For those of you that know me, you know that I have always had some weird fascinations. Some of them are not explainable and others I don’t waste the time trying to figure out why, I just accept them as a given. I have always been intrigued by images of the human skull. A lot of people relate this image to death and mortality, which scares most people. I have somewhere around 17 different skulls tattooed on my body, and they have been there for quite some time. I can remember walking through the grocery store and having parents grab and pull their young children away from me as if I may have wanted to cut their eyeballs out of their head and put them on a keychain. An image of a skull can symbolize countless other things, and not ALL cultures relate this image to something perceived as negative. Skulls have been used to represent various groups from all over the world since the beginning of time. The meaning behind an image is just as strong as the meaning behind any word. Skulls have been used throughout history to symbolize many things as well as used for various celebrations. Has anyone noticed how popular this image has become in the last 5 years? They are everywhere! I think mostly people relate skulls or skulls and crossbones to pirates of the Caribbean, of course the ever so popluar movie had something to do with it. I started dressing up as a pirate for halloween a few years back and have played the role ever since, and looked good doing it too! In fact I have voluntarily accepted the nickname of Jeff Sparrow, which is quickly becoming my alter ego or my excuse to run around the Caribbean drinking rum, as if I really need an excuse. I even went so far as to tattoo a pirate
treasure map of Panama on my body. Furthermore, I would be more than willing to wear this costume any given day of the week. Well now it has all started adding up over the years and I have been a pirate all along. Maybe this is not my alter ego but rather the real me!
“Excuse me, madam, would you please be so kind as to bring me a spot of rum? I would like to have a drink.”
La Misión Panameña 
When people tend to make those negative comments about skulls I usually confuse them and explain that, to me, a skull is a sign of “protection.” …Some people are schocked and can’t believe it’s possible to see a skull in a positive light. Just like you, i’m fascinated with skulls for reasons unknown and well needless to say I live in Baltimore …it is nothing but negativity towards the image! …I had to respond to that because it’s one of the most annoying responces i get out of people, ecspecially my family, when they look at my tattoo’s (skull on my side and two on my sleeve). “OMG, why do you have this hydious skull permanatly on your body? It’s on their forever, you’re going to hate it one day and it’ll never come off.” – GET OVER IT. It’s my body and I like it!
On another note, I love the page! I wish my life were as interesting…. I’d have one too!
By: Natalie on August 11, 2009
at 7:02 am
I like ‘day of the dead’ type skulls, surrounded by beautiful colors and flowers… death combined with life. Sort of like a Georgia O’Keefe painting.
Maybe if I were to see ‘Pirate Panama’ in the grocery store I would turn and run… but besides that, skulls are ok in my book! My kids think they’re cool (kinda like a Goonies fascination)… so how can I argue with that?! And you make a decent Jeff Sparrow BTW! 🙂
“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” ~Gandhi
By: Sara on August 11, 2009
at 8:25 am
I wanted you to know that someone checked into the hotel the other day and his name was Jeff Skeleton. It make me think of you and Jeff Sparrow.
By: Angee on August 12, 2009
at 3:25 pm
Not sure if you have html enabled or not. If not, just go to the link in there.
By: Angee on August 13, 2009
at 1:40 pm
what link?? where?
By: Panamá Jeff on August 14, 2009
at 6:12 pm
Ah hell. I can’t remeber exactly what it said now, but it was a shirt I saw that said something about Jack is my Captain or something along those lines.
By: Angee on August 18, 2009
at 4:22 pm
I love your tattoo Pirate Jeff!
By: Krista on August 31, 2009
at 5:47 pm
I love your tattoos and YOU Jeffy! Always. Im so happy for you. And all this information and your insights on these places and cultures… outstanding!
By: kayz on November 19, 2009
at 11:27 pm