Sprint 2 the Table

Appetites and Adventures

Tattoos and Red Birds

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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.  She didn’t take a lot of crap and had a sense of humor that could make people blush.  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.  Not a care in the world.  Just me and my dad with some good classic rock. 

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.  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.  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?

Comments

  3. 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. 😉

  5. 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.

  6. 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. 🙂

    • Thanks Lauren! I have one without meaning too… we’ll have to compare this weekend! 🙂

    • That’s awesome! What is your design?

      Someone told me that hairspray might get it out.. I’m going to try today.

      • 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!

  9. 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.

  13. 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!

  14. 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.)

  16. 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. 🙂

    • Don’t cry!!! 🙂

      Can’t wait to show it off in person… in 2 more days!!!!!!

  18. 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?

    • 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!

    • Danielle does a GREAT job – thanks!

      I am so glad you know the band! I thought no one else would. 🙂

    • Cheers to that! The universe has a way of knowing open you’re open to possibility. 🙂

  25. What a lovely remembrance of your father…although I will admit that I am way too chicken to ever get a tattoo.

    • It’s really not that bad… you sort of go numb after a few minutes. 🙂

  26. 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!

    • Ohhhh… you should do it!!! My girl was really good. I can give you her info if you’re interested. 🙂

  28. 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.

  32. 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.

    • 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!

  34. 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!

    • Thank you so much, Bonnie! Can’t wait to hear what you decide on next. 🙂

    • Eli… thanks so much for linking your post. It brought back some good memories and I loved hearing our story.

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