My tattoo and the story behind it

my tattoo

The days are getting shorter, the nights colder, that means summer is almost over.  But we had a fabulous season, at least as of the half of July. Festival weekend, weekend away with friends cycling and sailing, we went to Rye, Gerben had a motorcycle weekend. All beautiful memories. We still have our holiday now until Sunday and are enjoying every minute of it!

My tattoo without a meaning

shirtdress over trousers

Speaking of memories. Marsha, from Marsha in the Middle, asked me a while ago if my tattoo had a meaning. No, it hasn’t. And actually yes it has. Let me start with why I only got a tattoo now, last August actually, but I mean at 57( now 58).

I always wanted a tattoo, ever since I was a teenager. For a long time I wanted a snake along my fingers (and this is why you have to think carefully about having a tattoo) ((which I have done for 40 years)) Now I really wouldn’t like to have a tattoo on my hands. But fortunately at that time I thought that when I turned 30 I should seriously ask myself again whether I still wanted a tattoo. And see, I’m not always impulsive!

The story about…..well, not really a story

the story about my tattoo

Around the age of 30 I still wanted my tattoo, but then everyone started with trible tattoos and the ones on the lower back and I thought that was ugly and because everyone suddenly wanted a tattoo, I didn’t want one anymore. (before that only my hardrock loving friends wore tattoos) Anyway, over the last few years I had been thinking about what exactly I wanted because I was sure at that time that I wanted one. So I didn’t want anything with letters and numbers, nothing that should mean anything.

I just wanted a permanent piece of jewelery. And I also knew exactly where my tattoo would go and what the flow of it should be. In August 2022, Gerben gave me a tattoo for my birthday. I just had to get it done. My father passed away in January 2023. That was intensely sad for my sister and me because my father was an extremely closed man and we were not able to really say goodbye.

My father had left us a gold coin for when he passed away. Laura, my sister, suggested that we exchanged that coin and buy a piece of jewelery for it. So that we had a more tangible memory of our father. I already had in mind to put that money towards the tattoo. So Laura bought an necklace and bracelet and my tattoo is from my father and Gerben. I think that’s a nice memory, and not perse a meaning.

What am I wearing

my tattoo

I’m wearing the shirt dress from a few weeks ago that I already showed you at The Thrifty Six. This way I can wear it a little longer. And when it gets colder I can wear a sweater underneath. I also like to wear this dress with a skirt. But this post was more about my tattoo. Now I’m curious, do you have a tattoo?

jeans and a shirtdress

black shirtdress

My Fancy Friday Favourite of last week is: No favourite as it is still my holiday!

 

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Nancy's Fashion Style

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28 Comments

  1. 6 September 2024 / 06:39

    I love that look! A bit edgy. Nice that your tattoo was funded by your dad and Gerben. I don’t have one.

  2. Lise
    6 September 2024 / 09:20

    Really good outfit! Yes I have a black cat on the upper left of my back. Had it since I was around 30 and I am now 58. No regrets, I don’t ever think about it much.

  3. 6 September 2024 / 10:11

    Great look, Nancy. Lovely story about your tattoo. I have always wanted one but scared in case it hurts, ha! Thanks for hosting the link up.

  4. 6 September 2024 / 13:41

    I don’t have a tattoo and will probably never get one-just because I can’t decide what I would want it to be! I liked hearing the story of how you got yours! It’s very nice!

  5. 6 September 2024 / 14:22

    That does have a lovely meaning and I’m sure you think of them both when you look at the tattoo! Very cool!

  6. 6 September 2024 / 14:27

    That is a beautiful story, Nancy. I have never wanted a tattoo, but I did have my belly button (so embarrassing, haha) pierced for years until I decided to remove it. Anyway! I love your outfit, and I hope that you have a wonderful weekend! 

  7. 6 September 2024 / 16:18

    I don’t have a tattoo, but I have thought about it, I would want something small represent my family I think, maybe on the inside of my wrist. Maybe 5 small hearts or something with the outline of a bear or 5… Maybe one day, when all the kids are out of the house? I do love how you outfit turned out: I am going to screen shot it and replicate it this fall!
    http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com

  8. 6 September 2024 / 16:23

    I loved hearing the origin story of your tattoo. It is beautifully designed and does very much look like jewelry. I like this rendition of your black shirt dress worn open, as a long vest or duster layer. It looks cool and edgy, and suits your style so well. I’m glad you didn’t give up on it! Hope you have a nice weekend and thanks so much for the link up party!

  9. Joanne
    6 September 2024 / 20:01

    I like that dress worn as a duster; that is a great way to get more use out of it. I don’t have any tattoos and have never felt any desire for one either. BUT I love hearing about other people’s tattoos.

  10. 7 September 2024 / 04:07

    I think your non-story story is perfect! I got my one and only (I’d love more but the husband isn’t a fan! He was teasing me because I said I was going to get mine for my 50th birthday. He went out of town and that’s when I got it. I think they are beautiful works of art (well, if they’re done right). Thanks for sharing the story and mentioning me! And, thanks for the link up!

    https://marshainthemiddle.com/

  11. 7 September 2024 / 11:15

    I love the story behind your tattoo! I also love that you were the same exact age that my mother was when she got her tattoo. Her decision was much more impulsive than yours though. She always hated tattoos and really hated that I had them. But after she was diagnosed with terminal cancer, she decided what the heck and got a tattoo…right on her left bosom! She was a sassy thing, my mom was. Her was also a floral tattoo that she designed herself. It was a cluster of purple pansies (her favorite flower) with a butterfly sitting on them. She said the butterfly represented my father who had passed away a decade earlier. After my father passed, I bought myself custom cowgirl boots that were “from him”. Posthumous gifts from our parents are extra special! Beautiful post and lovely outfit, my friend. I am looking forward to our Zoom next week!

    Shelbee

  12. 7 September 2024 / 15:27

    I love the story behind your tattoo and think it does have a special meaning. I have a heart tattoo on my wrist. Love this chic look! Enjoy the weekend!

    Jill – Doused in Pink

  13. 7 September 2024 / 20:42

    What a thoughtful reflection on your tattoo journey and its personal significance. It’s wonderful to hear how you turned a meaningful life event into a cherished memory, blending it beautifully with your desire for a tattoo that serves as a piece of personal jewelry rather than a symbol with specific meaning. Your approach to getting a tattoo when you felt ready, and not following trends, is inspiring.

    Hi wishing you a happy weekend. I just shared a new post please read: https://www.melodyjacob.com/2024/09/how-to-style-prepreworks-stretchy-slim-round-neck-knit-vest.html

  14. jodie filogomo
    8 September 2024 / 00:04

    It may not have a story, but the way you shared it is a fabulous story.
    XOOX
    Jodie

  15. 9 September 2024 / 03:25

    Thank you for sharing this bittersweet story with us. I am glad you have a more tangible object to remember your father rather than the gold coin. Now he can be with you everywhere. I never wanted a tattoo until about a year ago. I think when my mom passed I started thinking more about getting one. Like Mireille, I would want something symbolic of my love for family. And something very small. I don’t think I would tell anyone either and just wait until or if they noticed.

    Your outfit is so funny and edgy. Love the movement of the vest. Almost like a cape. A cape for a super woman like YOU.

  16. 9 September 2024 / 15:18

    Although I wouldn’t have a tattoo myself, I think yours, as a kind of permanent jewellery and being both a gift from Gerben and your Dad, as well as a tribute to him, is a beautiful thought indeed. Thank you for sharing its story and meaning! xxx

  17. 9 September 2024 / 22:29

    I love the story behind your tattoo. I have three from many years ago but I’ve been thinking about getting another one, I just can’t decide what or where!

    Emma xxx
    http://www.style-splash.com

  18. 12 September 2024 / 00:24

    Hi, Nancy – The people who lived in my Co-Op house with me in college talked me into getting a tattoo. They took me there so I wouldn’t be afraid. I got a tiny sun with a pyramid in the middle of it on my chest, where it usually doesn’t show unless I am wearing a bathing suit or low neckline. I got it for my 21st birthday. My boyfriend at the time was shocked when he found out. He is now my husband of 42 years. My tattoo is that old and all of the colors are gone. I’ve been meaning to get color put back into it but have not been motivated yet. I’ll see if I can get “a round tuit,” as we always said in college. Lol! Thanks for the reminder and sharing your story – Angie, http://www.yourtrueselfblog.com

  19. 12 September 2024 / 11:33

    Nice styling dear and just love the story behind your tattoo 🙂
    Rampdiary

    • nancy
      Author
      13 September 2024 / 09:58

      Thank you Jyoti!

  20. 19 September 2024 / 17:30

    Thats a very cool story…i have 3 tattoos ….the first two i got at 17 and 19 and obviously as you know over the years you change your mind about such things and I hate both of them ….however the 3rd one I just got at 41 years old and I absolutely love it which is a “momento mori tattoo” on my forearm and its a dancing skeleton with stars and black bats. Its super cool and I love it!

    • nancy
      Author
      20 September 2024 / 10:50

      Sounds pretty cool! I am glad I waited that long for my tattoo.

      • 20 September 2024 / 17:37

        Yessssss I agree on waiting for tattoos so you know for sure that you really love it and wont regret it!

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