What a pleasure it is to share Megan's story. I'm always moved by tattoos that originate from literature and poetry.

‘World enough and time’ is quote from the poem To His Coy Mistress by Andrew Marvell. It is a poem that is huge in its comprehension of time, and space, and love. It sums up the idea that time is racing past, taking everything with it, which is a feeling I’ve had ever since I was a little girl. This poem is also featured in my favorite novel, The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger. It is used as a toast throughout the novel: ‘to world enough and time.’

The idea of time racing past, myself powerless to stop it, has plagued me for a while. When my aunt passed away a couple of years ago, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I would never have enough time. On the other hand, I kept telling myself, that life has given me a wonderful gift: the world and time, if I am brave enough to embrace it.

I love that this tattoo captures these two beliefs so perfectly. The first being that time will keep moving no matter what I do. That’s life. Then again, I’ve been given the most beautiful, glorious gift imaginable, the ability to see the world; and use the time I have here to love, go on adventures, seek new wonders, and experience all that this great world has to offer.

Now I have my own personal ‘carpe diem’ mantra with me forever

Reading Megan's story brought to mind two references in my own life about this feeling of time passing. The first is INXS's Not Enough Time, a song that's been on repeat lately. And the second is a quote from Renaissance polymath Girolamo Cardano, as quoted in Nancy Siraisi's book: "The studious man should always have at hand a clock and a mirror. A clock since in such confusion and mass of things it is necessary for him to to keep track of time...; a mirror to observe the changing conditions of his body." A clock, a mirror, the world enough, and time.

Thank you to Megan, photographer James Bean, and to tattoo artist Dr. Woo in Los Angeles. 

I'm so honored to share this latest tattoo story, my latest Gratitude Giveaway (for new readers: ever month I give away a commission to a client whose story moves me). It seemed appropriate to share this story on the heels of Mother's Day. Thank you to Leila, her father, and her family for modeling how to love so deeply. 

Dear Mara,

I’m so happy to send you the result of our collaboration on the "I carry your heart" tattoo. I can’t thank you enough for your beautiful design, and for your generosity of spirit in gifting it to me. I tried to capture the story behind the tattoo below.

My father is a 72 year old retired professor and has multiple sclerosis. He raised my sister and I as a single father, and did such a good job of it, that I count him as one of my best friends and greatest inspirations. My father lives with me and my husband and so his presence is a constant that we have all come to cherish. As he ages, I have been thinking more and more about how I will deal with his absence after he dies; and in all honesty, all I can come up with is “not well.” 

Growing up, it was not uncommon in our household to discuss the big questions in life, such as "what happens after you die?" My father, who taught comparative religious studies, would reply "no one knows what happens for sure, but anytime you need me just think of our conversations and you will know what I would say to you, I'll always be there in that way." I would protest (especially when I was younger) that this wasn't enough and I needed him to be around forever. He would smile and say that he would prefer that too, but no matter what we will always have a relationship.

I just turned forty and recently had my second child, and wanted to mark these occasions with something meaningful and permanent. It was important to choose something that would remind me of the enormous love and joy my family brings and how we are all part of one another. For some reason, I looked up at my wall, where I have a painting of e.e. cumming's poem "I carry your heart." Of course! That is what was read at my wedding, what I read every day on my wall, and what perfectly captures the feeling of being deeply connected.

i carry your heart with me(i carry it in
my heart)i am never without it(anywhere
i go you go,my dear;and whatever is done
by only me is your doing,my darling)
i fear
no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want
no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true)
and it’s you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows
higher than soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)

When I started to look at script for my tattoo, I noticed that every tattoo I was drawn to came from your designs. I love the elegant, graceful, and modern quality in your work and am honored that you generously gifted me this gorgeous design. Thank you Mara, you hold a special place in my heart!

Gratefully,
Leila

Thank you to Nick Vargus of F/U Tattoo in Santa Cruz, CA and Yvonna Kramer for the photos.

Every once in a while I'll be asked to calligraph song lyrics for tattoo clients. Nadya's story, and the choice behind this song, is so moving.  There have been times my yoga teacher has played "To Build a Home" during savasana. And so the image of both me and Nadya, separated by thousands of miles, lying on the floor and listening to the same song (through speakers or in our heads) and processing it through our difference life experience made it all the more special. 

Close introspection usually comes when one choses a tattoo, something permanent that will resonate with you all your days. When I first heard the song, To Build A Home by The Cinematic Orchestra, it came drifting into my head as I was laying on the floor in Savasana at a yoga studio. I was moved by this beautifully haunting song and as it lingered in my head for days afterward, I realized I needed a closer listen. 

My husband had just been diagnosed with cancer and we were in the depths of hell. As our family learned to cope with this new world, the phrase from this song --"I built a home for you, for me" spoke to me. They seemed to be the words that represented me and my position in our lives. Our home was our cocoon away from the world -- and I provided the comfort & stability we needed to weather the storm. In our home lived hope and strength, positivity, love and most importantly, laughter. 

In the midst of treatment I would drive and listen to this song with the volume cranked. On the overwhelming days when the hurt was new and raw I would cry, but as time passed, tears turned to reflection and with it a kind of peace. It is a wonderfully poetic view of life. The very fact that we truly did build our home was a just a wonderful coincidence. 

Life is not fair, it just is. Things happen and how we react and cope with the events that shape our lives are what make us who we are. Of this I am constantly reminded, when I look down at this beautifully scripted affirmation on my arm. Thank you Patrick Watson for writing these powerful words, and thank you Mara for working with me to transform them into something uniquely me.

Thanks to Nadya for sharing her story, to tattoo artist Jamie "Grazzhopper" Lindsey (Toronto), and to photographer Pete Nema.

Here's the song should you care to take a listen and bawl your eyes out.

Hello! I have a backlog of tattoo stories to share. This one comes from Ashley who writes of hers:

A lovemark is something you leave behind when doing any act of kindness. It's about taking the time to love life and those who are in it. It's often the little things that leave the biggest mark.

What a nice way to end the week. Here's to leaving lovemarks everywhere we go. Thanks to Ashley (who I've come to think of as Rapunzel) for sharing, and to tattoo artist Chris Wellard in Toronto. 

The inner arm has become the favorite location for of my tattoo commissions, but Sandra's definitely takes up the most real estate. I love the way it turned out. The size really captures the thick and thin lines. I'll let her tell you more about the significance.

On that special day, after years and years searching for the perfect handwriting, the perfect word or text and the perfect placement, I found Mara, and I felt like: This is it. And finally, there came this one word to my mind, to be placed on my forearm. 

The word: Ujjayi. The meaning: "victorious breathing" in Yoga practices, a combination of the two Sanskrit words ut (for "up") and jayi (for "victory, conquest, success"). It’s special kind of breath, a method of Pranayama, where the lungs are completely expanded. It should help to hold the asanas (all these body knots) long and longer, to get enough energy, to purely feel your own strength. I started Yoga two years ago, and really love what it does to and with me. And because of being Gemini, which is a sign of air, I wanted something like "breath", "breathing", but not in German or English. So: Ujjayi should it be, to remind me of breathing and going on and perhaps flying away...

Thank you to Sandra for sharing her story, to her tattoo artist Wenco Kubis (Ettlingen, Germany // Zum Stecher Tattoo & Piercing Manufaktur) and to photographer Maik Burbulla. (PS: Speaking of Pranayama, have you seen this video of B.K. Iyengar practicing?)

Hello and happy fall! I was glad to receive this latest tattoo story from Crystal, who chose Dante's phrase, "A great flame follows a little spark."

Mara's beautiful calligraphy was the best way to represent the elegance of Dante's work. To me this phrase serves as a gentle reminder and encouragement that essentially, small steps lead to bigger ones. Whether it's personal goals or anything else, the hardest part is just getting started and having the will not to give up on our dreams, because I believe that this life is the only one we are gifted with.

Thank you to Crystal, and her tattoo artist Chris Wellard in Toronto.

Last month I had the privilege to co-teach a calligraphy workshop with Betty Soldi, my dear friend and muse, at Retrouvius in London. Retrouvius is a magical architectural salvage and design firm. Their showroom filled with microscopes, butterfly boxes, antique French lights, and church pews could not have been more atmospheric or beautiful. It was an unforgettable evening. I am unspeakably grateful to Betty, Matteo and &Co; Adam, Maria, Nick, and the entire Retrouvius team; and photographer Anna Ambrosi, who captured the spirit in the room perfectly; and our sponsors, Mount Street Printers and Lamy.

You can find many more stunning photos on the workshop page. Betty and I are dreaming up a summer calligraphy retreat in Europe next year. Sign up on the workshops page if you'd like to learn more!

It was a treat to collaborate with Susan Hutchinson, of the blog Fleurishing, for this tattoo honoring her twins, Henry and Marie. Here's more from Susan about the significance: 

This tattoo represents many things to me, including my identity, my love story and…my children. The number three (trois, in French) has always been significant in my life, but only became evident to me when I met my husband. Suddenly, it was like the pieces of my own personal puzzle were finally coming together. Fast forward (three) years, and I was pregnant with twins. My body became a sanctuary for two human beings to grow and thrive in. Three of us, as one. While we no longer share my body, my beautiful children, Henry et Marie, will always be a part of me, until the day I die. They are my greatest gift.

Thank you to Susan for sharing (you can read more on her blog), tattoo artist Mike Ski (Philadelphia, PA) , and photographer Ashley Ludaescher. 

One of the best parts of collaborations is learning new words. This was the case with Natalie and sophrosyne, or the opposite of hubris. What a gift to meditate on this word in the new year. 

I first stumbled across the word “sophrosyne” about two years ago, defined as “a healthy state of mind characterized by self control, moderation, and a deep awareness of oneself, resulting in true happiness.” And that was it - I couldn’t stop thinking about it. 

There are traces of sophrosyne’s etymology woven through content from all over the world. While there is no direct translation for it in English, there are entire books and philosophies devoted to dissecting it. In Greek myth, sophrosyne was one of the “eduaimonia” or good spirits that escaped from Pandora’s box when she opened it. Aristotle described that this good spirit enabled one to “live well and do well.” The Greeks believed you had to work to achieve sophrosyne in your life by striving to be safe, sound, and whole through integrity and humility. Socrates saw this spirit as emphasizing all passions of the soul with balance and harmony.  As the opposite of hubris (arrogantly believing you are equal to the gods), those with sophrosyne humble themselves before God. Over time Catholic scholars adopted this theory and invested in the meaning even further, illustrating that sophrosyne is about striving toward the imitation of or a sense of union with God. 

Sophrosyne resonates with me so deeply because my parents raised my two sisters and me to have innate self-respect, but simultaneously taught us that we are not the center of the universe. As a result, I’ve become a bit stubbornly self-assured. I know what I want and am willing to work very hard to achieve it. 

These past few years, however, have been more challenging for me than I ever could have anticipated. On more than one occasion I have compromised that self-respect I always strive for. It often felt that no matter what I did, nothing was working out the way I had hoped or planned - that I had no control over my own life. I felt out of place in my own skin; unsettled and irritated and unfulfilled. So I turned to sophrosyne, allowing myself to trust that I will find what I need (even if it’s not what I want). 

Mara’s calligraphy, with its graceful and fluid movement, is truly a work of art; I knew right away that if I was going to have something imprinted onto my body forever, it was going to be her pen that would do it. 

What I love most about tattoos is their permanence; they cannot be lost or stolen. This was years in the making and I’m obsessed with how it all turned out. Now that it’s done I feel as if I’ve always had it, that it’s always been a part of me, its rich complexity motivating me daily. 

Sophrosyne is a strictly divine gift, not simply a human attitude. I can’t achieve it on my own, but now it is etched into my skin reminding me to stay humble and hustle hard - trust and self-acceptance will follow.

Tattoo by Steve at Saint Sabrina's (Minneapolis, MN). Photographs by Elyse Rethlake

Hello there! I'm happy to share this latest tattoo story from Kathleen. The phrase reminds me of this article I read in the New York Times about how serendipity is one quality that, in some ways, protects us during these difficult transitions. 

Two years ago I moved to Zurich, Switzerland with my husband who is getting his master's degree here. We quit our jobs, put our life in storage, and came to this foreign place with nothing more than our two suitcases.

Expecto Patronum is Latin for "I await for a protector." Over the past twelve years and specifically during this transition, my husband has protected me through some really difficult life events.  Expecto Patronum represents my memories growing up with my him as a major Harry Potter fan and serves as a symbol of support and protection.

Many thanks to Kathleen and tattoo artist Jose Flores (Indianapolis, IN).

I'm especially grateful every time I have the chance to work with a client that is honoring their children. Here's Katherine's story:  

My story is very simple. I am blessed with two beautiful little boys which are my world. I wanted their names on me somewhere to be able to see at any given moment that's why I choose my forearm. As soon as I saw Mara's work I knew with out a doubt in my mind I needed her calligraphy on me!! I could not be happier with the way it turned out and am proud to wear the most meaningful things to me on my arm every day!

Thank you to tattoo artist Kevin Sherritt (Alberta, Canada) and Genia Aasen of Divine Edge Photography. 

Working with Kevin was a total dream and privilege. He commissioned four tattoos, the most I've ever done for any client. The first time I saw these photos I gasped with astonishment. What a privilege to be granted so much real estate! The translation of the first tattoo, in Gaelic, is, roughly, "I will love you until the end of time." My gratitude to Kevin, Nex and Erich. 

Why does anyone get a tattoo, really? 

I can't say the reasons I've chosen to decorate my skin with images and words. There's no eloquent story of change or struggle or growth that led me to my first tattoo some (nearly!) twenty years ago. It just felt like something I needed. And I've continued this vague pursuit of self as I've added tattoos and tattooed over tattoos. 

Each is intensely personal. Each is a story. An element of me. They speak of my frailties and failures, my successes and loves. They are totems of fatherhood, heritage, the people most important to me.

The expression of these things – these deeply meaningful, particular things – through Mara’s designs are elegant and striking and seem at once foreign and perfectly at home on my body. They are too beautiful for me but are mine and mine alone. They are an idealized representation of thought that is yet unexpected. A cherished surprise. A fortunate, emotional reminder of the things that make me who I am.

Why does anyone get a tattoo, really? To express their feelings as eloquently as Mara’s art is perhaps reason enough.

Tattoo by Nex (Chicago, IL). Photographs by Erich Schrempp.

Greetings, 2017! Sharing this tattoo story from Devin seemed appropriate for the start of the new year as we prepare for what is to come, come what may. 

"This is a quote from an Andrea Gibson poem. If you've never heard of her she's one of the most wonderful spoken word poets out there. Many of their poems have moved me during hard times of self-identity and coming to terms with who I am in many ways. Here's an excerpt from the end of 'Dive.'"

life doesn’t rhyme

still life is poetry
not math
all the world’s a stage
but the stage is a meditation mat

you tilt your head back
you breathe
when your heart is broken you plant seeds in the cracks
and you pray for rain
and you teach your sons and daughters
there are sharks in the water
but the only way to survive
is to breathe deep
and dive

Thank you to Devin for sharing his story; to tattoo artist Nina Dinh in Toronto; and to photographer Amber Patrick.

As we get older we face such unexpected challenges, especially around our health and the health of those we love. I am grateful to Shannon for sharing the inspiration behind her tattoo. 

"The phrase "it is well" comes from a hymn penned by Horatio Spafford in the 1800s. The song begins with these words:

When peace like a river attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll, 
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well with my soul. 

These lyrics remind me of several truths. First, the idea that, no matter the circumstances surrounding us, we can turn to God for a lasting peace that runs far deeper than any momentary troubles. Second, when we believe that Jesus Christ is God's Son and that He paid the price for our sin so we can be with Him for eternity, our hope is no longer based on what does or doesn't happen during our days. Rather, we have an eternal hope that is firm and secure—unwavering no matter what sea billows may roll. 

I understand how it feels to have the storms of life overwhelm you, but I also know firsthand the joy and peace God brings when we trust in Him. 

My mom has Huntington's Disease, a devastating neurodegenerative condition, and was recently placed on hospice care, but I can say it is well with my soul. 

My grandpa has been fighting cancer, but still I know it is well.

My sister just found out she, too, has cancer, and likely has a long battle ahead. But it is well. 

I, too, carry the gene for Huntington's Disease and could face a future similar to my mom's. Even so, it is well with my soul. 

Mara's design is a beautiful reminder of a truth that was already a part of me. Now that it's inscribed on my arm, I find myself looking at it often. 

I see it as I soak up what time we have left with my mom. I see it as I call my grandpa to talk about his treatments. I see it when I text my sister, asking if it's a good day or a bad one in her fight against cancer. And I see it when I think of what may lie ahead for me—knowing that God will be faithful no matter the pain that may come. Huntington's Disease might crush my body, but my future is secure with Christ in heaven. It IS well with my soul."

Thank you to Shannon; to tattoo artist Monty Mavimol of the The Honorable Society (West Hollywood, CA); and to photographer Adie Gateley.

Here's a lovely, simple story from Maggie. "It's really simple. I am saved by Grace and His Grace is Sufficient for me."  For one of my favorite meditations on grace, I suggest David Richo's The Power of Grace: Recognizing Unexpected Gifts on Our Path. 

Thank you to Maggie and tattoo artist Tristan Bradshaw (Denton, TX)

Katelin just sent along photos from our collaboration.  My yoga practice has deepend these last months (thanks to this wonderful studio in Portland).  I remember at the very beginning of my practice teachers would talk about setting intentions and it sounded like they were speaking Greek. But now, it makes a lot more sense. Katelin's story explains how powerful this can be. So much so she had the intention inked. 

The literal translation of Jai Ma is: hail to the mother. The interpretation of this Sanskrit mantra that most resonates with me most, however, is: the love is so strong. In essence, it refers to the deepest, most selfless, and radical kind of love that I can imagine. In the Buddhist tradition they say it's like the kind of love a mother has for her only child, however, instead of reserving this magnitude of love for just those who are close to or alike us, it's meant to be extended far and wide. It's the ultimate mission: love unbounded for all, and the subsequent presence in the world that follows. 

I was in a relationship some time ago with a woman who lived, slept, and breathed this. She didn't talk about it, she just gave. heart wide open. Her love was big. Not just for me, but for everyone that crossed her path. Boundaries of self extended to include other in utter compassion and kindness. The love limitations of a hardened ego- barely existent, in fact, none that I could see. At the time, I couldn't commit to her in a lifelong kind of way, although our bond and connection was of the cosmic kind. The following separation was emotionally crushing for more than a dozen reasons, but amidst the heartbreak, a deep well of love remained. My only refuge during this time was a vow of the heart, to try to embody the beauty that she represented for me. 

So… on my wrist I tattooed the mantra 'Jai Ma' as a lifelong reminder to let my guard down and let fiercely open-hearted love exist in the spaces within, without, and in between 'the silky oscillation between me and we,' as poet Mo Lohaus puts it. The wrist was the perfect place.. as a yogi, every time I practice sun salutations, I lift my hands overhead, look upwards, and am reminded why I practice, my very reason for existing. This gorgeous piece of art is dedicated to my Heart Teachers, my Mom, all the mothers and brothers, sons and daughters, sisters and fathers, and to my future self: the mother I one day hope to be.

Thanks so much for sharing, Katelin. And thank you to tattoo artist Flicka and Phil Manijak the photographer. 

This has to be one of my favorite tattoos of the year. I absolutely love the way it turned out, and Natalie's fierceness. She writes: 

"I am not a place for cowards" is something I read once and it really resonated within me.
After a rough patch in recent years, I really took to it. Writing about it, I said:

"I am not a place for cowards.
Not for the faint of heart.
I love hard.
I speak loudly.
I debate with tenacity.
I am fully of opinions and convictions.
I do not idly sit by.
I am imperfect,
Fully stocked with question,
And unafraid to ask.
I am passionate and moody.
I stumble over my words
In excitement to speak.
I overshare.
My laughter bounces off the walls.
I'm scarred and tattooed.
I wear my insides on the outside.
I am not a place for cowards."

It's about being fierce and fiery, unapologetic about being yourself. Some people will love that about you and stick by your side for life. Those people are the people I want to be with.

The people who can't handle through-thick-and-thin, all-in relationships are the ones that I'm just fine letting go of.

I am not a place for cowards.

Thank you to Natalie (also a photographer!) and tattoo artist Britta Christiansen (San Celemente, CA). 

These three words, "How much more?" might as well be the mantra for most people these days. It seems that every week we think we've come to the point of All We Can Handle and we are given yet more, and somehow become stronger and more resilient in the process of navigating what is offered with grace and humility. I love the phrase MacKenzie chose. What a powerful reminder that in our brokenness there is always unconditional love. 

These three words are important to me, as they represent something bigger than myself; God's infinite love. If we are able to love and take care of each other as fallible and broken humans, with our short-sighted and conditional love, how much more is an unfailing God able to unconditionally love and take care of us?

Thank you to talented tattoo artist Katie Kroeker from Metamorphosis Body Art (Winnipeg, Canada) and photographer MacKenzie Jean. 

My clients have taught me so many lessons about faith: in ourselves, our relationships, and the larger unseen forces of grace. It's an honor to share Jessica's story: 

"My life is a picture of His Grace. Grace...the unmerited favor of God.  Muscular Dystrophy. Losing my father to brain cancer. The losses in my life were graciously used by God to draw me- to show me my weakness, my dependence, and utter need for Him. And, as I’ve experienced repeated trial and loss throughout my life, God had shown me that if I have Him and nothing else, I have everything. Though my physical needs be great, my greatest need was to be saved spiritually. It was By Grace Alone that He saved me (Ephesians 2:8-9) and it is By Grace Alone that He sustains me."

Thank you to Jessica, tattoo artist Katria Polacek (Columbus, Ohio), and photographer Tiffany Burt.