Cherry Blossom Candy Leaf

So, as you may or may not recall, one year in Pismo, Danny demanded a tattoo right after his mom died. He was 15 that year. Keith said no, but Danny has been thinking about it and planning it ever since. When he turned 18 in May, he knew it was just a matter of time before he finally got his tribute tattoo.

In the middle of May, he drove up to Pismo, where Jeremy and Ben have gotten tattoos from Shane Knight at Mothership. He is a creative and amazing artist, a person who listens to what you want and someone who will take good care of your little brother.

Danny wanted us to come, but we were a little afraid as Keith was not made aware of the tattoo and we didn't want him to think that we were pressuring Danny to get it. We don't think Keith would blame us, but we talked to Danny about it anyway, made sure he knew that this was a lifelong commitment, and really pushed him to tell his dad, etc.,. Danny was determined to get the tattoo and to keep it a secret. Even though Ben and I both wish that Danny would just tell his dad what he decided to do, he is an adult now and is making his own decisions. To this day, Keith does not know the tattoo exists.

Ben and I drove up to Pismo separately and met Danny and his girlfriend Jamison at Mothership, where the tattoo was already in progress.

This is pretty big for your first tattoo, Danny!!! Like Ben's tribute tattoo, it has Marilyn's favorite flowers, the rose and gardenia. Unlike Ben, Danny decided to have his done in black and gray, except for the beams of light coming off the cross at the upper center of his back. Two sparrows are holding a banner that says, "Marilyn Phillips, 8-21-49 - 5-06-07." Whereas Ben preferred the word "Mom" on his tattoo, Danny liked the formality of her full name and the scripted lettering.

Providing moral support.

The finished product! Danny loves it and afterwards he said he felt relieved to finally be able to honor his mom this way. His mom actually liked tattoos, even though she never lived to get one. (But she hated piercings !!!)

Afterward, Ben and I had lunch at Splash. Ben had to have their famous clam chowder (even though they no longer get the clams from Pismo), while I had a grilled cheese with tomato. Afterward, we walked the pier.

It was unusually warm and sunny for Pismo that day - perfect for a lovers' stroll.

On our way home, we stopped at the Firestone Brewery. We have said we would one day, but have always been in a hurry to get home. Ben had the little glass because he was driving, but I enjoyed a tall glass of delicious and refreshing goodness!