Don't judge a book by it's cover, or a person by their tattoos. Wasn't that one of the first lessons your parents taught you? Don't judge a book by it's cover? Actually, I don't think that's even a thing anymore, considering all the wicked sh*t that goes on in the world.

Personally, when I was younger, I never thought I would have any tattoos. To be perfectly honest, I'm deathly afraid of needles and still cry when I have to get blood drawn. Anyway, I have five tattoos, and I'm in the works of planning my sixth. A couple have meaning, a couple don't, both of which are my decision. All I feel fit me and show my individuality.

I have the Hamsa hand on my back, the universal symbol of religion. It brings its owner good luck and fortune with protection from the evil eye. I'm sure we can all use a bit of that to be honest. I have an arrow on my left wrist; I'm always hoping to prosper and move forward in life. I have a couple of sweet cacti on my upper right arm. I can't say that cacti have any particular meaning, but they are my favorite plant. I can't seem to keep one or any plant alive for that matter, so it lives on my arm. I have a seashell on the back of my right arm for my love of being seaside. And finally, I have all seven phases of the moon tattooed on my right forearm. Each phase having it's own particular meaning and from one of my favorite quotes, "girl of mine, life is not a straight line. it will wax and it will wane, you will feel joy, you will feel pain, you will ebb and you will flow, you will hold on until you let go."

I love when people ask what they mean or why I got them, but my favorite question is: "Aren't you worried about what they will look like when your older?" Well, once I hit 50+, I'm pretty sure they will be the last things I'll be worried about. My cholesterol and sagging ass will be more of a priority. If anything, I'll just be "the cool Grand-ma." I have no plans on having any children, by the way. I also enjoy, "what do your parents think?" Well, considering on how I was raised, neither of my parents care; they still know I am the same person and accept me for who I am. Thanks for your concern, though.

Recently while flipping through different job opportunities and applications, I came across a couple that said, "no visible tattoos." Not that I never had thought of that before getting them, but it was the first time actually seeing it myself, and thinking that those particular jobs could never be options. Just because I have a couple visible tattoos doesn't make me any less of a hard worker. We are much beyond our physical appearance. Tattoos are becoming much more accepted in the work place, but are still judged and frowned upon by most. I like to think I will never work for such a company that is so closed minded, immediately ruling out anyone trying to express themselves. Something that can be covered with a long sleeved shirt. Dare to dream.

My parents raised me to be a hard working respectable human being. I am not a criminal or a drug addict. I am not hypocritical or judgmental. I am a college graduate, I am a normal person. I am not trying to disappoint anyone or spiraling down hill. I have goals and aspirations. I am creative, caring and sensitive. I have hobbies and passions. I have tattoos.