The Taj Mahal continues....

I posted about my tapestry of the Taj Mahal in November here and thought it was time for an update. I have made great progress on the building itself - including the door area, which I think looks really good. All of the building has been completed in size 15 seed beads - fairly small.

The sky, clouds, trees, and ground will be completed in size 11 seed beads. The reflecting pond in front will probably see me working again in size 15 beads to try and put in a reflection of the dome. That's going to be a challenge that will be fun to see how it works out. The dome (which I will complete after the sky is beaded in) will also be in size 15s.

The other thing that is new in my life is tattoo #3 - I had the above tattooed on the back of my neck. It is the word "love" in stylized Arabic writing and I "love" it. Why this? All you need is love. Right? But why in Arabic? In the area of metro Detroit that I live in, it's a heavily Arabic community and I have known Arabic people for most of my life. I respect their religion, beliefs and many are friends that I know that I can count on (as I have friends in all religions and non-religions). In this day and age of mistrust and hatred of things that are not generally understood (why is it that if we don't understand, we must hate?) Also, it's beautiful! Why would I choose a Chinese symbol that everyone is choosing and having tattooed - I want something different. If you are in the Metro Detroit area and looking for a great tattoo artist, call Liquid Chaos in Dearborn Heights at 313-299-3435 and schedule and appointment with Mark Matias.