Contemplating a Tattoo in New Zealand

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Tattoos are popular.

I have nothing against them.

Just not for me.  Not right now. 

 

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We were watching the surf on the Coromandel Peninsula, on the North Island of New Zealand.  The first thing that came to mind was my daughter’s tattoo.  It’s funny how an image can evoke a memory.

The waves on this beach reminded me of the tattoo of a heartbeat.

 

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Having raised teenage daughters, the concept of tattoos was brought up at a young age.  I didn’t bring up the topic.  They did.

The buzzword phrases were:  pick my battles and allow them to make their own decisions.

I chose my words carefully.

My advice was “think about it for one year before you do anything.  This is a permanent decision.”

Their first tattoos were initials of each other’s name.

 

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Artwork was added. 

 

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About ten years later, my daughter was excited to show me her new tattoo.  This tattoo was the image of the actual heartbeat of her little girl. This tattoo meant a lot to her.  It was symbolic of the precious gift of her child.

 

My daughter now has two heartbeat tattoos.

 

 

 

 

The first thing I saw on that beach in New Zealand was an image of a heartbeat. The waves had created distinct peaks on the shoreline.  Possibly the ocean’s heartbeat.

 

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For me, it brought up the memory of my daughter’s tattoos.  Symbolic of the priceless heartbeats of life.

 

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I may get a charm, or a pendant as a special, meaningful keepsake.

I don’t think I will get a tattoo.

Not right now. 

I may change my mind.

 

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36 thoughts on “Contemplating a Tattoo in New Zealand”

    1. I am with you on the meaningful keepsake, Donna. I very briefly considered a tattoo many years ago, although, not for me. Trip was wonderful, although, very often no wifi or minimal wifi. I enjoy catching up reading favourite blogs. I notice that my responses do not show up immediately under reader’s comment. I may have to change a setting on my site, or just leave it the way it is. Nice to hear from you.

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    1. Thank you, Eduarda. I am behind on sending you my journal entries. I wanted to attach photos and hard to pick one or two photos. We will have to connect in real life and catch up.

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  6. Hi Erica,
    No, tatoos are not for me, either…although all of my children have at least one. My son Chris’ are very meaningful – they are on the inside of his arm where they are hidden until he lifts his arms (usually to shoot a basketball, lol). One says “Veritas” the other says “Familia”. Truth and Family. Sounds good to me.
    But I don’t have a need for permanent ink on me.

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    1. Thanks for your comment, Nancy. I think tattoos became more popular in our children’s generation. It’s interesting where our mind wanders especially when we are by lakes and oceans. I know you enjoy spending time on the water. I think I will spend a bit of time on my site to find out why responding to comments does not show up under the individual reply area. Only chronologically. I may not be able to change that. Constantly learning something new.

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    1. Hi Joanne, I was just lost in thought, absorbing the scenery when I noticed this little beach area. I have never seen waves do this either. I know you enjoy some of the gems you find when taking photos.

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  9. You never cease to amaze me how you put two seemingly unrelated things together and make them cohesive. I can’t wait to see your tattoo. Me…I’ll just keep buying the T shirts.

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  10. I love your take on the wave patterns on shore.
    The color of the water is gorgeous.
    I had small tattoos when I was a teenager. I detested them in my early twenties and as soon as I learned about laser tattoo removal I had mine removed in my early thirties. I don’t plan on ever getting one again.
    Both my children caved to the trend and have them. 🤷‍♀️

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    1. Hi Deborah, We saw breathtaking scenery throughout New Zealand and we were always discussing the colour of the sky and the water. I enjoy the photos you share, Deborah. As for the tattoos, I am with you. Not for me, although, I appreciate the art on my daughters. Thank you for your comment.

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  11. Not a fan of tattoos but whatever floats someone’s boat, I guess. When traveling, my husband and I always joke that we should get tattoos from each area we visit rather than little trinkets that collect dust. But, no, we will remain ink virgins. I love how the waves reminded you of your daughter’s tattoo, though. The rhythm of life is all around.

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    1. Hi Janis, Funny how you and your husband joke about getting tattoos on vacation. We do the same thing. I had sent a message to my daughters when we were travelling, requesting photos of their tattoos. I did not tell them the reason why. I know they were somewhat puzzled about this request. I like how you say “the rhythm of life.” I agree. Thank you for commenting.

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  12. Isn’t it amazing how images (or sounds or tastes) can conjure up memories or thoughts or ideas. I love the way you put this blog post together. Almost poetic, and so meaningful!

    I actually did get a tattoo as a souvenir in French Polynesia, after contemplating it for a year being there. It was the perfect souvenir and comes with its own story. Plus, I always like to do things or get things in the country of origin.

    Maybe you can get a sticker tattoo in New Zealand? 🙂 Or, a beautifully carved tiki.

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    1. Hi Liesbet, It is interesting where our mind goes, especially in the fresh air and by the water. Did you post a story about your tattoo in French Polynesia? I am intrigued. Our souvenir will be the thousands of photos and the memories. I know you can relate. Thank you for your very kind comment, Liesbet.

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  14. That New Zealand water is just gorgeous Erica!! I love how it does look like a heartbeat. I don’t have tattoos, but I wouldn’t rule one out. I would want mine to meaningful for sure. Those sound like very special ones that your daughter has gotten. 🙂 My oldest son plans to get some but hasn’t yet. However, he has designed some tattoos that his friends have subsequently gotten inked onto their bodies.

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    1. Hi Amy, Thank you for your kind comment. My husband and I were constantly talking about the colour of the sky and the water in New Zealand. My daughters made some thoughtful choices with their tattoos. It’s always different when they are adults versus young teenagers. There used to be an age limit where teens are required to get their parent’s permission. It sounds like your son will make a thoughtful decision. The heartbeat tore at my heartstrings.

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    1. Hi Marty, New Zealand was an amazing place to visit, except for the roads and the driving. I didn’t realize my story was going in the direction of tattoos when I began with seeing the heartbeat. I agree with you on no tattoos, especially the intricate, frightening Maori ones. 😀

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  16. Such gorgeous photos and once you mentioned it, it definitely does look like a heartbeat image. Funny the tattoo thing. I have three sons, now all grown up. When they were teenagers I told them they could do whatever they wanted with their hair, even shave it off, pierce body parts if they wanted to, but I forbid two things for their teen years: tattoos and smoking cigarettes… as I felt as if both of these were totally irreversible. The funny thing is, now they are all adults (two of them in their thirties already) and not one of them has a tattoo!!

    I do think the tattoo (if one was going to get one) of a heartbeat, is a very original lovely idea.

    Love your photos.

    Peta

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    1. It’s great that your sons took your advice, Peta. Interesting how you say that smoking is irreversible, often challenging or impossible to quit. Tattoos are not for me, either. Thank you for reading and your thoughtful comment. Erica

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  18. I’ve never liked needles, so I always steered clear of the tattoo parlors. I’m way overdue for my tetanus shot. Like years overdue.
    And I was really taken by these photos. – just breathtaking.

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