Eris' Modifications

My name is Eris Weaver; I work at the Marin Institute for the Prevention of Alcohol & Other Drug Problems, where I wear many hats -- library director, Webmistress, and LAN administrator. I've been there for five years. I previously worked at the UC San Francisco medical library, and for Sonoma County public library. I got my MLIS at UC Berkeley in 1992.

I have two tattoos -- a life-sized, life-like cricket on my right calf; and a Celtic band around my right bicep -- the knots have thorns, and there is a white rose in the center. I have eight piercings: five in my right ear (the left one's virgin); one in my left nostril; my navel; and the location of the eighth shall remain a mystery to you, unless we happen to become more intimately acquainted. (Yes, I am currently single!)

With the exception of the mystery piercing, which was done as part of a personal reclaiming and healing ritual, all of my piercings were done for purely decorative purposes. The first was done at the age of 18 (ear) and the last (navel) was done two years ago, at the age of 38.

Both of my tattoos have symbolic meaning to them. Jiminy Cricket was Pinocchio's conscience; years ago, at a difficult time in my life when I was making MANY bad decisions, my best friend would leave cautionary, moral messages on my phone answering machine signed by Jiminy. So the cricket has become a personal symbol of conscience, clear thinking, and ethical behavior.

The thorny Celtic band with the rose is a statement about relationships -- ya gotta deal with the thorns in order to have the soft, sweet-smelling part! I am also part Scot, so there's a bit of a roots thing going on; also, I just love the tough, butch look of a big tat on the bicep!

Some of my work predates the MLIS, some came later. All of my work is easily covered or removed when necessary for job interview purposes. (As soon as I get the job, I put everything back in!) Here in the Promised Land (San Francisco Bay Area), I have never gotten any flack at work for my tattoos, facial piercing, weird hair colors, manner of dress, etc. Of course I tend to gravitate toward workplaces that are more comfortable, but even some of the more conservative ones have had no problems -- the public library patrons loved my hair, hot pink at the time; and in the one corporate job I had, I just left that nose ring in even though I was wearing standard female financial district drag -- pumps, pantyhose, power suit, etc.

I also happen to be a professional bellydancer. You would be AMAZED at the number of bellydancing librarians that are out there! Check out my Bellydancing Librarian page , where I am hoping to collect a gallery of other members of the sisterhood. Soon we will have our own ALA interest group. Yes, those pictures were taken at work; I have even danced at staff holiday parties, and for the Executive Director on her birthday -- balancing a cake with lighted candles on my head!

Here's to stereotype smashing! Off with their buns!

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