In 1968, when I turned 21, I didn’t rush to the nearest bar, because drinking was for losers. Instead, I got a tattoo. I didn’t actually know any other women with tattoos, but Dona, my best friend at the time, thought it was a good idea as well and even decided to get one herself. We nibbled on a little something just in case of pain, and off we rode on the back of our boyfriends’ hogs up to Lyle Tuttle’s tattoo parlor on the Sunset Strip. (Now long gone, and Tuttle himself died last year at the age of 87.)
Because all appearances to the contrary, I tended to play it safe...
Dona got a marijuana leaf tattooed within her bikini line; I opted for a ‘shroom (for obvious reasons) on my left inner ankle. Because all appearances to the contrary, I tended to play it safe: when someone offered me a joint, not being a fan of angel dust, I’d take one hit and wait to see how it affected me before taking another; when someone offered me a pill, I’d often take half first — and if it was a capsule, even going so far as to stuff one half with a bit of bread to keep it closed before swallowing it. And so it was that when I became a court reporter years later, it was easy enough to wear skirts and high heels and just hide my ink with a Band-Aid. But usually I left it uncovered, and when I wanted to draw attention to it, I’d add a jingly anklet or two.
I have not for one moment regretted getting my tattoo. It was never as pretty as today’s tattoos, and it’s now kind of blurred and saggy, like the rest of me. (The featured image is how I wish it still looked.) But it’s a reminder of a time, a place, and a state of mind I don’t ever want to forget, of psychedelia, of a defiant me that still exists, albeit without the need to advertise.
In fact, 12 years ago, for my 60th birthday, I went back to the island on which I’d lived and raised my daughter during the ’80s and had “Kauai” tattooed under my mushroom. I don’t regret that, either — even though I no longer want to live there, I just want to remember how I felt when I did. Who knows what I’ll do for my 75th … my big toe is still pretty firm and smooth. Hmmm …
And now, for your listening pleasure, a great earworm from the Rolling Stones’ “Tattoo You,” released in 1981. And P.S., surprisingly enough, none of the Stones have tattoos — at least not to my personal knowledge.
Barbara BucklesArtist, writer, storyteller, spy. Okay, not a spy…I was just going for the rhythm.
I call myself “an inveterate dabbler.” (And my husband calls me “an invertebrate babbler.”) I just love to create one way or another. My latest passion is telling true stories live, on stage. Because it scares the hell out of me.
As a memoirist, I focus on the undercurrents. Drawing from memory, diaries, notes, letters and photographs, I never ever lie, but I do claim creative license when fleshing out actual events in order to enhance the literary quality, i.e., what I might have been wearing, what might have been on the table, what season it might have been. By virtue of its genre, memoir also adds a patina of introspection and insight that most probably did not exist in real time.
You are quite the rebel, Barb. Seriously, getting a tattoo to celebrate entering legal adulthood was a brave move back then. I definitely think you should get one for your 75th. My closest friend did that when she turned 70 and she loves it.
For my 70th I got my nose pierced. Maybe my next tattoo should say “I survived 2020!” although that might be something I’d rather forget than be reminded of.
Love the tattoo, Barb, and I really enjoy some of today’s terrific art. Can’t wait to see what you end up doing for your 75th.
Love this, Barb, that is quite the rite of passage! The mushroom is adorable and I’m sure it looks great on your ankle. I’ll have to check it out the next time I see you. And I love that Stones album, so thanks for giving us something to start us up!
As I mentioned, the photo is how I wish mine looked!
Bebe, now that I know you a bit the tattoo and the weed don’t surprise me, but a court reporter in skirts and high heels, wow that’s a side of you I don’t know!
LOL! I wrote about that side in my story Word Nerd back in October of 2019 when I first came onboard.
Ah, more to read about my new Retro pal Bebe!
Thanks for the great ear worm and story, Barb. Ah, the things we learn here. I like the way the describe yourself back then…not really too daring. Well, sort of. Keep sharing. Love it!
Enjoyed reading this, Barbara! If there is ever a tattoo prompt here, I could write about mine: a rather impressive bluebird of happiness! I cannot compete with my daughter, known as “Lydia the Tattooed Lady” by me and my husband…but I’m proud and happy to have this little bird where I can see it every day. I was (ahem) a bit older than 21 when I got it, however, so hat’s off to you for your bravery at such a young age!
Thanks, Risa … I’ve always been attracted to tattoos (within reason) so am happy to hear you have one, too!