I have had several tattoo experiences with HVT over the last year.

The first tattoos I received were a butterfly and a rose. I got those because I figured if there was something beautiful on my body I'd feel beautiful as well. There is another reason I chose tattoos.

Truth is I've never been a very happy person. I am/was a self mutilator and have been since age of 15. I've been cutting for over 15 years now.

I decided that tattoos are WAY more beautiful than ugly scratches and stitch scars. I can still get the feeling of pain but from the pain comes such beauty that on occasion it makes me weepy. It's very emotional for me because I'm replacing a bad habit with something beautiful and ME.

I came in shortly after the first 2 tattoos and had one put on the back of my neck. My brother died in 2003 from a drug overdose and I wanted to memorialize him somehow so I had what's called Kanji...I think put on my neck. Translation means little or younger brother. I specifically wanted it on the back of my neck so I'd always know it's there but I can't see it daily.

Then I slipped...mentally and when I recovered I decided I deserved a tattoo as a reward for making it though a tough time so I added another butterfly and some flowers.

Every time I have a good day or overcome something VERY difficult I've kept the tradition of rewarding myself with more.

After several more visits and several more tattoos my wrist is now complete. When I look at it now I'm seeing a love type theme which I wasn't originally aware of.

They are all birds, and butterflies in groups of 2, 1 male and one female. The colors are fantastic and the artwork is BEAUTIFUL. I've gotten more compliment on them than I've ever received in my LIFE.

Even the people in my life that disapprove of tattoos have to admit they're beautiful. I think my mother is the one who shocked me the most. She HATES tattoos and so does my father yet mom says how beautiful they are and she's just glad I didn't get a black rose with barbed wire lol.

Every time I've come into the shop both in PG and AF I've had the most splendid experience.

Yes, there's blood AND pain but at the same time the people make you laugh and the next thing you know you're talking about things you normally don't talk about. I find myself spilling my guts when I'm in the chair and they don't judge and they're very much into participating with you.

To make it simple they put up with me and they put up with me in a way that makes me feel important. I've never felt so comfortable before. I can be myself and nobody shoves me into on coming traffic which is amazing in and of itself.

I adore each and every person I've ever met there and I want to say THANK YOU for making all my visits personal and beautiful.

I WILL be back again and again and I feel like you're all my friends and I will continue doing anything I can to help out when problems arise...let's hope this mess with the AF police is the ONLY problem.

Once we get you through this I have a feeling things will be better than before. Overcoming adversity makes people nearly invincible...at least that's what my therapist says :)

Thanks for EVERYTHING
Tracey