1.6

February 11th, 2oo9

Artist: Grez

Studio: Kings Avenue Tattoo

Tattoo: Pheonix & Lotus Flower Left side back piece

Accomplished: Remainder of purple feathers. Shading on peacock feathers.

Time: 1.5 Hours

Price: $200

I wasn't expecting an appointment, but Alex gave his up because he changed his mind about a drawing. I was more than happy to accept the rest of the appointment. I had to call the bank & wait in a long line for food so I got there later than I would have wished. Alex stayed for a little while while I got the work done, which made me happy. I always feel better getting work done when he is there. Maybe because I associate getting ink done with him? Who knows. I was sorry that he wasn't able to get it done, but thrilled that I was one step closer to getting mine done.

Grez touched up the red breast from last time that had faded out a little bit. Overall, I could have sat there much longer because I really just wanted as much done as possible. There was one spot, on my shoulder blade that I remember getting done from the outline. That part dragged out and was excruciating. I was less than thrilled to get that part worked on. Alex held my hand for that part. I didn't think that he would when I offered mine and he didn't catch on, but in the end he did. That spot is the only spot that has ever made me feel like I was one step away from having to take a break.

Grez had to do a consult in the middle of my appointment because of the way that they appointments had panned out. That was alright. I would have been happier to go straight through, but I didn't mind the break in the middle. Alex and I sat and talked...this might have been out last time to see each other, and we hugged. It was...odd and painful, but I felt better in some ways. I hope Grez didn't realize my eyes were wet. After Grez got back from the consult, Alex left to head back home and then to the city.

Grez and I sat and talked for awhile once he was done with the ink. We ranted a bit about Michelle and how horrible some people are. We talked about Japan and my sister. We talked about the fact that I really need a mini-Grez in my life; someone edgy that likes to cuddle. I'm unhappy alone and Grez made me feel better. Its always really nice talking to him. His wife is a lucky woman, hope I can find my own Grez one day. But for now these sessions are like exhaling and I always leave feeling rejuvenated. I bailed on my swimming class for the next night. That would have been bad news bears.

Grez & I also talked about adding more work to my hip. At first I only wanted once koi fish, but now I've decided that I want two for multiple reasons:

Koi fish represent luck and bravery.

Pisces are two fish.

I may be able to stand alone, but I always want someone else by my side.

The pheonix & lotus (if I've never said this before)

Represent vibrance, life

rebirth, new beginnings

come from something ugly and transforming into beauty

a fresh start

being myself

I think his drawing looks a little like the goldfish from Pinnochio.

Holes

Well, after Comicon Lisa & I decided to go to Adorned on 2nd Ave to get a few new holes. Lisa got her nose pierced last week and wanted to get her left eyebrow done. I wanted to get my left nostril done. 

I won't lie, the idea of someone sticking a needle all the way through my skin was making me ill and my stomach was churning. I've donated blood and I, of course, have my tattoo, but nonetheless I could barely get the nerve to sign the sheet and hand over my card. I picked out a plain white gold ball nose stud, admiring the admittedly pricey diamond one. Eventually I want a white gold hoop and the diamond one. Then I'll be done with this particular piercing. The piercing and stud cost me $60.

We had a little while the wait and I got more and more nervous by the second. I was almost sick in the bathroom. Colby decided that I was going to go first and in hindsight...well I don't know whether it was better or worse. 

He drew the dot on my nose and I approved of it. What do I know about piercing placement? Then I had to lay down on the table. Lisa held my hand and he used open tongs to grab my nostril and flatten it. He stuck the needle through the tongs, through the dot and out the other end of the tongs on the inside. I'm not sure exactly what happened next because my eyes were closed. The needle caused a burning pain and it made my left eye water. But he threaded the nose ring (which he had bent into the right shape earlier) through the hole and that was that. After a little while it didn't hurt at all, the inside piece just tickled a little. 

(really ugly picture taken when I was half asleep later)

The real funny part was that Lisa almost hit the floor. Colby basically berated me not to move and had Lisa sit down while he got her water. She was fine after a few minutes, but we both thought it was fun that she had hers done but almost lost it watching me get mine done. Colby said they were looking at each other and he knew she was going to hit the floor. 

Lisa was up next. He drew the two dots, lining it up with the outside of her eye. Then he used the tongs to pinch the skin upright. He stuck the needle through the dots (and tongs) while I held her hand. She was laying down of course with her eyes closed. She seemed like she was taking a nap. With the needle just chilling in her eyebrow, he hooked the looooooong end of the eyebrow ring (though it wasn't actually a ring I guess) onto the needle and pulled it through. Then he took of the needle, took off the long part and tightened the ball into the end of it. It looks really cute on her and she said it barely hurt at all.