Monday, January 25, 2010

I learned the word 'ephemeral' today.


I miss my International Relations Theory teacher. She was one of the most astute yet jubilant people I've ever met. Usually scholars hide behind their intelligence. She didn't and learned more by doing so. She was one of those people who stands on the brink of a glacier and dives into an even more vast and complex field of knowledge, looks back and rethinks the world. She would never get bumper stickers because of it.

So here's to ambiguity! No bumper stickers and public announcements for me. I'll leave you with mehndi a beautiful ephemeral body art until I have my chess pieces in order. It might be awhile.

Photo via Love Mehndi.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

There will be no change for now.


I like snakes. Why? I could tell you a long story about pre-historic religions and the etymology of the word gerontology ... but we'll leave it at they're ever-changing.

Sometimes I'm indecisive. Really indecisive. It's amazing that I have a tattoo and still like it. So there's this job and it's nice, and then there's this other job that doesn't pay well but makes me smile thinking about it. I chose the latter ... for the rest of my life. Would you like another tattoo with that, miss?

I change clothes like a girl or a snake. I'd love to get a snake tattoo, but I chose that I would change my skin like a snake. Models and snake tattoos don't mix - unless you've established your career already. So I change my clothes a lot as a model, and I love it. I finished a kimono in two days and it's beautiful. I'm up for a lifetime of making beautiful clothes and all that goes with being a model.

Image via Jon Todd

Friday, January 15, 2010

N'Qisate in Ethiopia


Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.

I am a novice ... even at Christianity. Although I was born into a Christian family, I didn't really go to bible study, or Sunday school for that matter. There is so much history, beautiful stories that lie within the Bible of which I know not. So when I speak of the Coptic Christians, please forgive me if I make mistakes. I welcome kind corrections.

Let me start with the proper name for the Ethiopian Church. Instead of Coptic Christian Church it is Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. That said, we are talking about facial tattoos again! Makes me happy. It's brave for someone to get a tattoo, much more so on their face. Ethiopian women acquire these tattoos from a young age to signify their Christian faith. The tattoos which are applied by needle are displayed on necks, wrists, and faces of women in Ethiopia. This tradition is called N'Qisate.

In most parts of Ethiopia one will see these tattoos, however, it is prevalent in Lalibela, Ethiopia as it is one of the country's most holy cities. In Islam being tattooed is not thought well of. Ethiopian Christians identify themselves distinctly with these niqisat even though they are a minority in the continent of Africa. It is seen as primitive, sadly. I personally think it is simply traditional and worthy of continuation.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Moko of New Zealand


I decided to start with where my Daddy's from: New Zealand. I've been lucky enough to visit relatives there and it really is a hobbit's paradise! Just kidding Aunties, you're not that short. Every visit I want to get my face done. Not makeup. Done. Little did I know that Moko is not temporary.

As a white girl with a lineage that came originally from Scotland, I would have Kirituhi. I find the skin art of the Maoris beautiful; however, since I am not related I would have this version of the facial tattoo done. The descendants of Maoris have facial tattoos known as Ta Moko. It is their identity and I do not wish to steal it. Kirituhi "deliberately does not make any reference to Maori symbolism" (Ta Moko Maori Tattoo).

Here are some images of Ta Moko. I wish my family were that colorful. My Dad took back the photograph of him wearing thick eye makeup. Sigh ...

Randall Hyman

Friday, January 8, 2010

Tatooine



No, I'm not a Star Wars geek. My boyfriend is. I just wanted to start this new series on a light note. Tattoos are the most hard core decoration of the body, or at least the most enduring. Seriously, they are more permanent than marriage - but you knew that.

I personally love tattoos and body modifications ... a lot. Anyone who takes the time to get their hair bleached and then dyed light blue has a special place in my heart. The only problem is the older society and offices that look down on what they call freaks. I love Kerbey Lane for encouraging tattoos. There needs to be more of that, especially in Austin. Anahata Katkin thinks so too.

We'll see how other societies tolerate or even encourage tattoos in this series. The only place we won't be going is Tatooine, unfortunately.

Friday, January 1, 2010

2010


Bjork - Triumph Of The Heart

Sungjae | MySpace Video


2010 got off to a nice start. The kindness of strangers. Please don't take it for granted. We could be Dallas easily, but we're not yet. Austin's charm still lingers - we talk to strangers. Thank God. Could be my wide-eyed optimism, but knowing your neighbors holds a certain beauty. You are not alone in your little apartment complex. Yes, yes, there are those who will make your life a living hell, but don't use them as an excuse to not knock on your new neighbor's door. They could be nice. Perhaps.

I have no images that relate to this topic. Sorry Mr. Rogers is banned from my site, but I do have a video of all the wonderful drunkeness and incoherence of a 5am New Year's blog post. Enjoy and remember to knock loudly wouldja?