Thigh High - The Tattoo

So for those who follow me on Twitter and Instagram you will know that Tuesday morning I left the comforts of my home to have my thigh tattooed. This is a big deal for me, not only because it's a tattoo and therefore rather uncomfortable but also because it's something I've wanted for many, many years. The story of the tattoo is very personal to me as almost eight years ago I lost my mother and my nan to cancer within six months of each other. These women raised me, were the biggest inspirations in my life and shaped me in ways I never fully realised and probably still don't. I have no graves to visit as they were both cremated and I wanted something on my body to remind me every day that I am a culmination of events, of advice, of love and of parenting of these two women. My Bampi is as much my father as my father. My nan was as much my mother as my mother. So the tattoo has two big roses, two pocket watches with the times on their death on each and a scroll that reads 'Time Heals Nothing' because time, well, it's a funny thing and it truly heals nothing - you just live with the pain.

I decided to have it on my thigh as it's a pretty big piece of art and I wanted it somewhere feminine that I can show off or hide at my will so my right thigh seemed perfect and I was so very nervous. What if my tattoo artist who seems perfect messes up such an important piece? What if it hurts so badly I can't finish more than a few lines? What if it turns out horribly and I hate it? So many what if's and after six years of having the design solidified in my mind and days of playing with the layout with my tattoo artist who put my design on to paper so fluidly it was like he was drawing from my own thoughts it was time to just do it. So do it I did.

So the big question everyone has been asking - did it hurt? Yes. I find all tattoos hurt but I have a high pain threshold so it varies from person to person. My wrists were 1-10, the nape of my neck a 2-10 and my thigh a 7/8-10. The outline was the easiest bit only truly hurting as it reached the inner thigh and near my knee but the shading was absolutely awful to the point that my hand was sliding off my boyfriends due to sweat. I think it was because my skin was already so raw and sore after two hours of tattooing such a large area on the muscle but it was agony. I didn't cry or scream but when your first instinct is to drag your leg away from the source of the pain but ruining your tattoo is not an option you do say a few choice swear words. It was definitely bearable and I'll definitely get my other thigh tattooed within the next few months. I was so very nervous beforehand and compared to what I thought the pain was going to be it was an absolute breeze and I cannot thank my very patient boyfriend who stayed to keep me company for hours and my lovely tattooist Ricky for being so nice (and talented).

If you have any questions I'm happy to answer them. After being so nervous and downright scared for a little bit my experience may help some of you going to get a tattoo and if so, that's fantastic!