Although I’ve never gone “under the needle,” so to speak, I’ve always been intrigued by tattoos and the various stories they tell. And while some people may take the whole idea of body art a little too far, in my opinion (and you know what I’m talking about), tattoos are largely accepted nowadays, from the bank executive or wealthy businessman (or woman) on down. Which is why I recently made my way to Rosebud Tattoo and Tanning, located in the north plaza just outside the City of Norwich, for this installment of Punching the Clock.

Co-owners Brett and Joyce Leim were there to greet me, of course, although both were more than a little busy when I entered their brightly lit and immaculately clean work space; Joyce finding tanning rooms for a handful of customers while Brett prepared another for the latest ink job. All stereotypes aside, this was certainly not a tattoo parlor as envisioned by Hollywood – country music (I think it was Kenny Chesney) versus heavy metal or gritty blues, no smoky interior, no switchblades nor bikers. Instead, and as previously stated, a clean, well-lit space, where I was greeted by the extremely friendly Gracie, about the kindest black labrador one could hope to meet. As for the surprised look on my face when I first entered? Well, Brett and Joyce just laughed ... they’re used to it.