The Arabic Pendent

While we lived in the State of Qatar, I had an Arabic calligraphy pendent made with Micheal and I’s first initial formed in the shape of a heart.

An Idea

Michael thought the pendent would make a great tattoo and took the design one step further adding color.

The red section is a stylistic version of the Arabic letter for M – Michael.

The purple section is a stylistic version of the Arabic letter for S – Stephanie.

The black designs are decoration.

The Time Is Now

Eight years ago on my birthday, April 25th, Michael asked me to marry him.

We got married on his Birthday – August 18th.

April 12th, 2023 – we decided to honor our upcoming birthdays and 8th wedding anniversary with matching tattoos of the Arabic pendent.

Drop of Ink Tattoos

We arrived at the tattoo studio a bit early to settle in. We were both excited while wondering how painful would this be.

Each year our marriage gets a little better. As well, for a number of years we’ve talked about getting this tattoo together.

We felt confident by this time that we were not making a stupid mistake!

Michael Goes First

Yet, this is not his first tattoo.

His first tattoo was many years ago, soon after the death of his partner Jackie who died tragically of ALS.

This tattoo is in memory of her.

Here is a glimpse of his tattoo during our trip to Greece when Michael didn’t want to left out of the topless beach fun!

Here He Goes!

Joyful Stephanie

Tattoo #1

The year was 1996. The date June 21st, the first day of summer. I was 27 years old.

I found myself at a strange house in downtown Halifax where the electric bill seemed to be in arrears as it was without power.

I sat next to a window for light as a skater dude named J.P. (a well known tattoo artist for that crowd) gave me my first tattoo. His needle – plugged into an extension cord that ran to an exterior outlet on the neighboring house.

The tattoo design was created by local Halifax artist Jamie Clarke.

A design representing me.

What is the design?

Me.

How?

Everyone who looks at it sees something a bit different.

They wonder, it is a ribbon, a swan, maybe a musical clef, or a flamingo?

It is whatever you see.

A perfect depiction of me, as at that time in my life I wore many metaphorical masks to fit in.

Tattoo #2

My second one is Phoenix Rising From a Restorative Circle.

This tattoo is spiritual, representing my ongoing inner-healing journey through mental illness and alcoholism.

Below is just after the tattoo was complete. It was during those awful COVID days. So glad those days are behind us.

You can click on the blog title to read about it if you’re interested: Phoenix Rising From A Restorative Circle

Tattoo #3

This tattoo represents our love.

Our commitment.

Our growth individually and as a couple.

We are two people who took a risk on love, and it paid off.

S, 💛