fortunately I like the wire and hematite look so even though my ear looks like everyone else's I'm happy.
it's interesting that without an earring in that ear I did not feel quite like myself and yet I have no urge to get anything else pierced.
I am still thinking about that tattoo though. over the past few months I decided I don't like any of my designs and want someone with more experience in Northwest Coast Native art to design me one. I wonder how one goes about finding such a person.