The monroe. Makes me think of Marilyn (but then again who doesn't with a name like that) and reminds me of the times when Hollywood glamour meant more than being half-naked on a red carpet. Me, being very obsessed with old Hollywood glamour made me want it more than anything. So, I set out for what i wanted. And got it.
At A Glance Author Tinks* Contact tressawilson@hotmail.com When N/A Artist Matt Studio Planet Ink Location Ottawa
Using birthday money and hoping to not waste it I went to see my piercer (Matt at Planet Ink) and let him know what I wanted. After having waited around to get the necessary funds I finally had what I needed and headed for downtown. I was nervous, per usual, but excited for the outcome. Pain has never been an issue for me, so I wasn't preoccupying myself with the thought that this would hurt.
After paying and filling out forms I had to wait for a little while as there were other customers before me. I chatted with my friends about nothing in particular, trying to distract myself from the nervous energy accumulating in my system. For the most part, it actually worked! Finally it was my turn and with butterflies in my stomach and slight craziness I willed my legs to carry me to the piercing room. Once inside I felt more calm and reassured that I was in good hands. Matt explained procedure and that all the tools had not been used before and would not be used again and so on. I'm not sure how many times I've heard the procedure, but it's always nice to know that whomever is piercing you cares enough to go through it time and time again. I decided to be pierced on the right side of my face, so the area was cleaned and marked. Matt had me check the location. I've never been one to question a piercer's judgement on placement, so with an "ok" I psyched myself out mor e than I felt necessary. But that's just the way I do things.
I lay down on the dentist-like chair/bed that is in every piercing room and took deep breaths. With the clamps in place and my lip being pulled out at a ridiculous angle, I could feel the tip of the needle against the inside of my lip. It's a feeling you'll never forget. One, two, three, breath and pierce! I now had a needle sticking out from the right side of my face and a slight burning where a new hole had appeared in my body. I sneaked a peek and all I could see was the tip of the needle and I quickly shut my eyes again. I only wanted to see the finished product.
Matt quickly put in the jewellery with no more pain than the initial piercing, and with the bead on I sat up to look. I loved it, though I wasn't used to seeing this thing on my face. It was a jolt everytime I looked in the mirror. Getting used to seeing it was probably the hardest part. Even now, I sometimes have to look twice to see what that shiny thing on my face is.
All in all, the pain was nothing to get worked up about and I have had worse pain from piercings. I felt a bit stronger going through it yet again, and feeling somewhat accomplished, I bravely walked back onto the streets of downtown Ottawa with a bounce in my step.
I washed the piercing with spectro gel and continued to do so for a month. It healed nicely with no problems at all and after a month I checked with Matt to see if the piercing was healed enough for me to change the jewellery. I was tired of having a huge post sticking out of my face. I wanted something small and inconspicuous. The point wasn't for everyone to know it was there, but to have to look a little closer to see it.
I finally changed the jewellery after attempting to many times and being unable to take out the jewellery. The bead was screwed on so tight I had to enlist my friend's help to get it out. I put in a tiny piece of jewellery and in my opinion, it looks much better. Some say go big or go home, but i say less is more.
And in my tribute to old Hollywood glamour, I've found that nothing is ever what it appears to be, and maybe I was a little disappointed by my experience. I was hoping for a momentous change in my life from a little piece of metal, but I realize now that while I may feel more comfortable with new additions, I have to change myself inside to see changes on the outside.
And while many people hate my piercing, there are also many people who love it. But at the end of the day, it's really what I love or hate. And right now I love it.So with a new outlook and a new addition, I can make decisions about future modifications with a little more knowledge and insight (but i still love the monroe).