Restored faith in humanity...

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Wow. My post on being attacked for my tattoos on Facebook received so many kind comments. This tells me 2 things:

1. I need to write way more poor-me, self-pity posts.
2. This blog attracts some very kind, open-minded people. (Just as I had always suspected.)


Please rest assured that I am love with my tattoos. No matter what words others sling at me, I will never regret them. I am very proud of the artwork myself and my tattoo artist have achieved.

The hurt really stemmed more from the fear that people like this exist and have no qualms showing themselves and their ignorance. I think I am a bit sheltered because I choose to surround myself with like-minded people who avoid drama in their lives. I just dread my children's yet-to-be-realized experiences in the real world and all that may entail.

All of your comments were so thoughtful and insightful, I wanted to reply to everyone.

Dwayne: It is a personal choice and I wish more people could learn to let others make their own choices.

Sarah: Your comment, "we're all losing a little bit of our humanity" puts into words exactly what I am feeling. Thank you so much for your comment.

Nap Mom: If I had a dime for every time I tell my girls, "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all..." It seems so simple... yet it is foreign to some people. Those people that commented were 'friends' of friends, which I previously had open to see my photos- so it was my own fault that they could see and comment.

Connie: A fellow mom of three girls??? How have I not found you before now? Thank you so much for all of your kind words. (And you now have a new follower.:-)

Nikki: I have often wondered what it would be like to go into those peoples' heads for just a moment... do they know happiness? Do they ever feel content deep down?

Rhyah: Sadly, it is often the adults (and specifically women) who are cruelest. (Breast/bottle, WAH/SAH, etc...) I noticed that at least one of the meanies that commented was a mom. Can you imagine what messages she is sending her children???

Kell: You know how much I love drama.

Jennifer: Aww, thank you... I can always count on you for a smile.

Draft Queen: Thanks for the compliments. My artist is here.

Carolyn: The photo was open to friends of friends.

Isolde: I actually used it to open a conversation with Ariana. I showed it to her and let her know how it made me feel. None of my kids are online for cyber-bullying yet, so it was a good eye opener for her.

Ah, Lora, I have nothing if not strength in the face of assholes.

Jocelyn, your MOM has tattoos like mine??? Ackkk- thanks for making me feel so old!!! :-)

Kam- Thank you for being one of those people who has come out from behind the screen and proven that there are fantastic people all over social media.

Sara- Thank you so very much for YOUR inspiring comments. Your boys are very lucky to have such a kind Momma.

NattyJ- In response to commenters, "waking up and opening their minds a little wider!" I have come to the realization that some people are just who they are. I can not change them as I do not want them to change me, but I can choose to not have them be a part of my life.

That is one of the things I love best about being a grown-up. When we are younger, we are forced into friendships either by relationship (your mom's best friends' kids) or geography (who else are you gonna hang out with except a neighbor when you're 8 years old?) or other forces beyond your control. Now, I get to choose who I associate with. I can whine about the mean comments on Facebook... or simply block jackasses (which I have been known to do.) I can bitch and moan about the behaviors of friends or acquaintances... or simply distance myself from those people and foster real, meaningful friendships with people I truly respect, love and who make me a better person.

I want people to bring their own sunshine as I try to bring mine.