Sugar and Spice and my Testosterone filled Life: My own personal taboo: Tattoos

I admit it...If I did not teach, I would be COVERED with body art. I absolutely LOVE it. I know, it's still rather taboo on women, even in 2011. Quite honestly, the stereotype associated with inked women is very often right on the money as well. Despite all of these things, I very much still LOVE tattoos.

I'm sure my untarnished friends are wondering, "What exactly is it that you like?"

Where to start?

I love the uniqueness of a custom piece. An artist took your thoughts and ideas and created something just for you, to wear on your body until you die. That's pretty darn cool if you ask me. Unless you are a purchaser of "flash," you aren't going to run into someone sporting the same back piece as you.

I love the commitment required to have ink. This isn't like a pair of shoes, a pedicure, or even a short hair cut. This is forever. There's no going back. You can't simply divorce a tattoo once you get bored with it. Looking at the tattoos of others can tell you alot about what they value...forever.

I've been researching placement, flow, subject, symbolism, shops, and artists for about two years now. I've visited shops both in person and online in the Dallas/Fort Worth area for several months. I've reviewed countless artist's portfolios. I chose an artist that I felt could best capture what was in my head. After consulting with him and sharing pictures/ideas/and sketches, I finally have an appointment to view a custom outline next week. It's taken two months to get in to simply look at the art. I'm hoping that it will be worth the wait.

It's the ultimate accessory and when properly placed on your body, can really add style to an outfit or edge up your look. Because I'm in a conservative profession, I've placed my ink in areas that are easily concealed during work hours. However, when I want to express my style, I just show a little shoulder, and KAPOW, the world picks up on my vibe fairly quickly.

On women, tattoos can enhance and even exaggerate the beautiful curves of the female body. I love the flow of a well placed and planned tattoo. The image can be so very graceful and delicate.

Strangely, I like actually having them done. It gives me something that I like to think of as much like the runner's high. That adrenaline from the sting of the gun is something that's simply indescribable. It's somewhat empowering, in a way, because although you have selected the artist, approved the piece, and voluntarily sat in the chair, you are in no way in control of what is happening to your body. You have to trust the artist behind the gun to follow through with your vision. This vulnerability coupled with the rush of pleasurable pain is exhilarating.

Finally, I rather enjoy the shock factor. After people begin to think that they know me, I like to expose a little something that they never expected. It's fun to see the reaction, and to watch their judgements melt away because of their actual knowledge of the person behind the ink. It's a fun little game I like to play...just for kicks.

Those of you on the flip side of the coin are most likely disgusted by the thought and image...or maybe you just don't appreciate adornment the way that I do. I've heard just about every reason why people, especially women, shouldn't be inked.

Some people think it's not feminine. Who exactly defines feminine? If you've read my previous blogs, you know the true extent of my femininity.

Some people think it's "tacky." Believe me, I've seen tackier things than tattoos. Bless your heart.

Tattoos aren't professional. Well, that may be true at this point, but possibly in the near future, they will be so mainstream that no one even notices. Until then, I'll keep mine under wraps. Sometimes it's more fun that way...I'm pretty personal anyway.

What if you get tired of it? Well, then I guess I carry it with me anyway. It is what it is. I wouldn't have put it on my body, however, if it didn't at one point mean something fairly significant to me. If that time has passed, I most likely could benefit from the reminder left behind anyway.

What about when you are old and saggy? Well, chances are I'll look pretty old and saggy even without the ink, so why not opt for a distraction or two, right? Who wants to look at old saggy BORING skin anyway?

What would you do/say if your own son wanted tattoos? I'd say to make certain that you do research, and are truly committed to the image that you choose and the artist that you select.

Each to their own.