My New Tattoo

I have been thinking about a tattoo for a long time and finally decided what I wanted.  Originally was thinking of some sort of symbol, like in Japanese or something, to represent in some way my boys or being a mom.  Then Jay said to me, "why would you do Japanese?  You're Filipino!"  Right.  So started researching Filipino symbols and tattooing traditions and learned that a common trend among Filipinos is the sun and three stars, as seen on the Philippine national flag:

The sun's rays represent the first eight provinces that took up arms against Spain during the Philippine revolution.  The stars represent the three groups of Philippine Islands: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

Though my dad was born and raised in Hawaii, he is not "native" Hawaiian.  The extended family is originally from the Philippines.  Sadly I don't know much about that part of my family, but I am making it my personal quest to learn more about them, who they were, what brought them to eventually settle in Hawaii and who, if anyone, may still be over on the Philippine Islands.  Thus, this tattoo is homage to my Filipino lineage.  When I saw the design of the sun and stars, I immediately thought of my boys.  The sun represents me and the stars represent my boys.  It couldn't be more fitting.  Of course, each of their names are between the stars and they are in my own handwriting.  It was painful, but not so bad that I wouldn't go back for another.  I really love what it means to me and am so happy I powered through my fears!  Thanks to Nik & Scott for encouraging me and literally holding my hand through it all! :)  And thanks to Jay for reminding me that I am not Japanese...

This photo of course is "props" to Imelda Marcos, the Philippine politician and widow of the 10th Philippine president, Ferdinand Marcos....she was known for her collection of 3000 pairs of shoes :)