You Only Live Once

I present some exciting news to you today: I got tattooed last night. Ever since I got here I’ve been thinking about it, and I’ve had design ideas for years and years now. So I decided that it was now or never, and what better time and what better place to do it? My friend Ben got some Chinese mythological characters tattooed on his leg a few nights ago at a traditional bamboo tattooing shop, and we befriended the artists there. These guys are very talented, with immense attention to detail. All health and safety stuff was very much above board, which was the first thing I checked, since I’m utterly paranoid about such things.

The process was pretty painful. The instrument used is composed of a rod with four needles bound together with bamboo, which is then repeatedly poked into your skin for an hour and a half, in my case. Still, it was a thrilling experience. My chest now bears the Latin word “Cantare,” which means “To sing,” in a lovely cursive font. I'm really happy with how it came out. In short, it’s a dedication to and the recognition of the wonder, importance and love that I have for music in my life. Unfortunately, I won’t have time to put a photo of it up on this blog, since I’m leaving for Bangkok tomorrow. I fly home on Friday evening. Hooray! Can’t wait to see everyone!

Love and hugs from me :)

“There is this thing that's like touching, except you don't touch
Back in the day it just went without saying at all
All the world's history gradually dying of shock
There is this thing that's like talking, except you don't talk
You sing, you sing

Sing for the bartender, sing for the janitor, sing
Sing for the cameras, sing for the animals, sing
Sing for the children shooting the children, sing
Sing for the teachers who told you that you couldn't sing
Just sing

There is this thing keeping everyone's lungs and lips locked
It is called fear and it's seeing a great renaissance
…So sing”

- From "Sing" by the Dresden Dolls