What is this “frosting” I am talking about you might ask? My Tattoo!! Last weekend I went and got a tattoo with my best friend! I NEVER in a million years ever thought I would get a tattoo!!
I decided to get one as the finishing touch on my journey. As an opportunity to memorialize all that it took- and to remember always the person I was and the person I am now. It occurs to me that I am young enough to be thin for more years than I was heavy- but I never want to forget the her I was in my rush to be the me I am now. I want to honor her along with my journey- for the rest of my life. I want to remember forever how hard I have worked to get here- and remember to keep strong and never look back or let old habits take back over. (I am hearing “I am woman- hear me roar!” music in the background here… anyone else? Some Joan Baez?)
When I was a young teenager- we lived across the street from a sheep farm… complete with farm pond. One rainy, foggy morning- while waiting for the school bus… up from the hill, in the mist came the most amazing site… a giant blue heron flying overhead! You could hear its wings flap, you could see its head leading the way and those long legs trailing behind. It was an amazing moment for me- one that shaped me in a lot of ways. I know it seems odd… but it’s true!
Over the years, whenever I drive past a pond, swamp, stream… I am looking for Blue Herons. Whenever I see one? I just “know” it is God. He gave us as a race the rainbow as his promise- He gave me… the Blue Heron.
I looked up some information about people who have the Blue Heron as their “totem animal.” Here is what it represents: Independence, Uniqueness, Dignity, Self Determination and Self Reliance
Persons having the Great Blue Heron totem are strong willed, dignified and uniquely independent. They stand on their own two feet and know what is best for themselves. Heron people are very observant and instinctive and take successful advantage of opportunities others might not notice.
Heron people are not followers. They “dance to their own drummer” and do not feel the need to fit in or “keep up with the Joneses”. Although they enjoy socializing they are perfectly content to be on their own. They are versatile and adaptable and enjoy exploring new and different avenues in life and learning new skills.
People with the Great Blue Heron as their totem are of strong character and take full control and responsibility for their actions.
Have you ever done something so “permanent” to memorialize
a journey you were on or an accomplishment you made?
Would you ever get a tattoo?
Beleive it or not we had a Heron here in CO…came down ate all the fish in our pond and left. lol. I love the tat La!
Great story, La! I hope the heron totem serves you well!
Love it and love the story. I've conemplated a tatoo but haven't come up with anything perfect so until then…..
I LOVE it, it's beautiful!! I have got a tattoo for a spiritual reason!!
This is great! I love Blue herons as well, so cool! I don't have any tattoos, however, am thinking about one for my 40th Birthday in December. I would get a small giraffe, not sure where.
What a fun post! Congrats on your tat
Thinking you are one brave girl….I hate needles! Very cool.
I have 4 tattoos (3 reasons and 1 mistake). My first was a yellow rose on my ankle-we were living in Virginia and I missed Texas so much so I got the state flower as my reminder that home was always close. I have fraternal twin butterflies that symbolize my freedom to spread my wings and fly after 2 bad marriages. My 4th is double hearts and a name. I have plans to go back and get 1 more on my feet. On my right foot a momma ladybug then a space for my oldest daughter who moved out and then 2 smaller ladybugs following each other for my younger daughters, on my left foot where the space is on the right will be the missing ladybug so she will be there but not with us. After that one, I will be done.