come as you are
When asked to defined morecowbell, I always explain this site as a documentation of my journey towards living life louder. More than a tagline for my website, “living life louder” is a personal mantra. A reminder to stay true to myself. keep the funk alive. fuel the fire which burns under my skin. be more colorful.
every day there are subtle signs urging us to conform. Move quietly along the queue. Adhere to the status quo. It is easy to fall victim to conformity. I find myself hiding tattoos on job interviews. Toning down my makeup for weddings. Wearing more sensible shoes.
This weekend krissy invited me to the Inked Out Tattoo Convention. Within seconds of walking through the door, I felt like I could breathe again. Just. Be. me.
There is a palpable “come as you are,” vibe inside tattoo shops. It is the same feeling in the air at concerts. Shows and festivals are not only about music and tattoos are not just about the ink. Our culture is one of acceptance. Of individuality, creative expression, and of feeling home.
Lately I have been tossing around a few ideas for mini pieces. At the Inked Out Show I ran into a friend who had a booth and an opening. I was jazzed and turned to Krissy for reassurance. When she told me not to overthink it, my love for her was reaffirmed. Kris constantly brings me back down to earth. Reminds me how nothing is really that serious.
If we want something, we should go for it, regardless of what our grandparents, coworkers, or random rude waitress will think. Nothing has to be a big debate. Instead of pining for months over chic haircuts on pinterest, CUT YOUR FREAKING BANGS. not sure if you can pull off red lipstick? slap some ruby loss on your pout and give it a whirl. And if you find yourself really wanting a tattoo – make an appointment!
life is too short to play by someone else’s rules.