Where do we begin? Yes, from the beginning!! Hey,, that's a long time ago!! Growing up in Central Unites States as a youngster, I had the opportunity to witness many Native American Tribal ceremonies in Wyoming, Colorado, and Nebraska while on summer vacation. Then W.W. II hit us all. Travel curtailed and only images of the painted people and their dances remain a vivid memory.
At A Glance Author Rob S. Contact Rob S.@bme.anon When N/A Artist Bob, owner Studio Elite Piercing Studio Location Myrtle Beach, SC
Now after the war came college and a career in the hospitality industry (as G.M.). And once again, travel opportunities. Back to my beloved Mid-Western U.S.. And further West to the wonderful and great Rocky Mountains and The Rocky Mountain National Park area. Of course, Western Sports and Rodeo!! A stage coach wreck?? Yup! I got into one. Received a compound dislocation of the left elbow and severed the left medial artery. Lower arm removal - a VERY distinct possibility. Out of the mountains to Greely,CO. and surgery. Waking up after constructive surgery, I wiggled my fingers and observed my arm in a half cast. It took over a year of rehabilitation to recover and 96% use. Well my hospitality career took a back seat and was curtailed for a short time. I still carry those scars today. But, talk about tall Western Stories to tell. Great fun!! Did this accident re-enforce my greater appreciation of body modification? Quite possible. My career, once again, intervened and thoughts of modification were surpressed. FAST FORWARD!
It is now 2004 and 50+ years later and I'm a bit older. Thoughts of body modification once again rose to the surface. January '04 and a lousy work day at the hotel (I'm the G.M.). Purchasing supplies and placing orders did not go well that Thursday. Corporate overdrew on the hotel account card and invoices were waiting to be approved and paid. They failed to notify me- purchases denied!! Trying to relieve a massive growing tension headache thoughts turned to body modification. How can I get rid of this tension?? I left the hotel to get some fresh air and clear my head. While driving, I noticed Elite Piercing Studio. Well why not!! 'Parked the car and went in. (We have many young guests staying at the hotel with wonderful body piercings and tattoos). Body modification is taking a strong hold of me! Thus,we begin the journey.
This is one of the finest places for this type of work in our area. Their brochures are found in my lobby as well as driving direction on our guest map. I've reviewed them on several occasions. Question, can I get a piercing at my age (71+)?? Answer - YES!! That wonderful lady behind the counter. She made me feel at ease immediately. Later and formally introduced, it turns out to be the owners wife - Dian. What would you like to have pierced she asks? I surprise her and say my NIPPLES!! I filled out the necessary paper work and was escorted to one of the piercing rooms. Bob (owner) had prepared everything and is waiting. Instructions given - shirt removed and ready for piercing. Ouch! And in went the 1st 14 guage C.B.R.. This was on Thursday, I was informed that a cheaper price for two within a given time period is available. Returning Saturday, for the left one to be pierced and done. Bob mentions do I ever desire to have a tattoo? "No Way!", the asnwer. Little did I realize an immediate release of a deep-seated yearning to get a tattoo began to formulate in my mind. A story which will unfold in this writing. Now a year later and both nips have been stretched to 8 guage and barbells replace the rings. Hey, another story later. OK! Get on with the P.A. story.
Happy New Year! 2005. My dream piercing- Finally A GENITAL PIERCING - A PRINCE ALBERT!! I've thought about this one for a long time. This type of piercing at my age?? Ha, the fun of body modification!! Back to Elite Piercing for the procedure. With small talk over and paper work complete, I am led back to the piercing room. Bob prepares all the necessary instruments and you know the rest of the instructions. The receiving tube is inserted. And then all is halted!! Alas, we find the blood vessels are too close together and will not roll to one side. And also, in the way of the alignment where the mark is for needle exit.It is just too risky for the piercing at this time. Bob is very conscious about his work and elects not to do the piercing. I concur. I'm DEVASTATED!! But understand the circumstances involved. NO P.A.!! - for now.
Bob had done all my work. His studio is one of the 1st in SC to be fully accredited by S.C.D.H.E.C. Well, the alternative suggestion by Bob - "Let's do a frenum latter - 3 rung - and see if everything goes O.K.. A 3 rung it is! #1 inserted - alls well, #2 inserted, and finally #3 installed. The "little man" is cleaned up and all ship shape! No bleeding and that's good. Now a week later and a business trip nearly a 1,000 miles long, the ladder is tender. Guess sitting on it that long and driving would make it tender. Thank goodness for sea-salt soaks.
It is now March 4th and Spring in fast approaching Mytle Beach. I stop into Elite Piercing to say hello. Bob is back in the autoclave room preparing a new batch of jewelry for sterilization. So he was surprised when I told him it's time for the "SPRING P.A.". The ladder has healed. It feels and looks great. Oh yes, it works fine, I mention. A BIG SMILE crosses his face and we both understand my earlier devastation not getting a P.A.. Naturally, we are both excited about the piercing. I ask to have a 14 guage piercing and a 12 guage ring inserted. Well, Bob decides to go all the way at 12 guage with a 7/8 inch diameter C.B.R.. O.K. by me. Larger and heavier rings can be added at a later date. We both agree. On with this.
Bob preps the room. It's always spotless. Waiting for him, gives me a chance to look at the pictures 'suspending' on the wall. They're suspension pic's. of his suspension clubs activities. Another interesting venture to explore?? - and invitation is extended and accepted. Everything is now ready. Settling down on the medical exam table - jeans and shorts lowered, I mentally prepared once again. Bob is familiar with my anatomy and also with the tattoo work (by another artist)- all custom tribal and another story.
Autoclaved equipment is placed on the tray; gloves changed and action ready to begin. The head and shaft are cleaned and prepped. Receiving tube inserted and area marked for exit. Breathing under control and waiting for the 1st sting. WOW" I must say, it did not hurt quite as bad as stretching the nips from 12 guage to 8 guage (with NO in-between) HURRAY!! the 12 guage C.B.R. is installed and the P.A. complete. What a wonderful feeling and awesome look!! The next step- stop the minimal bleeding and package the goods. Bob completes the task and places a glove over it. WHAT!! NO RIBBON AND BOW?? to finish off the package. (A tip for those getting genital piercings. If bleeding is a problem, use disposable diapers to absorb the body fluids. It also adds a little comfort in the sitting position and keeps things secure and safe. (For us oldsters it makes us believe we're a "kid" again). And no messy sheets and clothing to throw away).
Bob and I go up to the front counter to square payment. And I give him a very generous tip (after all this is the 2nd time for the P.A.) We visit and discuss the continuation of my body tattoo work. Presently, I have full custom tribal- entire chest, both shoulders, 1/4 sleeves- both arms, and full upper and lower back pieces. All in black with a complete massive red overlay thru-out all the tribal design. SC has finally approved tattoo studios and many will open this Spring. For now, I must travel to Wilmington, NC and have John at 'Marks of Distinction' do my work. He has designed 99% of the art work on my body. Between my shoulder blades is a mean looking custom tribal lion with "blood shot eyes". This is the area to test my tolerance to red ink (no problems and no rejection of color). I'm a Leo and this tat is now "slightly hung over!"
Am I modified and with the younger generation?? YUP!!! You'd better believe it and poud of it!
So folks of my generation - go for it! Shake off those inhibitions! There is more intereting things around the corner to see. Thank you B.M.E. for allowing my story to be shared with your viewers and staff.
P.S. It's late evening and still no bleeding from the P.A.. Now one Happy Puppy!! 3/05/05 early morning and no bleeding over night. But many interesting erections. Can't wait for a work out!!The ring looks and feels fantastic!