My Tattoos & Their Meanings

I like to think of my tattoos as a map of my life. Each one representing a key moment throughout.

My very first tattoo I got when I was in 18, in Florida, with my cousin. I had been planning on getting a tattoo for awhile. And I took my time deciding what I wanted. I did extensive research. I didn't plan on getting one so big, but I did anyway. I really do love this tattoo because it has the most meaning to me. 

It's a scorpion, (NO, NOT A LOBSTER OR A CRAB!) with a rose as its stinger.

I remember when I told the tattoo artist that I didn't want the scorpion to be too "buggy" looking. I wanted it somewhat sleek and feminine looking.  I really didn't want it realistic. Even though a lot of scorpions are black,  I didn't want it black, because black ink tends to fade to green. And that would just not look pretty!

 

It wraps around my leg, so it's hard to see it in one full view. When I got it colored, I told the artist I wanted pink and orange for the scorpion, and he gave me a really light pink, and it ended up turning reddish orange.  (hence, why some people ask if its a lobster!) I really wanted like a dark pink. I was young and naive I guess, but I will get it fixed in the future. It's 7 years old. It will need a touch up soon. LOL. Nonetheless, I still love this tattoo.

This tattoo represents one of the biggest transitions in my life. During my school years, I was targeted. I was constantly teased, bullied, to the point where I wanted to end my life. I remember getting into fights almost every day  and I had to be transferred to different schools because of it. I couldn't understand why people hated me so much, that it made me hate me, too. I didn't think I deserved to live. It got better in time, but the insults still stuck and would diminish any esteem I had. After high school, I moved to Georgia. I started a new. And it was probably the best thing that could have happened to me.

I met wonderful people and I met one woman in particular. A woman who lost her daughter because she was murdered. My views on life changed because of her story. 

Not only am I a Scorpio, but the scorpion is a symbol of negativity, a menace, and its known for self destruction. By replacing the stinger (the most destructive part of a scorpion to itself and others) with a rose, it symbolizes the transition from negative to positive. And the rose is purple and blue, which symbolizes transcendence and enlightenment. A way to self love.

My 2nd tattoo:

My "tramp stamp."

This Lotus flower in this tattoo represents enlightenment, self-regeneration and rebirth. I got this tattoo almost within a year of my first tattoo. While I was "reborn" and working on finding myself, music, more specifically, Tool, A Perfect Circle and Opeth have had the greatest impact on my life. Emotionally and spiritually. I was actually a very spiritual person at this moment in my life. I even remember studying Buddhism!  In addition, I saw all three bands live. And I even met the almighty Michael Akerfieldt himself!

My 3rd Tattoo:

 The Egyptian "Ankh" and the Wings of Isis.
It is the hieroglyph meaning “life”
I got this when I felt like my life was just beginning.
I also really like Egyptian culture.


My 4th Tattoo:

 This tattoo represents the novels my mother and I wrote together. The moon is a key symbol in the books, associated with love, immortality and soul mates.

My 5th Tattoo:

 My biggest, most colorful and most painful tattoo yet! 2 years to complete! LOL. Located on my upper back. This tattoo is a woman's face in a mask, surrounded by a piece by Alex Grey with the word: "peccavi"--Latin for "I have sinned." This tattoo represents the many masks we wear and that we are not perfect. We do make mistakes along the way. We do sin. I definitely have.

My 6th Tattoo:

I love this one. Not only because it's new, because it just means pure happiness for me. And at this point in my life, I really am happy. The happiest I ever been. Cupcakes and Halloween make for a happy Tina. LOL. Located on my left thigh.

My 7th Tattoo:

This tattoo is for my daughter, Sophia. My little lady bug.

Babies are supposed to bring luck, and so do lady bugs!

And I feel really lucky to be blessed with a healthy, beautiful, smart baby girl.

 

My 8th Tattoo:

 

 

"I'll have you know that I've become indestructible..."

 

All my tattoos have meaning. So why a diamond?

I chose a diamond to symbolically represent the battles that I have overcome and how I didn't let them get the best of me.

No matter what you do to a diamond, it can't be destroyed.

At this moment in my life, I feel like I am shining bright.
 I am at my pinnacle when it comes to confidence, happiness and self love.
 



"Don't ever give up on yourself no matter how many rocks are thrown at you. You are a diamond. Shine bright. Even diamonds have flaws, but that's what makes you, you."

-Tina Webber.

This tattoo was done at No Regrets in Madison, AL by Stephen.
He did such an amazing job, and it is located on my back/ right shoulder.
I love the way it came out! I had a hard time looking for the right diamond design on Google but I am so happy with the results!

  
My next tattoo will be Snow White.
 

What's the meaning behind your tattoo? Share your story!! I love hearing the stories behind tattoos!