Welp. It finally happened.  I forgot to document an appointment.  It was only a matter of time, but I’m really hoping this isn’t the beginning of a trend.  It’s interesting how the process of getting to the next appointment can make you forget about the previous appointment.  I often realize the morning of a session that I forgot to take pictures of the previous session’s progress.  I guess part of that has to do with my previous work not being fully healed before the next appointment begins.  I think to work against that, I’m going to start showing more pictures of unhealed or actively healing work.  Sure, it doesn’t represent the final product, but it does illustrate a major part of the process.  Below shows the results of both session 11 and 12.  If it isn’t clear, mystery session 11 was finishing the wave on my butt (perma-dump) and adding background on my right hip.  Session 12 was 100% left butt cheek.  There is some black behind the wave, I can’t remember if that happened during 11 or 12.

Session number 10 came with a surprise!  I was under the impression that Horizakura would be finishing the outline around the sides of my back and across my shoulders.  After he looked me over though, he decided that he would instead begin shading.  The outline over my shoulders will have to connect with my left arm and since we haven’t started planning that arm yet, I guess this is the best course of action.  He began to shade the wave on my butt and also thickened the lines in the dragon’s face.  All of this was done using tebori, and I have to say I am super happy to not have to listen to the tattoo machine anymore.  These appointments are much more relaxing!

I also noticed that having only the wave shaded on my butt kinda makes it look like I’m poopin!  My friends have dubbed it Perma-dump.

UPDATE: I must have been tired when I wrote the following entry.  These photos are actually from an appointment on May 11.  Since I forgot how to calendar, there actually was a second appointment in May, on the 31st.  The original post follows:

This post covers session number 9.  We should have been back on schedule come May, but work intervened.  I ended up only having one appointment in May and much to my chagrin, the only evidence is via my phone’s camera.  It will do the trick though!  This session was on the shorter side, about an hour and a half, and consisted of background added to my left thigh and side.  I know we had originally discussed connecting the back to my existing half sleeve, but that idea was pushed.  At the time of this 9th session, I was told session 10 would be the connection and completion of the outline.  Best laid plans…

Below are the results of my second March appointment.  There will be no April appointments since Horizakura will be in Japan for most of the month.

For this session, Horizakura laid in more background along my right side.  He also filled in the scales and claw along the left side of my back.

We discussed a little bit about the future of the tattoo.  It’s very exciting!  Looks like we’ll be connecting my back to my right arm next time.  We have also started discussing my left sleeve and extending my right sleeve.  May can’t come soon enough!!!

Below are pictures of my first appointment in March.  Horizakura added background around the tail.  Between this session and last session, I have really found a difference in my pain tolerance when I avoid coffee on the day of the appointment.  I’m not sure if it’s all in my head or what, but that ass work felt a lot easier to endure.  Or maybe I’m just getting used to it in general.

Due to a work trip and a vacation, below is the only work I’ll be getting in February.  Horizakura added the tail with a claw reaching out from behind down my right leg.  I was well hydrated and rested for this appointment and it definitely made a difference.  Not much more to tell.  There will probably only be one appointment in March as well.  I believe Horizakura has some travel plans during the month.  Behold! (please pardon heinous lighting in my living room)