Adding Color Takes Time

Progress doesn’t always look dramatic. Sometimes it looks like showing up—even when you’re uncomfortable—and staying present long enough to let the moment pass without retreating. The guys at Tattooing 101 continue to remind me of this.

This weekend we had friends over for a white elephant brunch. My wife filled the house with good food. I smoked a pork butt out back. Crowds are still hard for me, even in my own home, so I found my footing where I could—college football on the back patio, a few guys, cigars, and space to breathe. It wasn’t perfect. But it was participation. That matters.

In between conversations and tending the smoker, I worked on my sketch. I added shading. I added color. Slowly. Intentionally. Not trying to finish it—just trying to move it forward.

That’s how real change works.  Doubt will still show up. So will bad days, crowded rooms, and moments where the vision feels fuzzy. None of that means you’re off course. It just means you’re in it.

Later, I spent time planning my tattoo studio—imagining the new space where Honor and Ink™ will live. A vintage rockabilly backbone, layered with Texas roots, hot rods, motorcycles, sports, and military history. Not clutter. Character. Each piece chosen, each layer telling part of the story. Just like the sketch.

This is what it looks like to sharpen the blade instead of letting it rust. Small actions. Consistent effort. Color added one layer at a time.

I don’t need to be who I imagine myself becoming overnight. I just need to keep showing up and putting in the work.

The vision gets clearer every time I do.