My New Tattoo: Its Meaning & Its Symbolism

Tattoo’s were something that never bothered me one way or the other for most of my life. Now my brother has the world of them and they are class but for me I always thought if I was ever going to get one done it was going to be a “Tattoo” and have some meaning in my life. So the other day I took the plunge and this is the outcome.

When I posted it on Twitter/Facebook some people asked me the meaning, if any behind it. So here it is.

Firstly the design comes loosely from the Bon Jovi logo. Actually Anna picked it out. As an individual who always wears his heart on his sleeve I wanted to start there. So the heart symbolizes the way I live my life, honest and open. The text is taking from a Motley Crue song “Home Sweet Home”. This song was beautifully penned by Nikki Sixx during during some very dark days indeed. They actually sum me up 100% too. In case you cannot read them they are as follows:

“My Hearts like an open book for the whole world to read, sometimes nothing keeps me together at the seams”

My life is wide open and by choice might I add. When I do or say something I do so in the knowledge that its completely out there. A lot of times I get hurt for being like that, but thats me and I aint going to change now. In fact I dont want to change either. There have been times when I felt everything was lost and gone and no matter what I did I was falling to pieces. I used to feel the sheer fabric of my being was coming apart and nothing could keep me together. So these lyrics are so apt for me.

The wings at the top of the heart represent my belief in my Guardian Angel who looks after me on a daily basis. Her name is Cliona and she has been in heaven over three years now having passed from this life at the very young age of sixteen. I have written a blog about her in the past and if you have not already read it, take a few moments and click here to take you back to it. http://www.tonyfrattaroli.com/?p=579

The cross was used for my belief  and faith in God. Please let me add that this is not in a bible bashing way. Trust me I am as mad as the next guy. But when the chips are down, something had to work. He looked after me and guided people, places and things into my life. The reason for having it go through the heart was to symbolize when my heart ached and I thought it was breaking, he stepped in and prevented it from happening.

Finally the glow at the back of the cross symbolizes a new bright dawn for me. This is one that I have found and I am determined not to let go down any more. This I attribute to my self belief and determination as an individual to keep going and keep rising along with the support of family and friends. Its hard to keep me down. It is also a new and bright beginning with my new found love Anna. She has been a heaven sent and I love her so much and I am blessed to have her in my life.

So there you have it folks a boring ole blog about a tattoo. Oh yeah a big shout out to Taylor aka @sneaker_whore at The Axiom Tattoo Studio. This guy is not only an incredible artist but a gent as well. Nice one!

The next one (tattoo) is lined up already as picked by herself!

Ciao……

T.