Womens feet and legs

[concerned]

Thursday was such a beautiful day that I decided to go downtown in Utica. I sat in a couple of the mini parks during the lunch hours for those who work in the downtown area. The mini parks are great for doing some observations. I decided to view the feet and legs of women as they walked past me. This is what I observed.
1. Women look like the are torturing themselves with the various heights of high heels they wear. Some look like they could be used as a lethal weapon.

2. Why do so many women have tattoo's all over there legs and arms? I don't mind a small rose or a pair of lips on the inner ankle but a few had some pretty big tattoo's. One lady had her right leg and right arm plastered with this for of art work. I can't understand how some find employment and what type of employment they are able to do. I think I will stop and ask a few of them that question.

[Swimmy]

They probably cover it up when they're in the office, if they work for a reputable business.

[chris]

Concerned.....most office workers (professionals) when they work downtown put on sneakers when leaving the office to run around during lunch breaks(at least that's what we do here in Rochachacha) I don't have any tatoos and persoanlly hate them myself but it is what everyone is doing so I guess some can't be individuals but must join the pack. I would never date a guy with tatotoos as I don't like body art. I just want to hear from all those tatoo lovers covered in body art as they get older and hear if they are still happy with their choice and now stuck with it if they wanted to remove it. I''ve got to tell you that some look mighty scary to me waiting on me behind that cash register and believe me I am far from being a prude. I just believe art belongs on a canvas and not skin.

[concerned]

I was standing in line at a checkout at Walmart one day and this guy in front of me had a large shull tattoo on the back of his shaved head.

[Clipper]

Well Chis, if you want the opinion of someone who has plenty of "body art" left over from my stint in Viet Nam and the Western Pacific, I will give it to you.

ANY young person that thinks it is cool to have body art where it is visible when clothed, is most likely going to have second thoughts as they age. I never had any risque tatoo's, but I have 5 on one arm, 6 on the other arm, and two on my chest. They are all related to military service and world travel. I have a skull with "death before dishonor", I have "WestPac 68" (Western Pacific 1968), I have "homeward bound", and I have a tatoo that I got the night that I got back in the states at the end of my enlistment. That one is a little sailor with his discharge in hand and a joint in his mouth, that says "never again", haha.

The tatoo's have faded, blurred, and the color has gone out of most of them. I am simply glad that I didn't get any that I have to be ashamed of.

My advice to young people is to avoid putting body art where it cannot be covered by clothing, unless you want to be married in a wool gabardine wedding gown with a turtle neck and long sleeves.

Be careful what you put on your body, because it could be embarrassing to go to church with some unholy, and inappropriate tatoo on your arm, as you hold your arm and hand out to receive communion. What mother wants to really think about her baby nursing on breasts that are labeled sweet and sour, or chocolate and vanilla? Who wants to undress their bride on their wedding night to find her well rounded and smooth bottom, defiled by a pair of Harley Davidson wings?

Biggest thing to remember about tatoo's is that they are permanent, and what seems appropriate today, may be very embarrassing or demeaning in your older years.

[Clipper]

Concerned, I am glad to see that you have broadened your horizons. I always thought you were a breast man, hahahaha! I have often wondered how women can wear those high heeled shoes also. It is one of those mysteries that have baffled men for an eternity. Better them than me,LOL. Give me a soft pair of loafers or a pair of work/hiking boots with good ankle support.

[lucy]

Some of those shoes look like they hurt, but they really don't, plus they look hot on! There is a special name for those kinds of shoes, but I can't say it on here...... hahahaha.....

[chris]

Yes and they probably wouldn't mind us tap dancing on there backs

[Clipper]

No thanks Chris. I just had back surgery! LOL The tall heels look like they would force all your weight down on your toes and cram your toes down into the toe of the shoe.

I have to admit, that they DO accentuate a woman's calves and make a lady walk with a wiggle, haha. They are sexy as hell, as long as I don't have to wear them.

As for tap dancing on my back, I have had that done, among other things in the bath houses and massage parlors of Sasebo Japan in the 60's. (sshhhhh, don't tell Kathy, although I didn't meet Kathy for another 30 years, haha)

[Ralph]

Good to hear that you're out and about there Concerned, and that you are observing! LOL!!!

I just wanted to interject that there are many reasons for tattooing. As Chris said, a lot of folks do it because it is "the in thing" to do.

When we were doing tattoo work we always counseled our customers that they would most likely have to live with it for the rest of their lives. We didn't do anything above the neck and no hand work, just our own ethics. And we warned those that had them in more exposed places that they would be scrutinized closer for it.

But there are many reasons for doing it. I have one on each forearm in recognition of my Martial Arts training along with both sleeves (one is a Protectorate dragon and another is an Imperial dragon bearing my children's names) and an ongoing piece on my back.
The backpiece is reflective of my Taoist philosophical beliefs and when finished will include a symbolization of my Christian religious beliefs as well.
The artwork is for my pleasure alone, the philosophical end has a number of reasons. Maybe it can best be explained when one is praying alone.....no one knows but you and those you wish to share it with. It is a meditative process and one that you must endure, because at some point....YEAH, it hurts!

Here I go on & on again!! There are many reasons, but a good portion is for reflection, maybe now it is different, but for many there was always a reason other than just art.

[dgriffin]

We had a tattoo fair in Woodstock a few years ago, and the organization I volunteer with was asked to man (and woman) the tables that sold programs, etc., in return for a cash gift to our food pantry. So I got to sit around for the day (my favorite past time of late) and talk with men and women who wore permanent artwork ranging from a tiny flower on the calf to the really bizarre displays of an entire picture show. When it seemed appropriate, I got around to somehow asking "why?" of each tattooed guy or girl. Sometimes I got a shrug of the shoulders, but most could articulate their reason for getting tattooed.

Some time before, when I asked Mrs. Dave why she didn't get a tattoo, she had answered, "Someday in a nursing home, I won't have to explain it to the girl who changes my bedpan." Her response came to mind at the Tattoo Festival as I spoke with a rather pretty woman in her forties.
"So," I said, "if you ever get old, will it bother you to have tattoos?"
'No," she replied, "why should it?"
"Well ... you know, if you're incapacitated and you need personal care....."
"You mean, " she interrupted, "someone says, 'what's an old lady like you doing with a tattoo on her butt?' "
"Yes," I said, not realizing she also had a tattoo on her butt.
"I'd tell 'em I lived my life, had a good time, got tattooed, and what's a young snot like you doing in a place like this? You should be out getting tattooed!"

Made sense to me.

[kit]

Hmmm! As far as the "in" thing to do... I sure hope that going ballistic in schools or elsewhere and shooting a lot of people doesn't catch on. Post offices, schools, immigrant centers... when will it stop? A tattoo that one may get when they're younger, and then regret when they're older, is one thing. But murder/suicide is quite another.

[bobbbiez]

Chris, ya wanted to hear from the "older" to see what they feel about the tattoos they got when they were younger, so I'll give you my opinion.

I had a yellow rose tattooed on my shoulder at 17 yrs old when I was at the old, OC Buck Shows (field days.) I have never regretted doing that and you know how old I am. In fact, every few years I have it redone because of some fading. Have to get it done again in the near future.

I had it placed where if I want to cover it I can, but the majority of the time, I don't want it covered. I had it done looking very classy and I think that is the key to getting tattoos, especially for a woman. No need to go overboard.

It is a personal liking so I say, each to their own.

ps: Still at my age, I would like to have a small yellow rose tattooed on one ankle. Just have to find someone I trust to do it properly and clean. Come out of retirement Ralph. ;D

[Ralph]

For you Bobbbiez.........sure! I have a few people that have inquired since they found out I was sticking around. But fewer I will actually do it for. Whenever you're ready we'll sit down and discuss it.

[bobbbiez]

Thanks Ralph.

We'll talk after the foot has healed.