Piercing Party

I spent part of my Valentine's Day redoing my piercings that had closed up. Present in the room were the experienced piercer with 10 years under his belt, the trainee who is still in his first 5 years (he offered to pierce for free since he's still learning. I declined), and my good friend and fabulous photographer Siobhan. It turned into quite a party with Siobhan's quips and running commentary, spouting the hilarious titles of her photos as she shot. I scolded her for making me laugh. You don't want to wiggle while there's a giant needle coming at your belly button.

My nose was originally pierced in a book store in Kathmandu in 1985. There was a small cardboard sign marked in black felt pen tacked to the door frame. We pierce noses 150 rupees. I believe at the time that was about $1.50. They used a piercing gun!! On my nose!! Of course in 1985 I didn't know of any other way. It felt like someone hit me in the nose with a basketball. The first time I pierced my nipples was in a clothing store on Capitol Hill in Seattle. Again a budget experience but definitely better than the bookstore. My current experience with piercing was much more professional and decidedly more hygienic but it still felt like a party.

Why did I do this? After all I'm almost 50, shouldn't I act my age, be responsible, get more conservative, settle down? Hell no! I got pierced initially on whims, impulses to get as much out of life as I can, experience as many things as possible, to learn, to try new things. I got re-pierced this time again on a whim. Maybe because I'm almost 50 I did this to mark a milestone in my life. Half a century. I did it to feel alive, vital, fresh and young. I do feel young, much younger than I imagine 50 to be. And I'm quite certain I have at least another 50 years in me. I wonder what I will do to mark 100?