One of the perks of the Big Rig is that we have multiple TV’s. We are not huge TV watchers, especially since we’ve been on our Big Adventure, but we do have our favorites. American Idol is one of them.
Recently one of the Idol contestants took a Lady GaGa song and completely changed the arrangement. That’s not unusual, and in fact, it’s what the judges encourage them to do. To a point. The contestant was Jax and the song was Poker Face. I’m just hip enough to be a GaGa fan, but not hip enough to have a clue what the original Poker Face sounds like. I did enjoy Jax’s version.
What struck me was the judges take on her version. Jennifer Lopez commended her for making it her own, but cautioned her about going to far. Apparently, there’s a line and once crossed it gets dangerous. It’s a bad thing when the audience no longer recognizes the song. J Lo felt Jax crossed the line.
Keith Urban was supportive of Jax’s performance. He was also adorable, as usual.
Harry Connick Jr. agreed that Jax had pushed the arrangement to the limits. His advice, rather than be careful of the limits, was to OWN the limits.
Hmmmm, interesting critiques. Be careful of the limits or own the limits.
Made me think about my newly minted tattoo.
When I was considering a tattoo, I had two potential limiting concerns: pain and approval. The first limit, pain, felt like a non-issue. After all, I’ve given birth.
It was the second limit, approval, that weighed heaviest. What would my family think? My friends? And most of all my grandchildren. What kind of example am I setting? It’s not like I’m in my reckless years. I ‘should’ know better by 60.
I wrestled with this for quite some time. I considered locating the tat where it could be easily hidden. That way if limit pushing felt dangerous, I could opt out. There’s nothing wrong with strategic placement of tattoos, but for me it felt like copping out. Like I was bold enough to push a limit, but not bold enough to own it.
I am the proud mom of a very independent, limit-pushing, limit-embracing daughter. She is also a tattoo fan. She encouraged me to let go of the limits I was self-imposing. Do what felt right for me. And whatever I decided, to OWN my decision. Great advice.
She was by my side the whole time. My tattoo is just what I wanted. It’s located in a place where it’s readily visible, but not impossible to hide. I don’t plan on hiding it. This was a big thing for me and it felt expansive and freeing to push the limits. Once the healing is complete, I’ll do the “Big Reveal.”
My advice if you’re getting a tat, follow the care instructions carefully. If you know me, you know following directions is not my strong suit. Lesson learned.