Gecko

I rode through a cloud today.
Why the social stigma attached to body art? It has a magnificant history! Why the increasing number of clients at tattoo studios? (Clients are aged between 18-early 30s) Why removal via laser treatment when there'll be scars? Why even get one when its eventual outcome is an unsightly scar?

I've never paid much attention to the gecko on me, nor given much thought bout why/how i decided on it. Why not a dolphin, fluttery butterfly or Tinkerbell?



Definately not a temporal excitement as i had the stencil of it with me for months before visiting D at 17 Baghdad Street and im not one who make impulsive decisions. Yet, at that time, i was telling a classmate; 1 life live it. and another; you dont gather courage to ink it-you just do it.

And there i was, somewhere Sept/Oct 2006, seated in front of the artist's desk, legs crossed while improving & perfecting art, debating on size, etc. I placed full trust in the hands of the professionals, there were not much questions asked. The next 35mins were spent clenching (of teeth) in pain with whimpers fading into the 'drilling' sounds of the machine. It sure was nasty.
My new found mate was wrapped in shrink wrap







as we made our way for yummy murtabak supper. I was instructed to slather on moisturizer every other hour and to stay away from swim and sun for 2weeks. The punctured wound
scabbed







and wala!














Mum was totally cool bout it when i told her of the nights' adventures. So was dad when my new found friend peeked out of my hipster shorts during supper at Prata House a few weeks later.

Till now, i do not know how an idea of a cold blooded got onto me. Probably taking after its characteristics, having unique vocalizations(among lizards), being unusual in other respects, an ability to shoot an irritating liquid out of the end of their tails. Above all, specialized toe pads that enable them to climb smooth vertical surfaces and even cross indoor ceilings with ease.

I enter this post with much difficulty in articulating what really is inside me.

Kel, this's for you.

And the only regret? A tad too small.

D was right. You never stop at one. You'll regret if the size isnt right. Next up: Colours flatter fair skinned!