Toads & Tattoos
I am a fan of tattoo art. Good tattoo art. I’m not talking the typical skull & crossbones or “I love Mom” tattoo. I’m particularly fond of abstract tattoos… in particular, I once saw a Cubist Hannya that just amazed me.
As much as I can appreciate the art, I have never been able to see myself with a tattoo. I change my mind so often, I have found it hard to imagine what I would want on my body for the rest of my life.
However, it occurred to me the other day that there are a few things in my life that have stuck with me, which might be fitting. In particular, a nickname which my dad coined when I was a baby.
I was a fat baby… I loved to eat…and sleep. When they would put me down, I would sleep on my fat belly with both legs and arms sprawled out like a toad… thus originated the nickname.
Toad is my dad’s doing. I absolutely adore my father. If I were to ever get a tattoo, it would have to have deep meaning and most likely be in recognition of someone special to me.
So a toad makes perfect sense. Not just any toad though. I greatly appreciate abstract art. So, in addition to being a tribute to my father, it would be a tribute to one of my passions.
There is one problem with this picture however… my dad hates despises tattoos. He believes we should each be happy with what we were given and not alter it.
So, he would not appreciate either of his children obtaining a tattoo in his honor. I can see him shaking his head in disgust.
The other things in my life which have stuck with me are not worth carrying around on my body for the rest of my life. So, I may instead one day commission an abstract painting of a toad in honor of my father. That is a gesture he could appreciate.
