From Stars to Orchids

So I'm sort of freaking out.

I've been anticipating this for years. But tomorrow is not years away. And tomorrow's reality has become a needle in my foot. For hours.

I was 17 when I got my first tattoo. Three blue stars on my right foot, which I'm told is "pretty low", meaning close to my toes. Blue stars are great. ...Were great. Are great. The line kind of blurs. Figuratively and literally.

The point is, I'm over them. And I'm looking for something a little more long term. And a lot more feminine.

So a tattoo of the botanical nature is what I've turned to. And considering the bouquet I carried down the aisle was a dark orange, and contained orchids.... It's my theme.

I met with my artist last Wednesday and was lucky enough to have an immediate connection. I pre-screened her online and fell in love with her color shading talent, which with flowers, I feel, is the most important part. Sure, you can have the most gorgeous tat wet-lined onto your foot, but no artist can pre-shade a tattoo for you. You only know until it's done. And I am way to Type A for that.

But homegirl was enthusiastic and helpful... She even wanted to sit me down and brand me right there. I was intrigued, but passed.

...And I would post the black and white drawing I brought to her as inspiration, but I really wanted her to take it and run with it and make it her own. Who knows? It might be a completely different piece than what I brought to her...

It's not so much the 'in her hands' part that I'm freaking out about, because judging from her work and her attitude/confidence, I feel that I'm in in good hands... It's the whole needle in the foot thing that's got me on edge. Have I mentioned that I'm not a fan of needles? I might have to share that back story some time.

In any event, wish me luck. I'll post the before and after. You know, if I survive. =D