Pacific Northwest Road Trip - Day 12

Today was a travel day.. we were going from Butte, Montana to Ogden, Utah. Our next destination is Arches National Park but it would have been too long of a drive, or at least to long of a drive for us. So Ogden is a halfway point. Nothing really happened. The drive was nice. Idaho is a very green and hilly place. It did get hotter as we went south. North Utah wasn't what I expected.. it's also farmland and very green.

One thing that did happen is I broke Harry HD video camera. Not on purpose, it was an accident but I felt horrible so we stopped in Idaho Falls, Idaho at a Best Buy and I purchased him a new cam. It was a costly mistake on my part but I hope the broken cam is still usable.

Maori

ps colorscope.

i hope this blows your mind as much as it did mine.

get this:

first, i chose papaya
champion of the helpless

defender of the underdog

and the fixer
{check. check. check.}

and then i chose poppy.

hide my sensitive side

fearless in dress and

puts together the most unusual combinations
{check, check, trippple check.}

did i nail me, or what?

just to be sure, i scoped another color... to make sure they weren't all filled with sweet things that would have sound good to anyone.... aaaand no.

beet.
sympathetic

empathetic

people love to be around me

because i make them feel important

{uncheck, uncheck, and uncheck}

what does your favorite color say about you?

who what where when why wednesday.

q:

if you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

a:

my super-freaking-steel-trap memory.

it's a double edged sword, i tell you.

it comes in handy when i leave home without the grocery list

not so handy when i remember that one thing he said to me about her

and that other thing that she said to me about him

maybe they both thought i'd forget

but i didn't. i tried. but i can't.

oh, and sometimes i have an overshare problem.

Body Painting of Americas Flags

Body Painting of Americas Flags

Body Painting of Americas Flags

Tiger Tattoo Designs - Meaning and Ideas

One of the most popular type of tattoo tiger tattoo today. They essentially represent power, but also can have other meanings. For the Japanese samurai, the tiger was used as a character. If you are thinking about obtaining a tiger tattoo, you should know that it is usually determined on a fairly large size. Most chose the place for it is the biceps, because the primary importance is power.


When people think about the Tigers, the first things that come to mind are the strength and courage, but there are other things they represent. Beauty, pride, passion and sensuality, are just some of the many symbols of the tiger might suggest. Unfortunate decline in the tigers only have even more popular amongst tattoo enthusiasts. Tigers are one of the endangered species, and there are plenty of people who fight for their protection. There are fewer than five thousand tigers in Asia and the fear that at some point may disappear completely from the surface, which would be incredibly sad reality.

Usually the colors used for tiger tattoos are black, gold and yellow. However, you can find patterns that are much more complex and use other colors too, but remember that tattoos are more difficult it will get more expensive. So the best way to proceed is to get the design that you like, print it and show it to the tattoo artist. If the design is complicated, you should also do your research on the artist. I sure would not want a tattoo go differently than you expected.

So if you think the tiger represents you and you like the look of this type of tattoo, I see no reason why you should not do. Many people choose a design based on what they believe and less on what it looks like.

Pacific Northwest Road Trip - Day 11

Well today we were visiting Yellowstone, but the day started off badly.. actually it stated last night when we got to the hotel and I realized I booked us a hotel that was about 125 miles / 2-1/2 hours away. Now it wouldn't be bad if we didn't have to come back to the hotel later that night. So my mistake added an extra 250 miles to our already 3500+ and an extra 5 hours of driving for the day which takes away time from our visit to the park.

Anyways we get to Yellowstone around 1pm. We enter the west entrance and just a few miles in we see a group of Moose's. One actually crosses the street and walked about 5 feet from me.. it was pretty cool.

When we entered Yellowstone wasn't what I was expecting.. I expected tall trees all over the place and there as nothing but acres of tiny (5 feet) trees all over. I mentioned this to Harry and he said "wasn't there a fire here years ago" and that is why there were no big trees.. they all burned down and what we saw were the re-plants. There were larger trees in other parts of the park and there were also blacken trees that have yet to be re-planted.

A few more miles and we see a few Buffalo's/Bison. We decided to take the south route as this is where the majority of the Geysers and hot springs are. We stop over and over at each group of geysers/hot springs. We took tons of videos and pictures. Because we had the dog we had to go one at a time while the other one watched the dog. I took all the pictures and Harry took all the video, expect the video I took with my still cam for my blog.

We wound up at Old Faithful and missed it by 5 minutes. Since this is something that both Harry and I really wanted to see we waited the 90 minutes for another eruption... and it didn't disappoint. Again because of the Dog I was back in the tree area (where dogs were allowed) and I took pictures and Harry was up where the benches were with the video camera.

We only had a few hours of day light left so we headed toward the north exit and on our way we came across the Mud Volcano section. There were several cool hot springs like Dragon's Mouth and a Mud hot spring.

After that we headed out as the we were losing light but as we were leaving we saw a group of Elks and stopped to get some pictures and video.

Now it was dark and we headed out of the park which was going to take an hour just to get out. A lightening storm started, then rain and then dusty winds. I was driving these small windy roads getting blown around and not being able to see because of the heavy rain and dust. There was one moment where I was stuck between two hills and a gust of dusty wind swirled through and there was a moment where I couldn't see anything.. it was a very scary and slow drove back to the hotel. We got back to the hotel at 1am and there was no time to do any blogging or anything.

Next up Utah!!!

Day 11 - Yellowstone - Mud Hot Springs

There are several of these hot springs that spue mud instead of water.

Day 11 - Yellowstone - Dragon's Mouth

This is a cool cave where the hot spring/geyser is inside the cave.. It looks as if it's a mouth spouting smoke.. ie Dragon's Mouth.

Day 11 - Yellowstone - Old Faithful

Here is Old Faithful erupting. This is the final seconds of the eruption. Harry took video while I did photos but you can take only so many photo's so I switched to taking a little video.

These tattoos are PERMANENTLY awful | Horikyo Tattoo Design

This past weekend, I was in lovely New Orleans, LA for a wedding. During the many hurricanes, mint juleps, and "3 for 1" beverages, the topic of tattoos came up, with two of my sister-in-laws considering getting one while they were there. I have nothing against tattoos--the right hidden pic or meaningful phrase can be a source of pride and add character. There's just nothing I can think of that I would want to have permanently inked onto my body (other than, of course, John Stamos clinging to the back of a giant panda, or Reginald Vel Johnson flipping off the Statue of Liberty). I've heard many horror stories of some tattoo mistakes friends have made, but none can be as bad as the tattoos I've collected and commented on below. Take a look, but be forewarned: SOME ARE ADULT IN NATURE!

So...their offspring would be purple right? Purple, mythical, and horny.

Well, they got the comedy right...but the rest is a real "tradgey."

"No no no! I said I fucking love vegetables, not vegetables fu--nevermind. *sigh*"

"What do you mean Tower Records doesn't exist anymore? Where am I going to work?"

Hi ho, hi ho, don't wanna see this no mo'...

Hey baby, I hear tattoos a'callin.' Tossed salad and scrambled eggs!

"Get these mutha' fuckin' snakes off my mutha' fuckin' plain...ol' arm!"

I support the format, too, but...I guess it's not as mortifying as the BetaMax tat on his forehead.

Hours upon hours were spent on this design. Elegant, yet simple. A tattoo triumph. Dick Butt, indeed, kind sir...Dick Butt indeed.

"I mean, I really, really love Dolphins. And marijuana. Those are, like, my two passions in life. Porpoises and Pot. Do you have anything in your book that encompasses both of--oh shit, you do!"

Eww...just...eww.

Worst tattoo ever, or BEST TATTOO IN THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD? I'll let you be the judge. (I hope this isn't how I now remember Patrick Swayze...I love the guy!)

Not cool be confused with Vanilla Ice, who is cool AS ice, not Mr. Cool Ice. I like the "aww shucks" expression of the skeleton.

For all true HulkamaniBACKS.

This one is pretty famous...an epic, epic tattoo art failure. When beauty becomes beast...

Upside: For your armpit, EVERY week is Shark Week!

I'm shakin' for a little Cl'aiken! If I were invisible...I'd be a much better tattoo!

The worst tattoo mistakes | Horikyo Tattoo Design

1-Do not tattoo someones name or portrait

It may feel like the person will always be in your heart and deserves to get that special attention. Unfortunately, this is one of the biggest and most common mistakes. The reason is...no matter how you feel, how in love you are right now, you may not last forever. You do not want an ex's name on you forever, especially when you find someone new. But there is an exception : this may be a good idea if you are considering the name or face of your child or parents.

See also : Gwyneth Paltrow expresses love for Chris Martin with a ‘C’ tattoo!

2- Do not get a cheap and nasty tattoo
As Kat Von D from the hit TV show LA Ink says:
"Good tattoos aren't cheap and cheap tattoos aren't good. Far too many times, people choose an artist based on price. That should be the last priority on your list when it comes to getting a tattoo." (Source

3- Never agree to get a tattoo when you're in the wrong state of mind
If you're drunk, depressed or under pressure, don't get a tattoo done. You know it's a whim when you find yourself in a tattoo studio and you hadn't even considered getting a tattoo the night before! It's good to be spontaneous, but not with something that will last you the rest of your life. Source

4- Choose the right design

Choosing the right design is absolutely vital to the amount of pleasure you get from your tattoo. Do not compromise on what you want. The final choice of tattoo design must be yours. After all, you're the one who'll have to live with it. Source

5- Finally, the tattoo and aftercare

On the day your tattoo is created, a better overall affect will be achieved if you are well slept and well fed. If you are tense, full of stress or restless, it will take longer and the tattoo won't be as perfect. Once completed, most tattoos will take up to a month to heal properly. During the whole healing process, follow the aftercare recommendations of your tattoo artist. Source

Japanese Snake Tattoo | Horikyo Tattoo Design

Japanese Snake Tattoo | Horikyo Tattoo Design

surrendering the title.

sometimes, in moments of panic

i take lightly the grave things of my world

"amid the noise and the haste"

like the constant flow of

incoming calls

visits

places to go

responsibilities to tend to

and the regular maintenance of life

i don't give the real things the proper attention they deserve

but given a minute to breath

to be alone, at last

... not long after i realize the speed at which my mind is racing

and recognize the compounding chaos of too many electronic devices in my ears and on my mind...

say, during an 8 am solo flight on the freeway

i've been known to fall to tears

enough tears to take away all three layers of freshly applied mascara

and to fill the elevator with awkwardness upon entering

despite my best efforts

2010 made me the adult i thought i was exempt from being

i've gone beyond

beyond

beyond

my annual quota of tears

i'm forced to surrender my title of
heartless, emotionless girl who doesn't cry.

the runner up/first attendant can carry out the term of my reign.

i bet her mom doesn't have cancer.

NSO 歌劇《畫魂》彩排片段

指揮｜葉詠詩
導演｜茱麗葉．德尚
作曲｜錢南章
編劇｜王安祈
原著｜石楠
出身煙花的女畫家張玉良，雖因潘先生的愛護與幫助而能脫身煙花正式學畫，卻在裸畫事件後被迫遠赴異鄉。裸畫獲國際大獎，巴黎頒獎之夜，潘先生意外現身，久別重逢的兩人，凝視著塞那河如琉璃般的閃耀金波，卻發覺彼此的人生已不同道。最後潘先生選擇留在家鄉，「我只想、守住窗前一點燈紅」。張玉良則在同學王守義鼓勵陪伴下，持續作畫。揚名國際的張玉良，畫下潘先生的畫像，一點燈紅，遙寄故人。署名時，卻題下潘玉良三字。

Posted via email from 藝流網-Floating

Traditional Tribal Tattoo Art

Here's an overview of tribes where tattoos played and play an important role in society:

Borneo Tattoos
Tattooing in Borneo (one of islands of Indonesia/Malaysia) is an important form of body modification. The tattoos are believed to protect against pain and diseases. The Iban, Kayan en Kenyah tribes, all headhunters, share the same style of tattoos. The Kayan used carved wood blocks or carved skulls to transfer the designs onto the skin.

Polynesian Tattoos
Polynesia is a group of over 1000 islands in the Pacific Ocean. The most famous Polynesian tattoo styles are the Maori, Marquesan, Tahitian, Samoan and Hawaiian styles.

Read more about Polynesian Tattoos

Maori Tattoos
The Maori are the indigenous people of New Zealand. They use a form of personal identification called Ta Moko. Tattoos are used to carve the family history into the skin.

Learn more about Ta Moko and Maori Tattoos

Marquesan Tattoos
The Marquesa islands are a group of islands situated in French Polynesia. The Marquesan tattoo art greatly influenced today's tattoo artists. The hands are an important tattoo spot in the Marquesan tattoo tradition, as well as the ears, the shoulders and the lips.

Hawaiian Tribal Tattoos
Like the other tribal tattoos, tattoos in Hawaii have a hidden meaning and are believed to have magical power. They are applied during a ritual ceremony. Both men and women are tattooed with motifs like triangles, squares, crescents and animals like sharks and lizards.

More about Hawaiian Tattoos

Celtic Tattoos
The Celtic people used to live in tribes spread over Great Britain and parts of Western Europe and were heavily tattooed. Interlacing patterns, spirals and knot work are typical for Celtic tattoos.

More about Celtic Tattoos

Native American Tattoos
Tattoos played a big role in the culture of the American Indians. They were used for identification, to give praise and to give magical powers or protection. Typical Native American tattoo designs include animals (eagles, snakes, bears), feathers and mythical creatures.

Aztec Tribal Tattoos
The Aztecs were another group of Native Americans. They lived in central America from the 13th to the 16th century and used tattoos to mark a warrior's rank and differentiate between the various tribes. Typical Aztec tattoos include gods like Quetzalcoatl and Huitilopochtili, suns and eagles.

Learn more about Aztec Tattoos

Chinese Tribal Tattoos
The history of the Chinese tattoo is not very interesting, but there are several ethnic minorities in China with a strong tattoo tradition. The most important tribes are those of the Dai, Drung and Li.

More about the Chinese Tattoo

Haida Tattoos
The Haidas are the indigenous people of the territory that lies on the west coast of North America (southeast Alaska). The people of the haida tribe decorate their objects with crests (totems) and use tattoos to represent the family crest and social status. The crests included all kinds of animals (killer whale, shark, wolf, eagle, owl) as well as the sun, the moon, clay, ...

Tribal Tattoo Designs

To a certain extent, tribal tattoos speak for themselves. It is a special feature of a tribal tattoo that even a relatively simple or unformed line or curve tends to look good, even just on its own.

In recent years, a style that we can call the New Tribal has emerged. Symbols that have nothing to do with the original tribal designs are combined with the typical lines, curves and interlocking formations of the traditional tribal tattoos. In the case of New Tribals, it is the decoration surrounding the central element that marks them as tribal. Here's an overview of tribal tattoo symbols or symbols that are often combined with tribal designs:

Tribal Dragon Tattoos

The dragon is a mythological creature that appears in many different cultures around the world and has as many different symbolic meanings. The meaning of a tribal dragon tattoo is therefore something personal.

In Asia, dragons are seen as a benevolent creature. The Japanese dragon denotes the male principle (yang): the sun, air, fertility, rain. It symbolizes the dominance of the heavenly over the earthly powers.

In the West the dragon is portrayed as an evil creature, breathing fire to show its mythical power.

Learn more about dragons and dragon tattoos

Tribal Cross Tattoos

The cross is a very old symbol and appears in many religions around the world. A cross is a good symbol to express one's spirituality or religion and it lends itself well to a tribal adaptation

Tribal Rose Tattoos
The rose and flowers in general are popular tattoo designs. Roses can mean a lot of different things, it's a symbol for love, respect, spiritual growth (just like the lotus flower), Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary.

More about flower tattoos

Tribal Phoenix Tattoos
The phoenix is a mythological bird that has a very long life and arises from his ashes to be reborn. The phoenix can be found often in Far Eastern tattoo art and is a symbol of rebirth and transformation.

Tribal Sun Tattoos
The sun is a powerful symbol. People have always (literally) looked up to and worshipped that mysterious glowing sphere, so it's not hard to see why it appears in so many legends. The sun is associated with life and fertility (amongst others).

More about Sun Tattoos.

Tribal Tiger Tattoos
The tiger is a very powerful symbol and appears often in Asian tattoo genres. It is a symbol for power, beauty and cruelty.

Tribal Bear Tattoos
The tribal bear tattoo (sometimes depicting a whole bear, but often just a paw print) is reminiscent of some Native American tattoos. It gives the impression of an animal totem or protective animal spirit.

Other symbols that are used often in tribal tattoos:

* Wolf
* Star
* Aztec tribals
* Bird
* Snake
* Zodiac symbols
* Spider
* Eagle
* Fish
* Tree
* Flower
* Sea turtle
* Wings
* Frog
* Cat
* Hummingbird
* Clover
* Scorpion
* Crow
* Fire
* Moon
* Fox
* Butterfly
* Gecko
* Skull

From: freetattoodesigns.org

Feminine Tribal Tattoos

Generally speaking, tribal tattoos have a masculine energy about them, given their bold, thick lines. At the same time, they are versatile and they tend to look very good on women as well. Maybe it’s the appeal of the contrast.

Woman with tribal tattoo

Over the past few years though, some tribal tattoo designs have evolved that are characteristically feminine in nature. They have the same recognizable tribal patterns, but they tend to be smaller and more self contained. A good example might be the tribal butterfly tattoo, a popular choice for an ankle or shoulder tattoo. A larger version of the tribal butterfly can also look good on the lower back. Tribal rose tattoos are also popular in many of the same locations.

From: freetattoodesigns.org

Celebrities With Tribal Tattoos

Celebrities With Tribal Tattoos :
Corey Taylor: Slipknot singer, has many tribals.
Mike Tyson: has a large tribal on the left side of his face.
Pamela Anderson: has a lower back tribal tattoo.
Boy George: has a tribal with a G in it on the side of his neck.
Melanie Brown (Mel B): has several tribals.
Sandra Bullock: has a tribal heart tattoo below her naval.
Anthony Kiedis: Red Hot Chili Peppers singer, has several tribals.
Manny Ramirez: left fielder for the LA Dodgers, has a tribal on his left shoulder.

From: freetattoodesigns.org

Pacific Northwest Road Trip - Day 10

Today we planned a visit to Glacier National Park. We got up at 8 am and packed up the truck and were ready to leave by 9.30. We took US Route 93 north. Once we reached the junction with Highway 40 we followed it east to US Route 2 and followed it to the west entrance of Glacier National Park. We got a annual pass for all National Parks for 80 bucks. That might sound a lot, but by the time this vacation is over it will have paid for itself.

First we checked out the visitor center and Lake McDonald. We followed the "Going to the Sun Road". We got to see lots of forests, rapids, white water, water falls and lakes. Then the road started climbing. We got to see the aftermath of an avalanche. It was a narrow and windy road, fortunately Harry was driving but he found it fun to drive. He just loves driving mountain roads because it reminds him of home and roads in the Austrian Alps. The higher up you get the more amazing and breath taking the views become. The view right in front of you is absolutely breath taking, you turn around and there is even a more amazing view. Harry and I took tons of pix and video. Shortly before we reached Logan Pass the road narrowed to a 1 lane road since an avalanche had taken out part of the road a couple of years ago. We were in luck and there was no wait on our side. Once we got to Logan Pass we drove by several snow fields. We also saw a mountain goat on one of the snow fields. That was very cool.

Once we passed Logan Pass we went down on the east side. The road on the east side is not impressive as it was on the west side.

Once we reached St. Mary's we jumped onto US Route 89 and followed it south, until we reached the junction with highway 82. We followed highway 82 until we reached the junction with highway 83. we followed it south to State Route 200 until we reached I-15. We were driving through lots and lots of rural area's of Montana. Rolling hills as far as the eye can see. It was pretty amazing. It gave Harry and I a very good idea what the great planes must have felt to the first settlers.

One thing we learned is that if you go on a road trip through rural Montana make sure your car has enough gas and you bring enough food and water with you, as it might be a few hundred miles until you can stock up on these items. As there was nothing... nothing in the rural parts of Montana.

We finally reached the city of Helena. I'm talking about a real city and not some tiny, rural townships. We had Wendy's for very late lunch and then continued on the I-15 south. around 7.30 pm we finally reached our hotel in the city of Butte, Montana.

Glacier National Park - Day 10 - The Weeping Wall

Glacier National Park - Day 10 - Rapids

Glacier National Park - Day 10 - Beautiful Lake

about online shopping.

online shopping issue no. 1:

i love to buy swimwear, hate to wear it.

similar to my dilemma with winter coats.

so today, when gilt flashed this little beauty before my eyes, i nearly jumped for the credit card.

half pac-man, half nemo... i want it.



aaaand then i remembered the time in college when all the girls thought it a good idea to buy the single strap swim suit from j.crew... and then we wore them to rigby lake for a day of aquatic recreation.

... and every stroke across that lake took the strapless side of that swimsuit where ever it wanted to go and taught me a new technique of swimming the breast stroke.

soooo... i shouldn't buy it, right? someone please tell me no.

online shopping issue no. 2:

purchasing denim.
whoooooa, mama.

hautelook offers me $79 for a pair of j brand boyfriends, which i find completely irresistible.

this pair, in fact. which, for being a boyfriend jean among the boyfriend jean craze, beats any kind of human boyfriend in my immediate realm... maaaaaybe even better than the dress that got away.

shopping for denim in real life is traumatic enough.

remove the comfort of a private dressing room...

add the uncertainty of a designer label's use of poetic license when it comes to waistlines and inches...

and it's really a grab bag of expensive denim.

let us all pray for the best possible outcome here.

... or free return shipping.

easy street.

i rode a bike this weekend.

big deal, no?

YES.

i think i was 8 years old the last time i sat myself down on a bike... whizzing down the hill to the bottom of the cul-de-sac with the neighbor kids.

i had the pink and purple one with pom pom frill hanging from the handle bars.

{you know the one?}

just as they saying goes "it's like learning to ride a bike"

i hopped on sandy's beach cruiser and whizzed around easy street {they really do live on easy street. lucky.} like i was 8 years old all over again.

and right there, the 20 year gap was bridged and i became the kid that wanted to play outside on my bike with all my neighbor friends until my parents {or uncle, in this case} called me in for supper.

i want a bike.

ignoring the logistics - like, riding it to the grocery store and only buying enough to fit in the "11 lb. max load" basket - a cruiser has comfortably made its way to the top of my wish list. that, and a friend to ride around the neighborhood with until i call myself in for supper.

Cherry Blossom Tattoo Designs and Their Meanings

You see cherry blossom tattoos on many women these days as these such designs have grown in popularity among tattoo aficionados and first timers alike. This rush for distinct tattoos of cherry blossoms has given rise to a great interest in the meaning and symbolism of the cherry blossom in both the Chinese and Japanese cultures.

Since tattoos are very personal things, they can say a lot about a person so getting the right tattoo for the right reason is important. Since cherry blossoms mean different things in Chinese and Japanese society you should be aware that peoples of those backgrounds might react quite differently when they see it.

Cherry Blossoms In China

The Chinese see the cherry blossom as a symbol of power, particularly of the dominance of the feminine persona. This could mean a blossom tattoo is ideal for you if you are a strong willed woman who values her liberty and freedom or if you have recently come out of a difficult relationship.

It also stands for love if you are coming from the herbal lore approach.

Cherry Blossoms In Japan

In Japanese culture there is often a link between the blossoming of cherry tress and the Buddhist concept of "mono no aware" which refers to the reverence for life, the transience of being and the sadness at the passing of things. This is because cherry blossoms only appear on tress for short times before they fall to the ground.

This association with mortality is highly symbolic in Japan and has been used in traditional art there for many centuries along with more recent manga or anime. This link may however make a tattoo of cherry blossoms unsuitable for some. Alternatively, it may give you renewed appreciation for the fragility of life and help you make the most of your brief time on this Earth, while bringing you a different perspective on the hard times you may face; knowing that they will not last forever.

Getting A True Reflection Of Cherry Blossom In Your Tattoo

While it is true that there are many different varieties of cherry blossom, many people do not appreciate just how different looking they can be. In fact, the most common cherry tree in Japan is Somei Yoshino which has largely white blossom with only the faintest hint of pink on the petals.

Other popular choices do have very much more pink in their blossom and it is these that you will more commonly see as tattoos. But still, this is something you will have to think about when getting your tattoo. You should do some research, find pictures of tattoos other people have had and decide which you prefer. It might depend on your skin tone; those with pale skin will definitely want a more pink design whereas tanned or olive skinned people should think about paler pink or white flowers in their designs.

You should also think about how much of the branch to integrate into the overall tattoo design. Realism would dictate that you have a fair bit of branch with flowers clumped together along it but it will probably come down to both personal taste and where you intend the tattoo to be.

Getting Your Tattoo Done

If you have decided upon a tattoo incorporating cherry blossoms you should be very selective over whom you get to apply the design to your skin. Japanese art is very intricate as is the cherry tree itself so you need somebody who has experience in this type of tattoo. Make sure you talk over with them exactly what you want and don't be afraid to ask for amendments to their initial drawings so that the finished article is something you are happy to live with for the rest of your life.

So there you have it, I hope this overview of the meaning and symbolism of the cherry tree blossom has been useful in making up your mind about that tattoo you've been after.

Steve Waller has been a tattoo fan for years. Check out this brand new way to find cherry blossom tattoo designs online that you can print off and take along to any tattoo artist in your area.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stephen_Waller

Proper Care of a New Tattoo

Once finished, you are certainly going to want to know how to take proper care of your new tattoo. From this point on, your artist is not responsible for any infection or problems you may have with your tattoo if you don't take proper care of it. It is very important that you follow these guidelines. A really beautiful tattoo can turn into a disaster if the proper aftercare is not taken.

Before you walked out of the tattoo salon your artist will have covered up your tattoo with a bandage and for a very good reason. The purpose is to keep the air borne bacteria from invading your wound. Yes, as pretty as your new tattoo is, it is still a wound. Open flesh is a breeding ground for bacteria and infection. It is imperative that the bandage not be removed for at least two hours. Resist the urge to peel the bandage away to flaunt your new tat.

After you remove the bandage, you will want to wash your tattoo. Use lukewarm water and mild, liquid antibacterial soap to gently wash away any ointment, blood to completely clean the area. Do not use a washcloth or anything abrasive. Your hand is your best tool in this case. Follow these instructions carefully so you can be certain that you are taking proper care of your new tattoo.

Then pat (do not rub) the area firmly with a clean towel or paper towel to get it completely dry. Follow with a very light application of your choice of ointment. A&D vitamin enriched ointment would be my first choice, but if you don't have any, Bacitracin or a similar antibacterial ointment is acceptable.

Do not use Neosporin. This is a wonderful product for cuts and scrapes, but not in trying to give proper care for new tattoos. Some can have an allergic reaction to the Neosporin, which causes little red bumps. When the bumps go away, so does the ink.

After you have used the ointments for about 3-5 days then continue to keep the tattoo clean but at this point it is acceptable to use a mild lotion rather than ointment. The purpose is just to keep the skin soft. To ensure proper care of your new tattoo make sure any lotions that you apply are dye and fragrance free. Eucerin lotion seems to work the best for most people.

You can shower with a new tattoo. It's OK to get your tattoo wet, just try not to soak it. If you get soap or shampoo on your tattoo, just remove it quickly with water. Swimming, whether it is a pool, fresh water or salt water should be avoided for at least 2 weeks.

After a few days, you will notice some peeling and possibly a little scabbing. Excessive scabbing could indicate a poorly done tat. Apply warm moist compresses to the scabs for about 5 minutes 2-3 times a day to soften them and they will eventually come off on their own. Taking proper care of your new tattoo means that you will have to endure a bit of discomfort so when your tat starts to heal it will itch but NEVER pick it or scratch it. Rather just slap it softly; this means the tattoo is almost healed.

Read on to discover how the healing process of a tattoo [http://tathub.com/the-healing-stages-of-a-fresh-tattoo] actually takes place. Download your copy of Beginner's Guide To Tattoo. Go to http://www.tattooyork.com right now before we wise up and decide to no longer reveal our secrets!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Wamoult

Pacific Northwest Road Trip - Day 9

Wow.. what a horrible night sleep. Went to sleep at around 1am and when I say sleep I mean sit there in the drivers seat tossing and turning. Around 4am it was super light out so we opted to get up and get moving. We had made it to the border of Montana and Idaho. Our plan for today was a few hundred mile drive to Kalispell, MT as this is was the closest hotel we could get to Glacier National Park which is our next destination. The drive was beautiful, but again the terrain was very different as you drive. Hills of farmland and hills of thick trees, but it was all very beautiful.

We got to Kalispell around 9am but we can't check into our hotel until 3pm.. so we had six hours to kill. We were already tired but we continued to drive around the area, we stopped at Red Lion so I could hijack their wifi and we also had some lunch. Around Noon I thought I would call and see if we could get into the hotel room early. The lady on the other end of the phone said "let me check with house keeping, if your room is done then you'll be able to check in". A few minutes later she said we were all good. Both Harry and I were so excited.. as I said we were both drained from the horrible night sleep so we are just going to crash the rest of the day.. try and catch up on our blogs and such.

Tomorrow is going to be another long driving day.. but we should have some more beautiful sights.

Horiyoshi Tattoo Design | Horikyo Tattoo Design

Horiyoshi Tattoo Design | Horikyo Tattoo Design

The Japanese tattoo has a worldwide reputation for their artistic and features an integrated design and sophistication of the techniques of drawing. Tradicionalmente se hacía a mano utilizando una estaca de madera, la cual llevaba amarrada en la punta, más de una docena de agujas. Traditionally done by hand using a wooden stake, which was moored at the end, more than a dozen needles. Mientras se estiraba la piel con una mano se golpeteaba rítmicamente el área a tatuar con la otra, este estilo de tatuaje es conocido como tebori. While stretching the skin with one hand rhythmically banging tattooing area with the other, this style of tattoo is known as tebori.
Horiyoshi III,nació en el año de 1946, en Shimada (Shizuoka) y es considerado uno de los maestros de este arte japonés , fue tatuado a los 21 años por Horiyoshi II en su estudio ubicado en la ciudad de Yokohama. Horiyoshi III, was born in 1946, Shimada (Shizuoka) and is considered one of the masters of Japanese art, was tattooed at age 21 by Horiyoshi II in his studio located in the city of Yokohama.
En 1971 se convirtió en el discípulo de Horiyoshi II y posteriormente fue su sucesor (1979). In 1971 he became the disciple of Horiyoshi II and later his successor (1979).
Actualmente el trabaja en su estudio de Yokohama, en donde ha abierto un museo del tatuaje en el que se pueden conocer la historia y costumbres del tatuaje en la cultura japonesa. Currently working in his studio in Yokohama, where he opened a tattoo museum in which you can discover the history and customs of tattoos in Japanese culture.

famous tattoo artists | Horikyo Tattoo Design

famous tattoo artists | Horikyo Tattoo Design

Paul Booth was born in Boonton New Jersey and is one of the painters of the world's most famous tattoo artists, style, dark and morbid qualities of the gray scale tattoos are readily apparent. Sus amigos lo llaman “Master of darkness”. His friends call him "Master of Darkness." Es autodidacta en su estilo de dibujo y pintura. It is self-taught in painting and drawing style. Es uno de los pioneros del Gotik Art y del tatuaje Satánico y oscuro que el ha concebido a trabes de lecturas de los clásicos de la novela de terror. It is one of the pioneers of Art and Tattoo Gotik dark Satanic has conceived the girders of readings of classic horror novel. De el Shawn Barber dice que es el hombre que tatuó al Diablo. In the Shawn Barber says he is the man who tattooed the Devil.
Gracias a Booth el tatuaje ha pasado de ser algo marginal a ser un arte reconocido como tal. Thanks to Booth tattooing has gone from being a marginal to be recognized as an art. Su estudio de Nueva York se llama The Last Ritos Tattoo y entre sus clientes están sobre todo gente del mundo del Metal y el Rock como Phil Anselmo de Pantera, los componentes del grupo Slipknot o su amigo Ozzy Osbourne. His study of New York is called The Last Rites Tattoo and its customers are mostly people in the world of Rock and Metal and Phil Anselmo of Pantera, Slipknot members of the group or your friend Ozzy Osbourne.

Burlesque and Tattoos Design | Horikyo Tattoo Design

Burlesque and Tattoos Design | Horikyo Tattoo Design

The burlesque, with roots in commedia dell'arte, was changing shape from the Victorian era, which was a musical parody. Ya en el siglo XX, en los music halls de Estados Unidos, se conformó el género que ha llegado a nuestros días: una mezcla de cabaré y vodevil, con música, magia, contorsionismo y un strip-tease final. Already in the twentieth century, music halls in the United States, was formed genre that has come down to us: a mix of cabaret and vaudeville, with music, magic, contortion and striptease final. Todo con una pátina de humor picante. All with a veneer of spicy humor. En los noventa surgió el neo burlesque, pero hasta que Dita von Teese se paseó del brazo de Marilyn Manson por el mundo, el género no saltó del underground al gran público. In the nineties came the neo burlesque, but until Dita von Teese walked arm in arm with Marilyn Manson in the world, gender did not jump the underground to the public.

La Dita española se llama Vinila von Bismark y es la estrella de la noche. The Spanish called Vinila Dita von Bismarck and is the star of the night. "En Madrid hay garitos que incluyen actuaciones con inspiración burlesque, pero nadie hace estas galas tan completas, con un concepto detrás, maestro de ceremonias y todo", dice la lideresa de Krakovia. "In Madrid there are gambling that include burlesque-inspired performances, but nobody does these galas as complete, with a concept behind, master of ceremonies and everything," says the leader of Krakow. Antes de salir a escena, Mambo Tabú, en quimono y con labios de purpurina roja, la presenta con un monólogo grandilocuente: "Esta es la fiesta del poderío de la carne, aquí huele a látex, a fetichismo, a humo... Os vamos a hacer viajar en el tiempo". Before going on stage, Mambo Tabu in kimono with red glitter lips, presents a grand monologue: "This is the celebration of the power of the flesh, this smells like latex, fetish, smoke ... I we do travel in time. "

Alternative models Tattoo | Horikyo Tattoo Design

Alternative models Tattoo | Horikyo Tattoo Design

Development of alternative models is a branch of the modeling industry that offers models that do not conform to principal ideals of beauty. Los modelos alternativos tienen un estilo personal que representa a las subculturas como goth, látex burlesco, y el fetichismo . Alternative models have a personal style that represents the goth subcultures, latex, burlesque, and fetishism. Un modelo alternativo, por ejemplo, puede ser tatuado, perforado, o tener el cabello distintivamente subculturales (afeitado, teñido de un color distintivo natural, o en dreadlocks). An alternative model, for example, can be tattooed, drilled, or distinctively subcultural having hair (shaved, dyed a distinctive color natural, or in dreadlocks).

Elaboración de modelos alternativos pueden ser vestido o desnudo. Development of alternative models can be clothed or naked.

Elaboración de modelos alternativos fue dado importantes medios de comunicación de cobertura en la última década, en parte, a través de la creación y divulgación de la comunidad de sitios basados en modelos alternativos, como GodsGirls y SuicideGirls. Sitios de la comunidad alternativas de modelos promovió sus modelos por su personalidad, así como por su aspecto Development of alternative models was given major media coverage in the last decade, partly through the creation and dissemination of community models based on alternative sites, as GodsGirls and SuicideGirls. Sites of the community promoted alternative models his models for his personality as well as by their appearance

Tribal Tattoos - The Blending Of Cultures

The New Era Of Tribal Tattoo Designs

A look that seems so simple at times, tribal tattoos have become very fashionable and the trend for getting tribal tattoo designs are more popular then ever. They have edge their way to the top of the body-art world with it's striking bold designs and looks that many find appealing.

Some of the first modernized tribal tattoos designs.

 The first recognized tribal tattoos were those of the south pacific. Polynesian islands such as Samoa, Fiji, Tahiti and others, all had their own culture influence designs. These tattoos had sacred meanings that ran deep in their heritage compared to those you see today. The tribal style seen today was innovated by pacific islander Leo Zulueta who was training under Ed Hardy at the time. He searched and studied the designs of "traditional culture tattoos" and soon came up with his own artwork and bought forth ideas that everyone could use. Since then it has grown into new levels of artistry, that has been taking the tattoo community by storm.

Tribal Tattoos, although they may appear to be plain at times, they are without a doubt still one of the most popular designs today. In this article you will find helpful ideas, especially for those of you who are new to this tattoo style. Explore the history of this beautiful art form that has been around for just a couple of decades. Find many helpful ideas to inspire a cool custom design of your own.

Tribal Arm Tattoo

The majority of tribal tattoos found these days have few similarities to those of the Polynesians who used black lines, shapes, patterns and other geometric designs. To some people they might seem similar but the traditional tribal tattoos of the Polynesians has history and meaningful symbolism behind them.

Tribal

In 1982, Leo Zulueta under the direction and encouragement of Ed Hardy, they were both responsible for an increasing demand of Tribal Tats in America when they started a tattoo magazine called "Tattoo Time". Featuring native Samoan and Borneo tattoos, from then on this style grew to become one of the most popular tattoos today. Most tattoo enthusiasts have gotten marked with this style of tribal tattoo design, making it one of the top designs at this moment.

As pointed out above, these modern day tattoos has a connection with natives and tribes from many different parts of the world. It was from them that this style of tattooing has evolved into the modern tribal tattoo designs we see today. Early on there were some tattoo parlors and tattoo artists that would not even touch a tribal design, feeling that they were too simple of a design. But it wouldn't take them much longer to realize that the tribal design required a lot of skills as well as patience to tattoo the intricate designs.

When you decide on getting a tribal tat, you'll discover that there is a huge collection of tribal designs ranging from small and simple to much larger extravagant ones. There's a vast selection of ideas that can be combined with these tattoos. When creating your own, give it a personal touch that you can relate and connect to. Express your individuality and personality. Be daring and get creative as tribal tattoos always portray a side of beauty and are magnificent works of art.