Yes, I'm thinking about getting a tattoo. I've wanted one for years; just haven't had the nerve to do it. Plus, I only wanted one and I found it hard to choose from an infinite selection the perfect one for me. The perfect statement. I didn't want "merely" a rose or butterfly or daffodil because it seemed that's a common choice for women and girls.

A couple of weeks ago I watched Miami Ink on the TLC channel. Then earlier this week, they were having a "Miami Ink Marathon." I watched several shows in a row. Suddenly I got the perfect idea -- at least for me.

I love color. And I love parrots. So, my choice is a blue and red parrot. But I don't want it on my back or even shoulder where I can't see it. I further decided that if I want to see it, the best place would be the back of my hand which, obviously, I see all the time. [I also thought it might hide or at least disguise a couple of age spots!]

Today I visited an ink place and talked to Trevor, the dude in charge. It was about Noon and that's their opening time. He was working on a guy's shoulder, painting on the design. After watching Miami Ink and this young guy work, you realize they are artists; it's just that their canvas isn't linen or wood; it's skin. And instead of hanging it in your living room, you take it with you everywhere!

I asked him how he worked around wrinkles. Okay, I have a few. He said he's done his 80-year-old grandmother and it came out fine. And I'm figuring that on my hand it won't be quite so wrinkly as some other spots.

Of course I asked him what the needle feels like. He said it's like a cat scratch that never stops. Hmmmm. That sounds a bit scary. My daughter has a couple of tattoos on tender spots and she said it's not that bad.

Last May we visited our local zoo and I took photos of a couple of the parrots there. I'm going to take one of those to the tattoo artist.

Actually, one of my young friends does tattoos. I may get in touch with him before going elsewhere for the actual work. I haven't seen or heard from him until just recently after a lapse of a couple of years. His life style has changed dramatically. Whereas before he was often living on the street, now he's married, has a couple of babies, and holds a regular job as a graphic artist. I'm not sure whether he even does tattoos any more.

What do you think about an upper-50-ish woman getting a tatto? Would you do it? Why or why not?