Towards the end of 2003 I had a yearning for a tatt with a difference, well a difference for me anyway. I was in the midst of the darkest years, my Mum had died of brain cancer [three weeks from first symptom to death], ten months later my Dad was found dead at his home by my nephew; a school friend and work colleague dropped dead of respiratory failure from a chest infection when her life was taking off; work was on overload and I was being pressured daily to become more active in personal development in the workplace [I just wanted to do my high stress job and go home!], work were also unhappy with my sick record …. I had lost over a stone in weight and I at max I was barely eight stone. Stressed out hell.
An idea had begun forming for a design, a central flower in full bloom with three buds coming from it, they were to represent my Mum, Dad and my Sister’s Mother In Law [like a granny to me], they also stood for the family that remained, my Sister, her husband and their son. I chose the yellow rose as it stood for friendship which signified my friendship with my BFF …. all combining into the fully opened flower that was I, [I think I have wilted a fair bit since then, lol].
I made the appointment to get done and explained my idea to the tattooist, who was a graphic designer in a former life, he took up his pen and drew it straight on there and then, no sketches no changes free hand and it was perfect.
In September 2009 I had it re-inked by an amazing guy in Miami Beach, his parents met as Andy Warhol models and his step father was the chief camera man for Miami Vice. The picture above it taken the evening after it was done.
I love my roses of all my tatts [I have 4] this is the one that catches my eye the most.
Just Me, Nobody Special 
joebangles
February 16, 2014 at 2:44 pm
Hello Anne, with tattoo’s I say, if that’s what you want, good on you, I have none myself but I have a reason for that, my three son’s each have the same “skull” on the left arm just below the shoulder, each dared the other when they were just kids. There is a tattoo shop in my Main Street and I always stop and look in the window at the fantastic designs, it is an art form of it’s own but I will not be tempted. From your post I think that youb must have had quite an exciting life when younger, of course the sad times come around for everyone eventually but every thing in life becomes a memory that you can visit when you wish to.
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amgroves
February 16, 2014 at 3:10 pm
Tattoos are a deeply personal thing. I took a long time deciding what to have where, I was 34 when I had my first tiny tigger tatt done.
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gillyk
February 16, 2014 at 2:50 pm
I like what Joe Bangles has said.
I’m amazed that photo was taken the same day – I assumed that having a tattoo done makes the skin sore for a while? – but yours looks fine and it’s very meaningful.
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amgroves
February 16, 2014 at 3:08 pm
I was sore, like a sunburn sensation, and yes it does scab but the scab was the tattoo ink colour. I always kept mine moist during their healing phase, it helped take the heat from it and stopped the skin cracking.
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Bushka
February 16, 2014 at 3:20 pm
Excellent! What a lovely post! I shall always remember your ‘Rose Tattoo’ even though I have not ‘seen’ it in real life! Wonderful! Hugs! :)xxx
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amgroves
February 16, 2014 at 3:34 pm
I have always been envious of those who can sit and draw, I cannot even manage a straight line using a ruler!
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freeasthewind
February 16, 2014 at 7:56 pm
I have know tats but my Son has many of them and My ex has many of them. they are an interesting art form for sure
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amgroves
February 18, 2014 at 2:15 pm
Some are so very artistic, but some do tie it way too far for my comfort – but thats humans for you, lol.
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foxhat
February 17, 2014 at 4:12 pm
Have you ever read John Irvine’s Until I find you? That has a lot about tattoos in (as well as being a wonderful tragic/comic story)
Rather an inmpressive tattoo. I am not even going to ask about the others!
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amgroves
February 18, 2014 at 2:14 pm
Another book to add to my reading list, thank you.
Other tarts, tigger left lower leg [he’s a dinky one]; left hit memorium to a friend’s Uncle [long story]; third one left upper arm is a tigers face within a paw print.
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lucylovestattoo
March 12, 2014 at 6:36 am
tattoos are an expression of art. it should be meaningful and and unique. i love your choice of tattoo. its beautiful.
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amgroves
March 15, 2014 at 12:58 pm
Thank you for taking the time to read and comment 🙂
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