I promised Emma I would get a tattoo (my first) for my 50th birthday.
She remembered.
I've got exactly seven days to make good on it. (LET THE BIRTHDAY WEEK BEGIN!)
What should I get for my (tiny) 50th birthday tattoo? Seriously, any ideas?
I like calligraphic (rather than literal) symbols… maybe something that denotes celebration… or joy… or new beginnings…
Whatever you choose, make sure it is something that speaks to your heart and soul — and Happy Birthday from a fellow just turned 50 year old!
You could do the Yes, in a pretty font or another language. Maybe superimposed over a rainbow or inside a pretty heart, like one of Margaret’s Milagros.
Well you should really know what you want for a tattoo – it’s there a long time.
Here is a link to Eric’s portfolio (he’s very good)…
http://www.fishladdertattoo.com
Or just have “redefine normal” tattooed somewhere…
I have “Be The Change” on the back of my neck. You could do “Life is a Verb” or some other short quote on the back of your neck or top of wrist I have a few another tats too, I would not recommend the ankle, tats hurt over bones like that.
I told my daughter I would get a tattoo if I ever do an ironman triathlon. Good for you for celebrating 50, my family sort of ignored the fact that I’d kit the half century mark…
Oh, but you are brave, Patti. I never thought I would get a tattoo until I saw one my niece got and it was lovely. A five point star on her back, smaller than a dime, but the really lovely part of it was that it was done in rainbow colors, one color fading into the next. The whole star wasn’t colored in – it was just the outline. Subtle and beautiful. Of course we expect a photo posted once the deed has been done!
I’ve thought about getting something small on my ankle…like a pretty little rose. But I really think I’m too chicken! Let us know if you do…I still have a few months before my birthday ..and it’s a BIG one! lol
Patti,
My friend River got a tattoo last year. I loved her blog about it and thought you’d appreciate a share… http://riverwrites.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/05/never-say-never.html
Happy Birthday week!!
~Cindy
Hi Patti! Since Roman numerals are the sum of their values – and you’re the sum of YOUR values – how about XXXVII (37)? Happy (almost) Birthday!
Johnny Depp over your heart? Seriously though, I do think it is cool that you are doing this but make sure it is something you are passionate about, something you truly believe. I don’t think you’ll have a problem figuring it out. Enjoy your day!
Hi Patti,
Congrats on the upcoming 50th birthday! I would love to help you find the perfect tattoo design. We have a tattoo website where you can create a tattoo design contest and our community of 500+ tattoo artists submits multiple design entries. You then pick the winner. As my 50th B-day gift to you I would be happy to extend a free design contest if you are interested (no catch). Here is an example of what a completed contest looks like:
http://www.CreateMyTattoo.com/contests/c/unique_butterfly_tattoo_142
Email me if you would be interested.
Thanks & Best Regards,
Chuck Turner
Saw a small one (not tiny) recently that actually made me consider getting one for about 10 seconds. Twas the outline of an irregularly shaped heart, the lines a steady stream of the names of loved ones.
Get something meaningful to you. I collect antique calligraphy and I got a beautiful calligraphic script originally created by a little girl in 1812 on my hip – the guy who did it did a fantastic job. I love it. I want to get another on on my other hip, and this time I am thinking of getting a line art poppy – I love them so. They are the symbol of beauty and freedom and also how fleeting this beautiful life it. Maybe for you it can be a word – something meaningful, or a symbol of that word. Happy Happy birthday!
Something that, for you, is personal and timeless. My first tattoo was a Sanskrit Om on the back of my neck. I used to have long, long, hair and it stayed hidden for a long time! My second was an enso, a zen circle. A woman named Moose did that one, and she did a great job of making it look like a paint stroke. I plan to get
I knew I wanted a tattoo for a long time, but I didn’t know what or where, until one day it just came to me. So don’t rush yourself!
Every time I see my tattoos, I smile, so pick something that will have that same effect for you! You don’t have to show anyone, or even explain why you got what you did. It’s just yours.
Oh, and I meditated while I got them – that really helped with the pain! (which was irritating more than owie)
Ooh, I like “37” or “Yes.” I’m not one o get a tattoo, but sometimes, when I need to remember, I write “yes” on the inside of my wrist, and think of you. For me, I might do an ankh someday.
Not so big on tattoos on my own body, though I have to say I think some are magnificent works of art. But I also think that getting one when you are 50 is pretty cool – not the impulsiveness of youth but the wisdom of your middle years, or bribery and begging by your daughter ???? ;)
What about a Circle ?
Can`t wait to hear what you choose and where are you getting it? Not where as in what tattoo shop, but where as in where on your gorgeous 50 year old bod ?
Hugs from the Rock Fairy !
are you supposed to get a “real” one or will Henna suffice? I got stars and a moon on my ankle
What about the japanese symbol for happiness or yes or 37?
Too funny! My daughter made me promise when she turns 18 and I turn 50 (around the same time), I’d go with her to get mother/daughter ink. I already have my design picked out (the celtic triple spiral that’s become part of my new website design), even though it’s still 7 years away. (Who knows – I may go earlier than planned. :-)
I like the idea of 37, but maybe get the Chinese symbol for 37 (or something else artistic that represents 37).
I love the idea…and have been contemplating the same. I turned 50 on August 4th. Taking my time to decide on design because I want it to be meaningful as well. I love the idea of the candle or flame…an abstract heart in the color of faded denim appeals to me as well. Would love to see the pic when you do it…Blessings, Janet
well, I just had lunch with one of our classmates who has the Quakerman on his…backside. He got it in college and in those days it was a BIG DEAL. He ripped a picture of our guy out of the Guilfordian and took it to the tatoo ladies! Now I’m having intrusive thoughts of a tiny Quaker man on my hip! But, that could just be me!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY WEEK!!!!!!!!!!!XXOOXXOO
wow, so many great ideas here! what a big decision- so big that i’ve considered it for about 20 years without doing it yet. my daughters and i talk about getting mother/daughter tattoos but i can’t decide what to get or where to put it. i hear it’s addictive, so you may end up getting a few.
i did see a girl last week with a beautiful lotus flower tattoo.
good luck and do let us know what you decide!
UGGGGGHHHHHH!!!!!!
WHY?????????
Why not get a temporary tattoo and donate the money saved to something worthwhile?
I’ve wanted to do this, too….as usual I think and over-think everything. I’ve thought of a tiny bee… something that could be hidden under a bra strap…I like what they say about bees….aerodynamically, they aren’t supposed to be able to fly, but do, because they think they can! I know I could never do one as large and as lovely as in the photo on your post. I would envision myself years from now…walking down the hallway in the nursing home…the hospital gown gaping open in the back…skin wrinkled and sagging…instead of the beautiful artwork, it would look more like the cake in the song “Macarthur Park” “Someone left the cake out in the rain…all the sweet green icing flowing down….” Like I said….I tend to over-think things a bit much! LYG, Patti!
I knew what I wanted for years, but finally gave myself the deadline of my birthday this year to get it done. Birthday is in August but had it done a few months ago. My nickname at home is Mama Bear, so I got the Chinese symbols of Mother and Bear above my ankle (really didn’t hurt, seriously, and I waited so long because I was scared of the pain!) The artist made it look like it’s painted on with a calligraphy brush.
Just as important as the tattoo is the tattoo artist. Find someone who is an ARTIST first and can truely give you something special.
Happy Birthday! :)
I’ve always liked words more than symbols and the most essential word in my life is “yes.” It’s the only tattoo I’ve ever considered getting and I haven’t done it yet. I’m surprised to here that it’s a standard! I think 37 would be perfect for your symbol.
Only you know what you will want to live with for the rest of your life. And happy birthday week. 50 begins a wonderful decade. I’m too much of a pain avoider to get a tat, but always wanted a chili pepper on my inner thigh. Needless to say, I’m glad I didn’t. My inner thigh ain’t what it used to be. You might want to keep that in mind.
I got a tattoo after going on a retreat which reinforced a divine experience I almost forgot about. So I had it tattooed over my heart as a reminder. My husband and I spent almost an entire day combing through tattoo pics on the web. It is an infinity symbol over a heart. I listened to a meditation CD to relax while getting it. I keep it private. Very few of my shirts expose it. BTW, DO NOT PICK THE SCAB. Those were instructions given to me and I couldn’t resist once or twice. I have a few spots where it’s a little lighter than the rest. Maybe that’s normal, I don’t know.
another fan of words here — just finished your book — that 50th birthday? i still haven’t finished celebrating mine and that was last september! happy birthday…
another “patti”
If I got one, I would get a small but very lovely lotus blossom. I love the symbolism. They start out in the mud but what grows in the muck and the mire blossoms into the most beautiful flower.
How cool! I got my first tattoo on my ankle for my 50th birthday in March of this year. My only regret is that I didn’t get one done years ago…I LOVE my tattoo! It’s a double spiral that I designed myself….fairly simple but symbolic for me. I would suggest a tattoo that has some meaning for you….a decorative ’37’ would be great! Good luck….btw, it hurts but it’s a bearable pain. I’m quite excited for you ~ :)
An ankh, alpha/omega or double helix (like the DNA strand) appeal to me. How ’bout Billy’s face for you?
In 2005, Patti Digh started her blog, 37days, following the death of her stepfather who died just 37 days after being diagnosed with cancer. Six books about living mindfully followed. And there’s more to come.
