This weekend I got my first tattoo and I absolutely love how it turned out. I fully realize that a tattoo is not for everyone and there is sure to be a group of people that question my choice. However, I am determined not to let other people decide what I will do with my life. To help remind myself of this approach, I have started using the phrase “more cowbell” to push me to embrace new experiences (and to laugh in tough situations). I am not sure how I got stuck on the phrase, but have found it really fits with how I want to live my life.
For those not familiar with the phrase, it comes from a 2000 Saturday Night Live skit (worth 5 minutes if you have not seen it). The scene is a spoof of the Blue Oyster Cult recording “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” with Will Ferrell (playing the role of Gene Frenkle) playing the cowbell with enthusiasm. Throughout the skit Christoper Walken is pleading for even more cowbell. I have seen the skit dozens of times, and laugh through each one. At one point, Will makes the statement “we don’t have a whole lot of songs that feature the cowbell”. This got me to thinking that this applies to a lot of the goals and dreams I have. While people may love a good cowbell, most people would not be comfortable putting it into their song. Often our dreams or goals are not understood by everyone else, but that does not mean you should shy away from pursuing.
So, when I decided to follow Betsy’s lead and get my own tattoo, the words “more cowbell” ran through my head as I decided to get something large and visible. As I mentioned in my last post many of my fears about our trip arise from within. In selecting what piece of art I wanted on my body for the rest of my life I decided on an image that would remind me to always look inside myself for answers. (see more photos of the experience here)
Follow your own voice:
- Find people that will support your dream. They will be screaming “more cowbell” when you need it. (The photo here is of Betsy’s parents sporting temporary tattoos in their version of “more cowbell” for her new art).
- Don’t be afraid to “explore the space” of your goals. Make the goal your own and be fearless in how you attack it. I wanted a tattoo that I could look at to remind me to slow down and experience both our trip and my life.
- Have fun. After all, life is short so why not have a great time on the ride. Our wonderful friends Pat and Debb joined us at the tattoo parlor for a few hours of laughs and fun to celebrate the moment.
Tattoo inspiration:
In November of 2006, Betsy and I visited Barcelona for a week. During our time touring the city we spent a couple hours visiting the Salvador Dali museum. Dali was an amazing and prolific artist, and if you have the opportunity I encourage you to spend some time walking through a set of works that inspires, confuses, and simply baffles the mind. While there I was mesmerized by his work on “The Anthropomorphic Cabinet” and “The Fallen Angel“. I love the images and self-reflection they inspire. I added the globe to reflect both the trip that we are going on, but also to remind me what I want to learn about myself while we are on this adventure.
About Warren
You can always count on us to help you “turn up” the cowbell!
“Guess what? I got a fever! And the only prescription.. is more cowbell!”
Big, bold, and brassy!
Nice tats all round!
Thank you Tony! I love the alliteration and that description.
I know where “cowbell” came from - it’s the phrase from the trapeze class we went to! Or was that just another coincidental occurance of the saying??
It was a great coincidence and I loved the idea of applying it to the time on the trapeze. Another great example of more cowbell equaling more fun experiences.
Warren, I could totally see getting a tattoo that says, “More Cowbell!” The other kinds just scare me!
Your tat is very powerful. Every time I see it I am taken aback by its force. Guess that’s a good thing to have on your leg!
Thanks for being you, Warren, and for reminding me to use “more cowbell”!
Thank you Margit. The art is very meaningful for me and was intended to be something that would inspire me and remind me to stay grounded. I am delighted you enjoy it as well.
Very, very cool Warren! It’s so good to see you exploring the space
LOVE IT!
Thank you Julie. I am loving the feeling this gives me each time I look at it and reminded of the adventure in front of us. Should be a fun exploration.
Nice, passionate writing….good sentiment.
Hope, thank you for the comment. I have been trying to write more and getting encouragement really helps. I am delighted to know the feelings I had for the process came through.
Plus, it is great to hear from you!
Fun) I’d like to get tatoo but fact that it’s forever really scare me))
Natalie,
I was certainly worried about this for some time before getting this. In truth I was writing about that fear in my journal sitting in the tattoo studio just before I walked back to start the process. However, I decided that life is simply too short to worry about it so decided to jump in. Now that it is done, and big & bold on my leg, I could not be happier. I am proud of the art. More importantly the tattoo means a lot to me and I believe it will always remind me of this moment. If you do get one, please drop me a line!
Hey Warren love the tattoo, big and bold, kind of like your new life huh??! Well done you, and I love the backstory for it’s meaning for you
Awesome!
Thank you so much Judy and I am glad that it lived up to the anticipation. I am glad you liked me sharing more of what went on in my head for this. Glad to know it was not just rambling statements:)
I have really been considering getting a tattoo but Im not sure if Im ready for one. That is a HUGE commitment to make. I know if I get one I want it on my calf muscle but other than that dont know what I would get. Maybe while Im in another country Ill get one…lol (doubt it)!
Nice tattoo btw!!! It looks good.
Hey Jamie,
I have been considering getting one for sometime but only came to the decision when I decided on the design, which was less than 2 weeks before this. Once I had the design it was an easy decision to go ahead and get it done. I am very happy with the result and the permanent reminder I have of the moment. Good luck in your process as I know it is a big decision.