"Everything you can imagine is real." -Pablo Picasso

Power. Love. Life. Hope. Faith. Trust. Change. Courage. Wisdom. Beauty. Truth. Honor.

These are all common words people decide to get tattooed. When words are tattooed on someone they're usually in a different language or sometimes, they're represented by Chinese or Japanese symbols. I'd like to say most of the tattoos I've seen that represent words are usually Japanese symbols, but I haven't kept a record of all the tattoos I've seen.

The other day I came across a tattoo of a friend or a friend's. It was quite an interesting tattoo and design that I definitely can say, I have not seen before.

Unfortunately he couldn't give me any information about where he got it done. What I did learn was that it is written in Thai, pronounced, "Gin Ta Na Kan," and means Imagine. I was immediately drawn to this because although it's not the first word of empowerment someone would think of, it's a very strong and creative word. I feel as if this tattoo makes you think about what you can 'imagine' more than just the word itself. This gentleman is a DJ/Music Producer and stated that, "...as a producer, you're path to succeeding begins at imagining," which is why he got it done. I also believe that in life, it's necessary to imagine because that's where you create ambition, goals, etc. This tattoo is simple but extremely interesting.

“Try to be like the turtle -- at ease in your own shell” -Bill Copeland

Yesterday I came across a tattoo from a co-worker of mine that I most certainly did not expect. She's very timid and shy so she's the last person I'd expect a tattoo from.

Done at Body of Art Tattoo Shop in Sarasota, FL

It's a really nice and simple tattoo and she designed it herself. She explains to me, " I always wanted a turtle because they symbolize an innocence and protection. The cherry tree around him represents new beginnings. I drew up the design after I had broken up with by ex -boyfriend of 3 years and moved across the country. I wanted something to commemorate that time in my life."

Getting a tattoo to commemorate a time in someone's life is fairly common. I even have Tiger Lilies to commemorate my youth. For my co-worker, this was obviously a very important time in her life that probably has shaped her to be the person that she is today. I'm sure she feels even closer to the tattoo because she designed it herself and can assure herself that hers is truly unique.
 

"Think not only upon their passing, but remember the glory of their spirit." -United States Memorial, Normandy, France.

Today I want to feature one of my own tattoos that I got earlier this year.

Done By Adrian Aguirre at Vince's Tattoo Shop in Miami, FL

I got this tattoo this past May 2010 and it was originally done in memory of my father. A sparrow is portrayed because according to Answers.com in Ancient Egyptian times, it is believed that the sparrow (also called a swallow) carried the souls of the dead. A rose because as beautiful as they are, they have their imperfection (thorns), and the quote "Remember the glory of their spirit." The quote is actually the second half of a longer quote that I saw in Normandy, France when I went to United States Memorial Site for those who lost their lives in World War II. The symbol you see on the bottom right of the tattoo was actually there before the entire piece was done and is a "Fleur-de-Lys," a French symbol. The symbol being there is pure coincidence.

Anyways, this piece was done for my father. He was a very genuine and charismatic soul and that is why I feel the quote suits him very well. I believe he would have preferred we 'remember the glory of his spirit' than to sulk in his passing. I did not see him often because my parents were divorced and I grew up with my mom, but I did speak to him often. He did not live in the states but always made an effort to try and see me. He was an amazing individual but like a rose, had his 'thorns'. I never held some of his characteristics against him because we are all human beings and not one of us is perfect. To this day I miss him and now I always have something to remember him by. Although it was originally done in his memory, I send the message out to everyone, that you should always remember the glory of one's spirit and know that they will always be by you.

“Other things may change us, but we start and end with family” -Anthony Brandt

This next tattoo that I'm featuring is the tattoo of my best friend. We've known each other for over ten years and she is like a sister to me.

Done by Ray at Platinum Tattoos on October 16, 2008

This tattoo is very dear to her. When I asked her what it meant she replies with, "The letters are my parents & brother's first initials along with a star for each of them and my astrological sign - Leo. I got it because I've always only had my parents and brothers when going through all our hardships that we encountered when we first got to the US and they've helped me become a stronger more independent woman. they've helped me want to succeed in life and stay focused on my goals. The tattoo is located on my left side because it closest to my heart."

This is a very touching story for a tattoo. I know her family very well and i know that they are all very close. When any of them have had problems,  they are all there to help each other out. The great thing about this is she also explained to me that her family is very against tattoos. Even though this tattoo is for her family, her father was very disappointed that she would mark her body permanently but honored to know they all meant so much to her. This brings up a topic about tattoos that many have had to deal with. Many families today do not approve of tattoos. Personally, my mother hates when I get a tattoo but she understands I am my own individual and knows there is nothing she can really do about it. Many times, I have to hide my tattoos from other family members to avoid disappointing them. Religious beliefs may be the reason why, or sometimes they just feel they make a person look dirty. My assumption is that my family was never exposed to tattoos in  their lifetime so it's fairly new to them and is an adjustment. As time goes by, I feel they will adjust. I hate to disappoint them but I like tattoos and if I'm willing to take responsibility for it, I don't see what it's unacceptable.

"Try not. Do or do not, there is no try." -Yoda

Hello all! My name is Adriana and I love tattoos! Having a bunch myself, I find them to be one of the most interesting things a human can do. Every tattoo is different and has their own story. Even if someone gets the same looking tattoo, the meaning behind it is always different. Tattoos go back to the beginning of time which is something you can't say about many things. I find every tattoo to be beautiful in its own way. The time and skill that goes into actually making a great tattoo is unbelievable. I know many tattoo artists and they are some of the most creative people I know. Using a needle to create art is extraordinary and I have the utmost respect for tattoo artists. This blog will go through tattoos that I encounter and the reasoning behind the individual's decision to get it done.

Recently one of my good friends got an incredibly done tattoo! You don't see this very often but the image is most definitely familiar. He got Yoda from Star Wars tattooed on him.

His tattoo was done by David Gonzalez at Chico's: Marked For Life Tattoo Shop in Miami, FL. The tattoo was done about 7 months ago and when I asked my friend why he decided to get it done he replied, "It's freaking YODA, that's why!" This tattoo is amazing! I personally wouldn't get it done on myself considering I don't know much about Star Wars but when I saw this I was in disbelief of how real it looked! the shading and lines make it seem as if it is popping out of his skin. One thing I've learned about tattoos is that they don't always need to have a huge meaning behind it. Some people are very into the tattoo culture and if they like something, they have it tattooed. I find nothing wrong with this. Everyone is their own individual and that's what makes them special.