The Talisman Cometh

On Saturday, I drove the half hour or so to Penngrove where Valkyrie Tattoo lives and thrives in a wee pass through of a town between Hwy 101 and the rolling, (now) green hills of southern Sonoma County. http://valkyrietattoo.com/home.html An unusually organized and bright shop filled with the usual tattoo flash including skulls and dark images, there is a sophisticated interior replete with designer colors and framed art.  Their website is simple and yet clear.  The woman I travelled to see seemed the same.  Jen Untalan.

For me, an idea emerged as the anniversary of a very hard two years of life came upon the horizon.  A talisman of sorts in the guise of a small tattoo.  Something that would remind me of the strength of my struggles since leaving my professional career, not the disappointments, confusion and darkness.  Something that would mirror my values and my belief in a journey that continues to be pitted and very challenging.  I came up with this jewel of an idea as a heart-my heart-getting ready to pull up into the unknown with large wings. 

Although we see it in many places...Mini USA, Southwest Airlines and on, it spoke to me of a relentless tenacity that seems to be me, while acknowledging the difficulty of being present with pain.  Strength of character.  This is what I want to remember. Jen helped me do just that and it did not hurt that much and she exceeded my expectations which is not easy with me. 

So, thank you Jennifer Untalan of Valkyrie Tattoo in Penngrove, CA for translating my desire to create art from the depth of struggle.