Are you sure this place is safe? Are you sure you want to do this? These are the questions I asked myself after I entered the Lark St. Piercing Shop. Upon walking in you see an extremely cluttered place, filled with costumes, old anecdotes and new toys. On the right, there is a small counter with a tacked up signed detailing the pricing for various types of piercings along with jewelry. I'd been to this shop twice before and recommended it to several friends. Yet the panic set in as I knew it was my turn to add another piece of glistening steel to my canvas. I knew this shop was and is one of the best in the area. After all I had been pierced there before by Marcie, so I knew that I was just experiencing the beginnings of anxiety attack; which is completely normal to me.
At A Glance Author Preci0us Contact Preci0us@bme.anon When Six months ago Artist Marcie Studio Lark Street Piercing Location Albany, NY You see, I love piercings and everything about them; except for the Needles. I am deathly afraid of needles and everything to do with them. I can simply pass out from the smell of them. If by and chance I can stand the smell, you can be sure that I will turn very pale/blue once I've been pierced and then drop to the floor. I've only had a zillion shots and three previous piercings and it happens every time.
Breathing deeply and holding a smile I went on and was greeted by Marcie herself. I re-introduced myself as I felt she had probably forgotten who I was. Full of confidence I told her I'd like to have my rook pierced. She checked out my ear and recommended what jewelry I should go for, etc. Since I had prepared myself for this piercing I knew what I wanted and how I wanted it done. The things that she asked, I already had set up answers for, I knew the drill. I took out my ID and handed it over while she made a copy, had me pay and fill out the, "if you make my ear fall off, don't worry I wont sue" papers.
Marcie told me I could accompany her in the back room while she set up. Entering the back room came with a total environment change. Everything had its place; it was neat and looked extremely clean. It even smelled clean, which reassured me that nothing changed since my last visit. The walls were decorated with up to date certifications and licensing, another plus. While I waited I asked the usual questions to Marcie, wondering if she had any new insight about the piercing. Have you done this often? Will it hurt? Did your hurt? I'm sure I sounded like I've never gotten pierced before in my life but what can I say. Curiosity killed the cat and satisfaction brought it back.
After about five or so minutes of sterilizing and repeated changing of gloves Marcie told me I could take a seat so she could mark my ear. I did as I was told. and got prepared for the worst. She made the dots with a toothpick and ink and handed me the mirror. They looked fine to me and I didn't have one of the moments when you feel like something was wrong so I just smiled and said okay. Then it dawned on me that I need to tell her I get a tad queasy ( slight understatement ) after piercings and probably will just pass out. She laughed it off and told me not to worry, a jolly rancher and some rest can cure that right up and I can get all of that right where I was. I took a deep breath and just waited for her to get the needle and things out of their packaging.
After what seemed like and eternity she told me that she was ready. She asked if I would like her to tell me every step that she was doing as she went along with the procedure. I politely declined because I knew hearing her say what I already knew would just make me have a sickening feeling in my stomach. She said okay, and told me to take nice deep breaths. As soon as I took the first breath I felt the needle slide smoothly through my cartilage. There was no special popping or crunching noises. As easily as the needle slid in, it slid out only to be replaced by my CBR.
I blinked, looked in the mirror and smiled. I didn't feel the slightest bit sick or cold or pain for that matter. I was breathing normally and my vitals seemed to be okay. Not feeling sick after being so close to a needle was new to me. I knew that for now I was complete, that little circle of silver made me appreciate myself more for some reason. It gave me a new piece of courage and confidence and might have been the point where I grew up a little and conquered a fear.