A Day to Remember

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Today, Brooklynn insisted her Auntie Lea get out of the apartment and experience LA. Lea obliged and the 3 of us girls headed to Melrose for some shopping. Upon our arrival, Lea spots a tattoo shop and decides she wants a tattoo piece honoring her late mother who passed away recently (see June 10, 2009 post). I agree to take her.

Should an 8-yr old be in a tattoo parlor? Most may think not. I decided it was more than OK for a few reasons:
1) I want to teach Brooklynn to appreciate all types of art and artists. In this case, tattoo artists. Here she can ask them questions and get their insight + stories first-hand.
2) People get tattoos for all sorts of reasons. I couldn't think of a better reason than honoring the sudden passing of one's mother.
3) Brooklynn's dad has 4 tattoos- an angry sunshine, a year of the tiger character, her brother's initials, and one in memory of his BFF who passed away in 1985. Perhaps this helps her understand her father a bit more.

Learning the trade.

All smiles before the PAIN!

No smiles here!

Before

After

Although Lea may want to add to her tattoo in the future (she felt it wasn't grand enough to represent a woman as great as her mother), I felt it was perfect. A small part of her mom forever over her shoulder to offer advice, support, and love.

RIP Zenaida Poquiz Arcayena
xoxo

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