Momentous day for this Egull!
Back in 2017, shortly after I was diagnosed with MS - I was hanging out with the fam by the pool discussing tats and whether or not I would get another one. I've wanted a true "spread eagle" on this back for a long time. Mom piped up and said, "If you get another tattoo, I think you should get Ms. Harriet." For those of you that don't know, I follow eagle cams and am an avid raptor enthusiast.
Harriet is part of the Southwest Florida Eagle cam and one of the first eagle cams I began watching in 2014/2015. This Eagle Mama has been to hell and back and embodies the very meaning of grit, endurance, perseverance, hyper-dominance, strength, ferocity, absolute commitment and dedication to nest and territory, not to mention grace under an immense amount of fire!
Loud, vocal, and bossy! And, with no apologies - lol. But, if there's an E-gal you want to have your back, she be the one. They clock her age about 30 years or older at this point.
My own mother was right. Harriet's story is a legacy I want to carry with me as an indelible reminder of the grace and fortitude needed to survive, thrive, and overcome so that like her, we can come to know the many blessings and joy beyond the boundaries of our own suffering.
I quickly contacted one of the ground crew photographers at the SWFL nest and asked permission to use one of her photos. She provided a rendition of the one you now see on my back. But, before I could get started I had a bit of a journey left before I was ready too get Harriet imprinted on more than just this girl's heart.
There was a goal weight to hit (I was 19 lbs down at the time), I wanted a toned body to give her beauty justice, the money to get exactly what I wanted, and a tattoo artist that specialized in wildlife tattoos. A little over 2 years and 83 lbs. later, the moment arrived today. I gotta say, I am absolutely in love with the finished product. Without further ado - Meet one of the most majestic creatures and teacher I've had the pleasure to watch and learn from, Ms. Harriet