That is gorgeous, Caroline, and the story made me choke up over my coffee. My husband often calls me “beautiful,” and it annoys me because my immediate is response is, “No I’m not.” Good for you for finding a way to reframe things.❤️
Wow! I can't think of a better reason to get a tattoo. Body art marks many occasions, but to decorate the skin to redirect the narrative about the skin seems most fitting.
Aww, thank you so much Tara! It has changed so much. I have found myself wearing tank tops or strappy dresses with bare arms for the first time in decades and it feels so different. Of course, there is the issue with just wanting more tattoos, but that’s a story for a future post, right?
This was really beautiful. When I was younger, in my teens, I had patches of eczema in my inner elbows and behind my knees. It was mortifying to show any skin - and I lived in FL! Fortunately, I don't suffer from it anymore but this essay took me WAY back! Thank you for sharing something so personal.
What a beautiful piece of writing! And gorgeous tattoo. You are a work of art, Caroline! I remember having insecurities about my body and keloid scars in my twenties that took up way too much space and worry about my worth as someone to date and love. Thank you for sharing this.
It really takes over your mind and optimism, doesn't it? Thank you so much for your kind words, Jennifer. Glad we've both come through our twenties feeling less scarred about our scars. xx
What a beautiful piece of writing Caroline. Thank you for posting this personal story and giving us a sneak-peak at the inspired work of art that is your arm. Sending many hugs!
What a beautiful post and a gorgeous tattoo! 💕 Your writing really hit home with me as I am in a continual battle against skin cancer, and I have many scars from biopsies and excisions. I try not to let it define me, but I grew up and live in SoCal, so ... you know. But I love the idea that you rewrote your story through art!
Oh love, sending hugs your way. It’s not fun at all. And SoCal makes it harder, especially with the sun you now have to avoid even more. Here’s hoping you come
This is fucking outstanding.
Awww, shucks. 😍
That is gorgeous, Caroline, and the story made me choke up over my coffee. My husband often calls me “beautiful,” and it annoys me because my immediate is response is, “No I’m not.” Good for you for finding a way to reframe things.❤️
You are totally beautiful, Charla, and I also totally get it. We have the hardest time seeing it in ourselves. ❤️🩹
Thank you for this, Caroline. I loved learning about the reasons behind your tattoos–so beautiful and empowering! (Just like YOU).
Awww, thanks so much, love. I knew you’d get it 🩷
Beautiful words, beautiful ink, beautiful you 🧡
Thank you so much my love. 🩷🩷🩷
What a beautiful piece Caroline - both your words and that tattoo!!! ❤️
Thanks, love! Ready to come get one? 🤣
Wow! I can't think of a better reason to get a tattoo. Body art marks many occasions, but to decorate the skin to redirect the narrative about the skin seems most fitting.
Aww, thank you so much Tara! It has changed so much. I have found myself wearing tank tops or strappy dresses with bare arms for the first time in decades and it feels so different. Of course, there is the issue with just wanting more tattoos, but that’s a story for a future post, right?
That's awesome! Haha. Sounds like plenty of future material for posts.
Absolutely!!
A beautiful story with a beautiful tattoo! I agree we got to learn so much more about loving ourselves compared to loving others.
Thank you so much, Rachel. Sometimes it‘s hardest to be kind to ourselves, isn‘t it?
Love this! Thank you!
This was really beautiful. When I was younger, in my teens, I had patches of eczema in my inner elbows and behind my knees. It was mortifying to show any skin - and I lived in FL! Fortunately, I don't suffer from it anymore but this essay took me WAY back! Thank you for sharing something so personal.
It‘s really intense, isn’t it? And wow… in Florida? That must have been sweaty times. I hope you enjoyed checking in with your younger self. 💖
SO sweaty! 🤣 My younger self was sweet and pretty great. I love her. 💖
awwww. She sounds amazing. 😍
What a beautiful piece of writing! And gorgeous tattoo. You are a work of art, Caroline! I remember having insecurities about my body and keloid scars in my twenties that took up way too much space and worry about my worth as someone to date and love. Thank you for sharing this.
It really takes over your mind and optimism, doesn't it? Thank you so much for your kind words, Jennifer. Glad we've both come through our twenties feeling less scarred about our scars. xx
Stunning tattoo, poetry in lines and arcs upon your skin. Thank you for sharing your transformation with us. 💕
Awww, thank you so much love. 💖
He’s not.
Not hyperventilating? Phew! 🩷
What a beautiful piece of writing Caroline. Thank you for posting this personal story and giving us a sneak-peak at the inspired work of art that is your arm. Sending many hugs!
Thank you! Sending weird sideways hugs back (gotta protect the arm 🤣)
What a beautiful post and a gorgeous tattoo! 💕 Your writing really hit home with me as I am in a continual battle against skin cancer, and I have many scars from biopsies and excisions. I try not to let it define me, but I grew up and live in SoCal, so ... you know. But I love the idea that you rewrote your story through art!
Oh love, sending hugs your way. It’s not fun at all. And SoCal makes it harder, especially with the sun you now have to avoid even more. Here’s hoping you come
to the other side of that process soon. 🩷
Thank you 🥰
Such a beautiful piece! Congrats on the new ink, especially all that it represents for you :)
Thank you so much, Sarah. It’s been a beautiful experience.
What a gorgeous piece (both the tattoo and the story). Congratulations on the new ink. I hope it brings you joy whenever you see it!
Thank you, love! It does, even as it heals 😍