AKA I Joined The Ink Club! My First Tattoo | 26 May 2019 | Xtreme Ink
On Sunday, I joined the inked club! My parents dropped me off at Christina’s house and we walked up to the Roots Cafe. That was our favourite spot in college, before she went vegan and I had to go GF. They’re under new ownership and have plenty of vegan and GF options. They are farm to table, always were, but the new ownership was on top of things. I was an acquaintance of the old owner and was unsure, but dining there first on Friday after I booked my tattoo appointment and the nervousness was beginning to wash away, was the beginning of a new relationship (I ordered corn tacos with chicken and veggies). Carl was my waiter and he was our waiter on Sunday. We both ordered vegan French toast and I ordered apple juice, like Kathleen recommended. Christina treated me to breakfast, which made me feel verklempt. (We both enjoyed breakfast and we would go back. I haven’t had French toast since I had to go GF and Christina hasn’t had French toast since she went vegan. Double win!)
At 11:50 we arrived to the shop and Anthony, my artist that took the Wraith image and my appointment on Friday, greeted me and brought me back. Christina didn’t come back, she didn’t want to get in the way, so no photos of the process. HOWEVER, I remember it vividly. Before he started, Anthony instructed me to lay on my side and I took a deep breath like Anna suggested.
Although, it’s on my rib cage, it didn’t really hurt. There were some tender moments, but overall it wasn’t bad. Getting tattooed felt quite therapeutic actually. I listened to the rock music playing, and looked at the woman tattoo artist waiting for her appointment. I also watched people walk past me, just as excited as I was; taking in the sights and sounds around me made the needle pricks tolerable. Actually, I thought the pricks felt like acupuncture.
It was actually a very joyful experience. My nervousness turned into excitement and I still feel very excited about the Wraith. My tattoo looks great and I can’t stop looking in the mirror. Before we left the shop, Christina and I took a selfie – I’m now part of the inked club! I told Christina that it was therapeutic and she just laughed. Anthony did take a photo and he posted it to his Instagram. I noticed it as Christina and I were leaving Philly and I smiled when I yelled out, “he posted it!” She smiled too and said, “it really does look great!” I’m extremely grateful for Christina and all that she did for me on Sunday. I’m still on cloud nine.
I’m going to make this when I open my Happiness Box in January. Although Christina did not get a photo of Anthony tattooing me, I can use the photos I posted above – I think I will also put a photo of Anthony in, just to remember.
The Happiness Box Project 
Hi, Jessica Marie!
I’m verklempt just reading about how you were verklempt having breakfast with Christina prior to getting your tat. The food you guys ordered at Roots Cafe looks delicious, dear friend! I wish I lived in the vicinity. Your tattoo artist Anthony did a great job with the wraith design you submitted to him. It’s so cool looking, and now it’s going viral on Instagram, too! I’m happy to learn that you actually enjoyed the procedure. I can imagine how it would be a lot like acupuncture and put you in a relaxed trance while he worked. Congratulations on joining the inked club!
Enjoy the rest of your week, dear friend JM!
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