Has a red bird ever flown across your path?
My Grandmother, my dad’s mother, used to say that seeing a red bird was good luck.
She passed away when I was very young so I don’t have too many memories of her, but from what I do remember and the stories I’ve heard we had a lot in common. MamMaw loved the Golden Girls, shopping, and baking. Â She didn’t take a lot of crap and had a sense of humor that could make people blush. Â I have always sensed a sort of kindred spirit in her…
…and every time I’ve had something big going on in my life – a new job, taking the GMAT, a death – a red bird has flown across my path.
The words in my tattoo read: “All I ask of livin’ is to have no chains on me.”
It is a line from a Blood, Sweat & Tears song called “And When I Die.”  If you haven’t heard of this band, it’s a  jazz-rock group that was popular in the late 60s/early 70s – lots of horns/brass and a good beat.  It was one my dad’s favorite bands.
One of the memories of my dad that sticks out in my mind the most was when we were sitting in the car after a softball game and this song came on.  He turned up the stereo wayyyy too loud and we sat in the car and jammed out.
It sounds small, but it was such a fun, happy moment. Â Not a care in the world. Â Just me and my dad with some good classic rock.Â
July 6th will be 4 years since he passed away.
I’m positive he would hate the fact that I have a fairly large tattoo on my back. 🙂  I do think he would appreciate the significance.  Whenever I see a red bird, I think of my grandmother and my dad.  It’s a reminder to me that they are somewhere out there watching my back and hopefully sending a little extra luck my way when things are tough.
The song lyrics with the red bird remind me that the sky is the limit.  All I ask of life is to let me keep living it so I can see how high I can go.  My dad approached life like that – he believed that anything is possible, as long as you believe in yourself.  He was an incredibly intelligent man.  He owned his own business, built our family’s house, and excelled at everything he attempted.  I never heard him complain about getting a bad hand dealt.  He may have hit some hard times, but he would roll up his sleeves and fight his way through whatever roadblock presented itself.
Maybe it’s hokey, but this tattoo reminds me of the example he set. Â It reminds me that with hard work, confidence, and a little luck, anything is possible.
Thanks to my best friend’s husband, Greg, for designing my tattoo – it makes it that much more special. Â And, of course, a huge thanks to Danielle at Only You Tattoo in Atlanta for doing such an incredible job.
***
PSA – put a towel down before you sleep on a new tattoo:
Do you ever feel like you’ve been given a little extra luck just when you needed it most?
Is there a song you associate with one of your parents/grandparents?
Catalina @ Cake with Love says
Such a beautiful tattoo! I love the meaning behind it!!!
Parita @ myinnershakti says
I’m tearing up, Laura! I love the tattoo and everything it stands for. 🙂 Have a great day!
Mark says
Amazing post, Laura! I love the story behind the tattoo, and the tattoo itself. Reeeally looks great! My guess is that there is no fact about you that your dad would hate. 😉
Claire @ Live and Love to Eat says
Thanks for sharing this story – that’s a major tattoo but its beautiful. 🙂
Holly says
Now I know where to go for tattoo number 3! That’s an absolutely beautiful tattoo with a great story behind it. I always think that tattoos should be something really meaningful to the wearer, as well as being works of art.
Laura says
I agree… not like the one I got when I was 17. LOL!
Lauren @ Oatmeal after Spinning says
Aw, Laura- I LOVED reading this story!! I had no idea that the design for the tattoo had so much meaning to you! I love you incorporated some many memories into one design- and the end result is beautiful!!
I wish I had some kind of meaning behind mine… I guess I can look at it and always remember being young and dumb. 🙂
Laura says
Thanks Lauren! I have one without meaning too… we’ll have to compare this weekend! 🙂
Laura@keepinghealthygettingstylish says
Love your tattoo, and the meaning behind it is lovely. I’ve just had a tattoo done on my arm as a tribute to my grandmother. I also had the icky bedsheets problem too!
Laura says
That’s awesome! What is your design?
Someone told me that hairspray might get it out.. I’m going to try today.
Laura@keepinghealthygettingstylish says
Its butterflies and cherry blossoms down my upper arm. I had the butterflies designed based on one of her brooches and the cherry blossoms remind me of when we used to press flowers together when I was little. I think tats with strong meanings like that are so lovely :-). Hope the hair spray works! I ended up having to sleep on a towel!
Laura says
Sounds really pretty! I love cherry blossoms. 🙂
Lee says
It looks great and I love the meaning behind it.
Ashley @ Freckles & Spice says
That was a beautiful story! This is first thing I read this am and it has really set the mood for my day. Thank you for sharing! And I love the tat.
I could have danced all night from my My Fair Lady reminds me of my grandpa – one of those *happy moments* you talked about.
Laura says
Thank you!
that sounds like a great memory… I love that song. 🙂
Kristy @ KristyRuns says
Wow! Really loved reading that.
Ed Selby says
Very nice. You should have some photos done 😉
Laura says
Yeah… it’s so hard to find a good photog… 😉
Lindsay @ The Lean Green Bean says
LOVE the significance! so pretty and meaningful.
Khushboo says
That was really beautiful to read, Laura. My dad passed away a few years ago and there are a few songs which bring up happy memories of him…and hence will always reserve a spot on my iPod!
Laura says
I’m sorry to hear about your dad. *hugs*
Mindy says
I love the tattoo and the meaning even more! Sounds like you had an awesome grandmother and dad- no wonder you’re so coooolll. Haha! It’s beautiful and at the end of the day, those special people will always be with you (in heart and ink.)
Laura says
You’re so sweet! They will certainly always be with me. 🙂
Layla says
Beautiful tattoo, even more beautiful story.
Heather @ Better With Veggies says
I didn’t realize all the significance behind the tattoo – what a wonderful story, I love it!! I know that God jumps in and helps me out OFTEN, so yes, I do think that I get “lucky” in that way quite a bit. And I’m very grateful for that, because I often can use all the help I can get. 🙂
Laura says
Thanks Heather! I hear you… I need all the luck I can get too. 🙂
Lindsay @ Lindsay's List says
WOW! Crying over here! Thanks for sharing, Laura! I can’t wait to see this tattoo in person!
Laura says
Don’t cry!!! 🙂
Can’t wait to show it off in person… in 2 more days!!!!!!
Hayley @ Oat Couture says
Ahhh LOVE it!!! The script is lovely! And I love the meaning behind it too! I’m sure your Dad would appreciate it very much… once he got past the whole huge tattoo thing! ;D Ooh on another note I found a new (to me) band the other day and thought of you, not sure why, I just had a feeling you would like them… called Alabama Shakes, have you heard of them?
Laura says
IF he got past the whole big tattoo thing. 😉 Thanks, Hayley!
I haven’t listened to them yet but I saw someone else mention them recently too. Will check them out!
Carrie says
What gorgeous shading work! I love the meaning behind this tattoo…and I LOVE Blood, Sweat & Tears!
Laura says
Danielle does a GREAT job – thanks!
I am so glad you know the band! I thought no one else would. 🙂
Carol @ Lucky Zucca says
I love it, Laura!! Absolutely gorgeous- the drawing and the significance. Thanks for sharing the story with us.
Denise@ Crazy Mother Runner says
What a great post! Both the tattoo and meaning behind it are beautiful.
Tiff @ Love Sweat and Beers says
What a lovely story! The significance is more important than the appearance, but I must say, it’s a pretty darn good-looin’ tat.
Jenny @ simply be me says
I love when tattoos have so much meaning behind them! And it looks pretty kick ass too 🙂
Laura says
Thanks! Now I want to go buy a bunch of backless tops. LOL!
Justine @ Life With Cheeseburgers says
I always feel like as long as I have faith, I’ll find “luck”–because I believe as long as you have an open heart, you will find the opportunities life holds for you!
Laura says
Cheers to that! The universe has a way of knowing open you’re open to possibility. 🙂
Cucina49 says
What a lovely remembrance of your father…although I will admit that I am way too chicken to ever get a tattoo.
Laura says
It’s really not that bad… you sort of go numb after a few minutes. 🙂
Laura @ LauraLivesLife says
Your tattoo is beautiful – as is the sentiment behind it. I suspect that your dad would love it because it is inherently authentic and you, even if he didn’t like the idea of a large tattoo!
Maybe when I’m there in October, it’ll be time for me to get my 26.2 tattoo – I want it to be creative, though, so I’ll need to start looking for artists!
Laura says
Ohhhh… you should do it!!! My girl was really good. I can give you her info if you’re interested. 🙂
Alli says
<3
Laura says
xoxo
Stacy @ Stacy Eats says
So sweet and powerful, Laura! I looove your tattoo and the inspiration behind it. Truly touching. Your dad and grandmother both sound like amazing people.
Laura says
Thanks, Stacy. They were quite amazing. 🙂
Carolina @ Peas in a Blog says
I love it when tattoos have significance, it makes them that much more special. I have one in a smilar spot to yours & I love it. It was painful but it was worth it 🙂
Laura says
Cool! What is yours of?
madi says
aww i love it! <3
Laura says
I love YOU! xo
Mallory says
Love u.
Laura says
love you more. and your hubby + baby.
Candy @ Healthy In Candy Land says
I love your tattoo, and even moreso because of the story behind it. My dad passed away 1 month into my freshman year of college and I have missed him every single day since then. I’ve thought a lot about getting a tattoo in his memory and will someday. I like the location of yours too.
I definitely have a song that makes me think of him–several actually. Anything by Glen MIller–yes, from the early 40’s–he was an awesome dancer and swing music was his favorite.
Laura says
So sorry to hear about your dad… I can’t imagine losing a parent at such a big time in your life.
My dad was into Glen Miller too. LOL!
Alayna @ Thyme Bombe says
It’s gorgeous! Lovely tattoo and a lovely memory for you whenever someone asks about it.
Bonnie says
Wow…thanks so much for sharing this story, Laura…and what a beautiful tattoo! The meaning is what makes it all the more significant and beautiful…and it’s in the same place as my own tattoo – love those on the back/side of the body. I’m craving another one too – just have no idea what to get so I definitely won’t spend the money until I’m sure. Love the bird/freedom/flight idea though – and yours turned out great!
Laura says
Thank you so much, Bonnie! Can’t wait to hear what you decide on next. 🙂
Eli@CoachDaddy says
I love the story behind the ink. I felt for years after my dad died that I got bursts of luck just when I needed it. I feared, though, that he used up his spiritual energy keeping me out of trouble. I don’t know why. I just did.
“Follow You, Follow Me” by Genesis will always have significance to me with my dad. I wrote about it a while back.
https://coachdaddyblog.wordpress.com/2013/08/09/sad-songs-say-so-much-the-hopeful-ones-say-more/
Laura says
Eli… thanks so much for linking your post. It brought back some good memories and I loved hearing our story.
PinkNoam says
What a lovely story! Thanks for sharing, and I love the tattoo. Very nice work 🙂
Laura says
Thank you so much!