To Tattoo a Lady?

It's a phrase I heard throughout childhood, and even now, and one that also seems to be a constant theme of many an internal struggle.  "A lady never. . ."

A lady never raises her voice.  A lady never sits with her legs astray.  A lady never over-indulges.  A lady never applies her makeup in public (and especially not at the table, or while in mixed company).  A lady never, ever even considers a tattoo.

Lord, I must have really failed my mother because I've done all of these things (though with the exception of lip balm, I leave makeup application for the powder room).  Now, I do try not to do these things, but at times - especially among close friends - I think there's a limit to propriety.  But still, that inner voice, engraved on my mind, is really on me now because, believe it or not, I'm considering a tattoo.

Two, in fact.  The first I actually dreamt of; in memory of my nana, Lora Lee Eberhart, I would get a tiny script "L" on my left wrist, for the name we both share.  And in the dream, too, the "L" was accompanied by a tiny ribbon bow (so, super hard-core).

The second is an idea I've had recently to have "j'adore," simply, "I love," placed on the back of my neck.  But then, I've also considered changing that to "adorer," to love, but also, "j'écrit," "I write," or "écrire," "to write."  

Clearly, I shouldn't get a tattoo I haven't set my mind on, and I struggle with the necessity of something like it, too (though I'm sure that by being on the back of my neck, not only would I forget about it from time to time, but it would also rarely be seen).

But that little "L" for my grandmother? I can't think that I'd regret a small memory like that.  And truly, being a lady is all about carriage, confidence, and grace.  If society grande dames can tattoo eyeliner on their lids, why can't I have a ribbon on my wrist?

Where have all the gentleman gone?

Ahhh manners. I'm afraid I have many occasion to wonder where they've run off too (and can be guilty of social faux-pas myself), but one that really irks me is a small problem, with tall annoyances.

I went downtown to the Power and Light District last night for the FREE Blues Traveler concert, which was incredible, thank you for asking. Now, my friend and I probably, definitely underestimated the number of people who were going to show up, but we were still an hour early and finding it difficult to a spot to stand and see.

Or, well, I was, being tiny-sized and all. We finally found a great spot and lived happily ever after, but I noticed an appalling number of men standing tall in prime spots, leaning over the railing (we ventured up above, as the pit in front of the stage was too packed), and completely igoring my 5' 2" self straining to see through holes.

Now is it too much to ask for the tall people to let the shorties stand in front? Obviously, you're going to be able to see over them. I realize they shouldn't have to let everyone who's shorter than them stand in front, but come on. One person or two and you're what, a foot further away? I think that's do-able.

Tell me, am I wrong? Demanding? Spoiled, even, by the good men of the South who open doors and make a girl feel welcome?

Also, I think this could even apply for taller women, and also, shorter men. Everyone's just there to have fun, and if everyone can see, well, doesn't that sound like fun?