It’s winter, it’s cold, the light is dim. And then something wonderful happens. Suddenly i’m in a tropical paradise where it’s 80 degrees F and i’m wearing shorts and flip-flops and swimming in the turquoise ocean and laying in the bright sun on a beautiful beach looking at shirtless guys. No, it wasn’t a dream, and no, i didn’t need a passport. I just went to Miami Beach and Key West. (I know, we’re such lucky bitches, aren’t we?) I’ve never been there before, (except in the airport on my way to Cancun.) It was just a 4 day, unplanned, last minute trip to spend some time with Paul’s parents who are truck drivers. (They had to deliver a load to Key West, and they had never been there, either.) Paul found round trip tickets on Hotwire for only $280 each. We couldn’t pass up the chance, and it was SO worth it!
Of course, when i first realized that we would be going to South Beach, my first thought was, “I have to see Miami Ink!” Paul, being the loving boyfriend that he is, found out where it was and took me there on Monday. I was so excited! Unfortunately, their waiting list for an appointment is 3 weeks long, and the people from the show are not there. We did not even go inside, we just looked in the windows and saw 3 artists i’ve never seen on the show. I did take pictures of it from across the street, though.
We found a gay club in South Beach called Twist that has 7 bars and 2 dance floors and some very hot go-go dancers. We went there on Sunday and Monday night. Man, there are a lot of beautiful men in Miami!!!
I would suggest not staying at the Sovereign Hotel, though! It was cheap and promised an ocean view, but our room had no soap or shampoo or towels, no ocean view, i got stuck in the elevator when it stopped working the first time, and it is next to a loud construction sight. I went down to the lobby between 11 and noon and asked if they had any coffee. The guy at the front desk suggested i try next door. (It took me a moment to process the fact that “next door” was another hotel!) They never did deliver the soap and shampoo we asked for twice, but luckily i found it in the hallway the next morning while the housekeeping staff was cleaning down the hall. We never did get the ashtray we asked for either, even though it was a smoking room. (I had to use a water glass, which for some reason still had water in it from the guests before us!) However, we did not let our less-than-ideal accommodations get us down. We were still in paradise!
I told Paul i could live there. Paul was not as impressed. Oh well. If we move to Missouri or Nashville, we’ll be a lot closer to Miami than we are now in California.
Of course, i wish we could have spent a lot more time in Key West and South Beach exploring the depths of these gay meccas, but that will have to wait until next time.

A home in Key West

Beach volleyball in January

Miami Ink in South Beach

Art Deco architecture in Miami Beach

South Beach sunset

On the everglades in an airboat

Egret

Alligator

Popularity: 35% [?]

Off The Map Tattoo shop in Easthampton, MA has a very hott tattoo artist named Jesse Smith.

I’ve always been much more drawn to black tattoos, but i have a growing appreciation for colorful tattoos when they are really unique, bold, and beautiful. Jesse Smith’s tattoos definitely embody that description.

Plus, he is very cute and this pic of him is fucking hottt!!! That sweet little grin on his lips is just… well, i’ll let you come up with your own description. Tell me what you think.

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If you’re tired of all the same old shit in all the tattoo magazines, check out his work.

Popularity: 17% [?]

One thing that i have not written about yet is my love of tattoos. I have some ink on my left forearm so far, and i am constantly searching for ideas for more. The only reason i don’t have more yet is because of the money it costs.

I have also been thinking very seriously about becoming a tattoo artist. In my years of surfing the web for tattoo photos and designs, i have refined my taste in tattoo art. I’ve learned what looks good and not so good, (to me.)

There is a huge emphasis on colorful tattoos in the industry, but i’ve always been much more interested in black tattoos for their bold, clean lines that make an impact from a distance. However, my appreciation of colorful work has grown, too. For black tattoo fans, our choices have been somewhat limited to run-of-the-mill “tribal” style designs or Polynesian and Maori designs. I’ve been on a quest to find new styles of black tat work, and so will begin by featuring an artist who specializes in mind-blowing black tattoos. His name is Tomas Tomas and he’s located in London. His masterful use of geometric patterns and Asian themes sets him apart. He also has a unique and fascinating way of blending color work and black work together for even greater impact. Viewing this site will completely expand your mind as to what is possible in body adornment. Enjoy!

Popularity: 23% [?]

OMG! Ok, i’ve never watched VH1’s The Surreal Life before, but i turned on the tv this morning and i’m watching a Surreal Life marathon, and this show is awesome! I had no idea! And i just saw Carey Hart and Jose Canseco strutting around in tiny, tight little ladies’ lingerie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Seiously, my eyebrows are stuck in the ‘up’ position and i have a perma-grin on my face right now. Oh Jose, nice package! And they both have the cutest asses! Ha! Ho…o…o…ottt! Ok, and i thought the burlesque striptease episode was hot!

Popularity: 23% [?]