SwittersB's New Tattoo

Well, the imbalance is corrected. I resisted the gradual insertion into my psyche that one tattoo on a particular side creates a sense of imbalance. I did not rush to do just anything. My original intent was to wait until something really made sense. Nothing did. I flirted with a female form, curvaceous, but also nymphal in form (no, actually like a nymph)…something I had seen on the back of a fly fishing book years ago. But, that evaporated in time. Gradually, a simpler concept and commitment emerged in my mind, my imagination and finally my heart.

First, I envisioned a our family motto of Semper Paratus (yes, the Coast Guard’s as well) for the Always Prepared~Ready. That is how I was raised and evolved through a long public service career….seems natural, relaxed and right. Always Prepared. Also, a spiritual progression of the Triquetra. My original Father, Son, Holy Ghost…but to me a force of right, of power, of spiritual balance. I saw the Triquetra as ancient, forever, carved in stone, worn but not broken.

This force, to me, reaches beyond the individual and down toward its’ Ops Manager, Mother Nature. A force to guide, maintain, protect the species…and as you can see, the trout (pick your fish). To hold it erect, to over see it. The hands reversed to suggest, not cradling the fish or lifting out to display, but rather to show the placing of the fish into its’ rightful place in this world, my mind, my passion. I know, a whole lot of interpretation going on; I am not that imaginative….but, it resonated, it lasted. It was stenciled on and the ink was applied.

Simple, self satisfying and the balance thing resolved. Family, spiritual, the stewardship of nature and mi amor. (Tat Work Courtesy of Joe Bass, 1928 Tattoo, Portland, Oregon)