Jef was open enough to share the story behind his brave chestscript,

I was sexually abused as a child. Growing up I knew only shame, for any and all my actions. I did this after a month or so of reflection on a conversation I had with a beautiful dancer I met while doing something I shouldn’t have been. We shared somewhat mutual stories, and as the conversation progressed, she impressed upon me the idea of shameless, a complete anathema to how I’ve lived for years and years. I had decided to get it as a reminder that others — and therefore myself — are able to live life feeling no shame where shame is not due. Every day it serves as a reminder that I am not responsible for what happened to me, and a motivator to continue my healing.

I think maybe this entry will be of interest mostly to etymology buffs? Niklas (here’s a picture of him and his sister) got this tattoo to show his roots — Swedish one half, Hungarian on the other. The text on the top is Hungarian and the Swedish is on the bottom — the reason I thought it was interesting is that I’ve always identified “Home Sweet Home” as a uniquely American expression, so it’s really a mix of three cultures, one of them unintended?

Dear Katie,

I accept your invitation.

These matching boyfriend and girlfriend tattoos (with lyrics from Brand New’s – No Seatbelt Song) were done by Shona at Adventurous Art Tattoos.

More great work by Noon with this “Willst du mit mir gehen?”* tattoo…

* “Will you go out with me?”

Hellbomb sends in these “Right” and “Left” wrist tattoos that Bob Paulin at 123 Tattoo and Piercing in St. Catharines did on her — what’s weird to me is that they’re more a reminder to others, since they must look upside down to her!