Blooms of the Heart
I searched far and wide throughout the state of Iowa to find an artist that I trusted to do my (then-half) sleeve. I found Emi on Instagram, waited patiently for her books to open, and started a relationship that is now five years and six tattoos strong—but my sleeve is the most meaningful to me.
Two red roses for my aunt and uncle who passed away within a few weeks of one another. Their surname was Rose. I miss them dearly.
White roses and blue hydrangeas for my wedding bouquet when I married the greatest man I’ve ever met—someone I love more today than when I married him nine years ago.
A yellow chrysanthemum for my grandmother, who was known as “the plant lady of Pittsburgh” and taught me everything I know about flowers and growing things. She was a sassy lady and hated yellow flowers to the point she’d yank them out of the ground. The only yellow flower she liked was yellow mums. She passed when I was fourteen, and I’m reminded of her every time I see it.
Violets and snapdragons for my childhood self, who loved to pick fistfuls of “johnny jump-ups” and make little flower arrangements—and make the snapdragons “roar” by pinching them. Little me went through a lot, and these are for her and who she became.
Irises have always been my favorite flower. They’re my favorite color, a unique shape, and symbolize wisdom and hope.
The pink peony was Emi’s addition and has become one of my favorite flowers. It’s also my favorite flower on the tattoo. I told her I was wary of pink, but she was right—and I trust her with my colors completely now.
We plan to add pea flowers for my grandpa, who called me “Sweet Pea” and passed when I was ten.
Marigolds and bleeding hearts are more of my favorites—flowers I remember growing and nurturing.
I hope this sleeve can continue to grow and change like the flowers, myself, and Emi.