I knew the nose piercing would be surprising to some of you and being somewhat sheltered myself it was difficult for me to make the decision to have it done, because it would after all, be way outside the image I have so long established for myself, but there is a story that goes with it, one I will gladly share. It kind of comes in three parts so bear with me ~
Firstly, my daughter has her nose pierced and she and I have a very close relationship. Not only is she my daughter, but she is my best friend too, so I could hardly miss out on this bonding opportunity when she and her girlfriends hijacked me and took me to have it done and of course being declared “the coolest mom ever” tipped the scale significantly ~
Secondly, I often make the reference that having a pierced nose makes me bilingual…not in the linguistic sense, but in the generational sense. I am very passionate about teaching and learning, but before any of that can take place there has to be a mutual plane of trust and with a nose piercing I think I am better equipped to reach some students who would otherwise be marginal, so in a nutshell, if my students think I might be able to relate to some of their issues I stand a better chance of them actually listening ~
Thirdly, it is easy to stand on one side of the fence and question anything “abnormal” on the other side. More than once, this nose piercing has put me on the side of the fence where I was being judged by those who didn’t even know me and I know I am a better person for having experienced that…it has been an eye opener AND a heart opener for me. I would challenge any of my “socially proper” friends to dress drastically down with a little dirt on their face and walk into their favorite shopping place and see the reaction they get. I have done this as a project and you would be amazed at the treatment received. Matthew 7:1-3 tells us to not judge others and yet sadly, this happens time and again ~
I don’t know that I will always have it, but for now I think it’s kind of cute…I have yet to post a picture of myself for two reasons…1) I am not photogenic in the least and 2) I’m usually the one on the other end of the camera, but I will try to get the kids to have some camera fun with me so you can see what it looks like.
Firstly, my daughter has her nose pierced and she and I have a very close relationship. Not only is she my daughter, but she is my best friend too, so I could hardly miss out on this bonding opportunity when she and her girlfriends hijacked me and took me to have it done and of course being declared “the coolest mom ever” tipped the scale significantly ~
Secondly, I often make the reference that having a pierced nose makes me bilingual…not in the linguistic sense, but in the generational sense. I am very passionate about teaching and learning, but before any of that can take place there has to be a mutual plane of trust and with a nose piercing I think I am better equipped to reach some students who would otherwise be marginal, so in a nutshell, if my students think I might be able to relate to some of their issues I stand a better chance of them actually listening ~
Thirdly, it is easy to stand on one side of the fence and question anything “abnormal” on the other side. More than once, this nose piercing has put me on the side of the fence where I was being judged by those who didn’t even know me and I know I am a better person for having experienced that…it has been an eye opener AND a heart opener for me. I would challenge any of my “socially proper” friends to dress drastically down with a little dirt on their face and walk into their favorite shopping place and see the reaction they get. I have done this as a project and you would be amazed at the treatment received. Matthew 7:1-3 tells us to not judge others and yet sadly, this happens time and again ~
I don’t know that I will always have it, but for now I think it’s kind of cute…I have yet to post a picture of myself for two reasons…1) I am not photogenic in the least and 2) I’m usually the one on the other end of the camera, but I will try to get the kids to have some camera fun with me so you can see what it looks like.
7 comments:
great sharing of your thoughts, joni......my tatoo isn't out where everyone can see it, so i don't get judged for it immediately.....however, when it has come up in conversation...there is definitely (in some people, not all) a judgement that i feel.....however, i am the same person after it was done, as i was before......certain experiences give you a new window to see through, don't they?
my tatoo was done with the great "encouragement" of my daughters too! :)
hope you have a very beautiful sunday.....
kimberly
Joni, you make me laugh out loud so many times and at the same time challenge me to see more and grow in directions I might not have even considered seriously. Thanks for the explanation. I already had thought some of what you said might be true, but secretly I was hoping you were a wild women crazy in love with all the latest fads and were going to help pull me out of the 80's...which was my best looking years. Some of my 8 things you don’t know about me will show you how much I’m a fashion dropout. I bet you’re not stuck in the 80’s.
It's a lazy Sunday afternoon in Georgia and the house is way too quiet. Hope you have had a restful Sunday too.
Phyllis, sorry to disappoint, but I don't even own any spandex...I can however pull off the latest styles and help you out...we'll go shopping. I've decided I haven't had my best looking years yet...I'm gearing up for those now. Do you like animal prints? I can picture you in dark sunglasses with the little rhinestones and a leopard print scarf framing your face, what do ya' say?
My Sunday has been spent in the Capulet tomb....just as well, the wind is out of control.
Kimberly, does your tattoo have a personal meaning to you? I mean by it being a lavender rose? and did it hurt?...no, you're not putting ideas into my head, but...if I decide to break out and go really wild, I need to know these things :)
joni....roses have always been a very favorite of mine.....and while lavender isn't to be found as a prominant color in my home right now, it was my favorite color growing up! and no....it did not hurt at all....not to encourage you or anything! :) i figured after having five children natural...how bad could it be? :-)
we'll go shopping with phyllis (i love the ideas you had for her)...and then we'll go to the tatoo parlor with you....and me? i guess that leaves a piercing! :)
thanks for the fun!
hugs,
kimberly
I love the way you think....and yes people do judge, and who are they any way....as you know my nose is pirce and I love it, I get asked the most stupidist guestions about it, and I want a tatto, John desighned one I like it's a cross. I love you Nettie
I think it is awesome you had your nose pierced! It would be terrible if we were all cookie cutters who weere the same.
I am getting a tatoo. I have never had one. But I am getting 2 little hearts with John and my intials.
I am a rebel too appparently. LoL
xoxo Nita
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