Inked by Vanessa Dong Part 2

Here’s part two of my second tattoo session with Vanessa. Turns out I’ll have to go back for a third session to finish up my sleeve. For now, I thought I’d share what some of my older tattoos mean that Vanessa touched up. Not surprisingly, most of my tattoos are inspired by my family. When my sister passed away suddenly in 2007, I promised myself I would keep memories of her burning strong and keep her alive through thoughts and prayers. Despite my shortcomings in the past, I feel these certainly make up for it.

The first are the words “family” and “the utmost superior/the most important” in Chinese calligraphy located on my right shoulder blade. Ngan Siu-Mui, a Montreal-based artist and expert in traditional Chinese calligraphy, designed it for me using crazy cursive script. As a first generation Vietnamese-Canadian, I admit I’ve taken for granted the struggles that my parents have gone through in their relentless pursuit for a better life. This tattoo is dedicated to them; the two most incredible people I know. Growing up, my mom always had that incredibly tough love, whereas my dad was always the epitome of both strength and fragility. Random fact: I remain now, and will always be, a daddy’s girl.

The second are four stargazing lilies on the inside of my left wrist to represent my sister, my mom, my dad, and me. Stargazing lilies are my favourite flowers, and it was Linda’s as well. Additionally, I have a monarch butterfly (my mom’s favourite) to represent life and a skull to represent death. This one is pretty self-explanatory.

The third is the word “fearless” on the inside of my right bicep. I say this in all humility and in complete absence of arrogance. There have been countless tests and blessings in my life, but regardless of all the personal ramifications, it has in no way hindered my faith. Instead, it has strengthened and solidified it, and this tattoo is dedicated to those who’ve been there to help me through it all, as well as to those who’ve left me. They’ve made me prove to myself that I can do this on my own.

The fourth is a line from my favourite love letter ever written: Immortal Beloved by Ludwig van Beethoven (long before it was mentioned in the Sex and the City movie) on my left ribcage. Although my black heart is going to hate me for admitting this, I’m your hopelessly in love with love romantic type of fool. I believe in the butterflies, the twinkle, the giggly feeling, the smiles, the happily ever afters, and the song that only you can hear.

And finally is the word “balance” on the back of my left ankle. Contrary to what some people believe, I don’t think balance is bullshit. To put it simply, I’ve been through my share of pain and anguish, but I’ve also been through my share of laughter and smiles. I’ve literally collapsed as a result of having my heart broken, but I’ve also stood taller because someone restored my faith in humanity. In the end, we all need balance in our lives.

I know I’ve left out a few more that’s on my left arm (like hello, Maximus’s spirit animal!), but I’ll share the meaning behind those after my third session. In the meantime, shout out to my girl Vanessa for all her incredible work. If you’re interested in getting a tattoo, I highly suggest booking an appointment with her at The Studio Tattoo. It’s a bit of a drive, but she’s definitely worth the trip.