I only wanted one tattoo, just so I could say I had one.  I was proud that I had never gotten any cartoon characters on my ankle, or a dolphin engraved on my lower back. As tempting as those fads looked at the time, my resistance was strong.  I blame my blinding, conservative Southern upbringing.  I was always told: What if a huge Fortune 500 Company wanted to hire you, but saw that ankle tattoo you simply couldn't hide during the interview? My chance to make millions would be blown, all because of an irremovable fad. 

A few years ago I escaped the narrow-minded brainwashing I had grown up with, also coming to terms with the fact that no Fortune 500 Company was ever going to consider my employment application, much less ask me in for an interview.  So, it was Nate Leinfelder I went to for my first taste of needle and ink. Since then, I've gotten two more, and I'm ready for another. 

Recently Nate opened up shop in downtown Tacoma on Broadway where Rocky & Coco's used to be.  I had to go check out his new digs and see what trouble I could get into.

STEPH DEROSA: Nate!

NATE LEINFELDER: What's up, Steph?  Long time, no see.

DEROSA: Just got done doing my Three Drink Minimum column.  Think I might be ready for another tattoo.

LEINFELDER: Do I smell whiskey? 

DEROSA: Maybe.  But don't worry, I won't ask for an embarrassing tattoo.  Hey, do you ever get annoyed when people come in asking for stupid shit like a butterfly tramp stamp?

LEINFELDER: Never.  Our goal is to give people what they want, and customize it with our own twist.  We're going to put more into it than just what people bring in from a magazine cutout picture.

DEROSA: So you won't judge me if I ask for Mrs. Butterworth's face tattooed on my inner thigh?

LEINFELDER: Nope.  You might even consider some lettering.  We do a ton of lettering. It's one of our specialties.  We even have a book deal.

DEROSA: Great!  So, you'll do this tattoo for me right now?

LEINFELDER: Steph, you've been drinking.

DEROSA: AND?

LEINFELDER: I tell you what, why don't you give me 20 or 30 minutes to get as inebriated as you are, then I'll begin your tattoo.  Sound good?

DEROSA: Point taken.

[The Rose & Crown Tattoo Parlor, 750 Saint Helens Ave., Tacoma, 253.301.1556]