Two Segements of Renae's Arm

I spotted a whole lot going on with Renae's left forearm, while browsing at the Chelsea Salvation Army store, so I just had to ask.

Let's deconstruct:

The first part of this tattoo is the dark heart on the inner part of the forearm. Renae attributes this to Rob at the Orlando branch of Hart and Huntington. In over three years of inkspotting, this is the first piece on Tattoosday that has been credited to one of their shops.

Renae, who has "no idea" how many tattoos she has (which is synonymous for "too many to count"), wanted to add to her arm, so she headed to Brooklyn Ink in Bay Ridge.

Alex Franklin was given free reign, according to Renae. Her exact quote was "use your imagination and run," which must be music to many a tattooists ears.

Alex did the flourishes around the original tattoo, along with the phrase "gutta cavat lapidem," a Latin phrase by Ovid which translates to "dripping water hollows out a stone," which is a shortened version of the line "Dripping water hollows out stone, not through force but through persistence." This quote is known to many New Yorkers who have seen it inscribed underground here (with a broader description here).




And he tattooed the piece on the other side of the arm:

Work from Brooklyn Ink (and a lot by Alex) has appeared previously on Tattoosday here.

Thanks to Renae for sharing her tattoos with us here on Tattoosday!

John's Root People

At the end of July, I coincidentally exited the A train at 14th Street at the same time as John, who was visiting from Nevada.

I had been admiring his sleeve on the train, but didn't have the opportunity to speak to him about it until after he got off the subway.

He referred to these creatures as "Root People":

It's an abstract collaboration with the artist, Rickett, at The Ruby Lantern in Carson City, Nevada.

They started working together in January of this year, and they're not yet finished with the whole sleeve. As you can tell, it's very unusual and has a very unique approach.

These designs are all on John's right arm, and I am particular to the female tree person above on his inner forearm.

Thanks to John for sharing his Root People here with us on Tattoosday!

Gina's Phoenix

In late June, I ran into Gina in Penn Station and complimented her on a tattoo she had on her back. At the time, she was wearing something with straps that covered part of the design. I gave her a flier and she remarked that she had just recently discovered the site through this post on the tattoo of Julie Powell.

Alas, like so many folks to whom I give fliers, I didn't receive any emails or photos. But a month passed and one day I was pleasantly surprised to see an email from Gina, with the following photos of her phoenix tattoo:

I'll let her explain the rest:

"... I had completely forgotten [about sending in the photo] until I found the picture I took for you on my camera... This was done by Junii at the Diamond Club in San Francisco. [Bill Salmon, Junii's husband, is the studio owner]. She does amazing line work.  She's also incredibly conscientious about design and her clients.  For both my tattoos, she spend a lot of time talking with me, looking at the 20 pictures I had brought in of bits or aspects of what I wanted, then went off and did her own research, always coming back with exactly the right drawing.

This one - I got it after a really, really difficult year. So, obviously, not the deepest symbolism - just wanted to remind myself of the possibility of renewal."

Thanks to Gina for sharing her tattoo with us here on Tattoosday!

Alex Shares a Floral Tattoo, Roots and All

Sometimes I see tattoos before I see people.

Back in July, for example, I approached a guy on the West 4th Street subway platform to ask him about this tattoo on his right forearm:

It was only after I said hello to him that I realized he was someone named Alex who lives in my neighborhood in Brooklyn.

In fact, Alex had a tattoo featured here back in 2009, after I stopped  him in the laundromat.

This floral tattoo is a representation of how a flower overcomes obstacles and pain to lay down roots, rises up, and blooms.

He draws the comparison to life, as nothing comes without hard work and bypassing obstacles.

The tattoo was created by Shon Lindauer at Thicker Than Water in Manhattan. Shon is the same artist that did the tiger on my calf. Other work from Thicker Than Water has appeared previously on Tattoosday here.

Thanks to Alex for once again sharing his work with us here on Tattoosday!

Kevin's Gravitational Tattoo

I love word tattoos so I couldn't help but stop Kevin at Barnes & Noble earlier this month. He had this tattoo inked on his inner right forearm:

He explained that he enrolled in school not knowing for sure what he wanted to do. He was on a path for a career in finance, but also has a keen interest in art and graphic design.

He says that the tattoo is a reminder that, although gravity is all around us, and pulling us toward the status quo, he should stay true to himself and never give up his interest in art.

He had this done by Betty Rose at Red Rocket Tattoo in Manhattan. Work from Red Rocket has appeared previously on Tattoosday here.

Thanks to Kevin for sharing his Gravity with us here on Tattoosday!

Travis and Another Perspective of Ganesh

People who are familiar with being featured here on Tattoosday know that there is a process, in which I generally go chronologically, and it often can be several weeks before I post their work.

But there are always exceptions.

Take, for example, Travis, who I met on Monday near the corner of 32nd and 8th Avenue waiting for a bus.

Under normal circumstances, you'd have seen Travis's tattoo in September but, the next day, I got the following mysterious tweet: "@Tattoosday post pictures of that guys tattoos- you were talking to him yesterday outside MSG plzz! *stalker*".

What?

Well, a little bit of digging, and I discovered that the source of the message was Hannah, who appeared last month on Tattoosday here. And since I'm a sucker for my fans, I'll gladly oblige and share Travis's tattoo with us here today. Here it is:

Travis's tattoo depicts the Hindu deity Ganesh. However, unlike this Ganesh tattoo, this one has a twist.

Travis explained that one of the common beliefs is that Ganesh was born with a human head, but that he was beheaded as a boy, and his head was replaced with that of an elephant. He obtained a third eye so that he could make sure he was never betrayed again.

Travis says that he often feels "too aware" of others, to the point that it detracts from his enjoyment of life. Thus, his tattoo of Ganesh has him literally slicing off the third eye, wielding a sword with his trunk, which metaphorically translates to Travis "cooling out" and being less aware so that he can enjoy life more.

The "F.I.A." on the banner stand for "Fuck It All".

Travis has eight tattoos, which includes a full sleeve, all by artist Brad Stevens at Dare Devil Tattoo in New York City.

Thanks to Travis for sharing this interesting interpretation of Ganesh with us here on Tattoosday!

University of Ilorin - General Admission Requirements

Unilorin General Admissions Requirements

 

• 2009/2010 Provisional Admission List for Remedial Programme
• 2009/2010 Admission Exercise: IJMB Result Verification
• Movement List II for 2009/2010 Admission
• Provisional Admission for 2009/2010 session

Please click to view a very important piece of information on admissions

Please click to view the results for the 2007/2008 session remedial examinations

The admission list for the 2008/09 session may be viewed here.

• Admission Requirements for Agriculture Courses
• Admission Requirements for Art Courses
• Admission Requirements for Basic Medical Sciences Courses
• Admission Requirements for Business & Social Sciences Courses
• Admission Requirements for Clinical Sciences Courses
• Admission Requirements for Education Courses
• Admission Requirements for Engineering & Technology Courses
• Admission Requirements for Law Courses
• Admission Requirements for Sciences Courses
• Admission Requirements for Communication and Information Sciences

1. Admission by Entrance Examination – U.M.E

The Entrance Examination is conducted by JAMB. In addition to attaining required standard in Entrance Examination, candidates must satisfy the general University as well as specific Faculty requirements.

For the general requirement, candidates must obtain at least a credit pass in subjects at GCE O’ Level or approved equivalent at not more than two sittings. (See tables for specific faculty requirements).

2. Admission by Direct Entry

Candidates must posses one of the following qualifications:

1. Two passes at the Principal or Advanced Level with GCE O’ Level approved equivalent credit passes in three other subjects at not more than two sittings.
2. Three passes at the Principal or Advanced Level with GCE. O’ Level approved equivalent credit passes in two other subjects at not more than two sittings; (Passes at the Principal or Advanced Level may be obtained at the G.C.E. A’ Level, HSC. or IJMB).
3. Passes in two recognised NCE subjects with G.C.E. O’ Level credits equivalent in three other subjects. Education is accepted as a third Level subject for those taking courses in Education.
4. Candidates who successfully pass the final examination of the following Institutions shall also be considered eligible for admission.
   1. The International Baccalaureate obtained from accredited Institution with relevant grading.
   2. National Diploma from Polytechnics or Colleges of Technology-only applicable to some faculties (See table on special Faculty requirements).
   3. The Defence Academy Certificate as moderated by the University of Ibadan.

   Other conditions to note:

   1. No subjects may be counted at both O’ and A’ Levels.
   2. General Paper at HSC or in any other examination will not be accepted as a substitute for English Language.

3. B.Ed. (Sandwich/Part-Time)

Students are expected to combine Education with any of the following subjects: Science, Mathematics, Language Arts (English or Yoruba Only) and Social Studies. The following subjects are accepted for Social Studies: Economics, Geography, Government, History, Political Science and Social Studies.

4. Admission into 2-Year Degree Programme

(See table on Special Faculty requirements under Faculty of Education).

5. A. Remedial Programme

An applicant must pass the SSCE/GCE O’ Level in English Language, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics, with Credit level passes in at least three (3) of these subjects at not more than two (2) sittings.

1. Faculty of Agriculture will accept credit pass in Agricultural Science in lieu of credit pass in Biology.
2. Faculty of Engineering and Technology requires credit in Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics.
3. Faculty of Health Sciences will admit only a few of the successful candidates of the Remedial Students of the Faculty of Science at the end of the programme.

B. Eligibility

The programme is open only to candidates from the catchment area of University of Ilorin.

6. Non-Degree Programme

1. Associate Certificate in Education: (ACE)
   The course is open to Primary School Teachers who passed the Teachers’ Grade I or II Certificate with not less than five years teaching experience after obtaining the Grade II Teachers Certificate.
2. Certificate in Physical and Health Education: (PHE)
   Candidates must be holders of Grade II Teachers Certificate, WASC/SSCE/GCE O/Level with at least credit passes in three subjects. However, candidates with two credits, but in any case, not less than one credit with outstanding sporting achievements at the State or National level may be considered for admission.
3. Diploma in Mathematics and Physics Education:
   Candidates must possess at least one of the following qualifications:
   1. WASC/SSCE/GCE O/Level with at least three credits, one of which must be in a Science subject obtained at not more than two sittings. Where the credits are not in Mathematics and/or Physics, a Pass grade P7 or P8 must be obtained in these two Science subjects.
   2. Teachers’ Grade II Certificate with credits in a1 least three teaching subjects including Mathematics. Where the credits are not in Physics or Genera Science, Merit must be obtained in wither of these.

For (1) (2) (3) courses, candidates who satisfy the minimum entry requirements will be admitted on the basis of their performance in the entrance examination.

Entry Requirements:

The University conducts three and four year courses for students who gain admission into the Faculty of Arts, Business and Social Science and Education.

Undergraduate programmes in the Faculties of Agriculture and Engineering/Technology Law and in Health Sciences are of 5 and 6 years duration respectively. The first year of the programme is an integral part of the programme and students take 100 level courses during the year.

University Matriculation Examination (U.M.E.)

1. Same as for General Entry Requirements.
2. Subjects passed at SSCE/O’ Level must be obtained at not more than two sittings. Same as for General Entry Requirements.

Note:

1. The General Paper in GCE A’ Level or its equivalent will NOT be accepted as a substitute for SSCE/O’ Level Credit in English Language.
2. A pass in a subject in the final examination of the NDA Certificate of Education as moderated by the Institute of Education of the University of Ibadan is regarded as an Advanced Level equivalent.
3. A credit pass in English Language of the IJMB. at the ‘O’Level is acceptable as equivalent to SSCE/G.C.E. (O’ Level) for admission purposes.

New Students:

To register for courses, new students are required to

1. Proceed to the Admission Officer or his representatives in the appropriate venue for due clearance and obtain clearance Form.
2. Proceed to your Faculty/Department and obtain clearance respectively;
3. Obtain and fill the student’s Statistical Information Form and Registration Kit from the Records Officer (Academic Office) or his/her representatives at the venue.
4. Consult Department; adviser for guidance and counseling ion the selection of courses before completing Course Registration Form with biro; and obtain his/her signature.
5. Complete the fees form (MIS 04) by paying prescribed fees at the Bursary Department and enclose the evidence for payment (Photocopy) as part of the required registration materials to be submitted to the Faculty Officer;
6. Return a copy of the duly completed MIS or Statistical Form MIS 01 to the representative of Academic Office at the venue;
7. Submit all the completed Registration Forms to your Faculty Officer for his/her signature and that of your Dean or his representative.
8. All new students are expected to undergo medical examination at the Health Services Unit. The prescribed medical examination form should be completed and returned to the Faculty officer.

Please note that your course registration is not valid until you are duly registered in the Health Services Unit.

Returning Students:

1. Obtain Course Registration Forms from your Faculty Office.
2. Consult with the appropriate Heads of Department for guidance in selecting courses.
3. After the selection of courses complete the forms appropriately and obtain the signature of your Departmental Adviser.
4. Finally, submit your registration form to your Faculty Office for his/her signature and that of your Dean or his representative.
5. Ask your Faculty Officer for your copy of the registration form.

Note:

1. All fresh Students are to pay all prescribed fees to the Bank, and obtain receipt from Bursary Department during the Orientation week. Only students who have dully paid their fees would be registered.
2. Late Registration will incur penalty fees as determined from time to time by the University.

Under One Small Star - Two Tattoos from Anna

I met Anna earlier this month in Penn Station. I felt compelled to stop her when she walked by and I caught a glimpse of this amazing tattoo:

I love seeing ink that is new and original, and I had never seen a line of anything run up the length of a leg like this.

Anna explained that this was a line of poetry that reads "My apologies to time for all the world I overlook each second" that she heard on a trip to Cambodia. Her group leader, Jan, had shared the poem, "Under One Small Star" by Polish Nobel Laureate Wislawa Szymborska, and the verse meant a lot to her during her trip there. This one specific line really resounded with her, so she first "paid a Khmer translation site and then had a friend [she] made in Cambodia, Ponheary, check the translation just to make sure it was correct".

I love the international flavor of this tattoo - a poem originally in Polish, translated to English, then re-translated to Khmer, transcribed in flesh in America!

The line runs from top to bottom and was inked by Jason at Powerhouse Tattoo Company in Montclair, New Jersey.

The poem is reprinted in its entirety at the end of this post.

Since it is Tat-Tuesday, let's look at a second tattoo from Anna, this one on the back side of her right arm:

This is Joan of Arc, "a hero of mine," says Anna, who admires her from the feminist perspective and finds her an "unbelievably inspirational" historical figure.

This piece was tattooed by the wonderful Stephanie Tamez at New York Adorned. Stephanie's work has appeared previously on Tattoosday here.

Thanks again to Anna for sharing these two of her seven tattoos with us here on Tattoosday!

Under One Small Star

My apologies to chance for calling it necessity.
My apologies to necessity if I'm mistaken, after all.
Please, don't be angry, happiness, that I take you as my due.
May my dead be patient with the way my memories fade.
My apologies to time for all the world I overlook each second.
My apologies to past loves for thinking that the latest is the first.
Forgive me, distant wars, for bringing flowers home.
Forgive me, open wounds, for pricking my finger.
I apologize for my record of minuets to those who cry from the depths.
I apologize to those who wait in railway stations for being asleep
today at five a.m.
Pardon me, hounded hope, for laughing from time to time.
Pardon me, deserts, that I don't rush to you bearing a spoonful of water.
And you, falcon, unchanging year after year, always in the same cage,
your gaze always fixed on the same point in space,
forgive me, even if it turns out you were stuffed.
My apologies to the felled tree for the table's four legs.
My apologies to great questions for small answers.
Truth, please don't pay me much attention.
Dignity, please be magnanimous.
Bear with me, O mystery of existence, as I pluck the occasional thread
from your train.
Soul, don't take offense that I've only got you now and then.
My apologies to everything that I can't be everywhere at once.
My apologies to everyone that I can't be each woman and each man.
I know I won't be justified as long as I live,
since I myself stand in my own way.
Don't bear me ill will, speech, that I borrow weighty words,
then labor heavily so that they may seem light.

--Wislawa Szymborska

Caitlin's Pin-up with a Heart on the Sleeve

Earlier this month, I ran into Caitlin as I got off the A train at West 4th Street. She has twnety-three tattoos and, as customary, I asked if she could pick one to share with us here on Tattoosday.

She obliged, selecting this, her most recent tattoo:

This is based on the artwork of the pin-up stylings of Baron von Lind. I believe the piece that this is replicating is his work "Daphne":

I wish I could give proper credit to the artist, but it was a noisy train platform, and I scribbled down Willie Childress, Asheville, North Carolina. If anyone knows who this is, or what shop he belongs to, please let me know so I can give the artist his proper due.

Thanks to Caitlin for sharing her pin-up with us here on Tattoosday!

Be sure to head over to the Baron von Lind website to see more of his art.

Jason's Pennsylvania Devils

I ran into Jason on the West 4th Street platform back in July. He was on his way to Smith Street Tattoo, to accompany a friend who was getting tattooed by Bert Krak.

I asked him if he wouldn't mind sharing some of his work, and he gladly complied.

I snapped some photos and chatted with him all the way to Brooklyn. Check them out:

Why a devil on his leg? Jason said he was considering putting something on his leg that he was afraid to place there. When he asked himself if he should really do that, he reasoned, just by asking himself that, meant he should do it. He also gave some advice that I thought was very valuable.

Jason said that when he is looking to get tattooed, and isn't sure what he wants, he'll go to an artist and ask them what they're currently drawing. Most artists in the shop, when they're not tattooing, are either drawing, sketching, painting, or creating something. Jason reasons that if you ask for what the artist is currently doing, he or she will be that much more passionate about the work.

This logic is behind several of Jason's tattoos.

The work above was created on Jason by Ryan Westvall at Old Soul Tattoo in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania.

Thanks to Jason for sharing his tattoos with us here on Tattoosday!

Garrett's Peacock Recalls the South

I met Garrett back in June in Penn Station when I was still reeling from the loss of my camera.

I had yet to replace my photographic equipment and I had yet to receive the loaner from my awesome friend Jill.

So, I did the best I could with a flash-less BlackBerry camera to capture Garrett's awesome sleeve:

Yes, folks, it's another peacock in our midst, in a summer during which we have been treated to a variety of peafowl.

Garrett's choice to get this tattoo stems from his love of these birds, combined with an appreciation of fashion, and how the peacock speaks to that sensibility. He also likes how the males are the fairer of the two sexes.

What's especially remarkable is that this is a black and gray tattoo, with no plans to take on any color ink.

The inclusion of magnolias, azaleas and violets, all in homage to the South, make this potentially dizzyingly colorful tattoo more remarkable in its basic palette. Rather than explosions of color, we are rewarded with subtleties of shading.

Credit goes to Myles Karr at Three Kings Tattoo in Brooklyn. Work from Myles has previously appeared here on Tattoosday.

Thanks to Garrett for sharing his amazing tattoo with us here on Tattoosday!

Jessica's Chest Piece and a Tale of Two Tigers

There may be eight million people in New York, but it's still, at times, a small world town.

Last month in the Amtrak section of Penn Station, I spotted Jessica, a young woman with a beautiful tattoo across her chest:

This piece even was our banner here for a few weeks, thanks to Jessica.

The inscription reads "Never Love, Never Lose," which is certainly thought-provoking, a slight spin on the aphorism, "It is better to have loved and lost than never loved at all." It also recalls an Irish claddagh ring, with two hands holding a heart. Feathers on the ends of the hands were added to even out the design.

I particularly like the fact that Jessica is wearing a key around her neck and, in the photo, it is lying across the keyhole at the center of the heart.

Jessica collaborated with the artist known as Ollie XXX in Montreal. If you look at his portfolio on his site, slide 87 shows a brighter original version of the tattoo when it was first completed.

When I asked her how many tattoos she had, she said, twenty-two, and showed me her most recent, a Peanuts tattoo. When I inquired where she got it, she said Thicker Than Water on the Lower East Side. "Oh," I commented, "you got one of the $50 specials?" I knew that the shop had done a $50 tattoo event the previous Saturday. Jessica confirmed that she had, in fact, attended with a friend.


I continued, "Shon Lindauer was the artist for my tiger,"and I rolled up my pant leg to reveal the piece Shon had inked at the beginning of the year when they were in "Year of the Tiger" mode. Well, you could have knocked Jessica over with a feather and her aunt, who Jessica was seeing off at the station, was also surprised. Why?

Jessica pulled down her right sleeve to reveal a familiar, but more feminine version of my tiger from my calf.


Shon had inked a variation on the tiger for her in February. Jessica's aunt insisted we pose with our tigers together.

I love how the designs are so similar, yet hers is much more feminine (or mine is much more masculine).

Granted, inkspotting certainly reduces the odds, but nonetheless, our paths crossing still seemed incredibly amazing.

Thanks to Jessica for sharing her work with us here on Tattoosday!

Kristine's Globe and a Memorial for Mom

Kristine has seven tattoos, two of which she shared with us late last month in Penn Station.

The first one I  noticed when she walked by was this piece from the back of her calf:

This is an homage to her travels, having recently returned from ten months in New Zealand. The Latin phrase below the globe, "On Omnia Paratus" translates to "ready for all things".

She also shared this lovely floral tattoo on her upper right arm:

Kristine explained that these tulips are a memorial to her mother, who passed away from lung cancer.

These tattoos were done by Chris Pesonen at Fat Kat Tattoos in Keyport, New Jersey. Work from Fat Kat has appeared previously on Tattoosday here.

Thanks to Kristine for sharing her tattoos with us hereon Tattoosday!

Claire's Hemaris Thysbe Flutters on Her Forearm

Butterfly tattoos can be a dime a dozen (no offense, butterfly fans), but moths, on the other hand often get a bum rap, taking a back seat to their more flamboyant insect cousins. To the chagrin of some inked lepidopterists, you don't see as many moth tattoos. This, however, is a lovely exception, perched on Claire's forearm:

This is Hemaris Thysbe, more commonly known as the Clear Wing Hummingbird Moth, a beautiful insect that gets its name from its large size and rapid wing speed.

Claire, who I met in Borders at 2 Penn Plaza, is originally from Vermont and this moth reminds her of back home. There are certainly no Hummingbird Moths fluttering about New York City!

She found a picture she liked and took it in to Yoni Ziebler at Brooklyn Adorned where he recreated this lovely specimen.

Work from Adorned appears here often and can be seen together under this tag.

Thanks again to Claire for sharing her Hummingbird Moth with us here on Tattoosday!

Carrie's Astonishing Peacock

Last year at this time, it seemed as if everywhere I turned I was photographing gypsy tattoos. Let's call this season, the Summer of the Peacock.

At the end of July, I ran into Carrie outside of Madison Square Garden and she shared this breathtaking tattoo:

This piece isn't yet complete, but represents close to sixteen hours of meticulous work by Norm Wright Jr. at Art with a Pulse Tattoo Studio in Glen Burnie, Maryland. The detail is incredible and Carrie explained that he free-handed the design with Sharpies, and then followed up with the tattoo needle.

Aside from the beauty of the peacock, Carrie explained that she was inspired by a trip to India, and that this beautiful creature is the country's national bird, which imbues the tattoo with even more personal meaning for her.

Thanks to Carrie for sharing her colorful tattoo with us here on Tattoosday!

Brian's Mat-tree-monial Tattoo

Late last month, I met Brian on the 34th Street A platform and he shared this amazing tattoo:

The piece was relatively fresh, having been inked only a couple weeks before.

He explained that this tree represents the Tree of Life. He alluded to the roots that spread out, firmly symbolizing family.

Brian also explained that it was an investigation piece: he added a key, hanging from a branch. This symbolizes his desire to unlock the meaning of life.

What's doubly special about this tattoo is that it is also a marriage tattoo. Brian's wife has a similar tree on her right arm (Brian's is on the left), only with cherry blossoms instead of a key, and a baby in the design as well.

The couple are linked not only by their vows, but by their similar ma-tree-monial tattoos. Sorry, I couldn't help it.

The tattoo is by Kaz at Brooklyn Adorned. Work from Kaz has appeared previously on Tattoosday here. And this tag, links all previous Adorned work on the blog.

Thanks to Brian for sharing this amazing tattoo with us here on Tattoosday!

Linda's Tattoo Honors Her Grandmother

One of our readers, Linda, e-mailed me this photo of one of her tattoos back in March and we have been patiently waiting to share it here until today, August 14, which is an integral part of the tattoo.

I'll let Linda do most of the talking:

"This is a tattoo that has an extreme amount of meaning to me. It is in remembrance of my grandmother, and as far as I'm concerned is a work in progress. The heart reads "I will never forget the way I felt that day," reminding me of the day, and the way I found out [about] my grandmother's passing who, along with my mother and my grandfather, was one of the most important people in my life, and still is. "Memento Mori" is a Latin a phrase which was said to Roman generals who would parade through the city after a battle to remind them that tomorrow is another battle, they may have been victorious today, but must remember they are only mortal. August 14 is the day that she died...

...The first installment of this tattoo was done on my birthday in June [2009] and the second part, the date, I saved to be done on August 14, 2009, the 10-year anniversary of her death. This tattoo is on my back between my shoulder blades..."

The artist who inked this is Curtis Richter, and he co-owns and manages Art N Soul Studios in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

Thanks to Linda for sending this our way, and waiting patiently for us to post it. We here at Tattoosday are wishing you strength as  you recall the anniversary of your grandmother's passing.

One Last Friday the 13th Post, for Melanie

So one of my friends Jenise had contributed to the Great Friday the 13th Tattoo Experiment and her votes for my tattoo were not along the finalists.

She was also keenly aware that we collected $31 in donations for my tattoo, $11 more than needed. Ginger, another friend, had added a dollar to the kitty for my lovely Friday-the-13th born wife Melanie, so Jenise, in an effort to make the experiment a complete success, chipped in the funds to bring us to an even $40, and she, Ginger, and Melanie separately concurred that this design was the one for her:

Much to our surprise, when we went back at 6:00 pm, business was brisk but it was only a 30-minute wait.

Artist Joey Wilson tattooed the Zoe Sonenberg-designed flash piece right below Melanie's $14 Valentine's tattoo (that story here).

The end result is lovely:

Thanks again to all contributors and supporters of Tattoosday through this process, and for everyone's patience while I went "off-book" for the last couple of days.

We now return to our regularly scheduled programming.

Learn more about Hawaiian culture

Dear Hawaii lovers,

Did you ever wonder when lying on Hawaii's white sand beaches or enjoying some spectacular hiking that it would be fun and at the same time a wonderful mahalo to the Hawaiian people by learning more about their culture and history? Our Best Hawaii vacation blog makes it a mission to spread the word about ancient Hawaii tradition and what needs to be done to keep the Hawaiian culture and language alive for next generations to come.

Here is a great opportunity for Big Island visitors who currently spend their Hawaii vacation on the Kona Kohala Coast. This weekend on August 14 + 15 Establishment Day, a true Hawaiian Festival, is celebrated. It is held in Kawaihae on the Kohala Coast near the beach below Pu'ukohola Heiau. The public is invited to participate in the cultural demonstrations and workshop activities in Pelekane (royal courtyard) with only one stipulation: that each visitor learns at least one craft before leaving the area to help preserve a part of the Hawaiian culture.

I had learned many years ago how to make a lidded 'umeke' bowl from a gourd. Our Hawaiian teacher helped us a lot, yet we all were very proud walking home with our own Hawaiian umeke bowl decorated with a beautiful hibiscus flower and Hawaiian images of our choice on the outside of the Umeke. We also learned that when their was an argument in the family, the Hawaiians would put the lid on the bowl in order to catch the bad spirit inside till peace had returned to the home.

There will be lots of Hawaiian arts and craft workshops and demonstrations available from 11am-3pm. There will be Hawaiian canoe rides and much more. Local musicians will play songs of Hawaii. This will be fun for the entire family. So pack some lunch and take lots of water and learn more about the Hawaiian people and their culture. I am sure you will be going home with great memories and some hand made Hawaiian art of your own. Wear a hat and some comfy clothes and don't forget the sunscreen.

By the way, the Pu'ukohola Heiau is located about a mile south of Kawaihae on the Kohala Coast. If you have more questions, you may call (808) 882-7218 for more info. Last but not least, Spencer Beach Park with shade supplying trees is just around the corner. A dip in the cool refreshing ocean waters will be a nice reward for your efforts of making your own Hawaiian art piece. What a wonderful Hawaiian gift to bring home from the Aloha State!

We love to to hear about your encounters with Hawaiian culture, art, traditions and festivals. Mahalo from Pua Hawaii Vacations


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Tags: Hawaiian culture, Hawaiian festival in Kawaihae, Kawaihae heiau on Kohala Coast

Learn more about Hawaiian culture

Dear Hawaii lovers,

Did you ever wonder when lying on Hawaii's white sand beaches or enjoying some spectacular hiking that it would be fun and at the same time a wonderful mahalo to the Hawaiian people by learning more about their culture and history? Our Best Hawaii vacation blog makes it a mission to spread the word about ancient Hawaii tradition and what needs to be done to keep the Hawaiian culture and language alive for next generations to come.

Here is a great opportunity for Big Island visitors who currently spend their Hawaii vacation on the Kona Kohala Coast. This weekend on August 14 + 15 Establishment Day, a true Hawaiian Festival, is celebrated. It is held in Kawaihae on the Kohala Coast near the beach below Pu'ukohola Heiau. The public is invited to participate in the cultural demonstrations and workshop activities in Pelekane (royal courtyard) with only one stipulation: that each visitor learns at least one craft before leaving the area to help preserve a part of the Hawaiian culture.

I had learned many years ago how to make a lidded 'umeke' bowl from a gourd. Our Hawaiian teacher helped us a lot, yet we all were very proud walking home with our own Hawaiian umeke bowl decorated with a beautiful hibiscus flower and Hawaiian images of our choice on the outside of the Umeke. We also learned that when their was an argument in the family, the Hawaiians would put the lid on the bowl in order to catch the bad spirit inside till peace had returned to the home.

There will be lots of Hawaiian arts and craft workshops and demonstrations available from 11am-3pm. There will be Hawaiian canoe rides and much more. Local musicians will play songs of Hawaii. This will be fun for the entire family. So pack some lunch and take lots of water and learn more about the Hawaiian people and their culture. I am sure you will be going home with great memories and some hand made Hawaiian art of your own. Wear a hat and some comfy clothes and don't forget the sunscreen.

By the way, the Pu'ukohola Heiau is located about a mile south of Kawaihae on the Kohala Coast. If you have more questions, you may call (808) 882-7218 for more info. Last but not least, Spencer Beach Park with shade supplying trees is just around the corner. A dip in the cool refreshing ocean waters will be a nice reward for your efforts of making your own Hawaiian art piece. What a wonderful Hawaiian gift to bring home from the Aloha State!

We love to to hear about your encounters with Hawaiian culture, art, traditions and festivals. Mahalo from Pua Hawaii Vacations


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Tags: Hawaiian culture, Hawaiian festival in Kawaihae, Kawaihae heiau on Kohala Coast