Yesterday, on 29th December 2015, my son, Dave, inked my skin for the fourth and final time. It was his birthday present to me for my 60th, which I celebrated two weeks ago. I have always planned to have four.
The latest is my clan badge. The maternal side of my family are from the Chisholm clan. My grandmother and her sisters were the last generation of crofters in our family to live near Bonar Bridge in Sutherland, before they moved south to the Fair City of Perth in the 1930s. I am proud of that history and heritage. The badge is now permanently emblazoned on my left thigh.
In size and position, my latest tattoo balances with my first tattoo on my right thigh, which perfectly captures my entire family heritage. It depicts the white rose of Yorkshire for my father and the purple thistle of Scotland for my mother. The two flowers are entwined and grow out of the Celtic knots of Britain which represent the interconnectedness of life and eternity.
My other two tattoos are my regimental badge, Royal Engineers, on my upper right arm, and the badge of the football team that I have supported for almost fifty years, Dundee United, on my upper left arm.
Dave is very talented. He is the principal tattooist at the new Scream’n Ink studio in Romsey, Hampshire. If you’re in the area and you fancy getting some class art on your skin, give him a call and discuss your requirements. He is very creative and specialises in portraits, 3D and fantasy art. View the contact details and his gallery at www.screamnink.co (site created by myself).
And please let me know what you think of my fearsome four!
Write to Inspire 
I think they’re fearsome and awesome, all at once! You inspire me, as I face my own 60th birthday next spring with far less lofty aspirations!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks!
Take a look at my New Year Resolutions for 2016. They may give you some inspirational ideas.
LikeLike
I had cause to look back on this post and it made me wonder what you might have achieved in the five plus years since I inspired you. I am sure that, when you look back, you’ll have done some things that would inspire us both.
LikeLike
Mad Cool! Loving the Fab Four!! I have about 9 or 10. Eventually I will get more. I turn 57 in Feb. Maybe I’ll get another one then as a Birthday gift to myself! Happy Birthday and Happy New Year!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Do we get to see your fine nine or top ten?
You must know if it’s nine or ten! We’ll count, when you show.
LikeLike
I had cause to look back at this post when I posted a challenge on my blog today which uses the word SHOW as its prompt.
I am looking at you to SHOW your tattoos – or post a limerick on my blog.
LikeLike
Your son is a real artist Lance, the tattoos are fantastic. A belated Happy Birthday youngster. I have just over 2 weeks to my 65th. If I could afford it I’d be getting the Welsh Dragon I think, like you I’m a bit proud of my heritage. One of my two lovely nieces is the tattooed lady in our family and I’ve lost count of the pieces of artwork she’d had done.
A very Happy New Year for tomorrow,
Hugs
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks David. Happy and Healthy New Year to you and yours too.
If you ever make it down Hampshire way, you should book in to Dave to get your dragon inked. At the moment his prices are very low for a tattooist of his calibre and experience. He’s going to keep them low for a few months until he gets established in his new business. You might even get a further discount if you tell him that his Dad sent you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very nice! Your son is an amazing artist and I love that each tattoo is meaningful in a very specific and intentional way. Love and light to you!
LikeLiked by 1 person