I was wrong.

The first time I saw Rick Grimes with his old-fashioned Colt Python on AMC’s “The Walking Dead”, my first thought was, “Great, another show with lots of guns written by people who don’t know the first thing about guns”. While subsequent episodes have not changed my mind on that specific point, as the plot has unfolded, I’ve questioned my initial assumption that Grimes’ signature revolver is an ignorant and impractical choice of weapon.

What follows is a summary of the history, factors, and circumstances that changed my mind.  For many shooting enthusiasts, I know this is a hard sell, but bear with me and let us know if you change your mind, too. For those of you who already “get it”, well… you were a few steps ahead of me.

If you have a short attention span like me and you want to get the history and technical part over with, here’s a quick summary of the Colt Python’s background and capabilities:

Initial Skepticism

Remember, it’s a Television Show

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Like most firearms enthusiasts, I frequently find myself resisting the urge to yell at the screen any time a movie or TV show commits some kind of gun-related “mistake”. I definitely had that urge when I saw the pilot episode of “The Walking Dead”. There’s our hero, Deputy Sheriff Rick Grimes, joining his fellow officers to try and apprehend a couple of criminals in an intense standoff. The other cops are wielding heavy-hitting 12 gauge shotguns and period-correct Glock pistols, both currently among the most common law enforcement firearms in the United States.

Then, Rick draws his gun to join them and what does he have? A beautiful six inch stainless steel .357 magnum Colt Python.

After I spent about half a second ogling the sleek lines on this timeless classic, I reverted to ravenous shouting gun-fanboy mode and spat off a dozen reasons why that character should not and would not be carrying that particular firearm. Not only did cops stop carrying revolvers back in the 90′s, but who brings a six-shot antique with them to fight off the countless shambling hordes of undead?

Don’t worry, I’ve had a couple of seasons to get over it. If you can look past the obvious anachronism, the Python is, symbolically, a fitting weapon for our protagonist. It’s large and intimidating and makes a powerful statement. The expertise with which Rick handles the large gun shows that he is in complete control.

The revolver’s tradition and history make it a nearly perfect fit for Rick Grimes’ persona.

“Rick is John Wayne writ modern. His trusty hand cannon of a Colt – along with his gold star, big ol’ hat, and grim determination to do what’s necessary over what’s good – make him the 21st Century Duke. Rick picks up any number of different weapons over the course of his zombie killing career, but, like every classic Western hero, will always go back to his revolver,” Alex Brown, writer and reviewer of “The Walking Dead” for Tor.com said.

Despite his occasional emotional volatility and quest to cling to some kind of morality in a devastated new world, Rick’s symbol of leadership is still embodied in his larger-than-life sidearm. The short time that he doesn’t have it by his side is when he loans it to Otis; a time when Rick was absent as a leader, focused on his dying child. In early episodes, Rick is still getting his bearings and in many cases shows a desire to cling to a now outdated model of civilization.

His old-fashioned six shooter reminds us that Rick is at risk of becoming an obsolete relic of a bygone era. But Rick adapts, and his Colt remains his weapon of choice. At the end of the show’s second season, Rick gives his famous “this is not a democracy” speech, the Python at his side reinforcing that he’s still the man in charge.

The Colt Python Stands the Test of Time

Top of the line when introduced; Today, a collector’s item

The Python makes a great symbol, but for folks like me and my gun nerd pals, that fact by itself is just not gonna cut it. A wheel gun is still a sub-optimal choice for the apocalypse, so why am I willing to forgive the show for equipping its hero so poorly? Because the Colt Python is just plain awesome, and here is why:

The Python was first introduced in the mid-1950′s; a time when revolvers were king in the US handgun market, and the Python was developed to become the king of the revolvers. With each gun being hand-fitted by expert craftsmen at Colt, the new revolver was made to be a “premium-grade” target pistol.  It was an instant hit with citizens looking for a self-defense gun, and more important for its long-term success, cops loved it too.

The four and six inch barreled versions of the Python could soon be found in the holsters of police officers all over the country. The high price tag meant few police departments placed contract purchases for their whole force, but many officers carried their personally-owned Pythons on duty; a status symbol to mark a lawman with more sophisticated taste than the average beat-walker.

Colt also produced an eight inch barreled version of the Python that was specifically designed with hunters in mind, and shorter 2.5 and three inch models for easier concealed carry for plainclothes cops and permit-holding civilians. In the latter decades of the 20th century, America’s police force traded in their revolvers for semi-automatics that could hold three times as much ammo before reloading. Revolver sales steadily declined and by 1999, Colt stopped regular production of the Python.

Still highly regarded today, Pythons command a premium on the used market, and are prized by both collectors and serious shooters. Colt priced the Python around $125 in 1955. In today’s dollars, that’s about an $1,100 investment, making it tough on the wallet to begin with. But the last few years have seen an increase in prices on the secondary market and a used Python will run you anywhere from $1,500 for a well-used model, up to $6,000 for some of the more scarce variants.

The Python’s Mystique

To shoot the Python is to love it

The Colt Python .357 magnum revolver. (Image Courtesy: Steve Z/Flickr.com; some rights reserved).

The revolver was highly revered in its day and in many ways still is. But what makes the Python so great? Companies like Smith and Wesson and Ruger also made excellent revolvers in the same time period, many of which are still in production today and have their own loyal following. But listen to a fan of Pythons and they talk as if firing it is a transcendental spiritual experience.

Even Andrew Lincoln, the actor who portrays Rick Grimes, has a genuine appreciation for the Python. In an online Q&A with AMC, he said of the Python,

“I love my cannon… The Colt Python is like a Rolex: It will never fail you… It’s become part of my body. I had to wrestle with the props department when they took it back the last time.”

See what I mean? It sounds like the man has a romantic– maybe even religious relationship with the Python, and he doesn’t even get to fire live ammo. Handgun experts echo this kind of praise. Colt historian and author RL Wilson described the Colt Python as “the Rolls-Royce of Colt revolvers”.

According to popular opinion, there are a few characteristics of the Python that have lead to its mythical status in the world of firearms. Beyond the previously-mentioned high standard of craftsmanship, there is the caliber of ammo the Python fires: .357 magnum.

Ever since it was introduced in the 1930s, American shooters have had a love affair with the .357 magnum. There have been several larger and more powerful handgun cartridges available for many years, but .357 revolvers boast a superior balance of effectiveness, size, and controllability. All revolvers chambered in this cartridge also have the added benefit of being able to fire the weaker .38 special ammo. With significantly less recoil and lower cost, .38s are great for practice, and they aren’t half-bad for self-defense either. This adds a huge practical advantage for .357 revolvers that most other guns do not share.

But there are dozens of .357 magnum revolvers on the market; even a few whose fit and finish rivals that of the Python. The secret to the Python’s success is one that can only be appreciated by actually firing it. Any revolver shooter will tell you that of all the characteristics that distinguish a good revolver from a great one, the trigger is the most significant. A stiff, heavy, or gritty-feeling trigger will ruin an otherwise perfect revolver.

The Colt’s trigger is not only smooth, but light too, so that it requires minimal pressure from the finger to fire. This means the gun is more likely to stay on target and it’s easier to hit what you’re aiming at. The late Col. Jeff Cooper, another notable fan of the Python and grandfather of modern handgun technique, had this to say about the Python’s operation:

“Its single action release is usually superb, combining with its weight and fine sights to provide excellent controllability. The Python is expensive, and it should be.”

Other Famous Characters

Before Rick Grimes and “The Walking Dead” on Television

Rick Grimes, the protaganist in the hit AMC show The Walking Dead, stares down the barrel of a Colt Python during an episode in the show’s second season. (Image Courtesy: AMC)

The Colt Python has been showcased in film and on television before but maybe never in as bright a light as what “The Walking Dead” offers.

Denzel Washington was nominated for a Golden Globe while carrying the Python in the 2007 movie “American Gangster”, it has been featured in numerous blockbuster video games like “Resident Evil”, “Call of Duty”, and “Counter Strike”, and is a common star on television programs like “CSI: New York”, “Chappelle’s Show”, and “Starsky and Hutch”, according to the Internet Movie Firearms Database.

The iconic appearance of the Python makes it a media darling in addition to its superb real-world performance.

Colt Python Performance

Disadvantages in a Walking Dead situation

Even with its mythic status and superior handling characteristics, the Python still has several disadvantages for someone in Rick Grimes situation. But those shortcomings may be offset by a few less obvious advantages. The most apparent problem with revolvers is their low ammo capacity. Not only are you limited to six rounds with the Python, but it takes much longer to reload than a magazine-fed semi-automatic. When facing an encroaching pack of hungry undead, that’s a pretty significant problem. For purists or fans of The Walking Dead comic book series, the reloading process for a revolver would be particularly difficult for Grimes. The deputy sheriff loses his right hand in Issue #28.

Grimes, at the bottom of the image, loses his hand as part of the comic book series. Whether he’ll pay the same price in the television series is yet to be known. (Image Courtesy: Walkingdead.wikia.com)

The Python is built slightly differently than most revolvers. Internally, the Colt is much more complex, which is both a burden and blessing. The complexity leads to improved performance, fantastic when facing a life-or-death situation. However, the Colt is one of the worst revolvers to own when it comes to the accessibility of spare parts. The complicated mechanics of the firearm can be more susceptible to problems than simpler and more rugged revolver designs. Certainly in an apocalyptic situation, spare components would be tough to come by and the expertise of an experienced gunsmith would also be a rare find.

Revolvers generally require very little cleaning and lubrication compared to other options, but if you neglect regular maintenance for too long, the results can be catastrophic. If you’re shooting a semi-automatic pistol and something goes wrong, you have a good chance of being able to clear the failure in a matter of seconds. Some types of problems are easily cleared in a revolver too. But if, for example, you’ve been too busy burying your dead-undead-former best friend to clean your guns, the next time you go to blast a couple of walkers, your revolver’s cylinder might lock up due to powder fouling, and you’re going to need time and tools to get it up and firing again. For someone that puts himself in situations like Rick Grimes, any malfunction could mean death, or zombification.

The Python, like many revolvers, typically does not require as much cleaning and lubrication as pistols. (Image Courtesy: Steve Z/Flickr.com; some rights reserved)

Advantages

But let’s give Rick the benefit of the doubt and assume for a moment that he’s an absolute prodigy with the Colt Python. Perhaps he rarely misses and can reload with unlikely-but-still-humanly-possible Jerry Miculek-like speed. The low ammo capacity is still a problem, but certainly less-so when the revolver is in the hands of an expert. When you consider that the combo of the .357 magnum cartridge and the Python’s six-inch barrel gives the revolver an effective range and practical accuracy that approaches twice what you’d get out of the average 9mm pistol, the revolver begins to look like an attractive option for keeping walkers at bay. A semi-automatic rifle with a 30+ round magazine would be the best choice for survival, and a modern semi-automatic pistol provides the most rounds in the smallest package. But Rick’s Python is more portable than a rifle and more deadly at long range than the pistols and shotguns the other characters use.

Also consider the versatility of ammunition, especially in times of survival, when ammo is a hot commodity and the ability to fire anything is vital. Assuming Rick has both .357 ammo and .38 special ammo, he can adapt the gun to different situations. For picking off walkers at long-range, the magnums are ideal. When he’s expecting a close-range threat, .38s will do just fine. If stealth is required, again, .38′s provide an advantage because they make a little less noise, and if Rick has to fire, he can reduce the risk of alerting more walkers, or anyone else nearby.

Despite the availability of more modern firearms, the Python turns out to be not such a bad choice for hunting the undead.

Ultimately, a good signature weapon is more than a practical tool for the hero. It helps to define him. Whether it’s James Bonds’ sleek and sexy Walther PPK, or Dirty Harry’s “take-no-prisoner’s” .44 magnum, the notable weapons wielded by our favorite heroes help to tell their story. Over time, I think Rick Grimes’ Colt Python will become as much an icon as these other classics and they will be remembered as the man and the gun that survived the end of the world.

Normally, Lucky Gunner Labs is a place for rigorous and exhaustive testing, unique product reviews, how-to guides, and data sharing. Well, this time, they made the mistake of letting mewrite a post. I hope you guys enjoyed it and I hope they let me come back!

Today, mostly in China, the Qixi Festival is celebrated. An Asian holiday similar to the American “Valentine’s Day,” the Qixi is in honor of an old tale that says the Milky Way was created to separate two lovers; one a human boy, Niulang, and the other a fairy girl, Zhinü . However, on the seventh Lunar night of the seventh Lunar month, (which happens to fall on today’s 2012 date), the two lovers would come together in a passionate reunion.

Zhinü, the fairy weaver, was bored with Heaven and went to explore Earth when she met a young cowherd, Niulang. The two instantly fell in love and were married without the consent of the weaver’s goddess mother, and even had two children with the mortal man.

Once Zhinü’s goddess mother ordered her back to heaven, Niulang became depressed. One day, his ox told Niulang that if he were to kill him and wear his hide, he would be able to go up to heaven and see his fairy wife.

The cowherd killed the ox and flew up to heaven. When Zhinü’s mother got word, she took her hair pin out and sliced a divider in the sky. The gap became a galactic river that she thought would keep the mortal and her fairy daughter apart forever.

Once a year, other beings in the fairy’s universe would build a bridge to bring the two lovers together for one night out of pity.

The holiday is celebrated by retelling the story under the stars Altair and Vega, symbols for the two ancient lovers. The holiday is much like St. Valentine’s Day, where couples and lovers court one another and exchange small presents. 

The cutest part of the modern Qixi gift-giving tradition? Fireflies are a popular gift from man to woman, as an illuminating symbol of love.

A great myth about the Qixi, is that on this day it will likely rain because of all the crying in heaven. Another says, if you stand under grapevines at night you can hear the lovers talking.

If Valentine’s Day is your thing and you just cannot wait until the New Year for all the excitement of love, candy, dining out and wooing your lover, go on and celebrate Qixi.

Just remember to tell your significant other the story, first. It is a great tale to know and share!

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Fairy of the Magpie Bridge

Among the beautiful clouds
Over the heavenly river
Crosses the weaving maiden.

A night of rendezvous
Across the autumn sky
Surpasses joy on earth.

Moments of tender love and dream
So sad to leave the magpie bridge.

Eternal love between us two
Shall withstand the time apart.

I was intrigued by the amount of people on the internet who openly discuss sex. You read correct, I was… surprised. Young, college students who by all American standards are normal, but have very bold outlooks on how their sex life is supposed to go. I was only thrown-off because I never used the internet to look up this type of relationship advice, I just… trucked through it using my own erratic thought processes or, as I like to call them, “alone-in-my-head-too-long-fueled-decisions.” There is a separate world of blogging out there where young people come together to share their fears about not finding the right sexual partner or fulfilling their fantasies, but moreover, blogs on like-communities of taboo fetish groups.

This was not pornography, these were entire sites constructed by people, women and men my age who treat their sexual happiness as a top priority, who write freely about the subject matters my friends and I discuss three cocktails deep behind closed doors.

The more I read on these relationship and sex blogs, the tighter grip I got on the idea of what sex was like around the world. I was never too sure, naïve or blinded by America’s own sexual culture, to realize that people my age all really want the same thing, pleasure. Some just go about it differently.

Forgive my semi-intrusive research, but considering America is crazy lax on discretion, I plead the first!

What my serious search engine skills and all-around nosiness uncovered as America’s top 3 fetishes:

1. Masochism. It is definitely safe to say that this one earns the number one spot. Not only do I know oodles of girl friends that love a nice slap or two (gently), but throughout all the research I did on fetishes, this seemed to be the most accepted among long-standing partners as well as one-night stands. Hey, as long as nothing gets out of hand, to each his own.

2. Odaxelagnia. Similar to masochism but deserving a separate title in its own right, odaxelagnia is the pleasure one gets from biting, or being bit. Such a fetish can be seen in role-playing environments revolved around vampires (pretend vampires, people). Although the arousal of blood (sucking blood, watching blood flow) has its own term, hematolagnia, the increase in odaxelganists has put it on CBS News’ Top 15 Strangest Fetishes lists. How about #1 for most dangerous, unhealthy and quickest way to contract an STD list? Am I buzz-killing you? All apologies.

3. Dacryphilia. I came across so much on this fetish that I was seriously in awe. Dacryphilia is a fetish that requires sobbing tears, breathless crying, and heavy sadness to be turned on. I even read forums where people discussed their inability to withhold sexual arousal at wakes and funerals. This is one of those fetishes I really did not know existed. But as I read in a blog affiliated with this topic, a fetish can really come from anywhere- there are no guidelines for developing one.

*Runner up: Ursusagalmatophilia. I tried for pronounce it but gave up. Basically, this is a fetish commonly, and more simply referred to as “plushies” or “furries.” This is when a person dresses up in a costume (head to toe) as an animal and not only engage in sexual relations with another furry, but will go about daily activities, too. There are a ton of online communities, some dating sites and plenty of conventions in which plushies can share their taboo love of a big furry suit.

International sex fetish fact: In the Harajuku neighborhood of Tokyo, Japan, it is normal for a young woman to turn a man on sexually by wrapping her head, arms or legs in bandages. This seems like an adult modification on the innocent “doctor” role play we all took part in as children, minus seduction and, well, penetration. This fetish has since dubbed the name, “Injured Idol.” There is something sexy about the idea of being rescued. Who can argue that? Rock on Harajuku girls.

5 Facts on Sex Across the Big Bad World:

1. The Ila people of Africa [Southern Zambia] encourage their children to partake in sexual intercourse. They take pride in claiming that no one over 10 years-old is a virgin.

2. 70 percent of civilized societies permit polygamous relationships, or the act of one husband having two or more wives.

3. In Lebanon, men are legally allowed to have sexual intercourse with animals, as long as those animals are female.

4. In the rural town of Cali, Colombia, a woman is only allowed to have sex with her husband. The first time they do it, the female’s mother must be present to witness it all going down.

5. In Santa Cruz, Bolivia, a bill passed that would make it illegal for a man and a woman (not even his wife, just any woman) and her daughter to engage in sexual intercourse at the same time. True story.

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So whether we agree with any of the above aforementioned, we should accept that the world is crazier than we think; crazy in a good way, a more provocative way, a stupid way. I commend the young men and women that head to blog sites to talk about their adventures in sex. We all have demanding thoughts, confusion, curiosity, the want to try to enjoy these things, too- maybe. We are Commander-in-Chief of our bodies, and as long as we remember at the end of the day to do right by them, go ahead and indulge in the weird and wild.

Actually, Eddie, you’re a hematolagnia paraphilic.

My backyard is in bloom

To help shake out the chill of the past 8 months, May comes equipped with funky, feel-good ways to celebrate her arrival, and with her departure, she gives us one of the most anticipated picnic and outdoor celebratory holidays in the United States- Memorial Day.

Zoë at her college graduation

Today is May Day, or as they call it in Hawaiian culture, Lei Day. The Aloha State celebrates Lei Day by throwing statewide festivals; beach parties with traditional Hawaiian music and cuisine, and of course, lots of hula dancing. The Lei is a tremendously important staple in Hawaiian culture, consisting of not only the beautiful flower itself but at times, shells, nuts, feathers (sometimes animal bones), and has been a customary festive accessory since the beginning of Polynesian culture circa 3000 BC.

“In Hawaii, it is tradition to put a Lei around the graduates neck,” said Lynchburg College graduate, Zoë Eisenberg of SexyTofu.com. “My mom carried these Leis on a 12 hour flight in a cooler from Hawaii to Virginia.

If you are 5,000 miles away from paradise like myself, throw on a grass skirt and make your strongest Piña Colada, close your eyes and pretend. There is nothing wrong with a little role play as a form of escapism, just try not to do this at the office.

The full moon this month falls on the 5th, which is not only a Saturday for all your wild ones out there, but it is also Cinco De Mayo. Who smells debauchery? I most certainly do, and it all starts with Jose Gold margaritas- hold the salt- some chips and fresh guacamole.

Myself (rockin' the sombrero) & friend Nicole last Cinco de Mayo

A big fan of this Mexican holiday, Cinco De Mayo kickstarts May according to most of my interests and hobbies- drinking, eating, cooking and celebrating with friends.

If looking up at the sky in awe is your thing like it is mine, be sure to stay tuned on May 20th for a solar eclipse. I tracked the Lyrid Meteor Shower via Twitter and it was the best, most accurate way to get information from lookers across the world. I say this is a big deal because it has been a long time since the United States has been able to see an annular eclipse like this one, 18 years to be exact. Nerd alert.

May comes with a whole list of national celebrations and commemorations that are government recognized. Whether they be month-long or 24 hour-reflections, you are guaranteed to find a reason to do something out of the ordinary. For example, National Hamburger Month. I kid you not. But wait, that is totally in conjunction with National Barbecue Month. As if juicy beef patties in between fresh rolls with endless options for topping was not enough for us, May is giving us a reason to indulge in ribs, hot dogs, chicken and hot-of-the-grill goodies without guilt or discretion. Here, here to more meat!

So we have our tequila and sour mix in the blender, avocados ripe and ready to be guac’d, hamburgers sizzling on the grill, and barbecue ribs steaming away for when you get that second wind. Something is missing here. Oh right, the beer. 

Who likes hotdogs? This girl.

May celebrates National American Craft Beer Week from the 14th until the 20th. While I plan on posting up an entire blog about my adventures in drinking; comparing lagers versus lagers, ales versus ales, I want to give all of you beer freaks a reason to get excited. My personal beer favorites are indeed American brews, so using seven straight days as an excuse to taste test makes Sarah feel all warm and tingly inside.

Marky loves hugs

The reasons to celebrate continue on from National Smile Month to National Hug Your Cat Day (12th). If you are looking to do some good in terms of bringing attention to serious matters, May is National Mental Health, Physical Fitness, Hepatitis and Tourette Syndrome Awareness month.

Hugging your cat should not be a one day thing, and wearing two different colored shoes can bring laughs and start conversations (National Two Different Colored Shoes Day-3rd). Gear up for the summer doing things you love, planned or spontaneously, bringing attention to the issues that affect you most, all while finding peace, happiness and a sense of freedom  in the process.

Happy May Day, my friends. To those across the globe, this one’s for you, too. 

I hear one or the other from people I have met from out-of-state for my entire life. It is true, Connecticut is wealthy. But realistically, there are cities; impoverished urban areas, as well as farms, as well as mansions. Connecticut is a great mix of all things that every other state has. Because Connecticut is so close to New York City, and celebrities and athletes have all called this place home at some point, only the wealthy reputation sticks.

But down in Fairfield County, the Southern most region of the state, is where the most affluent subside. I grew up in Bridgeport, a city within Fairfield County that knows little wealth. It is your typical urban setting, with a diverse range of people. I grew up in a home that was big enough for a family of five, where the mall was five minutes away and a fun, normal childhood was possible. Money did not grow on trees, and everyone seemed happy, in the eyes of a young me. We all did just fine. What sets the rest of the cities in this county apart is their snotty, craptastic attitude. This is not the first time I felt this way about Southern Connecticut, but now I am really starting to grow a disgusting dislike towards those people, and it is pushing me away even further.

Surely, some deserve their riches, like the corporate businessmen who work until God knows when to be able to feed their plastic wives money to shut them up and keep the house clean, kids happy. But I feel like a lot of those people are just born into it, married into tons of money. I know this is a cynical post, but I live here and I have to deal with this almost daily. It is a dumb way to realize there are better things out there for me, but whatever works, I guess. 

Yesterday myself and friend Nicole went shopping in Greenwich, the wealthiest town in Connecticut. Why? I really have no idea. I left it up to her. Girl time is girl time no matter where you end up. We were in search for some good deals at a handful of consignment shops that were raved about online as having brand names for less. Next time I want brand names for less, I will head to T.J. Maxx. These places were not only annoying in their presentation, fur coats littering the window displays, french writings on the walls that probably meant “Fashionista,” or “Diva Star,” or some other nonsense. I walked in to the first place and was hit by a smell of old, used shoes. These shoes were Prada, Salvatore Ferragamo, Gucci, Chanel, what have you. They were ugly. I would not have bought a pair if they were five bucks. The women at the counter were all too busy with their noses in the air, helping some middle-aged soccer mom choose between mink or chinchilla. These women were so excited to be in the presence of name-brand garbage. Regardless of the annoyances around me, I spot an over-the-shoulder worked leather bag that I immediately tried on. Very earthy, natural looking, and there was no big brand name stamped onto the back, what a relief. Price tag: $465 dollars. Get out of here. So what it was a vintage Chanel bag. I would not have paid more than $30 dollars for it. It was used! There were scuffs and marks on it, which I had initially thought gave it character, but for $435 dollars more than I was willing to spend, I was just sick.

This routine continued the rest of the day. Every other car was a Mercedes, BMW, Lexus, Infinti, I seriously kid you not. Is this real life? Women walking around the streets with bags in their hands, no work, all play. Like I said, I was used to seeing this, but yesterday it struck a nerve so deep I wanted to cry.

Dressed comfortably, I walked into these places with my converse, ripped jeans and nose ring out there for the Stepford Wives to see, and was looked at with a bit of disbelief. No one asked me if I needed help, but they were quick to talk to Nicole, apparently dressed more appropriate for the occasion than I.

I realized in that instant, after all the other instances of being in these ritzy towns (24 years), that I absolutely despise that way of living. I feel like there is one way of being wealthy which is acceptable, obviously, as I would like to be someday, and then there is this. Why on Earth would anyone want to spend their day mindlessly trying on tacky Armani jackets and discussing the boys’ next big game. Are these women bored? Is there really nothing else to do with endless amounts of money?

I am so repulsed by yesterday that I will never go to Greenwich to shop again, why the hell would I? I am perfectly content with the mall. I love Forever 21 and I love to save my money even more- especially if it would go towards something I can physically do; travel, go to a nice dinner, get my hair cut, anything. 

Give me the farms and open fields. I want to dine out comfortably, knowing my shoes and funked-out ensemble are not being judged. I want to be in the company of normalcy. Are the people of Greenwich good people? Maybe, but I never want to spend enough time there to find out.

The same way they most likely judge those in the outskirts of their fabulous towns, I am judging them, and it feels good. Just because I live in this area does not mean I need to ever be apart of that. Surely, Connecticut is not the only state that deals with this. I know there are other places that I glamorize for having the potential to be called home someday (Los Angeles), but I truly do not think it gets worse than Connecticut.

Just when I thought I have found reason to love it here, it flies out the window into the abyss of doubt, hatred and nausea. Someone save me.

There is a certain subculture in tattooing, and whether you are an enthusiast or have a great dislike for tattoos, this art’s heritage goes back over 5,000 years. Widely receptive throughout diverse cultures across the globe, tattooing was once used as a way to profess religious and magical beliefs, social status, heritage- and some were purely decorative. As I did a little research on the history of the tattoo, I found that covering one’s body and face with ink was not uncommon. 

So thousands of years later, while the method of inserting ink inside a person’s skin is thankfully done differently, why is there still so much negativity towards those with tattoos? With the arrival of television shows such as Ink Masters alongside veteran shows such as LA and NY ink, the popularity of tattooing does not show any signs of settling down. If only people could just accept other’s with their story written in art on their body.

But think about your wedding dress.

What are you going to look like when you are 50!

Your kids are going to see those.

When you’re pregnant it’s going to stretch.

No one is ever going to hire you.

I got my first piece when I was 16 years-old, and although the rose on my lower back (don’t you dare call it that name) has no truly significant meaning, it started my love for the craft. I soon started to seek out the best places in my local area, and did my research beforehand, instead of just picking out flash on the wall. I moved on to getting a butterfly on my side rib cage in memory of my friend, Cheyenne, who had passed too soon. While cute and colorful, I eventually decided to step my game up.

On my right rib cage, I have a skull made up of birds and leaves. It took about two and a half hours to complete and was agonizing. With a high tolerance for pain, I can say that my skull tattoo far surpassed anything I could tolerate. I broke out into a cold sweat and clenched my teeth for the entire duration. It felt like the needle was scraping directly onto my bones. But in the end it came out wonderfully. I am proud to say that I am a good client; I never complain, and very seldom ask for breaks (this was the only one I needed a cigarette break for).

Choosing to get a highly visible tattoo, like on my left wrist, is a decision you want to make carefully- but as opposed to what others say [think about it hard and long for a while], I would say that if you really love it then go for it. I mean, posting a picture on the dashboard of your car so you can look at it every day is clever, but also sounds annoying. If you liked it at all to begin with, why do you need to stare it for three months while you drive around. My Aum is on my wrist and is surrounded by a floral design. Basically, it is an obvious place for a tattoo. And while my ankle and foot tattoos can be hidden, I long for something a little more. So this Wednesday, I plan to get  piece on the back of my neck. Nothing crazy, but something that is vibrant and daring- like me!

My friend practiced on my ankle area. 87 in Roman Numerals

The older I get, the more I realize that tattoos are a pretty damn common thing to have. Going through college I met a lot of people with all types of designs and patterns, sleeves and small words, all of which I appreciated in some way. The young tattooed people I worked and studied with daily had a background, as we all do, but some just wanted to tell it in a different way. Some people’s stories go beyond words, which they want to illustrate through permanent picture or words. Sometimes, the impact of a situation deserves to be honored as bodily artwork; the customary next step to remembering a deep and meaningful event. 

There is a true beauty in tattooing. The process which, if you seek out a good artist, is done skillfully and with total appreciation for the craft. The people who tattoo are usually all in. They are artists beyond the ink and are talented enough to translate their creations from paper or canvas to flesh. Learning to tattoo, as my close friend is, can prove to be difficult. It takes a lot of practice, patience and a steady hand. There is so much deserving respect to be given to these artists.  

Like mostly everything in the world, people will always have a counter opinion to your own. While I realize that tattoos are not for everyone, I would like to see more appreciation for this art form. If you are debating some ink, go for it! You definitely do not have to go all out with a huge bicep piece! Get a small design, word… butterfly! Get something you can identify with. Being proud of your work is huge, so take the time to find a good tattoo shop and read reviews on the artist first.

Hopefully I have changed a few minds about how they see people with tattoos. I am just a sucker for anything that gives me another outlet to self-express. Wish me luck on my new addition tomorrow!

My most recent, a lotus flower.

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