“The first time I heard about the Boulder Tattoo Project was on October 4, 2013. I had just spent 20 days without power and 21 days without a passable road due to the incredible flooding in Lefthand Canyon where I live. During this experience, I got to witness and participate in some very special moments of a community coming together to help each other in a time of great need. I was lucky enough to not only have no damage to my home, but to also to have a generator at my house to power the lights, refrigerator, internet, and well pump. So, for the first few days, many of my neighbors spent the evening with me where they could cook and enjoy a warm meal, take a shower, contact their friends and family, and most importantly, connect with and support each other. I learned a lot about myself over those 20 days and a lot about the strength and kindness of the people in this community. This tattoo and my involvement in this project is a reminder of all I experienced.
I chose the phrase ‘Aspirational Boulder!’ for a few reasons. The word aspiration makes me think of a quote from Karen Ravn that I am fond of: ‘Only as high as I reach can I grow, only as far as I seek can I go, only as deep as I look can I see, only as much as I dream can I be.’ I believe that our aspirations are a big part of what defines us, our great city, and our lives. I like that the phrase includes the name of the city that the poem and this project pay tribute to, and, as an added bonus, that it even contains an exclamation point!”
Christine Blend’s “aspirational Boulder!”
Christine Blend’s “aspirational Boulder!” (detail)
The Boulder Tattoo Project 