Ink

Health and Wellness, Health Humor, Inspiration, , , , , , 59 Comments

To commemorate my fifth transplanniversary, I got me some ink and placed another √ on my Buttkick List.  A little dark purple gift box with a cursive L for a bow to be exact.  I had it placed around my transplant scar, where Leason’s miracle marrow entered my body through the PICC line in my left arm.  I must say, it looks pretty awesome – I keep admiring it (the tattoo, NOT my jiggly, floppy tricep).

 

IMG_1552
Forever a reminder of the ultimate gift!

I’ve always heard about the pain associated with being tatted, so I was slightly concerned with the chance I would jump off the table mid-ink and cause an event.  Maybe due to the fact that mine was so tiny and fine, but it truly was nothing that caused me to breathe weird, clench, sweat or make animal sounds.  I rather enjoyed it.  My tattoo artist, Will, made a template from my artwork, placed it exactly where I wanted it on my arm, had me lie on the table, confirmed the ink color, told me not to move, asked if I was ready, then began.  I was expecting lots of injection-like sensations, but it wasn’t that at all.  It felt like slices with a very fine scalpel.  I couldn’t see it happening, but I think there was quite a bit of clean up (blood? ink?), because he did some mopping with a paper towel from time to time.  The whole thing took about ten minutes on the table.  It was really fun!  Got the t-shirt, too 🙂

I’ve been plotting and planning this tattoo outing for quite some time.  As I shared my plans with friends and family members, I was met with the full gamut of 100% enthusiasm to 100% admonition.  I explained that I was not looking to have a giant devil skull permanently engrained on my forehead, but still I got plenty of hesitant vibes.  My daughter, Mychaela had some good advice.  Decide on a design, then let it marinate in my brain for at least a year, and if I’m still excited about having a permanent version of that design on my skin, go for it.  She was never too enthusiastic about her mom getting a tattoo.  I rolled my eyes, told her that I’m 54 now, and I can get a tattoo if I feel like it, ’cause she’s not the boss of me!  OMG!  Then I slammed the door and threatened running away from home.

Outer Limits Tattoo
Didn’t hurt at all!
Stencil in place…
My new tat came to life thanks to Will!
Let’s go!
Gift box containing my transplant scar with L bow

At my last follow up appointment at COH, my blood work was spectacular and Dr. F said I didn’t need to come back for SIX MONTHS!!!  He also gave me permission to get a tat 🙂

Thanks to the unmatched support from my medical team, my friends, my family, and especially Todd, Mychaela, Rex, my mom, my dad and my hero bronor, Leason Pomeroy IV, I’ve had a rad bonus five years of life!  I’m trying my best to make it count!  Lately, I’ve been painting a ton.  Last year for Christmas, Todd gave me some painting lessons with three painters I greatly admire…  I’ve continued with one of them, who has become my mentor, and I’m loving it!  I paint at home (sometimes until the wee morning hours, because I can’t separate the brushes from my fingers), then take my work to his studio for critique and inspiration.  Here is one of my latest:

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Posted by

I am a survivor of two extremely rare diseases, thanks to over 100 blood transfusions and ultimately, a bone marrow transplant. My blog, joselynsbrawl.com, chronicles my adventures through medical offices, operating rooms, clinics, transfusion centers, hospital transplant floors, victory celebrations, and finally my bucket list items – all with a humorous and sometimes profane twist. My goal is to inspire others not to give up on life or anything else, and to understand that it’s actually possible to enjoy any experience, even battling a life-threatening illness (or two).

59 thoughts on “Ink”

  3. 54? You don’t look a day over 21 in that photo. Wow 5 years Jos – remarkable. I’m sure your tat was nothing compared to the years of pokes you have endured. Now a painter too? Your life has been full of surprises and challenges, but you have come through the most trying times to become an incredibly strong, kind, adventurous, and creative person. A life to be celebrated – with a tat.

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  5. DEAR JOS – what a wonderful post! the tat review was hillarious and i think it has so much meaning for you – it couldn’t have been any more perfect and a great tribute to leason! you two are just like tweedle dee and tweedle dum or as they say two peas in a pod! i couldn’t have asked for two more exceptional children that i’m so proud of! xoxo i love you! mom >

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  6. Congrats on the 5 YEARS!!!! That’s awesome. I love that you are painting and I love the painting you posted. Fantastic!

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  7. Congratulations on 5 years! You are living a life well lived. I laugh when you tell Mychaela, ” You are not the boss of me” because I remember Kelly telling me that when she was younger. You inspire me endlessly. What a beautiful picture. You are an artist!!
    Love you!
    Marilyn

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  8. Tell Mychaela “sometimes you have to let the kids figure it out by themselves”. After all, you are technically only 5!
    XOXOXO Love, Mary

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  10. Congrats to my new friend. You are an inspiration to me and others. BTW I love the painting. Artistic talent runs in my family but I dodged it unfortunately! Five years, what a feeling that must be. So far my first 100 days have gone pretty smoothly, a good sign. Keep up the good work. Love to you, Peggy

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    1. My dear friend – Thank you for the support 🙂 Before you know it, you’ll be celebrating your 5 years, too! I’m thrilled to learn that your first 100 days have gone smoothly for you!!! Yes, a VERY good sign indeed. You are well on your way!!! I think of you often, and wish you the very best in your continued recovery. Happy Happy 100 days!!! XO

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  13. hi Jos, You continue to be such an inspiration! I am so glad that you are so healthy and things are going so well for you. I can’t believe all of your travels and adventures……and what an artist you are! Your painting is great, so keep up the good work. All my love, Bonnie

    p.s. love your tat

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  14. Congrats to you for all the above! Not for just surviving but for truly living! I love the art, but I have to say I want to flick the ash of the end of the cig. She’s got talent, balancing that mug and that cig all the while getting a perm!

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  15. Great post as usual!! The artwork is awesome! I’d love to see other masterpieces of yours! I’m not a tattoo person at all, but I LOVE yours! It’s so sweet, cute, and carries a beautiful meaning!! Hugs to you! 🙂

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  17. Jos, WOW! Just as I might wonder, what could she do next??? You totally surprise me with the TAT idea…and then, actually have me supporting you…and IT and it’s just so RIGHT for you!!! HUGE congrats on your totally EPIC 5 years!! I know I’ve used the term INSPIRATION so many times, but ….YOU ARE an amazing inspiration!!!
    I am soooooooooo very happy for you and love to see you utilizing every possible moment to truly LIVE LIFE!!!

    I also LOVE the artwork!!! You’re good girl! I’d love to see more of what you’ve done~

    HUGE BLESSINGS to an incredibly strong and remarkably courageous woman!
    Love you…
    MUGS and always, Ry…our angel 🙂

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    1. MUGS – I appreciate your incredible support SO much! Thank you for your kind words. You are an inspiration to me – embracing life the way you do. Wishing you a blessed 2018, Linda! XO

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  22. 5 years! Great stuff. Love the painting and your signature on it. Tattoo simple , clean and “packed” with meaning. So much fun.

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  24. Congratulations Joselyn on your 5th anniversary of your transplant. You look great and healthy! Merry Christmas and a Happy Healthy 2018 to you and the family and thank you for the Cowbell! Love from Helen and Jed

    >

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    1. Helen – Thank you for your continued support 🙂 You have really been amazing over the past 5 years. I’m glad you enjoyed your cowbell, and I wish you all the best in 2018! XO

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  26. Awesome tat…perfect choice! Surprised to hear it didn’t hurt that much…. good to know. LOVE the painting. Reminds me of Kerry James Marshall. IF you’d like to see his work, email me as I have a special link to view “You Can Now Experience Kerry James Marshall’s Major Retrospective Through the Magic of Virtual Reality.” HUGS….

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  27. You are such an inspiration…love that you are able to share your experiences and all you have overcome. And, love your painting! It is so amazing…would love to see more! Merry Christmas to you and your family…XO

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  29. Fear sweet Jos.
    5 years, go figure.
    You are an inspiration.
    I’m glad you went ahead with the tat, even without the rambunctious Micaela’s blessing.
    BTW, you paint great legs!! 😳

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    1. Bart – Thank you for the kind message 🙂 I’m so happy to know you approve of the tat and my going ahead of it, even without the blessings of my daughter. It was worth being put on restriction. Hope all is well in your world! XO

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