. And I love that nobody else in the world will have the exact same tattoo with the exact same meaning. It's my special way of depicting my journey... :)
So, thank you again to all of you - I was so touched by how many people didn't hesitate to try to help me with my dream. I hope you won't be mad at me, or feel like you wasted your time trying to help me. But I am still achieving my dream ... it's just modified a little, that's all ... :) That's pretty much how I live my life now anyway - I don't give up easily, so if I can't do something one way, I'll try to find an alternative. And I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing .....
Hope you are all having a great week!
Rita
I just wanted to once again thank everyone who wrote letters to LA Ink on my behalf, and who got so excited with me and for me. Having that dream to think about for a while really lifted my spirits after a long, hard winter .. :)
I hope you all won't be mad at me or disappointed in me, but I decided to get the tattoo done locally. Once I stepped back from being caught up in the excitement, and looked at things rationally and realistically (alot of you know that's how I try to approach everything, lol!), I ultimately came to the conclusion that local would be better for me in the long run.
The trip out there and back would have taken a huge toll on me physically, and it would have probably caused me to crash for a week or two - and I just don't want the crash right now, when I'm just starting to feel a bit better lately. Then there was the cost - I don't think the show picks up any of the expenses (I sent an email to them flat out asking, and they never responded, so I took that as a "no"). My husband would have moved heaven and earth to make this happen, and so would some friends of mine that I've had for the last 18 years, but I just can't see going into debt or borrowing money or using someone's frequent flier miles or whatever, for something that is ultimately selfish and trivial in the long run.
It would be different if I was trying to arrange a stem cell transplant or something, but I just am not comfortable doing all that for a tattoo, you know? I also realized that because this tattoo is SO personal and meaningful to me, I really wasn't comfortable sharing it with thousands of strangers watching the show. I mean, I'm getting it done on my side because I DON'T want just anyone to see it - I want to only share it with people who will understand how much it means to me ... people who understand my personal journey. (Of course, I will post a pic here once it's done, cause if anyone understands it all, it's my family here!).
So I began to investigate local options, and found a guy who I think will do just as great a job as LA Ink would, based on seeing some of his work and talking to some people he has tattooed. He has been tattooing for 17 years, he owns 4 local shops that have a great reputation, and he's won some awards for his tattoos as well. I think he will be able to make my "vision" turn out beautifully.
I had my first meeting with him last week, and really liked him and got a good feeling from him. I am going tomorrow for the actual drawing of the design, so we can get it perfect and exactly how I want it. (It will be neat to see how it looks when he draws it up, cause it will obviously be a little different from my original drawing). Then I will get the actual tattoo done on May 4th - I'm so excited!! I think it is going to be cool to have my idea expressed in a different way, from what I've been able to do with my drawing and actual floral arrangements here at home. And I love that nobody else in the world will have the exact same tattoo with the exact same meaning. It's my special way of depicting my journey... :)
So, thank you again to all of you - I was so touched by how many people didn't hesitate to try to help me with my dream. I hope you won't be mad at me, or feel like you wasted your time trying to help me. But I am still achieving my dream ... it's just modified a little, that's all ... :) That's pretty much how I live my life now anyway - I don't give up easily, so if I can't do something one way, I'll try to find an alternative. And I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing .....
Hope you are all having a great week!
Rita
Hi Melanie,
Nice to "meet" you ... :) And thank you for the compliment on my tattoo and the idea behind it - the support and enthusiasm from everyone here has just been amazing, and it makes my heart smile .. :)
I can't wait to get the actual tattoo, and see my design and my story depicted in a new way, and a way that I will always be able to carry with me, no matter what, you know?
I'm so sorry to hear that you have been diagnosed - it's a "club" none of us ever wanted to join, that's for sure. I can totally understand you wanting to get away from the whole thing for a while, to take it all in ... but at the same time finding yourself thinking about it and mulling it over all the time. We've all been there ... :) This group is an AWESOME support system ... they are always here to listen and to help, to lean on and share things ...the stuff that nobody else can really understand.
I found this forum a few months before I actually got diagnosed, and I can't begin to tell you how much it helped me. Being able to ask any question and get all kinds of experiences and ideas shared with me was tremendously helpful. That feeling of knowing you are not alone in all this was a huge comfort to me - and it still is! If you ever want to "talk" or vent about things and don't feel comfortable posting on the main forum, feel free to PM me ... I'm a good listener, and I'd be happy to help you in any way I can ... :)
I'm glad my post and my idea have got you thinking this morning, for whatever reason - I just hope it's making you think in some good, happy way ... :) Take care of yourself, and be gentle with yourself. Taking it all in and learning to deal with and accept things after your diagnosis takes time - it's all a process, and you will go thru all kinds of emotions along the way - and that's all totally normal ...
Bye for now,
Rita
Nice to "meet" you ... :) And thank you for the compliment on my tattoo and the idea behind it - the support and enthusiasm from everyone here has just been amazing, and it makes my heart smile .. :)
I can't wait to get the actual tattoo, and see my design and my story depicted in a new way, and a way that I will always be able to carry with me, no matter what, you know?
I'm so sorry to hear that you have been diagnosed - it's a "club" none of us ever wanted to join, that's for sure. I can totally understand you wanting to get away from the whole thing for a while, to take it all in ... but at the same time finding yourself thinking about it and mulling it over all the time. We've all been there ... :) This group is an AWESOME support system ... they are always here to listen and to help, to lean on and share things ...the stuff that nobody else can really understand.
I found this forum a few months before I actually got diagnosed, and I can't begin to tell you how much it helped me. Being able to ask any question and get all kinds of experiences and ideas shared with me was tremendously helpful. That feeling of knowing you are not alone in all this was a huge comfort to me - and it still is! If you ever want to "talk" or vent about things and don't feel comfortable posting on the main forum, feel free to PM me ... I'm a good listener, and I'd be happy to help you in any way I can ... :)
I'm glad my post and my idea have got you thinking this morning, for whatever reason - I just hope it's making you think in some good, happy way ... :) Take care of yourself, and be gentle with yourself. Taking it all in and learning to deal with and accept things after your diagnosis takes time - it's all a process, and you will go thru all kinds of emotions along the way - and that's all totally normal ...
Bye for now,
Rita
Hi Rita... Your story & idea are too cool! I've been a member for awile but kinda MIA since my DX cause I just don't want to deal/think about it much (even though thats all I do?!)
Anyways.... Just wanted you to know that your post being about a tat and your dreams have really got me thinking this morning! Hope you and everbody on here has a good day :)
Live, Laugh, Love <3
Melanie
Anyways.... Just wanted you to know that your post being about a tat and your dreams have really got me thinking this morning! Hope you and everbody on here has a good day :)
Live, Laugh, Love <3
Melanie
Hey Shell,
You're so right ... it's ALL been good! Even just when I was dreaming about the LA thing, it gave me something fun to think about. It truly lifted my spirits ... more than you guys will ever know, and I can't begin to thank you all enough. I had a long, hard winter, and this was such a fun and exciting thing to focus on, you know? The support from my family here has always been amazing! I think this group here is very unique, as far as internet groups go - the kindness, caring and support have always been SUCH a comfort to me over the years, as I am sure it is for everyone else here... :)
I did get the drawing done yesterday - I think the tattoo is going to look awesome! I am so excited!! He did a fantastic interpretation of my drawing, but made it more flowing (so it will look better in the area), and I even like the way he did the ribbon better than the way I did it, lol. His is even looser and more flowing than mine (which is what I had been trying for), and the ribbons kind of wind into the stems. So now when I do the more final version of my drawing, I may incorporate a little of what he did as well .... :)
He gave me a copy of the drawing to take home, so I made a copy of THAT, and then cut it out in detail. This way, I can play around with the exact placement, so I will know just where I want him to put it. It is the perfect size for me, too... now I'm really glad I didn't go with a larger piece like we had originally talked about. This fits the area perfectly, in my opinion. So it won't be nearly as time consuming to do as the original concept - he's thinking probably 2 -3 hours, 4 at the most. The original idea was going to take 2 -3 sessions, at 4 hours a pop! Needless to say, the cost is much better this way, too, since they charge by the hour.
And someone gave me a great idea for my drawing - I can use it to make notecards! It had never crossed my mind, but I think it's such a cool idea. I am definitely playing around with all SORTS of ideas and possibilities in my head now, lol. Maybe I can even do some sort of Christmas drawing, and make my own Christmas cards - how cool would THAT be?? :)
Gotta run .... thank you again for the support, and for understanding why I decided to go local, and for not being disappointed in me. The last thing I wanted to do was let this wonderful group of people down, you know?
Bye for now,
Rita
You're so right ... it's ALL been good! Even just when I was dreaming about the LA thing, it gave me something fun to think about. It truly lifted my spirits ... more than you guys will ever know, and I can't begin to thank you all enough. I had a long, hard winter, and this was such a fun and exciting thing to focus on, you know? The support from my family here has always been amazing! I think this group here is very unique, as far as internet groups go - the kindness, caring and support have always been SUCH a comfort to me over the years, as I am sure it is for everyone else here... :)
I did get the drawing done yesterday - I think the tattoo is going to look awesome! I am so excited!! He did a fantastic interpretation of my drawing, but made it more flowing (so it will look better in the area), and I even like the way he did the ribbon better than the way I did it, lol. His is even looser and more flowing than mine (which is what I had been trying for), and the ribbons kind of wind into the stems. So now when I do the more final version of my drawing, I may incorporate a little of what he did as well .... :)
He gave me a copy of the drawing to take home, so I made a copy of THAT, and then cut it out in detail. This way, I can play around with the exact placement, so I will know just where I want him to put it. It is the perfect size for me, too... now I'm really glad I didn't go with a larger piece like we had originally talked about. This fits the area perfectly, in my opinion. So it won't be nearly as time consuming to do as the original concept - he's thinking probably 2 -3 hours, 4 at the most. The original idea was going to take 2 -3 sessions, at 4 hours a pop! Needless to say, the cost is much better this way, too, since they charge by the hour.
And someone gave me a great idea for my drawing - I can use it to make notecards! It had never crossed my mind, but I think it's such a cool idea. I am definitely playing around with all SORTS of ideas and possibilities in my head now, lol. Maybe I can even do some sort of Christmas drawing, and make my own Christmas cards - how cool would THAT be?? :)
Gotta run .... thank you again for the support, and for understanding why I decided to go local, and for not being disappointed in me. The last thing I wanted to do was let this wonderful group of people down, you know?
Bye for now,
Rita
Shoot ! I missed this! So, you went today????
How'd the drawing go?
Your rational decision in the end is very understandable. Us chronic types have to do this - it's how we live! But ya know, like you said, getting so excited, people adding onto the original thought w/enthusiasm -- it's all good!!!!!! This is what we do for each other no matter what direction it takes.
(((hugs)))
-shell
How'd the drawing go?
Your rational decision in the end is very understandable. Us chronic types have to do this - it's how we live! But ya know, like you said, getting so excited, people adding onto the original thought w/enthusiasm -- it's all good!!!!!! This is what we do for each other no matter what direction it takes.
(((hugs)))
-shell
I just PM'd you with all the info, and then some, lol. Can't wait to hear more about your butterflies... :)
Rita
Rita
That's great your getting your tattoo. I do want to see pictures when it's done. You'll have to PM me with this guys info. I might eventually get another one (I have 2..butterflies on each ankle) but I don't have someone I go to regularly.
Take Care
Take Care
Hi Everybody,
Thank you so much for not being mad at me! I just didn't want you all to feel like I let you down ...:) I really DO feel like this is the best decision for me, and I am SO excited - I feel like a little kid, lol. I can't wait to get the actual drawing done this afternoon and see what it will actually look like.
I figure there are great tattoo artists everywhere - not just on TV, you know? So I did a little research and came up with the place I am going. I am going to the guy who actually owns the shops, and the work he has done is very impressive. I think he will do a great job, and I think he really understands the kind of look I want and how significant this is for me.
Pricewise, he's very reasonable - there are guys around here charging alot more, and they are not nearly as good. With this guy, it's not all about the money - the consultation and the draw up are free, you only pay for actual skin time. He really wants the people to be happy with the work he does.
Mand, I had checked and found out the same as you, as far as what Kat charges, and almost had a heart attack, lol. Tattoo artists charge by the hour, so imagine what even just a SMALL tattoo would cost at LA Ink - you are definitely paying for the name. I mean, yeah, it would be cool to get it done there, but the work I've seen Dave do is just as good as what I've seen them do on the show, and I even think his portraits are a little better.
Thank you all again for all your support and enthusiasm, and I will definitely post a pic once it's done, and then once it's healed (I hear they look even better then.) You just can't laugh at my fat, OK?? LOL!! Lulu, you will DEFINITELY get to see it in person, so you can give a first hand account to everyone about what you think once it's done - it will be a fun reason to schedule a lunch ... :)
Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!
Rita
Thank you so much for not being mad at me! I just didn't want you all to feel like I let you down ...:) I really DO feel like this is the best decision for me, and I am SO excited - I feel like a little kid, lol. I can't wait to get the actual drawing done this afternoon and see what it will actually look like.
I figure there are great tattoo artists everywhere - not just on TV, you know? So I did a little research and came up with the place I am going. I am going to the guy who actually owns the shops, and the work he has done is very impressive. I think he will do a great job, and I think he really understands the kind of look I want and how significant this is for me.
Pricewise, he's very reasonable - there are guys around here charging alot more, and they are not nearly as good. With this guy, it's not all about the money - the consultation and the draw up are free, you only pay for actual skin time. He really wants the people to be happy with the work he does.
Mand, I had checked and found out the same as you, as far as what Kat charges, and almost had a heart attack, lol. Tattoo artists charge by the hour, so imagine what even just a SMALL tattoo would cost at LA Ink - you are definitely paying for the name. I mean, yeah, it would be cool to get it done there, but the work I've seen Dave do is just as good as what I've seen them do on the show, and I even think his portraits are a little better.
Thank you all again for all your support and enthusiasm, and I will definitely post a pic once it's done, and then once it's healed (I hear they look even better then.) You just can't laugh at my fat, OK?? LOL!! Lulu, you will DEFINITELY get to see it in person, so you can give a first hand account to everyone about what you think once it's done - it will be a fun reason to schedule a lunch ... :)
Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!
Rita
Hey Rita
I must admit that after I sent the e-mail to them I looked further into it and as far as I could see the minimum that Kat charges is $500 - and that's the minimum.
I thought that was a lot to pay just because they are on TV, don't get me wrong I would love to get a tat by Kat or Corey as well.
I hope you will be able to post a picture when you get yours done.
Mand
I must admit that after I sent the e-mail to them I looked further into it and as far as I could see the minimum that Kat charges is $500 - and that's the minimum.
I thought that was a lot to pay just because they are on TV, don't get me wrong I would love to get a tat by Kat or Corey as well.
I hope you will be able to post a picture when you get yours done.
Mand
Go, Rita! I'm sure it will be lovely - I'm not so secretly envious!
Cheers,
Guitar_grrrl
Cheers,
Guitar_grrrl
I totally agree that you're making the right decision, Rita. I'm so happy you're getting it done so soon, and am looking forward to seeing the finished product.
Kathy
Kathy
Hi all, Rita and I have been kicking this around for a week or so and I thoroughly understand and support her decision. The shop she is coming to is not far from me - and she promises I will get to see it in person so I can give everyone a full report! :-)
Rita, it will turn out lovely just like you!
be well, Lu
Rita, it will turn out lovely just like you!
be well, Lu
It's wonderful to know that so many people will rally around you, but I agree that you made the right decision. Looking forward to the pics.
sho
sho
No one is going to mad at you for making a new decision.
I think that your new decision is best for you. I can't wait to see
the pic of it when you do get it done :)
Have a GREAT rest of the week Rita.
I am excited for you that you get to have it done in just a couple weeks......YAAAA!
~Tonya
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