
It was inevitable.
A part of me somewhere inside always wanted a tattoo. The problem was...of what? I have to be honest in saying that in over 40 years, nothing really hit me hard enough for me to say, "I want that on my body." That was of course before I got wrapped up in the Harley-Davidson Mystique. I rode other bikes, and some of them were nice in their own right, but they had no soul. I believe there is something more to the Harley-Davidson motorcycle than mere mechanical parts. For me, my Harley has introduced me to people, places, and things I never knew existed before. I feel like a blind man who can suddenly see. I am one with the machine, and with my brothers and sisters who ride with me. So, when it really came down to it, the choice for how I would break my tattoo cherry was easy.
For better or worse, here it is, the H-D Bar and Shield on my left-forearm. I love how it came out, and I'm in awe of the talent of my artist, Stephen D'Asti. I chose him after literally hours of surfing the websites and galleries of tattoo parlors in my area. If you'd like to see more of Stephen's work, as well as other artists in his shop, please check out Mass-Ink. If you live in the area, and are considering a tattoo, I highly recommend them.
Now, if only my kids would hurry up and grow up so I can get a half-naked 50's pin-up gal with big boobs on my other arm.....




14 comments:
Welcome to the club, Joker! I've got one Tat for each of my sons. The sad part is, if I got a tat everytime I wanted one, I wouldn't have any bare skin left. It's soooo addicting...
Thanks for sharing!
Holy Cow Bro! You have qualified yourself as a HD die hard. I wonder if Harley has to pay you ad royalties now. Looks good. I want to finish mine. Man, I have a thing for the 40s/50s pinups too. They always say never get a tat unless it means something to you. Well, now you are committed to ride the rest of your days. Keep the neosporin on and after the heal, the sunscreen.
Cool Tat Joker! My chin hit the floor when I saw it though. Seems like we just talked about this not long ago. I can't help but feel like you've just drawn a line in the sand. Congratulations on your new art. Take care and don't pick!
Camron: I have a feeling that one day I'll do something involving the family - when the right and special thing comes to mind.
Dave: Don't I just wish they'd give me a few advertising bucks!
Lady R: Yes, we did just chat about tatts. I was considering it even then, but still hadn't committed myself. Guess I solved that dilemma!
Thank you ALL for your support, I really appreciate it.
I love the tat Joker! I agree with Camron that they are addicting! I have my daughter's name on my shoulder blade, and the same night I got it, I was already looking for what my next one will be.
I remember on one of our first dates, Jay (he has 5 tattoos) tried to explain to me WHY anyone would want to do that to themself. It took me a long time to even consider it. Once I finally understood the philosophy, I still couldn't even imagine what I might want permanently inked into my skin! ...not the Ravens, not Harley Davidson, not Jay (no offense baby), not even my kids! Finally it hit me--I got a band of daisies around my ankle in memorium for my mom (they were her favorite flower). That way I felt like her spirit was with me at my wedding.
They are addicting. I would consider getting another...except that I can't imagine coming up with anything that means anywhere near as much as the one I've got.
Congrats on yours. It does look great! :-)
Nice start! i got 5 myself. Each one done after or in memory of an event in my life. Just remember..then fastest way to start a bar fight is to ask an old biker what his tatts stand for. Its part of that old Bikers unspoken "code" -Crusty
Man I can't wait for the pin up as well.....I seem to be a fan of them. In fact had a conversation this afternoon with a lovely gal about some pin up shots she's done..........
Joker, didn't tattoing just become legal in Massachusetts not too long ago? Were there many shops to choose from? Do lots of people back home have tats or not? It seems everyone has tats here, but not as good as yours. Yours looks great! Glad it's on your arm and we didn't have to see a picture of you wearing your new assless chaps with your new tattoo'd butt hanging out.
Connie: lol...right now my wallet says the next one will have 2 wait!
Diana: I felt just like you describe for a very long time, and if I hadn't gotten back on a bike, I'd probably still not have one. Glad you like it.
Crusty: If someone asks me, I hope you don't mind if I just tell them I really love Harleys. I hate it when fights interrupt my drinking time!
Ronman: Yes, there is something about the pinup girl. That was back in the day when women were women and would order a steak along with you on a date instead of "just a salad, thanks..." What I wouldn't give to have Jayne Mansfield or Virginia Bell for a seat cover!
Jay: They legalized tatooing here in the People's Republic in 2001 and they've become very popular with the young crowd. These young hotties seem to love wearing these new type "low slung" jeans in bars, proudly bending over to display their tramp-stamps. I'm not complaining mind you.
Glad you like the tat, I was very careful in selecting my artist. He was so into it he was working out of state until they legalized it. I'm sure I'll be getting another one, and no worries, it won't be on my ass I assure you.
Hey Joker, I have three tattoos. Only three for a good reason. I had two before I got married. After I was married, I decided I needed a third. I told my wife I was going to get a Harley tattoo. She said "Are you sure?, I don't want anything evil!" Well, needless to say, I came home with an evil tattoo, not related to Harleys at all. It started out innocent enough, but the artist asked if I wanted it embellished after he got the basic tattoo done. I said sure, and he made it kind of portrait looking, coming out of my skin. It looks pretty damn evil. This was to be my last tattoo if Mama was to remain happy. It took a long time for her to stop bithin about it.
For a really long time, she'd say "It's looking at me!" I love my wife dearly, and the fight over wanting to get more tattoos is not worth it. I got a Harley though, and she doesn't complain about that,(much). The Harley is a whole different story. Enjoy your "first" tattoo, I'm sure ther'll be more to come.
I am loving that ink!
OK...somehow I missed this post, but it's linked to Mrs. Road Captain's post today! I LOVE your new ink! He did a great job.
I got my first tattoo when it was still illegal to get them in Mass, so we went to RI, a place on Rte. 44 that EVERYONE went to. I can't recall the name of it now, but there was a real old man there and he was the best. I'll have to do a post on my tats soon. Hubby's got one that you would LOVE! :)
Thanks Ann!
I love my tattoo and I'm looking forward to getting some more when I have both the dough and the right inspiration.
Would love to see yours; looking forward to the post. Hub's tatt wouldn't involve a buxom babe by any chance? LOL!! We shall see!
Post a Comment