Thoughts from Between the Knees

Thoughts from Between the Knees

An enlightened GYN’s perspective on what it takes for women to feel good about ourselves and our health

Jul 15, 2011

Show and Tell

Confession. I got a tattoo at the ripe old age of 53. According to an article in The Huffington Post, I am not alone. Apparently lots of us mid-life baby boomers have decided that we need a little “ink” at this particular time in our lives.

The article touches a bit on motivations, but I would like to explore this more deeply. I know I spent years considering the “what, where, and why” of my tattoo. Yes, it was definitely about making a statement, about celebrating the fact that a really hard part of my life was over: the kids were grown, the 20 year marriage was over, I moved out of my big house in the swim/tennis neighborhood, quit my ALTA team, and stopped volunteering for everything. Actually, I think I crawled into a bit of a cave to lick my wounds for a few years.

And part of the coming out of my cave was getting my tattoo. While the content certainly had to be meaningful, the location was as important. I wanted to be able to show it in public if I felt like it, but I didn’t really want it to be part of a first impression. Rather it would be my “after” statement.

People who know about it always ask if I plan to get another one. No. For me it would detract from the freedom and power I felt getting it, and still feel when I expose it. I can’t see it, but I know it’s there, and I am proud of it.

So if you got your first tattoo over the age of 45, please feel free to share your thoughts about it, along with a picture!

Share with Others

Category: Here's how I see it

Tags:

One Response

  1. provakis says:
    July 29, 2011 at 2:29 pm

    Hi, i liked the way you feel and i am glad that you are coming out of the cave. You have had a pretty tough Job to get your kids and life on Line. I read an article about Woman and how they flourish. A hard working woman flourishes again in her prime during 45 – 55 and she radiates and becomes more beautiful than any one can imagine.

    and yeah even i got a tattoo but at 22 …

    and i loved the way it moves on my skin and i feel very proud of it . But you know no matter how adorable your tattoo is you always like the ink on other’s body. So i have to say you got a very good tattoo.

    provakis@live.com

I'd rather wear the panties, not the pants

Thoughts from Between the Knees I am in my mid-50s. As a gynecologist for 25 years I have had thousands of conversations with women in some of their most vulnerable moments, hoping they can trust me to listen and understand. The idea of sharing my thoughts with the world by typing into the blogosphere does not come naturally. Over the years, my patients have told me I have a unique view of the world, that I tell it like it is and they value my opinions. So I have decided to share my thoughts here. The topics will often focus on healthcare issues, but may wander into public policy, politics, and pet peeves. It is after all, my blog. And unlike with a book, you may respond. Like conversations. Occasionally I will invite my boyfriend, Carlton, to comment on a particular topic. He is smart, funny, thoughtful, and honest. I value his opinions. It is important to understand a man’s viewpoint. They are, after all, half the population. He thinks God created no more facinating creature than us. He has no idea how right he is.

Calendar

July 2011
M T W T F S S
« Jun   Aug »
 123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
25262728293031