You can see from my skin that Cancer didn't win

[TCLEFT]

Hi Everyone,
I just wanted to let you know I've received a preliminary design from Fed. Phyllis, my tattoo artist friend is starting work on it already. I'm thinking about doing this ~ mid November so far if everyone's schedule allows. Can you do two things for me? Tell me what schedule works best for you. Mid-November OK? I can change the date for what works best. Send me your design, idea for a design, symbol of a virtue (Fed's is Japanese for Wisdom), whatever you had in mind (and how big or small).
If you don't want to partake in the inking, please come on down anyway. I need a "Family Fix".
Love ya,
Mark

[dadmo]

mark:
Mine is simple and I trust Phyllis to do some nice lettering. All I want is Jason's name on my back and Nancy's on my side in a reasonably conservative size. My only problem is that I will be somewhere in the Caribbean from Nov. 17-25.

[TCLEFT]

mark:
Mine is simple and I trust Phyllis to do some nice lettering. All I want is Jason's name on my back and Nancy's on my side in a reasonably conservative size. My only problem is that I will be somewhere in the Caribbean from Nov. 17-25.

OK. I'll send that along to Phyllis. How about Mid-December? Is the 15th too close to the Holidays? Or can you pack us all to go with you and we'll do this on an island?

[Fed]

Either Nov or Dec works for me, just as long as it isn't from November 21 to December 3. My mother-in-law will be in town, and Thanksgiving is off-limits this year: it's my one-year anniversary, and I'm making a turducken for Thanksgiving dinner .

[Margaret]

Thanksgiving is out for us too. We are having my folks and deep frying a turkey.

But I know what tat I want and Boyce wants one too. Now that he is off the blood thinners I think he is good to go.

[TCLEFT]

Seems to be narrowing down. Tentatively DEC 15 ???????

[dadmo]

I'll check with Nancy but the 15th seems ok.

[Karen]

I'll pass on the inking but can use a family fix too....can I crash with Ray and Christine? Margaret, the offer stands for you to stay with us!

[TCLEFT]

I'll pass on the inking but can use a family fix too....can I crash with Ray and Christine? Margaret, the offer stands for you to stay with us!

If by "crash" you mean sleep over, then yes, of course. If by "crash" you mean crash the party, you can't crash a party you're invited to. C'mon down!!!!

[Margaret]

I will talk with Boyce. Thanks for the offer Karen

Maybe we could fly up for a night.

[Already Bald]

Seems to be narrowing down. Tentatively DEC 15 ???????

I'm not much of an ink on skin guy- but thinking about a "Family" meeting in December- wouldn't it be great to try to tie it into this at Sloan-Kettering:


Testicular Cancer
Tuesday December 4, 2007
3:00 PM to 4:30 PM


Category:
Living Beyond Cancer


Type:
Educational Support Meeting


Presentation:
Meeting for Testicular Cancer Survivors


Summary:
This is a diagnosis-specific meeting that is co-led by social workers and nurses, and is tailored to give people an opportunity to work on adjustment to life after treatment. This may include changes in physical functioning, appearance, and lifestyle, altered self-image, fatigue, isolation, and concerns about the future. Participants are encouraged to share concerns while gathering medical and rehabilitation information from healthcare staff.


Sponsor:
Post-Treatment Resource Program


Speaker(s):
Richard Glassman, LCSW
MaryAnn Carousso, NP


Audience:
This program is for men who have had testicular cancer. No observers, please, without prior approval.


Location:
Rockefeller Research Laboratories - Room 118
430 East 67th Street
(between York & First Avenues)
New York, New York 10021



Contact:
You must register to attend, please call 212-717-3527.
For further information, please call Richard Glassman, 646-422-4658.


Phone:
212-717-3527


E-mail:
ptrp@mskcc.org

[Jay68442]

I've been considering a new tattoo for some time now. I just can't seem to get an image in my head of what I want. I'm thinking a yin-yang symbol.

Yin (? or ? "shady place, north slope, south bank (river); cloudy, overcast"; Japanese: in or on) is the dark element: it is passive, dark, feminine, downward-seeking, and corresponds to the night.

Yáng (? or ? "sunny place, south slope, north bank (river), sunshine"; Japanese: yo) is the bright element: it is active, light, masculine, upward-seeking and corresponds to the daytime.

I would like to make the Yang side yellow for livestrong and include the word livestrong written around the circle in japanese. Not sure what word I would like for the Yin or passive side.
Anyone have any ideas?

BTW got room for one more?

[Margaret]

I've been considering a new tattoo for some time now. I just can't seem to get an image in my head of what I want. I'm thinking a yin-yang symbol.

Yin (? or ? "shady place, north slope, south bank (river); cloudy, overcast"; Japanese: in or on) is the dark element: it is passive, dark, feminine, downward-seeking, and corresponds to the night.

Yáng (? or ? "sunny place, south slope, north bank (river), sunshine"; Japanese: yo) is the bright element: it is active, light, masculine, upward-seeking and corresponds to the daytime.

I would like to make the Yang side yellow for livestrong and include the word livestrong written around the circle in japanese. Not sure what word I would like for the Yin or passive side.
Anyone have any ideas?

BTW got room for one more?

Maybe the other side could be "faith" written in Japanese. I know that for us, faith held us together during dark times.

Other ideas are "wisdom" and "truth"

[TCLEFT]

I've been considering a new tattoo for some time now. I just can't seem to get an image in my head of what I want. I'm thinking a yin-yang symbol.

Yin (? or ? "shady place, north slope, south bank (river); cloudy, overcast"; Japanese: in or on) is the dark element: it is passive, dark, feminine, downward-seeking, and corresponds to the night.

Yáng (? or ? "sunny place, south slope, north bank (river), sunshine"; Japanese: yo) is the bright element: it is active, light, masculine, upward-seeking and corresponds to the daytime.

I would like to make the Yang side yellow for livestrong and include the word livestrong written around the circle in japanese. Not sure what word I would like for the Yin or passive side.
Anyone have any ideas?

BTW got room for one more?

Got room for your whole Family! I've always been a fan of In Nae - Perseverence. Even at our passive times, or when things are more "normal" we continue to persevere.

[Fed]

Forgot to say that Brooke might also get something inked. For the trek, we'll be bringing our little two-year-old monster. Hope that's not a problem. December 15 sounds great, so far.

[Jay68442]

Got room for your whole Family!

Thank You Mark. I look forward to meeting you and the others. Dec 15 works for me.

[TCLEFT]

Forgot to say that Brooke might also get something inked. For the trek, we'll be bringing our little two-year-old monster. Hope that's not a problem. December 15 sounds great, so far.

Brother, you're coming to my house, the head monster .

[Karen]

Sounds like another fantastic Family reunion is in the making!

[TCLEFT]

Sounds like another fantastic Family reunion is in the making!

And to our Southern Family; Boyce and Margaret, don't forget to send me your ideas. The stencil will be ready if/when you get here!

[Margaret]

I really want a livestrong band tat on my lower back. I keep telling Boyce that this way they can bury me with my livestrong band on.

Boyce wants something Livestrong, but I am not sure if he has decided.

[dadmo]

How's this look?

Fed and the family will be staying at our place.

[TCLEFT]

Consider placement. Margaret, if you're planning lower back, you might want a Livestrong band in the form of a ribbon or letter within a viney floral design (yellow I'd imagine) in a wing shape to follow the contours of your lower back. Bill, I know you said Nancy is always on your side so if your considering the rib area (you do like pain don't you?) the lettering should probably be vertical. Just some thoughts

[Margaret]

Consider placement. Margaret, if you're planning lower back, you might want a Livestrong band in the form of a ribbon or letter within a viney floral design (yellow I'd imagine) in a wing shape to follow the contours of your lower back. Bill, I know you said Nancy is always on your side so if your considering the rib area (you do like pain don't you?) the lettering should probably be vertical. Just some thoughts

That is a great idea. I could do LiveStrong in black with script letters with yellow flowers and vines. Maybe they could even hide my BAH (my son's letters of his name) in one of the flowers??

[dadmo]

I'm married 33 years. Long slow suffering is nothing new.

[TCLEFT]

That is a great idea. I could do LiveStrong in black with script letters with yellow flowers and vines. Maybe they could even hide my BAH (my son's letters of his name) in one of the flowers??

I'll ask Phyllis to draw up the idea. That being said. Take note All, these designs and ideas are being hand drawn by an artist. You will all have "one of a kind".

[Karen]

I'm married 33 years. Long slow suffering is nothing new.

I'm tellin' mommo!

[Karen]

Just an FYI...last I saw you can't donate blood for 12 months following a tat or piercing unless it's done by a state regulated facility (whatever that is). I know for the survivors that is trumped by the cancer diagnosis, but that's my reason to skip the inking....although I've got a half dozen ideas of what I'd want

[dadmo]

It will also get me taken off the bone marrow donor list.

[TCLEFT]

I'm married 33 years. Long slow suffering is nothing new.

I'm married 20. This explains alot.

[Karen]

Good point...I've been on the bone marrow donor list since 1994 and don't want to mess that up either. I'll watch, and join you all in easing the pain with a shot of Jack Daniels!

[TCLEFT]

Good point...I've been on that list since 1994 and don't want to mess that up either. I'll watch and join you all in easing the pain with a shot of Jack Daniels!

Perhaps some sharpies would be in order for the non-inked crowd. (Could be pretty fun depending on how much Jack is consumed ) Face painting for the kids as well??? In any event we should all end up "colorful".

[Fed]

Just an FYI...last I saw you can't donate blood for 12 months following a tat or piercing unless it's done by a state regulated facility (whatever that is). I know for the survivors that is trumped by the cancer diagnosis, but that's my reason to skip the inking....although I've got a half dozen ideas of what I'd want

Hate to break this, but a cancer diagnosis automatically takes you off the donor list. A cancer patient cannot donate blood until 5 years after the last treatment was received (be it surgery, radiation, or chemo), so 12 months for getting ink won't make a difference to any of us recent survivors. I used to be a regular donor before diagnosis, and I was 2 sessions away from getting my gallon pin from the Red Cross.

Perhaps some sharpies would be in order for the non-inked crowd. (Could be pretty fun depending on how much Jack is consumed ) Face painting for the kids as well??? In any event we should all end up "colorful".

Emi would get a kick out of that!

[Fish]

I've been looking for someone for several years to do a celtic knot on my leg. I have a photo somewhere in a jpg file. I'll have to see if I can find it.

I have to check with Dee as she does all the scheduling but we'd love to meet everyone, if you don't mind 2 more.

[Already Bald]

Perhaps some sharpies would be in order for the non-inked crowd. (Could be pretty fun depending on how much Jack is consumed ) Face painting for the kids as well??? In any event we should all end up "colorful".

I like the idea of sharpies and face painting for the kiddies.
We would not need to stay overnight, but the party sounds fun.
With your permission, I'll run it up the flagpole and see if my wife salutes it!~

[Karen]

Fish, so this may really be a family reunion, long lost bro!!!!!

Mark and Joann, let us know what you need as far as food, beverages, etc!!!I heard a rumor that Mom-Dianne bought the pole from the Soprano's Badda-Bing club at auction and may bring that as well.

[TCLEFT]

As soon as I confirm this date with Phyllis. I'll start the "Taking Attendance" post since it was a good idea last time. More Family to meet! I'm absolutely loving it. Jim, Joe and Families c'mon down! BTW, depending on how many would like to be inked, we may not get all done in the one day. If some get missed, you'll have Phyllis' info for a future appt. An interesting side note; Phyllis does her stencils the old fashioned way. She etches the design into a plastic film. Once complete, she pours a powder into the etching and places it on your skin. This is the outline for the tattoo. But you also get the etching to take home. I might also see if she can come by the Friday and Sunday. We'll see, still a work in progress.

[Jay68442]

Ok after thinking some more. Instead of Japanese lettering I think I would use Chinese Calligraphy. Since I take Kung Fu a Chinese Art.

I'm still working on the phrase to go around the symbol.
The Yang side is easy - LIVESTRONG

Now I need words for the Yin side which should be the complementary opposite.

Here are a few of my thoughts.
Without Effort
Yet Yielding

I've been considering a new tattoo for some time now. I just can't seem to get an image in my head of what I want. I'm thinking a yin-yang symbol.

Yin (? or ? "shady place, north slope, south bank (river); cloudy, overcast"; Japanese: in or on) is the dark element: it is passive, dark, feminine, downward-seeking, and corresponds to the night.

Yáng (? or ? "sunny place, south slope, north bank (river), sunshine"; Japanese: yo) is the bright element: it is active, light, masculine, upward-seeking and corresponds to the daytime.

I would like to make the Yang side yellow for livestrong and include the word livestrong written around the circle in japanese. Not sure what word I would like for the Yin or passive side.
Anyone have any ideas?

BTW got room for one more?

[TCLEFT]

Ok after thinking some more. Instead of Japanese lettering I think I would use Chinese Calligraphy. Since I take Kung Fu a Chinese Art.

I'm still working on the phrase to go around the symbol.
The Yang side is easy - LIVESTRONG

Now I need words for the Yin side which should be the complementary opposite.

Here are a few of my thoughts.
Without Effort
Yet Yielding

Hey Jay,
If I remember my Um and Yang (Korean Yin and Yang) aren't the Offesive breaths (Ki Yeops -Spirit Yells) considered Yang and the Inward breaths or defesive moves considered Yin? That being said "Livestrong/Breathe (or breathe in or for that matter live) hence Live/Livestrong. Just a thought.

[Jay68442]

Hey Jay,
If I remember my Um and Yang (Korean Yin and Yang) aren't the Offesive breaths (Ki Yeops -Spirit Yells) considered Yang and the Inward breaths or defesive moves considered Yin? That being said "Livestrong/Breathe (or breathe in or for that matter live) hence Live/Livestrong. Just a thought.

I know the concept of yin-yang originated in Korean philosophy but I am unfamiliar with the Offensive Breaths. I will read up on it though. I've been learning about the Chinese concept of yin-yand and also that of Zen for a few years now. I would really like to incorporate those ideas into my tattoo.

[TCLEFT]

I know the concept of yin-yang originated in Korean philosophy but I am unfamiliar with the Offensive Breaths. I will read up on it though. I've been learning about the Chinese concept of yin-yand and also that of Zen for a few years now. I would really like to incorporate those ideas into my tattoo.

The offesive breaths, not to be confused with needing a tic tac, are just the exhales at point of contact. We know them as Ki meaning spirit, and Yeop meaning yell. From what I remember to breathe in is Yin. My point was breathing in is essential to life or to live. Being yielding as Yin, to take in Life. On the Yang side Breathe out at point of contact, like a strong Spirit Yell at Cancer, Sucha force would be the strong side of life, so you Livestrong. Know what I mean?

[TCLEFT]

15th works for Phyllis. We have a date! Woo Hoo!

[dadmo]

If her workload is too much for that day I can put my inking off for some other time. I have 3 already

[TCLEFT]

If her workload is too much for that day I can put my inking off for some other time. I have 3 already

The stencil will be ready. She makes the call, not me. Of course, if you'd like I can throw darts at your ribs so you won't be left out . Is Jason coming and planning ink? Is Nancy planning a tat?

[Jay68442]

The offesive breaths, not to be confused with needing a tic tac, are just the exhales at point of contact. We know them as Ki meaning spirit, and Yeop meaning yell. From what I remember to breathe in is Yin. My point was breathing in is essential to life or to live. Being yielding as Yin, to take in Life. On the Yang side Breathe out at point of contact, like a strong Spirit Yell at Cancer, Sucha force would be the strong side of life, so you Livestrong. Know what I mean?

Yes I see what you mean. I'm still unsure though. I found a yin-yang symbol in yellow and black. I also put the 15th of Dec on my calendar.

[Jay68442]

I created a crude image of what I have in mind. I'm not sure if I should have the words written in english or chinese. Feedback welcome.

[TCLEFT]

I created a crude image of what I have in mind. I'm not sure if I should have the words written in english or chinese. Feedback welcome.

I like it. Seems pretty nice in English.

[Jay68442]

I think I might the words in English so others can read it. I just noticed I put the arrows pointing the wrong direction. oops

[Margaret]

Wow, I just love it! I really think it is awesome.

[TCLEFT]

Wow, I just love it! I really think it is awesome.

Wait until you see what we have in mind for you. I'm meeting with Phyllis tomorrow and she'll start drawing this up. A message to all: Let me know where on your body your planning to put your tattoo and the approximate size. This will help Phyllis design the piece specific to the contours of you body. An example would be Jay's piece. A round object fits better on a chest, back or shoulder area. It might look out of place on a calf or forearm unless it had some design surrounding it which would elongate it. Ultimately, the choice is yours. These are just suggestions to consider. I want the best for my Family.

[TCLEFT]

Thought you might like to see the idea I had. This isn't exact, but the general idea is there. Based off of Kwan Yin - Buddist Goddes of compassion. I will hopefully have this done before the party. Mine will be playing a Lute to a Phoenix below. I already have a dragon on my shoulder.