Devious6

Welcome!! Can't wait to see the work as it progresses.

Welcome to the forum!!! Post some pics of your tattoos!!

@Intomyskin I can certainly understand your feelings. It's easy for others to say "get over it." In the end, it is a very personal decision and what works or worked for me - or others - isn't really germane to you and your situation. I happen to be one who does worry about what my wife thinks about getting tattooed. She was supportive but I don't think I'd have gone ahead with it if she wasn't. I will make sure she is comfortable with my next, too. Our relationship is the most important thing in my life so I take stock in her feelings. Again, though, that's just me. Others don't feel that way....and that's OK. You'll figure this out and you'll do the right thing. I'm planning my next for September 10th - would do it on the 11th because of the relevance to the work I'm having done but my artist doesn't work on Sundays. 1 month today!

@Intomyskin - I know that issue to some degree. One of the things that kept me from getting my first tattoo was what others would think. In both my former and current positions (senior Army officer and College President), tattoos are not the norm. I know of few Army officers of my generation and no College Presidents who are inked. Finally, though, generally based on my 9/11 experiences and then reinforced by the deaths of people both younger and slightly older than me I decided that what others felt is not important to me now. People who know me well, my family and friends, know who I am. Anyone swayed by a tattoo to think less of me isn't worth my time. So, I dress conservatively at work as I normally do. But, I don't hesitate to wear sleeveless shirts in public. Maybe I can be the trendsetter for College Presidents to get inked!!

Crewed for a hot air balloon flight again last night (also crewed on Sunday evening - a wedding flight) and got to fly. The pilots cycle us in as "pay" for crewing when they can based on whether the paying customers have scheduled a private flight or not and weight. You never know when it will be your turn until the pilot say "Mark, want to fly?" Of course, the answer is always "Yes!!!!!" We launched from Nicholson, PA in the shadow of the famous and majestic Nicholson train bridge. It was a beautiful, warm evening and even though initial test balloons and the weather forecast reflected very slow winds, we got a nice push and a smooth, amazing flight. The pilot set us down gently in a field of recently cut hay surrounded by woods - and we were greeted by friendly land owners - perfect.

@Gingerninja Wow!!! Did you spend the entire weekend on the table??!! Gorgeous work!! You are a true Warrior!!

See a doctor. Or go to an Emergency Room. Now. Might just be an allergic reaction....but better safe than sorry.

Awesome first tattoo!!! Congrats!!

Welcome to the forum!

From someone who started very late in life, get what YOU want, where YOU want it. While listening to advice and recommendations can help you to make up your mind, go with what makes you happy. Just my own admittedly limited tattoo experience, but based on lots of life experience.

@sophistre - I clearly have not looked inside of a state-of-the-art gaming box lately. I thought you were building a 3D printer or something. Awesome. Can't wait to hear how it operates!!

Let's see that first one!! I only have one at this point - on my left upper arm. Planning on getting my second next month on the right upper arm...for balance. All this ink on the left keeps making me lean to one side!!!

Welcome to the forum.......but pics are required!!!

Aww, poor guy. Give him lots of hugs and smooches...and treats. Wearing the Cone of Shame is enough to put any of us to shame. He deserves treats!

Sending good thoughts for Rocky!!!

I traded messages with my artist - gave him some thoughts on my idea for my right upper arm and what I'm looking for in terms of meaning. Got this back: "Yeah I really dig the idea. I don't have much time this week, but next week I'll be able to start sketching on it. I'll let you know when you can stop in and check it out." I'm psyched. Probably will schedule mid-September - I want to be well healed before we head of to Antigua in late November to celebrate our 42d wedding anniversary. This is the 15th anniversary of 9/11 and, given my experiences that day I want something that expresses my feelings towards our Nation and the emotions of the day.

We have wild raspberries and huckleberries all around our farm, too. Makes for an enjoyable walk around the property. Most of our blueberry bushes are 20+ years old so the smaller critters can't reach the berries - we do share with the birds however. The deer don't seem to bother them - maybe because there are so many wild berry bushes around. And the bees from our hives pretty much ensure every flower and bud is pollinated so our garden is also overflowing this year.

Out this morning picking blueberries. This year has been tremendous - we've got about 20 bushes and they have been loaded with berries. We're at the point where we are just picking them to give them to friends and family - way more than we can use or even freeze. Not sure why it's been so good - haven't had a lot of rain until the last two days. Perhaps the 11 hives of honey bees is helping. Wanna come pick some?

I told you I had a LOT of body hair!!!

Someone on my Instagram/FB page commented that it looks like I'm shedding. I guess it does look like I'm just trying to blame Sunny.

Yellow Lab.....black shirt. Need I say more?

Welcome to the forum.

Ooooh, that sucks big time. I hope you find a good slot with another artist!!

Wild. I use both a PC running IE (what I'm on now) and an iPad with Safari (at night in bed) and haven't an issue at all.

@Sinclair89 I love the pinup - and the fact that it is modeled after your wife makes it even more special. My son and his wife went the more renaissance direction for their wedding. This was taken just before the wedding ceremony.