You have to live with it. Events change in significance over time. I still have the 4 tats from my own radiotherapy for BC. Thats enough. Not sure if I want or respect what anyone else would like to do to star in my life with me.

approprio: Endorphins, man. Really wild. And I think you should edit the title of this post to include... "Did it!" or something so people know to check back in to see the snowflake in all its glory. It's so beautiful!

AM: heh yeah, the endorphins were kicking in and I was trying to get the blog post out. But I did it now, with an updated photo. Did I tell you how thrilled I am?

WOW. Sooo neat. Looks brilliant. You must be pleased. I want details. Where exactly did you you get it done in Amsterdam?

Looks good! Lovely story and I like the design you chose.

I just read your blog post which really touched me.

Angie: I got it done at the impossibly hip Haar Barbaar. Just look at these guys! The shop is on on Rosmarijnsteeg between Spuistraat and Niewezijds Voorburgwaal, a couple of blocks from Spui.

I'd been shopping around for ages, talked to loads of other tattooists, and nobody felt quite right. Then one day I passed the shop, saw all the old fashioned barber's chairs... I dropped in, chatted with Joey and it just clicked.

That's sooo random and fortuitous, approprio. And I have a good idea where it is too. A BARBER shop of all things.

I'm so thrilled, you're thrilled. Sorry to focus on the endorphin high -- but man, love the endorphins. Great backstory on finding Joey. He laid some dope ink on you! **Ya gotta talk like this when were talkin' ink**

And I just read the blog post. Nicely done, I can see the creative wizardry of the endorphins have taken effect. And a true artist you are. Wine glasses. Of course there would be layered meaning to your mark. A sign of excellence in the world of identities and marks. More impressed then ever.

It's stunning!

AM, you don't need to tell me! Endorphins are the best thing about sustained pain and vigorous exercise. And with the glasses it all fell into place. Champagne for "Celine", my real friend. Real pain from Joey, my sham friend.

Cheers to that!
And if I have enough champagne while swimming endless laps -- I might pull out my iPhone and snap a picture of my ink. (No, not really).

It came out really well. I'm sorry about your loss and glad that you can immortalize your memories this way.

What a gorgeous tribute

So glad it worked Great blog post & big hug to you..

Yeah! Very nice Appropio. He did a very good job. The sting will go away.
Just remember to keep it moisturized. That is most important.

I am not big on the tattoo thing but yours is so meaningful and thoughtful that it makes a perfect sense - and it turned out beautifully. What a beautiful and touching post and a tribute to your departed friend. Thank you for sharing this story with us!

So today I'm rising to the challenge of styling my new perma-accessory. I do love it, it feels very authentically me, but the "wow" factor is definitely tempered with a slight feeling of "omg what have I done?!" I'm trying to work out how to break this to my mother. She will be horrified.

rubygirl: thanks for the reminder to moisturise! It's not sore at all, and seems to be heeling nicely. I think I'll be wearing short sleeves layered with blazers for a few days so as not to irritate it. I'm looking forward to seeing the colour settle down as the black looks rather harsh just now.

I want to thank you all once again for your support during a very cathartic process of acceptance and moving on. You really are amazing.

It really is quite spectacular. Thanks for the last photo with outfit.

Thanks for posting the last picture, it's helpful to see it in relation to the rest of you. I think it's a good placement and size!

That's a fantastic design and I just love the sentiment behind it. Really enjoyed your blog post too.

I'm late to comment, but I wanted to say how moved I was by your story. The finished product is wonderful, and I know it will quickly feel like it has always been a part of you. I do not have a tattoo, but would consider one. At church of all places I have seen art compiled with photos of tattoos and it made me think a lot about how we are all marked by our stories whether we choose to show it outwardly or not. Hugs to you as you honor your friend and seek healing.

Thanks for posting the last picture appropio.. Looks very nice.. The black will settle down as it heals. It will peel but that is part of the normal healing process. Congrats again!

Also late to comment but I love it. And I love that you did it in memory of a special friend.

I do identify with that "wow" tempered with "omg" - I felt the same after I got mine. And a year later, I've still managed to not show my mom. I've also found myself being a lot more aware of other people with ink since getting mine.

Ps My tattoo is a Celtic triskelion, a symbol of the cycle of a women's life, maiden, mother and crone. I found my passion in doula work a few years ago and this felt like a fitting symbol of my passion.

Thanks so much everyone for your thoughts and virtual hugs! I had no idea this thread would turn out like this, and I can't tell you how comforting it's been to be able to share this.

Meredith, I love what you say about this coming to feel like part of me, it already feels very natural that I should have it. But I have to accept that this is now a necessary consideration in how I get dressed, and I should be conscious of when to show or hide it.

Hil, that's a beautiful triskelion with a very poignant meaning behind it. And too funny about your mom! I think I'm going to have to tell my mother though, because I'd hate for her to find it smeared all over the Internet and discover she was last to know. That would be wrong.

And I've been thinking about my girl a lot today. I'll be visiting her family when I'm in the UK next week.

Looks great and what you shared about your friend is so moving. I am sorry for your loss. This is a lovely way to remember her.